The Northern Virginia Chamber (NVC) is gearing up for the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) on September 18 from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Army Navy Country Club. This annual celebration spotlights leaders who have continued to serve with purpose long after their military careers, driving innovation across defense, healthcare, workforce development, and beyond.
Since 2016, the DSA has honored over 43 outstanding organizations whose work embodies service, leadership, and collaboration. These awards have become a rallying point for the region’s business community, recognizing those who transform military values into lasting civic and economic impact.
In this special Q&A, we caught up with 2024’s awardees to hear the beliefs, values, and experiences that define their work, and what a Distinguished Service Award means to them.
Meghan Ogilvie, Chief Executive Officer, Dog Tag Inc.
Looking back, what did receiving the Distinguished Service Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the Distinguished Service Award was profoundly humbling — a recognition that extended far beyond any individual achievement to honor the entire Dog Tag community. Standing among so many exceptional veteran organizations was both an honor and a reminder of the collective power we share when we commit to serving those who served us. I want to acknowledge our fellow nominees, whose extraordinary work continues to transform lives across the veteran community.
In this work, there are no boundaries between personal and professional — only purpose. Dog Tag thrives because it’s built by people who care deeply: staff members who pour their hearts into every cohort, fellows who bring their authentic experiences and challenges, alumni who return as mentors and champions, and partners who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our mission. This is a living, breathing community that evolves through honest feedback, genuine mentorship, and unwavering mutual support.
This award represents something far greater than recognition — it represents the transformative power of collective action. It honors the daily, often invisible efforts of a community that consistently shows up for one another, whether in life-changing breakthrough moments or quiet gestures of solidarity. Something NVC clearly understands and represents every single day.
What is it about the veteran community that means so much to you?
Growing up as the daughter and sister of Marines — and now as the spouse of a veteran — I’ve seen firsthand the depth of sacrifice, strength, and service that defines the military experience. The veteran and military-connected community holds a profound place in my heart because they live by values that guide my own life: honor, commitment, and a deep devotion to something bigger than oneself.
Through my work at Dog Tag Inc., I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside these remarkable individuals as they navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Their resilience, adaptability, and fierce drive to keep serving — this time through entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership — continually inspire me. It’s a true honor to support their journey and witness how they transform uncertainty into impact, rebuilding purpose in new and powerful ways.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to make a meaningful impact in our region?
Start by listening deeply to the communities you wish to serve — understanding their real needs, not what you assume they need. Seek out and collaborate with mission-aligned organizations that share your values and commitment to the cause, as collective action amplifies individual efforts exponentially. Commit for the long haul, as meaningful change requires sustained effort and presence, not just good intentions or short-term projects. Most importantly, approach your work with humility and genuine care, recognizing that the greatest impact often comes from empowering others rather than seeking recognition for it.
Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22
Looking back, what did receiving the Distinguished Service Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the Distinguished Service Award was a profound honor that affirmed the mission and daily work of Platoon 22 to combat veteran suicide and provide comprehensive support to those who served. Professionally, it brought meaningful recognition to our team’s tireless efforts and helped expand awareness of our services throughout the region.
What is it about the veteran community that means so much to you?
Veterans have selflessly served our nation, often facing invisible wounds long after their service ends. As a veteran and part of a proud family of veterans, this work is deeply personal, which drives a passion to ensure others never feel alone in their transition or struggles. At Platoon 22, we are committed to walking alongside them. This means making them feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive in civilian life.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to make a meaningful impact in our region?
Start by listening, truly listening. Understand the needs of the community you hope to serve. Then lead with compassion, build strong partnerships, and stay rooted in purpose. Real change happens through collaboration and consistency.
Rob Schroder, Founder & Managing Partner, SteerBridge
Looking back, what did receiving the Distinguished Service Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the Distinguished Service Award was both an honor and a humbling reminder of the mission that drives me every day. Personally, it reaffirmed my commitment to serving the Veteran community — not just in uniform, but in every phase of life. Professionally, it underscored the importance of leading with integrity and building a business that reflects the same values we learn in service: accountability, excellence, and a mission-first mindset.
What is it about the Veteran community that means so much to you?
Veterans bring more than just experience — they bring purpose, discipline, and a deep understanding of service. At SteerBridge, we see firsthand how these qualities translate into innovation, resilience, and leadership in the workplace. Supporting Veterans isn’t just a priority; it’s foundational to who we are. They’ve answered the call to serve our nation, and now it’s our privilege to create new opportunities for them to lead, grow, and thrive. Effectively leveraging Veteran talent has become a business advantage for SteerBridge.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to make a meaningful impact in our region?
Start by serving others. Whether it’s your employees, your customers, or your community — impact comes from investing in people. Stay mission-focused, be willing to innovate, and don’t be afraid to lead with values. In this region, where government, politics, industry, and service intersect, the opportunity to create lasting change is real — but it starts with integrity and a willingness to act.
