Dwight Radcliff was someone who truly made a difference in the lives of many homeless veterans. Dwight was an a tireless worker for U.S. Vets, Inc. which helps thousands of veterans and their families find jobs, homes and counseling. US Vets recently broke ground on a $35 million affordable housing complex for low-income vets in Los Angeles. Radcliff joined the group in 1997 after his own struggle with substance abuse and homelessness. Radcliff played guitar and went on tour with Stevie Wonder in the 1980s. When he died, he played with a vet band called Living Proof. MilitaryConnection.com sends its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Dwight Radcliff.
Official Statement regarding the death of Dwight A. Radcliff
Dwight Radcliff
Los Angeles, August 2, 2010 – It is with deepest regret that U.S. VETS announces the passing of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Dwight Radcliff, 55, who died suddenly on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Marina del Rey Hospital near his home.
“There are truly no words that I can use to describe Dwight Radcliff. He was the most caring, sensitive, practical man I have ever met,” said Keith Ellis, U.S.VETS Chairman of the Board. “I had the honor to serve as his mentor while he was serving as mine; he has taught me what giving back really means. The U.S.VETS Board of Directors and staff are committed to serving veterans 365 days of the year, although Dwight will not be here to lead us, we will move forward in his name and continue his legacy.”
Dwight Radcliff, a Veteran, died fighting for the rights of all veterans. He will be sorely missed and will never be forgotten by all those veterans and family members whose lives have been touched by his dedication. Dwight often referred to veterans as heroes. He will forever be remembered as a heroes’ hero
Dwight Radcliff served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1974. Following a successful career at the Veterans Administration, he joined U.S. VETS in 1997 after serving as the original VA Social Work Associate for the inaugural U.S. VETS site in Inglewood, California. In 1997 he developed and implemented the signature program “Veterans In Progress,” which has now been implemented at all U.S. VETS locations across the nation. He received numerous awards for his service to veterans, including the VA Special Contribution Award, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans “Unsung Hero Award, U. S. VETS’, “Employee of the Year, 2000”, and commendations from Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other civic leaders.
Based on his leadership, his distinguished service, and his commitment to veterans, Dwight was appointed by the U.S. VETS Board of Directors as President and CEO in December 2008. As CEO, Dwight Radcliff led the U.S.VETS team through one of its most difficult — and most successful – periods. He was instrumental in developing the staff and programs that serve thousands of veterans in ten facilities across the United States. Today, U.S. VETS is the largest non-profit provider of veteran housing programs in the country, and is a recognized leader in providing housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support to veterans and their families.
The Board of Directors, the Staff, and the veterans of U.S. VETS extend our heartfelt sympathy to Dwight’s family, who will remain in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.
Funeral services are pending at this time.
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View Comments
Dwight made a huge impact in my life and as a fellow veteran and US staff member, I learn so much from and will miss him dearly. My favorite qoute from him when things got hard as a staff member, he would call me out of the blue ask if I was ok, then he would say," Art as long as we are serving and housing veterans that's all that really matters" My deepest condolenses to his famiy, I am a formely homeless veteran who Dwight made a big difference in my life.
Those of us who created and built what is now U.S.VETS, will forever be bound together in our hearts and minds through our blood, sweat, and tears (literally)all for the purpose of successfully reintegrating homeless veterans. Thousands of lives changed as a result...including ours! Dwight cannot be replaced.
I was very saddened Sunday morning August 1st when I recived the call from another close friend who knew Dwight before I was ready to take a walk on the beach where I live in Manhattan Beach.
There are no words! Dwight was a right on brother! I believe in the mission Dwight stood for and he really was a light beakon and was there for me with US VETS for 3 tough years of my life. I am very saddened!
I saw Dwight in May at the Urban League Center in LA in May where I recieved an Award for Veterans Appreciation Day and sat next to Dwight and had a glass of juice and as always....Dwight was cheerful and full of a zest for life.
It is a terrible loss......but I honestly believe Dwight would want us to keep on fighting, keep on the path, and continue...continue to grow and stregnthen and pick up right where we were.
God bless the family and prayers.
I will always remember Dwight for his Bass playing in our band LIVING PROOF. Your keyboard player Forever.
The Salvation Army Bell Shelter sends heartfelt sympathy to the Radcliff family and the U. S. Vets family. Dwight was a great presence and will be deeply missed.
Dwight is one of those people who come into your life and you will never forget him. He touched so many people in his years serving the Air Force and providing his leadership at the U.S. Vets. He has many adopted family and friends who can't imagine him not being with us. Dwight was open and caring, sensitive, always thinking of others, forever counseling those who needed it. Larger than life in person, his infectious laugh and sense of humor would make you forget your sadness or problems. His untiring drive exhausted us but energized us. He had such grand plans for his life and wanted desperately to make a difference in this world. Needless to say, he accomplished that and much more with flying colors. Darn good base player too.
Dwight,
My little cousin, gone too soon. I will miss your smile. How I enjoyed our family gatherings, we will be together again soon to say good buy to you. The party's will not be the same with out your music. Your in good company now. Love you ! ! ! !