How Veteran Leadership Drives the American Economy

Across the United States, transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs are quietly powering local communities and stabilizing the national workforce. Navigating the shift from military service to the civilian sector can be deeply challenging, but localized support systems are proving just how valuable these individuals are to the broader American economy.

In Great Falls, Montana, Air Force veteran Paul Lamelin faced significant uncertainty as he prepared to retire after two decades of service with the 341st Security Forces Squadron. Lamelin expressed that planning for life after the military brought apprehension regarding what his future might hold. However, by connecting with Chelsea Keller, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist with Job Service Great Falls, he was able to successfully translate his military leadership experience into a civilian resume. Through their preparation, Lamelin secured a role as a Program Compliance Auditor for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, transitioning seamlessly without any gap in employment.

This focus on smoothing the transition is a statewide priority during Invest in Veterans Week. Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Anthem Snacks in Bozeman, convening a roundtable with veteran entrepreneurs including Nate Kouhana, Willie Blazer, and Trent McMurtrey. They discussed the challenges of recruiting veterans amid rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing in the Gallatin Valley. Gianforte highlighted a 2023 law exempting half of military pensions from state income tax to help ease these burdens, while local advocates urged even greater exemptions to make the state more competitive nationally.

The push to empower transitioning service members extends nationwide. In Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Army veteran George Watkins, Owner of Stein Service and Supply, emphasized during a WCNC broadcast that former service members bring discipline, leadership, and rapid adaptability to the workplace. He noted that these traits are highly valuable for businesses seeking individuals who take initiative and work cohesively within tight-knit teams. By actively employing both Army and Naval veterans, Watkins firmly believes that hiring veterans is a direct investment in the local community itself.

Quantifying the Backbone: Our Integration with Google Dataset Search

At National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), the core objective is to take these micro-level success stories from Montana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin and prove their macro-level impact using hard data.

To ensure the economic footprint of veteran founders is accurately measured, readily accessible, and highly visible to policymakers and financial institutions, the NIVW team created a first-of-its-kind proprietary JSON-LD schema framework. This effectively bridges complex public data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and the SBA Office of Advocacy with Google Dataset Search, making veteran economic data universally machine-readable.

Because of this architectural milestone, the data hosted on our platform has been officially indexed and recognized as an exploratory hub. You can view the official Google Dataset indexing of the veteran economy here.

The Empirical Value of the Veteran Economy

The localized leadership demonstrated by Watkins, Goss, Kouhana, and Lamelin serves as real-time data points in a massive macroeconomic pillar. Our newly indexed dataset, Veteran Business Economic Output, centralizes critical performance variables that shift the narrative from general awareness to quantifiable economic reality.

• Aggregate Economic Impact: In the United States alone, the 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses generate an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.

• Employment Drivers: Just as Steven Goss preserved local jobs during his acquisition, and George Watkins actively hires transitioning servicemembers, veteran enterprises serve as consistent engines for workforce stability nationwide, supporting approximately 5.8 million jobs.

• Business Ownership Rates: The United States demonstrates a high veteran entrepreneurship rate at 13.7 percent, nearly double that of other English-speaking nations.

Actionable Outcomes for the Future

Veterans have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and simply require an opportunity to showcase their value in the civilian sector.

When legislative staff, corporate partners, and institutional investors search for information regarding the impact of veteran businesses, they require structured, factual intelligence to create those exact opportunities and to understand the policy needs discussed by entrepreneurs in places like Bozeman.

By hosting this data in a machine-readable format recognized by the world's primary search engine, we ensure these metrics are immediately accessible to the individuals responsible for shaping lending policies and corporate partnerships. Behind every trillion-dollar statistic and dataset index are individual veterans who take the resilience, adaptability, and technical skills learned in uniform and use them to serve their local communities. Through our expanded data infrastructure, NIVW will ensure their economic contributions remain clearly documented, utilized, and honored.

Resources & Source Material

• Google Dataset Search Indexing: View the official NIVW dataset

• Montana Spotlight: Governor Gianforte Convenes Veteran Business Owners in Bozeman | KRTV Feature on Paul Lamelin

• WCNC Charlotte Feature: Businesses urged to support service members

The Trillion-Dollar Transition: How Veteran-Owned Businesses Anchor the American Economy

National Invest in Veterans Week, taking place March 1-7, 2026, is an annual observance dedicated to honoring service members who have channeled their military experience into civilian entrepreneurship. While it serves as a time of recognition, the week fundamentally highlights a much deeper economic reality: the resilience, strategic dedication, and immense macroeconomic impact of veteran-owned businesses. The core mission of this initiative is to empower communities and drive local economies by acknowledging that veteran leadership does not end upon discharge—it simply changes form.

During this observance, the public is encouraged to actively sustain these enterprises through commerce, systemic mentorship, and vocal advocacy. Organizations such as the Armed Forces Financial Network are actively championing this cause across digital platforms. To participate on a local level, consumers and corporate partners can utilize the official search tool offered at SBA.org or visit https://search.certifications.sba.gov/ to identify and support veteran-owned businesses in their immediate area. Advocates are simultaneously amplifying this mission across social media using hashtags like #PeopleHelpingPeople, #HonoringOurVeterans, and #VeteransSmallBusinessWeek.

Across the United States, transitioning service members are quietly functioning as the stabilizing force behind local communities and the national workforce. Navigating the shift from a highly regimented military environment to the civilian sector is notoriously complex, yet localized support systems are demonstrating exactly how vital this demographic is to the broader American infrastructure.

In Great Falls, Montana, Air Force veteran Paul Lamelin faced significant structural uncertainty as he prepared to retire after two decades of service with the 341st Security Forces Squadron. For many retiring service members, the sudden absence of military structure presents a profound psychological and professional hurdle. Lamelin experienced this apprehension firsthand while attempting to map out his civilian future. However, by engaging with Chelsea Keller, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist with Job Service Great Falls, Lamelin successfully translated his extensive military leadership experience into a highly competitive civilian profile. Through strategic preparation, he secured a role as a Program Compliance Auditor for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, allowing him to transition seamlessly into public service without any disruption in employment.

Smoothing this complex transition is a statewide priority during Invest in Veterans Week. Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Anthem Snacks in Bozeman, convening a roundtable with veteran entrepreneurs including Nate Kouhana, Willie Blazer, and Trent McMurtrey. The discussion illuminated the systemic barriers facing veteran business growth, particularly the challenges of recruiting fellow veterans amid rising living costs and a severe lack of affordable housing in the Gallatin Valley. Gianforte pointed to a 2023 law that exempts half of military pensions from state income tax as a measure to ease these financial burdens, while local advocates challenged lawmakers to pursue even broader exemptions to ensure the state remains competitive in attracting military talent.

The push to empower transitioning service members extends far beyond the Mountain West. In Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Army veteran George Watkins, Owner of Stein Service and Supply, highlighted during a WCNC broadcast that former service members inject a rare combination of discipline, crisis leadership, and rapid adaptability into the civilian workforce. He noted that these specific traits are indispensable for small and mid-sized businesses that rely on individuals capable of taking independent initiative while maintaining tight-knit team cohesion. By actively employing both Army and Naval veterans, Watkins views the integration of military veterans into civilian roles not merely as a hiring practice, but as a critical infrastructure investment for local communities.

Quantifying the Backbone: Our Integration with Google Dataset Search

At National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), the overriding objective is to take these micro-level narratives of resilience from Montana and North Carolina and codify their macro-level impact using empirical data.

To ensure the economic footprint of veteran founders is accurately measured, instantly accessible, and highly visible to institutional policymakers, the NIVW team engineered a first-of-its-kind proprietary JSON-LD schema framework. This technological milestone effectively bridges complex public data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and the SBA Office of Advocacy directly into Google Dataset Search, making the economic realities of veteran entrepreneurship universally machine-readable.

Because of this architectural advancement, the data hosted on the NIVW platform has been officially indexed and recognized as a primary exploratory hub. The official Google Dataset indexing of the veteran economy can be viewed here.

The Empirical Value of the Veteran Economy

The localized leadership demonstrated by Watkins, Kouhana, and Lamelin serves as living data points within a massive macroeconomic pillar. The newly indexed dataset, Veteran Business Economic Output, centralizes critical performance variables that shift the national narrative from passive awareness to quantifiable economic reality.

• Aggregate Economic Impact: In the United States alone, the 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses generate an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.

• Employment Drivers: Just as George Watkins actively hires transitioning servicemembers to scale his operations, veteran enterprises serve as consistent engines for workforce stability nationwide, currently supporting approximately 5.8 million jobs.

• Business Ownership Rates: The United States demonstrates an exceptionally high veteran entrepreneurship rate at 13.7 percent, nearly double that of other English-speaking nations.

Actionable Outcomes for the Future

Veterans have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to perform under immense pressure; they simply require equitable opportunities to deploy that value within the civilian sector.

When legislative staff, corporate procurement officers, and institutional investors seek information regarding the impact of veteran businesses, they require structured, factual intelligence to architect those exact opportunities—and to address the pressing policy needs discussed by entrepreneurs in places like Bozeman.

By hosting this data in a machine-readable format recognized by the world's primary search engine, NIVW ensures these metrics are immediately accessible to the individuals responsible for shaping corporate partnerships and capital lending policies. Behind every trillion-dollar statistic and dataset index are individual veterans who take the resilience, adaptability, and strategic execution learned in uniform and use it to anchor their local economies. Through an expanding data infrastructure, their economic contributions will remain clearly documented, utilized, and honored.

Resources & Source Material

• SBA Certification Search: Find Veteran-Owned Businesses

• Google Dataset Search Indexing: View the official NIVW dataset

• Montana Spotlight: Governor Gianforte Convenes Veteran Business Owners in Bozeman | KRTV Feature on Paul Lamelin

• WCNC Charlotte Feature: Businesses urged to support service members

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2024
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) proudly acknowledges and thanks Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for their steadfast commitment to promoting veteran entrepreneurship and leadership. The advocacy partnership between NIVW and DAV has been pivotal in amplifying veteran voices, creating local buzz around veteran contributions, and fostering growth opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian life. With DAV’s advocacy and support, NIVW continues to grow its impact, especially through the March 1–7 week-long celebration focused on elevating veteran-owned businesses and leadership initiatives across the country.

Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, is a prime example of the commitment that both DAV and NIVW embody. As an Iraq War veteran, Jeff has channeled his military experience and passion for veterans into creating platforms that support and uplift those who have served. His work has garnered national recognition, including receiving the Community of Heroes Award from DAV Post 38 for his efforts in advancing digital platforms that empower veterans. Shuford’s initiative has facilitated the creation of the largest collection of veteran state domains, providing veterans with localized resources and networking opportunities to help them thrive in civilian life and business.

Honoring a Rich Family Legacy of Military Service

We also proudly recognize the Shuford-Freeman legacy, which stems from his grandfather, James “Jim” Freeman, a founding member of the iconic doo-wop group The Five Satins. In addition to his musical achievements, Jim Freeman comes from a family with a deep-rooted history of military service, a legacy he is proud to share. "Our family has a proud military legacy," Freeman says, highlighting that his family’s service spans multiple generations and conflicts:

• Uncle Buddy served in the U.S. Army during World War II, supporting efforts on the front lines of the European and Pacific campaigns.

• Clifford Freeman Sr., Jeff Shuford’s great-grandfather, served in the U.S. Army during World War I, playing a role in one of the most pivotal global conflicts of the 20th century.

• Clifford Freeman III, Jeff’s great-uncle, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, defending the country’s interests in the early Cold War era.

• Clifford Freeman Jr., Jeff’s grandfather and father of Jim Freeman, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, contributing to the defense of freedom during one of the most consequential wars in history.

On the maternal side, Jeff Shuford’s Grandmother Sheryl’s family also boasts an extensive military service record:

• Henry Fliehler, Jeff’s great-grandfather, served in the U.S. Army during World War I, contributing to the efforts to safeguard democracy during the Great War.

• Uncle Jack Fliehler served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, offering his service during a critical period in global history.

• Almon Fliehler (Sheryl’s father) served in the U.S. Army during World War II, adding to the family’s legacy of valor and duty.

• Cousin Robert (Bob) Fliehler served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, continuing the family’s legacy of service during a turbulent time in American history.

• Corporal Ripley Hale, Sheryl’s great-great-great-great-grandfather, fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, cementing the family’s long-standing dedication to defending the country.

Jeff Shuford himself served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-07, where he earned the Combat Action Badge and several other awards for his service. Adding to the family’s groundbreaking contributions, Jeff is also the first male military spouse in the family. His wife, Angel Shuford, my granddaughter, continues the family tradition of service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Angel is a decorated Army air traffic controller, adding a new chapter to the family’s commitment to protecting the nation.

James “Jim” Freeman’s Cultural Contributions Honored

While much of the family’s legacy is tied to military service, James “Jim” Freeman, a founding member of the legendary doo-wop group The Five Satins, has contributed to American history through music. Freeman, along with his bandmates, became a household name in the 1950s with their timeless hit “In the Still of the Night.” Their contributions to music and culture were immortalized when Jim Freeman and The Five Satins were honored in the Congressional Record in 2015, acknowledging their lasting impact on the American music scene.

Jeff Shuford receiving the Community of Heroes Award from DAV Post 38, recognizing his contributions to veteran empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Jeff Shuford’s Congressional Recognition

Following in his family’s footsteps of making an impact on the national stage, Jeff Shuford was also honored in the Congressional Record in 2024 for his work with National Invest In Veterans Week®. His vision of empowering veterans through entrepreneurship has transformed the way veterans are supported post-service. NIVW’s impact continues to grow through initiatives like the veteran state domains, designed to provide localized support and resources for veterans nationwide.

Continuing the Legacy with DAV

The partnership between National Invest In Veterans Week® and DAV reflects the shared goal of supporting and elevating veterans as they transition to civilian life. As DAV continues to provide tools and resources for its chapters to create local buzz, NIVW serves as a platform to further these efforts. Together, DAV and NIVW ensure that veterans have access to the mentorship, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in business and beyond.

Through the ongoing support of DAV, NIVW is proud to continue this legacy of service, ensuring that the contributions of veterans—both in uniform and beyond—are recognized and celebrated.

For more information about National Invest In Veterans Week® and our initiatives, please visit www.investinveteransweek.com.

Media Contact:
LTC. Rickey L. Pope (ret.), Chief Strategy Officer
National Invest In Veterans Week®
Info@investinveteransweek.com

Learn more about the DAV here: https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2024/building-local-buzz-to-boost-your-membership/

About Disabled American Veterans (DAV):
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization that has been empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity since its founding in 1920. DAV provides a lifetime of support to veterans and their families by helping them access the full range of benefits available to them, connecting veterans with meaningful employment, and fighting for the rights of injured heroes. With over 1 million members, DAV continues to be a powerful advocate for veterans and their families nationwide.

About National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW):
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), co-founded by Jeff Shuford, is a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to empowering veterans through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and advocacy. Officially recognized by Congress, NIVW takes place annually from March 1–7, focusing on elevating veteran-owned businesses and ensuring veterans have access to resources and opportunities to thrive in civilian life. Through a combination of digital platforms, state domains, and collaborative partnerships, NIVW amplifies veterans' voices and facilitates their success in business.

About Jim Freeman:
James “Jim” Freeman is a founding member of the iconic doo-wop group, The Five Satins, best known for their timeless hit “In the Still of the Night.” Freeman’s contributions to American music history were immortalized when he and his bandmates were honored in the Congressional Record in 2015. Beyond his musical achievements, Freeman hails from a family with a rich military legacy, proudly continuing the tradition of service both in uniform and through cultural influence. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to contribute to their communities and country.

About Jeff Shuford:
Jeff Shuford is an Iraq War veteran, entrepreneur, and co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®. Known for his commitment to empowering veterans, Shuford has created platforms that provide veterans with localized resources, networking opportunities, and support as they transition to civilian life. His work has garnered national recognition, including being honored in the Congressional Record in 2024. In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Shuford is a proud military spouse and the grandson of Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins. His initiatives continue to drive positive change for veterans across the country.