TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy Mayor Jason Reeves and Coach Chuck Dunn have a friendship that started in Troy.

In the early 80s, Reeves and Dunn were children growing up in the small town of Troy, Alabama. Never did they imagine that one day they’d be leaders and big names in the same community.

Both men say their roots in this community laid the foundation for their dedication to leadership, service, and mentorship.

“I really didn’t think a lot about about being a mayor growing up,” Reeves said. “As time went by, and the more I guess I matured I spent six months at Fort Seal Oklahoma doing an initial entry training in the military and and that certainly matured me quite a bit. I began to think a lot about public service. I got involved with the SGA Senate and became SGA president about 30 years ago.

“My grandfather was a utility superintendent here my dad was a police chief and so watching them and their community service and so the older I got the more I wanted to to be involved. I didn’t think I would do it but eventually it was really important to me to serve my community so I did.”

Former collegiate football coach and current Enterprise High School head strength coach Chuck Dunn recalls their time in Troy.

“It was a blessing,” Dunn told TrojanVision. “He [Reeves] was a brother to me as well as a best friend. We did everything together. It was it was a joy and then to see him get into politics and get it makes me proud. To see what he’s accomplished because he loves his city. He’s such a family man, but he loves his city. I’m so proud of him and things he’s done for for this city.”

Reeves told TrojanVision one of his most proudest moments as mayor stemmed from Troy Regional Medical Center. According to Reeves, the hospital used to be in “dire straits.” Today, the hospital is Alabama’s only rural hospital to be recognized in The Chartis Group’s Top 100 award program.

Reeves emphasized that the key to overcoming challenges in his career has been due in part to the support of a great group of people around him.

Reeves highlighted how the collective dedication and teamwork of these men have played a crucial role in the positive developments within the city, showcasing the power of collaboration and community support in achieving success.

“It’s having a great group of people around me. They’ve been a tremendous help.”

Both men also told TrojanVision they have worked to make a positive impact on the young people in their community.

“Follow your heart, let the good Lord pray about it, let Him guide you where the Good Lord wants to,” Dunn said. “That’s what happened to me. I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be a coach, but again, just follow your dreams, follow your heart, and let the Good Lord lead you.”

“Just be willing,” Reeves said. “That’s the biggest hurdle for a lot of people. They’re a little timid about ‘what can I do’ or ‘what do I know?’ Just say yes, and get in there and make a difference.”