Fundraiser supports local teacher and decorated veteran facing mental health crisis
Press release from the Dexter family
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Randy Dexter, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and cherished Gainesville-area teacher, is recovering after a recent life-threatening mental health crisis that has left his family shaken and in urgent need of support.
Randy is a two-time Bronze Star recipient, a former combat medic, and the 2022 Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Veteran Educator of the Year. After serving two tours in Iraq, he turned to education to give back to his community. His work as a teacher and speech and debate coach at Frazer School has left a lasting impact on countless students; he previously taught at Westwood Middle School and Gainesville High School.
But the weight of chronic PTSD, medication complications, and deep emotional strain reached a critical point earlier this month. After isolating himself, Randy sustained severe, self-inflicted injuries. In a brief moment of clarity, he sent a final message sharing his location — a message that ultimately saved his life.
Thanks to the swift response of the Gainesville Police Department, who quickly located him and kept him on the phone until help arrived, Randy was safely transported to the hospital. The outcome could have been tragically different without this intervention.
A Family Holding On — And Asking for Help
Since the incident, Randy has remained under close medical care. He is unable to return to work for the foreseeable future, and his wife Becky and their children are facing overwhelming emotional, mental, and financial challenges.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the Dexter family with:
- Emergency medical and psychiatric care
- Ongoing PTSD treatment and trauma recovery
- Daily living expenses during Randy’s recovery
- Lost income and stability for the family
- Resources for the children’s mental health and support
“Randy has always shown up for his country, his students, and his family,” Becky said. “Now we need help showing up for him.”
Click here to help the Dexter family.