Vietnam Veterans of America Recognizes NVF Founder

The National Veterans Foundation is proud to announce that founder and president Floyd “Shad” Meshad has received the 2026 Vietnam Veterans of America Excellence in the Sciences Award for his groundbreaking work on post-traumatic stress disorder. 

The award was presented on Saturday, August 15, during the Vietnam Veterans of America National Leadership & Education Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. 

A National Honor for Decades of Work on PTSD 

Vietnam Veterans of America selected Shad for the Sciences Award in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the understanding and treatment of combat-related trauma. 

For decades, Shad has been a leading advocate for Veterans experiencing the psychological effects of war, especially post-traumatic stress disorder. 

His work began at a time when PTSD was not yet widely understood and when many Vietnam Veterans struggled to find meaningful support after returning home. 

Receiving this award from Vietnam Veterans of America makes the recognition especially meaningful. 

Honored Among Fellow Vietnam Veterans 

The National Leadership & Education Conference brought together hundreds of Vietnam Veterans from across the country for seminars, workshops, leadership training, and organizational planning. 

Shad received the Excellence in the Sciences Award specifically for his groundbreaking work on PTSD and Veteran mental health. The honor recognizes not only his professional accomplishments, but also the impact his work has had on generations of Veterans. 

Recognition of a Lifelong Mission 

Throughout his career, Shad has worked to improve the way Veterans experiencing combat trauma are understood, treated, and supported. 

That same commitment ultimately led to the founding of the National Veterans Foundation and continues to shape the organization’s mission today. But this award is first and foremost a recognition of Shad’s individual contribution to the field of Veteran mental health. 

His work helped bring greater attention to the lasting psychological effects of combat and the need for specialized support for returning Veterans. 

The National Veterans Foundation Celebrates Shad 

For everyone connected to the National Veterans Foundation, this is a proud moment. 

Shad has spent more than five decades advocating for Veterans, and this recognition from Vietnam Veterans of America honors the lasting importance of that work. 

The award also reflects the respect Shad has earned within the Veteran community itself. 

Congratulations, Shad, on receiving the 2026 Vietnam Veterans of America Excellence in the Sciences Award. 

It’s a well-deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated to understanding, supporting, and standing beside America’s Veterans.