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Rep. Mike Levin: A Champion for Veterans and Community Investment

As National Invest in Veterans Week® (March 1-7) approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate leaders who are making a difference for veterans and their communities. Among those deserving recognition is Representative Mike Levin, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to investing in veterans and their futures.

A Legacy of Advocacy for Veterans

Earlier this year, Rep. Levin received the prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2024 Congressional Award for Legislator of the Year. This honor highlights his unwavering dedication to veterans, service members, and their families. As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Levin has authored more than two dozen bipartisan laws aimed at easing veterans’ transition to civilian life.

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National Invest In Veterans Week Staff National Invest In Veterans Week Staff

Press Release: National Invest In Veterans Week® Celebrates DAV’s Ongoing Support and Honors a Family Legacy of Service

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) honors Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for their continued support in promoting veteran entrepreneurship and celebrates the distinguished legacy of military service within co-founder Jeff Shuford’s family. Spanning multiple generations, the Shuford-Freeman family has been recognized for both military service and cultural contributions. Jeff’s grandfather, Jim Freeman, a founding member of the iconic group The Five Satins, was honored in the Congressional Record for his cultural impact, while Jeff himself received the same distinction in 2024 for his work with NIVW. Together, NIVW and DAV champion veterans, ensuring their legacies of service and honor are recognized and celebrated.

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National Invest In Veterans Week Staff National Invest In Veterans Week Staff

The Legacy of Leadership: Jeff Shuford and His Grandfather Jim Freeman

In the dynamic interplay of innovation, technology, and veteran advocacy, Jeff Shuford emerges as a leading figure whose work is grounded in a profound legacy of leadership passed down from his grandfather, Jim Freeman. Known for co-founding National Invest In Veterans Week®, Shuford champions the cause of veteran-owned businesses, empowering them to thrive in today’s digital economy.

Freeman, a founding member of the legendary doo-wop group The Five Satins, achieved recognition for his contributions to American music, including the timeless classic “In the Still of the Night.” Both men have been honored in the U.S. Congressional Record, a rare acknowledgment that underscores their significant cultural impact.

As Shuford forges ahead, drawing inspiration from Freeman’s enduring values of perseverance and creativity, he reflects, “My grandfather showed me the importance of staying committed to your vision.” This sentiment resonates through Shuford's initiatives, where he utilizes technology to advocate for veterans and uplift underserved communities.

The parallels between Shuford's journey and Freeman's legacy highlight a family commitment to leadership, innovation, and service. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of how music and advocacy can unite generations, fostering connections that inspire change and impact lives.

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Veteran Business Super Intelligence℠ · Sponsored by National Invest In Veterans Week®

The Pulse Deck Veteran Enterprise in Motion

Sources: SBA VetCert certified-firm export of 2026-10-04 (aggregates only); U.S. SBA Office of Advocacy, Issue Brief No. 18, "Deconstructing the Change in Veteran Business Ownership" (May 2023), Census Annual Business Survey; IVMF Research Review, Deming, Carpenter and Anders, Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (2025); IVMF, "The Access to Capital Challenge" (2019), 2016 Survey of Consumer Finances. Veteran Business Super Intelligence℠ · Sponsored by National Invest In Veterans Week®.

A shopping bag with an American flag design inside a green circle, with text indicating dates from March 1 to March 7.
Phil Hulett | Official Endorsement
National Invest In Veterans Week®

🫡Our Team

“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.”
— Samuel Lee, Lecturer at OpenClassrooms, Harvard Graduate, and Amazon Engineer