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.

Sara Pomposo Appointed Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication at National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is excited to announce the appointment of Sara Pomposo as Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication. With an exceptional track record of elevating brands and fostering audience growth, Pomposo is set to lead the charge in expanding NIVW's global reach, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses continue to receive the recognition and resources they deserve on an international scale.

Unparalleled Expertise in Audience Growth and Brand Strategy

Sara Pomposo is a highly-respected business leader who has earned her reputation as a top-tier strategist in audience development, media syndication, and business leadership. Her dynamic career spans across multiple prestigious organizations, where she has proven time and again her ability to drive impactful change, scale digital ecosystems, and execute innovative brand strategies that resonate with broad audiences.

Sara's impressive career includes:

• Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at BHRS Companies (May 2024 – Present): In this role, Sara is responsible for the company’s market growth and brand visibility, leading initiatives that position BHRS Companies as an influential player throughout the State of Florida and the Southeastern market. Her role leverages her expertise in integrating strategic marketing with large-scale operations to build lasting consumer relationships and elevate the company's industry standing.

• Market President and Publisher at Jacksonville Business Journal (2017 – April 2024): A pivotal part of Sara’s journey, she served as the first female publisher in Jacksonville, overseeing both the editorial and business operations of this key publication. During her tenure, she introduced groundbreaking strategies that increased audience engagement, expanded revenue channels, and brought the publication to new heights of influence across Florida.

• Regional Audience Development Director at American City Business Journals: Sara’s career also includes significant leadership roles at American City Business Journals where she managed regional audience development efforts across 13 key markets, achieving industry-leading results in audience growth, advertising revenue, and strategic partnerships.

Community Leadership & Industry Recognition

Sara’s commitment to leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a dedicated community advocate, actively engaging in various Jacksonville-based initiatives. Her involvement includes serving on the Leadership Jacksonville New Leadership Summit, as a board member for the Jax Chamber, and as part of the Business Advisory Council at the University of North Florida.

Sara's was also deeply involved in Gator Bowl Sports, where she serves as the incoming Chairman (tenure begins in April), as Vice-Chair of Membership and Chair of Bowl’d Ladies, an initiative designed to engage professional women in the sports industry.

Award-Winning Leadership & Strategic Vision

Throughout her career, Sara has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards that highlight her leadership and impact. Among them are:

• American City Eagle Award (Issued by ACBJ in 2013 and 2014): Recognizing Sara as one of the top performers in driving audience growth and business success within the Business Journal group.

• President's Chamber Champion Award (Issued by the Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce in 2012), which honors outstanding leadership and contributions to local businesses.

Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the Jacksonville Business Journal's audience across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and email newsletters, directly impacting the publication’s revenue generation and industry standing.

Sara Pomposo: Driving the Future of Veteran Advocacy

In her new role as Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication at NIVW, Pomposo will be leveraging her deep expertise in audience expansion, media partnerships, and branding to drive global growth for veteran businesses. Her work will be instrumental in shaping the future of veteran entrepreneurship, ensuring that NIVW’s mission—to amplify the voices of veteran entrepreneurs—reaches new heights.

Pomposo will focus on media syndication, audience development, and strategic partnerships that will connect veteran entrepreneurs with critical resources, mentorship, and global visibility across 62 national and international markets. By tapping into new media channels and industry networks, she will position NIVW as a leading advocate for veteran-owned businesses worldwide.

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

Founded in 2019 by Jeff Shuford, National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is a nationwide initiative that celebrates and empowers veteran-owned businesses. Recognized in the Congressional Record, NIVW highlights the important role veterans play in the U.S. economy and aims to provide them with vital resources, connections, and advocacy. The initiative spans 62 domestic and international markets, directly benefiting thousands of veteran entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Looking Ahead: NIVW’s Growth and Global Impact

Sara Pomposo’s appointment signals a transformative moment for NIVW. Her leadership will play a central role in shaping the organization’s future, positioning it as the global leader in veteran entrepreneurship and business development. As Chief Advisor, Sara will be at the forefront of creating new opportunities, expanding the initiative’s digital presence, and building relationships with key stakeholders and organizations that share NIVW's mission.

Through Sara's guidance, National Invest In Veterans Week® is poised to expand its reach, impact, and legacy, ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs gain the resources, recognition, and success they deserve.

With Sara Pomposo's appointment, NIVW is entering an era of enhanced strategic growth, leveraging her unparalleled expertise in audience growth, brand strategy, and global syndication to ensure that veteran entrepreneurs gain the recognition and success they deserve in the business world.

Angel Shuford, President of National Invest In Veterans Week®, on Sara Pomposo’s Appointment:

"Sara Pomposo is a powerhouse in strategic audience growth and brand leadership. Her proven ability to elevate organizations and connect audiences with impactful narratives makes her the perfect leader to drive National Invest In Veterans Week® into its next chapter. With Sara’s expertise, we are not just growing our reach—we are revolutionizing how veteran entrepreneurs are recognized and supported on a global scale."

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has been honored with the prestigious Award by Acquisition International

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has been honored with the prestigious Business Excellence Award by Acquisition International. This recognition solidifies NIVW’s unmatched contributions to veteran entrepreneurship, intellectual property leadership, and its historic congressional recognition as the only trademarked veteran business observance in the United States.

Founded in 2019 by National Football League veteran Drayton Florence and nationally syndicated columnist and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, NIVW was created to honor, elevate, and empower veteran entrepreneurs. Since then, it has transformed into a powerful economic movement, redefining veteran advocacy and setting the standard for veteran-focused economic empowerment.

With five Congressional Record entries, multiple state proclamations, a rapidly expanding global presence, and a proven track record of influencing policy, NIVW is not just an observance—it is a business-driven, social capital-powered force that is reshaping how veteran entrepreneurs succeed in the modern economy.

Congressional Recognition: Five Entries Cementing a Multi-Generational Legacy

For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has secured five Congressional Record entries, marking their contributions to American culture, economic empowerment, and veteran entrepreneurship. This level of institutional recognition is unprecedented, creating multi-generational leverage for brand expansion, policy influence, and global partnerships.

Breaking Down the Five Congressional Record Entries

📜 Bill Baker & The Five Satins (1994) – Doo-Wop Pioneers Recognized
📅 August 19, 1994 – Senator Joe Lieberman entered Bill Baker and The Five Satins into the Congressional Record, recognizing their iconic role in shaping American music history with In the Still of the Nite. This entry cemented their status as one of the most influential doo-wop groups of all time.

📜 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2015) – A Second Congressional Tribute
📅 April 23, 2015 – Rep. Rosa DeLauro reaffirmed the group’s lasting impact, noting how In the Still of the Nite remained a cultural touchstone for generations.

📜 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
📅 Later in 2015 – Jim Freeman was separately honored for his individual contributions to music, acknowledging his unique role in shaping the doo-wop genre beyond The Five Satins.

📜 Jeff Shuford (2024) – Championing Veteran Entrepreneurship
📅 March 8, 2024 – Rep. Matt Rosendale entered National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) into the Congressional Record, spotlighting its impact on veteran-owned businesses.

📜 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2004) – ‘Lost in the Fifties Tonight’
📅 July 8, 2004 – The Congressional Record (E1318) acknowledged the cultural significance of Lost in the Fifties Tonight, which features In the Still of the Nite. This recognition further proves the lasting influence of The Five Satins, whose music has been woven into later generations of popular hits.

State Proclamations Expanding NIVW’s Influence

Beyond national recognition, the Freeman-Shuford family and National Invest In Veterans Week® have been honored at the state level for their contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy.

🏛 South Carolina General Assembly – Recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week® and Jeff Shuford’s impact on veteran entrepreneurship.
📜 Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (2023 & 2024) – Issued proclamations acknowledging National Invest In Veterans Week®.
📜 Douglas County, Oregon (2022) – Honored National Invest In Veterans Week® for its role in promoting veteran-owned businesses.

These official proclamations further solidify NIVW’s position as a leading force in veteran economic policy and advocacy.

Jeff Shuford’s AI Research: Driving Economic Empowerment for Veterans

Jeff Shuford’s deep impact in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and AI ethics has solidified his role as a global thought leader in AI-driven economic empowerment. His research has been cited in leading AI and compliance journals, including:

✅ 'Deep Reinforcement Learning and Its Industrial Use Cases' (Wiley Online Library, 2025)
✅ 'A Multifaceted Vision of Human-AI Collaboration' (IEEE Access, 2025)
✅ 'Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence: Synergies' (Compliance Cosmos, 2025)

Shuford’s vision for AI-enhanced veteran entrepreneurship integrates predictive business modeling, AI-powered financial literacy tools, and ethical AI governance. His work demonstrates how AI can transform veteran entrepreneurship, improving access to funding, streamlining business operations, and enhancing decision-making.

Jim Freeman’s RIAA-Certified Legacy in Music

Jim Freeman’s contributions to music aren’t just cultural—they’re commercially significant, resulting in gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified albums.

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring In the Still of the Nite

💎 DIAMOND® – Dirty Dancing soundtrack
💿 9X MULTI-PLATINUM® – Boyz II Men – Cooleyhighharmony
💿 PLATINUM® – Rock & Roll Era, 1956
💿 PLATINUM® – Boyz II Men’s tribute version
📀 GOLD® – The Beach Boys 15 Big Ones

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring Lost in the Fifties Tonight

💿 PLATINUM® – Ronnie Milsap Greatest Hits Volume 2
📀 GOLD® – Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties
📀 GOLD® – Ronnie Milsap 40 #1 Hits

This commercial success reinforces Jim Freeman’s lasting legacy in American music.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

With five Congressional Record entries, state proclamations, AI research citations, brand expansion strategies, and veteran-focused advocacy, National Invest In Veterans Week® has built a sustainable legacy that extends across business, culture, and policy.

🔗 Join the Movement & Build Social Capital

🌎 Visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com
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Through a calculated blend of historical influence, AI innovation, and veteran economic advocacy, NIVW continues to redefine how social capital can be leveraged for long-term financial sustainability and cultural impact.