The Importance of the HUBZone Program - TEVET's Way
During my tenure at TEVET, I’ve become our resident HUBZone SME. Throughout this time, I’ve seen the value that the HUBZone program has brought to...
2 min read
Casey Coyne Nov 10, 2020 8:31:00 AM
On October 20th, 2020 during TEVET’s New Headquarters Grand Opening ceremony, Scott Jensen (Executive Director of NVSBC) surprised Tracy Solomon (TEVET President and CEO) with the prestigious Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Small Business Award.
The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Small Business Award is bestowed upon those who successfully own and operate small businesses, provide employment opportunities to veterans, and who – like Gordon Mansfield in his most selfless manner, give back to the veteran community in a substantial and continuous way.
Gordon H. Mansfield was a service-disabled Vietnam veteran. He served two tours as a company commander of the 101st Airborne Division during Vietnam. He sustained spinal injuries during the Tet Offensive, subsequently ending his service. He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Presidential Unit Citation. But, Mansfield continued his service to his fellow veterans for the rest of his life – President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President George W. Bush, and an essential voice in passing the Executive Order 13360 and establishing the GSA “VETS GWAC.” He passed in 2013.
Mansfield left a legacy of service. Service is a legacy that Tracy Solomon wishes to leave for his customers, community, and country.
“I am honored and humbled to be a awarded the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Small Business Award.
I watched more than a dozen of my relatives serve in the military and do life-honoring work. The military service woven throughout my family taught me the importance of duty, service and the value of community.
Now, as a small business owner who is also a service-disabled veteran, it is my honor and privilege to provide fellow veterans with job opportunities that allow them to continue to serve their country doing work that supports our brothers and sisters in the US Armed Forces. That’s what we do at TEVET, we are veterans and civilians working together side by side in service and support of the US warfighter,” responded Tracy Solomon upon receiving the award.
Tracy Solomon - a native to Greeneville, TN which is also headquarters for TEVET – has lived a life of service. From a farmhand and a search and recovery Civil Air Patrol cadet to a US Navy veteran and a service-disabled veteran-owned business founder, Solomon has put the needs of others before himself. TEVET was founded on the promise to deliver the best technology of the highest quality on-time to our warfighters.
Outside work hours, Solomon focuses his energies on providing opportunities for his HUBZone community through donations, volunteering, and providing employment opportunities. Holston Home for Children, Greeneville High School JROTC, local DAV organization, and the Capitol Theatre are just a few outreaches that TEVET and Tracy Solomon, as an individual, are a part of.
Service is a basic fundamental for a veteran; continuing to serve others, especially those who have given their all or who need it the most, is a defining quality of Tracy Solomon.
Pictured (left to right): Earl Morgan, NVSBC Program Director, with the Mansfield Award; Scott Jensen, NVSBC Executive Director presenting Mansfield Award; Tracy Solomon, TEVET President and CEO.
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