Pensacola, Fla. – On Thursday, June 4th Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized Big Brother Marcus Dillard from Okaloosa County, with the 2020 Michael Robidoux Hero Award. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and respect to social distancing, this presentation took place virtually over Zoom with his family, colleagues, and the BBBSNWFL staff. Every Big is extremely important to the organization, but Marcus has shown a remarkable level of dedication not only to his Little but also to others.
Big Brothers Big Sisters wanted to honor the legacy of Michael Robidoux by establishing the Michael Robidoux Hero Award. Michael Robidoux was a Big who was matched with his Little Brother Deontrez for over three years. On Sunday, March 25, 2018, Michael passed away after trying to save two young children from the surf at Navarre Beach. As of last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters decided that each year they would award a Big who exemplifies the passion for serving others as Michael did.
“I am truly blown away. I thank Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida for giving me the opportunity to make this impact on the community.” Said Marcus Dillard. “My goal is to reach as many kids as I can and change their lives. I want to show others the better things in life and be a good role model for children growing up.”
Marcus Dillard has been matched with his Little Brother for over a year now and they haven’t skipped a beat. Marcus is a 21-year-old, firefighter serving in the United States Air Force. Marcus works 48 hours on and 48 hours off, and every other week he has three days off. Two days before Marcus was getting deployed to Africa, he orchestrated a Christmas gift fundraiser for the Littles in Okaloosa County. Marcus raised $1,300 to
purchase toys not only for the children of BBBSNWFL but for their siblings as well. Marcus has also received many awards in the Air Force Top III and was recognized by the squadron wing and group commander. Marcus also achieved a BTZ (Airman Below the Zone) promotion appointed by the squadron commander and was promoted 6 months early. He was also named Firefighter of the Quarter. Marcus is constantly putting others’
needs in front of his own and impacting the lives of others. You can watch the entire presentation here.
