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.
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!
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
3rd “Greywolf” Brigade Combat Team
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
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 29th 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
CHARLSTON (South Carolina) POST-COURIER
PALM BEACH (Florida) POST
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/20190526/point-of-view-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day
DAILY INTER LAKE (Montana)
https://www.dailyinterlake.com/letters_to_the_editor/20190526/a_war_widow_reflects_on_memorial_day
CAPE COD (Massachusetts) TIMES
https://www.capecodtimes.com/opinion/20190527/war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day
MONROE (Michigan) EVENING NEWS
https://www.monroenews.com/opinion/20190526/latrese-dixon-war-widows-thoughts-on-memorial-day
fREDRICKSBURG (Virginia) FREE LANCE-STAR
DAILY TELEGRAM (Michigan)
https://www.lenconnect.com/opinion/20190526/latrese-dixon-war-widows-thoughts-on-memorial-day
THE ALLIANCE (Ohio) REVIEW
THE DAY (New London, CT)
https://www.theday.com/op-edguest-opinions/20190526/war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day
THE TIMES AND DEMOCRAT (South Carolina)
SENTINAL-STANDARD (Ionia, Michigan)
https://www.sentinel-standard.com/opinion/20190526/latrese-dixon-war-widows-thoughts-on-memorial-day
LAS VEGAS SUN (Nevada)
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/may/27/a-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day/
THE LIMA NEWS (Ohio)
https://www.limaohio.com/opinion/columns/357481/opinion-a-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day
GV WIRE (Fresno, California)
https://gvwire.com/2019/05/27/opinion-a-war-widow-reflects-on-memorial-day/
Even with record-low unemployment, it’s a myth that service members who get out of the military will find employment right away.
That’s where the Teamsters Military Assistance Program (TMAP) comes in. TMAP has been engaged in the transition of military soldiers into civilian sector careers since 2008.
What differentiates this program from others is its close cooperation with the Armed Forces, particularly the Army’s Soldier for Life Program, to develop a defined pathway toward employment in advance of a service member leaving the military. This allows a newly-minted veteran and successful TMAP program graduate the opportunity to secure a private sector job before he/she leaves the military.
The Teamsters, who represent hundreds of professions and thousands of contracted employers requiring state credentials, are also working with state lawmakers to recognize the certifications and credentials those transitioning into the civilian sector have earned while on active-duty.
Michael “Mick” Yauger, National Director of TMAP, is a passionate advocate for veterans and military families. He recently sat down to talk about TMAP and how other organizations might expand this model.
What do you see as the biggest impediments to employment when a service member gets out?
Employers recognize a college degree as verifiable proof of knowledge. But they don’t recognize a DD214 [military discharge papers specifying experience] as proof that you know what you’re doing. This is especially important with credentialing. Think about all the professions that require a credential – truck drivers, fire fighters, pilots, auto mechanics. So many of those in these industries get their experience in the military.
I’m not saying that because you drove a truck for the military it should automatically qualify you for certification, but it should count for something and it shouldn’t be an impediment to successfully transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce.
Since the inception of TMAP, and due to partnering efforts specific to CDL licensure, the nation now recognizes transitioning service men and women who hold a military CDL license. Some states offer an even exchange of the license; in others, it is a waiver. We hope to soon see more credentials recognized by state regulators and credentialing entities. For example, we are now exploring an even exchange for pilots and licensed mechanics as well as reciprocity for nurses and teachers.
What differentiates TMAP from similar programs?
First off, this is a program that starts before the service member exits the military. We provide We recruit and train right where they’re stationed. Next, if candidates pass our program – and it’s not automatic, you have to work for it – they are now extremely competitive for a job at the location of their choosing. Now they have a defined pathway to more than just a job, but to a meaningful career.We’ve also updated our program to add military spouses.
Why does this program work?
This program specifically works with companies that not only provide good wages and great benefits, they go beyond by offering a career ladder – promoting from within.
There are certain companies that truly understand what service members bring to the table.For instance, Tim Thorne, CEO of ABF Freight, who served as an infantry officer started his career out on the docks with ABF. His understanding of vets goes beyond what they did in combat. In fact, that’s just a small part of their career skills. For Tim, it’s about what military members are taught: Work as a team. Never leave a buddy behind. Stay drug- and crime-free. That’s the kind of employee that every employer wants but is increasingly impossible to find, and Tim puts them on the front-line, working face-to-face with his clients.
Last thoughts…any anecdotes that made you sit up and think, “This is working, we are doing a good job.”?
As a Vietnam veteran, I am proud to sit at the table and offer resources to our younger service members as they return home. I’ve never slept better than the time I had a young kid come up, tell me I recruited him for TMAP and now he just got his first home. That’s what I’m most proud of. Less than one percent of the population has the smarts, desire, sense of honor, strength and responsibility to wear the uniform. And I intend to do my best until my last breath to make sure that these folks succeed.
This column original ran on InsideSources.com on December 26, 2018.
I disagree with the statement that our country has never been more divided.
The United States has weathered serious divisions previously, the Civil War and the challenges of the 1960’s being just two. President George Washington was actively undermined by his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, because of ongoing disputes with Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton.
Differences aren’t new. But today, it appears that people take disagreement as disrespect. The instantaneous response cycle both amplifies and stifles discussion in a way we may not have seen before. With a new year upon us, how do we look ahead when there is so much bitterness looking back?
First, both personally and within our organizations, we can commit to moving forward, embracing change, and unshackling innovation. Institutions tend to squash things that are good for them. “We’ve always done it this way” is not the answer. When leadership gets bogged down, esprit de corps and morale are jeopardized. When leadership fails, and managers take over, followers hunker down and wait for better days. That’s why I admire Mary Barra at General Motors. Her recent tough decisions are a bet to keep the company a global contender in the years ahead.
Second, this is the time for us to show courage and be bold. Having courage does not mean avoiding fear; rather, it is about managing fear. Brave leaders go to uncomfortable places, particularly in the pursuit of purpose. As leaders, we should be mindful of the adage widely credited to Dean Martin: “Good judgment comes from experience. And experience? Well that comes from poor judgement.” Not everything will be a success. When we learn from our experiences and try even harder the second time around, we illustrate courage and boldness.
Finally, it’s time to build relationships and trust. I say this not because of politics, but because opportunity exists. Our economy is strong. Technology makes our lives easier and more efficient. New employees from different generations are joining the workforce. Let’s be opportunists taking advantage of these factors. It’s time to take risks – and who better to collaborate with than those with whom one already has a relationship and trust.
I suggest that 2019 is the time to be disruptive by rejecting a paradigm of negativity. We can and should embrace discourse and discussion, recognizing that organizations thrive when new ideas and conflict are embraced. Rather than being a personal attack, divergence and origination make us better.
Thirty-five years after it debuted, I still find relevance in the very untraditional Christmas movie Trading Places. Like Eddie Murphy’s character Billy Ray Valentine, we all have the opportunity to make ourselves over. And, similar to Dan Akeroyd’s Louis WInthorpe III, we get myriad chances throughout our lives to change and better ourselves.
If we don’t like what we’re doing, what better time is there to take advantage than a new year? We don’t have to accept where we are right now. We can trade places with the person or organization we aspire to be. This is the time to embrace new ideas, step out, take a risk, and lead the way through an environment of trust.
Last night Dixon Center was honored to recognize two people pivotal to our organization’s success through the presentation of the first annual Herbert Metzger Service Award, named for Herbert R. (Herb) Metzger (June 9, 1923 -October 7, 2013).
Herb was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained on and flew a PT22 Steerman biplane during World War II. He followed his Air Corps service by enlisting in the Naval Reserves and attending college on the GI Bill.
His style was to touch numerous organizations and projects without a lot of fanfare, helping them achieve their goals and expand their minds.
Generous with his time, talent, and treasures, Herb served on the boards and foundations of multiple community-based organizations and was devoted to community service. One of the many organizations he and his family have touched is Dixon Center.
It is this same spirit that we found in Rick Freeman. From Day One, Dixon Center has benefitted from Rick’s encouragement and support. He’s gone above and beyond to build awareness of our work and to integrate his family and the communities with whom his family foundation’s collaborates.
That’s why, in front of families and friends, we are so proud to present Rick with the Herbert Metzger Service Award.
An active member of Dixon Center’s Command Council, Rick is also involved in many organizations and activities that focus on making people’s lives better. Amongst these is the Boys and Girls Club of America, where Rick is a vocal advocate for inclusion of the children of our service members and veterans.
Rick and his family recognize that the needs of our veterans and their families are evolving, not disappearing. Medical needs haven’t gone away, but they’ve evolved from Agent Orange, environmental, burn pit issues, and cancer to diabetes and healthy lifestyles. In this economy, veterans’ employment and homelessness transitions to underemployment and affordable housing for the 3.9 million veterans living paycheck-to-paycheck at family incomes less than twice the federal poverty level.
The Sea of Goodwill, first identified in 2010 by the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, still exists. It exists in the hearts of people like the Metzger’s and the Freedman’s – friends of Dixon Center who want to effect the lives of others.
In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, the guardian angel Clarence leaves a message for the businessman he’s been shadowing. It reads, in part, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” It’s a gentle reminder to all of us that every life has purpose, and small acts of kindness to friends and strangers alike make a difference.
To Rick and Herb, good friends of Dixon Center, thank you. We value you and your many contributions to us, your communities, and, importantly, your friends.
Thanksgiving is a very meaningful day for the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services family. Having spent several Thanksgivings in a combat zone in Iraq, I am grateful for every day I have with my family, both at home and at work. It’s also important for me to thank my fellow veterans, nearly 20 million strong, who have proudly served our country.
It’s one thing, though, to thank. I’d encourage us to also take action. You’ve probably seen our posts urging you to donate to Dixon Center on #GivingTuesday. While Dixon Center’s programs and partners depend on the generosity of our donors all year long, it is at this special time of year that we reflect and focus renewed efforts on how that support can grow.
There’s also another very meaningful path to consider.
Five years ago, I wrote a blog encouraging all American businesses to hire veterans and military spouses. At the time, companies like Prudential, ABF Freight, PwC and many others had committed to hire or train nearly a million veterans and military spouses by this year. They’re either on track or have already exceeded their initial commitment. And they’ve been joined by others like Home Depot, Amazon, Comcast, AT&T, to name a few.
Just over 200,000 service members are projected to leave the military annually. But even with a humming economy and a veterans’ unemployment rate below the national average, the unfortunate reality is that many of them may be underemployed. This means that their skills exceed the position in which they are currently working.
According to a ZipRecruiter report, “Underemployment affects more veteran job seekers than non-veteran job seekers. Nearly one-third of veteran job seekers are underemployed — a rate 15.6 percent higher than non-veteran job seekers.”
That’s where organizations like Dixon Center step in.
Companies that are successful at recruiting veterans get out from behind the desk and take the time to work contacts in the community. At Dixon Center, we’ll network with them and connect them with other organizations such as The Fedcap Group that are themselves networking with the veterans.
We also provide practical solutions for recruiters so they understand the unique skill, knowledge, attributes and “in-field” expertise. Our veterans and their families are phenomenal. Veterans know how to problem-solve, operate under deadlines, and manage large teams of varying ages and skills.
By making a donation to Dixon Center on #GivingTuesday, you will not only be making an investment, you’ll be making an impact as we leverage more existing community programs that connect veterans to education, fulfilling careers, wellness resources, and housing so they may succeed in the communities, like yours, where they live.
With an estimated 240,000 service members separating from military service each year, according to the Department of Defense1, American employers are faced with the challenge and desire to cultivate the talents of these capable men and women. Now is a critical time for American collaboration in reintegration programming like workforce development.
As a thought leader, Dixon Center is a trusted source of information, motivation, and inspiration. We inspire people with innovative ideas, turn ideas into reality, and teach others to replicate practical solutions. Over time, we have created a dedicated group of friends, fans, and followers. We help them produce and scale their ideas into sustainable change – not just in one company but in an industry, niche, or across an entire ecosystem.
We’re working with partners who understand hiring individuals with military experience is smart business. One of our legacy supporters, Prudential Financial, understands this mission.
“Dixon Center’s resources and counsel are fostering and strengthening thought leadership, through ideas in workforce development, housing, and female veterans assistance programs,” Jim Beamesderfer, Prudential’s Vice President of the Veterans Initiatives Office explained. “It is now that corporate America’s commitment to follow suit is more important than ever.”
Prudential’s Veterans Initiatives Office established a robust training and education platform for veterans. Their hope is that the Veterans Initiatives Office becomes a model for successful programs at companies across the United States.
With two former Army officers at its helm, Prudential’s Veterans Initiatives Office understands the challenges separating military members, veterans, and their spouses face.
“Less than 1% of Americans have direct contact with [a military service member or veteran],” Beamesderfer noted. “This creates a sharp civilian/military divide.”
At Prudential they have successfully recruited, hired, and promoted veterans and military spouses. Now they are leveraging their insights with other corporate employers to shift the environment and American attitude surrounding military service. They are encouraging others to dispel misinformation and create outlets for these veterans and their families to share their talents and strengths in the workforce.
“It is our imperative to share what we have learned with others because together we can make a greater impact nationwide,” said Chuck Sevola, Vice President and Head of the Veterans Initiatives Office.
Dixon Center is assisting corporations and working with businesses nationwide, providing unique solutions to find and focus on veterans and their families. We have worked with thousands of organizations, like Prudential, that seek to connect solutions and tools in education, employment, wellness, and housing. Later this year, Dixon Center will recognize the efforts of Prudential by awarding them the 2018 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award. This distinction was created to recognize outstanding organizations committed to addressing the economic well-being of veterans and military families. With Prudential and advocates like Chuck and Jim, Dixon Center aims to continue to maximize our efforts and engage others in programming to directly serve our returning veterans and their families.
Are you an employer seeking information on how to reach veterans? Learn more at DixonCenter.org and contact us today!
The Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award is a distinction created to recognize outstanding organizations committed to addressing the economic well-being of veterans and military families. The award is named in tribute to the Freedman couple’s lifetime of philanthropy, including supporting military and veterans’ services through their family foundation. Previous recipients of the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award include PwC Charitable Foundation in 2017.
Embedded Image: Chuck Sevola, Vice President and Head of the Veterans Initiatives Office, Prudential
Veterans Day is a very special day in my family. We take time to remember the men and women with whom I have served, many of whom have eaten dinner with us, played with the kids and crashed on our couch. In the military, everyone is family.
My military family now numbers 21 million — the number of veterans we commemorate today. These heroes deserve to be thanked for their tremendous service to their country. But, like many civilians, often veterans are uncomfortable being singled out. So what to do?
Here’s one idea. Thank their family. Thank the spouse who serves as a single parent for six, even 12 months at a time while her service member is deployed. Of course, times have changed for the better and nowadays, you may actually be thanking a stay-at-home dad who is juggling the kids while his wife carries out her country’s duties on a ship thousands of miles away in the Pacific.
For a family whose deployed service member has recently come home, lend a hand. Offer to babysit the kids so that the parents can have some much-needed alone time. Be a real neighbor. Instead of waving from your front door and then disappearing back into your world, take the time to rake leaves or mow the lawn.
Here’s an even better idea. Instead of casual thanks, why not sit down and have a real conversation with a veteran? Ask if he/she is experiencing any challenges with reintegration. All reintegration means is that the veterans’ needs are evolving, not disappearing.
In her book When Johnny and Jane Came Marching Home, Paula Caplan writes that helping may be as simple (and as difficult) as not turning away when vets speak of their experiences, but rather listening attentively and non-judgmentally. In other words, show some empathy.
Americans love to talk. I’m guilty of it myself. But today, might I suggest a different approach? Sit down with a vet and simply listen, one-on-one. You’ll be surprised at what you hear, at what you’ll learn.
If you’re one of the 99 percent of our country who has not served in the military or have close family ties to someone in service, make a resolution today to get to know us. We are your neighbors, the person you stand behind in the supermarket cashier line and the family sitting next to you in the church pew. We like hot coffee and can be good listeners, too, if you need it.
It’s less about “help” or “thanks” than an opportunity to get to know a remarkable group of people. There’s no better day than today to start.
Originally published November 12, 2014, Huffington Post
