DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has awarded the Arthur H. and Mary E. Wilson Award and a $10,000 prize to Army veteran Nick Ripplinger, founder of Battle Sight Technology in Dayton, Ohio, for superior performance as part of the nationwide Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program (EBV). The award will be formally presented at DAV’s 98th National Convention in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 4.

“This award recognizes a disabled veteran who has taken on the challenge of starting his or her own business,” said DAV National Commander Dennis Nixon. “We know employment is one of the most important factors in a veteran’s successful transition out of the military, and we are excited to help provide a resource for Mr. Ripplinger that can serve as inspiration for others to pursue their own entrepreneurial goals.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entrepreneurship has taken a nosedive among the most recent generation, with just 4.5% of post-9/11 veterans launching their own businesses. This is down significantly from the 49.7% of veterans went on to run or own businesses in the aftermath of World War II, and the 40% of Korean War veterans.

The Arthur H. and Mary E. Wilson Award specifically recognizes businesses and non-profits that excel in the EBV program’s business plan competition, offering a $10,000 cash prize that serves as a springboard for new veteran-owned businesses.

“The [award] was a win for Battle Sight,” Ripplinger said. “The cash award allowed us to save money by placing a larger quantity order, and the exposure of the award helped get our name out to a larger audience.”

Battle Sight Technology develops infrared chemiluminescent products to aid war fighters on the battlefield. Ripplinger has also made it a priority to aid veterans off the battlefield, by helping them transition into civilian careers by leveraging their military skills in the business world and making veteran hiring a company priority.

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About DAV

DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; providing employment resources to veterans and their families and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.