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Memorial Day – Remember, Honor, & Celebrate

Memorial Day – Remember, Honor, & Celebrate

“The second we forget about them they are gone…and so is a part of us.”

– Colonel Duncan S. Milne, U.S. Marine Corps (RET.), President,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military Services is preparing for Memorial Day.

This Memorial Day Weekend, we will remember the sacrifices and achievements of our service members – and their families – who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on active duty in our nation’s armed forces.

Members of our team, and our families, will be participating in community and national celebrations. These include reflections during speeches, flag placements, precessions of colors, parades, an air and sea show, concerts, and swearing in ceremonies for our next generation of service members.

As you prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend, consider sharing a moment of silence with others. Take some time to remember.

You can share your memories on Dixon Center’s Facebook Wall or by making a memorial tribute on our website.

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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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Dixon Center Updates One-Pager

Dixon Center Updates One-Pager

A one-page overview of our work is a common request from potential donors and partners. However, it is a great tool for all of our staff, partners, donors and friends to use in promoting our work. 

– Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development

Recently, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services reviewed and updated critical collateral linked to our outreach efforts. One of these documents is our one-page profile, or One-Pager. It summarizes our work and impact. We use it as a point of reference for discussion and to create interest for further engagement and learning.

Dixon Center’s One-Pager is a quick read and convenient for sharing. Click here to access the 2024 Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services One-Page Overview.

If you are interested in learning more about our partnership opportunities, please contact Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.

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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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Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs in Trucking

Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs in Trucking

“Veterans are hard-wired to be successful entrepreneurs, especially in the trucking industry. It comes down to connecting them with the right training opportunities and mentorship—this is Driven by Equity.”

– Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services,
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services announces the formation of the Driven by Equity (DbE) coalition with our partners, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), Task Force Movement, and the Minority Professional Truckers Association (MPTA).

As the architect of the coalition, Dixon Center defined the challenges facing veteran entrepreneurs in the trucking industry, identified and collaborated with partners in the business and veteran community to develop solutions to those challenges, and is now leading an effort to create a pilot program to be launched this fall in New Jersey. The Driven by Equity initiative will equip truckers who are veterans with the training and tools to be successful entrepreneurs, especially for women veterans and veterans from underrepresented communities.

Dixon Center and our partners, AACCNJ, MPTA, and Task Force Movement, at the launch of the Driven by Equity Coalition in New Jersey on April 22, 2024.

Approximately 91% of trucking businesses in the U.S. are small businesses, yet there is currently no formal education or certification program available to them. The Driven By Equity Initiative seeks to fill this gap by connecting industry experts with potential and current veteran owner-operators, providing them with a roadmap to success.

An example of Dixon Center addressing the evolving needs of veterans and their families and creating pathways for them to be productive, successful members of their communities.

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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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Supporting ESGH & Partners

Supporting ESGH & Partners

“Your visit was truly a catalyst for a lot of great relationship-building, communication, and idea-sharing.  You make us better!”

Christine Ellery, Program Director,
Camps & Case Management
| ToyTech | Adult Program | Veterans Program, Easter Seals Greater Houston

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services recently visited Easter Seals Greater Houston and their fifteen Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) Grant Program partners.

During our visit, Colonel (Ret.) Duncan Milne and Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, President, and Vice-President of Dixon Center, met with, engaged, and most importantly, listened to the TV+FA partners on what’s working, challenges they have encountered, and ideas on how to improve delivery of services.

Dixon Center and our partners in southeastern Texas are creating holistic solutions to the evolving needs of veterans and their families.

The TV+FA Grant Program was created to improve the quality of life of Texas veterans and their families. Their aim is to expand the availability of, increase access to, and enhance delivery of mental health services and treatments.

Dixon Center organizes and leads convenings that are critical to successful execution of the grant and to ensure that the veteran community in southeastern Texas can access quality wellness programs and other supportive services.

We’ll now take what we learned and turn it into solutions and present it to TV+FA partners later this year to ensure that veterans and their families reach their full potential in Houston and the surrounding communities.

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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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Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11

Twenty years ago, our world was changed forever. On September 11, 2001, most of us witnessed an act of cowardice and terror that has left generations searching for answers, answers that many are still looking for. The courage and commitment of our military and their families has been tested time and time again since that fateful day and the resilience of our warriors has been on display. Through it all we have seen the best of what this nation has to offer through the service of the men and women who stood up to the challenge and led when others would not. Now is the time to listen.

Listen to those who have served, not just in the last twenty years, but for all conflicts where the bravest of the nation have answered the call of service when asked to step up. Open your ears and listen, there are many stories to be told. Some of great valor and sacrifice, and some of terror and dismay. All the stories need to be heard, we owe it to all of the veterans who struggle with the impacts of war trauma during the darkest hours of the night and when they wake every morning. Reach out to your friends and family members that have been touched by military service…and listen.

Our nation remains grateful for the security we have lived under since that fateful day. Our call to action is to redouble our efforts to support our military, veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen. The needs of this most cherished population are not going away but will continue to evolve, as new challenges emerge impacting those exposed to the vileness of armed conflict. 

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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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Sharing Solutions Broadly

Sharing Solutions Broadly

To ensure that veterans and families succeed where they live, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services team uses our research and experience to provide influence, share ideas and build & sustain actions that organizations use to impact veterans. 

Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services at Dixon Center leads a discussion with Colonel (Ret.) Greg Gadson and Colonel Ken Wilson on the challenges facing wounded/disabled veterans at the “Honoring the Hurt and their Heroes” Event.​Enter an important note here

We envision a future in which all veterans and their families live a full and satisfying life in the community. This is possible if every organization can effectively integrate veterans and their families into their existing community-based programs. To this end, Dixon Center has participated in a series of important events to build public awareness, encourage community involvement and promote grassroot solutions that can be replicated in local communities.

  • Dixon Center, the University of Chicago, and other partners hosted the “Honoring the Hurt and their Heroes” event at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago.
  • Dixon Center, along with other partners in the Clear2Connect Coalition, met with congressional staff members to continue to advocate for veterans who suffer from significant to profound hearing loss.
  • In Episode 14 of the Service Before Self podcast, Dixon Center highlighted the work of the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the Department of Labor.
  • Dixon Center also continues to spotlight the work of the Prudential Financial Wellness Portal, Veterans Plus, and Soldier On in ensuring that military members and veterans are armed with the knowledge and resources to be prepared financially to succeed in the communities where they live.
  • Dixon Center and ConsenSys Health, an industry-leading healthcare technology company, are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Virtual Veteran Health Summit that will be held on September 22. The summit will include healthcare thought-leaders from across academia, the private sector, research institutions and the federal government. Learn more and register here to attend. Veterans who are making a difference in the lives of wounded/disabled veterans. L to R: Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center; Colonel (Ret.) Greg Gadson, advocate for wounded/disabled veterans and their families; Colonel Ken Wilson, Director, Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and Dr. Terrell Odom, Director of Office of Military-Affiliated Communities at the University of Chicago.​Enter an important note here

This is a snapshot of what is possible through collaboration with federal and state agencies, private-sector partners, organized labor, community-based organizations, and other non-profits. It’s a whole of society approach.
If you want to join in this inspiring work and explore what is possible, contact Colonel (USA, Ret.) Sam Whitehurst, Vice President, Programs & Services, at swhitehurst@dixoncenter.org.

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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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Service Before Self Ep. 14

Service Before Self Ep. 14

Dixon Center for Military & Veterans Services, Service Before Self, a podcast that tackles the evolving needs of veterans and their families, based on the belief that veterans can succeed in the community where they live.

Listen to Challenges Faced by Disabled Veterans with Louis Orslene, Supervisory Policy Advisor in the Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP). ODEP is an agency within Department of Labor that is focused on helping employers and organizations not only support the 4.7 million disabled veterans, but disabled Americans writ large.  

In this episode, your host, Retired Army Colonel Sam Whitehurst, Dixon Center Vice President of Programs & Services, and Mr. Orslene, discuss the policies, programs, and practices that are creating opportunities for those that are disabled and how organizations and communities can more effectively transition those with disabilities, including disabled veterans, into the workforce.

This is an example of Dixon Center’s approach to connecting communities and organizations to resources so that they can better integrate veterans and their families into their existing programs.

Subscribe To/Follow Service Before Self Podcast

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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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July – August 2021 Financial Recap

July – August 2021 Financial Recap

Prudential Financial, INC., has made a $50,000 grant to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services to support our critical work in making the lives of our veterans and their families better.

The grant from Prudential provides resources to develop and sustain our work in workforce development and career placement. Dixon Center will achieve this by working with organizations providing vocational training in high-growth industries, women veteran wellness support, work readiness skill building and careers — all targeted to assist veterans achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Prudential has been a critical and key Dixon Center partner since 2013 when they became our first corporate sponsor. For this support, we were proud to present Prudential with the 2018 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award to recognize their committed to addressing the well-being of veterans and military families.

Thank you Prudential for your leadership, support and encouragement.

If you are interested in learning more about our work and joining our partnerships contact Vanessa Stergios, Director of Development at vstergios@dixoncenter.org. 

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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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Fighting Together for Veterans & Families

Fighting Together for Veterans & Families

“Together we stand strong.”

– Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (RET.), President
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is a member of The Fedcap Group, founded in 1935 by three World War I veterans. The Fedcap Group is a global network of top-tier nonprofits, with a platform for over 20 companies to deliver proven services and solving systematic problems. 

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services recently updated The Fedcap Group leadership on our first quarter accomplishments, and our strategy for programs/services, growth and profitability during 2024.

Specifically, we shared:

  • In 2024 Dixon Center has achieved an increase in revenue, the highest first quarter level raised, ever.
  • Our assessment that statistically 10% of The Fedcap Group’s clients are military connected (veterans, military and veteran families, families of the fallen) with the Group helping them achieve long-term economic wellbeing.
    • Workforce Development to include job training in high growth sectors, job placement and post placement support.
    • Educational Services for children, youth and adults.
    • Health Services that promote stable participation in the workforce.
    • Economic Development targeted to helping people and communities achieve economic equity.
  • Dixon Center shared our two-year growth plan including the addition of 7 new employees in development, marketing & communications, and program management.
  • Lastly, Dixon Center shared plans for our Annual Holiday Reception in December 2024 at Civic Hall in New York City.

We are working with the Fedcap companies. They use us as a resource hub for actions, ideas, influence, and resources so together we can make the lives of those touched by military service, better.

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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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Investment in Our Work with Purpose Programs

Investment in Our Work with Purpose Programs

“Our partnerships allow us to assist veterans and their families achieve economic empowerment.”             
– Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is honored to announce a large, multi-year grant from a partner foundation for our Work with Purpose programs. This investment allows us to continue to grow our work with organizations assisting transitioning service members, veterans, and their families to achieve economic empowerment.

At Dixon Center, we have one goal – to see every member of the military become a successful, contributing member of their community once they leave military service. A key factor in that success is what we call meaningful employment.  It’s not about having a job, it’s about a career. 

Though our partnership and the foundation’s investment over the past year, Dixon Center has enabled over 4,000 military-connected individuals to be trained, licensed/certified, and placed in careers in the utilities sector, building trades, transportation and maritime industries, and other industries. 

As this partnership enters our 9th year, this grant will allow us to build on the success we’ve achieved in assisting thousands of veterans across the nation with the opportunity to work with purpose.

If you are interested in learning more about our projects leading to Work with Purpose for veterans and their families and joining our partnerships contact Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development at egreenlay@dixoncenter.org.

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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