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.
Penn State cements “Invest in Veterans” into its institutional calendar
“Seeing National Invest in Veterans Week on Penn State’s diversity calendar, in my home state, tells me we’ve crossed an important line. Investing in veterans isn’t just a program or a campaign anymore—it’s part of how major institutions define inclusion, economic justice, and community. When a university of Penn State’s scale builds that into its culture, it sends a signal to every campus and every employer in the country: veterans aren’t an afterthought, they are a core constituency you plan for all year long.”
— Jeff Shuford
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast: Promoting Investment in Veterans
On March 6, 2024, during National Invest in Veterans Week®, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast shared a compelling blog post titled Invest in America, Invest in Veterans. His message underscored the deep commitment our nation owes to its veterans and the crucial need to invest in their futures. Mast’s advocacy highlighted how veterans’ sacrifices on the battlefield translate into a call for us to create opportunities for them to thrive in civilian life, particularly in entrepreneurship.
Chairman Mast’s leadership and vision continue to promote the investment in veterans that our nation so critically needs, inspiring a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and success for generations to come.
From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Elevating Veterans and Empowering Communities Through Vets 2.0℠ and National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW)
As we move into 2025, National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) and Vets 2.0℠ are leading the way in reshaping how we support our veterans, particularly those transitioning to civilian life. These initiatives are built on innovation, inclusivity, and leadership, providing a global platform for veterans to thrive. With Jeff Shuford recently retired after years of transformative leadership, and under the guidance of Kevin D. Shoun, we are charting new paths for growth and empowerment, making 2025 a milestone year.
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.
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.
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.
National Invest In Veterans Week® Breaks New Ground with First International Syndication of Veteran Contributors
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), co-founded by Iraq War veteran and visionary entrepreneur Jeff Shuford, is breaking new ground with the first international syndication of veteran contributors and the launch of a global Progressive Web App (PWA) for veterans. This historic expansion includes the largest collection of veteran-focused domains outside of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offering localized resources and a digital support network spanning across 39 international markets. NIVW continues to lead the charge in empowering veterans with cutting-edge technology and a global platform for their success stories.
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.
Press Release: National Invest In Veterans Week Wins Multiple Awards in 2021
National Invest In Veterans Week is led by nationally syndicated columnist and Philadelphia native Jeff Shuford.
National Invest In Veterans Week Launches The American Society of Veteran Business Owners
Earlier this year, National Invest In Veterans Week, a Tech From Vets brand, launched the American Society of Veteran Business Owners to help veteran entrepreneurs nationwide. Created to help veteran entrepreneurs build a community of like-minded warriors that served our nation with distinction, the society is aimed at connecting veterans at every stage of business development. "With so many veterans exiting the military interested in starting their businesses, the need to create an organization catered to serving their needs is an essential element to National Invest In Veterans Week," stated ASVBO co-founder Jeff Shuford. A 2018 study by the Small Business Administration (SBA) discovered numerous issues facing aspiring veteran business owners, and the American Society of Veteran Business Owners intends to highlight those issues.
5 FORMIDABLE WAYS TO FEEL MORE EMPOWERED AS A VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR
For veteran entrepreneurs who want to enjoy long-lasting careers as business developers, believing in your abilities is crucial. You can't hope to earn the admiration and respect of others if you don't first believe in your strengths as a veteran entrepreneur.
South Carolina Passes Resolution To Commemorate National Invest In Veterans Week
South Carolina Senate Resolution to Commemorate National Invest In Veterans Week March 1-7.
🫡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.”