A legacy of service: Hillsboro native William Dixon retires after 20 years in USMC

As the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 251st birthday on Nov. 10, the family of Hillsboro resident William Dixon has an especially meaningful reason to celebrate. 

Sergeant Dixon officially retired from the United States Marine Corps on July 1, 2026, marking the completion of 20 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and commitment to our country. Although his retirement became official this summer, the Marine Corps Birthday provides a fitting opportunity to recognize and honor his remarkable career as a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt).

Twenty years ago, Dixon answered the call to serve something greater than himself. What followed was an extraordinary journey filled with challenges, friendships, deployments, leadership and memories that will last a lifetime.

Serving as a military police officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, GySgt. Dixon dedicated two decades to protecting others, serving his country, and upholding the values and traditions of the Marine Corps. 

Throughout his career, he completed multiple deployments, including tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and service in Jordan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Each deployment brought its own challenges and sacrifices, requiring time away from home and loved ones, but his commitment to the mission and fellow Marines never wavered.

One of the most meaningful aspects of his career was the opportunity to lead, mentor, and help shape future generations of Marines. Through his service and leadership, GySgt Dixon made an impact on those he served alongside, leaving behind friendships, lessons, and memories that extend far beyond his years in uniform.

Behind every Marine is a family that serves in its own way. For Sgt. Dixon, that family has been right here in Hillsboro. His wife of 15 years, Mary, and their two children, Logan and Alexis, have shared in the sacrifices and milestones that come with a military career. Their journey has included deployments, missed holidays, long stretches apart, and the challenges of balancing military obligations with family life. Through it all, his family has stood beside him, supporting the Marine and the man they are so proud of.

Twenty years of military service represents far more than time spent wearing a uniform. It represents countless hours of training, personal sacrifices, commitment to fellow Marines, and a willingness to answer the call whenever duty required. It is a career built on discipline, courage, loyalty, and the Marine Corps values that will be carried throughout the rest of his life.

As Sgt. Dixon closes this chapter, his family celebrates not only his retirement but the legacy he leaves behind. His service has taken him around the world, but Hillsboro will always be home.

On Nov. 10, as Marines around the world gather to celebrate the birthday of the Corps, we also recognize GySgt. William Dixon and honor 20 years of faithful service to our nation.

• Note to William: We are incredibly proud of the Marine you have are, the leader you have become, and the husband and father you are. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made, the example you have set, and the 20 years you gave to something bigger than yourself. Once a Marine, Always a Marine

Congratulations, GySgt. Dixon, on 20 years of honorable service. 

Semper Fidelis. With love and pride, (Mary, Logan, and Alexis Dixon).