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Operation Burn Pits

Operation Burn Pits

In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of the Southwest Asia theater of military operations, open-air combustion of trash and other waste in open burn pits was a common practice and created an “Airborne hazard“.

The VA contends that evidence is lacking as to the long-term health effects to service members and veterans exposure to burn pits during active duty. However, its own fact sheet on burn pits notes both short-term and long-term effects can occur from the airborne smoke, causing burn pit diseases and conditions.

The VA fact sheet on burn pits says exposures to high levels of specific, individual chemicals that may be present in burn pit smoke have been shown to cause long-term effects. In some cases, it may negatively affect one’s: skin, respiratory system, eyes, liver, kidneys, central nervous system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services‘ Operation Burn Pit is addressing the toxic wounds of war through advocacy, partnerships and outreach. Our goal is for the VA to recognize that veterans being treated for certain types of cancers, tumors and illnesses caused by toxic exposure during service receive a presumptive service connection. To this end, the VA will presume that certain disabilities are caused by military service and exposure to airborne hazards. This presumption is because of the unique circumstances of a specific veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a veteran in a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation and services.

Dixon Center is a partner with several other organizations, mobilizing a national advocacy and awareness effort designed to engage policy makers, while forcing recognition of burn pit exposure. These include misunderstood injuries to the respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, chronic pain, and certain rare cancers, as well as Post Traumatic Stress and Toxic Brain Injury.

You can learn more about the toxic effects of burn pits and our work addressing the issue during our Podcast Service Before Self Episode 004: History Repeating Itself: Exposure to Burn Pits and the Legacy of Agent Orange with Rosie Torres, Executive Director of Burn Pits 360.

In this episode Dixon Center VP of Programs and Services, Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, your host, is joined by Rosie Torres, the executive director of Burn Pits 360, our partner organization addressing the effects of exposure to burn pits.  

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Designating Dixon Center In Annual Charitable Giving

Designating Dixon Center In Annual Charitable 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.

Our mission and our service delivery model are more important and even more on-point than ever before. Dixon Center is built to be responsive to the evolving needs of our veterans and their families. Despite the pandemic, we have been able to respond to these needs. 

As isolation has impacted people everywhere, we know deep human emotions can be compounded by war trauma and other difficulties our Nation’s veterans face. Imagine, being a highly trained, well-regarded service member, with a platoon of brothers and sisters always at your side; a steady income, good benefits and stable housing. Separation from the military often brings veterans home to their communities where they may have limited employment opportunities, complex wellness issues with limited resources, a place where their friends have moved on or away, and may face uncertainty in how to re-connect.

Dixon Center’s approach is working because 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 see the effect we are having by reviewing our Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services 2020 Annual Impact Report .

Your support provides assistance where it’s needed and changes lives. Keep us on the front lines and we can accomplish our goals for 2021 and beyond:

  • Work with Purpose – Increase opportunities for veterans and their families into careers that pay a family wage.
  • Heal with Honor – Leverage more organzations to include veterans and their families in their wellness direct-service programs while never losing sight of their dignity as human beings.
  • Live with Hope – Grow and improve our veterans ability to access affordable housing. Not just a roof over their head, but a secure place in a society that values their abilities.

As we look ahead to 2021, 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.

For questions about giving, please contact Vanessa at vstergios@dixoncenter.org.

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UWUA, Tim Thorne, and Rick Passarelli Recognized

UWUA, Tim Thorne, and Rick Passarelli Recognized

On 15 December Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services recognized organizations and individuals committed to addressing the well-being of veterans and military families.

Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award
The award is named after 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, the Utility Workers Union of America, actively trains military veterans to work in the electric, gas, steam, water, and nuclear industries. Of note, the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program provides returning veterans with the training needed as gas sector utility workers to successfully transition into job opportunities, resulting in more than 700 veterans since 2011 earning licenses and credentials leading to careers that provide family wages and full benefits.

2020 Eugene & Ruth Freedman Leadership Award Recipient: Utility Workers Union of America UWUA President James Slevin accepting the Award on behalf of the UWUA 50,000 members.

Herbert Metzger Service Award
Herb Metzger epitomizes the spirit of veterans who are wired to serve. This week, Herb’s youngest daughter Holly presented the award to Tim Thorne, President of ABF Freight.

Mr. Thorne is an Army veteran and prior to separation achieved the rank of Captain. He has served ABF Freight in many capacities, from President to Supervisor Assistant.

Under Tim’s leadership ABF Freight joined with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters into the Teamsters Military Assistance Program (TMAP), a joint training program to help service members transition from military service to civilian careers as professional truck drivers.

In Tim’s words, “During this program, if service members provide the will to succeed, then ABF teaches them the skill to not only meet but exceed certification requirements.” 

2020 Herbert “Herb” Metzger Service Award Recipient: Tim Thorne Tim Thorne receiving the award for his direct leadership supporting veterans and their families.

Michael Yauger Point Man Award
Mr. Richard Passarelli received this award in recognition of his leadership transitioning fellow veterans from service to civilian careers.

In an Army formation on patrol, the point man takes responsibility for others and assists them as they move through challenging terrain. This particular award, named for that role and responsibilities and in honor of Michael “Mick” Yauger, recognizes the recipient’s forward leadership in supporting others through challenging times and/or transitions.

Rick Passarelli is a veteran of the United States Navy and the founder of the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program in partnership with Peoples Gas Executive Team, Rick most recently joined the UWUA National staff and now holds the position of UWUA National Director of Veterans affairs and workforce development Under National President James Slevin for the UWUA.

Many veterans who Rick has supported have successfully graduated the UMAP program, going on to satisfying employment that enables them to succeed where they live. 

2020 Michael Yauger Point Man Award Recipient: Richard Passarelli Rick Passarelli receiving the award for leading from the front.

We congratulate all these honorees.

For more information about their work with Dixon Center or how you might contribute to our programs, contact Vice President of Programs and Services, Retired Army Colonel Sam Whitehurst: swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

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