May 24, 2017 – Charlottesville, VA: As part of an underwriting sponsorship, SHINE Systems CEO Jeff Thomas participated as a guest speaker at the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Veteran and Honor Defense Luncheon this week at University of Virginia’s Alumni Hall.
The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Colonel Dana Rucinski, a Bronze Star recipient, and Commander for the United States Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), also headquartered in Charlottesville and a SHINE customer. In addition to its speakers, the Luncheon is also an event designed to recognize all Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Defense Industry Employees.
Mr. Thomas’ first speech as CEO of SHINE Systems (previously SHINE Systems & Technologies) aimed to highlight our commitment to serving the NGIC, our other Federal customers, and all Veterans.
Mr. Thomas stated, “SHINE Systems is a Small Business Administration-certified HUBZone small business headquartered here in your backyard. We are comprised of 66% Veterans and a member of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. The Veterans employed by SHINE serve other Veterans around the world by elevating our military and law enforcement to a decision advantage in locations you read about in the news: New York City, Chicago, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, among many other locations.” He continued with, “Our mission support analysts are technologists who infuse innovation into every system we help build here and in the National Capital region.”
Mr. Thomas also took a moment to share the sentiments of some of SHINE’s on-staff Veterans. Some comments shared by Veteran members of our Executive and Management teams included comments on the themes of tenacity, sacrifice, servant leadership, and selflessness:
“The tenacity I learned as a soldier directly influences my work ethic each day. The ‘bare minimum’ and ‘good enough’ are antithetical to my values.”
–David, U.S. Army Veteran
“I’ve developed a keen sensitivity to the sacrifices that veterans (and their families) make to ensure our freedoms. For this reason, during retirement, I plan to do volunteer work in support of veterans in need.”
–Tom, U.S. Navy Veteran
“Practicing Servant Leadership as a soldier has enabled me to be a better leader at work, a better father, and a better husband. The small things learned in the military like working in groups to solve problems, taking the lead when decisions are needed, and how to follow directions have become valuable tools for my job and in my life.”
–Scott, US Army Veteran
“The selflessness I acquired while in the Navy formed me into the man I am today. At the root of it all is serving something far more important than one’s self – as a sense of focus and dedication to serving others at work or in my community.”
–Todd, US Navy Veteran
Mr. Thomas ended his portion of the luncheon with a big THANK YOU to all Veterans present.
About SHINE Systems
SHINE Systems (SHINE) is an SBA-certified HUBZone small business headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. SHINE Systems is at the forefront of innovation in our core competencies of Decision Analytics including Military, Identity, and Business Intelligence; Technology Integration; and Mission Support Services. We develop value-driven solutions for our clients across the Federal marketplace using our industry knowledge, service and product expertise, and ground-breaking technical capabilities. For four years running, SHINE Systems has been recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 list of fastest growing private businesses as well as #3 on the Washington Technology Fast 50 fastest growing small businesses in the government market. To learn more, please visit www.shinesystems.com.