David W. Sutherland
Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, Executive Director of the Dixon Center

In the final three years of his 29-year career, Col. Sutherland served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with a principal focus on Warrior and Family Support. It was in that position that he visited 329 communities across the nation, meeting with more than 20,000 organizations to listen, educate, and promote improvements in services, supports and opportunities for military service members and veterans, their families and the families of the fallen.

Featuring the voices and perspectives of veterans themselves, this portion of the Summit will highlight the personal stories of struggle and recovery of both veterans and family members. More information coming soon.

Polytrauma, TBI, and PTSD: The Visible and Invisible Wounds:

Objectives include understanding the complexity of trauma that is associated with physical and psychological injuries. Presenter: Peter Graskamp, Clinical Psychologist, Polytrauma Clinic Support Team, Milwaukee VA Medical Center

Veterans Court/Legal Issues:

This workshop will explain the new Veteran Court system in Milwaukee as well as the increased risk for legal issues that veterans face. Presenters: JC Moore, Attorney Supervisor, Milwaukee Public Defender's Office; David W. Kagabitang, LCSW, CACII and Abigail Ziebell, LCSW, Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinators, Zablocki VA Medical Center; Sedoria Outlaw, MA, Program Manager, Incarcerated Veterans Transitional Program, Center for Veterans Issues

Military Families in Civilian Settings: No Family is an Island:

The challenges of being a military family in civilian communities. Meeting your needs and enlightening your community. Presenter: Karen Degner, Military Families Connect Coordinator, Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County; Maryanne Huck, FAC Specialist, MPSC Contractor, Military Family Assistance Center Serving Southeast Wisconsin

Power Breathing and the Research Behind It/Acupuncture:

Part 1: An instructor of the power breathing techniques will share deep breathing techniques that help relax the body and mind and will discuss the results of a research program to evaluate the effects of these types of breathing programs for returning veterans that suggest that this program may help reduce PTSD, anxiety and sleep problems. Presenter: Travis Leanna

Part 2: A licensed acupuncturist will share information on the use of acupuncture and cupping therapy with veterans for PTSD and related symptomology, chronic pain, and addiction (withdrawal, recovery, maintenance). Presented by: Bethani Lynn Bachus, L.Ac., MSOM, BS,  NADA certified

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Among the Military: Treatment Options and Resources for Individuals, Families and Friends

The workshop will provide an overview of the impact of alcohol, prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use on various relationships, screening and treatment approaches and resources available for returning soldiers, clinicians and family. Presenter: Bernestine Jeffers, Women's AODA Treatment/FASD State Coordinator, Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health Services and Mark Flower, Director of Community Programs, Dryhootch of America

Suicide Prevention: Risk and Protective Factors

Participants will develop increased comfort discussing suicide. There will be an overview of the National Veterans Crisis Line and an opportunity to discuss suicide risk factors; the scope of suicide among veterans; why veterans are at greater risk; myths and misinformation related to suicide; and how to identify a veteran that may be at risk. Presenter: Gina Kangas, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Zablocki VAMC

The Transitioning of Military Culture- Focusing on Soldier Care:

Meeting Soldier's and families emotional needs means not only recognizing that behavioral health needs exist and are a normal part of a Soldier's experience but integrating both proactive and solution based reactive responses that result in the most effective resolutions for Soldier's and their families. The panel for this breakout provides an overview of the focused initiatives of the NG and the growing partnership with the Veteran's Administration to accomplish this. Presenters:  Bob Evans, Director of Psychological Health, WI National Guard; LTC Gerald Eastman, Deputy Director, Service Member Support Division, WI National Guard; Jeff Unger, Transition Assistance Advisor, WI National Guard; SSG Jeff Baldovin, Case Manager, WI Employment Resource Connection, WI National Guard.

Women Veterans in Wisconsin/Military Sexual Trauma (MST):

Part 1: This workshop will describe the unique needs of women veteran in Wisconsin; differentiate between agencies offering services; explain where a veteran should start in learning about the benefits they may be entitled to; and provide a deeper understanding of the ways in which women have served in the military, particularly in direct combat functions. Presenters: Jill Felman, Women Veterans Program Manager, Milwaukee VA Medical Center: Carolyn Morgan, Women Veteran Outreach Coordinator, Department of Veteran Affairs

Part 2: MST will be discussed in the context of barriers that victims face within the military culture and recent changes to policy and procedure that encourage reporting and prevention. Presenter: Amber Garfoot, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Wisconsin National Guard

Ending Veteran Homelessness:

The presentation will review the prevalence of veteran homelessness nationwide and statewide/locally; discuss barriers to stable housing; and current initiatives and programs in place relieving veteran homelessness. Presenter: Azael Brodhead, Director of Veteran Resource Center, Center for Veterans Issues (CVI); Berdie Cowser, Director of Housing, CVI

Special Circumstances in Assessing Veterans

This break out will provide resources intended to assist professionals who work with, or are interested in learning more about working with, veterans and military families. This workshop will include special assessment considerations, military culture considerations, substance abuse, and suicide, among others. Presenters: Catherine Coppolillo, Psychologist, and Ashley Schultz, LCSW, OEF/OIF/OND Treatment Team

One goal for the Summit is to forge a Veteran Health Coalition with community providers and partners. The session at 4:00 p.m., "Forging a Veteran Health Coalition", will discuss this vision.