UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 14A Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant [ x ] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [ x ] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a -12 VSE CORPORATION (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [ x ] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. 1. Title of each Class of securities to which transaction applies: N/A 2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: N/A 3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): N/A 4. Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: N/A 5. Total fee paid: N/A [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. 1. Amount previously paid: N/A 2. Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: N/A 3. Filing Party: N/A 4. Date Filed: N/A 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499 Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement Fellow Stockholders: You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of VSE Corporation to be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, commencing at 10:00 a.m., Washington, D.C. time, at the VSE Building, 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499. The matters expected to be considered at the annual meeting are described in the accompanying notice of meeting and proxy statement. At the meeting we will also review the activities of the company during the past year and its current activities. Stockholders will have an opportunity to ask questions. I hope you will be able to join us. To ensure that your VSE common stock is voted at the meeting, please promptly sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it to VSE in the enclosed envelope. Your vote is important. Even if you return your proxy, you may attend the meeting and vote in person. Please note the location for this meeting. The VSE Building is located at 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499, just off I-95/I-495 at Exit 176A (Telegraph Road-South). The building is also within walking distance of the Huntington Avenue Metro Station (Yellow Line), using the Lower Level exit to Huntington Avenue. Very truly yours, VSE CORPORATION D. M. Ervine Chairman, President, CEO and COO April 1, 2008 VSE CORPORATION 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 6, 2008 To the Stockholders of VSE Corporation: Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders of VSE Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("VSE"), will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, commencing at 10:00 a.m., Washington, D.C. time, at the VSE Building, 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499, for the following purposes: 1. To elect eight directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; 2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as VSE's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008; and 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only record holders of VSE common stock as of the close of business on March 24, 2008, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournments thereof. The list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournments thereof will be open to the examination of any stockholder during the 10 days prior to the meeting at VSE's offices located at 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499, during ordinary business hours. The VSE Corporation 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders, which contains the company's consolidated financial statements and other information of interest to stockholders, accompanies this proxy material. EVEN IF YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY. TO RETURN YOUR PROXY YOU MAY USE THE ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY, IF YOU WISH, WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES PERSONALLY. By Order of the Board of Directors C. S. Weber, Secretary April 1, 2008 VSE CORPORATION __________________________________ PROXY STATEMENT Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008 __________________________________ INTRODUCTION General This proxy statement is being furnished to the stockholders of VSE Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("VSE" or the "Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by VSE's board of directors (the "Board") for use at VSE's annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, commencing at 10:00 a.m., Washington, D.C. time, at the VSE Building, 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499, and at any adjournments thereof for the purposes specified in the accompanying notice of meeting (the "Meeting"). The mailing address of VSE's principal executive office is 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499. VSE's telephone number is (703) 960-4600. This proxy statement and the accompanying notice and form of proxy are first being sent or given to the holders of VSE common stock, par value $.05 per share, (the "stockholders") on or about April 1, 2008. The close of business on March 24, 2008, is the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. Holders of a majority of VSE's outstanding common stock, par value $.05 per share (the "Stock" or "VSE Stock"), as of March 24, 2008, must be present at the Meeting, either in person or represented by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting. As of the close of business on March 24, 2008, there were 5,063,509 shares of Stock outstanding and approximately 213 stockholders of record. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of Stock held of record as of the close of business on March 24, 2008, on all matters which may be submitted to the stockholders at the Meeting. Voting and Revocation of Proxies All Stock represented by valid proxies will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the directions on the proxies. If no direction is indicated on a proxy, the Stock represented thereby will be voted as recommended by the Board, including for (a) the election as VSE directors of the eight nominees listed below under Proposal No. 1, and (b) the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as VSE's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008, as discussed below under Proposal No. 2. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors of election appointed for the Meeting. The inspectors of election will treat abstentions as Stock that is present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote. If a broker indicates on a proxy that such broker does not have discretionary authority as to certain Stock to vote on a particular matter, such shares will be included in determining the presence of a quorum, but will not be entitled to be voted with respect to such matter. - 1 - As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board does not intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to present, any matter for action at the Meeting other than those matters specifically referred to herein. If, however, any other matters are properly presented to the Meeting for action, the proxy holders will vote the proxies, which confer authority on such holders to vote on such matters, in accordance with their best judgment. The persons named as attorneys-in-fact in the proxies are VSE officers. A stockholder returning a proxy to VSE may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by granting a later proxy with respect to the same Stock or by communicating such revocation in writing to VSE's secretary. In addition, any stockholder who has executed a proxy but attends the Meeting may cancel a previously given proxy by voting in person whether or not the proxy has been revoked in writing. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Stock as of March 24, 2008, based on VSE records, information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and information provided to VSE. The voting and investment powers of the Stock listed below are held solely by the reported owner unless otherwise indicated. ________________________________________________________________________________ Shares beneficially Percent of Name of Beneficial Owner owned class (a) ________________________________________________________________________________ Certain Beneficial Owners - ------------------------- VSE Corporation Employee ESOP/401(k) Plan (b) 446,978 8.8% O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC (c) 303,671 6.0% Non-Employee Directors - ---------------------- Ralph E. Eberhart 800 * Clifford M. Kendall 32,314 * Calvin S. Koonce (d) 800,344 15.8% James F. Lafond (e) 7,694 * David M. Osnos (e) 16,900 * Jimmy D. Ross (e) 3,092 * Bonnie K. Wachtel (e) 49,336 * Executive Officers and Other Director - ------------------------------------- Thomas G. Dacus (e) 5,422 * Donald M. Ervine (e) 54,524 1.1% Michael E. Hamerly (e) 10,874 * James M. Knowlton (e) 38,249 * James W. Lexo, Jr. 100 * Thomas R. Loftus (e) 24,871 * James E. Reed 0 - Craig S. Weber (e) 64,255 1.3% Carl E. Williams 0 - - 2 - ________________________________________________________________________________ Shares beneficially Percent of Name of Beneficial Owner owned class (a) ________________________________________________________________________________ Group - ----- Directors, Nominees, and Executive Officers as a group (16 persons) (e) (f) 1,107,036 21.7% * Represents less than one percent. (a) Based on 5,063,509 shares of VSE Stock outstanding as of the March 24, 2008, record date. (b) These shares are held in trust for the benefit of the ESOP/401(k) Plan participants. Three VSE officers serve as Plan trustees. The Plan participants have voting power over 352,585 shares allocated to their respective ESOP accounts, while the Plan trustees share voting and investment power over the remaining 94,393 shares. The mailing address for the ESOP/401(k) Plan is 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499. (c) According to a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2008, O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC, an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, had at December 31, 2007, sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 303,671 shares of VSE Stock. The business address of O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC, is 6 Suburban Avenue, Stamford, CT 06901. (d) Mr. Koonce's mailing address is 6550 Rock Spring Drive, Suite 600, Bethesda, Maryland 20817. (e) Includes the following number of shares of Stock which the non-employee directors, executive officers, other directors, and all directors, nominees, and executive officers as a group have the right to purchase pursuant to the exercise of stock options which are exercisable within the next 60 days: James F. Lafond-3,500, David M. Osnos-3,500, Jimmy D. Ross-500, Bonnie K. Wachtel-3,500, Thomas G. Dacus-4,500, Donald M. Ervine-7,500, Michael E. Hamerly-3,000, James M. Knowlton- 6,000, Thomas R. Loftus-12,000, Craig S. Weber-3,000, and all directors, nominees, and executive officers as a group-47,000. (f) The shares beneficially owned by the Group do not include the 94,393 shares beneficially owned or controlled by the trustees of the ESOP/401(k) Plan. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), requires VSE officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of the VSE Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Such officers, directors and stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish VSE with copies of all such reports that they file. Based solely on a review of copies of reports filed with the SEC and written representations by certain officers and directors, VSE believes that all VSE officers, directors and stockholders subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) filed their reports on a timely basis during 2007, except for one SEC Form 3 that was filed late on behalf of Carl E. Williams, an executive officer, reporting that Mr. Williams owned no shares of VSE Stock. - 3 - Proposal No. 1 ______________ ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Nominees At the Meeting, stockholders will elect, by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy eight VSE directors, who will constitute the entire Board. Each nominee listed below is currently serving as a VSE director and was elected by the stockholders at the last annual meeting of stockholders, except for General Eberhart who was appointed by the Board on August 15, 2007. Each nominee elected as a director will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. If any nominee should become unable to serve for any reason, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee as shall be designated by the Board. The eight nominees for election as VSE directors and certain information regarding them are as follows: Name and Principal Occupation Age Director since _____________________________ ___ ______________ Ralph E. Eberhart 61 2007 General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), formerly Commander-in- Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command. General Eberhart retired from the Air Force in 2005 after 36 years of service. He was then appointed and continues to serve as President of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and as Chairman of its related enterprises: 5Star Bank, 5Star Life Insurance Company, AFBA 5Star Investment Management Company, and AFBA 5Star Fund, Inc. He is also a director of Rockwell Collins, Inc. Donald M. Ervine 71 1987 VSE Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 1992. Also serving as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2002. Clifford M. Kendall 76 2001 Private Investor (for more than the past five years). Mr. Kendall is Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland. Mr. Kendall was one of the founders of Computer Data Systems, Inc., in 1968, and he served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1970 to 1991 and as Chairman until December 1997. Calvin S. Koonce 70 1992 Chairman, Koonce Securities, Inc., a securities broker/dealer firm (for more than the past five years). - 4 - Name and Principal Occupation Age Director since _____________________________ ___ ______________ James F. Lafond 65 2003 Retired executive and certified public accountant. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Lafond was Washington Area Managing Partner, Pricewaterhouse-Coopers LLP. He previously served in various leadership positions at Coopers & Lybrand (1964 to 1998). He is also a director of WGL Holdings, Inc. David M. Osnos 76 1968 Of counsel (previously senior partner) at Arent Fox LLP, attorneys-at-law (for more than the past five years). He is also a director of EastGroup Properties, Inc. Jimmy D. Ross 70 1994 General, U.S. Army (Ret.), formerly Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. General Ross is a senior logistics consultant for, and from 2000 to 2003 was an executive officer of, Cypress International, Inc., a defense business development consulting firm. He is also a director of Stanley, Inc. Bonnie K. Wachtel 52 1991 Vice President and General Counsel, Wachtel & Co., Inc., brokers and underwriters (for more than the past five years). She is also a director of Information Analysis Incorporated and Acies Corporation. Board of Directors, Committees, and Corporate Governance There are currently eight members of our Board. Except for Mr. Ervine, who serves as VSE's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, all of our current directors are "independent" as defined by the applicable rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ"). The independent directors regularly have the opportunity to meet without Mr. Ervine in attendance. During 2007, there were six regular Board meetings and two special Board meetings, and no director attended less than 75% of the aggregate of (a) the total number of Board meetings (in person or by telephone) and (b) meetings of Board committees on which he or she served (during the period that he or she served). VSE does not have a specific policy regarding attendance at the annual stockholders meeting. All directors, however, are encouraged to attend if available, and VSE tries to ensure that at least one independent director attends the annual stockholder meeting and is available to answer stockholder questions. Six directors, including five independent directors, attended last year's annual meeting. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Planning and Finance Committee. The current charters for each of the Committees are available on VSE's Internet site, www.vsecorp.com. Audit Committee. The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee VSE's accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of VSE's financial statements. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for, among other things, the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the Company's independent auditors. During 2007, the Audit Committee was composed of Mr. Lafond (Chairman), Mr. Kendall and Ms. Wachtel. All of the Audit Committee members during the past fiscal year are independent in accordance with applicable rules of the - 5 - SEC and NASDAQ. Each member is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Company's balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. The Board has determined that Mr. Lafond is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined in Regulation S-K Item 407(d)(5). During 2007, the Audit Committee met ten times, including four meetings targeted primarily at VSE's initial year compliance with Section 404 (Management Assessment of Internal Controls) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Compensation Committee. The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to oversee VSE's compensation structure, to review and provide guidance to the Board with respect to the compensation of VSE's officers and directors, including the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, to review and provide guidance with respect to employment agreements, to administer certain compensation plans including stock option, restricted stock, and deferred compensation plans, and to perform such other duties and responsibilities as are consistent with its charter. During 2007, the Compensation Committee was composed of General Ross (Chairman), Mr. Kendall, Mr. Koonce, and from the date of his appointment, General Eberhart. Each of the committee members is independent in accordance with applicable NASDAQ rules. The Compensation Committee met six times during 2007. Matters recommended by the Compensation Committee, and any delegation of its authority, are subject to approval by the Board; if such approval is not received, the Compensation Committee will reconsider the recommendation or proposed delegation. The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain outside counsel or other experts or consultants as needed. Additional information on the role and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee is provided under the heading "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," below. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The primary purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to make recommendations to the Board with respect to nominees to be proposed for election as directors and with corporate policies regarding, among other things, business conduct, securities trading, indemnification of VSE officers and directors, and conflicts of interest involving VSE officers, directors, and employees. During 2007 the Committee was composed of Mr. Kendall (Chairman), Mr. Koonce, Mr. Lafond, Mr. Osnos, General Ross, Ms. Wachtel, and from the date of his appointment, General Eberhart, all of whom are independent in accordance with applicable NASDAQ rules. During 2007, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met two times. Planning and Finance Committee. The primary purpose of the Planning and Finance Committee is to consider and make recommendations to the Board with respect to (a) strategic planning, acquisitions, mergers, and succession planning, (b) capitalization and long-term funding requirements, and (c) proposals concerning the financial policies and substantive financial transactions of the Corporation. The Committee is composed of Mr. Ervine (Chairman), Mr. Koonce, Mr. Lafond, Mr. Osnos, General Ross, Ms. Wachtel, and from the date of his appointment, General Eberhart. During 2007, the Planning and Finance Committee met two times. Director Nominations and Qualifications. Stockholders may recommend persons to be nominated for election as directors of VSE at the annual meeting of stockholders. To be considered, such recommendation must be submitted in accordance with VSE's by-laws and must be received in writing by the secretary of VSE no later than 90 days before the date in the current year which corresponds to the date on which the annual meeting was held during the immediate prior year. (Nominations for the year 2009-2010 should be received by the secretary no later than February 6, 2009.) Such recommendation shall be accompanied by the proposing stockholder's name, evidence that such stockholder is a beneficial owner of VSE Stock, and the candidate's name, biographical data and qualifications. - 6 - The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for Board membership as described below. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience, and capability on the Board and to address the membership criteria discussed below. Under these criteria for Board nominations, Board members should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with longstanding VSE values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government, education, technology or public interest. They should be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties. Each director must represent the interests of all stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. Such Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. If vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and may be considered at any point during the year. As described above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for the Board. Following verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations will be aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. If any materials are provided by a stockholder in connection with the nomination of a director candidate, such materials will be forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Such Committee also will review materials provided by professional search firms or other parties in connection with a nominee who is not proposed by a stockholder. The Committee has not in the past retained any third party to assist in identifying nominees for Board membership. Lead Independent Director The Board has established the position of Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director assists the Chairman and the other Board members in assuring effective corporate governance. On March 2, 2007, Mr. Osnos was appointed as Lead Independent Director and since such date he has served in such capacity. Communications with the Board Individuals may communicate with the Board by submitting an e-mail to the VSE Board at board@vsecorp.com. All directors have access to this e-mail address. Communications that are intended specifically for non-employee directors should be sent to the e-mail address above to the attention of the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance/Finance Committee. Communications to the Board by mail can be addressed to The Board of Directors or a particular Board member c/o VSE Corporation, 2550 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22303-1499. - 7 - Code of Business Conduct and Ethics The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and employees. The Code is posted on VSE's Internet website www.vsecorp.com. VSE intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Exchange Act Form 8-K regarding any waiver or amendment of the Code with respect to VSE's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, by posting such required information on VSE's Internet website. Compensation of Directors Please refer to "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Director Compensation" and associated director compensation table, notes, and narrative contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions On June 4, 2007, VSE acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation ("ICRC") from (a) Koniag Development Corporation ("KDC"), which owned 80% of ICRC's capital stock, and (b) the Nancy Ellen Lexo Living Trust (the "Trust"), which owned 20% of ICRC's capital stock, for approximately $11.65 million paid at the closing, of which $1.67 million will be held in escrow for up to two years to secure KDC's and the Trust's post-closing indemnity obligations. Up to an additional $5.815 million in purchase price will be payable by VSE to KDC and the Trust, on a pro rata basis, if ICRC achieves certain revenues during an approximate six- year period after the closing, as provided in the purchase agreement among VSE, KDC, the Trust, James R. Lexo, Jr. ("Mr. Lexo"), ICRC and Koniag, Inc. Mr. Lexo is the sole trustee of the Trust and the beneficiaries of the Trust are Mr. Lexo and his adult children. As part of VSE's acquisition of ICRC, ICRC's chief executive officer Mr. Lexo and VSE entered into an employment agreement under which Mr. Lexo is serving as a VSE executive vice president for strategic initiatives and business development and ICRC's chief executive officer, for an initial term expiring on December 31, 2008 (subject to renewal periods). The employment agreement also provides Mr. Lexo with "change of control" benefits and other benefits generally provided to VSE officers. Mr. Lexo's initial base salary is $185,000 per annum. There is no family relationship between any director or executive officer of VSE and any other director or executive officer of VSE. Please refer to "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Narrative to Summary Compensation Table" for information on executive officer employment agreements and to "Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" for additional information about directors and nominees for director. The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote "for" the election of each of the eight persons nominated to serve as a director of VSE for the ensuing year. - 8 - Proposal No. 2 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Based on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, the Board has appointed the firm of Ernst & Young LLP to be VSE's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008, and recommends to stockholders that they vote for ratification of that appointment. Although not required to do so, the Board has determined that it would be desirable to request stockholders' approval of this appointment. The ratification of the appointment of VSE's independent auditors will require the affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting. If such approval is not received, the Board will reconsider the appointment. In 2007 and 2006, Ernst & Young LLP services included an examination of VSE's consolidated financial statements, the financial statements of certain benefit plans (2006 only), and reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in VSE's Form 10-Qs filed with the SEC for each of the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30. In 2007, Ernst & Young LLP services also included an audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Ernst & Young LLP billed VSE for professional services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, as follows: 2007 2006 ---- ---- Audit fees (1) $716,896 $288,310 Audit-related fees (2) 90,000 58,500 Tax fees (3) 21,820 11,310 _______________ (1) Includes fees and expenses related to the annual audits and to interim reviews, notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed, of approximately $321,896 and $288,310 for 2007 and 2006, respectively. For 2007, these fees also relate to the audit of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ($395,000). (2) Includes fees and expenses for services rendered from January through December of the fiscal year, notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed. The 2007 amount includes fees and expenses for work performed to assist in the Company's preparation for the implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ($70,000), and fees associated with the acquisition of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation ($20,000). The 2006 amount includes fees and expenses for work performed to assist in the Company's preparation for the implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ($33,500), fees for the audit of the 2005 employee benefit plan ($20,000), as well as fees related to an S-8 filing ($5,000). (3) Includes fees and expenses for tax advisory services. - 9 - The Audit Committee approves in advance all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors prior to their engagement with respect to such services. The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve additional audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by VSE's independent auditors and associated fees up to a maximum for any one non-audit service equal to the lesser of $30,000 or 25% of the audit fees for VSE's most recent completed fiscal year, provided that the Chairman shall report any decisions to pre- approve such audit-related or non-audit services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular meeting. The Audit Committee approved in advance all of the audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors in 2007 and 2006. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to attend the Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if he or she desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote "for" the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as VSE's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008. AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The Audit Committee is composed of three non-employee directors (Messrs. Lafond and Kendall and Ms. Wachtel), each of whom is considered an "independent" director for the purposes of the applicable rules of NASDAQ and the SEC. The Audit Committee's responsibilities are set forth in its charter, a copy of which is available on VSE's Internet site, www.vsecorp.com. The Board and the Audit Committee believe that the Audit Committee members are and were at the time of the actions described in this report "independent" directors as independence is defined by NASDAQ Rule 4200(a)(15). The Audit Committee has implemented the requirements of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 and the Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. with respect to the responsibilities of audit committees of public companies. Among other matters, the Audit Committee reviews procedures on internal control over financial reporting with management and with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, and it discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of the Company's internal controls and the overall scope and specific plans for their audit. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management VSE's audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, and it has discussed with VSE's independent registered accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended, issued by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered accounting firm required by Independence Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as amended, issued by the Independence Standards Board, and has discussed with the auditors the auditors' independence and considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the auditors is compatible with maintaining their independence. - 10 - Based on the foregoing reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the above referenced consolidated financial statements be included in VSE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for filing with the SEC. Audit Committee: James F. Lafond (Chairman), Clifford M. Kendall, and Bonnie K. Wachtel COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Overview of Compensation Program, Philosophy, and Objectives Under the supervision of the Compensation Committee of the Board, VSE has established compensation policies designed to attract and retain qualified executives and to link total compensation to corporate goals. The key elements of VSE executive compensation are base salary, a performance bonus incentive plan, and a long-term incentive plan. The Committee oversees VSE's compensation structure. The Committee makes all compensation decisions regarding the Chief Executive Officer, and it reviews and approves the compensation of all other company executives and officers. It reviews employment agreements, administers compensation plans including stock option, restricted stock, and deferred compensation plans. The Committee provides recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation, and it performs such other duties and responsibilities as are consistent with its charter. Actions of the Committee are subject to Board approval. If approval is not received, the Committee will reconsider the action. Under the supervision of the Committee, VSE seeks to establish a compensation structure that is competitive, reasonable, and performance-based. "Competitive" means salaries and benefits sufficient to attract and retain the executives and employees VSE requires, while maintaining labor rates that permit the Company to compete effectively in the markets we serve. We test for competitive labor rates by measuring our prices for services against the prices of competitors and by monitoring our ability to successfully recruit and retain employees. We also measure our salaries against compensation surveys for similarly situated executives and employees in companies having substantially comparable revenues, margins, and market capitalization. "Reasonable" means compensation that is consistent with the pay and benefits provided by other companies in our industry, reimbursable under cost-type government contracts, and perceived as "fair" relative to formal and informal benchmarks such as internal pay scales, financial results, and public perception. "Performance-based" means that compensation is earned, measured, and tested against standards of financial growth and profitability. The executive officers of VSE are the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, the President of each of VSE's operating groups, and each Executive Vice President appointed by the Board. Currently, VSE has nine executive officers, including the five executive officers named below under the heading "Summary Compensation Table." For compensation oversight, the officers of VSE include the senior officers of VSE's wholly owned subsidiaries Energetics Incorporated ("Energetics") and Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation ("ICRC"). Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions At the end of the fiscal year, the Committee meets in executive session to review the performance and fix the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee also reviews and approves the compensation of all other executives and officers based on recommendations submitted by the CEO. The - 11 - Committee can exercise its discretion in approving, disapproving, or modifying any recommended salary increases or proposed awards to executives or other officers. In submitting recommendations to the Committee with respect to the compensation of other VSE executives and officers, the CEO evaluates the performance and recommends salary increases, bonuses, benefit plan participation, and all other elements of compensation affecting the executives. The CEO also considers evaluations and recommendations made by other executives in submitting recommendations to the Committee with respect to other officers. Review of Executive Compensation During 2006 the Committee engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to provide consulting services initially with respect to designing procedures for making performance-based awards under the 2006 VSE Corporation Restricted Stock Plan and subsequently to perform a compensation analysis for VSE executive officers and directors. The Committee met and conferred with PricewaterhouseCoopers representatives numerous times during 2006 in both executive sessions and in sessions including certain executive officers. In making compensation decisions, the Committee measured each element of total compensation against a peer group of publicly traded companies developed with PricewaterhouseCoopers. The peer group, which will be periodically reviewed and updated by the Committee, consists of companies which the Committee believes are substantially representative based on industry group, market capitalization, revenues, and profit margin. These companies are as follows: * Allied Defense Group, Inc. * Hawk Corporation * Analex Corporation (deleted in 2007) * Pemco Aviation Group, Inc. * Astronics Corporation * Sparton Corporation * Dynamics Research Corporation * SYS * ENGlobal Corporation * Todd Shipyards Corporation * Essex Corporation (deleted in 2007) For comparison purposes, VSE's annual revenues are above the median revenues of the peer group. Because of variation among the companies comprising the peer group, PricewaterhouseCoopers also developed blended consensus data based on published survey data, proxy statement title match data, and top five highest paid data. During 2007, the Committee met with representatives of Equilar, Inc. who demonstrated the capabilities and potential uses of its executive compensation database product and analytic tools. The Committee subsequently authorized VSE to license the product and tools. The Committee also consulted with Corbin Company, a management consulting firm identified by the Company, to assist the Committee in the use of the Equilar product and tools as well as other compensation survey data available to Corbin Company. The Committee tasked Corbin Company to review VSE's industry peer group (Analex Corporation and Essex Corporation are no longer independent companies) and to provide analysis and recommendations with respect to executive compensation. Based on discussions with and the recommendations of Corbin Company, the Committee in executive session decided to maintain base salary target levels at the 25% to 50% of peer group level; to provide for an annual base salary escalation adjustment; to update the peer group based on VSE's recent growth; and to address the wage compression issue (VSE often is required to pay new employees as much or more than it pays incumbent employees in similar positions). - 12 - Executive Compensation Components For 2007 and 2006 the principal components of compensation for named executive officers were base salary, performance-based incentive compensation, long-term incentive compensation, deferred supplemental compensation, and retirement and other benefits generally available to all employees. The Committee has no pre-established policy or target for the allocation of compensation between either cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term incentive compensation. However, based on the compensation philosophy and objectives discussed above, the Committee intends that a significant percentage of total compensation for executives and officers should be at risk and subject to incentives based on achieving short and long-term performance- based goals. For the two-year period ended December 31, 2007, the percentages of total compensation for each of the components of executive compensation was approximately as follows (please refer to the Summary Compensation Table below for detailed amounts): Aggregate Percentages of Executive Compensation Components, 2006-2007 Aggregate Executive Percentage for Compensation Component 2006 and 2007 ---------------------- ------------- Base salaries 35% Performance-based incentive compensation 35% Long-term incentive compensation 21% Deferred supplemental compensation 8% All other 1% Based on this schedule, for the two-year period reported, approximately 64% of executive compensation (performance-based incentive compensation, long- term incentive compensation, and deferred supplemental compensation) was at risk and subject to incentives based on achieving performance-based goals. Base Salary VSE provides named executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. Base salaries for the named executive officers are determined for each executive based on his or her position and responsibility, experience and education, internal pay scales, market survey data, and employment agreement where applicable. Base salaries for executives are generally expected to range between the 25th and 50th percentile of blended compensation survey data. Base salaries for executives, including the base salary of the CEO, are reviewed by the Committee in executive session at the end of each fiscal year and include any recommendations made by the CEO with respect to the other executive officers. Subject to Board approval, the Committee recommends changes to executive base salary which are implemented at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Based on its review, including the PricewaterhouseCoopers benchmark data, the Equilar database, and the other compensation data presented by the Corbin Company referred to above, the Committee approved annual base salary escalation adjustments at the rate of 3.5% for 2007 and 4.5% for 2008. The Committee also approved base salary increases to adjust for peer group comparison and merit increases as follows : for 2007-Mr. Dacus ($9,000), for 2008-Mr. Ervine ($7,000), Mr. Loftus ($6,000), Mr. Dacus ($3,000), and Mr. Knowlton ($6,000). - 13 - Base Salaries of Named Executive Officers, 2006 - 2008 Named Executive Officer 2006 2007 2008 - ----------------------- ---- ---- ---- Donald M. Ervine $325,000 $337,000 $360,000 Thomas R. Loftus 175,000 182,000 197,000 Thomas G. Dacus 192,000 208,000 221,000 James M. Knowlton 200,000 208,000 223,000 Craig S. Weber 170,000 176,000 184,000 Performance-Based Incentive Compensation During 2004 the Committee approved a performance bonus plan based on achieving annual financial results in excess of financial thresholds established by the Committee and submitted to the Board at the beginning of each year. The goals consist principally of revenue and pretax income targets for operating group executives, and return on equity for corporate staff, corporate officers, and corporate executives, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (return on equity as defined is net income for the year divided by total stockholders' equity at the beginning of the year). To participate in the bonus program, an executive must be an employee during the fiscal year that the bonus is earned and at the time the bonus is distributed. The Committee establishes a pretax profit performance goal threshold for operating groups based on projected revenues and expected pretax margins. Expected pretax margins are based on prior year financial performance adjusted for contract renewals and extensions, new contract awards, contract terminations, and other financial opportunities and changes identified by the Committee. 50% of the pretax profit in excess of the performance goal threshold is contributed to a performance bonus pool. After audited financial results for the year become available, approximately 20% of the performance bonus pool is allocated to operating group executives, not to exceed 100% of individual executive base salaries. Performance bonuses for corporate executives range from 2% of base salary for achieving a return on equity of 12% to 100% of base salary for achieving a return on equity of 25% or higher. For 2007 and 2006 VSE achieved an annual return on equity (and net income) of approximately 37% ($14.1 million) and 26% ($7.8 million), respectively, and the Committee approved aggregate annual performance bonuses under the plan of about $6.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The performance bonuses were paid to about 200 employees each year, including approximately $1.1 million paid each year to the named executive officers under the plan. Amounts paid to the named executive officers are reported in the Summary Compensation Table below under the heading "Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation." Long-Term Incentive Compensation In prior years VSE executives and other officers received, in addition to cash, equity-based compensation for their services to VSE. The equity compensation was provided in the form of options to purchase VSE Stock granted under VSE's 2004 Stock Option Plan approved by stockholders on May 3, 2004, and substantially similar predecessor plans for prior years. In December 2005, VSE's Board discontinued awarding options to purchase VSE Stock. Options outstanding as of December 30, 2005, were not affected by this Board action. In lieu of long-term incentive compensation for 2006, the Committee recommended that the Board authorize an increase in VSE's contribution to the Deferred Supplemental Compensation Plan for 2006. See "Deferred Supplemental Compensation" discussion below. - 14 - The Board believes that compensating executives with restricted VSE Stock, rather than stock options, is a more appropriate and effective form of equity-based compensation. As with the former use of stock options, the use of restricted stock is intended to foster a long-term focus on VSE performance and to provide our executives with a means to establish an equity stake in VSE which will, in turn, align their interests with those of our stockholders. VSE's 2006 Restricted Stock Plan was approved by the Board on February 9, 2006, and by our stockholders on May 2, 2006. During 2006 the Committee engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide consulting services with respect to designing procedures for making performance-based awards under VSE's Restricted Stock Plan, and in December 2006, the Committee adopted written procedures for making these awards. The awards under the Restricted Stock Plan will be subject to Committee authorization based on audited financial results, including total compensation costs, reasonableness of total employee compensation, and other factors determined by the Committee and Board. In general, a dollar-denominated award equal to a percentage of a participant's base salary can be earned under the Restricted Stock Plan based on the return on equity achieved by VSE for the prior fiscal year. The awards range from 2.5% of base salary for a 12% return on equity to 60% of base salary for a return on equity of 25% or higher. The awards are subject to a two-year vesting schedule: one-third of the award vests after completion of VSE's annual financial audit and one-third on each of the next two anniversaries of such initial vesting date. As each third of the dollar- denominated award vests, the award is converted into restricted VSE Stock based on the fair market value (closing market price) of VSE Stock at the date of conversion. The restricted stock is subject to a two-year holding period and to other restrictions on sale. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce or totally eliminate an award to the extent it determines that such reduction or elimination is appropriate under facts and circumstances the Committee deems relevant. For 2007, the first year of full operation of the Plan, VSE's annual return on beginning equity was approximately 37%, and the named executive officers were awarded a restricted stock bonus under the Plan equal to 60% of their base salary for 2007. Amounts paid to the named executive officers are reported in the Summary Compensation Table below under the heading "Stock Awards." Deferred Supplemental Compensation VSE has a non-qualified, non-contributory Deferred Supplemental Compensation Plan for all VSE officers. The plan provides, at the Board's discretion, for an annual contribution to the plan not to exceed 12% of VSE's consolidated net income for the year. Each officer's allocation from the annual contribution bears the same percentage to the annual contribution as that officer's salary bears to total annual officer salaries. For 2007 an annual contribution of 8% of VSE's consolidated net income (approximately $1,110,000) was authorized and allocated to 33 participant accounts, including about $285,000 allocated to accounts for the named executive officers. For 2006 an annual contribution of 10% of VSE's consolidated net income (approximately $768,000) was authorized and allocated to 28 participant accounts, including about $229,000 allocated to accounts for the named executive officers. Two percentage points of the 10% contribution rate authorized for 2006 represented a contribution for the discontinued stock option plan discussed above in "Long-Term Incentive Compensation." - 15 - Benefits under the plan are payable to participants on retirement or resignation, subject to a vesting schedule, non-competition agreement, and other plan provisions, or in the event of a change of control of VSE. Amounts contributed to the plan on behalf of the named executive officers are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading "All Other Compensation." Retirement and Other Benefits All VSE officers are entitled to participate in company fringe benefit programs, including the VSE Employee ESOP/401(k) Plan, which is an IRS qualified plan available to all eligible employees. Effective April 1, 1999, employer contributions to the ESOP portion of the plan were discontinued and replaced by VSE matching contributions to the 401(k) portion of the plan based on employee 401(k) deferrals. Effective January 1, 2007, the Plan was amended to incorporate the Safe Harbor method of meeting nondiscrimination requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. During 2007 VSE paid a 401(k) matching contribution equal to 100% of the employee deferral on the first 3% of the employee pay deferred and 50% of the employee deferral on the next 2% of the employee pay deferred, with all such contributions fully vested when made. During 2006 VSE paid a 401(k) matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of employee pay deferred into the employee's 401(k) account, subject to a vesting schedule. Amounts contributed to the VSE ESOP/401(k) Plan on behalf of the named executive officers are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading "All Other Compensation." Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits VSE does not provide any of its executives, including the named executive officers, with perquisites or other personal benefits having a total annual value in excess of $10,000. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the named executive officers. The Company has entered into employment agreements with specified employees, including the named executive officers (see Summary Compensation Table discussion below). The employment agreements are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management. Information regarding applicable payments under these agreements for the named executive officers is also summarized below under the caption "Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control." Tax and Accounting Implications Deductibility of Executive Compensation As part of its role, the Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code which provides that companies may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to certain individuals. VSE believes that compensation paid under its incentive plans is generally fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. However, in certain situations, the Committee may approve compensation that will not meet these requirements to ensure competitive levels of total compensation for its executive officers. For 2007 and 2006, VSE believes that all compensation paid to the named executive officers is deductible for federal income tax purposes, except for deferred supplemental compensation contributions which may not be deducted until distributed in accordance with IRS regulations. - 16 - Nonqualified Deferred Compensation In 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 became law changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. The company believes it is operating in good faith compliance with the statutory provisions which were effective January 1, 2005. A more detailed discussion of the VSE's nonqualified deferred compensation plan is provided above under the heading "Deferred Supplemental Compensation." Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for stock- based payments in accordance with the requirements of FASB Statement 123(R). - 17 - Summary Compensation Table