Drayton Florence Announces Retirement from National Invest In Veterans Week® and Tech From Vets; Sherman Williams to Lead, Jim Freeman to Advise Cultural Partnerships

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and Tech From Vets announce the retirement of Drayton Florence, co-founder and Director of Partnerships, due to unforeseen medical circumstances. Florence has played a pivotal role in veteran entrepreneurship and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to guide both organizations for years to come.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Drayton Florence's journey from NFL cornerback to veteran business advocate has been one defined by vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those who have served. After an 11-season career in the NFL with teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Carolina Panthers, Florence pivoted to entrepreneurship and advocacy. He co-founded Tech From Vets in 2017, a veteran-owned technology company that went on to receive the 2017 BizTech Award from Comcast Business and the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Building upon that success, Florence co-founded National Invest In Veterans Week®, a congressionally recognized observance celebrated annually from March 1st to 7th, dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of veteran-owned businesses. His leadership and influence have been instrumental in positioning NIVW as a global movement.

Leadership Reflections on Drayton’s Impact

Drayton's retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to shape the future of NIVW and Tech From Vets.

Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®, shared her appreciation:

“Drayton has been an extraordinary leader, mentor, and advocate for veteran entrepreneurship. His vision has laid the foundation for countless veteran-owned businesses to thrive. Though we will miss his leadership, his legacy will continue to inspire everything we do moving forward.”

Kevin D. Shoun, Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development at NIVW, also praised Florence’s contributions:

“Drayton’s work has been nothing short of transformational. He played an essential role in making NIVW what it is today—a nationally recognized and globally expanding initiative for veteran business support.”

New Leadership: A Dual Strategy to Strengthen NIVW’s IP and Market Presence

To ensure that Drayton’s legacy of leadership and innovation continues, Sherman Williams and Jim Freeman have been appointed to key advisory roles, further expanding NIVW’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio and market influence.

Sherman Williams Takes Over as Director of Partnerships

Sherman Williams, a retired U.S. Army Captain, veteran entrepreneur, and CEO of Body Water LLC, will take on the Director of Partnerships role for National Invest In Veterans Week®. Williams' deep background in business development, military leadership, and health-focused entrepreneurship will ensure that NIVW continues to expand its partnerships and impact.

Williams, a NaVOBA-certified veteran business owner, has demonstrated resilience in business innovation. He founded Body Water LLC (now known as Body Aqua) in 2015, developing a diabetic-friendly, vegan-friendly, and collagen-producing beverage aimed at improving hydration, reducing fatigue, and optimizing health. His expertise in business strategy, logistics, and navigating corporate monopolies will be crucial in guiding NIVW’s continued expansion into new industries and international markets.

His leadership in overcoming significant challenges—including the monopolization of the beverage industry—proves his ability to navigate high-level partnerships, government advocacy, and corporate negotiations. (DrinkBodyAqua.com)

Williams, reflecting on his new role, stated:

“Veterans deserve more than just a seat at the table—we deserve to build the table. National Invest In Veterans Week has already transformed the landscape for veteran entrepreneurs, and I am honored to step into this role to help scale its partnerships, influence, and economic impact for the veteran community.”

Jim Freeman to Advise Angel Shuford on Cultural Partnerships

In a groundbreaking move to expand NIVW’s cultural influence, Jim Freeman, founding member of The Five Satins and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as Advisor to the CFO/VP for Cultural Partnerships.

Freeman, a legend in the music industry, played a key role in shaping doo-wop and R&B, with his contributions to the iconic hit “In the Still of the Night” cementing his place in music history. With a multi-generational recognition in the Congressional Record, Freeman’s expertise in cultural branding, media influence, and legacy-building will help NIVW integrate music, media, and advocacy into its long-term strategy.

Freeman’s advisory role will focus on:

• Enhancing NIVW’s cultural and media partnerships

• Leveraging music and entertainment to amplify veteran entrepreneurship

• Expanding brand reach through strategic collaborations

Freeman shared his perspective on joining NIVW:

“I’ve seen firsthand the power of music and cultural influence in shaping social movements. National Invest In Veterans Week has built an extraordinary platform, and I look forward to advising Angel on how we can continue expanding its reach in entertainment, corporate partnerships, and public engagement.”

The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week® and Tech From Vets

With Sherman Williams stepping into Drayton Florence’s role and Jim Freeman providing cultural advisory leadership, NIVW is positioned for unprecedented expansion. These strategic appointments will increase NIVW’s intellectual property, corporate visibility, and influence in both business and cultural sectors.

As the organization continues to push boundaries in veteran entrepreneurship, legislative advocacy, and global market expansion, its leadership remains committed to honoring the foundation built by Drayton Florence while preparing for the next evolution of veteran economic empowerment.

For more information about National Invest In Veterans Week®, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.

Dr. Brian Babin’s Endorsement Powers National Invest In Veterans Week and Aviation’s Role in Empowering Heroes

“This week is National Invest in Veterans Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every veteran who has fought for our country. 🇺🇸” – These profound words from Dr. Brian Babin, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, delivered in 2020, remain a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans. His statement stands as both a tribute to their sacrifices and a challenge to create meaningful opportunities that amplify their potential as leaders and innovators.

Dr. Babin’s Endorsement: A Call to Action

Dr. Babin’s heartfelt acknowledgment of National Invest In Veterans Week underscores the vital role veterans play in shaping our nation’s future. His message inspires action to elevate their contributions, particularly in industries such as aviation and aerospace, where their skills, discipline, and leadership can address critical workforce gaps and drive innovation.

Elevating National Invest In Veterans Week Through Aviation

This year, National Invest In Veterans Week is proudly featured on the Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar, amplifying its mission to connect veterans with transformative opportunities. With workforce shortages across aviation and aerospace, veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in roles such as air traffic control, aviation maintenance, unmanned systems, and commercial space exploration.

Veterans like Angel Shuford, a decorated Air Traffic Controller and remote pilot, and Kevin D. Shoun, a retired First Sergeant with extensive aviation expertise, exemplify the seamless transition from military service to impactful civilian careers. Their leadership within National Invest In Veterans Week ensures transitioning service members are equipped with the tools, training, and networks they need to succeed in these high-demand fields.

Dr. Babin’s Vision in Action

Dr. Babin’s 2020 endorsement was not just a message of gratitude—it was a vision for a nation that invests in its heroes. His support of National Invest In Veterans Week reflects the importance of initiatives that foster real change, bridging the gap between military service and civilian success. With its inclusion in the Aviation/Aerospace Workforce Calendar, the week is now a cornerstone of efforts to empower veterans through careers in aviation, aerospace, and beyond.

Join the Movement

Dr. Babin’s timeless words and leadership serve as a rallying cry for continued support of veteran empowerment. Through aviation, innovation, and community-driven initiatives, we can honor our veterans while building a brighter future for all.

Explore how you can participate:

• Aviation Events and Initiatives: Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar

• From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Honoring Growth and Innovation

Dr. Babin’s 2020 statement reminds us that supporting veterans is a responsibility we all share. Together, through bold action and initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week, we can ensure every veteran finds a path to success while continuing to lead with strength, vision, and innovation.

Celebrating the Inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® in the Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar

We are thrilled to announce that National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1-7) has been officially featured in the highly esteemed Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar of Events. This recognition highlights the pivotal role veterans play in shaping the future of the aviation and aerospace industries and reflects the dedication of leaders like Angel Shuford and Kevin D. Shoun, who continue to bridge the gap between veteran talent and workforce opportunities.

A Moment of Pride and Progress

The inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® in this influential calendar underscores the growing acknowledgment of veterans' contributions to critical industries like aviation and aerospace. The Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar is a cornerstone for promoting education, diversity, and recruitment in aviation, perfectly aligning with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week® to foster career advancement, entrepreneurship, and mental health support for veterans.

Angel Shuford: Leading Innovation in Aviation

A decorated Air Traffic Control Specialist and a trailblazer in aviation, Angel Shuford has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and inclusion. Her remarkable career includes managing over 170,000 air traffic movements without incident and mentoring future aviation professionals. On this honor, Angel remarked:
"The inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® in such a prestigious calendar amplifies our message of empowerment for veterans. It showcases the boundless opportunities in aviation and aerospace for veterans to thrive and lead."

Read more insights from Angel Shuford here: From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Honoring Growth, Innovation, and Partnership.

Kevin D. Shoun: Empowering Veterans Through Leadership

Kevin D. Shoun, a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and co-leader of Vets 2.0℠, is renowned for his leadership in transitioning veterans into impactful civilian roles. His focus on mental health advocacy and career mentorship has been transformative. Kevin shared:
"This recognition solidifies the importance of connecting veterans to industries like aviation. It’s a celebration of their skills, resilience, and potential to drive innovation in the workforce."

The Power of This Recognition

The Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar feature provides unparalleled visibility to National Invest In Veterans Week®, advancing key initiatives, including:

• Opening Pathways to Aviation Careers: Veterans are encouraged to pursue roles in air traffic control, unmanned systems, and aerospace innovation.

• Advocating for Workforce Diversity: Promoting veterans as integral contributors to address labor shortages in aviation and aerospace fields.

• Showcasing Leadership and Innovation: Elevating stories of resilience and transformation within veteran communities.

Discover more about the calendar here: Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar of Events.

A Unified Vision for Veteran Empowerment

This milestone marks a shared commitment to workforce development and veteran advocacy. As aviation and aerospace industries evolve, National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to drive awareness and action. With the support of leaders like Chairman Brian Mast, as highlighted in Chairman Brian Mast: Leading the Charge for Veteran Empowerment and Economic Growth, and partnerships across industries, we are building a future where veterans thrive in careers that reflect their dedication and skill.

Together, let’s continue to invest in our veterans and celebrate the remarkable impact they have on our industries and communities. Learn more about this movement at National Invest In Veterans Week.