Charlie (Sarge) Dunn Sr. has announced his candidacy for Troy City Council District 1.

Dunn is a Pike County native, born and raised on a farm in Banks.

He retired from the United States Army after 22 years and also from civil service. He is a veteran of wars in Korea and Vietnam.

"When I was old enough, I joined the Army because I believed it was the way to a better life for me," Dunn said. "The Army provided me with opportunities to travel and work with people from all walks of life and from different nationalities. Being a sergeant first class, I have many years of leadership experience. My entire Army career helped prepare me for civic duties and responsibilities. So, I believe that I am qualified to serve District 1 as its city councilman."

While in the military, Dunn received several awards and decorations for his distinguished service.

"I have served our country with dedication," he said. "If I am elected city councilman, I will served the citizens of Troy with the same dedication. I believe in God and I believe in doing things the way God would have me to do."

Dunn said he has several ideas that he believes would be beneficial to the community if implemented.

"One of those is a neighborhood watch," he said. "In this day and time, we need to look out for one another. A neighborhood watch would be a big deterrent to crime and, therefore, make us feel safer and more secure in the places where we live."

Dunn said he's not one to sit down and take life as it comes. He wants to be active and involved.

He is presently employed part-time with the Pike County Board of Education as a bus driver.

"I am the commander of Charlie's Angels Military Association, an organization that gives financial support to all schools in Pike County, as well as to people in need," Dunn said. "We also perform military ceremonies for deceased veterans."

Dunn is a member of American Legion No. 1983. He is also a member of Beulah Hill Baptist Church, Banks, where he serves on the Deacon Board.

Dunn and his wife of 32 years, Eunice, have five children, Lillie Clark, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Gregory Dunn, U.S. Navy, Norfolk, Va.; Charles Dunn,

U.S. Army, Fort Gordon, Ga.; Charlie Dunn Jr., Hanover, Maryland; and Yolanda Dunn, Auburn University Montgomery.