For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Rachel Talen, Easter Seals Fallen Soldier Celebrated at Dedication of National Initiative to Help Veterans and Families Local Chicago Program, Easter Seals’ Community OneSource, Used as Model to Emulate Program Nationwide Chicago, July 13, 2012 -- Today, distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the life of Staff Sergeant Donnie D. Dixon – a soldier, husband, father and son who died in the line of duty on September 29, 2007, in Iraq – and dedicate a new partnership in Staff Sergeant Dixon’s name that’s poised to change the lives of military service members, veterans, their families and the families of the fallen across the country. During today’s ceremony, COL David Sutherland, U.S. Army—Retired, presented the Dixon family with a commemorative flag to honor Staff Sergeant Dixon’s memory and ultimate sacrifice, serving as the symbolic launch of the Staff Sergeant Donnie D. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center), which will be based within Easter Seals headquarters at Chicago’s Willis Tower and also in the organization’s office in Washington, D.C. Due to Staff Sergeant Dixon’s heroic acts, COL Sutherland was inspired to create Dixon Center to help address the urgent needs of military service members and veterans. "DixonCenter will be the lighthouse in the troubled seas of veteran re-entry, the magnet of support that attracts desperate needs and provides empowering solutions," said COL Sutherland today. Here to Help Here’s a snapshot of what soldiers who’ve returned fromIraqand those returning fromAfghanistanare facing:
In letters read during the dedication ceremony, Tom Brokaw, legendary newscaster, best-selling author and a trusted news correspondent for NBC News, and Admiral M.G. Mullen, U.S. Navy (Retired), 17th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, shared their thoughts with guests on Dixon Center: “I’m honored to be included in the dedication of the Staff Sergeant Donnie D. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Community Services within Easter Seals. It is an important day and a fitting tribute to an incredible man who, along with his family, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country…I also salute COL Sutherland, Kim Mitchell and Easter Seals for teaming together to better connect, coordinate and collaborate with community-based services and grassroots support for military service members, veterans, their families and families of the fallen through Dixon Center. There is an urgent need to bring Americans together and coordinate the efforts of all those who want to help, but don’t know how or where to start.” – Tom Brokaw in letter dated July 13, 2012 to Dixon Center and Easter Seals “I believe Dixon Center has the potential to be a preminent resource for spirited discussion, relevant advice and consultation, and recognized focal point for change…The leadership of Easter Seals and Dixon Center, in service to our country and dedication to improving the lives of military service members and their families is deeply appreciated.” – Admiral M.G. Mullen, U.S. Navy-Retired, 17th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff in letter dated July 13, 2012 to Dixon Center and Easter Seals “Easter Seals has provided direct services to the military community since World War II. But their needs are greater than ever, especially as the existing and probable safety net is distressingly inadequate,” said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. “Working in partnership with COL Sutherland and Lewis Jordan’s GratitudeAmerica, we’re ready, able and committed to enhance our network and the communities we serve to better assist service members, veterans and their families with the depth and support they deserve.” About Easter Seals Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Visit www.easterseals.com.
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