Youth Council Members get military Pep Talk

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Aug 31 2016 10:47 AM

The Dothan-Houston County Substance Abuse Youth Council is a success-driven group of eighth through 12th grade students who are not only dedicated to their education, but also helping others in their communities. They recently got a pep talk in the area of success from a Dothan native who has reached the upper stages of his career.

Brigadier General Billy D. Thompson, United States Air Force, visited the group, pointing out what he believes will ensure a successful life. “The first is integrity,” he said. “Without integrity, your ability to be successful ends the first time your integrity is compromised and it is then very difficult to redeem.” Second, Thompson said, is service to others. He expressed his pride in seeing council members already achieving this particular goal. “No matter what position you hold in life, if you live each day finding ways to serve others, you cannot fail.” Thompson then urged the young people to “strive for excellence in all you do.

By striving for excellence you will always be putting your best effort in and therefore, at the end of the day, you know you have done your very best in all you attempted.” Applying these principles, Thompson said, will take the group far and allow them to accomplish anything they desire. A 1985 graduate of Northview High School, Thompson is the brother of DHCSAP Executive Director Susan Trawick, who told of her pride in what he has accomplished. She said she has seen him live the principles he shared with the youth council throughout his life and never doubted he would do great things.

After high school Thompson went to Auburn, where he graduated through the U.S. Air Force ROTC Program. He then earned a masters in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Thompson currently serves as director of regional affairs in the office of the deputy under-secretary of the air force, international affairs, Washington, D.C.

Prior to this assignment, he served in a variety of positions in the United States Air Force Special Operations Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Combat Command, and in staff positions in headquarters, United States Special Operations Command, and Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He has also served in multiple contingency operations worldwide.

Thompson is the recipient of a number of major awards and decorations, including the legion of merit with oak leaf cluster, defense meritorious service medal, meritorious service medal with two oak leaf clusters, air medal, aerial achievement medal with four oak leaf clusters, air force commendation medal and army commendation medal.

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