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DVS eNews - Spring 2025, Volume 2 |
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Spring is the season of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings – when flowers bloom, the air gets warmer, and the days get longer after a cold and dormant winter. At the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) this is when we are honored to start planning for one of our most important annual observances – Memorial Day.
This is the special day each year set aside to remember and honor the hundreds of thousands of brave men and women who died in service to America over the past 250 years from the Revolutionary War to today.
Here in Virginia, we honor the valor and sacrifice of these men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice every day of the year at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. On the glass and stone walls of the Shrine of Memory, where each of the nearly 12,000 names of Virginians who lost their lives fighting in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and today’s Global War on Terrorism are inscribed to preserve their memories for generations to come.
Again, this year, DVS will host four special ceremonies on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. All ceremonies are open to the public.
It is especially important that all of us take some time out of our busy schedules and reflect on the human cost of preserving the freedoms we hold dear.
I will be speaking at the ceremony at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk and look forward to seeing all attending from the Greater Hampton Roads area.
For those that cannot attend one of these events, the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be broadcast live on WTVR-TV CBS6.1 and 6.3 in Richmond and livestreamed on www.wtvr.com.
This year, we are especially proud to present a notable new way to honor our fallen heroes following the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial – the inaugural Say Their Names Marathon. At the conclusion of the ceremony at approximately 12:45 p.m., over 230 volunteer citizens will begin reading aloud the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginians whose names are listed in the Memorial’s Shrines of Memory.
The marathon will continue until every name is read and is expected to continue until around midnight. Complete details about the Say Their Names Marathon and how to volunteer as a reader by registering online are included in this edition of DVS eNews.
But this effort is so much more than just reading names. This somber and deeply moving tribute will continue to honor our promise to never forget the sacrifices made by each of these Virginian’s and further solidifies their names never disappear in our collective consciousness. I look forward to taking part in the Marathon myself and plan to be one of those reading the names of these heroes.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. If must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
I couldn’t agree more with his words, and I hope that you will not only set time aside this Memorial Day to remember the fallen but also involve your children and grandchildren so that they may appreciate the duty and sacrifice that comes with military service.
Beyond Memorial Day as we enter summer, I want to ensure you that our DVS team continues to work to better meet the needs of all Virginia veterans, active-duty and transitioning service members, and their families. Our team members are always here for you at our offices throughout the Commonwealth. We also encourage you to check out our new online portal created by veterans for veterans, the Virginia Veterans Network (VVN) to find the information you may need regarding available programs, benefits, and much more.
I look forward to meeting more of my fellow veterans like you as I travel around Virginia this summer and am always interested in your comments and suggestions of how we can serve you better. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to email me your thoughts and concerns directly at Commissioner@dvs.virginia.gov. I promise you will hear back.
May the Lord continue to bless this great Nation, this great Commonwealth, and as we commemorate Memorial Day this month, most especially those heroes who lost their lives defending America and the loved ones they left behind.
Chuck Zingler (USN, Ret.)
Commissioner
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DVS is committed to closely monitoring changes underway at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and sharing those updates with veterans and their families across the Commonwealth. Click here to listen to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins discuss his first 100-day progress report in a recent radio interview with Simon Conway of News radio 1040 WHO. |
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Active-duty service members entering the Shrine of Memory at the Virginia War Memorial for Memorial Day 2023.
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Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Honor Guard member salutes wreaths from all U.S. branches of service presented during the Memorial Day Ceremony 2024.
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The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) will again host four Memorial Day Ceremonies on Monday, May 26, 2025. Public ceremonies will be held at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond and at the state veterans cemeteries in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk.
Citizens of all ages and especially military veterans are invited and encouraged to attend and participate in one of these inspiring ceremonies. Admission to all is free and free parking will be available at each of the four locations listed below:
In Richmond, the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 in the E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater and Shrine of Memory - 20th Century.
Scheduled speakers will include Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw and Virginia Adjutant General Major General James W. Ring. Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle will serve as emcee and patriotic music will be provided by the 29th Division Band of the Virginia National Guard. The 2025 recipients of the Memorial’s Marocchi Memorial Scholarships will also be announced and introduced.
The Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be broadcast live on WTVR-TV CBS6.1 and CBS6.3 in Richmond and also livestreamed on social media. Attendees should arrive by 10:30 a.m. to be seated. Limited free parking will be available onsite and in the Afton Chemical Company surface lot at Belvidere and Spring Streets. For more details, visit www.vawarmemorial.org or dvs.virginia.gov.
This year, a new event has been added to the day’s events - the Say Their Names Marathon. At the conclusion of the ceremony, volunteer speakers will begin reading aloud the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who died serving during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and today’s Global War on Terrorism that are permanently displayed on the glass and stone walls of the Memorial’s Shrines of Memory. The marathon is expected to continue until near midnight or until all of the names are read. More details on this new event may be found below.
In Amelia, at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, Va. 23002, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
The speaker is Virginia State Senator Luther H. Cifers III. Col. Bobby Arnold (U.S. Army-Retired) will serve as emcee and patriotic music will be provided by the 29th Division Band of the Virginia National Guard. Attendees should arrive by 9:30 a.m. for parking and to be seated.
In Dublin, at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, Va. 24084, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
The speaker is Lieutenant Colonel Adrien Humphreys (U.S. Army), Commander, Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Captain Gary Powers (U.S. Navy, Retired) will serve as emcee and music will be provided by bagpiper Andrew Meeks. Co-sponsors of the ceremony are the members of the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery Volunteers. Attendees should arrive by 10:30 a.m. Shuttle service will be provided from Dublin Municipal Park.
In Suffolk, at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, Va. 22334, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
The speakers are DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler and Major Larry Moores (U.S. Army-Retired). American Legion Post 88 Commander Dave Buchy will serve as emcee with music provided by singer Lily Morgan, bagpiper Andrew Lawrence and bugler Mark Hendrickson. Attendees should arrive by 9:30 a.m. for parking and seating. Free parking available onsite.
Prior to each of the cemetery ceremonies, volunteers will place miniature American flags on each gravesite. For the latest information all of these 2025 Memorial Day ceremonies, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.
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The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is seeking to award $4 million in grants to support veteran suicide prevention and opioid addiction services for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
In 2022, DVS developed the Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) Program to help end the epidemic of veteran suicide and opioid addiction and was tasked to build Federal, State, and local partnerships to accomplish this life saving mission.
The SOS program aims to enhance understanding of suicide prevention and opioid addiction among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and build community support capacity to ensure the RIGHT HELP is widely available RIGHT NOW for military-connected citizens and families.
The SOS program is the steward of these funds and is formally soliciting a Request for Applications (RFA) to establish awards for community-based suicide prevention and opioid addiction services and programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“The fight against veteran suicide is a collective effort,” said Chuck Zingler, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Veterans Services. “DVS is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other federal, state, and local government agencies, and community partners. The organizations receiving these valuable grant funds will provide extended resources to support the SMVF community every step of the way.”
Grant funds will be used to promote the use of evidence-based practices addressing suicide prevention and/or opioid addiction for SMVF in either of the following categories: women veterans, homeless veterans, justice involved veterans, caregiver support, or financial stability/literacy.
Eligible applicants must be an incorporated for profit or non-profit organization or community service provider/organization/locality serving Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For all non-profit organizations, proof of an IRS 501(c)3 designation is required at the time of application.
To be considered for selection, applicants are to submit a complete response to the RFA no later than May 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Application Submission Instructions: To be considered for selection, an applicant must register at https://grants.dvs.virginia.gov/index.do first to access the grants application. The SOS grants portal uses a unique entity identifier (UEI) number and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). To request a UEI number, visit https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
Application assistance tutorials can be found on the SOS grants portal under announcements: https://grants.dvs.virginia.gov/index.do.
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The Military Women’s Memorial #StriveFor500 Campaign is in full swing – and the goal is clear: every state and territory working to register at least 500 military women in 2025 to preserve their powerful stories in our National Digital Repository.
Women service members, veterans, & Reserve/National Guard, we’re calling on YOU to help Virginia make history! Virginia is home to the largest number of women veterans per population size of any state so let's make sure our registration numbers reflect that!
We currently have over 300 registered since April 1, but our goal is over 1,000 for 2025! Let's prove that Virginia Women Veterans Lead the Way!
Family members can also share the history of a departed loved one. Preserve her story today. It only takes a few minutes to register yourself or someone you know: https://womensmemorial.org/make-herstory.
Every zip code. Every rank. Every era — from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Over 325,000 military women have already shared their story, but 90% of military women are still missing from that repository.
Register today and be part of history!
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 DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler provides opening remarks for the attendees at the Northern Virginia V3 Employer's Conference.
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 L to R: DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler, Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Joyce Reed, DVS V3 North Employer Liaison Michael Glascock, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Franconia District Supervisor Rodney L.. Lusk.
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The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) co-hosted the Northern Virginia (NoVA) Values Veterans (V3) Employer’s Conference in partnership with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Friday, April 3 at the Inova Healthcare Systems Conference Center in Fairfax.
DVS Commissioner Chuck Zingler opened the conference and welcomed representatives from state and local governments, employers, educational institutions and community organizations from the Northern Virginia area and around the Commonwealth. He was joined by Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Joyce Reed who emphasized the importance of the military, veterans and spouses to the state economy.
The key goals of the NoVA V3 Employer’s Conference were to:
- Demonstrate how state and local governments and employers are working together to provide resources, training and employment opportunities to veterans, transitioning service members, spouses and displaced federal government workers.
- Educate employers on the value of being a V3 Certified Employer.
- Highlight the transferable skills of veterans and military spouses to civilian employment.
- Promote how organizations could contribute to the expansion of the Virginia Veterans Network (VVN) by registering to provide services to veterans and families.
Additional partners in hosting the 2025 Northern Virginia V3 Employer’s Conference were Virginia Careers Works, Northeastern University and Inova Healthcare Systems. For more information about the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, visit www.dvsV3.com or www.dvs.virginia.gov.
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The names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia men and women killed in combat while serving in our U.S. military forces from World War II to present day are permanently engraved on the glass and stone walls of the Shrines of Memory at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
Every year thousands visit the Memorial to view the names of these heroes that are listed by conflict and by the Virginia locality they each called home. This year, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, the Virginia War Memorial will initiate a new and unique way to assure that these brave Virginians are honored and remembered during the “Say Their Names Marathon.”
At the conclusion of the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony, at approximately 12:45 p.m., fellow Virginians from all walks of life will begin reading aloud the names of every hero whose name is listed in the Shrine. With each reader assigned to read fifty names, the Marathon will continue nonstop in the order in which they are listed on the walls. It is estimated that the Marathon will take up to 12 hours to complete and end around 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 27.
Members of the public who are interested in becoming a reader in the inaugural “Say Their Names Marathon” will need to pre-register online at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/say-their-names-marathon-2025/ to secure their slot of the more than 200 slots it will take to complete the marathon. All participants must register online, as there will be no walk-up readers the day of the event.
“Our greatest mission at the Virginia War Memorial is to recognize, remember and honor the Virginia heroes who died fighting for our Commonwealth and our Nation…and we pursue and fulfill this mission - not just on Memorial Day- but on every day of the year,” said Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Virginia War Memorial Director.
"There is a quote often attributed to Ernest Hemingway that reads, ‘Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways, men can be immortal.’ By reading these names aloud during our inaugural Say Their Names Marathon, we can assure that each of those included here are remembered by all who hear them,” added Dr. Mountcastle.
The public is also invited and encouraged to attend the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony and to support those reading the names during the Marathon throughout the afternoon and evening. Admission to the Virginia War Memorial at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Va. 23220. Free parking is available. The Memorial exhibit buildings will be open for visitation on Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Memorial grounds and Shrines of Memory - 20th Century, where the Say Their Names Marathon will take place, will be open until the conclusion of the readings. For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.gov.
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 Mt. Airy High School student reading a eulogy at the graveside of Korean War veteran Billie Alexander.
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 The gravestone of U.S. Air Force A1C James P. Rodriguez, Sr. at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia marked with a wreath brought by the Swift Creek Middle School students of Chesterfield.
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 Swift Creek Middle School students gathered around the headstone of U.S. Army Corporal Milton David "Mickey" Alexander along with his family to recognize his service in the Korean War.
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Groups of students from across the country are participating in Silent Heroes: Untold Stories from the Korean War, led by National History Day and funded through a Veterans Legacy Program grant from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The purpose of this program is to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Korean War veterans.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) maintains three veterans cemeteries located in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk. Students from Virginia and North Carolina visited the DVS cemeteries in March and April.
Students and their teacher from Mt. Airy High School in North Carolina visited the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin on March 27. The students honored two veterans interred in the cemetery, Alanna Crowder and Billie Alexander. Per their teacher, “The students have spent many months researching their veterans and preparing to read eulogies at their gravesites. As a result, the students are very invested in their veterans’ stories and realize the significance of this event.”
On March 28, students and their teacher, Mr. Abeyounis, from Grafton High School in Yorktown visited the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk. The students researched and prepared eulogies for two Korean War veterans: U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Raymond N. Armstead and U.S. Marine Corps Private First-Class Angel Luis Rivera. The students met monthly with their teacher and a historian from George Mason University to study the Korean War and experiences of underrepresented veterans. Additionally, the students connected with local libraries and historical societies to learn more about their chosen veteran’s families and communities.
Students from Camden County High School in Camden, North Carolina visited the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk on April 4 to honor Korean War Veterans U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Aurelio Papo Abrigo and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Bess Lee Melvin.
Swift Creek Middle School students from Chesterfield visited the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia on April 8. They studied U.S. Air Force A1C James Peter Rodriguez, Sr. and U.S. Army Corporal Milton David “Mickey” Alexander. The audience of approximately 40 people, comprised of Swift Creek Corporate office staff, their teacher Pamela Plahs, a Chief Historian from NCA, and several of Mr. Alexander’s family members, were captivated by the thorough research presented.
“The students did an outstanding job, demonstrating a clear understanding of the referenced veterans,” said Sandra Moore, administrative supervisor at Virginia Veterans Cemetery. “I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their insights and contributions, and I am already looking forward to welcoming them back for future presentations.”
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 Delegate Michael Feggans (center, gray suit) stands with Vietnam veterans at Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (Virginia Beach) during their Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony.
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 Vietnam veteran Walter Allmon addresses the crowd at the Virginia War Memorial for Vietnam War Veterans Day.
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 Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center resident receives his Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin from Jeanie Huffman, daughter of CDR Edward James Jacobs, Jr. MIA 25 Aug 1967 during the Vietnam War.
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The Virginia Department of Veterans Services recognized and honored the men and women who served our Commonwealth and Nation during the Vietnam War with special events commemorating National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which was officially designated as March 29, 2025.
At the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (JCVCC) in Virginia Beach on Friday, March 28, more than 25 residents, family members, and guests gathered for the 2nd annual ceremony of appreciation to Vietnam War veterans.
JCVCC Administrator Patrick Schuler and Assistant Administrator David Caldwell welcomed the attendees including guest speakers Virginia Delegate and U.S. Air Force veteran Michael Feggans and David and Jeanie Huffman of Mission POW-MIA. The colors were presented by members of the Landstown High School JROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by JCVCC resident and Vietnam veteran Ray Wilson. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and 50-year Vietnam War anniversary lapel pins to the veterans in attendance by representatives from the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations (HRCVO).
At the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, also on Friday, March 28, over 90 veterans and members of the public attended the 2025 Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony which was held at in the Shrine of Memory – 20th Century where the names of the Virginia heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War are engraved on its stone and glass walls. All were welcomed by the Memorial’s Operations Director Ben King who was joined by David Doucet, a Counselor with the Richmond Vet Center which co-hosted the event.
All of the Vietnam veterans seated in the Shrine were invited to come forward for an “open mic” session and share stories about their service during the conflict and how their experiences affected their lives when they returned home.
“When you remember, you do two things simultaneously: you remember who came before you, and you experience belonging,” said Ben King with the Virginia War Memorial.
Each Vietnam Veteran attending was then awarded a 50-year Vietnam War anniversary lapel pin. Following the pin presentations, the names of the 45 Virginians who remain Missing in Action (MIA) from the Vietnam War were read.
On Saturday, March 29, the Virginia War Memorial held a special Vietnam War Veteran Day Open House. The Open House featured a special emphasis on Vietnam War exhibits and documentary films plus guided tours of the Memorial by volunteer docents who were themselves Vietnam War veterans.
Forty-five Virginians remain unaccounted for from the war. Their names are written inside the memorial and were read aloud during the service.
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Tyrone Hewitt
Chesapeake, Virginia
Please give an overview of your military service and the branch in which you served.
I joined the Navy in 1998 and retired in 2018 after completing a 20-year career. I was stationed in San Diego California and Hampton Roads Virginia, where I served as an Aviation Electrician on the SH-60, HH-60, MH-60, F/A-18, as an F-14 and F-18 Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Technician, and as a MH-60 “C” School Instructor.
What was or were your most rewarding assignments while serving?
My most rewarding assignment was with HS-2 “Golden Falcons”, where I completed three Western Pacific deployments onboard the USS Constellation (CV-64).
What are you doing now?
I currently work as a “Family Life Specialist” with the Fleet and Family Support Center. I have the privilege of assisting service members and their spouses with exploring career opportunities, identifying job search strategies, resume writing, preparing for interviews, and navigating the federal employment application process. I also educate transitioning service members about their State and Federal Veteran resources, DoD SkillBridge, and all other areas that involve preparing for transition or retirement.
What advice would you give to a transitioning service member?
As a person who is transitioning out of the military, it is important to become aware of and utilize the available resources and people that will help ease your transition. There is no reason to do it alone!
You can connect with Tyrone on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/tyrone-hewitt-mhs
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BMOC Group | Woodstock, Virginia
Jorge Gutierrez, President and CEO
Tell us about your business. What products do you sell or services do you offer?
Every business is unique. Each business is a sum of all of its parts working together to achieve results. Each business is comprised of individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses. How well are the individuals of your organization working together to achieve the results for which you’re striving?
We partner with our clients to help them determine where they want to go (what results they want to achieve) and how they’re going to get there (the action plan to make that happen). BMOC helps clients to develop and manage strategic, cultural, and structural changes within their organizations. By working together, we can provide personalized processes and support materials that help turn goals into reality. We help organizations align their plan, people, and systems in order to gain a competitive edge.
We partner with clients to get Measurable Results!
- Develop individuals to achieve their potential.
- Improve employee satisfaction, attitudes, and morale.
- Enhance self-esteem and build confidence.
- Develop a cohesive, energized team with a united purpose.
- Break down barriers and foster cooperation.
- Improve communication and effectiveness at all levels.
- Develop and promote understanding and trust.
- Improve interpersonal relationships and feelings of personal fulfillment.
- Reduce employee turnover, stress, and conflict.
- Free employees to share ideas for improvements.
- Improve quality and enhance capacity.
- Develop leadership and internal growth opportunities.
- Promote development of subordinates.
- Refine organizational vision and purpose and develop and sustain corporate values.
- Define strategic direction and build commitment.
- Align personal and professional goals.
- Reduce excessive overtime and down time.
- Reduce waste, errors, and organizational costs
- Improve customer satisfaction and customer-focused growth.
- Retain customers and grow your organization.
- Develop “big picture” thinking and build positive attitudes.
- Improve organizational profits.
When did you establish your business? November 2011
Who are the veteran owners of your business?
My wife, Lori (Savage) Gutierrez and I are both veterans and co-own the business. I am a retired Command Sergeant Major – disabled veteran. I served in the US Army for 26 years from 1980 through 2006. Lori served in the US Army from 1980-1983.
What encouraged you to establish your business and do you have any advice for other transitioning service members or veterans who may be considering establishing a business?
I wanted to continue to serve in a different capacity. My advice to any aspiring business owner is to plan a detailed transition before launching a business.
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zCore Group | Sterling, Virginia
Erick Zenteno, CEO & President
Please tell us a little bit about your business.
zCore Group (zCore) is a technology consulting firm founded by Marine combat veteran, Erick Zenteno, in November 2021. Leveraging over 15 years of specialized expertise, zCore specializes in providing technical support and innovative solutions for complex projects within the federal sector, with a particular focus on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) zCore Group brings a fresh, hands-on approach to technology services.
zCore's diverse capabilities include Digital Services, Full Stack Development, User Experience & Design, DataOps, Mobile & Web, and Data Science & Analytics. Notably, zCore played a critical role at several mission-critical VA and DoD initiatives. The team's extensive experience ensures efficient project execution and successful outcomes. zCore's commitment to quality control, innovation, and a Veteran-centric approach sets them apart, providing tailored solutions and support directly from skilled resources. Beyond their professional endeavors, zCore actively contributes to the community, supporting organizations like Wounded Heroes of America (WHOA) since 2009. As a Veteran-led
organization, zCore's commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility defines its identity in the competitive federal contracting landscape.
Why is your business committed to hiring veterans?
Veterans prioritize the mission and lead with integrity. zCore is committed to hiring veterans as part of its core values and mission. This commitment is rooted in recognizing and honoring the unique skills, experiences, and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce. Veterans often possess qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which align with zCore's values and contribute to a positive and dynamic work environment.
zCore aims to support the transition of military personnel into civilian careers, acknowledging the valuable expertise they gained during their service. This commitment reflects a broader dedication to social responsibility, promoting the well-being of those who have served the nation.
Having a veteran-friendly workplace not only enriches the company culture but also contributes to the diversity of perspectives within the organization. This diversity is a valuable asset in problem-solving, innovation, and addressing the complex challenges often encountered in technology and federal contracting.
zCore's commitment to hiring veterans is a strategic choice that aligns with its values, promotes diversity, and recognizes the unique strengths veterans bring to the workforce.
What advantages has your company experienced in hiring veterans?
In addition to their dedication and work ethic, hiring Veterans at zCore provides the added advantage of having experienced mentors in leadership and management roles. Veterans often bring invaluable leadership skills, honed through their military service, which can be instrumental in guiding and mentoring other team members. Their experience in navigating complex situations, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence make them valuable mentors, fostering a culture of leadership and professionalism within the organization. This mentorship dynamic enhances the overall team cohesion and contributes to the development of future leaders within zCore.
Can you tell us about the process of become a V3 Certified Partner? When did you become a V3 partner?
Shortly after completing the online enrollment form, zCore Group completed the training requirements (one-hour class) and became a V3 partner on September 19, 2023. zCore received an official certificate dated October 1, 2023 and signed by Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia. The accessibility and intuitiveness of the enrollment application process greatly contributed to the user-friendly experience to become a V3 Certified Partner.
What advice would you give to other employers seeking to hire and retain veterans?
Get involved with the V3 Program! Employers can not only attract but also retain talented veterans, fostering a workplace that benefits from their unique skills and experiences.
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In each edition of DVS eNews, we profile a resident of one of our DVS Veterans Care Centers. DVS operates the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond (SBVCC), the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center in Roanoke (DMVCC), and the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach (JCVCC). For more information on DVS Veterans Care Centers, click here.
Special Note: Our DVS Veterans Care Centers depend on the great care and compassion our professional medical staff members provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the residents. Please join us in recognizing the nurses, occupational and physical health experts, administrators, directors, aides and the many other dedicated staff members at these skilled nursing facilities by showing appreciation to them during National Skilled Nursing Care Center Week May 11-17, 2025.
This year’s theme is “Tapestry of Life” and, according to the American Health Care Association, highlights the essential role skilled nursing care centers play in providing quality, long-term and post-acute care to millions of individuals each year including our Virginia veterans. To all our DVS Care Center team members: We Salute You During Your Special Week and Every Day of The Year!
Gregory Collins | U.S. Air Force
Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond
In which branch of the military did you serve and during what period of time?
"United States Air Force 1984-2004"
What was the highlight of your military service? What are you most proud of?
"I retired as a Major, but the highlight of my career was serving the Combatant Commanders."
Greg is a humble man, and therefore his wife, Sharon, shared with us that he is proud that as a squadron leader, he took the responsibility of leading his men to do the right thing both on and off duty. Greg was proud to take his time to listen to his men and treat each one individually. "Service to others is in Greg’s DNA," shared Sharon.
What do you like about the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center?
"I have established a good rapport with staff and other residents and especially enjoy the Opening Minds Through Art program."
What advice would you give to a person considering serving in the military?
"You won’t know what to expect, so prepare yourself for a diverse experience."
Special thanks to Mandy Fisher, Director of Activities and Volunteer Coordinator at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center for interviewing Major Collins and providing his photo.
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A Night to Remember at The Griffin on Charles
Thanks to the incredible support from our community, the April 17th fundraiser at The Griffin on Charles was a great success — raising over $5,000 in support of Virginia’s veterans and their families!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. A special thank you goes to Trustee Joel Griffin and The Riphean Group for graciously hosting this meaningful evening. Your commitment helps make our mission possible.
If you weren’t able to attend but still want to support the Foundation’s work, you can make a contribution here: https://virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org/donate/. Every donation brings us closer to ensuring that Virginia’s veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
Looking Ahead: Honoring Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their legacy inspires the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting Virginia’s veterans and their families.
Please consider making a Memorial Day gift in their honor or sharing our mission with others who may wish to give back to those who served.
Thank You for Standing With Virginia’s Veterans
We look forward to continuing our work with you throughout the year. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved.
Kayla Arestivo
Executive Director
Virginia Veterans Services Foundation
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The Virginia War Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the release of its 75th Anniversary Commemorative Book – a beautifully crafted volume documenting the creation and evolution of the Virginia War Memorial against the backdrop of post–World War II America. The Virginia War Memorial is one of Virginia’s most important and cherished landmarks — a place for pilgrimage, remembering, and learning. It began as a vision and desire to honor Virginians who had nobly left family, friends, jobs, and schools to fight fascism and tyranny during World War II.
This limited first edition book is written by Philip Bigler, a former Arlington National Cemetery historian and the author of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Century of Honor, 1921 - 2021, and features photography by John Henley, U.S. Army veteran and well-known Virginia artist. Design was completed by Tim Priddy, a former principal and owner of Communication Design.
Copies are now available for on-site pickup and delivery. Order your copy now for $105 plus shipping and handling. Order online at VAWarMemorial.org/historybook.
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 DVS team members Charles Reynolds, Veterans Services Representative (Springfield), as well as DeAnnah Mass, Sophia Vannoy, and Katie Spinzzola from V3 attended the Hire Vets Now at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to share information with veterans about the benefits they may be eligible for.
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 Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Assistant Regional Manager Tia Abercrombie (center) and Veteran Justice Specialist James Bland (right) attended a community resource fair hosted by the House of Mercy in Williamsburg where they shared information about the services provided to veterans by DVS.
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 The Vietnam Veterans 5K hosted by Hero's Bridge was held March 29 at the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. Julie Pulsifer, Veterans Services Representative in Manassas (right) kicked off the event by singing the National Anthem. The Fort Belvoir DVS staff (Kathy Andrews, Elizabeth Steiner, and Rose Marie Castro) ran in the 5K race, which had over 300 participants.
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 VVFS Assistant Regional Manager (Central) Stephanie Gaines speaks with a National Guard member at a National Guard Military Readiness Event at Fort Barfoot. DVS team members ensured that every soldier in attendance was aware of the services and resources available at DVS.
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