Each year on March 29, we recognize Vietnam Veterans Day, a day that calls us to reflect on the service, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served during the Vietnam War.
But honoring that legacy means more than remembrance.
It means action. It means continuation. And for us, it also means honoring those who continue to lead.
At National Veteran Business Development Council, that mission was shaped and led by our Founder and CEO, Keith King, a proud Vietnam veteran whose vision created a national platform for veteran-owned businesses to succeed in the corporate marketplace.
We recently lost Keith. And with that loss comes both reflection and responsibility.
A Generation That Led, And One That Built
Vietnam veterans returned home to a country that did not always recognize their service. Yet they persevered. They built businesses, led organizations, and strengthened their communities.
Keith King embodied that journey.
He understood firsthand the challenges veterans faced, not just in transitioning home, but in gaining access to real economic opportunity. That understanding became the foundation of NVBDC.
His vision was simple, but powerful: create a pathway for veterans to continue serving, through business.
Turning Recognition Into Opportunity
The challenge has never been capability, it has been access.
Through NVBDC, Keith built what is now recognized as the gold standard for veteran-owned business certification, connecting veteran entrepreneurs to a corporate supplier procurement ecosystem representing billions in contracting opportunities.
This wasn’t about checking a box.
It was about creating real outcomes, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses are seen, validated, and positioned to compete, and win.
A Legacy That Continues
Keith King didn’t just build an organization.
He built a movement, one grounded in the belief that veterans don’t stop serving; they just change uniforms.
Today, that mission continues with strong leadership stepping forward to carry it on. John Oleson, a Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Lieutenant Colonel, has stepped in as Interim CEO to ensure stability, continuity, and forward momentum.
We are also honored to have leaders who continue to invest in the next generation. Sid Taylor, a Vietnam War veteran, serves as Director of the NVBDC JROTC Scholarship Program and as First Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter 9. His leadership reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to both today’s veterans and tomorrow’s leaders—ensuring the legacy of service continues across generations.
Carrying It Forward
Vietnam Veterans Day is about honoring those who served.
For NVBDC, it is also about honoring those who continue to serve, through leadership, mentorship, and the creation of opportunity.
Under John Oleson’s leadership, and with the continued dedication of leaders like Sid Taylor, NVBDC remains focused on expanding access, strengthening corporate partnerships, and creating measurable outcomes for veteran-owned businesses across the country.
More Than a Day
Vietnam Veterans Day reminds us where we’ve been.
NVBDC reminds us what is possible when service continues.
To every Vietnam veteran, and to the leaders carrying the mission forward:
Your service built the foundation.
Your leadership created opportunity.
And your legacy continues, stronger than ever.
Welcome home. And thank you for your service.
