Kyle Conte, ’10, received the Distinguished Service Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) during Homecoming weekend. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have demonstrated a heart of service with EKU or within their communities.
Conte grew up watching his parents serve their community before charting a path of his own. After a brief first stop at EKU, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying twice to Iraq and serving in Fallujah and the Battle of Ramadi. When he returned home, he returned to EKU, earning his degree in homeland security in 2010.
The transition from Marine to entrepreneur eventually led Conte to build V.C. Veterans Contracting LLC. But his experience also showed him something else: veterans often return home with tremendous leadership ability, discipline and drive, but without a clear next mission.
Conte decided to help create one.
Through Battalion Brands and the Veterans Contracting Initiative, he now helps fellow veterans become entrepreneurs, build businesses and rediscover the purpose that comes from leading a team and providing for a family. Battalion Brands and the Veterans Contracting Initiative are “about helping veterans discover what’s possible in the next chapter of their lives,” Conte said.
What began in Richmond has already expanded to veteran-owned businesses in communities across the country.
Through it all, EKU has remained part of Conte’s story. It is where lifelong friendships became business partnerships, where he met his wife, Candice, and where childhood football Saturdays have become traditions he now shares with his sons.
“That is what makes EKU special to me. It has been a constant throughout different stages of my life—from childhood, to college, to building a business and raising a family,” said Conte. “The friendships, relationships and traditions that started there have stayed with me, and I believe they will continue to be part of my life for many years to come.”
For Conte, leadership is about taking care of others, solving problems and leaving the unit—or the family, business or community—stronger than you found it.
And for a Marine raising five boys, there is always another mission ahead.
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