Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Dilgard | Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Dunn, seen here March 28, 2008, works inside Camp Delta as a...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Dilgard
Joint Tast Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – In 1978 a young man joined the Navy in search of a better life, and he found it. Lt. Cmdr. Michael Dunn, originally from East St. Louis, Ill., joined the Navy right out of high-school. He's been one happy Sailor ever since.
"If you want negative advice about the Navy, you have come to the wrong person," said Dunn.
After climbing the ranks to petty officer first class, he became a chief warrant officer. In 1997 he became a limited duty officer, and soon advanced in rank to a lieutenant junior grade.
Dunn credits much of his success to four people: Chief Petty Officer De Jesus; Navy Cmdr. Ash; Rev. Vines, his pastor back home in San Diego; and, most importantly, his wife, Pilar.
When Dunn was a young petty officer third class, De Jesus pulled him aside one day and told him, "This Navy is designed for you to succeed and for you to be in charge."
Over the next two years, De Jesus mentored the young Sailor and helped him develop his leadership skills as well as advance in rank and cross rate from boatswains mate to master at arms.
Later, Dunn went to work for Ash in Navy law enforcement. Ash introduced Dunn to the chief warrant officer/ limited duty officer program. The program is designed to promote Sailors who demonstrate leadership skills but lack college degrees to the ranks of warrant or line officers.
"Ash told me that I reminded him of himself. We shared a lot of similar experiences, and he told me how the LDO program could really benefit my family, myself and my career," said Dunn
Throughout his military journey, Dunn has maintained a positive attitude and a deep love for the Navy. He believes that the Navy has given him the tools he needed to create a life for himself and his family that he can be proud of.
"The Navy has progressively given me greater responsibility and challenges, I love it." Dunn continued, "I love people. I love motivating people. I love to see people succeed, especially if I can directly help them, whether it is through fitness reports, evaluations or letters of recommendation. Not only do I want to help people succeed in the Navy but also in life."
Dunn believes his success in his personal life is reflected in his relationship with Jesus Christ and in his relationship with his wife. Dunn, an active member of his church in San Diego attributes his hometown pastor as one of the greatest influences in his life. Vines helped Dunn in his spiritual growth and encouraged him to become more active in ministry. Dunn is an ordained deacon in his home church and has brought that enthusiasm for ministry to Gitmo. He is in the process of getting certified as a layperson with the chapel program here.
"Being a layperson allows me to be even more plugged-in in Guantanamo. As a layperson I will be helping out in the chapel wherever I can. I can pray and help with whatever the ministries may need," said Dunn.
Pilar, his wife of almost 25 years, was his high school sweetheart and is a former Sailor. She is the pillar of the Dunn household, which includes two sons and a daughter.
"She is my backbone and my manager," Dunn said. "My family is my number one accomplishment; we keep in touch by using many phone cards and emails."
Dunn's advice for Troopers is to have a mission statement for their life. Dunn's mission statement for his life is based on a Bible verse, Proverbs 21:21.
"He who pursues righteousness and loyalty, finds life, righteousness and honor."
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2008 15:01 |
| Story ID: | 18079 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 258 |
| Downloads: | 163 |
This work, Dunn Credits Navy, Faith and Family with Life Success, by PO2 Cheryl Dilgard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
