Purpose

To empower, support and promote continuing education to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students or community members who have actively engaged in volunteer work, leadership roles, and/or initiatives. The goal is to foster a culture of civic responsibility, encourage further involvement in community service, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being and development of the community. Recipients are expected to use their education and skills to ensure that the benefits of the scholarship extend beyond individual achievement to create a legacy of community enhancement.

Background

Air Force Retired Colonel and Vietnam Veteran H. Lee Dixon was born on April 30, 1945, in Glendale, Oregon. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1966, expecting to go into the United States Air Force as a Fighter Pilot, but due to poor vision, was unable to serve in that role and was instead selected as a Ground Control Intercept Controller. Colonel Dixon proudly served in Vietnam for 15 months as a controller from 1967-1969. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal for his honorable service in Vietnam. Other awards include the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

 In 1977, Colonel Dixon got out of the Air Force and Joined the Air Guard. He was selected by Major General Hoyt “Sandy” Vandenburg to work in the basement of the Pentagon where he conducted war planning in a place called Project Checkmate for the next eight years. After Project Checkmate, Colonel Dixon then served at Langley Air Force Base where he was responsible for establishing the Army-Air Force Center for Low Intensity Conflict. After retiring in 1992, he decided to take a break from work to research his family history. The summer he turned 50 he drove his BMW motorcycle over 8000 miles, over three months, throughout the United States to complete that mission. In 1999 he was approached by his neighbor to go to Hawaii for six weeks to work as a Data Collector on an Operational Test for a Department of Defense medical computer program. This led to a position as a sub-contractor, where he played a vital role in the development of the next generation IT system for logistics in the Army called Global Combat Support System (GCSS – Army).

Colonel Dixon was a stellar citizen to the City of Hopewell and surrounding communities. He inspired others to take part in creating a thriving community for all and he truly believed in dedicated service to these communities. He was an active member of many organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 637 where he was a Gold Legacy Lifetime Member. He was elected honorably in 2018 to serve on the Board of Officers as a Post Commander and most recently served as the Post Quartermaster, right up to his passing on March 12, 2025.

Other organizations he was actively involved with include American Legion Post 146, Hopewell Moose Lodge 1472, Petersburg Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and Hopewell Recover Hope. Through his extraordinary selfless service and dedication to the community, Colonel Dixon set a powerful example of what it means to be a remarkable and caring member of society. Colonel Dixon is survived by his lovely and beautiful Wife Donna Dixon, Daughter Michelle Ward, Son-in-Law Matt Ward, and two Grandsons, Ben, and Zander.

Policy

This scholarship is available for citizens of Hopewell, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Prince George County, Dinwiddie County, and Chesterfield County. Priority may be given to citizens who are the child or grandchild of a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 637, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 637 Auxiliary. Preference may also be given to students interested in learning a trade from any trade school. Please visit www.johnrandolphfoundation.org and click on the scholarship link for more information.

Scholarship Applicants Must

  • High school applicants must have a cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 or higher.
  • Attending or expressing interest in attending trade school or college as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student (at least 6 hours per semester).
  • A student attending a two- or four-year higher education institution must be in good standing, which is considered a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Submit a completed “John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application” ONLINE, including the ability to UPLOAD the required “attachments” requested on the application.
  • Demonstrate good citizenship through letters of recommendation from two sources.
  • Demonstrate financial need, and
  • Show dedication to the community by volunteering, especially in military service and patriotic causes.
  • Submit an additional essay (optional, but points are awarded for submission): How a Veteran Impacted My Life.

Criteria Scoring

  • (5) Letters of Recommendation
  • (5) Financial Need
  • (5) Academics
  • (5) Extracurricular Activities
  • (10) Community Service (Include a letter or memorandum from the impacted Community, Veteran, or Organization with details)
  • (5) Statement and Essay
  • (10) VFW-Post 637 Member (Priority given to child/grandchild)
  • (10) VFW-Post 637 Auxiliary (Priority given to child/grandchild)
  • (5) Preference is given to a student planning to attend a trade school
  • Up to 10 points awarded for additional essay: How a Veteran Impacted My Life

Procedure

The scholarship will be paid directly to the school for the current year tuition, fees, books purchased through the institution attended, and on-campus dormitory and meal plan expenses. The scholarship committee will review and evaluate all applications and announce awards each spring. The committee will also review and revise the scholarship policy and criteria, as necessary.

To apply, visit www.johnrandolphfoundation.org, click on Grants & Scholarships and Apply for a Scholarship.

The application and required attachments must be submitted online no later than midnight on February 15. If the above due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, then the deadline becomes the next business day by midnight.

Required Attachments to be uploaded as part of Application process include:

  • Academic Transcript(s) (High School or College whichever applies.)
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (which includes the Student Aid Index (SAI): formally known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC). SAI is an eligibility index number used to determine federal student aid and is generated from the completed FAFSA Application.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (Current)
  • Post 637 Membership Letter or Card
  • Additional Essay: How a Veteran Impacted My Life (If completed)

Failure to submit the online application with all documents attached to the application by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 637, H. Lee Dixon Community Impact Scholarship. The John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Committee reserves the right to interview applicants in the final stages of selection.

The decision of the scholarship committee in all matters regarding scholarships is final. Canvassing a scholarship benefactor, any John Randolph Foundation trustee or employee shall result in immediate disqualification. Scholarship awards are subject to the availability of funds, meeting the criteria as outlined in the guidelines of the individual scholarship program and contingent upon acceptance and enrollment in an approved program.

John Randolph Foundation respects the privacy of scholarship applicants. Any personal or financial information will be used for the purpose of assessing the scholarship application and will be made available solely to the Foundation’s staff and scholarship selection committee. We make every effort to maintain your confidentiality.