National Invest in Veterans Week Featured in ARSA’s Prestigious Aviation Life Calendar

Read the full ARSA newsletter here.

National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1–7) continues to earn its place as a cornerstone event in recognizing and empowering veteran entrepreneurs, as highlighted in the Aeronautical Repair Station Association’s (ARSA) 2024 Aviation Life Calendar. This inclusion places the week alongside other impactful observances like Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, reflecting its importance within the aviation and broader business communities.

Angel Shuford, President and Chief Financial Officer of National Invest in Veterans Week, heralded the recognition as a step forward in amplifying the voices of veteran entrepreneurs. "To see National Invest in Veterans Week included among such key events speaks volumes about the growing acknowledgment of veterans’ contributions to industries like aviation," Shuford stated. "This week is about more than just celebration—it’s about creating opportunities and investing in the futures of those who have served."

Kevin D. Shoun, who served as Angel Shuford’s First Sergeant during her Army aviation career and now supports the initiative as a Senior Advisor, underscored the collaborative spirit behind the week’s mission. "National Invest in Veterans Week is not just a tribute to veterans—it’s a call to action for industries to engage with and support the incredible talent and resilience veterans bring to the table," Shoun remarked. "This recognition by ARSA helps bridge the gap between veteran-led businesses and industries like aviation that thrive on innovation and determination."

The Growing Legacy of National Invest in Veterans Week

Since its inception, National Invest in Veterans Week has expanded its footprint, gaining traction both nationally and internationally. The inclusion in ARSA’s Aviation Life Calendar highlights the increasing intersection between veteran entrepreneurship and critical industries like aviation maintenance and repair. This synergy demonstrates how veterans' skills and leadership contribute to economic development and industry innovation.

The recognition also aligns with ARSA’s broader mission to promote diversity and excellence within the aviation community, making National Invest in Veterans Week a natural fit within its calendar of key events. The week serves as a platform for policy discussions, networking opportunities, and visibility for veteran-owned businesses, offering a vital boost to veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.

Looking Ahead

As National Invest in Veterans Week grows in prominence, its inclusion in ARSA’s calendar is a testament to the week’s mission to foster a culture of support for veteran entrepreneurship. By featuring this observance, ARSA not only acknowledges the vital contributions of veterans to industries like aviation but also reinforces the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful change.

For more details on the 2024 Aviation Life Calendar and the initiatives recognized, visit ARSA’s newsletter.

Media Alert: The Most Trademarked Veteran Beverage Entrepreneur in America—Sherman Williams Jr. of Health2O

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sherman Williams Jr.: Redefining Veteran Entrepreneurship & Functional Hydration

St. Johns, Florida – National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) proudly announces that Sherman Williams Jr., Founder of Body Aqua (Health2O), is officially the most federally trademarked veteran beverage entrepreneur in America. With 10 federally registered trademarks, including the congressionally recognized National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Williams has revolutionized functional hydration, wellness beverages, and veteran-led business innovation.

This unprecedented intellectual property portfolio positions Body Aqua as the most trademarked veteran-owned beverage brand in the nation, setting a new benchmark for veteran entrepreneurship, brand expansion, and industry leadership.

Media Opportunity: Sherman Williams is Available for Interviews!

Williams’ journey from military service to industry leadership is a compelling success story of resilience, innovation, and market disruption. His insights on functional beverage trends, veteran business empowerment, and intellectual property strategy make him a must-feature for national media, podcasts, and industry panels.

Why This Story Matters

✅ Largest Veteran-Owned Beverage Brand by Trademarks – Williams holds 10 active federal trademarks, making him the most IP-secured veteran beverage entrepreneur in history.

✅ Dominating the Functional Beverage Market – His pioneering hydration formulas are now sold in over 460 locations across five states, including Winn Dixie and Harveys grocery chains.

✅ Health & Performance Innovation – Body Aqua products are diabetic-friendly, vegan-friendly, and designed for metabolism support, cognitive enhancement, and skincare benefits.

✅ Veteran Entrepreneurial Leadership – Williams leveraged his military experience from Operation Iraqi Freedom to develop a mission-driven hydration brand, showcasing the power of veteran-led business ingenuity.

✅ Breaking Industry Barriers – As a NaVOBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE), Williams is a trailblazer in veteran business ownership and corporate partnerships.

Sherman Williams' 10 Federal Trademarks: A Legacy of Business Ownership & Market Innovation

🔹 Body Aqua® – Functional hydration brand, revolutionizing the health & wellness beverage industry.
🔹 Woof Water® & Meow Water® – First-of-their-kind pet hydration brands, optimizing canine and feline wellness.
🔹 Well Water 7.5 pH® – Alkaline water designed to enhance cellular hydration and support immune health.
🔹 Cosmetic Beverage® – The only hydration brand infused with skincare benefits, promoting skin texture, radiance, and tone.
🔹 Kids Aqua® – Specially designed hydration solutions for children, ensuring nutrient-rich water for growing bodies.
🔹 Body Aqua Nutrient Fortified Beverage® – The original formula, created to support high-performance hydration.
🔹 "Be Only Daring to Yourself" Body Aqua® – A motivational, brand-defining IP holding.
🔹 Body Water® – A legacy hydration trademark, securing Williams' ownership in the beverage space.
🔹 National Invest In Veterans Week® (Registered 2019) – The only congressionally honored veteran business observance, securing Williams' influence in both business and advocacy.

Expanding Intellectual Property & Veteran Business Advocacy

As Director of Partnerships for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Williams is actively leading the expansion of veteran-owned brands, corporate partnerships, and IP strategies. His expertise in securing intellectual property has positioned him as a dominant force in veteran business advocacy, functional wellness, and branding strategy.

Interview & Speaking Topics

🎙️ The Future of Functional Beverages – How Body Aqua is disrupting the industry and meeting consumer demand for health-first hydration.
🎙️ Veteran Entrepreneurs & Intellectual Property – Why IP protection is the key to brand longevity for veteran-owned businesses.
🎙️ Resilience & Leadership: From Battlefield to Boardroom – How Williams transitioned from military service to building a national brand.
🎙️ Breaking Barriers in the Beverage Industry – Overcoming funding, market entry, and distribution challenges in a corporate-dominated industry.
🎙️ Pet Hydration: The Next Billion-Dollar Market? – How Woof Water® & Meow Water® are revolutionizing the pet wellness space.

Request an Interview with Sherman Williams Jr.

Sherman Williams is available for TV, print, digital, radio, and podcast interviews, as well as panel discussions on veteran business growth, branding, and intellectual property strategy.

📩 For media inquiries, speaking engagements, or brand collaborations, contact:
📧 info@InvestInVeteransWeek.com

🔗 More Information:
🌐 DrinkBodyAqua.com
🌐 InvestInVeteransWeek.com

Sherman Williams is the voice your audience needs to hear! Secure your exclusive interview today.

A Call for National Recognition: Proclaiming National Invest In Veterans Week®

Lonnell McCall II Sr. Spokesperson

On behalf of all military dependents, veteran families, and the millions of Americans who understand the sacrifices of service, I am honored to call for official proclamations and presidential recognition of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW)—a movement dedicated to honoring, supporting, and uplifting veteran entrepreneurs.

Each year, from March 1st to 7th, NIVW serves as a platform to celebrate the economic and social contributions of veterans who have transitioned from military service to business ownership. Their determination, resilience, and leadership continue to strengthen our nation’s economy, providing jobs, innovation, and lasting impact. Yet, their achievements remain under-recognized on the national level.

In 2024, states like Montana issued proclamations declaring Invest In Veterans Week, acknowledging the vital role veteran-owned businesses play in communities across America. Now, it is time to expand this recognition nationwide. A Presidential Proclamation would not only solidify this observance but would also ensure that veteran entrepreneurship receives the federal acknowledgment it deserves—highlighting their service not just on the battlefield, but in the economy.

Through my role as the Lead Spokesperson for National Invest In Veterans Week®, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges veterans face in entrepreneurship and the importance of a unified effort to support them. State and local leaders, business communities, and policymakers must step forward to officially proclaim March 1st to 7th as National Invest In Veterans Week® and urge the President to do the same.

This is more than just a week—it’s a movement to ensure veteran-owned businesses thrive, their contributions are recognized, and their legacies continue to shape the future of our nation.

The Values That Drive My Mission

As the child of a military veteran, I’ve had the privilege of growing up with a deep appreciation for the core values instilled within military culture. These values—honor, discipline, loyalty, and selfless service—are not just words; they are guiding principles that have shaped my identity and outlook on life.

Being connected to such a great institution like the military, even if indirectly, has allowed me to witness the sacrifices made and the dedication required to serve something greater than oneself. These lessons have become the foundation of who I am today.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of discipline. In the military, everything is structured, and there is a constant emphasis on efficiency and responsibility. Whether it’s waking up early to train, maintaining equipment, or executing a mission, discipline is at the core of success. Growing up in this environment, I’ve applied these same principles to my career, education, and community service, knowing that consistency and dedication are the keys to meaningful progress.

I have also inherited the loyalty and camaraderie that is deeply embedded in military culture. Service members rely on one another, forming unbreakable bonds built on trust and shared experiences. As a military veteran’s child, I’ve not only seen these bonds within my family but have also been embraced by a larger community that understands the sacrifices military families make. This experience has fueled my desire to contribute meaningfully to my community, both locally and internationally.

National Invest In Veterans Week®: A Global Platform for Veteran Entrepreneurs

One of the most impactful ways I have been able to serve this community is through National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), where I am privileged to serve as the Lead Spokesperson. NIVW is not just a weeklong observance—it is a national and global platform that amplifies the voices of veterans, syndicates their stories, and advocates for their success in entrepreneurship.

Through NIVW, my words, and the words of veteran entrepreneurs, don’t stay confined to local communities—they reach national and international audiences. The power of syndication through NIVW allows veteran advocacy to spread across multiple U.S. states and 29 international markets, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses receive visibility, recognition, and the resources they need to thrive.

As Lead Spokesperson, I have had the privilege of:
✅ Advocating for policies that support veteran-owned businesses at the local, state, and federal levels.
✅ Collaborating with leaders to expand financial, educational, and mentorship opportunities for veterans.
✅ Engaging with international military communities to advocate for global support for veteran entrepreneurs.

This work is far-reaching and deeply personal. The lessons of military service—discipline, resilience, and selfless service—are the same values that drive the veteran business community. Through NIVW, these stories are not only told, but they are amplified across borders, reaching millions who share the belief that veterans deserve every opportunity to succeed.

From Personal Lessons to Global Leadership

The combination of being raised with military principles, my contributions through National Invest In Veterans Week®, and my commitment to service-driven leadership have shaped me into a strong, determined individual.

In both my professional life and community work, I bring a sense of urgency, accountability, and purpose to everything I do. I’ve learned to work relentlessly toward my goals, just as soldiers do in their missions. Whether leading from the front or working behind the scenes, I carry the spirit of service, discipline, and dedication with me.

But this mission is bigger than me.

At its core, National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than just an initiative—it is a national movement, a catalyst for change, and a platform for amplifying veteran entrepreneurs’ impact. Through this platform, I am not just speaking for myself—I am speaking for the countless veterans whose contributions to our economy and society deserve recognition and celebration.

A Call to Action: Secure Proclamations & Presidential Recognition

Now, I call on:
📢 State and local officials to issue proclamations recognizing March 1st to 7th as National Invest In Veterans Week®.
📢 Business and community leaders to amplify veteran entrepreneurs, invest in their businesses, and create pathways for their success.
📢 The President of the United States to officially proclaim National Invest In Veterans Week®, cementing this initiative in national history as a recognized celebration of veteran entrepreneurs.

This is more than an observance—it is a movement that has the power to shape the future of veteran entrepreneurship. By working together, we can ensure that those who have served our nation are given the opportunities, resources, and recognition they rightfully deserve.

Together, we can make National Invest In Veterans Week® a permanent fixture in our nation’s calendar—a week where veteran entrepreneurs receive the support, celebration, and national recognition they have earned.

The time for action is now.

#InvestInVeteransWeek #NIVW #VeteranEntrepreneurs #SupportVeteranBusinesses #ProclaimNIVW #VeteranAdvocacy

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📢 This story can also be found across our nationally syndicated network at the following locations:

📌 LouisianaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 KansasVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 RhodeIslandVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 NewHampshireVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 DelawareVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 PennsylvaniaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 SouthCarolinaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 MississippiVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 WyomingVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 WestVirginiaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 TennesseeVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 NewJerseyVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 NorthDakotaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📌 FloridaVeterans.com/news/a-call-for-national-recognition-proclaiming-national-invest-in-veterans-week

📢 By syndicating this story across multiple state platforms, we ensure that veteran entrepreneurs and advocates nationwide can engage, support, and take action toward securing official recognition for National Invest In Veterans Week®. 🚀