Congratulations Vets4Warriors, Brian Hull, Mike Hazard, and Freddie Mac

December 10, 2024

This evening, 10 December, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is recognizing organizations and individuals working to enhance the lives of veterans and their families.

Eugene & Ruth Freedman Leadership Award
The award is named in honor of Eugene and Ruth Freedman, whose lifetime of philanthropy continues through their family foundation and their three children, Penny Freedman, Nancy Remak and Rick Freedman.

This year’s Freedman Leadership Award recipient is Vets4Warriors, in recognition of Vets4Warriors being the nation’s leading 24/7 military peer support program staffed by veterans. They provide immediate, confidential, ongoing support to every member of the US military community, helping before challenges turn into crises.

Vets4Warriors & Rutgers UBHC National Call Center Executive Director, Retired US Army Major General Mark Graham said, “I am truly humbled and honored by this recognition as is our entire team.”

2024 Eugene & Ruth Freedman Leadership Award

Major General Mark Graham accepting the Freedman Award.

Herbert & Carolyn Metzger Service Award
Herb and Carolyn Metzger epitomized service and purpose in one’s community. The 2024 Metzger Award is presented to Dixon Center Command Council member and life-long advocate for making lives of others better, Brian Hull.

Brian’s leadership has made his community and our nation a better place. Dixon Center Chair, David Sutherland, said, “Since day one Brian has been a huge part of Dixon Center’s work as a resource for individuals, organizations, systems, movements, and communities interested in the long-term well-being of veterans and their families”.

When Brian was notified that he is the 2024 Metzger Service Award recipient he said, “The Metzger’s legacy is an inspiration to all those familiar with them and their Foundation. I am truly grateful to have my name mentioned alongside of theirs.”

2024 Herbert & Carolyn Metzger Service Award

Brian Hull receiving the Metzger award for his leadership making his community and our nation a better place for others, including veterans and their families.

Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award
The 2024 Point Man Award is being presented to Mike Hazard, a former Navy rescue swimmer and 4th generation pipefitter. Mike is the national Veterans in Piping program manager and training specialist.

In an Army formation on patrol, the point man takes responsibility for others and assists them as they move through challenging terrain. This award, named for the role and responsibilities displayed by Mick Yauger, recognizes the recipient’s forward leadership in supporting others through challenging times and/or transitions.

According to Dixon Center Vice President Colonel Sam Whitehurst, “Bottom line: Mike Hazard epitomizes the individual characteristics that Mick Yauger spoke of when he discussed the Point Man in an Army formation.”

2024 Michael Yauger
Point Man Award

Navy Veteran and VIP Executive Director Mike Hazard receiving the award for leading from the front.

Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award
Named in honor of Army Veteran and Dixon Center Advisor/Mentor, Lou Lowenkron, the Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award recognizes an individual or organziation for their support of veterans and their families in higher education, certification, licensing, or training.

The 2024 Lowenkron Award recipient is Freddie Mac.

Freddie Mac is working to reach more veterans in housing markets across the nation and provide them with educational resources and opportunities to gain valuable financial training to improve their credit and better understand the mortgage process.

When Lou Lowenkron was notified that this year’s award is being presented to Freddie Mac he said, “This Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award touches my heart. It represents the potential of our service members, our veterans and their families, Congratulations to Freddie Mac and the leadership of Freddie Mac’s Senior Vice President, Mission and Community Engagement, Danny Gardner.”

2024 Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award

Danny Gardner receiving the award on behalf of Freddie Mac for bridging the divide between active duty military, veterans and their families and affordable housing.

We congratulate all honorees and thank them for their efforts to enable veterans and military families to succeed where they live.

Day: December 10, 2024