U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Environmental Factor

Environmental Factor

Your Online Source for NIEHS News

December 2023


NIEHS celebrates Veterans Day, kicks off charity drive

Darrell Hixson, NIEHS and EPA chief of security, headlined the event with reflections on time served in the U.S. Army.

The NIEHS community gathered Nov. 9 to celebrate Veterans Day, hear from a local veteran, and learn about three charities supported by the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

NIEHS and National Toxicology Program Director Rick Woychik, Ph.D., welcomed attendees with a remote greeting from Bethesda, Maryland, where he was attending a National Institutes of Health director’s meeting. Woychik is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a surgical nurse during the Vietnam era.

Rick Woychik, Ph.D.
Woychik welcomed the audience with a remote greeting and a “thank you” to all NIEHS veterans. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

“It’s always an honor for me to celebrate our veterans and service members,” said Woychik, who introduced guest speaker Darrell Hixson, NIEHS and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief of security. “I want to express my gratitude not only to Darrell, but also to all NIEHS veterans in attendance for their unwavering commitment and service to our country.”

Hixson, a former U.S. Army Senior Operations and training Non-commissioned officer, began his journey by enlisting as a young man and successfully completing advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia, now known as Fort Moore. Over the course of more than 20 years of active military service, he served in critical roles, including in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment known as “The Old Guard,” the U.S. Army Drill Team, and as an infantry fire team and squad leader.

Darrell Hixson
Hixson shared photos and memories of his 20 years of service with the U.S. Army. (Photos courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS and Darrell Hixson)

A reflection of memories

Hixson presented a slideshow of his travels during service, which included missions to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. From training forces to combating transnational crime cartels to being part of President Ronald Reagan’s funeral procession, he was inspired by new experiences and meeting new people.

“It was a great experience getting to know the people of these nations and these different countries,” said Hixson. “They are great people. Great, great people.”

Although he is thankful for his time in service, his travels, and all the people he met along the way, Hixson said he still has items on his bucket list to check off.

“I have never been to North or South Dakota or Iowa,” he said. “If anybody from the crowd is from those three states, let me know. I will buy dinner.”

Hixson closed by saying that after the Army, he found his next family at NIEHS.

“As long as I’m here, I will give you 110%, and my officers will give you 110%,” he said. “It’s all about service and taking care of one another.”

CFC charities share successes

Three charities that are part of the CFC, which supports the philanthropy of federal workers, presented their missions at the event.

  • The Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for military and veteran families while a loved one is in the hospital. These homes are located at military and Veterans Affairs medical centers around the world. The Fisher House at Camp Lejeune, one of nearly 100 houses, was represented at the event.
  • The Veteran Smiles Foundation provides dental care to North Carolina veterans in need. There are currently more than 720,000 military veterans in the state, but only about 15% qualify for dental care. This Wake Forest-based charity is helping to fill the gap.
  • Based in Durham, Vets to Vets United Inc., unites veterans and dogs with the goal of improving and saving lives. Pairing veterans with dogs can significantly improve a veteran’s life — by providing companionship and help with a mental or physical disability — and save the life of a dog through adoption from a local shelter.

David Balshaw, Ph.D., who directs the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training, spoke about the importance of volunteering either time or donations to charity. He also shared this year’s CFC theme, “Give Happy!”

David Balshaw, Ph.D.
Balshaw encouraged employees to donate either time or money to the charitable cause of their choice. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

“There are benefits not only to people who receive your contributions, but also research shows there are personal benefits to those who give in terms of improved physical and mental health,” said Balshaw.

CFC runs through Jan. 15., and this year’s goal is to raise $75,000.

Attendees watched a slideshow documenting Darrell Hixson’s travels with the U.S. Army. Attendees watched a slideshow documenting Hixson’s travels with the U.S. Army. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)
Sanda Heger Sanda Heger, general manager of the Camp Lejeune Fisher House, shared how the charity provides military and veteran families with a place to stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)
Veteran Smiles Foundation Founder David McCracken Veteran Smiles Foundation Founder David McCracken explained that the charity provides dental care to North Carolina veterans in need. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)
Aimee King (left) and a service dog, Willow Aimee King shared how Vets to Vets United Inc., connects veterans and dogs with the goal of improving and saving lives. King was accompanied by a service dog, Willow. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)
NIEHS volunteers provided cupcakes after the Veterans Day celebration. NIEHS volunteers provided cupcakes after the celebration. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

(Erica Hinton is a contract writer for the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison.)


Back To Top