Veterans

After an illustrious 28-year career in the US Army, Perry Casto retired as a Colonel, and became CEO of ARES Corporation, where he took the company from a $2 million yearly loss to profitability in less than two years. In 2008, Casto started Allied Associates International (A2I), a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, specializing in engineering, technology, and management solutions for a broad spectrum of federal agencies. A2I was profitable in its full first year of operation and continues to grow at a rapid rate with operations in Colorado, Indiana, and the United Kingdom, in addition to its Virginia-based headquarters. His most recent endeavor is starting a university, the Institute for Veterans’ Education and Training, to help veterans earn two-year, four-year, and higher degrees in a veteran friendly environment and to offer other help with their transition to civilian life. To this end, Casto is working in conjunction with George Mason University, Vint Hill Economic Authority, and Warrenton Board of Supervisors.

Klett Consulting was founded in 2002 and consisted of just Mark working out of his home. A graduate of the US Naval Academy who holds a Masters in Engineering Systems Technology from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, he was able to capitalizing this extensive education as well as twenty years of operational experience gained in the Navy. Mark established himself as a Subject Matter Expert in the area of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) and worked in providing the Navy with Enterprise Architectures within the Global Information Grid and Network-Centric Operational Environments. Since its founding, Klett Consulting has consistently grown in the total dollar amount of contracts successfully bid, but also both in the company’s reach which is now world-wide, but also in the services he provides to services other than the US Navy.

Locally, his company has been recognized as one of the Chamber of Commerce’s “Rising 25” for the city of Virginia Beach, but also as the 2009 “Top 10 to Watch” in last year’s Small Business of the Year Competition. Mark is a strong supporter of the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Council as well as a member of the Tidewater Association of Government Contractors-Tidewater Government Industry Council.

Mr. Dunn is a service-disabled Vietnam Veteran and owner of BJD Tel-Com LLC. His exposure to Agent Orange during his tour of duty as a Marine left him totally blind for a period of 135 days in 2002. His doctors told him he would never see again. Through faith and determination and 22 surgeries Bernie regained 20/20 vision in his right eye. He remains convinced that his faith was the key to his miraculous recovery. Bernie has been doggedly determined to make his business succeed in spite of the obstacles fate has put in his path. He has been a steadfast friend to the principles of the Loudoun SBDC.

In October 2008 he was asked to be a presenter at a seminar we were planning entitled “Selling to the Government”. He didn’t hesitate to accept, asking only where and what time he should be there. Of the speakers that night, Mr. Dunn was by far the one with whom the audience could most easily identify. His presentation generated the most enthusiastic audience response and participation in what was a hugely informative evening. Since that night, he has been called by no fewer than six of the attendees and he has met with each of them to provide assistance and guidance. This goes far beyond the normal expectations of our seminar presenters and indicates a true measure of the man. Bernie is actively involved with several Veterans’ groups and has successfully helped 25 disabled veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Pat Green served in both the active and reserve duty of the U.S. Army from 1960-1993 with 101st Airborne Division, the 116th Infantry in the Virginia National Guard and with the 80th Division in the Army Reserves. Pat retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1993. Pat started several companies to include Green & Associates, an aftermarket products for the automobile industry; Body Glo East which was involved in the reselling of reconditioning products for the auto industry and Tire Pro which is a business selling Road Hazard Protection. Pat sold all of these businesses in 2003.

Later in 2003 Pat started a new business, Integrity Burial Boxes, which sells custom built wood urns. His business is also a reseller of Infinity Columbarium Walls. Pat has been involved in veteran causes for many years to include Chapter president of the local VFW, Board member for MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), appointed by Governor Mark Warner as a board member for the Virginia Joint Leadership Council and appointed by Governor Timothy Kaine to serve on the Virginia Board of Veteran Services. Pat has also been the main driving force behind the development of the veteran’s cemetery to be built in Dublin Virginia. Pat is also a 1969 graduate of VPI.

The Town of Haysi, Virginia is home to these two brothers, who after serving their country during the Vietnam era, returned home and purchased the Haysi Dollar Store. The brothers later renamed the business Fuller Store, Inc. Adding a broad coverage of hardware items and sporting good products allowed the business to begin growing and with honest dealings, fair pricing, and product coverage, through good times and bad, the Fuller brothers guided the business to success. They have consistently kept the business profitable and aided Dickenson County’s economy with additional real estate and personal property taxes, as well as the steady employment of five people.

Harold Fuller has served on the Dickenson County Electoral Board for approximately ten years. Roger Fuller has served as president of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and the local chapter of the Disabled Veterans of Virginia. Both brothers have been members of the Haysi Kiwanis Club and are held in high esteem by the Haysi community.

Robert E. Plecker has served his country and his community. Mr. Plecker served in the US Army from 1942-1947 and he rose to the rank of captain. He was a platoon leader to the 502nd Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Europe during WWII. After the war he became Company Commander of Company B, 502nd Parachute Infantry. Mr. Plecker was awarded the Order of Leopold with Palm and Croix de Geurre with Palm by the Belgian government in 1945 for “Meritorious Achievement in the Battle of Bastogne”. He also received the Distinguished Unit Badge, American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal in 1947 for “Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations”.

Mr. Plecker returned to Virginia after his military service and attended Shenandoah University, Bridgewater College, and the University of Virginia. He then embarked on an ambitious and successful career as a business owner and currently owns and manages four transportation businesses in the Shenandoah Valley. In 1997, he sold his first company, Truck and Equipment, to the company employees through an employee stock ownership plan. Mr. Plecker is more than a successful entrepreneur–he is an inspiration and role model to employees, business leaders, and the community.

Not only has Mr. Plecker built successful businesses, but through the years he has also generously supported many community organizations and projects. Mr. Plecker’s recent gift to Blue Ridge Community College supported the establishment of the Workforce Center, a facility that will house the Center for Training and Development along with classroom and meeting space. In his honor, the Center has been named the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center. Mr. Plecker is a decorated veteran, a distinguished business owner and dedicated citizen of Virginia. He truly represents the spirit of the Small Business Veteran of the Year.

Mr. Horton is an excellent example of how veterans continue to serve their country and state long after their military service is over. In 1936, Horton earned his first job with McCall’s store in Raven, a small town in southwest Virginia. He was then drafted into the U.S.Army in 1941 and served in the 29th Division 116th Infantry Division, Company K. Horton participated in the Normandy Invasion on D-Day and received a Purple Heart Medal for his injuries.

After just over four years of military service, he was honorably discharged and returned home. He became manager of the Raven Super Market, which in the 1970s, the Horton family purchased the market and established an affiliation with True Value Hardware. Horton continues to work in the store today with his son, Rocky. The Raven Super Market carries inventory reminiscent of the general merchandise store common in decades past – groceries, hardware, home and garden supplies, even clothing. The folksy establishment still uses the honor system for grocery check out–a practice unheard of today. Horton keeps a running log of purchases, and customers can reimburse him on pay day. “Veterans serve as excellent role models for future generations to come,” added DBA’s Director, Charlie H. Mills.

“The Small Business Veteran of the Year Program brings much-deserved attention to the achievement and sacrifices that these individuals have made in communities throughout Virginia. I am proud that the Commonwealth's SBDC program was the first in the nation to recognize our veterans in such a manner.” “It was an honor to present Mr. Horton with this year’s award,” said Jim Boyd, director of the southwest SBDC and Chairman of the Veteran’s Award. “He is so loved and respected—he is a cornerstone of our community.” Horton’s letter to his wife during the war and excerpts from his personal diary have been the subject of feature articles in the local media. He has a very compelling life story, both as an entrepreneur and as a soldier.