My name is Master Sergeant Kenneth Dixon, Sr. USAF, Retired. I grew up in the Paradise community of Fort Mill, SC and attended the old George Fish School. Years ago, 1973 to be exact, I entered the United States Air Force. That's where I became an adult. Marveled eyed and seeking adventure outside of the boundaries of Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Charlotte, I quickly found myself out of my element.
My first assignment took me to Sumter, SC where I worked as an aircraft weapons technician. I was extremely excited about my new career and all the opportunities for advancement. However, in the back of my mind, I often wondered if I was even capable of developing the required skill sets that would allow me to function in a highly technical environment. Initially, I was somewhat disappointed with the so-called average expectations of youth in our community. The people in our community said, "Just graduate from high school, get a job, and don't go to jail." That, simply put, was the definition of success in the minds of our parents and family. After all, very few of us went on to college after graduation. Most people, during that era, stayed and made a life for themselves in or around the Fort Mill area. Still, there were some that decided to make the military a way of life.
One morning, when I was out working on an aircraft, I suddenly realized that I still have an obligation to meet the expectations of my community. And that I also have the responsibility to live up to my own expectations. On that same afternoon, during the summer of 1973, I looked up and saw something that made an indelible impact on my life. At that time, during the late 60’s and early 70’s, Blacks were just beginning to excel in the military. I saw for the first time, two Black Fighter Pilots preparing to fly. Can you imagine? I had just left a place where Blacks had a back entrance to the movie theater and were told to sit in the balcony. I was already at ah with all the high tech aircraft stuff. But, seeing those two young brothers walking in their flight suits and helmets and displaying an unfamiliar, yet obvious sense of confidence, helped bring out in me - my own sense of pride. I was proud to be a black man. I was also proud to see two people that looked like me pursuing a dream. A dream that didn't even exist in Paradise.
I realized on that day, that I could be what ever I choose to become. I firmly believe that this is the message that we should pass on to our youth. We should cultivate within our children and in our communities a sense of pride in who we are, pride in the community and to help develop a strong sense of self-confidence. Hopefully, my books, both fiction and non-fiction, will contribute to that end.
