Posted on

WENDY LANG, SENIOR ADVISOR FOR POLICY AND RESEARCH

WENDY LANG, SENIOR ADVISOR FOR POLICY AND RESEARCH

Wendy Lang, Senior Advisor for Policy and Research, through her expertise in developing research-based solutions and building strategic partnerships, and her experience in education policy, research and veteran advocacy, will enhance Dixon Center’s capacity to influence policy, elevate veteran voices, and deliver innovative programs that promote long-term well-being and purpose for those who have served.

Wendy began her career in New Jersey state government, holding leadership roles in K–12 and higher education policy, including Chief of Staff to Senator John H. Ewing and Education Policy Advisor to Governor Christie Whitman. Since founding Operation College Promise in 2008, she has led programming, research, and strategic partnerships supporting military-connected students and families.

Her Completing the Mission research series (2011, 2013, and 2021) has shaped national dialogue on student veterans’ degree completion, including COVID-era challenges. From 2020–2024, Wendy led the Bush Institute’s Higher Education and Employment Task Forces.

Wendy is a frequent national presenter and a founding member of Stockton University’s Veterans’ Advisory Board, which honored her in 2017. Her work has appeared in major media outlets, and she contributed to What’s Next for Student Veterans (2019). A Drew University alumna with a BA and MA, Wendy is also a nationally ranked equestrian.

Posted on

Tatum Causey, Development Specialist

Team Members

As Development Specialist, Tatum Causey assists the development team with donor management, donor engagement and assists Dixon Center in our overall fundraising strategy and execution. 
 
Most recently, Tatum worked for Community Renewal Society as a Donor Relations Associate. Prior to that position, she served as a Program Director for the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicago.
 
Tatum proudly attended college at Iowa State University and graduated with a BS in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. 
 
Tatum has a strong passion for providing resources, support and care for those that need it the most. She enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends and enjoying the beautiful lakes in Michigan.
Posted on

COLONEL DUNCAN S. MILNE
U.S. MARINE CORPS (RET.), PRESIDENT

COLONEL DUNCAN S. MILNE
U.S. MARINE CORPS (RET.), PRESIDENT

Colonel Duncan S. Milne is the President of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

Colonel Milne is an experienced leader with 25 years of active duty combat and non-combat experience in the United States Marine Corps. While on active duty, he primarily served as an AH-1W attack helicopter pilot.  Colonel Milne has served at the highest levels of our military and government, including in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Colonel Milne’s career after active duty has been dedicated in service to those who have had the honor and courage to wear our nation’s military uniform, and he brought his knowledge on interagency coordination and executive-level private sector interaction to the Center in 2015.

Colonel Milne is the recipient of numerous combat, operational, and support awards. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air War College, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Posted on

LATRESE DIXON,
BLUE AND GOLD STAR FAMILY PARTNER

LATRESE DIXON,
BLUE AND GOLD STAR FAMILY PARTNER

Latrese Dixon, a Blue Star mother and Gold Star wife, represents these designations as part of the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

After marrying Staff Sergeant Donnie D. Dixon in 1994, she proudly lived the life of a military spouse, understanding the challenges, solutions, and joys of being a Blue Star family. Since Sgt. Dixon’s death during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, she added to that knowledge the challenges of being a Gold Star wife and mother.

Latrese assists Dixon Center with program and solution development as well as insights and expertise on the practical needs of Blue and Gold Star families. Additionally, she serves as an inspirational speaker on overcoming challenges.

In addition to her work with Dixon Center, Latrese volunteers in the Memphis community, at her children’s schools, and serves as a mentor for at-risk youths. She self-published From Tragedy to Triumph: The Life of a Widow in 2017.

Latrese holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a master’s in Human Behavior/Psychology from Capella University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Capella University for Advanced Studies of Human Behavior/Psychology.

Posted on

COLONEL SAM WHITEHURST, U.S. ARMY (RET.),
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS & SERVICES

COLONEL SAM WHITEHURST, U.S. ARMY (RET.),
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Colonel Sam Whitehurst, U.S. Army (Ret.) serves as Vice President, Programs & Services, for Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

Colonel Whitehurst has served as an infantry officer for 28 years in various command and staff positions both within the U.S. and overseas. His command experience culminated with brigade command in the 10th Mountain Division, and his most recent staff experience was as the 18th Airborne Corps Chief of Staff. His deployments include Bosnia-Herzegovina and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to joining Dixon Center, he served as Director of the Army’s Soldier for Life Program.

Colonel Whitehurst graduated from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree. His advanced degrees consist of a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the National War College, a Master of Science in Military Art and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Louisiana State University and A&M College.

Posted on

EILEEN GREENLAY, DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

EILEEN GREENLAY, DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

Eileen’s primary responsibility is to collaborate with leadership to establish, implement and maintain the infrastructure required to sustain and grow Dixon Center’s financial resources by building on current and forging new private and family foundation relationships, corporate partnerships and government contracts.

In addition to her experience in fundraising, development and volunteering for several local New Jersey non-profits, she brings her expertise in business development, account management, and the execution of many successful marketing programs, corporate sponsorships, and corporate communication programs for large corporations and Fortune 500 companies.

Eileen received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Scranton.

Posted on

SARA HEIDENHEIMER,
PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

SARA HEIDENHEIMER,
PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Sara Heidenheimer is the Program & Administrative Manager for Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

In her current position, Sara handles business administration and social media for Dixon Center, and assists with marketing and special events. Additionally, Sara lends her expertise as a Blue Star family member and Navy spouse to Dixon Center’s many programs and projects.

Prior to Dixon Center, Sara served as the newsletter editor and community services coordinator at Lincoln Military Housing (Now Liberty Military Housing) in San Diego as well as the administrative assistant and program coordinator at the San Diego Armed Services YMCA. In these positions, she facilitated activities to enrich the lives of those in the San Diego military community. Currently, Sara volunteers with several different military- and community-facing organizations.

A proud Texan, Sara received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.

Posted on

ELIZABETH MURRAY-BELCASTER,
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

ELIZABETH MURRAY-BELCASTER,
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Elizabeth Murray-Belcaster consults with Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services on its workforce development programs.

Elizabeth is an expert in veterans training and work programs, consulting with federal and state governments, non-profits, and labor organizations. She has responsibility for leadership, installation training, and coalition building on behalf of the Teamsters Military Assistance Program (TMAP), a national program that assists service members in obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License prior to their leaving the military.

Prior to her work with Dixon Center, Elizabeth served as special assistant to the Teamsters National Military Assistance Helmets to Hardhats program. She co-founded the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), Utility Workers Military Assistance Program (UMAP), responsible for placement of 500 military veterans in this transition program for gas and electric sector jobs. She also founded Heroes to Healthcare (H2HC), an employment program for veterans seeking careers in the healthcare profession.

Sought after for her specialized expertise, Elizabeth sits on the American Legion National Licensing and Credentialing Board and has spoken in front of audiences including the Clinton Global Initiative, the White House Joining Forces efforts, and Soldier for Life.

Posted on

RICHARD PASSARELLI, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Team Members

Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services leverages Rick Passarelli’s expertise managing our veterans’ programs across its three pillars, Work with Purpose, Heal with Honor, and Live with Hope. 

Rick enlisted in the United States Navy in 1982, where he was deployed for two tours of active duty, 1982-1985, and two-years active reserve duty, 1985-87. His deployments included serving in support of combat operations in Beirut Lebanon, and in the Western Pacific. During his service, Rick was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, and the Navy Sea Service Deployment ribbon with silver star, 2nd award. Rick was also awarded a certificate of recognition from the Secretary of Defense for promoting peace and stability for this nation.

After military service, Rick started his career with Peoples Gas where he became a distribution laborer and Senior Pipe Fitter. Rick retired from Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 18007 with 32 years as Business Manager, National Executive Board member, and six years as the UWUA National Director of Veterans Affairs and Workforce Development.

During Ricks tenure at Peoples Gas and the UWUA, he founded the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program (UMAP) in 2011 in partnership with Peoples Gas Executive Team. This workforce development program has served and graduated over 1000 veterans across the United States and is proudly installed in three of the nation’s largest utility providers in Illinois, Michigan, and California.

Throughout his career, Rick has been recognized for his commitment and expertise in serving veterans and his families. His numerous civic awards include Dixon Center’s Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award, Helmets to Hardhats Veterans in Excellence Award, and the American Legion Workforce Development Award,  

Rick is a graduate of the Labor Resident Arbitration and Advocacy Academy, as well as Cornell University’s prestigious NLLI program. Rick is a retired committee member for Veterans in Energy, the Committee for Veterans in Workforce Innovation, and is chair of the Workforce Development Subcommittee for the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council.  Rick continues his passion for working in the veteran community with his new role, aiding Dixon Center in its mission to assist individuals, organizations, and communities integrate veterans and their families into their existing programs.

Posted on

ANTHONY PAOLINO, SENIOR ADVISOR FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND INNOVATION

ANTHONY PAOLINO, SENIOR ADVISOR FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND INNOVATION

Anthony Paolino, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a mission-driven leader who is expanding Dixon Center’s impact and amplifying our reach across all three pillars—Work with Purpose, Heal with Honor, and Live with Hope.   

Anthony is founder of the Rhode Island Student Veterans Organization and the Rhode Island Military Organization (RIMO), where he led efforts to support veterans and their families, including the creation of community spaces in Warwick, RI, and the Military Lounge at T.F. Green Airport.

He continued his service as Military & Veterans Affairs Liaison for U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse before joining General Dynamics. There, he led Military & Veterans Affairs at Electric Boat and later oversaw communications and strategic outreach at the company’s NASSCO division.

Since 2021, Anthony has held senior roles including Chief Strategy Officer at Virtual Veterans Communities, Associate Dean of Students at Golden Gate University, and COO at Student Veterans of America. He also leads Absolute Potential, a firm committed to helping businesses and individuals unlock their full potential through coaching and consulting. He remains deeply committed to higher education and the veteran community, serving as an adjunct professor and nonprofit board member.

Anthony holds a B.A. from Providence College, a graduate certificate from George Washington University, and an MPA from Brown University.