Congressman Don Davis: From Congressional Record to Legislative Reform, a Champion for Veterans' Dignity and Economic Empowerment

Honoring Congressman Davis for Linking the National Invest In Veterans Week® Movement to Meaningful Legislative Action Through the VERY Act of 2025

In 2025, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through legislative action and public advocacy. His introduction of the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act and his prior Congressional Record entry underscore a comprehensive approach to veteran support, aligning with the principles of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

The VERY Act: Modernizing Veteran Support

On April 11, 2025, Congressman Davis, alongside Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), introduced H.R. 2625, the VERY Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to update the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program by replacing the terms "employment handicap" and "serious employment handicap" with "employment barrier" and "serious employment barrier," respectively. This change reflects a shift towards more respectful and empowering language, acknowledging the evolving perspectives of veterans regarding their experiences and challenges.

"We must ensure that our disabled veterans feel represented and heard," stated Congressman Davis. "The VERY Act makes changes to let our disabled vets know that they are receiving the respect and dignity they have rightfully earned."

Congressional Record Entry: A Precursor to Legislative Action

Congressman Davis's dedication to veterans' issues was evident prior to the introduction of the VERY Act. On May 24, 2023, he delivered a floor speech titled "Investing in Our Veterans," emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans and underserved communities. This address, recorded in the Congressional Record (Vol. 169, No. 88, Page H2588), highlighted the need for legislative action to bolster veteran entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.(National Invest In Veterans Week®)

Alignment with National Invest In Veterans Week®

The VERY Act and Congressman Davis's Congressional Record entry align with the objectives of National Invest In Veterans Week®, a federally recognized initiative dedicated to promoting investment in veteran-owned businesses and supporting veterans' transition to civilian life. The initiative has garnered bipartisan support and has been formally acknowledged in multiple Congressional Record entries, including those by Representatives Matt Rosendale and Brian Mast.(National Invest In Veterans Week®)

National Invest In Veterans Week® serves as a platform to advocate for policies that empower veterans economically and socially. Congressman Davis's legislative efforts and public statements contribute to this broader movement, reinforcing the nation's commitment to honoring and supporting its veterans.

Conclusion

Through the introduction of the VERY Act and his prior advocacy, Congressman Don Davis exemplifies a comprehensive approach to veteran support. His actions reflect a dedication to modernizing veteran services, promoting respectful language, and aligning with national initiatives that prioritize veteran empowerment.

For more information on the VERY Act, please visit Congressman Don Davis's official press release: Congressmen Don Davis and Juan Ciscomani Introduce Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act.

Congressman John Moolenaar Leads National Charge to Invest in Veterans’ Futures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-02) has emerged as one of the most consistent and forward-looking voices in federal veteran advocacy. This week, Moolenaar reintroduced the Veterans Fellowship Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI). The legislation is designed to help veterans and transitioning service members secure meaningful employment as they return to civilian life.

“Veterans often face unique challenges after their service when entering the workforce as civilians,” said Moolenaar.
“The Veterans Fellowship Act would provide them a pathway to gain useful skills for full-time employment in a new career. Veterans make significant sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and our bipartisan legislation will support them after their service.”

Rep. Scholten added:

“We are the home of the free because of the brave... I’m proud to work with Rep. Moolenaar to support efforts that invest in our veterans and their futures.”

Read the official press release and legislative details here:
Moolenaar, Scholten Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Veterans Enter the Workforce

From 2021 Endorsement to 2025 Legislation: A Full Circle for National Invest In Veterans Week®

Congressman Moolenaar’s dedication to investing in veterans predates the current bill. On March 3, 2021, he issued one of the earliest public endorsements of National Invest In Veterans Week®, stating:

“Our freedom is in large part thanks to the dedication and service of our heroic veterans and their families. They deserve our honor, respect, and support. I will always fight for investment in our veterans!”
— Congressman John Moolenaar
#InvestInVeteransWeek

Original endorsement:
Campaigns Daily – Invest In Veterans Week (2021)

That early support helped propel National Invest In Veterans Week® into a national civic framework, and now, under Moolenaar’s continued leadership, its core message is reflected in real-world legislative infrastructure.

National Movement, Global Impact

Today, National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than an observance—it is the only federally trademarked civic initiative of its kind (U.S. Reg. No. 6784776). Founded in 2019 by Lt. Col. Rickey L. Pope (Ret.), NFL veteran Drayton Florence, and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, it has grown into a legislative, academic, and international platform for veteran entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Recent milestones include:

• Harvard Catalyst Endorsement (January 2025): Harvard Medical School’s research division spotlighted National Invest In Veterans Week® as a model framework for veteran transition, calling for greater collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector.
  Read more

• ITA Growth Partners Formation (March 2025): Announced by ITA International, this family office—founded by Mike and Kathy Melo and their daughters—is dedicated to long-term investment in veteran-owned businesses, mirroring the initiative’s core values.
  More info

• International Expansion to Canada (March 2025): Northern Ontario Business published “Investing in Veterans: A Call to Northern Ontario’s Business Community”, marking the first global recognition of the U.S.-originated initiative.

• Congressional Record Citations:

  • May 24, 2023 – Rep. Don Davis (NC-01): Speech titled “Investing in Our Veterans” (Vol. 169, H2588).

  • March 8, 2024 – Rep. Matt Rosendale (MT-02): Official floor acknowledgment of Invest in Veterans Week (Vol. 170, H1049).

A Blueprint for Federal Impact

Through sustained leadership, Congressman John Moolenaar has helped shape National Invest In Veterans Week® into a federally validated, bipartisan-supported, and now internationally echoed initiative. His reintroduction of the Veterans Fellowship Act is not an isolated gesture—it is the legislative expression of a movement years in the making.

By linking national observance with actionable policy, Moolenaar exemplifies how elected officials can go beyond statements of support to architect durable solutions that uplift veterans economically and honor their service structurally.

To Learn More:

• Moolenaar Press Release: Veterans Fellowship Act

• Campaigns Daily: Moolenaar 2021 Endorsement

• Harvard Catalyst on National Invest In Veterans Week®

• ITA Growth Partners Launch

• Northern Ontario Business: Investing in Veterans

For further reading on the growing national and international impact of National Invest In Veterans Week®, visit Harvard Catalyst Spotlights National Invest In Veterans Week® as Model for Cross-Sector Veteran Empowerment, which explores the academic community’s recognition of the initiative. Additionally, learn how National Invest In Veterans Week® became the first U.S. veteran business observance celebrated internationally and how ITA Growth Partners’ launch reinforces this momentum by visiting: International Recognition Coverage.

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.