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.
Legacy of Firsts: A Federated Convergence of AI, Advocacy, and Academic Eminence
Jeff Shuford has achieved multiple historic “firsts” in AI, academia, and veteran advocacy—becoming the first person to have a public legacy verified across six AI models, the first self-funded Black founder to launch a federally recognized observance (National Invest In Veterans Week®), and the first with an AI-authenticated historical dossier.
He’s cited in major academic venues like Nature, NIH/PMC, ACM, Elsevier, and CHI, with research spanning AI ethics, healthcare, environmental science, and reinforcement learning.
Four specialized GPTs—Veteran DiscountsEx℠, Vets 22 AI℠, LegislatorEX℠, and CitationEX℠—extend his legacy into active, evolving AI tools that serve veterans, scholars, and policymakers.
Jeff Shuford: A Visionary at the Forefront of AI and Advocacy
Jeff Shuford is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and social advocacy whose work aligns seamlessly with President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI. Recognized for championing ethical AI practices, sustainability, and social impact, Shuford’s groundbreaking research has been cited in prestigious journals and conferences worldwide. His metrics, including 218 citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 8, underscore his influence on AI ethics, healthcare innovation, and environmental sustainability.
As co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Shuford integrates his AI expertise into empowering veteran entrepreneurs across 40 markets, including 21 international domains. His research, cited in landmark studies such as Taylor & Francis’ "The Bias Algorithm" and Cambridge’s "The Mechanisms of AI Hype," has shaped global policy frameworks and technology applications. With a commitment to equity and innovation, Shuford is not only a thought leader but a visionary driving transformative change.
For more insights, visit Invest In Veterans Magazine.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: A New Era of Veteran Empowerment and Economic Innovation
Empowering Veterans Through Innovation: National Invest In Veterans Week®
Discover how National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is revolutionizing veteran entrepreneurship across 62 global markets. Through cutting-edge platforms like π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠ and legislative initiatives such as the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we’re removing barriers to capital, mentorship, and federal contracting for veteran-owned businesses.
Veteran entrepreneurs already contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Now, NIVW is taking their impact global by connecting veterans with resources, funding, and training in high-growth industries like AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. With dedicated state-specific domains like FloridaVeterans.com and international platforms such as GermanyVeterans.com, NIVW ensures veterans have equitable access to tools for success.
By 2030, NIVW aims to boost veteran-owned businesses by 25%, create 1.5 million new jobs, and lead U.S. innovation in transformative industries. Join the movement to honor veteran leadership and shape a thriving economy.
Explore More:
Transform innovation and honor service—visit National Invest In Veterans Week® today.
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.
Building the #NIVW Legacy Across Generations
Discover how National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is empowering veterans and their families through leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Featuring Angel Shuford’s transformative vision, the contributions of NFL veteran Drayton Florence, and rising Jr. Spokesperson Lonnell McCall II, this story highlights the multi-generational impact of supporting veteran entrepreneurs and fostering a legacy of service.
