From Henderson Roots to Military Roads
Dewitt Dennis may be far from his Nevada hometown, but he carries it with him like a badge of pride. The oldest brother of five sisters—yes, five—he’s no stranger to leadership and responsibility. In fact, Dennis inspired his sister Cierra to follow his footsteps into the Army Reserve. The sibling duo completed both basic training and advanced individual training together, each becoming Unit Supply Specialists in separate units. Talk about family support—with a competitive edge!
Balancing Two Careers, One Purpose
One of the unique aspects of serving in the Army Reserve is the juggling act: fulfilling military duties while maintaining a civilian career. Dennis does just that as the overnight manager for a chain restaurant. He supervises two employees and is proud of his small but mighty team. When things get hectic—the late-night rushes, the endless orders—he isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and dive in. His commitment to exceptional customer service sets him apart. « If customers are inconvenienced for any reason, » Dennis says, « I go out of my way to make it right. » Now, if only there was a medal for Best Customer Service!
What Fuels the Spirit: Hobbies, Hopes, and Hajime no Ippo
Even when Dennis isn’t in uniform or at his workplace, his drive doesn’t quit. He spends his free time on amateur boxing, video gaming, and a healthy dose of anime. His favorite show, Hajime no Ippo, follows the journey of a boxer striving for greatness—a theme Dennis relates to on a deeply personal level. Maybe it’s the underdog story, maybe it’s the training montages, or maybe it’s just the satisfying boxing matches. Either way, it motivates him inside and out of the ring.
Soldiers are known for setting goals, especially before big deployments. Dennis is no exception. He’s determined to make the most of his time away from home. His goals?
- To have fun and soak up new experiences
- To learn the ins and outs of his military specialty, and see firsthand the differences between serving stateside and abroad
- To save up money—because, as he notes, he’d like to help his mom and dad if they need it
It’s optimism and realism, side by side: a soldier’s heart with a family man’s soul.
Eyes on the Future: Boxing Gloves and a Keyboard
Dennis’s ambitions don’t stop when the deployment ends. After coming home, he plans to resume his amateur boxing pursuits. But he’s also setting his sights on something new: a college diploma. He’s researching the American Public University system, aiming to study cybersecurity online. It’s a path that promises more opportunities and, as always, the chance to keep “becoming a better person.”
He hasn’t forgotten where it all began. To his family, Dennis sends a heartfelt message: « I wanna say thank you for all your help, I love you very much. I want to thank my dad and my grandpa for influencing me to join the Army, to become a better person, and to make great life decisions. »
The 650th Regional Support Group, where Dennis serves, is tasked with providing base operation support—managing facilities, offering administrative assistance, and ensuring the security of personnel and equipment at a base camp. Their work is foundational, even if it doesn’t always grab the headlines.
So, whether it’s leading his team on a midnight shift, lacing up gloves for the next amateur match, or preparing to deploy overseas with his Army Reserve unit, Pfc. Dewitt Dennis continues striving, learning, and living out his goal to be, in his own words, “a better person.” Maybe that’s the story we all need to hear: greatness isn’t always about the big moments, but the everyday choices we make along the way.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
