Posted on

Bringing Back the True Meaning of Memorial Day

Bringing Back the True Meaning of Memorial Day

Dixon Center for Military & Veterans Services posted our 13th episode of Service Before Self, a podcast that tackles the evolving needs of veterans and their families, based on the idea that veterans can succeed in the community where they live. The Service Before Self Podcast introduces you to people and the programs that are having an impact today; you will hear about their successes and lessons learned in creating effective programs in which veterans and their families reach their full potential.

Listen to Episode 13: Bringing Back the True Meaning of Memorial Day with Mickey Markoff, executive producer of National Salute to America’s Heroes, an event that occurs on the weekend preceding Memorial Day and showcases our country’s state of the art military technology, dynamic sea events, and interactive displays. The centerpiece is an air and sea show that demonstrates the courage and expertise of our military and first responders.

In this episode, your host, Retired Army Colonel Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center Vice President of Programs & Services, and Mickey, discuss the need for a unifying event that brings together Americans from all walks of life, to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our fallen on Memorial Day. This year, the National Salute to America’s Heroes helped fill that gap—patriotic, inspiring, respectful, and somber are all ways to describe this year’s event. Mickey highlights why he puts this event on each year, his vision to bring it to more people in the future, and how it benefits organizations who are on the “frontlines” of assisting veterans and their families succeed where they live.

What makes this event so special is that it brings service members, veterans, their families, and the families of those who have fallen in service together with Americans who might not have an affiliation or a true understanding of what it means to serve or to be a veteran. Another goal of this event is to close the civil-military divide and to create understanding and connection for those who have served and those who haven’t.

Our affiliation with National Salute to America’s Heroes is an example of how Dixon Center serves as a clearinghouse for organizations that want to have the greatest impact in assisting veterans and their families. Through our extensive service network, we connect like-minded individuals and organizations with those groups and programs that are transforming the lives of veterans and their families. If your organization wants to support groups and charities that are having an impact but are unsure how, listen to this episode to learn more about how National Salute to America’s Heroes is bringing back the true meaning of Memorial Day and how Dixon Center can assist you in reaching your goals.

Subscribe To/Follow Service Before Self Podcast

​Whether you are an avid podcast fan or new to the medium, we invite you to give Service Before Self a listen. We invite you to listen and subscribe to the podcast. We welcome your feedback and will be reading your reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or one of the many other distributors.

To learn more about Dixon Center’s efforts in advancing impact via our service network, see the Dixon Center Bugler: Leveraging and Strengthening Program Networks and contact Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, VP of Programs & Services, at swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

The podcast’s name, Service Before Self, recognizes the commitment demonstrated by veterans and their families during their military service as well as their potential as they reintegrate back into their communities when military service ends. 

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Tackling the Civil-Military Divide

Tackling the Civil-Military Divide

Dixon Center for Military & Veterans Services posted our 10th episode of Service Before Self, a podcast that tackles the evolving needs of veterans and their families, based on the idea that veterans can succeed in the community where they live. The Service Before Self Podcast introduces you to people and the programs that are having an impact today; you will hear about their successes and lessons learned in creating effective programs in which veterans and their families reach their full potential.

Listen to Episode 10: Breaking the Barrier between Civilian and Military Leaders with David Hamilton, founder and CEO of America’s Future Series (AFS), a national speaker series that brings together business and military leaders to discuss issues involving national security.

America’s Future Series, directly and indirectly, impacts the lives of veterans, by raising money to support charities that assist veterans and their families. AFS also fosters conversations and connections between people from different sides of the civil-military divide while delivering opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

In this episode, your host, Retired Army Colonel Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center Vice President of Programs & Services, and David, discuss how even though the military, as an institution, is held in very high regard by the public, many people perceive that military service is either mentally or physically damaging to those who serve.

This perception contributes to the increasing divide between military members and the civilian communities they serve. Based on his long experience with employers and veterans, David tackles this issue head-on and highlights the resiliency inherent to veterans; he exposes common misperceptions about veteran employees, and how veterans can create an organizational culture that enhances a company’s bottom line.

David highlights how America Future Series brings together military and civilian leaders to break down barriers and foster collaboration that creates opportunities for veterans and their families. He also discusses how he is creating a space for veteran entrepreneurs to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that is represented in so many American veterans.

Dixon Center, through our Operation Vetrepreneurs, supports veteran entrepreneurs with both education and pro-bono consultations with mentors so veterans can turn their skills and aptitudes into solid results. Our goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of military and veteran services into existing programs to increase impact. If you are an organization or community that wants to connect with transitioning service members or veterans and are unsure how, listen to this episode to learn more about an organization that is addressing the evolving needs of veterans and their families and how Dixon Center can assist you in reaching your goals.

Subscribe To/Follow Service Before Self Podcast

​Whether you are an avid podcast fan or new to the medium, we invite you to give Service Before Self a listen. We invite you to listen and subscribe to the podcast. We welcome your feedback and will be reading your reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or one of the many other distributors.

To learn more about Dixon Center’s efforts in assisting veteran entrepreneurs, see the Dixon Center Bugler: Veteran Entrepreneurs and contact Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, VP of Programs & Services, at swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

The podcast’s name, Service Before Self, recognizes the commitment demonstrated by veterans and their families during their military service as well as their potential as they reintegrate back into their communities when military service ends.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Reflection and Action

Reflection and Action

This weekend marks Memorial Day, a sacred day of recognition in the United States. We at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, will spend the weekend remembering, honoring, and mourning the United States military members who died while serving in the Armed Forces – some of whom we served with over the course of our military service.

One of history’s most famous wartime poems, In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 during the First World War by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae. To us it provides for a time of reflection.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

When our Chairman, Colonel David Sutherland, was younger, his father, a Canadian Army Veteran, would share his interpretation of the poem. Dr. G. W. Sutherland (July 11, 1929 – March 18, 2021) believed that the last stanza was hoping to inspire those reading this poem to reflect on the achievements and the sacrifices of our Nation’s fallen and to never forget them or their families.

We are reminded that the worst thing we can do is to forget. We can all use the opportunity created by Memorial Day to remember all those who died while serving, be it in combat, during training exercises, or through accidents and non-combat related deaths.

The narratives of those who have fallen live on through their families. These families are given the honorific “Gold Star” to designate that they have had a loved one lose his/her life in service to the nation. If you know a Gold Star family, reach out to check on them this weekend and provide encouragement. If you meet a Gold Star family member in the future, ask them to share their story, then take the time to listen.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may alter our ability to honor the fallen with parades or memorial services, it does provide an opportunity for us to create our own personal remembrances. Consider the following activities this weekend:

  • Plant a remembrance tree or flowers with your family
  • Research the achievements of one of our fallen from previous wars and ongoing combat operations
  • Visit the National Salute to America’s Heroes and the world-class Hyundai Air & Sea Show® held over Memorial Day Weekend on Miami Beach
  • Livestream virtual events from Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and local ceremonies.

This Memorial Day weekend, we hope that you take a moment to personally reflect on the achievements and courage of our U.S. service members who died while serving in the Armed Forces.

We at Dixon Center will always remember, and they will never be forgotten.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Honor and Memorial Tributes

Honor and Memorial Tributes

As Memorial Day weekend approaches we have been contacted by several people planning online fundraisers or seeking ways to give in memory of friends and family members who died while serving our country. When looking for a way to recognize someone extraordinary in your life, we invite you to consider honor and memorial tributes using Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

Memorial Gifts
Memorial gifts are made in remembrance of a loved one who has passed away. By giving a donation in memory of a family member or friend, you can recognize a special individual while also affirming your shared values and commitment to our nation’s veterans and their families. At your request, we will send a card in your name to those who you would like to be aware of the gift. The gift amount will be kept confidential. You may also choose to request memorial gifts be made to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in lieu of flowers at funeral services.

Honor Tributes
Honor tributes are gifts made in celebration of special events or as expressions of gratitude. They offer a unique way to honor events such as weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays while highlighting your commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families. For all honor gifts, a note will be sent to the individuals or groups being recognized, informing them of the gift. The gift amount will be kept confidential.

Gifts of all kinds can change the lives of veterans who are seeking a pathway to better overall wellness, employment, and financial stability. If you are interested in learning more – we can help. Simply contact Vanessa Stergios, Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Donor Advised Funds and Legacy Giving

Donor Advised Funds and Legacy Giving

Family legacies are created in several ways, some are found in our genetic traits, some are learned behaviors and beliefs, and some are modeled signs of true character. Creating and developing family patterns of giving to charity is an opportunity to take a chosen passion and turn it into a legacy; by giving to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, you can give back to those who have given in service and sacrifice by helping them succeed where they live.

One approach in determining your planned giving, during your lifetime is by creating a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Versatile, cost-effective and time efficient, DAF’s are one of the fastest-growing charitable options currently available because they are easy to set up and provide one of the most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity.

A Donor Advised Fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a donor-advised fund you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth and you can recommend grants to Dixon Center, as an IRS-qualified public charity as part of Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (EIN 13-5645879) at any time.

Donor Advised Funds are typically easy to set up and with little start up costs and minimal administrative fees. Another advantage to setting up a DAF while you are living is that you have an opportunity to create a lasting legacy through your estate planning. DAFs can be opened by individuals, families, companies, trusts, and estates. That individual or entity, as the primary advisor can recommend grants, as well as suggest investment strategies, and name secondary or successor advisors. By naming secondary or joint advisors, individuals can inform their successors on how and why they are passionate about their cause and create a plan to establish a legacy in perpetuity.

At Dixon Center we have several donors that give through their Donor Advised Funds. One such legacy donor to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has gifted us the opportunity to create and find opportunities to showcase our work and impact to potential new partners and veteran passionate donors. The donor’s wishes were carried out by their estate through the language set up prior to their death and the directives named Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services as their beneficiary.

Like with all charitable deductions for a tax year, DAF contributions need to be received by the end of the year. Since different types of assets take different amounts of time to be transferred, give yourself plenty of time to initiate your transactions. You should always consult with a financial, tax or legal advisor when setting up any DAF, trust or other deferred gift.

For information on how to include Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services in your DAF or estate planning, please contact Vanessa Stergios our Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.To learn more about our work supporting veterans and military families across the nation, visit www.DixonCenter.org. 

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Matching Gifts

Matching Gifts

Just 4% of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services resources come from individual donors. Therefore, as an organization we rely on corporate matching gifts. These matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations, including Dixon Center.

When an employee makes a donation, they’ll request the matching gift from their employer, who then makes their own donation. Many companies usually match donation at a 1:1 ratio but some will match at a 2:1, 3:1 or even a 4:1 ratio.

Corporate philanthropy and matching gifts are valuable because they are unrestricted funds. It provides Dixon Center two donations for the work of soliciting one, and according to one donor, she loves knowing her gifts “went twice as far”.

As a nonprofit organization, matching gifts are at the forefront of our fundraising strategy. In fact, we face consistent challenges each time we attempt to grow our existing matching gift revenue channels. We have found that 78% of match-eligible donors have no idea whether their company offers a matching gift program.

If you are interested in learning more, we can help you determine if your employer has a matching gift program, what are their match ratios, maximum and minimum gift amounts, and the submission deadlines. Simply contact Vanessa Stergios, Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Donating a Car

Donating a Car

It may seem like a peculiar question to ask – but have you ever found yourself in possession of a car, boat, RV or other vehicle that you do not need? At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we have a solution that is both rewarding and easy to implement. Whether you are managing a loved one’s estate, or simply have passed down that car to the last of your teenagers; donating a vehicle to Dixon Center will have a lasting impact on veterans and their families.

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services partners with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services) to take that unwanted or unused vehicle off your hands. CARS streamlines the process, and their logistical and managerial support allows Dixon Center to focus on our mission. At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. We also believe that every organization can effectively integrate veterans and their families into their existing community-based programs. Our mission is to ensure both values are made possible. Our goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of military and veteran services into existing programs to increase impact. 

You can help. Donating your vehicle takes just a few quick steps and has none of the hassle of advertising it for sale, no strangers coming for a test drive or the liability and safety concerns that can go with that, your donation is picked up and sold. You receive a tax deduction, as allowable by law and Dixon Center receives a check. The proceeds support our work in serving veterans and military families across the Nation.

One of our recent car donors, Amy Casner had this to say about donating her college graduate’s car when she was ready to upgrade to a new one “The process was so easy, I made the call, CARS scheduled a pickup date and time, the car was picked up, signed over and within a few weeks, I got a tax deduction letter and Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services got a check. Simple and Satisfying. The car was gone without the hassle of trying to sell it and I got to support an organization I believe in!”

When you donate a car, truck, boat, RV, or other vehicle to Dixon Center, you become a key partner in increasing the quality of live for veterans and military families. CARS can accept working vehicles, but sometimes they can even accept vehicles that are not running – their extensive network of vendors allows them to resell these vehicles for parts. So, if you find yourself in the position of having a vehicle you no longer want or need, keep Dixon Center in mind. To donate your vehicle to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services fill out the form here. Dixon Center operates under Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, Inc. a 501c3 organization, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For information on additional ways to give to Dixon Center visit or to learn more about how your gift will make an impact, please contact Vanessa Stergios our Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.To learn more about our work supporting veterans and military families across the nation, visit www.DixonCenter.org.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Donating Stocks

Donating Stocks

There are many ways to financially support Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services and we are dedicated assisting you in finding the path that best fits your situation. One of these options may be in donating stock. Donating appreciated stock is not only one of the easiest ways to give, but it is also one of the most tax-smart ways to give. Dixon Center is a 501c3 organization under The Fedcap Group, and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Why give a stock donation? There is a provision in the federal tax code that lets benefactors donate appreciated stock, when they have held it more than a year, to charity. When securities are subject to capital gains taxes and the proposed donation is the fair market value of the appreciated securities, it is a win-win situation. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services gets a contribution that impacts the lives of veterans and their families, while our donor can deduct the gift and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation.

It is important to keep in mind that if you have a stock losing value, it is better to sell it and give the cash. You will still be able to deduct your charitable donation, but you will also be able to take a capital loss when you sell the investment. Make sure you contact your financial advisor or tax accountant and have the most current information to make sound decisions and in determining when donating stocks is the right plan for you.

When is the best time to give my stock donation? Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services can accept stock donations at any time throughout the year. It is important to keep in mind that most banks and brokerage firms require a letter of instruction or letter of authorization to transfer the shares to charity and may have a special form that needs to be completed. If you are considering a year-end tax donation, it is a good idea to start the process at least a week or two before December 31, so the transfer has plenty of time to be completed during the holidays. For more information on IRS rules please contact your tax accountant and visit the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/.

For information on where to send wire transfers for stock donations or to learn more about how your gift will make an impact, please contact Vanessa Stergios our Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.To learn more about our work supporting veterans and military families across the nation, visit www.DixonCenter.org.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Recurring Donations

Recurring Donations

The past year of an unpredictable global pandemic has given Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services the opportunity to reflect on our work. Recognizing that programs and services, as well as funding streams, must be agile and able to respond to the evolving needs of our countries most vulnerable individuals has been reinforced as one of our greatest assets. Hear from our Chairman, Colonel David Sutherland, U.S. Army (ret.) on Dixon Center becoming the “Point of Choice“.

While some needs can be anticipated others require a nimble response. In our 2020 Annual Impact Report “Anticipate, Respond, Collaborate, Build, Thrive“; we reflect on how Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has pivoted and met the needs of our veterans, military families and along with our many partners.

Major donations, corporate partners, foundations, and individual donations all constitute and diversify our revenue. One of our most stable funding streams come from our recurring donors. These are the donors that have committed to faithfully make a monthly or quarterly donation to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. This steady income stream lends itself to predictability and allows for a degree of reliability. The reasons for giving monthly can vary; some individuals want to show loyalty to their fellow veterans, others see it as an opportunity to service and give back to those that have worn the uniform when they have not, some like the option to be able to “budget” their charitable giving throughout the year, rather than donating through a one-time year-end gift.

One of our longest standing recurring donors, Noritza Perito has this to say: “Hearing Colonel Sutherland recite the Warrior Ethos when he’s up on stage; his poise, grace and melodious words reverberate through your soul and leave a profound footprint on your very being. As Colonel Sutherland recounts the ugliness of war; memorializing the story of Donnie Dixon leaves you inspired and breathless no matter how many times you hear it. My donation to the Dixon Center (although pale in comparison to the selflessness of a warrior) and all that Colonel Sutherland represents, is simply a way to give back and show my everlasting appreciation to all (past, present, future,) who serve.”

No matter what may be your reason for giving, we encourage you to become a recurring donor and join us in our work of supporting veterans, military families, and families of the fallen. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is a company under The Fedcap Group, a 501c3 organization, and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be made online at DixonCenter.org and can be set up as a recurring debit or credit card deduction. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Vanessa Stergios, Director of Development at vstergios@dixoncenter.org.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for

Posted on

Our Noble Purpose

Our Noble Purpose

At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. We also believe that every organization and individual can effectively integrate veterans and their families into their existing community-based programs. Our mission is to ensure both values are possible in every community. Hear it in our Chairman’s own words in this clip from our 2020 Holiday Reception.

We partner with business and industry, service providers, and training institutions to develop and operate direct service programs for veterans and their families. Our goal is not to create new programs. Rather, the goal is to enable the integration of military and veteran services into existing programs to increase impact. Rick Freedman, of the Freedman Family Foundation, explains why they support Dixon Center in this video clip.

As a Center of Excellence, we provide and coordinate technical assistance/training, resource sharing, and strong leadership to our partners, who, with our ongoing support, operate direct service programs. We work at local and national levels in five focus areas:

Workforce Development and Career Placement
Housing Solutions
Wellness, Research and Development
Expanding Funding Streams for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Advancing Impact via Service Networks

The Dixon Center approach to breaking down barriers and making connections works. Since 2012, our collaboration and capacity building has impacted nearly 2.1 million individuals and organizations. Hear from a few more of the organizations and individuals we’ve impacted; James Slevin, President of UWUA, Joe Tischina – UWUA graduate, Eric Zuhulsdorf – TMAP Graduate,

The needs of our veterans and their families are constantly evolving and are not going away. It takes an agile, learning, and dedicated organization to increase positive impacts for our veterans in communities across the nation. Dixon Center is that organization. Tim Thorne, President, ABF Freight offers his view on Dixon Center’s impact at our 2020 Holiday Reception.

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services weekly “Bugler” has exposed you to our work and programs over the last year. We also launched our Service Before Self podcast, where we engage with individuals and organizations that we work with to achieve our vision and demonstrate the power of collaboration in creating sustainable solutions to the challenges that veterans and their families face.

This past December, Dixon Center had the honor to award several key individuals and organizations who made a tremendous impact in our five focus areas. We wrote about them in our Bugler of 22 December, 2020 and have shared some video clips from the Dixon Center 2020 Holiday Reception in this edition of the Bugler. If you would like to see more clips or the event in its entirety, please visit the Dixon Center YouTube page.

More Posts

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

“Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families”. – Sara Heidenheimer, Program & Administrative Manager, Dixon Center for