Photo By Richard Maupin | More than 120 golfers participated in the 1st Annual Col. Michael Dawson Memorial Golf...... read more read more
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In recognition of his selfless service to this country, U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Dawson, a former deputy commander of the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), was memorialized on Nov. 7 with a conference room named in his honor.
Dawson, who served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, joined JCSE in June 2011, but passed away suddenly on January 13 of this year at the age of 51. A native of the Tampa Bay Area, Dawson attended Brandon High School where he will be remembered as a star quarterback of the football team. Following graduation, Dawson enrolled in the ROTC program at Grambling State University; graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Computer Information Systems and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Dawson received numerous major awards and decorations throughout his Air Force career, including the Bronze Star in 2008, as a result of his superb accomplishments as the deputy director of communications, Security Transition Command during Operation Enduring Freedom. Dawson’s service in the U.S. Air Force took him across the globe; however, he made his way back home when he took the deputy commander position at JCSE.
In this role, Dawson ensured the exemplary and successful execution of JCSE’s mission and provided guidance to the JCSE staff who continue to emulate the example he bestowed upon them. Dawson will be remembered for his integrity, dedication of duty and pursuit of knowledge. Just prior to his untimely death, Dawson was informed that he would be promoted to the rank of Colonel and had already scheduled his pinning ceremony.
JCSE members and leaders gathered Nov. 7 to dedicate the new Joint Network Operations Center Conference Room as the “Colonel Mike Dawson Room,” in recognition of his integrity, courage and conviction as an airman. The JNOC, which was recently renovated to better support the growing needs of JCSE, serves as the command’s communication hub and provides command and control for all JCSE missions across the globe.
In attendance at the dedication event hosted by JCSE Commander, U.S. Army Col. Kirby Watson, were the commander, 6th Mission Support Group of MacDill Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Santa Ana, JCSE leadership and staff. Dawson’s wife, Lydia and daughter, Breanna, also attended the ceremony with additional family members including Dawson’s mother, Anna Gibson, brothers, Maurice and Marlon Gibson, and sister and brother-in-law, Felicia Gibson-Jaycox and Tomas Jaycox.
"The JNOC is a facility that is constantly tracking and keeping a watch on our service members deployed all over the globe. I cannot think of a more appropriate conference room to name after Mike Dawson," Watson said as he recalled Dawson’s genuine concern for the welfare of JCSE and its personnel. “He was constantly watching out for JCSE and all of us. Every time I walk into this conference room, I will hear Colonel Dawson say ‘All we have to do is the right thing.’”
Following the dedication ceremony, more than 120 JCSE members, JCSE veterans and local business associates participated in the first annual Colonel Michael Dawson Memorial Golf Tournament at Pebble Creek Golf Club in Tampa, Fla. This golf tournament will be held annually to continually commemorate the life and legacy of one of JCSE’s most influential and exceptional leaders.
“The golf tournament was a way for JCSE to not only remember Colonel Dawson but also an opportunity to raise money for the Charles R. Drew Scholarship Program, which he contributed to each year as a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Marcus Hall, a JCSE member and the coordinator of the memorial golf tournament.
Dawson’s leadership, dedication and contributions to JCSE were significant and reflected great credit upon the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The “Colonel Michael L. Dawson” conference room will allow the memory and guidance of Dawson to flourish as JCSE continues providing essential communications support to joint force commanders across the globe.
| Date Taken: | 11.22.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2013 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 117227 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 699 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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