National Association of State Workforce Agencies honors Texas Veterans Commission West Texas District

Austin, TX –The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Employment Services teams operating in West Texas District Workforce Solution Centers received the Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Veterans at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ (NASWA) 12^th Annual Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025. The Mark Sanders Award recognizes a one-stop career center whose efforts to serve veterans go above and beyond the scope of mandatory service and have a special emphasis on veterans with significant barriers to employment. Its name honors the untiring efforts of past NASWA leader Mark Sanders.

“I want to congratulate the Texas Veterans Commission’s West Texas District for being named this year’s recipient of the Mark Sanders Award,” said Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO. “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.”

“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 (Texas Workforce Commission) and Workforce Solutions.”

The award presentation cited “remarkable strides in supporting veterans through a wide range of strategic initiatives, impactful partnerships, and innovative outreach efforts” in 2024. This included major hiring events such as March to Success and Salute to September, which connected more than 450 veterans and reservists with nearly 100 employers. Additionally, 18 Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops were held in El Paso attracting 147 attendees. Further, their dedication to veteran employment was extended to rural and underserved communities as the TVC West Texas Employment team hosted the 2nd Annual OBTT Road Show across six cities. The OBTT Road Shows prepared 378 participants for statewide hiring fairs and ultimately helped secure 36 hires.

The award presentation noted efforts beyond hiring events, saying, “Veterans received holistic support for navigating employment, housing, and mental health challenges.” It went on to cite further employment assistance for those departing military service. This included the bi-annual Priority of Service training for Workforce Solutions Center staff and robust pre-separation support at four military installations. These efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to transitioning service members.

The West Texas District Workforce Solutions Centers are located in Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Fort Bliss, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and Wichita Falls. The TVC Veteran Employment Services teams in those centers operate the U.S. Department of Labor Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program. This authorizes them as dedicated staff to provide individualized career and training-related services to eligible veterans with significant barriers to employment and to assist employers in filling their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans. TVC administers the JVSG program at local Workforce Solution offices in partnership with the 28 Local Workforce Development Boards and the Texas Workforce Commission.

Leading the TVC Veteran Employment Services West Texas team is District Manager and U.S. Air Force veteran Tremayne Hubbard. He is shown seated center in the photo below.