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Command Council Welcomes Three New Members

Command Council Welcomes Three New Members

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has announced three new members to our Command Council.  “Today, I’d like to welcome our newest members of the Command Council – Carol Khoury, Leon Mangum, and Frank Gaudio”, announced our Chairman, David Sutherland, during our Dixon Center Muster on 3 January 2023. Each year we attempt to add someone new to our command council. This year we’ve added three new members.Dixon Center Command Council serves as an advisory board. The members work with our leadership and provide advice on matters that directly concern programs and fundraising efforts.Carol Khoury is currently The Fedcap Group’s Chief Financial Officer; Leon Mangum is a Retired US Army Staff Sergeant and the recipient of the 2022 Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award; and Frank Gaudio is a Charitable Foundation Subject Matter Expert. All three have been passionate advocates for veterans and their families, as well as staunch supporters of Dixon Center.“These appointments speak to their passion, integrity and longtime friendship. Their fresh ideas and backgrounds will provide new perspectives.” – COL David Sutherland, US Army (Ret.)

 

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

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Top 10 Highlights of 2022

Top 10 Highlights of 2022

We say thanks to each of you who are champions of our veterans and those touched by military service and assisted Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services during a very challenging year. In gratitude, we are reflecting on 2022 and celebrating Dixon Center’s top 10 highlights of 2022. 

  1. Dixon Center’s impact increased from 2.4 to 2.8 million veterans and military families through our work providing Influence, Ideas, and Actions to individuals and organizations across the country.
  2. Dixon Center expanded work within our 3 pillars: Work With Purpose, Heal With Honor, and Live With Hope.
  3. Dixon Center worked across the Fedcap Group supporting its many companies. We assisted Fedcap Serving Maine to stand up their “Veterans Forward” program assisting veterans their families. Dixon Center now serves as a member of the Veterans Forward Advisory Board. We also went international by assisting Fedcap UK with the development of their first ever veterans supportive services concepts and proposal.
  4. We continued to execute agreements with national trade organizations to expand existing workforce development efforts and focus on providing a pathway for under-represented populations into non-traditional careers.
  5. Dixon Center increased access to resources and strengthened our financial position ensuring our continued presence as a national organization with staying power.
  6. Our podcast “Service Before Self” completed its second season to a steadily increasing audience. Season three, focusing on issues impacting our nation’s veterans and military families is under development.
  7. Dixon Center assisted in the development and execution of the Angel Force “Stop Suisilence Summit” raising awareness and bringing multiple organizations together to discuss innovative ways to address the scourge of veteran death by suicide.
  8. Dixon Center continued to make the holiday a bit easier for hundreds of veterans across the country through our Holiday Basic Needs Grants thanks to generous contributions from our Command Council. These grants provided real time relief from the impacts of raising cost in heating fuels, food, and other basic needs.
  9. We welcomed two new team members. Eileen Greenlay joined us as our new Manager of Donor Relations and Grants. United States Army Retired Colonel Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki joined as the 2023 – 2025 Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellow.
  10. We got back on the road in a big way as we travelled to partner locations nationwide. We hope to see you soon in person.


Just like you, we reflect on our activities of 2022 to help provide guideposts and goals for our 2023. We hope your reflection does the same. If you want to read more detail on our past year be on the lookout for the 1 February 2023 Bugler which will announce the release of our 2022 Annual Report.

Join us on our journey in 2023 and beyond! Visit Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services to learn more or contact our President, Col. Duncan S. Milne, USMC(Ret.) at dmilne@dixoncenter.org

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

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End of Year Giving

End of Year Giving

Please consider Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in your annual charitable giving. No gift is too small, and your contribution goes a long way toward enabling veterans and their families to succeed where they live.You can make an online donation by clicking on the Support Us link below. To learn more about giving and financials check out our Ways to Give page.As we look ahead to 2023, thank you for all that you have done to assist veterans, through our work.  Together, we are enabling our veterans and their families succeed where they live.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

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iHeart, Latrese, Mangum, and NGS Recognized

iHeart, Latrese, Mangum, and NGS Recognized

On 13 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services recognized organizations and individuals working to enhance the well-being of veterans and military families.

Eugene & Ruth Freedman Leadership AwardThe 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, iHeartMedia, Inc., received the Freedman Award for the iHeartRadio Show Your Stripes program and iHeart’s commitment to addressing the well-being of veterans and military families.

John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia, said, “I am so proud to work alongside colleagues who are passionate about supporting our nation’s heroes.”

Herbert & Carolyn Metzger Service AwardHerb and Carolyn Metzger epitomized service and purpose in one’s community. In the presence of friends, families, and passionate supporters, we presented the Metzger Award to Dixon Center Command Council member and Gold Star Wife, Latrese Dixon.

Latrese’s leadership has made her local community and our nation a better place, and she has made the work of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services more impactful over the past nearly 11 years.

According to Dixon Center President, Duncan Milne, “Latrese understands that life experiences make us stronger and she is using her strength to make the world a better place for her family, her neighbors and her community.”

Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man AwardRetired US Army Staff Sergeant Leon Mangum is currently an active member in the Veteran community of Chicago and a role model for young people in his community via JROTC at Foreman College and Career Academy.

Mr. Mangum is the past Director of the Allen J Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Assistance Program, which provided support to Veterans during hardship leading towards homelessness. Leon received this award in recognition of his leadership in career development and continuing education for veterans and their children. 

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 that role and responsibilities and in honor of 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: Leon 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 AwardPresented annually by Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, the Lou Lowenkron Commitment to Veterans Excellence Award recognizes an individual or organization for their support of veterans and their families in higher education, certification, licensing, or training.

The 2022 Lowenkron Award is presented to No Greater Sacrifice (NGS).NGS is dedicated to the children of our nation’s fallen and wounded Service members delivering scholarships and resources to improve their quality of life through the pursuit of higher education. Over the years NGS has committed more than $14 million in post-high school education benefits. 

“More important to me than the scholarships is the fact that NGS meets our children where they are – and accompanies them on their journey,” said Chairman David Sutherland.

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

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On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

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Annual Holiday Reception

Annual Holiday Reception

Tonight is our annual Holiday Reception.  It is a night where we say thank you to our partners and present awards to the people and organizations that have stood out in their support of our nation’s veterans and their families and the mission of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.If you would like to be part of this exciting evening, you can join us on Facebook live at 7:00 PM Eastern to help us celebrate.Just click here and it will take you to our Facebook page.  We hope you are able to join us.

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On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

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Individual & Major Donors Respond with November Giving

Individual & Major Donors Respond with November Giving

November is a month to be Thankful.  At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we find ourselves full of gratitude for your response to our November giving opportunities.  Each year, at we kick off our annual year end giving campaign with highlights from our Veterans Day celebrations and ways to join us in our noble purpose to make the lives of our veterans and their families better.  This year, these opportunities  included veteran and military family supporters options through our website, by direct mail, access through our QR code, on Giving Tuesday and Facebook.  Many of our annual contributors joined in supporting our mission, along with some new names and faces from the participants at the Free Enterprise Day in Baltimore on November 12. At Dixon Center for Military and Veteran Services, our donors believe as we do, that our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. They also understand that every organization and individual can effectively integrate veterans and their families into their existing community-based programs. Together, we create solutions to ensure both values are possible in every community. If you haven’t yet made your end of year contribution, don’t wait!  Join us today!It is easy do to!  Donate now at: through our secure website Dixon Center, on Facebook, or PayPal or:

To learn more about us visit DixonCenter.org and to explore any charitable giving options and tax-saving tips, contact Vanessa Stergios, Director of Development at vstergios@dixoncenter.org or 330-705-4262.

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Announcing the 2023-25 Robert J. McCann Program & Impact Assessment Fellowship

Announcing the 2023-25 Robert J. McCann Program & Impact Assessment Fellowship

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has established the Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellowship. The fellowship is named in honor of Mr. McCann, a World War II, Navy veteran. Mr. McCann is a native of Pittsburgh, PA who raised two sons and is a lifelong advocate for our nation’s veterans and their families.

The Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellowship awards PhD candidates conducting research on topics relative to the emerging needs of veterans and their families. To support the student’s commitment to furthering research the program offers an annual stipend.

The 2023 – 2025 Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellow is United States Army Retired Colonel Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki. Kenny is pursuing his PhD at the University of Dayton.

Kenny is a proven combat leader. He is transitioning to an academic environment, applying research focusing on the evolving needs and solutions impacting veterans and their families quality of life. 

 

Pictured Left: Navy Veteran Robert J. McCann surrounded by sons Boby and BrianPictured Right: Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellow, Kenny Kuniyuki

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Black Veterans for Social Justice

Black Veterans for Social Justice

The most effective solutions to the evolving needs of veterans and their families start at the community-level, and an organization that exemplifies the spirit and impact of community-based organizations is Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) in New York City.  Founded in 1979, by veterans from WWII to Vietnam, who saw their fellow veterans and their families struggling to find services and support. Now they are a 400-person organization that owns or coordinates services in over 1200 units of community-based housing, operate nine homeless shelters throughout New York City, assist veterans reentering the workforce as a Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program grantee, and on top of all that, they provide over 2,000 meals a week to veterans and their families facing food insecurity. Recently, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services toured BVSJ’s facilities in Brooklyn and met with their staff—a group that is passionate and committed to serving veterans and their families.

It was also great opportunity to connect with BVSJ’s CEO and President, Wendy McClinton and discuss ways to collaborate in our shared purpose of making the lives of veterans and their families better.Collaboration with organizations like BVSJ is an example of Dixon Center’s third pillar, Live with Hope. Live with Hope encompasses our work with local and national partners to prevent veterans from becoming homeless or in providing affordable housing solutions. What’s more, our network of partners strives to address the housing needs of veterans and their families by creating a community of support. These include support for food security, safe housing, public health, and crisis relief.With this national network, we are giving veterans an opportunity—an opportunity for them and their families to reach their full potential. Learn more about our work here and contact Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst at swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

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On 10 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosted our 13th Annual Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony. This year we moved the event to align with

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Britt Worldwide Makes $50,000 Donation

Britt Worldwide Makes $50,000 Donation

Britt Worldwide (BWW) presented Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services an amazing gift of $50,000 during their annual Free Enterprise Day in Baltimore. As part of their Veterans Day celebration in front of thousands of their BWW partner affiliates the gift was presented to our leadership. For over 10 years, BWW has been a major corporate donor of our work, and a passionate partner in our noble purpose to make the lives of our veterans and their families better. 

Thank you BWW for your ongoing support and leadership focusing on veterans quality of life. 

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Connecting Veterans to Educational Opportunities

Connecting Veterans to Educational Opportunities

Located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Paul Smith’s College is an ideal fit for many of our transitioning service members, veterans, and their families who seek out an active lifestyle and educational programs that positively impact quality of life. On October 26th, 2022, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services visited Paul Smith’s College in order to assist in their efforts increasing access to academic opportunities and supports for veterans and their families. 

Meeting with President Nicholas Hunt-Bull and Vice President for Student Affairs, Courtney Bringley, and other senior level staff, discussions covered such topics as creating a campus culture welcoming to veterans, increasing veteran enrollment, and supports needed for this population. Paul Smith’s goals are: 1) To develop career-ready graduates through hands-on, personalized education, 2) To educate, research and advocate on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people that inhabit it, and 3) To help the Adirondack region be ecologically and economically sustainable. Together, veterans and their families can combine with Paul Smith’s College to create a formidable team enriching the environment, the campus culture, and the Adirondack Mountain region of New York State. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services works across all sectors of society to assist organizations that are interested in welcoming Veterans and their families into their existing or emerging programs. We stand by ready to assist Paul Smith’s College and welcome inquiries from your organization as well. Please visit dixoncenter.org for more information on how we work with organizations and individuals across the country.

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Holiday Reception and Awards Ceremony

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