As the tax season nears, one person you can count on is AMC(AW) Carol Dixon of VQ-1. She is a familiar face at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office. Dixon began 10 years ago volunteering and managing VITA for Wing 10, and now is the site administrator for NAS Whidbey VITA.

You have probably heard of VITA through your command or previous news articles. This volunteer organization provides the invaluable service of assisting military members in tax preparation, advice and electronic filing—all for free.

As you come into VITA and meet Dixon, you are immediately captivated by her passion for her work.  From Jan. 1 through April 15, she volunteers 60 hours a week, but treats each project with enthusiasm and a fresh outlook.

It is no wonder AMC Dixon is in such a trusted position. Repeat customers contact her year after year, and other volunteers rely on her expertise and direction.

Lt. Samantha Poteete, one of 65 volunteers, said, “We cannot have VITA running without her help. She got us this space and three extra computers we desperately needed.”

Dixon said, “My biggest motivation is the gratification of helping the junior Sailors. I feel great when I have someone get more money in their return than they previously thought, or get a return when they thought they would pay.”

But it does not stop there. “We further help the Sailors adjust their W-4s to tailor individual circumstances,” she added.

Her military volunteer work doesn’t end on April 15. Dixon established and maintains VQ-1’s Operation Uplift, a volunteer organization that provides food and entertainment for crews constantly departing and arriving from detachments.

Dixon is also president of VQ-1’s MWR.

Active in the community as a volunteer for Partnership with Education, Dixon helps the local school system, making herself available for sporting events and extracurricular activities.

Her unselfish dedication to helping others reflects her true character and makes her a role model for others to follow.