Mattox Dedicated to Public Service
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"Every time I help someone, I feel so good.
If more people realized how good it feels to help others, they would do it more often."
- John Mattox
Flushing resident John Mattox relishes every opportunity to help children who are ill or those seeking knowledge of African-American culture.
"I enjoy helping people," he said. "I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today without people helping me.
"Every time I help someone, I feel so good. If more people realized how good it feels to help others, they would do it more often. You don't get anywhere by yourself. Success is collective, and people succeed by working together."
The list of Mattox's efforts in public service is extensive.
To name a few, he currently serves as chairman of the Special Wish Foundation Inc., Ohio Valley Wheeling chapter; founder and curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing; president of the board of directors for Harrison Community Hospital Inc.; member of the Ohio University Eastern Regional Coordinating Council Board; member of the Belmont County Correctional Institution Board; and as member of the Belmont County Juvenile District board.
Mattox also is a former member of the Union Local Board of Education, and he is a past commander of American Legion Post 366.
He is a Korean War veteran who went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 to 1965.
Mattox holds degrees in sociology and psychology from Houston Tillitson College in Austin, Texas. Recently, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service degree from Ohio University.
Mattox, now 73, retired in 1999 from his job as an insurance agent so he could dedicate more time to public service. Before this he had many jobs - ranging from cooking at a Texas country club for former first lady Lady Bird Johnson to being an assistant horse trainer at a New York racetrack.
"I always had two jobs," he said. "I wish I could instill that into young people. A lot of times, they don't want one job."
Mattox noted that there are many existing problems in society, particularly as they pertain to youth.
"If we don't help them now, there will be worse problems later," he said.
Mattox always asks children what they want to be when they grow up.
"They often tell me they want to be a football player or a baseball player," he said. "Then I ask them, 'What if that doesn't work out?'
"That's where the adults should come in. They should read the newspaper with them, then sit down and discuss it."
Often, the parents admit they don't read much, Mattox noted.
"Let's not put all the pressures on teachers," he said. "Let's start at home by mentoring our children."
Mattox added that he has been approached by Belmont County Northern Division Court Judge Frank Fregiato about starting a program geared toward inspiring minorities to get an education.
"Judge Fregiato sees when he takes his court to the schools that minorities are behind, and that they don't know where they're going," Mattox said.
"It should be a good mix with me and him, strong in the Italian-American community."
Mattox noted that when he speaks to young people about success, he often tells them "it's a community thing."
"Especially in economic hard times like now," Mattox said. "Stimulus checks don't fill the need, and they aren't the answer."
In doing community service, a person lays the groundwork for not just success, but for moral support, according to Mattox.
"The benefits aren't monetary," he said. "You make friends. These are the people you've done something for, and sometime when you're in need you won't have to beg them for help."
Mattox added that it is always important to treat people "the way you want people to treat you."
"Everyone wants to be treated positively," he said. "You won't be if you haven't treated people well. Always keep a smile on you face."
Mattox also pointed out that not everyone you encounter is going to be as positive as the attitude you attempt to put forth.
"You have to show them the results of what they can bring," he said. "I want to make sure if people see the positive in me, they can do something, too.
"Ask people, 'How are you doing?' and mean it. You will be surprised at what people say."
