Lonnell McCall I Appointed Vice President of National Invest In Veterans Week®; Lonnell McCall II Named Senior Spokesperson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jacksonville, FL – National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) proudly announces the promotion of Lonnell M. McCall to Vice President, a testament to his unwavering commitment to veteran entrepreneurship, national advocacy, and mission-driven leadership. Additionally, Lonnell McCall II has been appointed Senior Spokesperson, continuing the McCall family’s dedication to advancing veteran business initiatives on both a national and international scale.

Lonnell McCall: A Strategic Leader with a Legacy of Impact

With over 20 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, and strategic operations, Lonnell McCall has distinguished himself as a trusted industry leader, holding a Secret Security Clearance, an achievement that reflects his commitment to operational integrity and national security—a distinction he shares with Angel Shuford, President of NIVW, and a decorated Army Air Traffic Controller.

During his tenure as Senior Spokesperson, McCall secured landmark state and national recognition for veteran entrepreneurs, including:

• South Carolina Senate Resolution (2019) – Early state-level recognition of National Invest In Veterans Week®, establishing its foundation as a nationally recognized veteran business movement.

• Montana Gubernatorial Proclamations (2023, 2024, 2025) – Ongoing official state proclamations reinforcing the importance of veteran entrepreneurship in state economies.

• Congressional Record Entry (2024) – Recognition by Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, a historic moment solidifying NIVW’s federal recognition and long-term impact on veteran-owned businesses.

As Vice President, McCall will focus on expanding corporate and governmental partnerships, securing additional legislative support, and developing scalable initiatives to enhance veteran business success. His expertise in project execution, workforce development, and organizational strategy has been further strengthened through his recent completion of Cornell University’s Project Leadership program, a prestigious certification from the Cornell University College of Engineering.

"I have dedicated my career to ensuring that veterans are not just recognized for their service but are actively supported in their transition to business ownership and leadership," said McCall. "As Vice President, I look forward to scaling our impact, driving meaningful policy changes, and expanding our partnerships to further empower the veteran business community."

Lonnell McCall II: A New Generation of Veteran Business Advocacy

Stepping into his father’s role, Lonnell McCall II has been named Senior Spokesperson for National Invest In Veterans Week®, carrying forward a multi-generational commitment to veteran economic empowerment. In this role, he will lead national media engagement, public advocacy, and community-driven initiatives, ensuring that the mission of NIVW continues to grow in reach and influence.

McCall II’s leadership will focus on:

• Expanding Media Visibility – Strengthening NIVW’s presence through press, digital platforms, and public speaking engagements.

• Building Grassroots Advocacy – Engaging local veteran business communities to increase participation in NIVW’s annual observance and year-round initiatives.

• Amplifying Veteran Success Stories – Showcasing the contributions and impact of veteran-owned businesses in key industries nationwide.

"It’s an honor to step into this role and continue the incredible work that my father has pioneered," said McCall II. "Veterans are the backbone of America’s entrepreneurial spirit, and I am committed to ensuring their businesses thrive through national recognition and actionable support."

A Strengthened Leadership Team for the Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship

The McCall family’s leadership within NIVW represents a powerful legacy of service, advocacy, and economic empowerment. With Angel Shuford as President, Sherman Williams Jr. as Director of Partnerships, and LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.) as Co-Founder, National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to position itself as the leading movement in veteran business support.

With a leadership team that includes high-profile veteran advocates, industry pioneers, and policy influencers, NIVW is expanding its reach, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses receive the national spotlight, funding opportunities, and policy support they deserve.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman Joins National Invest In Veterans Week® as Legal Advisor, Marking a New Chapter for the Shuford-Freeman Legacy

A Family Built on Leadership, Advocacy, and Generational Excellence

ATLANTA, GA – JACKSONVILLE, FL – NEW HAVEN, CT — National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has long been a movement driven by leadership, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs. Now, with the appointment of Dr. Richard S. Freeman, JD, as Legal Advisor, the organization is entering its most ambitious phase yet.

For the Shuford-Freeman family, this marks another milestone in a multigenerational legacy that has shaped music, civil rights, business, and now, veteran entrepreneurship.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time as LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA (Ret.) steps down, and Angel Shuford assumes the role of President and CFO of NIVW. In addition, Sherman Williams will take over as Director of Partnerships, and Jim Freeman—founding member of The Five Satins and Rock & Roll pioneer—will serve as Advisor for Cultural Partnerships.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman: A Legal Powerhouse Strengthening Veteran Advocacy

A Career Spanning Civil Rights, Corporate Law, and Policy Reform

Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a legal mind—he is a force in civil rights law, labor justice, and corporate governance. As a lead attorney at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), he won some of the largest employment discrimination cases in U.S. history, including:

✅ General Motors ($50 million consent decree)
✅ Ford Motor Company ($25 million consent decree)
✅ Cargill and J.P. Stevens (multi-million-dollar settlements)

Beyond the courtroom, Dr. Freeman has built institutions. As Vice President of International Affairs at Sojourner-Douglass College, he expanded educational opportunities for underrepresented communities worldwide. His work with the Joe Beasley Foundation has impacted South America, Africa, and the Caribbean.

His appointment as Legal Advisor at NIVW will focus on:

✔ Strengthening veteran policy advocacy
✔ Expanding legal protections for veteran entrepreneurs
✔ Ensuring compliance and corporate partnerships that benefit veteran-owned businesses

His expertise, combined with Angel Shuford’s leadership and strategic expansion plans, positions NIVW as a globally recognized institution for veteran economic empowerment.

Jim Freeman’s Role in Cultural Partnerships: Expanding NIVW’s Media Influence

A Rock & Roll Pioneer Joins the Fight for Veteran Entrepreneurship

Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins, is not just a music icon—he is a cultural architect. With over 10 million records sold, his influence transcends generations.

His hit song, “In the Still of the Night,” recorded in 1956, remains one of the most celebrated doo-wop classics, featured in:

🎬 The Irishman (2019, Martin Scorsese)
🎥 Dirty Dancing
🎶 Covers by The Beach Boys, Debbie Gibson, and more

For his contributions to American music history, Jim Freeman was honored in the Congressional Record, making his family one of the few in history to be recognized in multiple generations.

Now, as Cultural Advisor for NIVW, he will work closely with his granddaughter, Angel Shuford, to:

✔ Expand veteran entrepreneurship into media, entertainment, and branding
✔ Leverage music and pop culture to amplify veteran business awareness
✔ Create new partnerships between veterans, corporate sponsors, and the arts

Drayton Florence’s Retirement and the Future of NIVW

As Drayton Florence officially steps down due to medical circumstances, NIVW recognizes the enormous contributions he has made to veteran advocacy.

A former NFL cornerback with an 11-season career, Florence co-founded Tech From Vets and helped NIVW become a congressionally recognized movement. His impact will be felt for generations, and Sherman Williams is now set to carry forward his legacy.

Williams, a serial trademark owner, retired U.S. Army Captain and CEO of Body Aqua, will take over as Director of Partnerships, bringing expertise in:

✔ Navigating corporate monopolies and business innovation
✔ Creating veteran-friendly market opportunities
✔ Expanding NIVW’s corporate reach

"Owning numerous Trademarks through the USPTO while running my business taught me, Veterans should not only be at the table—we should own the table," said Williams. "Drayton, Jeff, LTC Pope, built something incredible, and I am committed to ensuring that NIVW continues to thrive."

A Family That Redefined American Culture, Business, and Advocacy

The Shuford-Freeman family legacy is unlike any other.

🔹 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music with The Five Satins
🔹 Dr. Richard S. Freeman reshaped U.S. labor laws and corporate accountability
🔹 Jeff Shuford co-founded NIVW, bringing veteran entrepreneurship to national prominence
🔹 Angel Shuford now leads NIVW into its next era

Now, with Sherman Williams stepping into leadership and Angelina Shuford representing the next generation as Junior Spokesperson, this is a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Final Thoughts: The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week®

With these strategic moves, NIVW is no longer just a veteran entrepreneurship initiative—it is a movement that merges business, culture, and advocacy on a global scale.

💠 Dr. Richard S. Freeman will ensure its legal and corporate foundation remains strong.
💠 Jim Freeman will elevate its cultural partnerships and branding influence.
💠 Sherman Williams will drive business partnerships and market expansion.
💠 Angel Shuford will continue leading with vision and strategy.

"Our family has always been about breaking barriers—whether in music, law, or business," said Angel Shuford. "Now, it’s about making sure veteran entrepreneurs are seen, heard, and empowered. We’re just getting started."

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is the leading initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019 by Jeff Shuford and Drayton Florence, NIVW highlights the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses while providing mentorship, resources, and visibility to veterans in business.

With operations in 62+ markets and expanding, NIVW is at the forefront of veteran economic advocacy, ensuring that those who served receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.