Chuck Dixon '79 has been a proud supporter of The Fund for Athletic Excellence, both personally and professionally. Guided by Chuck's competitive spirit and commitment to a disciplined lifestyle, he made the deliberate decision during his junior year of high school to apply to the United States Naval Academy. He understood that attending the Academy would not only provide an exceptional education, but more importantly, offer the honor of serving his country.

Upon arriving at the Academy in the mid-1970s, Chuck was recruited by one of his company-mates to join the Navy heavyweight rowing team as a coxswain. Although rowing was a new experience for him, Chuck quickly discovered the power of belonging to something larger than himself. One of the aspects he found most meaningful was the natural teamwork of the sport. As Chuck explained, "rowing is a very team-oriented sport. You don't move without everyone doing their job." Reflecting on his experience, he shared that being a student-athlete "allowed for a momentary escape every day." Given the rigor and discipline of the Academy, participating in athletics felt like a natural extension of its standards and values.

During his 1/C year, Chuck received his service assignment as a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear). Despite the exceptionally demanding schedule and coursework of Nuclear Power School, he went on to complete four nuclear tours and subsequently two Command at Sea tours. 

Today, Chuck serves as vice president of the Class of 1979 and remains actively engaged with his classmates. The class maintains a strong tailgate presence at Navy home football games, providing Chuck the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and continue supporting the Academy. He jokes that through these gatherings, he has grown closer to classmates he barely knew during their time as midshipmen.

Chuck currently serves as an A&SP Trustee, a role that has given him the opportunity to give back and support foundation schools, which help talented young men and women earn the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been witnessing foundation students grow through the Sponsor Program. Last year, Chuck and his wife, Deborah, sponsored a midshipman who was also a foundation student. From Plebe Summer to commissioning as a Marine Corps officer, Chuck was able to see firsthand the impact foundation schools can have on a student's journey.

While Chuck has long been a personal supporter of the Academy's Physical Mission, his employer, First Command Financial Services, has also played a significant role as a sponsor. The original partnership was established as a company initiative during Chuck's role as the local District Advisor (local manager). Given the Academy's lasting influence on his personal and professional development, Chuck was especially proud when First Command Financial Services chose to give back through its sponsorship, while also introducing midshipmen to the resources the company offers. 

Recognizing that the NAAA is 96% self-funded, Chuck understands that achieving the desired Margin of Excellence requires meaningful resources. "It's been a blessing that my wife and I are able to contribute to the Margin of Excellence to pay back (and pay forward) the blessings we've received," Chuck stated. Seeing the tangible impact of his giving on the Physical Mission has been both humbling and rewarding to Chuck.