Texas Workforce Solution Centers Awarded National Veterans Service Award

WASHINGTON – The West Texas District Workforce Solution Centers were presented with the prestigious Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Veterans at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ (NASWA) 12th Annual Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C. The District Workforce Solutions Centers (Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Fort Bliss, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls) were nominated by the Texas Veterans Commission that administers the JVSG program in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission.

In 2024, the West Texas District Workforce Solution Centers made remarkable strides in supporting veterans through a wide range of strategic initiatives, impactful partnerships, and innovative outreach efforts. Through their major hiring events, “March to Success” and “Salute to September”, more than 450 veterans and reservists were connected with nearly 100 employers. Additionally, 18 Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops in El Paso were held for 147 attendees. West Texas District JVSG was also nominated for Texas’s Lex Frieden Award, Small Employer of the Year, underscoring the district’s role in advocating for inclusive employment practices.

The dedication to veterans extended to rural and underserved communities, as they hosted the 2nd Annual OBTT Road Show across six cities, preparing 378 participants for statewide hiring fairs, and ultimately helping secure 36 hires. Veterans received holistic support for navigating employment, housing, and mental health challenges. The bi-annual Priority of Service training for Workforce Solutions Center staff and robust pre-separation support at four military installations reflect a strong commitment to transitioning service members.

“I want to congratulate the Texas Veterans Commission’s West Texas District for being named this year’s recipient of the Mark Sanders Award,” Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO said. “From the numerous hiring events to the trainings and many other outreach initiatives, the staff have exemplified what it means to assist our nation’s heroes as they transition back into civilian employment.”

The staff have created a system of care that empowers veterans to thrive beyond military service by actively engaging in community coalitions, facilitating employer connections and advocating for funding. These efforts have not only improved employment outcomes but have also instilled confidence, restored stability and strengthened community bonds for those who have served.

“Employment is key to a veteran’s personal well-being and their sense of belonging to a community,” said TVC Executive Director and Army veteran Tom Palladino. “This award reinforces our commitment to reaching veterans, getting them employed and our partnership with TWC and Workforce Solutions.”

Awarded annually at the NASWA Veterans Conference, the Mark Sanders Award recognizes a one-stop career center whose efforts to serve Veterans go above and beyond the scope of mandatory service provision and have a special emphasis on veterans with significant barriers to employment.

The prestigious award is named in honor of Mark Sanders who, during his career with the California Employment Development Department and in leadership positions with NASWA, was untiring in his efforts to promote excellence in services to disabled veterans.

For more information, visit the 2025 Veterans Conference website.

To learn more, watch the West Texas District Workforce Solution Centers video.