Voices of Dog Tag: Randy Johnson
In this installment of Voices of Dog Tag, we’re featuring DC Cohort 14 Alum and Army Veteran, Randy Johnson.
Randy describes himself as engaging, a creative thinker, and steadfast. He adds that he feels it is important to be engaged in your community: “I do a lot of guiding, leading, and learning in my community. I reach out to others to receive the same. Being present with people’s lives is what matters.”
Randy applied to Dog Tag because it was a space for people who want to make an impact in their communities. He says that key lessons he took away from his time in the Dog Tag Fellowship Program are “making sure to hold space and time for listening to people. Interrupt the rest of your life to take time for yourself. Focus on rest and refreshment. Incorporate wellness as part of your life rhythm.” Randy adds that he feels Dog Tag has been helpful in sharing resources post-fellowship too: “Some people don’t have access to the resources they need so their capabilities are limited. If I can connect with organizations and be aware of resources, I can share them with others. Making a difference is about showing up and bringing something to the table.”
When asked about a defining moment in his life, Randy says “Picking one is the hardest. Directionally, my faith in God defines how I orient and live my life. My most defining relationship is the one with my wife. Staying in step with both of our life goals and our marriage is a priority. The one that changed my life the most is my kids – they reorient your whole life and I am blessed to have them.” Randy is also proud of the work he has done throughout his career and through volunteering. He built relationships with partner nations as part of his military career and has translated that into his civilian life by prioritizing team-building opportunities in his business to support each team member. He says “Being present in the moment with people is the core. Opportunities to serve the people in my life, not just organizationally but relationally.”
Randy is looking forward to experiencing life’s transitions: “Military gives you a logical work progression, every two or three years you move, etc. Transitioning is a challenge because you can do as much or as little as you want. The freedom to transition to new opportunities while being able to have the freedom to serve and give locally is exciting. The biggest thing I look for in my future is creating a local impact across the spectrum of who I am and what I do.”