Chief Dixon reflects on 30 years of service Published April 4, 2007 By Senior Airman Tim Beckham 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- In 1977 in the small town of Jefferson, Texas, a teenager by the name of Alfred Dixon went to an Air Force recruiter on a whim. With promises of overseas travel and the chance to get out of Jefferson, Dixon signed on the dotted line. "My granny woke me up one morning and said, 'baby, what are you gonna do?' I said I don't know, and she said, 'well you better go to college or go live with your rich uncle,' meaning Uncle Sam," he said. Fast forward 30 years and the present day chief master sergeant and mission support group superintendent said he only planned on serving for four years. "I had been in for about two years when I met a girl with some promise," the chief said. "I got orders to Luke (Air Force Base, Ariz.) and when I told her, she said she would come see me en route to her next base, but she didn't cry. Long story short, I ended up extending there and we got married about a year later." On April 22, the two will celebrate 28 years of marriage. Getting off on the right foot After basic training and technical school, then Airman Basic Dixon, landed at Sembach Air Base, Germany, where he would begin his Air Force career as a supply Airman. "I had great leadership at my first base," he said. "I had about 30 people in my section and we all pretty much got a long for the most part. In 30 years, the commander and first sergeant there are still the best I have ever had and I still talk to them to this day." Chief Dixon said his work was excellent, but like many young Airmen, his off-duty time wasn't always spent wisely. "We followed the work hard, play hard motto," said the chief. "My leadership sat me down and told me they saw potential in me and put the words in my head that if I wanted I could have a great Air Force career." After that talk the young Airman Dixon cracked down and got back on track. "I think I needed the change," he said. "I got back into the books and started to do some really good things." Chief Dixon went on from there becoming an NCO, husband and father of three. Thirty years of memories It has been said that a person's memory is their own private literature ... If that's true, Chief Dixon has enough Air Force memories to write a novel. "One of my favorite Air Force memories is being notified of making chief," he said. "My mom and grandmother didn't know much about the military so when I called my granny and told her I made chief she said, 'is that good,' and I said yes ma'am, that's as high as I can go, I can't put on any more stripes. She replied with, 'but can you make captain.'" Change throughout the years In his 30 years, Chief Dixon has seen countless changes in the Air Force. New uniform after new uniform, a myriad of aircraft upgrades, wars and operations in numerous countries and the closure and opening of dozens of bases. But the one thing he says has changed the most is the Airmen. "Many young Airmen today feel like they are owed something," he said. "We can't treat the Air Force like a regular nine to five job. It's all about attitude and customs and courtesies. To this day, if my boss walks in my office I still stand up, bad knees and all. This also falls on our supervisors because being a good leader is somewhat like being a good parent. If you give someone something without making them earn it things are always worse in the long run." Advice from a proven leader Chief Dixon gave a few pointers on becoming an asset to the Air Force. "Whatever career path you choose, do your best because you never know where it will take you," he said. "I know many people who were going to get out after their first enlistment and go change the world that are still in the Air Force." The chief also stressed getting an education while serving. "Education is so important," he said. "Set your sights high. Nowadays even a college degree doesn't guarantee you a good job, but at least it can strongly increase your possibilities. If there is one thing I do regret it's not getting my master's degree." What lies ahead Chief Dixon said he hasn't decided exactly what he is going to do when he hangs up his uniform, but he would like to do it in San Antonio. "I've been looking for employment with the Civil Service so I can keep some connection with the military," he said. "If that doesn't pan out I might become a teacher and if all else fails I have no problem being a stay-at-home dad and possibly a granddad one day." One thing is for sure though, the chief said after 30 years of shaving everyday he would like to grow a beard. When asked what he will miss the most about the Air Force, Chief Dixon didn't say putting on the uniform, traveling the world or the military tradition, but simply the people. Enough said. As the Air Force's 60th Anniversary looms, we say goodbye to a man who embarked on half of the journey. Chief Dixon's retirement ceremony is scheduled for April 17 at 4 p.m. in the Consolidated Club ballroom. The ceremony is open to all and the dress attire is the uniform of the day. If you would like to make a presentation or just want more information, call Tech. Sgt. Dave Trichel at 676-3108 or Master Sgt. Daniel Goodwin at 676-6546.