At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live. We also believe that every organization can effectively integrate veterans and their families into their existing community-based programs. Our mission is to ensure both values are made possible. We work at local and national levels to break down barriers and connect individuals and organizations with easily accessible solutions that veterans and military families need to find meaningful employment, education and training, housing, and wellness. As a result, Dixon Center is the “go-to” resource for business and industry, service providers, training institutions, and those who want veterans to reach their potential and participate fully in their communities.

Sutherland Partnership is an organizational consulting firm made up of military veterans aligning strategy, talent and culture for our clients. We work in tandem with you to create the most significant sources of competitive advantage and brand differentiation in business today.Since 2012, the Sutherland Partnership team of combat-tested veterans have been improving behaviors of individual leaders, teams and organizations, while transforming the cultures of companies, large and small, to drive employee performance and achieve spectacular results. What We Do: CORPORATE CULTURE: We help your company define its purpose and core values, then inspire and reinforce the behaviors that deliver extraordinary lasting results.LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: We help your people through coaching, training and supporting leaders at every level so they can be better leaders while delivering extraordinary lasting results.VETERANS INCLUSION: We help your organization find and focus on military veterans by providing solutions and strategies that integrate the most tried and tested segment of the American population into your organization.INSPIRE AUDIENCES: Our collection of speakers will hold your audience spellbound then leave them on their feet with inspirational war stories, profiles of courage and leadership lessons tailored to your audience needs. We’ve seen the effect on esprit de corps and morale when leadership fails, and managers take over. A fortress mentality kicks in and followers hunker down and wait for better days. People at all levels want to work in an organization that is committed to a positive culture and develops them as leaders. Everyone wants to live, work and play in a culture where they can step out, unshackle innovation, take a risk and make good things happen. We get you there!

A deep look into the behaviors and habits of a formidable, dynamic leader, The General's Spy transports readers to the birth of the United States of America. Joining Samuel on his journey - both physical and psychological - as he evolves from a humble family man to a widely respected patriot and ultimately entrepreneur, it becomes clear that true leaders possess and demonstrate certain behaviors. From our nation's days as individual colonies to today's national and even international community, history has seen the rise, as well as the fall, of many leaders and so-called leaders. What we take from The General's Spy is a meaningful lesson in leadership - what it takes to lead people and entire organizations, and perhaps more importantly, to inspire ordinary individuals to achieve greatness.

In the spirit of The Defense of Duffer's Drift and A Message to Garcia, this simple tale offers profound insights on leadership and living with a purpose.Bedu, a shepherd boy from Damascus, is enthralled when King Melchior arrives at his family's simple home with more than a hundred warriors and his beautiful granddaughter, Yasmin, in tow. When Bedu's father offers the king a feast, including a dinner with the family's last seven sheep and four goats, the king gifts Bedu five gold coins and sends him to Judea to replace the herd. But in this magical journey of self-discovery, what Bedu finds is greater in value than any livestock.Travelers have always relied on stars to guide their journey, and Bedu follows the stars to transform from what he 'does' to become who he is truly meant to 'be.'

I finished my three decadesof service, following Brigade Command, as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support. By visiting hundreds of communities and assisting thousands of organizations, I created a nationwide network of support utilizing grassroots solutions for veterans and their families.To achieve this vision, I represented the Chairman, and in concert with other federal agencies, military services and non-governmental organizations, lead the effort to improve the quality of life for returning veterans, their families and the families of the fallen. This mission was accomplished by advising and assisting the Chairman, advocating for warriors and families, promoting successful family programs across and shaping appropriate legislation and policy.

I was commissioned an Infantry Officer in 1983 and hold a Bachelor's degree in History and Economics and a Masters in Strategic Studies. I attended all levels of military education including Airborne, Ranger, Jumpmaster, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) as both a student and Seminar Leader. I have served in staff positions from Battalion through Division. While assigned as a Brigade staff officer I deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Vigilant Warrior in 1994. I have also commanded at all levels from Platoon through Brigade. As a Company Commander I deployed to South West Asia as part of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While commanding 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team “Greywolf,” 1st Cavalry Division I deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I served as the Coalition Force Commander in Diyala Province from October 2006 – December 2007 which included surge operations. I have served on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon since giving up command in March 2008. I have served as a Division Chief in J5, Deputy Directorate Middle East and as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warriors and Family Support.

Serves as Regional Division Chief in the J5 Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate responsible for formulating and coordinating strategic planning and providing political-military recommendation to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff on issues relating to the Middle East. Responsible for developing political-military advice and policies for military strategy planning guidance and policy, military positions in projected and ongoing international negotiations, and interagency coordination within the Middle East. Coordinates daily with interagency leaders in the office of the Vice President, National Security Council, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of State, and the Central Intelligence Agency. Establishes mechanisms to facilitate interagency planning and creates frameworks to guide strategic planning and conditions setting.

Commander of a 3,985-Soldier Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) with the mission of preparing for full-spectrum combat operations at Fort Hood, Texas and conducting those same operations to establish security throughout the Diyala province, Iraq. In Iraq this included continuing the development of Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army forces, developing a working and cohesive provincial government and the reestablishment of essential services. Responsible for ensuring detailed planning and execution of operations in Diyala province and caring for the general welfare, morale, safety and maintenance of good order among the Soldiers at Fort Hood and in combat, while caring for the family members. Ensuring proper accountability and maintenance is performed on over $9 billion in property.

Responsible for all aspects of the tactical academic department of the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) with 99 instructors/authors assigned. Direcotrate oversight for planning and execution of Tactical Studies Block in Common Core Curriculum, Advanced Operational Warfighters Course II and III to over 900 students annually. Education includes Brigade through Corps level tactical instruction at College level. Also responsible for international student exchanges with Canada, Germany, France, and Belgium; and multi-service and interagency support to Department of the Army exercises. Additionally, responsible for an internal leader development program that ensures all warfighting instruction is relevant to the current operating environment.