Angela Smith-Blue

Customer Service Representative

Kim Stout

Program Support Assistant

Associate Celebrates 43 Years of Service and a Home Away from Home

Associate Joseph Guss started his career with Veterans Canteen Service in 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Joseph worked there until August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina flooded the city. The loss of many friends and family, as well as his home and all of his personal possessions was devasting for Joseph. The Canteen Service was instrumental in helping him to cope with the devastation. VCS helped him relocate to the Dallas VA hospital, where has been for the last 17 years. In total, Joseph has been a valued employee for 43 years.

“We are not only proud, but thankful that he is a part of our family,” said Dallas Canteen Chief Mark Sciuchetti. “It is an honor and a privilege to have him at Dallas 549.”

VA Agency VCS recognized for Organizational Improvements in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

Director Leahy Awarded; Organization in 77th Year of Serving Veterans

Since Leahy assumed the top leadership position with VCS on March 1, 2021, VCS has made a multitude of cultural changes. During his first year as VCS executive director, Leahy developed a succession planning committee and established a VCS diversity and inclusion advisory council. VCS also introduced a mentorship program, which prepares leaders to take on larger roles within the organization. VCS is amplifying minority and women representation amongst VCS management officials and overseeing major increases in employee survey response rates.

“To this year’s awardees, thank you for your devotion to Veterans, for your dedication to advocacy, and for your commitment to Veterans and to your fellow employees,” said Denis McDonough, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “When we value one another and the diverse talents and backgrounds of those we work with and those we serve, we demonstrate respect for one another. That’s a critical part of achieving excellence as we serve and care for Veterans.”

Leahy’s award nomination listed his leadership, distinguished performance in cultivating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace, and significant achievements as worthy of recognition.

“I am humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award,” said Leahy. “There is no more noble honor than serving our nation’s Veterans, and I am grateful I can lead this organization. The VCS associates see more Veterans daily than any other program office within VA and they do an amazing job delivering the VCS benefit.”

The award’s selection criteria are based on an individual’s demonstrated efforts in growing a diverse, high-performing workforce that reflects all segments of society and values all aspects of human diversity; cultivating an inclusive work environment and creating an engaged organization; and facilitating outstanding public service. 2023 marked the 10th year of the awards.

“People everywhere deserve to be treated fairly and to feel included,” Leahy said. “VCS is a place where we value and uplift each other.”

Leahy was officially appointed VCS executive director in June 2021. He is responsible for delivering the VCS benefit to nine million Veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare. Since 1946, VCS has provided reasonably priced merchandise and services essential to the comfort and well-being of America’s Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. VCS is a self-sustaining service embedded in nearly 200 VA medical centers and clinics, providing retail, café, coffee, vending, retail optical and many other customer-facing services that improve the Veteran experience. Leahy leads 3,000 dedicated VCS employees who deliver this benefit to Veterans in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.