Remembering Dwight Radcliff, Hero To Homeless Veterans

by Danny Jensen · 2010-08-05 17:59:00 UTC
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Returning home can sometimes be the most challenging tour of duty a soldier faces, especially if he takes that journey alone. Air Force veteran Dwight Radcliff — who died earlier this week of a heart attack at age 55 — understood all too well the challenges of returning to civilian life and the importance of finding a strong support network.

After overcoming his own struggle with substance abuse and homelessness, Radcliff went on to help thousands of veterans find jobs, homes and counseling as president and chief executive of United States Veterans Initiative, the non-profit that helps veterans in five states and the District of Columbia.  The sudden and early loss of someone who has made a vital difference in so many lives is tragic, but Radcliff's commitment to helping returning vets will surely serve as an inspiration for nationwide efforts to end veteran homelessness.

Only a few weeks ago, Radcliff attended a ground-breaking ceremony for a new $34.9-million affordable housing development near Los Angeles International Airport designed for low-income veterans. Joined by Rep. Maxine Waters, Sen. Barbara Boxer and veterans from each branch of the Armed Services, Radcliff commented on the importance of the new project:

"Affordable housing for heroes is an objective that everyone supports. Veterans are committing suicide at a rate of 18 deaths per day, according to VA reports, and we must realize that the VA alone can't help and can't be the sole answer to these veterans' needs. This is serious work."

The new facility is an excellent example of the types of programs needed to assist returning veterans, but much more still needs to be done. As Paul Rieckhoff, founder and director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, explained earlier this week, the time has come for the Obama administration to deliver results on promises to veterans and for the Senate to pass the End Veteran Homelessness Act. I can't think of a better way to honor the memory of Dwight Radcliff.

Photo credit: Beverly & Pack

Danny Jensen has written for TakePart.com and Intent.com and has volunteered with a variety of homeless organizations and school gardening programs.
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