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Veterans Day

Veterans Day

Veterans Day carries powerful memories of noble service and courage. United States’ military history is deeply rooted in values centered around placing country before self to protect the safety and security of others. Some may never appreciate the depth of Veterans Day. Still, there is one way we can all feel more connected and united this year – through demonstrating our civilian responsibility to support our veterans whose days in uniform have ended. 

Reaching beyond “Thank you for your service” – An example of our impact 

Veterans Day carries powerful memories of noble service and courage. United States’ military history is deeply rooted in values centered around placing country before self to protect the safety and security of others. Some may never appreciate the depth of Veterans Day. Still, there is one way we can all feel more connected and united this year – through demonstrating our civilian responsibility to support our veterans whose days in uniform have ended.  

Reaching beyond “Thank you for your service” – An example of our impact 

Each veteran’s journey is unique, shaped by their personal experiences and circumstances. But reintegrating back into civilian life and the workforce can be challenging. Through collaboration and partnership with the Minority Professional Truckers Association (MTPA), the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), and Task Force Movement, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is creating the Driven By Equity (DbyE) initiative, a program and pathway to entrepreneurship that addresses barriers to entry that many veterans face breaking into the transportation sector. This program will provide women, minority- and veteran business owners training, mentorship and tools tailored to becoming successful independent trucking owner/operators.   Ultimately, it will address the challenges that veterans face reintegrating back into civilian society. 

“Skills developed while in the military, translate well into becoming a business owner.” Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services 

By leveraging their skills and unique strengths, the DbyE initiative will play a crucial role in driving veterans’ desire to innovate and excel. Building upon our experience and the experience of our partners in building comprehensive training programs, we are ensuring that new and existing drivers and employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful entrepreneurs.  Our goal is to create a program that includes mentorship, safety training, and ongoing education, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

 This proactive approach not only honors their service but helps ensure veterans can successfully navigate the transition to civilian life, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive society for our veteran and military families.  

“Trucking remains a critical driver for the U.S. economy, employing over 3.4 million truck drivers and contributing to a $725+ billion industry,” Teresa Watson, CEO of Minority Professional Truckers Association. 

Entrepreneurship in the trucking industry can be a bridge to financial independence and wealth-building for minorities and underserved communities, including veterans. With the help of the 150 partners and experts serving on Task Force Movement, Dixon Center is using our influence, ideas, and actions to build the capacity of other organizations, maximizing their ability to integrate veterans and their families into their programs and activities. Our mission is to ensure veterans and military families can succeed where they live and that every organization, across all sectors of society, effectively integrates veterans and their families into their organization and programs. 

“This opportunity is a better pathway for veterans and their families—it’s a generational transformation,” says Viv Harmon, Executive Director, Training and Development Institute, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey 

As we recognize the commitment of veterans and the legacy that maintains the benefits of peace, let us also take collective action toward the shared goal of quality of life. Join us in our commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families today and every day. 

Ways that you can Reach Beyond “Thank you for your Service:” 

  • Acknowledge and Recognize Veterans not just only on Veterans Day, but every day.  
  • Make a Donation to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services 
  • Learn more our how our capacity building in our three pillars of Work with Purpose, Heal with Honor and Live with Hope improves the lives of veterans and their families.  
  • Follow Us on Social 

To learn more about the Driven by Equity initiative, please tune in to Episode 27 of the Service Before Self Podcast. 

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Arlington National Cemetery Visit

Arlington National Cemetery Visit

On 12 December, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services toured Arlington National Cemetery.

Fourteen of our leaders participated in a walking tour of our nation’s most hallowed ground. Throughout the day, our group paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed—leaders who set standards and our culture that today’s military still recognizes.

From four stars to privates as well as sites including the resting place of James Parks, a masonry vault containing the remains of 2,111 soldiers gathered from the fields of Bull Run (Manassas, VA) and the route to the Rappahannock River, Robert Todd Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and individuals we served with on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan…and so many more.

As always, it is a chance for reflection and humility. Our group also had the opportunity to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Sentinels and participate in a wreath laying ceremony.

This leadership tour of Arlington National Cemetery becomes cherished moments. As Dixon Center Co-Founder, Daniel Forrester, said, “It was a day I will never forget.” A Dixon Center Command Council Member said, “Such a unique and thought-provoking opportunity.”

The purpose of this tour is to not only pay homage to those individuals resting there but also to link experiences from the past to current day behaviors and principles – ultimately, helping to shape and develop leaders.

 

We shared reflections from this special day that will hold true for years to come:

  • Inspiring others to action
  • Individual and team success
  • Leading by example
  • Relationships and trust
  • Indirect Versus Direct Leadership
  • Recognizing others and their contributions
  • Innovation from below
  • Tyranny of the Mundane

The lessons we have learned from those who came before us are still alive today.

 

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Congratulations to Our Annual Awardees

Congratulations to Our Annual Awardees

“These leaders are making a positive difference on a daily basis.”

– David Sutherland,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services 

On 12 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services recognized 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 recipient, Hope for the Warriors, received the Freedman Award for award in recognition of the organization’s commitment to addressing the well-being of veterans and military families. Hope CEO/Co-Founder, Robin Kelleher said, “I love what I do and my staff loves what they do, and we are in partnership with Dixon Center.” 

Herbert & Carolyn Metzger Service Award 


Herb and Carolyn Metzger epitomized service and purpose in one’s community. This week, hundreds of people joined us as we presented the Metzger Award to US Army Veteran and Registered Nurse with the Coatesville VA, Jennifer Grubb. 

Jennifer’s leadership has made her community and our nation a better place, and she is a vocal advocate for veterans and their families.  

Dixon Center Chair, David Sutherland claims, “Jenn makes us all want to be more and want to do more. She is enthusiastic because improving the lives of veterans is in her soul.” 

Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award 


The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy is Chair of Task Force Movement. He has served our nation in one role after another—as a soldier, as America’s first Iraq War veteran elected to the U.S. Congress, and as the 32nd Under Secretary of the Army. Today, as an entrepreneur and advocate, Patrick harnesses the power of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to help veterans find jobs, start businesses, and secure quality health care and mental health services.  

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: Secretary Murphy epitomizes the character, skills, knowledge and abilities that Mick Yauger spoke of when he discussed the Point Man in an Army formation.” 

Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award