“I'm Beau, Emmy Award-winning journalist and television host.
Every year, from March 1st to 7th, we celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week—a time to honor the incredible men and women who've served our country and now drive our economy forward as entrepreneurs.
Veteran-owned businesses employ millions and generate over a trillion dollars in revenue. They're innovators, leaders, and job creators who deserve our investment.
Let's invest in them: Shop veteran-owned. Partner with veterans. Ask your local legislators to honor local veteran entrepreneurs.
Because when we invest in veterans, we invest in America's future.
Join the movement at InvestInVeteransWeek.com.
Thank you for your service—and a salute to those who are investing in it.”
Douglas County’s Veteran Leadership: From Proclaiming National Invest In Veterans Week® to Achieving Functional Zero for Veterans
Douglas County stands as a national model for veteran support. In 2022, it honored National Invest In Veterans Week® with a proclamation and a deeply personal ceremony recognizing local veteran leaders. By 2024, it advanced from ceremonial recognition to policy execution—achieving Functional Zero for Veterans, ensuring homelessness among veterans is rare, brief, and quickly resolved. The county’s integrated approach demonstrates that investing in veterans produces measurable, community-wide outcomes.
TLDR
Douglas County stands as a national model for veteran support. In 2022, it honored National Invest In Veterans Week® with a proclamation and a deeply personal ceremony recognizing local veteran leaders. By 2024, it advanced from ceremonial recognition to policy execution—achieving Functional Zero for Veterans, ensuring homelessness among veterans is rare, brief, and quickly resolved. The county’s integrated approach demonstrates that investing in veterans produces measurable, community-wide outcomes.
Douglas County has emerged as one of the strongest local-government partners in the national movement to “invest in veterans,” demonstrating—over multiple years—what happens when policy alignment, data discipline, and community leadership converge.
In 2022, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners formally issued a proclamation recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week®, becoming one of the earliest counties in the United States to adopt the observance by name. What followed was a deeply personal ceremony honoring the county’s most distinguished veteran leaders, reinforcing the county’s long-standing belief that military service continues long after a uniform is retired.
At the 2022 proclamation event, Commissioner Tim Freeman spotlighted the contributions of five exceptional veterans—Jim Little, KC Bolton, Mel Cheney, Dan Loomis, and Michael Kurtz—each representing a different dimension of post-service community leadership.
Freeman praised Navy Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Jim Little for his unbroken record of advocacy, famously standing outside the Roseburg VA Medical Center to protect critical services for veterans. He commended Army Colonel (Ret.) KC Bolton, now CEO of Aviva Health, who was tapped to lead Douglas County’s emergency operations center at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—an assignment requiring battlefield-tested composure and strategic clarity.
The Board also honored Michael Kurtz, the Army veteran who rose to become the county’s human resources director and one of its core crisis-response decision-makers. Dan Loomis, a retired Chief Warrant Officer, was recognized for returning home and stepping into the role of County Clerk to strengthen civic operations. Vietnam veteran Mel Cheney was praised for transforming cancer care in the region with the same precision and commitment he carried in service.
The proclamations, the recognition, and the careful honoring of individual stories reflected a county unwilling to treat veteran support as ceremonial—an early indicator of the deeper systemic work to come.
2024: Douglas County Reaches Functional Zero for Veteran Homelessness
Two years later, Douglas County reached a milestone with national implications: Functional Zero for Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Announced on November 11, 2024, in partnership with the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) and federal, municipal, and community partners, the achievement marks one of the most advanced implementations of a countywide “Built for Zero” model in the nation.
Functional Zero means the county can consistently house veterans faster than new cases emerge—making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
County Commissioners Abe Laydon, George Teal, and Lora Thomas—alongside U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and regional leaders—stood with the HEART outreach team and the Veterans Service Office to announce a systems-level success years in the making.
Key components included:
• Quality By-Name Data, achieved October 2023, ensuring every unhoused veteran is identified and tracked in real time.
• HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance & Resource Team), pairing outreach navigators with law enforcement to build trust, retrieve documentation, and accelerate access to VA resources.
• Rapid housing pathways, demonstrated by Douglas County’s pace: 64% of veterans housed within 98 days between Jan. 2023 and Sept. 2024.
• Cross-sector coordination, bringing together county leadership, the VA, MDHI, nonprofits, and faith-based partners.
“Functional Zero isn’t a finish line,” said MDHI Regional Manager Sofia Vigil. “It’s a promise to sustain the work—Douglas County proved that Veteran homelessness is solvable.”
Commissioner Laydon called it a “pilot for applying the Built for Zero framework to all populations,” signaling a next-generation approach to community-wide homelessness prevention.
VA leadership, including Missy Mish of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, emphasized that Douglas County’s intensive tracking and outreach over two years directly saved lives by shortening the time veterans spent without stability.
On-the-ground stories brought the success to life: HEART Supervisor Tiffany Marsitto shared how a veteran identified in 2023 was housed within months through precision coordination between HEART navigators and the VA.
Sheriff Darren Weekly reinforced the county’s commitment to “compassionate policing,” ensuring veterans receive dignity, protection, and pathways to stability.
Douglas County’s achievement is widely regarded as a replicable model demonstrating that homelessness—once treated as intractable—can be solved with data rigor, collaborative governance, and a veteran-first philosophy.
Why Douglas County Matters Nationally
Douglas County is one of the few jurisdictions in the country to both:
• Proclaim National Invest In Veterans Week®, publicly supporting veteran-owned businesses and economic empowerment; and
• Reach Functional Zero for Veterans, proving that intentional investment yields measurable outcomes.
This dual impact—policy recognition and systemic transformation—aligns with the national call to “invest in veterans” that lawmakers such as Rep. Mike Levin have emphasized at the federal level. Douglas County’s actions operationalize that phrase, moving from rhetoric to measurable community outcomes.
In both 2022 and 2024, the county demonstrated that honoring veterans requires more than ceremonies—it requires infrastructure, coordination, and long-term investment.
Extended Reading
For additional context on governmental, congressional, and county-level recognition of National Invest In Veterans Week®—as well as archival documentation of Jeff Shuford’s civic and historical work—explore the following sources:
• Senator Tracy Pennycuick honors veteran entrepreneurs during National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023:
https://figshare.com/articles/media/Senator_Tracy_Pennycuick_Honors_Veteran_Entrepreneurs_During_National_Invest_In_Veterans_Week_2023/30815210
• Rep. Rosendale highlights National Invest In Veterans Week® on the House Floor:
https://figshare.com/articles/media/Honoring_Our_Heroes_Rep_Rosendale_Highlights_National_Invest_In_Veterans_Week_on_the_House_Floor/30815222
• Douglas County honors veterans with National Invest in Veterans Week Awards (2022):
https://figshare.com/articles/media/Douglas_County_Honors_Veterans_with_Invest_in_Veterans_Week_Awards_2022/30815318
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30815318.v1
• Shuford’s Legacy Preservation Precedent: A Documentation Framework for Civic, Digital, and Veteran-Focused Historical Materials (2025):
https://figshare.com/articles/preprint/Shuford_s_Legacy_Preservation_Precedent_A_Documentation_Framework_for_Civic_Digital_and_Veteran-Focused_Historical_Materials/30815393
Shuford, Jeff (2025). Douglas County Honors Veterans with 'Invest in Veterans Week' Awards 2022. figshare. Media. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30815318.v1
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering 62 Markets Globally
The expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week® represents a transformative leap in global reach and inclusivity, solidifying its presence across 62 diverse markets. This growth encompasses 14 U.S. state-specific domains, ensuring localized support for American veterans, alongside 29 international country-specific domains, reflecting a commitment to connecting with veterans in key nations worldwide. Additionally, the inclusion of 9 region and organization-specific domains, such as Allied Forces and Commonwealth Nations, underscores a focus on collaborative, multinational veteran communities. The innovative integration of 5 π domains highlights a forward-thinking approach to digital branding, further aligning the initiative with modern technology and global accessibility. This expansion positions National Invest In Veterans Week® as a trailblazer in veteran advocacy, bridging geographic, cultural, and technological boundaries to empower veterans everywhere.
By Angel Shuford, Vice President, National Invest In Veterans Week®
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) into 62 global markets, further advancing our mission of supporting veteran entrepreneurs. This expansion introduces innovative domains and platforms, leveraging technology and global connectivity to ensure veterans have the tools they need to succeed. With the launch of π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠, we’re setting a new standard for veteran advocacy worldwide.
This initiative builds upon the visionary framework established by Jeff Shuford, enhancing our ability to connect veterans with opportunities across the U.S. and international markets.
Total Markets: 62
U.S. State-Specific Markets (14)
LouisianaVeterans.com
KansasVeterans.com
RhodeIslandVeterans.com
NewHampshireVeterans.com
DelawareVeterans.com
PennsylvaniaVeterans.com
SouthCarolinaVeterans.com
MississippiVeterans.com
WyomingVeterans.com
WestVirginiaVeterans.com
TennesseeVeterans.com
NewJerseyVeterans.com
NorthDakotaVeterans.com
FloridaVeterans.com
These markets represent key hubs where veterans can access tailored resources, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities.
International Country-Specific Markets (29)
AustraliaVeterans.com
SouthKoreaVeterans.com
GermanyVeterans.com
JapanVeterans.com
UnitedKingdomVeterans.com
ItalyVeterans.com
TurkeyVeterans.com
FranceVeterans.com
NorwayVeterans.com
SpainVeterans.com
PolandVeterans.com
BrazilVeterans.com
NetherlandsVeterans.com
BelgiumVeterans.com
PortugalVeterans.com
IcelandVeterans.com
IsraelVeterans.com
ArgentinaVeterans.com
EgyptVeterans.com
MoroccoVeterans.com
PhilippinesVeterans.com
KuwaitVeterans.com
NewZealandVeterans.com
QatarVeterans.com
SaudiArabiaVeterans.com
SingaporeVeterans.com
ThailandVeterans.com
MexicoVeterans.com
UnitedArabEmiratesVeterans.com
These domains connect veterans with opportunities in international economies, providing access to partnerships, funding, and collaborative initiatives.
International Region and Organization-Specific Markets (9)
AlliedForcesVeterans.com
CentralAmericaVeterans.com
SouthAmericaVeterans.com
GreenlandVeterans.com
PacificIslandVeterans.com
ScandinaviaVeterans.com
PanamaVeterans.com
CommonwealthVeterans.com
EUVeterans.com
These platforms unify veterans across regions and nations, fostering collaboration and shared growth.
π Domains (5)
π.digital: A space for digital resources, connections, and support.
π.guru: A mentorship hub offering expert advice and guidance.
π.solutions: A platform for providing tailored solutions for veteran entrepreneurs.
π.agency: Facilitating partnerships and corporate collaborations.
π.directory: A comprehensive listing of veteran-owned businesses globally.
Why This Expansion Matters
Global Impact
This expansion highlights the economic and social value of veteran-owned businesses worldwide. By connecting these 62 markets, we’re creating an ecosystem that empowers veterans to thrive in diverse industries.
Fact: Veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. generate over $1.2 trillion annually, and this expansion amplifies their potential to contribute globally.
Technology-Driven Innovation
The π domains symbolize the limitless potential of veteran entrepreneurship, leveraging digital platforms to connect veterans to resources, funding, and mentorship.
What’s Next?
This expansion marks a turning point for National Invest In Veterans Week®. With π = Veteran Businesses℠, we’re driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across 62 markets. Together, we are creating a movement that redefines veteran entrepreneurship.
Call to Action: Your support and contributions are key to the success of this initiative. Let’s build on Jeff Shuford’s vision and take this mission to new heights.
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Reiss-Davis Graduate School
“Reiss-Davis Graduate School recognizes National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7, 2023). We asked noted veterans advocate and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Veterans Studies, Mariana Grohowski, PhD, to share her thoughts on advancing the cause of veterans and their families.”
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Military Family Research Institute
“The first week of March is National Invest in #Veterans Week, designed to support the efforts of veterans building lives for themselves and their families through their work and businesses.”
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EnergyUnited
“Today marks the final day of Invest In Veterans Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the important work being done by Purple Heart Homes. Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a non-profit organization that works to provide housing solutions to veterans and their families who are in need.”
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Cintas Corporation
“It's National Invest in Veterans Week! At Cintas we are proud to be a Top Veteran-Friendly Company and are committed to recruiting military talent. For all the sacrifices they have made, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for Veterans to succeed.”
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Gary/Chicago International Airport
“Happy #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! Back in November, GYY received the prestigious HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an honor bestowed by the @USDOL for our efforts to create jobs that recruit, employ and retain veterans’ who have served our country!”
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Armed Forces Vacation Club
"#DidYouKnow it's National Invest In Veterans Week? National Invest In Veterans Week is observed every year from March 1 through March 7. This is a week where we support and honor aspiring and established veteran business owners!”
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Columbia Gas of Ohio
“We're proud to support our veterans, and especially those on our team! #InvestinVeteransWeek is a good reminder to invest in veterans after all they've invested in our country.”
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National Academy of Sciences
“#DYK It’s #NationalInvestinVeteransWeek! In this touching #TheScienceBehindIt video, meet Ray, Casey, and Raymond as they share their coming home stories and talk about the challenges facing millions of veterans.”
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Waubonsee Community College
“#Waubonsee is proud to serve those students who have served our country, and we'll do everything we can to streamline the process, start you on the right foot, and support your endeavors every step of the way. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”
