September 2021 - Clayton County, Georgia

Veteran of the Month, September 2021
Master Sergeant Rodney Dean

Rodney Dean served in the US Army for 21 years and 4 months of service. In 1998, Mr. Dean retired honorably as a Master Sergeant (MSG), at his final duty station, Fort McPherson.

Mr. Dean began his military career in Field Artillery. After serving 4 years in Field Artillery, he became at Telecommunications Specialist in the Signal Corps Branch.

He acquired several Awards with recognition and distinctions which include, the Army Commendation Medal (3^rd award), Meritorious Service Medal (2^nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service, Army Achievement Medal (3^rd Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Top 10 in the Field (Signal/Telecom).

Mr. Dean was Department of the Army Selected for Recruiting, and served as a recruiter in Dallas, TX. His other duty stations include North Carolina, Georgia, Germany, and Belgium.

He has lived in Clayton County with his beautiful wife, Joni for 26 years. Mr. Dean has 4 daughters and 1 granddaughter. For the past 23 years, he has worked for a large financial institution as a Network Engineer. He has the following degrees, Associates in Arts, Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems, and a Masters of Science Administration, Information Resource Management (MSA).

Mr. Dean has served his community in many ways. He was a Band Parent for Lovejoy High School; served as a Basketball Official with South Atlanta Basketball Association (SABA) and Metro Basketball Official Association (MBOA). Volunteered at LJH as Cheerleaders; Volunteered as President of the Booster Club

Additionally, he served as a very active involved band parent (community fundraisers, band camp chaperone, recruiting members)

Mr. Dean has been a mentor to several individuals that grew up and works in Clayton County, including Codi Law who works for Clayton County Department of Information Technology.

He just won 3rd in his age group for chairman turners 5k on Saturday.