Veterans of the armed forces have contributed significantly to innovation and the establishment of long-lasting, impactful businesses in our business community. In recognition of their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to maintaining the stability and vitality of our community, NVC will once again host its esteemed Distinguished Service Awards on September 17th. The DSA is the premier event in the Greater Washington Region, honoring veteran-owned businesses for their leadership and contributions to veteran achievement.
Finalists for the 2024 DSA have been named, along with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Tom Donohue, the 2024 Veteran Advocate of the Year awardee, Andrea Inserra, and the 2024 Employee Resource Group of the Year awardee, RTX VETS. This year's Distinguished Service Awards will be held at a powerful morning ceremony held on September 17th at the Army Navy Country Club. Registration is open here. The 2024 DSA Honorees and Finalists are:
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: Tom Donohue
From 1997 until 2019, Tom Donohue led the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as its President and CEO. He is currently a member of the board of directors and an advisor to the organization. Tom revitalized the U.S. Chamber's foundation during his tenure by launching Hiring Our Heroes (HOH). Because of this program, over 2,000 companies were able to hire over 500,000 veterans and spouses of veterans. Tom still contributes to nonprofits and military employment programs working with SDVOSBs.
2024 Veteran Advocate of the Year Award: Andrea Inserra
Andrea Inserra, Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, leads Hamilton's aerospace business, providing services to NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the Space Force. Andrea is currently on the boards of Haskell, a $2 billion international architectural, engineering, and construction firm, and the Armed Services YMCI, a nonprofit that assists enlisted military personnel and their families. She oversaw Booz Allen Hamilton’s military and civil health businesses and served as head of the Military and Veterans Business Resource Group for several years.
2024 Veteran Employee Resource Group of the Year Award: RTX VETS
RTX leverages its Employee Resource Group (ERG), RTXVETS, to provide support for the armed forces community, which includes military members, veterans, families, and supporters. Over 8,000 volunteer hours were contributed by RTX VETS members in 2024 to serve veterans through internal and external initiatives. To promote professional growth, a new mentorship program named VAALOR was introduced this year, resulting in the creation of 710 unique relationships between employees.
(NVC members are in bold)
Veteran Employee of the Year:
- Joe Simonelli, Energy Systems Group
- Hayward Trapps, ThinkTek LLC
Veteran Service Organization of the Year, Over $1 million Annual Budget:
- Dog Tag Inc.
- Code of Support Foundation
- Easterseals DC MD VA
- NVSBC Education Foundation (NVSBC-EF)
- The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Veteran Service Organization of the Year, Under $1 million Annual Budget:
- George Washington Chapter AUSA
- Platoon 22
- Resolve Solutions Incorporated
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, Emerging Business (Less than 5 Years in Business):
- Affinity BN Inc.
- BES Solutions Inc.
- RoDa Business Solutions
- Velos Solutions, LLC
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, Maturing (5-10 Years in Business):
- Black Cape, Inc.
- SteerBridge Strategies LLC
- The Avery Group, LLC
- ThinkTek LLC
- Zermount Inc.
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, Established (More than 10 Years in Business):
- D&G Support Services LLC
- Government Tactical Solutions
- HigherEchelon, Inc.
- Intelligent Waves
- MicroHealth, LLC
