• Don DeBolt, President

The International Franchise Association has a long history of support for enterprising veterans. They were first on the map with the original "VetFran" initiative in the early 1990s. Franchisers participated to express their thanks to transitioning Gulf War veterans. In February 2002, IFA and VA formally committed to a new partnership, one that reflects the needs of today's veterans. In September, a national publicity campaign began for the new "Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative" and our phones haven't stopped ringing! "VetFran," enables veterans to acquire a franchise with down payment of 10 percent or less of the initial franchise cost. IFA's members are providing incentives by discounting their normal franchise fee. Today, over 75 association members have signed up for VetFran. IFA will continue rolling out VetFran to its entire membership, but has initially targeted those franchises that are available with a modest investment.

"Big Bob" Green visited the Center for Veterans Enterprise in March 2002 seeking marketing tips on how to sell to VA. As a service-disabled veteran who owns an office supply business, Bob wanted to learn about the Federal Veterans Entepreneurship Program. Armed with information about this new program, Bob went back to his DAV Chapter and spread the word. Since then, the DAV DC chapter has referred many veterans in business and veterans seeking to open a business to the CVE for guidance. The Commander welcomed CVE staff in planning the Chapter's Anniversary event and included Economic Development workshops in the agenda. Ms. Pittman has alerted DAV's National Office to the importance of establishing Business Ownership as a platform initiative for the National Conference in Dallas. We truly appreciate the efforts of the DC Chapter Officials in keeping their membership up to date on this developing program.

Service Disabled Veterans Business Association
Washington, DC

• John K. Lopez
  Chairman
• Larry Rhea
  Vice President of Operations
• Joe Wynn
  Program Manager

The Service Disabled Veterans Business Association is not-for-profit organization managed by veterans. A division of the Association of Service Disabled Veterans, SDVB's mission is to provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for service-disabled veterans through the Javits-Wagner O'Day Program (JWOD). The JWOD program permits Federal agencies to directly negotiate requirements with approved sources. In April 2002, SDVB received a 5-year, $12 million contract to maintain VA's headquarters. This was the result of a coordinated effort by personnel from General Services Administration, VA, SDVB and its Patriot Partner, Consolidated Engineering Services. This is a win-win for veterans and for VA Headquarters staff.

Procurement Assistance Center, Riverside, CA

• Dr. Gail Zwart
  Dean, Office of Economic Development
  Riverside Community College District
• Lane Stafford
  Director, Procurement Assistance Center
• Deborah Slayton
  Procurement Specialist, Procurement Assistance Center

Defense Contract Management Agency, Santa Ana, CA

• Laura Robello
  Assistant Director, Small Business Office

In October, the year's most successful outreach event for enterprising veterans was held in San Bernardino, CA. Jointly sponsored by VA's Center for Minority Veterans, the Center for Veterans Enterprise, the Riverside Community College Procurement Assistance Center and the Defense Contract Management Agency, the lion's share of work was borne by the DCMA and PTAC staffs. More than 500 veterans and service-connected veterans participated in 3 tracks: Veterans Benefits, Veterans Entrepreneurship and Selling to the Government. 300 small business owners had the opportunity to network with more than 100 large, Federal prime contractors. Veterans not yet in business learned of the extensive support network available to assist them. This was the second Veterans Economic and Business Development Summit conducted by DCMA and the PTAC. We hope to see this tradition continued every year!

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Baltimore, MD

• William Ritter
  Director, Procurement Administration
• Darlene Easley
  Manager, Socio-Economic Programs
• Bruce Schneider
  SBLA, Socio-Economic Programs

Leaders lead the way. This is especially true in small business advocacy programs. The leadership of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems Division in Baltimore is firmly committed to enterprising veterans. Last year, two programs were conducted for Northrop's Program Managers. The first awareness session was internal. The second brought Corporate decision makers together with veterans and service-disabled veterans selling services and products used by the Baltimore facility. Bill, Darlene and Bruce consistently emphasized the importance of supporting enterprising veterans through their comprehensive internal training and communications. Bruce Schneider also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Central Maryland Veterans Business Advisory Board, working with the Small Business Development Centers, SBA's Veterans Business Development Officer and veteran entrepreneurs in Maryland. Internal focus. Community Outreach. Consistent communications. Access to opportunities. That's why Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is this year's Corporate Champion of Veterans Enterprise.

U. S. Patent and Trademark Office

• Larry Cogut
  Director of the Office of Acquisition Management
  Office of Chief Information Officer
• Janet Carlson
  Chief, Information Technology Division
  Office of Procurement
• Sylvia Van Dyke
  Contracting Officer, Information Technology Division
  Office of Procurement
• Larry deSpain
  Contracting Officer's Technical Representative
• Anice Ogden
  Cost & Price Analyst, Information Technology Division
  Office of Procurement
• Lisa Obayashi
  Attorney, Office of General Law

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is being recognized for their teamwork and innovation in crafting opportunities for veterans in business. In September, the Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance Team awarded two contracts. Proposals were evaluated on utilization of small businesses as teaming partners and subcontractors. Use of veteran-owned small businesses received the highest technical credits. Seven subcontractors were proposed by the two successful offerors. All of them were veteran or service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The SETA Team estimates that approximately $10 Million will be earned by these subcontractors over the term of the contracts. That's Best Practices in Veteran-owned Small Business Contracting Programs.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VHA Supply Standardization Program Team

• Peggy Thames
  Supply Program Analyst
  VHA Office of Clinical Logistics
  
• Loretta Hendrix
  Contracting Officer
  National Acquisition Center
  
• Carl Hunter
  Team Leader Management Analyst
  Acquisition Resources Service
  
• Mark Volin
  Management Analyst
  Acquisition Resources Service

"Yes, we can." One voice creating an opportunity. One voice persuading others to "Buy Veteran." Peggy Thames is that voice. She responded to a call from John Nicholas, President of MISHUA, Inc., a disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned small business. MISHUA sells bathroom cleaning supplies. In her capacity on VHA's Supply Standardization Program Team, she collected MISHUA's marketing information. She initiated price comparisons and then alerted the rest of the team to a potential requirement with a service-disabled veteran-owned business. The process of developing an item for the Standardization Program is extensive. Research took several months of effort by the entire team. Part of the analysis found that VA was purchasing 19 different types of Bowl Cleaners and 20 different types of Disinfectants. Other findings identified that some VA facilities had been individually using MISHUA for up to 8 years. Their performance record was examined and found to be satisfactory. In January, MISHUA received a five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement for bathroom supplies. This mandatory agreement applies to all VA medical centers. It may also be used by other Federal agencies. The BPA is valued at $160,000 annually, just for VA. Thank you Peggy, Loretta, Carl and Mark for opening the doors of opportunity for this firm.

The Acquisition Operations Service - Fort Detrick division sets a high bar for performance with service-disabled veterans and veteran-owned small businesses. VA and the Department of Defense have many partnerships. Because of our mutual responsibilities to protect citizens during times of crisis, this VA contracting activity is located on a military installation. It supports both civilian and military requirements. Defense personnel have embraced creating business opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. VA's Fort Detrick office has a history of exceeding Secretary Principi's performance goals for veterans and service-connected disabled veterans. They were recognized in 2001 with a special commendation from the Secretary. In 2002, 11.73% of their dollars went to veteran-owned small businesses and 6.17% of their dollars were spent with service-connected disabled veterans. For their sustained, superior effort, we are pleased to recognize the Fort Detrick contracting staff as Federal Sector Champions of Veterans' Enterprise.

Individual Achievement Awards

• Charles Nesby
  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  Director, Center for Minority Veterans
  Washington, DC

Chuck Nesby is simply a great guy. He directs VA's Center for Minority Veterans. Since reporting to VA last year, he has stepped forward and volunteered the resources of his office, that's both time and money, to promote business development and expansion for veterans. Created in 1994, the Center for Minority Veterans assesses the needs of minority veterans and baselines their satisfaction with VA's services. Additionally, the Center proposes new programs to improve utilization and access rates. Economic development and job creation are matters of great concern to Mr. Nesby. As a true Champion, he has stepped forward, initiating collaborations between VA and private organizations. These discussions resulted in the July 2002 Veterans Summit, a comprehensive planning meeting that included advocacy groups, business associations, elected officials and Federal small business leaders who committed to roll-out a multi-year outreach program to expand the veterans' business base. More recently, his office co-sponsored the Veterans Economic and Business Development Summit in Riverside, CA. We look forward to seeing what new initiatives Chuck plans to introduce this year!

• Shapleigh Drisko
  U.S. Department of State
  Government Advocate for Veterans Enterprise

In March of 2001, VA'S Center for Veterans Enterprise created the Government Advocates for Veterans Enterprise (GAVE) work group. These volunteers champion access for veterans within their agencies. Shap Drisko at the Department of State was one of the first volunteers to join the Advocates. He embraced the challenge of achieving the 3% goal for contract awards to service-disabled veterans. The State Department's annual procurement budget is $2 billion dollar. As a result of Shap's efforts, the State Department led Federal agencies with comparable budgets in this goal category. Shap wasn't satisfied because State had not met the 3% goal. So, in FY 2002, he arranged a Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Exposition at the State Department's Main State Exhibit Hall in Washington, DC. This conference featured Secretary of State Colin Powell. Fox News Network and CNN covered the event. Shap has also been formally recognized as the Veterans Business Advocate for the State Department. Vision. Focus on continual program improvements. Forging new pathways to opportunities for veterans and service-disabled veterans. That's Shap Drisko's passion. We are pleased to recognize his work on behalf of enterprising veterans.

• Robert Looker
  President and CEO
  SATCO, Inc.

Since 1968, SATCO has been the pioneer in design and manufacture of air cargo equipment. As a good business owner must do, Robert Looker listened to his customers - engineers for the world's airlines and followed their needs. SATCO is known for no-nonsense quality and for design innovations that continually place the firm ahead of its competition. SATCO was the first to design, certify and manufacture solid aluminum cargo pallets. They conceived, produced and sold the first knotted woven rope air cargo restraint nets. They introduced the flat aluminum AAA container. There are many more "firsts" in their company literature. Their containers are also vital to the National Pharmaceutical Stockpiling Project, a Homeland Security Initiative. Veterans in Business - Protecting Our Citizens.

• Jim Jardon
  President, CEO
  Jardon and Howard Technologies, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Jardon and Howard Technologies, Inc. (JHT) opened in 1990, shortly after Jim Jardon retired from the U.S. Air Force. JHT began its operations with 25 employees in Orlando producing interactive CD-ROMs, Internet development and video productions for training and marketing in both the Federal and commercial markets. The company has expanded and diversified. Offices in Florida and Maryland now offer program management, engineering, logistics, acquisition and installation support. JHT Services, a rapidly growing division, specializes in providing quality technical, administrative and professional personnel and supplies to meet the goals and objectives of government agencies. Most recently, JHT added a residential and commercial construction division. This service-disabled veteran-owned business now employs almost 700 people. That's good because VA awarded almost $13 Million to JHT this past year! To help agencies do business with them, JHT has a Federal Supply Schedule contract and also has 8(a) Business Development status. Jim Jardon and JHT truly represent the motto "Veterans in Business - Still Serving America" and Still Serving the Communities of Orlando, Pensacola and Patuxent River, Maryland.

• Ricardo R. Cruz
  Chief Executive Officer
  Silver Star Technologies, Washington, D.C.

Silver Star Technologies is an excellent example of getting it right. The principals capitalized on their military knowledge, transitioned to civilian status, opened a business and filled a very specific need in the Biowarfare Defense effort. Established in 1999, Silver Star now reports gross revenues of $7 Million yearly. The President, Mr. Ricardo Cruz, and his Executive Vice President, Eddie Dockery, did their research before opening. They obtained a HUB Zone certification. This certification improved their ability to obtain Federal contracts. VA's Fort Detrick Acquisition Operations Office has several long-term contracts with this service-disabled veteran-owned business. They are valued at approximately $20 Million. Silver Star provides chemical decontamination trailers and other high technology medical equipment. Recently, Mr. Cruz established a services' division to meet the needs of Silver Star's very satisfied VA and military customers. They now provide network services, health screening and offer construction services. Silver Star Technologies represents what is working in the Federal Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.

• T. R. Garcia
  President
  P R & D, Inc., Chandler, Arizona

"TR" Garcia's story is remarkable. It reflects an indomitable spirit. During a bombing mission in Vietnam, his F-4 was hit by enemy fire. He was seriously injured after ejecting from his damaged craft and landing in hostile territory. He lost consciousness and awoke 2 months later in the Balboa Naval Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. His rehabilitation included 45 months of care in military hospitals followed by 8 months of rehabilitation at VA's Milwaukee facility.

T.R. Garcia is a VA success story. Through VA programs, he relearned independent living skills and how to cope as an amputee. VA customized an automobile enabling him to pursue his goal of becoming a Real Estate Broker. VA's Vocational Rehabilitation Program paid for his education. VA's benefits program also enabled his daughter, Samantha, to attend college.

If the story ended there, it would be a success for this veteran. However, enterprising veterans often begin in one business line then move to others where they see potential opportunities. TR did just that. In 2002, he opened a new business, PR & D. Today, TR is a Licensed Destruction Officer with approvals from the DEA, Pharmacy Board and FAA to handle hazardous materials and controlled substances. His new firm specializes in recycling U.S. Government war readiness materials by returning unused pharmaceuticals to their manufacturers. His company has worked with or is now working with the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, VA, the Indian reservations. On January 1, PR&D was awarded a 7-year contract from the Air Force to recycle titanium parts for the F-16. Mr. T.R. Garcia, an "Enterprising Veteran - Still Serving America."