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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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COLONEL DAVID W. SUTHERLAND,
U.S. ARMY (RET.), CHAIRMAN

COLONEL DAVID W. SUTHERLAND,
U.S. ARMY (RET.), CHAIRMAN

Retired Army Colonel David W. Sutherland is the Chairman of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, where he brings innovative approaches to leverage community-based support to deliver profound results for veterans.

Colonel Sutherland culminated his 29 years of service as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support. In that position, he created a support network providing grassroots solutions for veterans and military families. Prior to that, he served as Combat Brigade Command during Surge Operations in Iraq in 2007-2008.

Colonel Sutherland has been decorated numerous times during his career and proudly wears the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge Second Award, and Senior Parachutist Badge. He is also the 2008 Freedom Award recipient presented by the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation; the 2011 Meritorious Service Award recipient presented by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; the 2013 Commitment to Service Award presented by Give an Hour for his work on behalf of returning service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen; and the 2019 Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award presented by Hope for the Warriors. Colonel Sutherland also holds the title of Honorary Colonel of the 12th Infantry Regiment.

Colonel Sutherland actively contributes to numerous national veteran and military family committees and boards. In addition to his leadership of Dixon Center, he is a trusted advisor to many former senior military leaders including former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commanders, and current and former public and private sector leaders and executives.

He speaks in communities at universities, businesses and conferences around the country as a vocal advocate and leader for transformational change for our service members, military veterans, their families, and the families of our fallen.

Colonel Sutherland received his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and his Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

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Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki, Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

Kaname “Kenny” Kuniyuki, Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow

Colonel (Ret.) Kenny Kuniyuki is a doctoral student with the University of Dayton, and the Robert J. McCann Program Impact Assessment Fellow for the Dixon Center.  He is interested in studying and understanding the contemporary and future needs of veterans and military service members.

Colonel (Ret.) Kuniyuki is an innovative and driven leader with over 24 years of service, including three combat tours to Iraq.  While on active duty, he served as an armor officer, military intelligence officer, and strategic planner.  He has served at the highest level of the military in the Joint Staff, Pentagon, and has worked with the United States’ allies and partners in Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Colonel (Ret.) graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Mandarin Chinese.  He earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University, and a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies.  Colonel (Ret.) Kuniyuki also served as the U.S. Army War College’s Visiting Fellow to the Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.