A Farm-Grown Work Ethic Powers Chad Mixon鈥檚 Military Success
During his time as the senior instructor for the Army ROTC program at UNC Pembroke, Sgt. Johnny Torre saw countless future leaders and standout cadets come through the program. None quite compared to Chad Mixon. When Mixon enrolled in 1996, he was already a seasoned soldier with impressive credentials. A skilled ranger, master parachutist and recipient of the Army Expert Infantryman Badge, Mixon held the rank of staff sergeant.
But it wasn鈥檛 just his experience that impressed Torre 鈥� it was his confidence and natural leadership ability. While most cadets found the demanding ROTC program challenging, Mixon thrived. Torre, who led the program for 15 years, ranks Mixon as the top cadet he ever encountered.
鈥淗is exceptional leadership qualities and outstanding physical fitness set him apart from other cadets,鈥� Torre said. 鈥淭he ROTC program was easy for him. He would run those five-mile and three-mile runs without any problem.鈥�
Mixon鈥檚 speed and endurance were legendary. Even while carrying a 50-pound rucksack, he excelled at litter runs 鈥� a grueling exercise that simulates transporting a wounded soldier over long distances. Mixon and his fellow cadets also took on unique training challenges, like rappelling down the three-story Givens Performing Arts Center.
The summer before his senior year, Mixon joined cadets from across the country at the Army ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington. Spanning 35 days, the camp focused on building critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Among 660 cadets, Mixon emerged as the Top Army ROTC Cadet 鈥� an achievement that foreshadowed his remarkable military career.
A Distinguished Career
Today, Mixon serves as the garrison commander of Fort Bragg, the world鈥檚 largest military installation, which is home to nearly 54,000 troops and 14,000 civilians. Sgt. Torre attended the change of command ceremony in the summer of 2024, proudly witnessing his former cadet鈥檚 success.
鈥淚 knew he would advance quickly because of his leadership potential,鈥� Torre said. 鈥淚 always told him, 鈥榊ou can go further with leadership and fitness,鈥� and he did.鈥�
Mixon鈥檚 journey to Fort Bragg includes a 30-year career marked by leadership and dedication. After earning his degree and commissioning as a second lieutenant in 2000, he served at Fort McPherson, Georgia, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, before returning to Fort Bragg. He rose to become the J4 Chief of Operations at the Joint Special Operations Command, completing seven deployments to the Middle East in support of the global war on terrorism.
Rooted in Hard Work
Mixon鈥檚 journey began far from the military on a 120-acre tobacco and watermelon farm in Live Oak, Florida. Raised with a strong work ethic, he spent long summer days cutting cabbage, baling hay and operating tractors from the age of 12. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 play sports as a teenager 鈥� I worked. I enjoyed it,鈥� Mixon said.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 where I got my drive. I learned the importance of hard work at an early age.鈥�
While the military wasn鈥檛 initially on his radar, Mixon鈥檚 admiration for his grandfather, Earl Mixon 鈥� an Army veteran from the Korean War era 鈥� played a significant role in shaping his path. After high school, he enlisted in the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
鈥淲hen the opportunity presented itself, I enlisted,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 liked the sound of the infantryman world, and from then on, I fell in love with the Army.鈥�
From his roots on a farm to leading the nation鈥檚 most extensive Army base, Mixon attributes his success to his educational foundation and his experience with the ROTC program at 51吃瓜网.
