The New Digital Footprint of Veteran Advocacy: What the World Is Searching For

Here’s the link to the active report (valid until December 19th):
https://app.seogets.com/share/XgdxiIWrEq6ziFdfy2Or

National Invest In Veterans Week® began as a congressionally recognized observance led by Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford. Supported by proclamations from mayors, governors and regional leaders, the week has grown into a national platform for honoring veteran entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and civic contribution. In just a few years it has expanded well beyond its American roots: NIVW is now celebrated across nineteen states and twenty‑one countries and spans more than sixty global markets, offering mentorship and funding opportunities that uplift veteran founders worldwide. That global reach has amplified the week’s digital footprint, turning it into a search phenomenon.

Analysis of recent search data shows that the majority of queries continue to revolve around the name of the initiative itself. People are not only searching for “invest in veterans week” but also for its formal title and for the names of its founders, reflecting a desire to learn about the individuals and institutions behind the movement. Related queries explore holiday observances (such as the official status of Veterans Day around the world), advisory councils, and even cultural ties like The Five Satins, indicating a deepening curiosity about the program’s heritage and leadership. A new wave of search interest also connects veteran advocacy with cutting‑edge technology: “OpenAI veterans program news” is among the fastest‑growing queries, suggesting that audiences are beginning to see AI innovation as part of the veteran‑entrepreneurship conversation. On the financial front, searchers are asking about retirement accounts for veterans, investment products for wounded service members and how to manage VA disability benefits—signaling a hunger for trustworthy financial guidance.

The geographic spread of search interest tells an even richer story. While the United States remains the primary source of traffic, the fastest growth is coming from emerging markets. Search volume from Bangladesh has surged by more than two‑and‑a‑half times, while new interest from Poland, Czechia, Ghana and Pakistan has leapt from virtually zero to a meaningful presence. Australia has seen search inquiries grow by more than seventy percent, and Nigeria and Germany have roughly doubled. These triple‑digit increases highlight a truly global resonance; communities across Asia, Europe and Africa are now seeking information about veterans’ economic empowerment. Even within North America, Canada’s query volume has climbed by roughly one‑third, underscoring momentum in neighboring markets.

The quality of this traffic is improving along with its quantity. Within the ranking tiers, the share of top‑position queries (positions 1–3) has grown by about one‑third, while mid‑tier queries (positions 11–20) have risen by more than ten percent. This shift suggests that National Invest In Veterans Week® content is moving higher in search results and capturing more qualified intent. Device usage patterns reinforce the picture of deeper engagement: desktop queries have climbed by double digits, reflecting longer research sessions and more deliberate reading, while mobile searches remain strong but stable. Meanwhile, the most‑viewed page continues to be a comprehensive guide on how veterans can invest their disability benefits—evidence that well‑crafted educational content drives sustained interest.

Taken together, these trends paint a picture of a brand in ascent. What was once a grassroots observance is now a global movement with measurable digital momentum. The convergence of veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and even AI ethics—areas in which Jeff Shuford has become an influential voice—is attracting audiences from every continent. As new queries emerge and international participation accelerates, National Invest In Veterans Week® stands poised not only to honor the past but to shape the future of veteran economic empowerment.

Investing in Veterans Is the Key to Hampton Roads’ Workforce Future, Leaders Write

TL;DR

A Bank of America executive and a museum CEO argue that Hampton Roads can solve its talent shortages by deliberately investing in veterans as workers, leaders, and business owners.

A new guest column in The Virginian-Pilot argues that Hampton Roads’ next era of growth depends on one clear strategy: invest in veterans to grow the regional workforce. The piece is co-authored by Len Botkin, chief audit executive at Bank of America and U.S. Army veteran, and Howard H. Hoege III, president and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park and a former Army infantry and JAG officer.

Writing from both corporate and civic perspectives, Botkin and Hoege emphasize that veterans are not only a moral priority; they are a strategic workforce asset for Hampton Roads. The region has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and veteran-owned businesses in the country, and the authors argue that deliberately recruiting, training, and promoting veterans will help close critical talent gaps in sectors such as shipbuilding, logistics, advanced manufacturing, maritime, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

Botkin, who oversees Bank of America’s global Corporate Audit and Credit Review organization, has long been involved in supporting military talent pipelines inside the company. Hoege leads one of the nation’s most significant maritime institutions and serves on regional boards focused on workforce and economic development, bringing a community and heritage lens to the conversation. Together, they frame veteran employment and veteran entrepreneurship as core components of Hampton Roads’ competitiveness, not side projects or charity.

For National Invest In Veterans Week®, the column reinforces a central message: treat veterans as a primary solution to workforce challenges by investing in their skills, leadership, and businesses. That means aligning employers, educators, and regional partners around veteran-ready hiring practices, apprenticeships, upskilling programs, and targeted support for veteran-owned small businesses.

Key Link

• Virginian-Pilot guest column:
  https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/11/29/column-invest-in-veterans-to-grow-the-regional-workforce/

Congressman Don Davis: From Congressional Record to Legislative Reform, a Champion for Veterans' Dignity and Economic Empowerment

Honoring Congressman Davis for Linking the National Invest In Veterans Week® Movement to Meaningful Legislative Action Through the VERY Act of 2025

In 2025, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through legislative action and public advocacy. His introduction of the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act and his prior Congressional Record entry underscore a comprehensive approach to veteran support, aligning with the principles of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

The VERY Act: Modernizing Veteran Support

On April 11, 2025, Congressman Davis, alongside Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), introduced H.R. 2625, the VERY Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to update the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program by replacing the terms "employment handicap" and "serious employment handicap" with "employment barrier" and "serious employment barrier," respectively. This change reflects a shift towards more respectful and empowering language, acknowledging the evolving perspectives of veterans regarding their experiences and challenges.

"We must ensure that our disabled veterans feel represented and heard," stated Congressman Davis. "The VERY Act makes changes to let our disabled vets know that they are receiving the respect and dignity they have rightfully earned."

Congressional Record Entry: A Precursor to Legislative Action

Congressman Davis's dedication to veterans' issues was evident prior to the introduction of the VERY Act. On May 24, 2023, he delivered a floor speech titled "Investing in Our Veterans," emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans and underserved communities. This address, recorded in the Congressional Record (Vol. 169, No. 88, Page H2588), highlighted the need for legislative action to bolster veteran entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.(National Invest In Veterans Week®)

Alignment with National Invest In Veterans Week®

The VERY Act and Congressman Davis's Congressional Record entry align with the objectives of National Invest In Veterans Week®, a federally recognized initiative dedicated to promoting investment in veteran-owned businesses and supporting veterans' transition to civilian life. The initiative has garnered bipartisan support and has been formally acknowledged in multiple Congressional Record entries, including those by Representatives Matt Rosendale and Brian Mast.(National Invest In Veterans Week®)

National Invest In Veterans Week® serves as a platform to advocate for policies that empower veterans economically and socially. Congressman Davis's legislative efforts and public statements contribute to this broader movement, reinforcing the nation's commitment to honoring and supporting its veterans.

Conclusion

Through the introduction of the VERY Act and his prior advocacy, Congressman Don Davis exemplifies a comprehensive approach to veteran support. His actions reflect a dedication to modernizing veteran services, promoting respectful language, and aligning with national initiatives that prioritize veteran empowerment.

For more information on the VERY Act, please visit Congressman Don Davis's official press release: Congressmen Don Davis and Juan Ciscomani Introduce Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act.