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Are you a non-profit who wants to make service delivery more impactful? A veteran who is seeking support and assistance as a result of your service or the impact of COVID-19?

Consider joining the Yellow Ribbon Network, of which Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is a member.

Founded by VeteransPlus, the Yellow Ribbon Network simplifies access to assistance with finances, housing, financial literacy, health and wellness support, and employment for its members, who are current service members, veterans and their families.

Some of the resources provided at different levels to non-profit partners include:

An affordable, HIPAA-compliant alternative to multiple technology solutions
Robust case management functions, including file sharing and retention

Matching tools that enable service delivery to be more effective and efficient

Analytics detailed reporting on key metrics
Simplified coordination of grant, donor, and volunteer resources

If you are 501(c)3 with a primary mission to serve military and veterans, the network offers licensing options that will help connect you with its members. In response to the challenges that beset veterans and military families as a result of COVID-19, the Yellow Ribbon Network is offering those affiliated with Dixon Center a free lifetime license level. To register, simply send an email with your request to info@yellowribbonnetwork.org and let them know you heard about them through this eNewsletter.

The services that Yellow Ribbon Network provides (connections to the right support at the right time) are always free for veterans, service members, and families touched by military service. All you need to do is build a profile. Should you need assistance, you’re asked to detail your specific request in a short form that is browsable by all of the network’s partners.

For more information on programs and services offered by Dixon Center, or to become a Dixon Center partner, please contact Sam Whitehurst, Vice President of Programs & Services, swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

April 10, 2020February 9, 2023

Education Options For Children Of Veterans

April 10, 2020

This week’s eNewsletter features a Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services partner who supports those significantly impacted by the post 9/11 conflicts—Gold Star families and the families of our wounded service members.

This year’s scholarship deadline is just around the corner – April 15, 2020. The selection committee will prioritize applicants in which the dependent’s service member has been killed in action or has a single combat related disabling condition of 70% or above. To request an eligibility application and more information, please email info@nogreatersacrifice.org.

If you want to learn more about the mission of NGS, visit their website.

No Greater Sacrifice (NGS) invests in the children of fallen and wounded service members by delivering scholarships and resources to improve their quality of life through the pursuit of higher education. In fact, since its inception in 2008, NGS has awarded 206 scholarships valued at more than $12.5 million in post-high school education benefits. Their services also include:

Supporting the families of fallen and wounded service members by hosting events for scholars of all ages;
Providing NGS scholars with customized mentorship and funding to achieve their full educational potential; and
Delivering assistance to reduce the unmet financial costs of higher education, including in-state tuition, room and board, special equipment, books, or other expenses deemed necessary.

March 27, 2020February 9, 2023

Digital Resources for Veterans

March 27, 2020

Either due to age or an underlying medical condition, a significant number of veterans are in the high risk categories for coronavirus disease 2019. Further, millions fall at or below the poverty line. At a time like this, it’s critical to provide veterans and their families with resources to navigate the uncertainy ahead.

Vets4Warriors and Single Stop are two partners of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, doing timely work to address the increased anxiety and economic challenges.

Peer Connection to Combat Isolation
Vets4Warriors understands that veterans may have more concerns than usual during this time. The organization’s team of veterans are ready 24/7 to assure veterans that they are never alone and to connect them with needed resources. No matter the issue, a Vets4Warrior team member is prepared to listen and stay connected until it is resolved. This organization does an amazing job at combatting the isolation and anxiety that so many veterans feel. If you are feeling overwhelmed or know someone who is, please share the Vets4Warriors number:
1-855-838-8255.

Tax Assistance
Most states still require tax filing by April 15, unlike the federal government. If a veteran’s annual income is $66,000 or less, they may qualify to file taxes for free. Through a partnership with The Fedcap Group agency Single Stop, these veterans can complete their taxes for free using a self-guided tax link. Before they get started, they will be asked to complete an optional short survey for some basic demographic information.

Additionally, Single Stop has developed fact sheets to help families affected by COVID-19 find resources in the communities in hard-hit areas in New Jersey and New York.

For more information on programs and services offered by Dixon Center and its partners, please contact Sam Whitehurst, Vice President of Programs & Services, swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

March 21, 2020February 9, 2023

New Financial Wellness Site

March 21, 2020

If you are a veteran who is struggling financially (e.g., mortgage/rent payments, changes in salaries/wages, being prepared for unexpected emergencies) here is a resource to help you address those challenges.

That’s where the collaboration between Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services and Prudential Financial comes in.

Dixon Center does not create new programs. Rather, we build programs and support for veterans through the existing or emerging efforts of other organizations. Prudential’s Digital Financial Wellness Center is a good example of how we do this.

The Center provides users access to information on key financial topics such as managing day-to-day expenses, savings and investments, and protecting for the future. The site, which contains educational articles, videos, infographics, and interactive tools for self-assessments, budgeting, and life insurance needs.

The co-branded Prudential/Dixon Center Financial Wellness Center is available at both www.prudential.com/DixonCenter as well as on the Dixon Center site directly.

Are you interested in working with us on a collaborative effort to assist veterans in their transition from military to the private sector? For a discussion, please contact Sam Whitehurst, Vice President of Programs & Services, swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

March 20, 2020February 9, 2023

A Message from Our Chairman

March 20, 2020

The fast-changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted all of our lives. As with past crises, individuals are changing their habits and communities are standing together, helping one another and closely following the guidance of the CDC and local, state and federal health authorities.

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we will continue to be the 24/7 beacon that our partners and those we impact can continue to rely on and seek out.Due to the geographically disbursed structure of our Center of Excellence, we intend to continue operations unabated.We continue to coordinate closely with The Fedcap Group and assist in addressing those most vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 virus and the impacts of disruptions to our daily way of life.

Many of our veterans and their family members are included in these vulnerable groups: those older than 60, those with weakened immune systems, those with underlying pulmonary conditions. We will work with donors and partner organizations fill the gaps in capability and capacity caused by this pandemic. The crushing isolation many veterans face on a daily basis may be further aggravated by the circumstances of social distancing that is required to limit the advance of this new virus.

Some resources you may use to minimize the impact on you and your family.

For veterans: Follow VA Public Health coronavirus updates, and get familiar with VA’s guidance on accessing emergency care, urgent care, and immunizations in your community.
For community leaders: Access and subscribe to National Veteran Intermediary’s “News You Can Use” to stay updated.
For those experiencing anxiety: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty, an article that includes a number of recommendations for supporting those who experience anxiety or other mental health impacts during this pandemic.
Need to talk? Dixon Center partner Vets4Warriors is a 24/7 confidential peer support network for veteran and military communities. This organization provides immediate, free, and long-term peer support through confidential phone, chat, text, and email conversations. Visit www.vets4warriors.com or call 1-855-838-8255.

We are honored to serve our nation’s veterans and those touched by military service.Together we will persevere through this challenge and come out of it stronger, united, and more dedicated to our work ensuring veterans and their families can lead healthy, vibrant lives in their communities.

November 7, 2019February 9, 2023

A Veteran Is Just That: A Veteran

November 7, 2019

Diversity and inclusion frequently may take a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, recruiting and retention may focus on veterans as a whole rather than the divergent qualities that enhance thinking and execution.

It’s ironic that lumping veterans together as a category defined as “diverse” may cause us to ignore the individual characteristics that make them assets to organizations.

I like to say that if you’ve met a veteran, you’ve met “a veteran.” One veteran, one time, each one unique.

We veterans are more than just the sum of our parts. Yes, Veterans Day is a celebration of an amazing group of people. At the same time, we are remiss in not looking beyond the massed surface and into each one’s experiences and goals.

My wish is for you to get to know us as a unique group of people who have taken a different path to get to this point in our lives, and who may have hit roadblocks on this journey created by their service to our country. Let’s start with three areas key to ensuring that veterans succeed where they live:

Working with purpose. Those who served in uniform boast years of specialized training that make them experts in their fields, yet there remains significant underemployment and uncertainty. That’s why Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services works with employers, hiring managers, and recruiters to improve workplace hiring programs. This work goes beyond employment programs for veterans as a whole and instead seeks to establish a culture that considers the specific skill sets of each veteran and matches them to the position best for them.

Healing with honor. Let’s look at the data. Burn pits, enormous craters where waste is openly incinerated, are this generation’s Agent Orange. These chemical hazards are responsible for creating cancers, tumors and respiratory issues. Opioid abuse among combat-exposed individuals is 7 percentage points higher among those who deployed but didn’t see combat. Further, the number of veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008 – 2017 – or more than 60,000 over a decade.Part of what drives these numbers is an epidemic of disconnection that happens when we look at veterans en masse rather than creating a culture that considers the unique needs and isolation of each individual. It’s about making it personal – for both the veteran and the civilian.

Living with hope. T.S. Elliot said, “Home is where our story begins.” Dixon Center and its partners, among them Soldier On and Freddie Mac, are working to expand affordable housing, educate community-based organizations on fair housing practices for veterans, and increase compassionate outreach to those who are, or are at risk of becoming homeless. The goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of housing services that consider each veteran’s needs into existing programs to increase impact.

This Veterans Day, let’s keep in mind that as with people, one size does not fit all. In fact, one size often fits none.

September 30, 2019February 9, 2023

Dixon Family Wreath Laying

September 30, 2019

On Saturday September 28th, members of the Dixon family traveled to Washington, D.C. to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of SSG Donnie Dixon who was killed in action while serving in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We remember and honor SSG Dixon and his family. We will never forget him, our fallen and their families. Sunday, September 29th marked 12 years since the loss of a son, husband, father, and friend.

July 11, 2019February 9, 2023

How One Man’s Desire to Help Impacted 1.4 Million Veterans

July 11, 2019

It seems prescient that Ross Perot’s death this past Tuesday coincides the week of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ seventh anniversary. Perot was one of the first champions of a center for excellence that would connect the dots between organizations and individuals who wanted to assist veterans with those in the community who would be able to go about it.

I first met Perot in my role as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where I served as the point man for the office of Warrior and Family Support. This meant traveling the country, aligning local support for veterans and their families among government agencies, organizations of all sorts (nonprofit and benevolent, faith-based, employers), educators, and wellness providers.

I needed a champion in Dallas – someone whose patronage would provide impetus for these myriad organizations to collaborate. As a Naval Academy graduate and national influencer with deep ties across Texas, Perot was one of the top candidates to fill this gap.

Surprisingly, Perot answered his own phone, and he immediately expressed interest, although not how I expected. He asked, “What do you need, Colonel? Do you want a check?”

My response that the goal reached far beyond funding did not throw him. In fact, it resonated with him. Like most Americans, he knew that he had the platform and network to help but didn’t know how to use it. He just needed a little bit of guidance to be off and running.

This response – an immediate desire to better the lives of veterans and military families predicated on knowing what to do – became the impetus for the creation of Dixon Center.

As we celebrate Dixon Center’s seventh anniversary on 13 July 2019, we also celebrate how Perot captured the so-called Sea of Goodwill for America’s service members: “Just tell me what I can do to help.”

I realized at that moment, in 2010, that this goodwill ran through the core of our country’s citizens. They wanted (and still do) to assist, but were simply not sure how to do so.

America needed a center of excellence, a place with staying power where people and organizations could come for relevant advice, consultation, and leadership. Two years later, upon retiring from the U.S. Army after 29 years, we founded Dixon Center.

Today, we work in concert with our parent organization, The Fedcap Group, to ensure that our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.

Since 2012, our team of experts has worked with communities, organizations, and individuals so that they can find strategic, practical solutions for the most challenging issues facing today’s veterans and military families. We are familiar with the grassroots solutions that work – and those that may need some fine-tuning.

As a result, Dixon Center has become the “go-to” resource for employers, educators, wellness providers, certification and training institutions, service-minded individuals, and those who want veterans to reach their potential and participate fully in their communities.

Our goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of military and veteran services into existing programs and groups in order to increase impact. And it works. Since inception, our collaboration has impacted 1.4 million individuals and organizations.

It is with great pride that I reflect on our seven years, and it is with gratitude that I acknowledge everyone’s contributions to our success.

Happy Anniversary, Team!

May 22, 2019February 9, 2023

All Gave Some. Some Gave All.

May 22, 2019

Memorial Day is a day for reflection, dedicated to the memory of those who have died in service for our country. In my opinion, it is our obligation as a country – and as United States citizens – to never forget their achievements or sacrifice. And we should also remember the sacrifices of their families.

I will carry the memory of those who died while we served together with me always. Their accomplishments were many and their sacrifices were great.

I plan to cross post this list to the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Facebook page, which we’ve turned into a virtual Tribute Wall for Memorial Day. Greywolf, you will never be forgotten.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

3^rd “Greywolf” Brigade Combat Team

1^st Cavalry Division

Oct. 2006-Dec. 2007

(in order of life given in service to their nation)

1SG RICKY MCGINNIS ◊ SPC KENNETH HAINES ◊ SFC SCHUYLER HAYNES ◊ SGT MITCHELL MUTZ ◊ CPT JOHN DENNISON ◊ CPT RHETT SCHILLER ◊ SSG DANIEL MORRIS ◊ SGT JAY GAUTHREAUX ◊ SPC TROY COOPER ◊ CPL JOHN BARTA ◊ CPL JONATHAN SCHILLER ◊ CPL RICH SMITH ◊ SPC STEPHEN RADERSTORF ◊ SPC RYAN BERG ◊ SSG GREGROY WRIGHT ◊ SPC NATHAN FAIRLIE ◊ MAJ ALAN JOHNSON ◊ SPC ERIC SIEGER ◊ SPC CLARENCE SPENCER ◊ SPC LEEROY CAMACHO ◊ SSG ALAN SHAW ◊ SSG ERIC ROSS ◊ CPT DONNIE BELSER ◊ PFC BRANDEN CUMMINGS ◊ SGT JOHN RODE ◊ SGT CARL SEIGART ◊ SPC RONNIE MADORE ◊ SPC JEREMY BARNETT ◊ SPC RYAN RUSSELL ◊ SPC BLAKE HARRIS ◊ PV2 BARRY MAYO ◊ SPC ADAM ROSEMA ◊ SPC STEPHEN KOWALCZYK ◊ CPL BRIAN CHEVALIER ◊ SFC BENJAMIN SEBBAN ◊ SPC ANTHONY KAISER ◊ PFC JASON NUNEZ ◊ SGT JASON SWIGER ◊ PFC ORLANDO GONZALEZ ◊ PV2 ANTHONY WHITE ◊ SPC JASON SHAFFER ◊ CPT JONATHAN GRASSBAUGH ◊ SPC EBE EMOLO ◊ SPC LEVI HOOVER ◊ PFC RODNEY MCCANDLESS ◊ 1LT PHILLIP NEEL ◊ SGT JESSE WILLIAMS ◊ SGT BRICE PEARSON ◊ SSG WILLIAM MOORE ◊ PFC JERRY KING ◊ 1LT KEVIN GASPERS ◊ SGT KENNETH LOCKER ◊ SPC RANDELL MARSHALL ◊ SPC MICHAEL VAUGHAN ◊ PFC MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ ◊ PFC GARRETT KNOLL ◊ PFC JEFFREY AVERY ◊ PV2 MICHAEL PURSEL◊ SPC MATTHEW ALEXANDER ◊ SPC JOEL LEWIS ◊ SPC ANTHONY BRADSHAW ◊ SGT JASON HARKINS ◊ SGT VICENZO ROMEO ◊ SPC DAN NGUYEN ◊ SPC JASON VAUGHN ◊ 1LT ANDREW BACEVICH ◊ SGT ANSELMO MARTINEZ ◊ SPC JOSHUA ROMERO ◊ SPC CASEY NASH ◊ SGT IOSWIO URUO ◊ SPC ALEXANDER ROSA ◊ SPC FRANCIS TRUSSEL ◊ SPC ZACHARY BAKER ◊ SGT ANTHONY EWING ◊ SPC JAMES SUMMERS ◊ PFC ALEXANDRE ALEXEEV ◊ 2LT KILE WEST ◊ SGT JONATHAN MARKHAM ◊ SGT DARRICK DEHN ◊ SGT ANDREWS HIGGINS ◊ SSG TIMOTHY COLE ◊ PV2 SCOTT MILLER ◊ SPC DAMON LEGRAND ◊ SPC JOSIAH HOLLOPETER ◊ PFC DARRYL LINDER ◊ PVT MICHAEL BALOGA ◊ SSG JOAN DURAN ◊ PFC WILLIAM WARFORD ◊ PFC DANE BALCON ◊ SGT TERRY WAGONER ◊ SPC TODD MOTLEY ◊ PV2 CHRISTOPHER MCCLOUD ◊ SPC JONATHAN RIVADENEIRA ◊ SPC NICHOLAS OLSON ◊ SPC DONALD VALENTINE ◊ SPC JOSEPH LANDRY ◊ PFC LUIGI MARCIANTE ◊ SPC DAVID WATSON ◊ SSG KEVIN BROWN ◊ SSG DONNIE DIXON ◊ SPC VINCENT MADERO ◊ CPL ADAM CHITJIAN ◊ SPC JERMAINE FRANKLIN ◊ SPC CHRISTOPHER KRUSE ◊ SPC PETER SCHMIDT ◊ SGT KENNETH BOOKER ◊ SPC CHRISTOPHER NELSON ◊ PVT MARIUS FERRERO ◊ SPC JASON LEE

May 22, 2019February 9, 2023

A War Widow Reflects on Memorial Day

May 22, 2019

Saturday morning I got up early to take our son to football practice. At 9:15 there was a knock on the door, and I figured it was a neighbor.

But it wasn’t.

The 29^th of September. 9:15 that morning. That’s when I learned my husband had died in Iraq.

________________________

No matter how many years pass, it’s never easy. Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for our fallen service members, is never easy.

I find that people who don’t have a connection to the military tend to think of Memorial Day as a long weekend with barbeques. And that’s okay, as long as they also keep in mind that this is a day to honor our men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can have those barbeques.

In my experience, it’s not that people forget. People want to care. But I believe that they don’t really understand (and to be fair, it’s hard to understand when less than 10% of our country has served in uniform) what it means to get that knock on the door and hear about the sacrifices that our loved ones have made. It’s my hope that by sharing my story, and perhaps some of my pain, that it helps to bridge that gap.

I’ve grieved. But the most important thing I want to tell people is that I don’t grieve any more. Rather, I honor.

I don’t wait until a holiday comes up to recognize those who have fallen – and the families of the fallen. I feel these service members – and the families who are left behind – should be recognized daily. We shouldn’t wait for a particular day to honor them.

It is every day that we should honor them.

I’m often asked how to do this. It’s not too hard. Just say “thank you.” Don’t wait for a special day or a time that “feels” appropriate. I don’t think people understand how powerful a simple spoken expression of gratitude can be for those of us who are Gold Star family members – someone who has lost a loved one to military service.

When I’m introduced as a military widow, people offer their condolences for my loss. May I make a suggestion? Please add, “And thank you for all that you’ve given up for this country.”

I know it can feel uncomfortable. I understand. That’s why I’m sharing my story, because it’s not as simple as what you may see on TV. If you talk to me, you’ll have a better sense of what is happening. And, you may not realize it, but you are helping every person to heal when you allow them to tell their story.

Even 12 years later, it’s hard to go back and reflect on what happened. I don’t like to go back but there is purpose in knowing that this will help people better understand the real impact of Memorial Day to the families left behind.

And so I leave you with this: every day is a time to honor veterans, those in uniform, and families of soldiers. It’s appropriate to say “thank you.” You know those signs “If you see something, say something?” The same is true for all of us touched by military service.

Stop…really stop. If you have time, ask if you can sit down with them. But above all, just give an honest “thank you.” Your heartfelt words will mean more than you will ever know.

This column originally ran May 22, 2019 via Inside Sources. [link on Inside Sources to: www.insidesources.com]

About the Author

Latrese Dixon is the Blue and Gold Star Family Partner for Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, the non-profit that is named for her husband. SSGT Donnie Dixon was killed in action in Iraq in September 2007.

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This story was also shared on the following news outlets:

NEW YORK NEWSDAY (Long Island)

https://www.newsday.com/opinion/commentary/memorial-day-service-members-iraq-sacrifice-1.314209

HOLLAND (Michigan) SENTINEL

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/opinion/20190526/latrese-dixon-war-widows-thoughts-on-memorial-day

ROANOKE (Virginia) TIMES

https://www.roanoke.com/opinion/commentary/dixon-a-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day/article_3729eece-a534-5f4a-ab47-84466f8e1874.html

CHARLSTON (South Carolina) POST-COURIER

https://www.roanoke.com/opinion/commentary/dixon-a-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day/article_3729eece-a534-5f4a-ab47-84466f8e1874.html

PALM BEACH (Florida) POST

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/20190526/point-of-view-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day