What are 5 words that describe a Veteran? The Attributes Driving the New Veteran Economy
What are 5 words that describe a Veteran? Strategic, disciplined, adaptable, resilient, and investable. Discover how these five core attributes are driving a new, highly profitable veteran business economy.
Colorado must keep investing in veteran entrepreneurs — A State and National Policy Perspective
Special Message
The Running Back Who Never Stops Running - For America's Veterans
To understand Aaron Jones Sr.'s commitment to veterans, you must first understand where it comes from. This isn't a cause he adopted for publicity or brand-building. It's woven into the fabric of his identity.
Both of Aaron's parents served in the United States Army for over 25 years each—a combined half-century of military service to this nation. They didn't just serve; they excelled, both retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major, one of the highest enlisted ranks in the U.S. military. This rank is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication to both mission and personnel.
Growing up in a military household isn't like other childhoods. It means:
Frequent relocations that disrupt education, friendships, and community connections
Extended parental deployments where one or both parents are absent for months or years
Living with the constant awareness that your parent is in harm's way
Navigating the unique challenges of military base life, rank structure, and service culture
Developing resilience, adaptability, and independence out of necessity, not choice
Aaron Jones Sr. lived this reality. He experienced firsthand the sacrifices military children make—sacrifices that often go unrecognized because these children never enlisted, never wore the uniform, never received a ribbon or medal for their service.
Exclusive: National Invest In Veterans Week® Gains Global Recognition as Jeff Shuford Featured in Entrepreneur en Español
Most recently, National Invest In Veterans Week® was listed among March awareness observances by Impactful Ninja, a widely referenced platform used by organizations, institutions, and media outlets to track nationally recognized events.
At the same time, the observance’s retired co-founder, Jeff Shuford, has been formally featured as an author in Entrepreneur en Español, extending the reach of veteran-led economic leadership into Spanish-language global business media.
Humans at the Helm: How AI Is Being Used to Find America’s Next Veterans
Artificial intelligence is transforming how America identifies, recruits, and supports its next generation of veterans. In a Yahoo Finance Warrior Money segment, former Marine Colonel Tyler Zagurski explains how AI-driven decision intelligence is being used to strengthen military readiness, veteran career transitions, and national security workforce strategy—while keeping humans firmly in control.
IowaVeterans.com & National Invest In Veterans Week® Officially Endorse Craig Cronbaugh for Induction into the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association Hall of Fame
Craig Cronbaugh’s name belongs among the legends of Iowa music—not only for the decades he spent behind the drum kit, but for the decades he spent ensuring Iowa’s musical history was never forgotten. From his early years with foundational bands like The Hardtimes and Showboat to the release of his landmark 1979 album That Drummer!, which brought together more Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees than any previous studio project, Cronbaugh has consistently operated at the intersection of performance and preservation.
But Cronbaugh’s most enduring contribution may be his authorship and advocacy behind Iowa House Resolution 36, a formal legislative act that recognized the legacy of Jim Freeman, co-founder of the legendary doo-wop group The Five Satins. Freeman’s grandson, Jeff Shuford, would go on to co-found National Invest In Veterans Week®, now a congressionally recognized global initiative advocating for veteran entrepreneurs and preserving American cultural history. Craig’s tireless work on Resolution 36 directly catalyzed this nationwide movement—demonstrating the ripple effect that one person’s commitment to legacy can have.
Cronbaugh’s impact spans far beyond a single generation. He has authored historical works, produced music videos for gold-record artists, delivered statewide presentations on musical icons, mentored countless young musicians, and established a scholarship fund that continues to empower Iowa’s next generation of drummers.
Craig Cronbaugh has done what the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exists to honor—he has made music, preserved music, and ensured that Iowa’s place in music history is never forgotten. His induction is not just well-deserved; it is historically necessary.
— Excerpt from full editorial published on IowaVeterans.com and officially endorsed by National Invest In Veterans Week®
Honoring Rep. Glenn Grothman and Global Milestones in Veteran Investment
From Washington to Canberra, a new era in veteran policy is emerging—one that reframes military service as an investable asset class, not simply a patriotic duty. National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1–7) has transcended its origins to become a globally endorsed doctrine of systemic reintegration, economic capital, and public leadership.
2025 marks a series of firsts:
The first global triangulation between the United States, Canada, and Australia, uniting national approaches around shared principles of investment and equity.
The first appearance in legislative policy demands abroad, via Australia's RSL Election Asks, which call for comprehensive veteran healthcare, transition reform, and national defence restructuring.
The first integration with academic policy models, as Harvard Catalyst formally recognized the NIVW framework as a viable template for health, workforce, and social reintegration.
The first emergence of institutional capital, with ITA Growth Partners launching as a private family office to fund veteran-owned enterprises.
And the first philosophical reframing of veterans—not as beneficiaries of goodwill, but as a systemic capital class whose skills, leadership, and adaptability are critical to national resilience.
As Congressman Glenn Grothman reminded his constituents in a March 6 post honoring the week, “We owe our veterans… a debt of gratitude.” NIVW goes further: it argues we owe them access, equity, and investment.
“Military service is an investment. Let’s yield the return.”
Federal Momentum Grows: “Invest in Veterans Week” Cited in Congressional Record, Montana Proclamations, and U.S. House Communications
National Invest In Veterans Week® has been formally recognized in two separate entries in the Congressional Record—Rep. Don Davis (H2588, 2023) and Rep. Matt Rosendale (H1049, 2024). This federally trademarked initiative continues gaining bipartisan support as a civic and economic doctrine focused on empowering veteran entrepreneurs nationwide.
Investing in Veterans Is No Longer Optional—It’s the New Standard for Civic Leadership
From Assemblyman Jake Ashby’s $500 million call to action in New York to the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Bonus Division and Ithaka S+R’s call for elite college inclusion, the movement to “Invest in Veterans” has evolved into a national doctrine. Under the federally trademarked National Invest In Veterans Week® initiative, investing in veterans is no longer symbolic—it is structural, spanning state legislation, federal workforce policies, academic reform, and corporate pipelines. With endorsements from Harvard Catalyst and implementation by leaders like Charter Communications, this coordinated civic infrastructure is transforming how America recognizes and invests in its veterans.
This Week is “Invest In Veterans Week®”: Northeast Delta Dental's $300,000 Grant Exemplifies Nation-Leading Commitment to Veteran Health Equity
This Week is “Invest In Veterans Week®.” Northeast Delta Dental has stepped forward with a $300,000 grant to expand veterans’ access to essential dental care in Maine—highlighted in a Facebook announcement. As part of a broader civic movement recognized in statehouses and Congress, this grant exemplifies the real-world impact of public-private partnerships during Invest In Veterans Week®, a congressionally honored initiative redefining military service as a national investment deserving of structured, cross-sector support.
Captain Sherman Williams Jr. (Ret.) - Bridging Military Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation
Key Trademarks Registered by Williams:
Body Aqua® – Functional hydration brand.
Woof Water® & Meow Water® – Pet hydration solutions.
Well Water 7.5 pH® – pH-balanced water for health-conscious consumers.
Cosmetic Beverage® – A unique fusion of skincare and hydration.
Kids Aqua® – Hydration products tailored for children.
Williams’ appointment ensures that NIVW continues its trajectory as the premier veteran business advocacy organization, setting new benchmarks in brand recognition, financial impact, and policy influence.
Live Oak Bank Spotlights Veteran Entrepreneurship Using Research from National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has achieved an unprecedented milestone with its research featured by Live Oak Bank (NYSE: LOB), a Russell 2000 Component and one of the nation’s leading small business lenders. With $6.94 billion in assets and headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, Live Oak Bank serves as a trailblazer in niche markets, including veteran entrepreneurship. In their feature, “How the Silver Tsunami Provides Acquisition Opportunities for Veterans,” the bank leverages NIVW’s insights to showcase veterans as key players in the business acquisition landscape. NIVW, celebrated annually from March 1–7, continues to drive meaningful change, empowering veteran entrepreneurs and advancing economic opportunity.
Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at empowering veteran-owned businesses through innovative tax incentives, public-private partnerships, and enhanced training programs. By reducing reliance on federal funding, fostering corporate investment, and implementing scalable pilot programs, this Act strengthens financial independence for veterans while driving innovation, job creation, and tax revenue growth. It’s a fiscally responsible, transformative approach to positioning veterans as leaders in today’s evolving economy.
FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week®
Founded on the principles of resilience, leadership, and innovation, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, championed by Angel Shuford, are creating pathways for female veterans to transition from military service into positions of leadership as business owners, industry leaders, and changemakers.
2024 National Invest In Veterans Week® Impact Report: Jeff Shuford’s Transformative Legacy
Jeff Shuford’s contributions to AI, ethics, and advocacy have elevated National Invest In Veterans Week® into a globally recognized initiative. His prestigious citations highlight the transformative impact of his work across industries and disciplines. As NIVW moves forward, Shuford’s vision remains a guiding light for innovation, equity, and veteran empowerment.
National Invest in Veterans Week: Honoring Service, Empowering Entrepreneurship, and Building a Stronger Economy
National Invest in Veterans Week Overview
National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) is a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring and supporting veteran-owned businesses. This initiative, co-founded by Drayton Florence and Jeff Shuford in 2019, spotlights the significant economic and social contributions of veteran entrepreneurs. Veterans, who are twice as likely to start a business compared to non-veterans, leverage their discipline, leadership, and innovation to drive thriving businesses across industries. The week features events like Defense Week, legislative advocacy for the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, and community-driven panels supporting veteran entrepreneurship, mental health, and job creation. Join this movement to empower veterans and strengthen the economy. Learn more at Invest in Veterans Week.
Veterans Driving U.S. Economic Strength: National Invest In Veterans Week® Aligns with Growth, Opportunity, and Female Veteran Entrepreneurs
Proposed legislative measures, such as the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, are designed to remove systemic barriers and unlock opportunities for veterans. Key provisions include:
Startup Tax Credits: A $15,000 tax credit for veteran-owned businesses in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Low-Interest Loans: Expanded SBA programs with reduced rates for veterans.
Mentorship Networks: Federal funding for mentorship initiatives.
Streamlined Federal Contracting: Simplifying processes and reserving 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses.
Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy: National Invest In Veterans Week Meets Jimmy Carter’s Call to Action
This year, National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), observed March 1–7, coincides with a reflection on President Jimmy Carter's enduring legacy of service and leadership. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, spearheaded by Angel Shuford and celebrated on her birthday, March 6th, empower female veteran entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and lead globally. By investing in veteran-owned businesses and advocating for initiatives like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we honor Carter’s vision of resilience, leadership, and community-driven impact.
Invest in Veterans: Actionable Ways to Empower Those Who Served
Veterans possess unique skills and resilience honed through their service, but transitioning to civilian life often comes with challenges. By providing tailored support, investing in their careers, and utilizing veteran-focused initiatives, we can empower those who have served to thrive in their post-military lives. Below, we outline key strategies to invest in veterans, leveraging financial tools, supportive programs, and critical legislation, while emphasizing the importance of vigilance against fraud.
Observing a Legacy of Leadership: Kevin D. Shoun’s Journey Through the Lens of Jim Freeman
One of the most inspiring stories of modern times is that of Kevin D. Shoun, whose meteoric rise from U.S. Army First Sergeant to a prominent advocate and real estate visionary has set a new standard for leadership. Today, I reflect on Kevin's journey, his work with National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), and the values that connect his mission to my own life experiences.