Celebrating Excellence in Service to Veterans
We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the recipients of several prestigious awards from Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, recognizing outstanding contributions to veterans and their families. Honorees include Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ), who received the Freedman Leadership Award for decades of impactful support to veterans; Bob McCann, awarded the Metzger Service Award for his lifelong advocacy and leadership; and mentions of further awards to follow. The document highlights the legacy and values of the award namesakes and features expressions of gratitude and commitment from recipients and Dixon Center leaders.
During this evening’s Center for Military and Veterans Services Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony we were joined by over 100 guests and awardees at Civic Hall in New York City for the presentations and some holiday cheer.
Eugene & Ruth Freedman Leadership Award
This award is named in honor of Eugene and Ruth Freedman, whose legacy of philanthropy endures through their family foundation and the ongoing commitment of their children, Penny Freedman, Nancy Remak, and Rick Freedman.
The recipient of this year’s Freedman Leadership Award is Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ), based in Brooklyn, NY. Founded in 1979, BVSJ has been instrumental in supporting military personnel as they transition from active duty to civilian life.
The organization offers a broad range of programs and services, including social readjustment, housing, employment opportunities, medical treatment, and more. For over four decades, BVSJ has maintained a steadfast focus on enhancing the quality of life for veterans, ensuring their continued prosperity.
Upon receiving notification of the award, BVSJ CEO Wendy McClinton expressed her gratitude: “Thank you so much for this prestigious honor.”
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Sam Whitehurst, Vice President of Dixon Center Programs and Services, commented, “Together, we are continuing to honor our promise to veterans and their families. With BVSJ, we are persistent in our shared pursuit of a country where no service member is left behind.”
Herbert & Carolyn Metzger Service Award
The Metzger Service Award is named for Herb and Carolyn Metzger, who exemplified service and purpose within their community. In 2025, this award is presented to Bob McCann, a Dixon Center Command Council member and lifelong advocate for improving the lives of others.
David Sutherland, Chair of Dixon Center, stated, “Bob’s leadership has made his community and our nation a better place. Bob is providing the encouragement and passion needed across our nation while improving lives, creating opportunities, and serving as a role model for the power of possible for veterans and their families.”
During his acceptance of the Metzger Service Award, Bob McCann paid tribute to the award’s namesakes: “I want to pay special tribute to Carolyn and Herbert Metzger, whose legacy of compassion and commitment continues to guide us all. Their vision and selfless dedication have left an indelible mark on Dixon Center and on everyone fortunate enough to have known them or their family.”
Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award
The 2025 Point Man Award is presented to Jason Gray, Marine for Life and National Chairman of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Veterans Assistance Program.
Jason Gray is a respected leader in the elevator industry, deeply committed to advocating for veterans and their families. His leadership ensures military members receive vital support and recognition, and his work highlights his dedication both to the industry and to the broader veteran community.
The award is named in memory of U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Army Ranger, Mick Yauger. It reflects Mick’s metaphor of a formation on patrol in Vietnam, where the “point man” is responsible for leading others through challenging terrain and supporting them in times of difficulty. The award thus honors individuals who exemplify forward leadership in times of challenge and transition.
Dixon Center Vice President Colonel Sam Whitehurst remarked, “Bottom line: Jason Gray’s values and behaviors are the characteristics that Mick Yauger spoke of when he discussed the roles and responsibilities of a Point Man leading from the front.”
Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award
Named after Army Veteran and Dixon Center Advisor/Mentor Lou Lowenkron, this award recognizes outstanding support for veterans and their families in higher education, certification, licensing, or training. The 2025 Lowenkron Award recipient is the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), accepted by CEO Scott Jensen, a retired USMC Colonel.
NVSBC is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to providing training, networking, and advocacy for veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market.
Their programs ensure veterans are procurement ready and have increased access to opportunities to start, operate, sustain, and expand strong businesses serving federal agencies and government contractors.
Upon notification of this honor, Lou Lowenkron commented, “It is humbling to see my name beside yours on this honor, because your work reminds us all that the greatest impact is measured in lives touched, not titles earned.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all honorees and express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to helping veterans and military families thrive in their communities.
If you would like to watch the award ceremony this evening, all you have to do is go to our
Facebook page at 7:00 PM EST where we will be streaming the awards live.
