From the Gridiron to the Front Lines: How Aaron Jones Sr. is Championing America's Veterans
Aaron Jones Sr.'s story reminds us that supporting veterans isn't seasonal—it's a year-round commitment. National Invest In Veterans Week® exists to amplify this message, encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to move beyond awareness to meaningful action.
Whether through employment initiatives, mental health resources, educational support, or simply showing up—we all have a role to play in honoring those who've served.
Jones proves that you don't need to be an NFL star to make a difference. You just need to care enough to act.
The New Digital Footprint of Veteran Advocacy: What the World Is Searching For
Global search behavior is shifting, and National Invest In Veterans Week® is emerging as a recognized driver of that change. New analytics reveal a rapidly expanding international audience, rising high-intent queries, and a growing digital footprint across multiple continents. From veteran-focused financial education to global observance trends, the data shows increasing demand for credible leadership in veteran advocacy—and NIVW’s influence now extends far beyond the United States. This report breaks down the movement’s accelerating visibility, the keywords fueling its rise, and why the world is searching for National Invest In Veterans Week® more than ever before.
FLASHBACK REPORT: National Guard Observance Highlights National Invest In Veterans Week®
Key Points:
National Guard Bureau formally listed National Invest In Veterans Week® as a March observance.
Recognition appears during a documented CNGB leadership transition.
The initiative’s lineage traces to Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley of the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry.
Monument documentation: https://www.slaverymonuments.org/items/show/1111
Jeff Shuford serves as the Chief Architect of the observance’s national structure.
The framework is designed to operate across government, community, and media without dependence on external funding.
Update: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Five Congressional Record Entries
Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with 5 Congressional Record Entries, 5 Proclamations, and a Landmark Court Case
For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has secured five Congressional Record entries and five state proclamations, recognizing their lasting impact on music, business, and veteran advocacy. Jim Freeman, a doo-wop pioneer with The Five Satins, was honored for his role in shaping American music, while Jeff Shuford was recognized for his leadership in veteran entrepreneurship through National Invest In Veterans Week®.
Additionally, Iowa House Resolution 36 formally acknowledged Jim Freeman’s contributions to rock and roll, and a U.S. Court of Appeals citation recognized the cultural and legal significance of In the Still of the Nite, reinforcing the family's deep influence across industries.
📖 Read more about their historic achievements:
🔗 Invest In Veterans Magazine
🔗 Learn More: www.InvestInVeteransWeek.com
Angel Shuford Appointed Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®
Angel Shuford, U.S. Army veteran and Vice President/CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®, continues to break barriers in veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. Alongside her husband, Jeff Shuford, Angel was recently honored with the Global Humanitarian Innovation and Legacy Award, celebrating their transformative work supporting veterans worldwide. From pioneering global initiatives like Tech From Vets to building digital hubs such as FloridaVeterans.com, Angel’s leadership is driving innovation and creating lasting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.
Celebrating National Invest in Veterans Week: Creative Ways Legislators and Officials Can Empower Veteran Entrepreneurs
Learn how legislators and government officials can celebrate National Invest in Veterans Week by issuing proclamations and raising awareness about the invaluable contributions of veteran entrepreneurs to the economy.
Celebrating National Invest in Veterans Week: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs
Veterans have a wealth of skills and experience that make them well-suited to entrepreneurship. By following these tips and learning from the experience of successful veteran entrepreneurs, you can unlock the key to success in today's fast-paced economy. Read on to discover tips for building a thriving veteran-owned business, including the importance of having a clear vision, being adaptable, networking, understanding finances, and persevering through challenges.
🫡Our Team
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![A woman wearing a navy blazer with an embroidered coat of arms, gold lapel pin, and jewelry, sitting with her hands clasped, with American flags in the background.]()
President Angel Shuford
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Army Veteran
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![A man in a blue suit and white shirt standing in front of an American flag against a black background.]()
Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Kevin D. Shoun
Senior Advisor | Civic Leadership and Policy Development
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![A woman with blonde hair smiling in front of an American flag and a black background with a logo that says 'National Invest in Veteran Owned Business Week.']()
Sara Pomposo
Chief Advisor | Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication
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![A man in a red shirt holding a music award trophy, standing next to a framed platinum record plaque on display, with framed posters and awards hanging on the wall behind him.]()
Jim Freeman of The Five Satins
GRAMMY Hall of Famer | Brand Ambassador
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![A man with gray hair and glasses stands behind a music stand, speaking into a microphone while using hand gestures, against a dark background.]()
Pastor Ron Henson
Social Impact Advisor | Navy Veteran
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![A man in a U.S. military uniform in front of an American flag.]()
LTC Rickey L. Pope USA, Ret.
CO-FOUNDER | Retired Army Veteran, Retired Firefighter
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![A man in a gray blazer and shirt posing with arms crossed in front of a city skyline at dusk, with buildings and a bridge reflected in the water.]()
Jeff Shuford
CO-FOUNDER | Iraq War Veteran & Military Spouse
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![Three men in a discussion in an office break room with black and white geometric wallpaper. One man with a beard, wearing glasses and a suit, is talking to a bald man wearing a black sweater, who is making a gesture with his hands. The third man with dreadlocks, dressed in a blue suit and holding papers, listens attentively.]()
Drayton Florence
CO-FOUNDER | NFL Veteran & Military Brat
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![A smiling man with glasses, wearing a green sweater over a striped collared shirt, standing with crossed arms in an office space near a window, with framed certificates on the wall behind him.]()
Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC
Trademark Attorney | Veteran IP Advocate
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![A man in a green vest with a plaid shirt and bow tie standing in front of a booth labeled 'Body Aqua' at a trade show or expo.]()
CPT Sherman WIlliams, USA, Ret.
Advisor | Retired Army Veteran
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![Two men in business suits having a meeting in an office with a window showing a city view, discussing a presentation on a laptop.]()
Brandon Sugar
Legacy UX/UI Designer | Army Veteran
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![A young man with dark hair styled back, light eyes, and a light beard, wearing a blue suit and white shirt, looking at the camera.]()
Mike Bicek
Creative Director | Army Veteran
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![A small brown and black puppy sitting on a red folding chair at the beach, with sunglasses and a colorful bag in the background.]()
Private Jewel
Co-Founders Pup | Biewer Terrier
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![A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a striped white shirt.]()
Lonnell McCall I
Sr. Spokesperson | Retired Navy Veteran
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Celeste Everett
Legacy IT Consultant | Army Veteran
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![Composite image of three young men dressed as a graduate, a football player, and a young man in formal wear against a stadium background.]()
Lonnell McCall II
Jr. Spokesperson | Military Brat
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![Close-up of a young man with dark brown hair, styled back, with light eyes, a light beard, and wearing a dark shirt, standing in front of a background with horizontal lines.]()
Christopher B. Mueller
Lead Video Spokesperson | Veteran Advocate
“As an educator committed to professional growth, I fully endorse National Invest in Veterans Week® for recognizing that veterans are vital economic assets who deserve tangible support in entrepreneurship and workforce development.”