As First Allies of the United States during the Revolutionary War, the Oneida Indian Nation continues its legacy of supporting the country by honoring the distinguished members of the military. In celebration of Veterans Day, the Oneida Nation will host its 14th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, November 1 at 9:00 a.m., honoring military members from across Central New York.  The event’s keynote speaker is Colonel Brian T. Dixon, a Central New Yorker who has served in the Army Reserve for more than 25 years.

In the Army Reserve, Col. Dixon served in a variety of engineer, individual training, joint, collective training, and professional development units.  Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he currently commands the Contingency Response Unit (CRU) headquartered in Washington, D.C.  His prestigious awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge.

During Saturday’s event, the Oneida Nation will also present a donation to Feed Our Vets, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully-stocked food pantries for veterans in need.   The organization is based in Utica and was founded by Navy veteran Richard Synek. To learn more about Feed Our Vets, visit FeedOurVets.org.

The Oneida Nation’s 14th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony and breakfast is open to invited individuals and groups from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Oneida Room. Col. Dixon is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m.