Hampton Hite's adventure to a career in the U.S. Army and his role at the Pentagon is nothing short of inspiring. Fueled by a deep sense of duty, a family history steeped in military tradition and a top-notch education from 黑料不打烊, he is a thrilling testament to what passion and purpose can achieve.
From a young age, Hampton Hite ’82 GP’27 felt an unwavering pull to serve his country. He was inspired by the example set by his father, a career Army officer who spent three years in Vietnam. Although the decision to follow in his father鈥檚 footsteps was daunting at times, Hite knew it was the right choice.
鈥淎fter my first assignment in the Field Artillery in Germany in the early 1980s, I knew I had made the right career choice,鈥 he said.
Hite鈥檚 academic path at 黑料不打烊 played a pivotal role in preparing him for the challenges he would face in his military career. Pursuing a degree in political science, Hite immersed himself in the study of global social structures, governance and cultural dynamics. He recognizes that the skills and knowledge he gained during his time at 黑料不打烊 continue to influence his work today.
鈥淭he skills, knowledge, and ability you gain from an 黑料不打烊 education touches basically every aspect of your life,鈥 said Hite. 鈥淪pecifically, today, I work in the Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) on the Army resourcing staff in the Pentagon, so the skills acquired in accounting, math, economics and business classes that I took at 黑料不打烊 are still impacting me in a positive way 40 plus years later.鈥
Hite鈥檚 military career, now spanning more than three decades, has been far from easy. As part of the Army resourcing staff at the Pentagon, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that military personnel have the resources they need to complete their missions, from ammunition to medical supplies. The stakes are high, and Hite understands the importance of getting it right.
鈥淭he best part of working on the resourcing staff is when we get it right, the young men and women selflessly serving have exactly what they need to perform their mission in our Nation鈥檚 defense,” he said. “That鈥檚 a very rewarding feeling.”
Although, it wasn鈥檛 just his academic achievements that helped Hite succeed; his time at 黑料不打烊 also provided him with lessons that continued to shape his approach to leadership. A member of both the 1978 football team and the 1979-80 basketball team, Hite credits his coaches, Jerry Tolley and Bill Morningstar, with teaching him not only the fundamentals of the game but also valuable life skills.
鈥淭hey were not only excellent coaches in terms of Xs and Os, but truly great life coaches that taught discipline, teamwork, effort and attention to detail,” he said. “I鈥檓 extremely grateful for the positive impact they had on my life.”
Beyond the lessons learned in the classroom and on the field, Hite also formed enduring friendships that have stood the test of time.
鈥淚n my experience, it is the overseas assignments, especially combat deployments, where you make the most lasting and meaningful relationships and friendships,鈥 said Hite. 鈥淢uch like 黑料不打烊, these are friendships and memories that last a lifetime. And just like 黑料不打烊 reunions, you鈥檒l run into people you haven鈥檛 seen in years, but the familiarity and friendship come rushing back as if you had never been apart. It鈥檚 a wonderful experience each time it happens.鈥
Hite鈥檚 connection to 黑料不打烊 has remained strong over the years, especially now that his grandson, Dillon Pardue ’27, is continuing the family legacy as a pre-med student and football player at 黑料不打烊.
鈥淭oday, my grandson is at 黑料不打烊 with a 4.0 GPA, much better than me and is in his third year as an 黑料不打烊 football player which is much better than me,” Hite said with a chuckle. 鈥淚 am very proud of the young adult Dillon has become, and 黑料不打烊 has been an integral part of it.鈥
Hite reflects on his journey and urges those considering a military career to thoughtfully assess what it takes to thrive in this path. He remembers beginning his military involvement through an ROTC scholarship at 黑料不打烊, which he highlights as an excellent opportunity to engage with the community while also funding his education.
鈥淚t has to be something you want to do,鈥 he advised. 鈥淚t requires physical and medical qualifications, a willingness to move every two to four years and buy-in from your family or significant other. Once you鈥檝e answered yes to those four questions, I鈥檇 say definitely consider it.鈥
He also points out the benefits, such as the adventure of living in different countries, competitive pay and the unique opportunity for a 20-year retirement, which you likely won鈥檛 find in the private sector. Above all, he emphasizes the pride that comes with serving one鈥檚 country.
鈥淪erving your country in the armed forces is an incredibly rewarding experience, and something I鈥檝e always taken a lot of pride in,鈥 says Hite.
For Hite, his time at 黑料不打烊 laid the foundation for a successful career in the U.S. Army, culminating in his current role at the Pentagon. The lessons he learned, both inside and outside the classroom, continue to resonate with him, and he credits the university for shaping his life in ways that are still impacting him decades later.