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Productive & Inspiring Meetings of the Minds

Productive & Inspiring Meetings of the Minds

“Connecting to, conversing with, and collaborating on ideas with other likeminded people is critical to our overall success as an organization.”– Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development

Recently, Col. Duncan Milne, President, and Eileen Greenlay, Director of Development, of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services visited with funders, introduced themselves to new friends, consulted with our Fedcap partners, and attended networking events during a trip to New York City.During our separate conversations with New York Health Foundation and Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, we uncovered that both Program Officers work together on large initiatives that benefit veterans in New York with some of our partners such as Hope for the Warriors and RAND.At an event at Civic Hall, we were introduced to New York Tech Alliance and Cyber Security Consulting Ops and plan to bring them both on board in our cybersecurity initiatives.While talking cybersecurity with our partner, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Foundation, we also enjoyed finding out that one of our contacts, son of two former Marine Corps veterans and an Army veteran was born on the installation – Camp Pendleton, CA where Col. Milne was stationed for 10 years.Dixon Center – we are the capacity builder, the dot connector, the collaborator seeker, and the strategic partner. And we bring small worlds together.

Col. Duncan Milne and Eileen Greenlay with Leaders of the London Stock Exchange Group’s Veterans Network

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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

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Farewell Vanessa Stergios – Thank You

Farewell Vanessa Stergios – Thank You

“Vanessa Stergios – Fair Winds and Following Seas.”– Duncan S. Milne, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

For the past five years Vanessa Stergios has been an amazing member of our team and served as our Director of Development. At the end of this month we will say farewell to Vanessa as she is taking a position with the National Children’s Alliance. 

Vanessa led our development through the pandemic and through times of certainty and uncertainty. She always ensures our programs have the resources needed. She led through our ground breaking Vision Summit. She managed holiday mailings, end of year requests, tax letters and processing everything from car donations to cyber donations. Vanessa, is a true professional. She goes above and beyond helping implement our women veterans emergency financial assistance program.

Vanessa is always making the lives of veterans and their families better. 

Please join us in thanking Vanessa for her tireless work over the last several years.Our goal is to make this as seamless a transition as possible over the next several weeks. We are fortunate to have Eileen Greenlay in place to take the position of Director of Development effective immediately. 

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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

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American Legion Washington Conference

American Legion Washington Conference

“Through their leadership and expertise in supporting veterans and their families, Dixon Center was a key contributor to the recent American Legion Washington Conference.”– Joe Sharpe, Director, National Veterans Employment & Education Division, American Legion

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services organized, coordinated, and led a panel of thought-leaders, researchers, and practitioners addressing veterans’ mental health and wellness at the American Legion Washington Conference February 26-28. The American Legion Washington Conference brings American Legion leadership, including hundreds of chapter presidents, from across the country, to Washington, D.C. to engage with Senators and Congressional Representatives on the most important issues impacting veterans and their families.Reducing veteran suicide is at the top of the American Legion’s legislative agenda for the 118th Congress and Dixon Center led a discussion that identified not only the challenges that lead to isolation and disconnection in the veteran community, but also identified a holistic approach to wellness that “creates lives worth living.” We also highlighted the need for more research into alternative approaches that can complement traditional methods for mental health and wellness, the need for education and training on gun and ammunition safe storage (70% of veteran suicides involve a firearm), and the importance of including families, along with veterans, in wellness programs.The Legionnaires were engaged throughout, and we concluded with thoughtful and earnest questions from the audience.  Their commitment to enhancing the wellness of the military-connected community was on clear display throughout the conference.

Dixon Center leading a convening of leaders, practitioners, and researchers who are committed to reducing veteran suicide and enhancing overall wellness for veterans and their families (at the American Legion Washington Conference).

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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

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Our Donors Make the Best Ambassadors

Our Donors Make the Best Ambassadors

“Creating and maintaining relationships with our donors is a big part of increasing awareness of our mission.”– Colonel Duncan Milne, USMC (ret.), President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services is engaging our donors. These people give from their hearts and their donations make a real impact. The caring individuals and families who invest in our work are critical to our mission. They allow us to create real solutions that make the lives of our nation’s military veterans, and their families, better. In 2024, our development team is sharing our appreciation to dozens of new and reoccurring donors. We are highlighting the impact their generosity is making. To become an ambassador and support our work: donate today. 

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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

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Season 4 of Service Before Self Launching

Season 4 of Service Before Self Launching

“You can find the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.”– Sam Whitehurst, U.S. Army (RET.), Vice President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

We are excited to announce the launch of Season 4 of the Service Before Self Podcast, sponsored by Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. This season we will engage with thought-leaders in the military and veteran community who are on the leading edge of addressing the evolving needs of transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, families, caregivers, and the families of our fallen. Our first episode in March will feature Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder and CEO of Hope for the Warriors. Robin has been a leader in supporting those who have served and their families since 2006 and her organization was recently awarded the 2023 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award.

If you are an individual or organization that is trying to understand the everchanging landscape of how to integrate veterans and their families into your organizations or communities, join us on the podcast as we will have guests who will share their perspective on the challenges facing military-connected individuals, best practices on addressing those challenges, and innovative ways of delivering services and support.You can find the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform—Spotify, Apple Music, iHeart Radio and others. Subscribe to us so you’ll receive notifications when our episodes are posted and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.  

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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

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Marking 10 yrs of Support from Metzger Foundation

Marking 10 yrs of Support from Metzger Foundation

“Because of Dixon Center, untold numbers of veterans and their families lead productive and successful lives.”– Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation

The Carolyn and Herbert Metzger Foundation has once again stood up for our veterans, with its recent renewal of support to Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.  As a World War II veteran, Herbert Metzger recognized the unique and evolving needs of veterans. For over 10 years, through their Foundation, Herbert and his wife, Carolyn, have dedicated resources to addressing these needs to Dixon Center. This continued support has allowed us to build out several of our workforce development programs and allocate more resources to our health and wellness initiatives.Carolyn and Herbert Metzger committed to living a purpose driven life, both by their words and deeds. Today, their three daughters follow the example of their parents and maintain their legacy of generosity. The Foundation’s partnership ensures Dixon Center is a “go to” resource for all who are part of our network and who join us in our noble purpose – to make the lives of veterans and their families better.With deep gratitude, Dixon Center humbly accepts the trust the Metzger Foundation has placed in our work.

Carolyn and Herbert Metzger

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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

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Freedman Family Foundation Continues Its Support

Freedman Family Foundation Continues Its Support

“Dixon Center brings the most effective partners together to make the lives of veterans and their families better.”– Rick Freedman, Director & Co-President, Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation

Last month, the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation renewed its support of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services with a 4-year grant that will fund our critical work and allow for the expansion of partnerships across our three pillars of Work with Purpose, Heal with Honor and Live with Hope.The Foundation was founded by philanthropists and business leaders Eugene and Ruth Freedman and today is managed by their three children Penny, Nancy, and Rick. The Family’s generosity has made a positive difference in the lives of untold numbers of veterans across the country over the years.This significant, long-term investment ensures success in Dixon Center’s model of moving to crisis prevention, rather than crisis intervention, particularly for women veterans. Dixon Center is deeply grateful and honored to have the continued trust of the Foundation.

Siblings Rick Freedman and Penny Freedman, Directors & Co-Presidents of the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation (pictured right and center), with Dixon Center Chair,David Sutherland (left).

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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

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A Recap of Heal with Honor

A Recap of Heal with Honor

“Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ are effective and true ambassadors on behalf of our veterans who are dealing with or have succumbed to the invisible wounds of war.”– Anne Dunsmore, Founder & President,Angel Force USA

As we closed out 2023, Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services organized, led, and participated in convenings and summits focused on addressing the isolation and disconnection that burdens so many veterans and their families. We joined in frank discussions on how conventional approaches to the high number of veterans dying by suicide are not working, shared new approaches that emphasize the importance of the eight dimensions of wellness, and celebrated in recognizing the sacrifices and service of our Vietnam War-era veterans.At Columbia University during Empowering Veterans-NYC 2023, we brought our expertise in veteran health and wellness to bear by organizing and leading a panel discussion on new approaches to increasing well-being among veterans, and specifically student veterans.

We assisted in organizing and leading the Angel Force USA Stop SuiSilence 2023 Summit in southern California. Over three days, we moderated and participated in thought-provoking discussions on the far-reaching impacts veteran suicide has on communities and how community-based organizations play an integral role in combatting isolation and disconnection among the veteran community. We also recognized dozens of local Vietnam War-era veterans and their spouses in an inspirational ceremony by pinning them with a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative medal.And we advocated for connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with careers that provide purpose and direction, a key component of occupational wellness, in our end-of-the-year Task Force Movement Board and Partner meeting.

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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

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Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

“Working with Dixon Center opened my eyes to the many issues that impact servicemembers during their transition from military service and after.”– United States Army Retired Colonel,Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki

United States Army Retired Colonel Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki serves as the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow.Kenny has been critical over the past year on five projects: 

  1. Assessing our assistance offered to organizations, individuals and communities.
  2. Analyzing our Women Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance geographic impact.
  3. Supporting the development of strategic planning and priorities.
  4. Applying data and attribution to proposals.
  5. Programs analysis for greatest impact based on veteran evolving needs.

The Robert J. McCann Program and Impact Assessment Fellowship is named in honor of Robert J. McCann (March 20, 1926  –  November 29, 2022), a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. McCann was a native of Pittsburgh, PA who raised two sons and was a lifelong advocate for our nation’s veterans and their families.Kenny is exceeding our expectations in his fellowship, applying research focusing on the evolving needs and solutions impacting veterans and their families quality of life.

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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

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2024 Priorities and Focus

2024 Priorities and Focus

“We are poised for a breakout year.”– Duncan S. Milne, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), President,Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services

During several Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services gatherings in November & December 2023, our leadership laid out our priorities, goals and key tasks to achieve our noble purpose to make the lives of veterans and their families better in 2024, and beyond.These priorities include Support for our partners who with our ongoing assistance and capacity building integrate veterans and their families into their existing programs. Growth in our team, the numbers of partners we work with, as well as the number of veterans and military families impacted by our work with other organizations. Profitability, which includes a 12% increase in resources each year.Our leadership motivated our team – staff, contractors, consultants, volunteers, ambassadors, and outside supporters – by directing them on four key tasks to achieve our priorities.

  • Programs and Services – Serve as a resource hub focusing on three pillars, thirteen Programs, and a 2024 goal of eighty projects.
  • Awareness and Engagements – Providing leadership for local and national engagements and outreach, building public awareness; encouraging community involvement; and promoting community-based services.
  • Resource Development – Function as team of leaders stressing donor relations and the donor experience vis-a-vis engagement, recognition, acknowledgement, and stewardship.
  • Marketing and Communications – Everyone is involved in creating, promoting, and facilitating compelling, Dixon Center communications that enhance our work, our reputation, and drive key initiatives making the lives of veterans and their families better.

2024 is underway. We are in a position of financial and programmatic strength, and we are concentrating on our priorities and key tasks focusing on our mission.

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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