The Washington DC VA Medical Center (DCVAMC) is very proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its own, World War II veteran, Ms. Alyce Dixon, resident of the Comprehensive Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. On Sept. 12 (Ms. Dixon’s actual birthday is Sept. 11), the entire medical center staff, friends and family of Ms. Dixon and leadership from the VISN 5 (regional) office will gather to celebrate this milestone birthday. (See Ms. Dixon’s biography below). Media inquiries should be directed to Mr. Marvin Cornish, Internal Communications Officer, Office of Public Affairs, at 202-745-5472.

Alyce Dixon's Life Highlights

Alyce Lillian Dixon was the third child and first daughter born in her large family of nine children on September 11, 1907 in Boston, Massachusetts. She had a busy childhood looking after six younger siblings and was like a mother to them.

We know Alyce as a charismatic, energetic, and independent woman and Veteran who loves being with people, going to the Casinos, has a strong faith, and enjoys telling great jokes. She has been a very active CNRC resident for a number of years participating in a variety of activities including many community reintegration outings. She attended a number of trips to the Trump Plaza Casino in Atlantic City and Charlestown, West Virgina, many semesters at the University of Maryland Adult Health and Development Program with the college students, numerous sporting events, and outings to go shopping at Macy's with the recreation therapists. Ms. Dixon had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Nationals Baseball game and meeting the Queen of England and then Prince Charles and the Dutchess of Cornwall on their recent visit. She is great at hosting the jingo group on Wednesdays, never misses a bingo, and successfully held the office of President of the Resident Council in the CNRC, to mention a few.

She enjoyed her 20s which were very interesting times. She was the first secretary at the Lincoln Theatre in 1928 on U Street, NW here in Washington, DC and later worked there as a cashier. She also worked at an insurance company. Alyce married at the age of 23 and in 1931 moved to New York.

She worked from 1940-1943 and was one of the first employees at the Pentagon as a civilian doing administrative work. At that time, she has indicated the Pentagon was not completed being built. She then transitioned into becoming a "buyer" and bought everything from pencils to airplanes. While working at the Pentagon, Alyce recalls she loved to shop at Woodies Department Store which was located inside the Pentagon at the time. Her favorite items to shop for were and still are clothing and jewelry. She then took a leave of absence. She retired from the Pentagon in June 1971 after 35 years with the Federal Government.

In April 1943 she entered the Military at age 31 and completed her basic training in Massachusetts, then to Iowa to do administrative work in the U.S. Army. Alyce was one of the first women to join the Military as a WAC, the Women's Army Corps. She did administrative work and her first camp was Fort Clark, Texas which was a calvary post with a lot of horses. She was also stationed in Scotland, England and France where she played an important role in the postal services during World War II. Furthermore, she received the Good Conduct Medal for her noteworthy service. Overall, Alyce enjoyed her time in the Military.

In addition, Ms. Dixon is very proud of her many years in community service. She is especially proud of serving as a volunteer for 12 years at the Washington Hospital Center. She also volunteered at Howard University Hospital. Her service to others continues today as she is quite helpful to other CNRC residents which includes making sure her roommate is alright.

Alyce has three sisters living and indicated her brothers were deceased. She also has 20 nieces and nephews and quite a few great nieces and nephews. In addition, her nieces and nephews are all over the age of 50. Futhermore, she is in regular touch with her church family and her relatives.

We are honored to have such a special person here today along with her many close family and friends, and on such a special occasion honoring the 100th Birthday of Alyce Dixon.