The Shuford-Freeman-Hawley Military Legacy: A Multi-Generational Chronicle of Service, Innovation, and Leadership
For over 150 years, the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley family has embodied the principles of service, leadership, and resilience. Their contributions span every major U.S. conflict, from the Civil War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving a profound mark on history.
This report offers a comprehensive historical deep dive, chronicling the family’s military service, entrepreneurial milestones, Congressional recognitions, and lasting contributions to society.
The Civil War: Founding the Legacy of Service
Corporal Ripley Hale
Relation: Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandfather of Jeff Shuford
Unit: Union Army
Service: Fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War, setting a precedent for his descendants' unwavering commitment to service.
Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley
Relation: Ancestor of Jeff Shuford
Unit: 29th Connecticut Infantry Regiment
Service: Participated in pivotal battles, including the Siege of Petersburg, contributing to the Union victory and post-war reconstruction efforts.
The 29th Connecticut Regiment, one of the first all-Black infantry units in U.S. history, became a symbol of determination, courage, and progress. Private Hawley’s service laid the groundwork for a family tradition of military excellence.
Post-Civil War Era: The Buffalo Soldier Connection
Buffalo Soldier Ancestors
Unit: 9th & 10th Cavalry Regiments
Service: Defended American frontiers, built critical infrastructure, and represented professionalism during a formative era in U.S. military history.
The Freeman family’s connections to the Buffalo Soldiers are supported by their Schaghticoke and Golden Hill Paugussett tribal heritage, adding another dimension to their rich ancestry.
World Wars: The Fight for Global Democracy
World War I: Clifford Freeman Sr.
Relation: Great-Great-Grandfather of Jeff Shuford
Unit: U.S. Army
Service: Among the first generation of the family to serve in an international conflict, Clifford Freeman Sr. set the stage for future military contributions.
World War II: Clifford Freeman Jr., Almon, and Jack Fliehler
Relation: Great-Great-Grandfather and relatives of Jeff Shuford
Service: Participated in Allied campaigns in Europe and the Pacific, contributing to the defeat of fascism and the rebuilding of the global order.
The contributions of Freeman Jr. and the Fliehler brothers during World War II reflect the family’s continued dedication to defending liberty.
Korean and Vietnam Wars: Cold War Contributions
Korean War: Clifford Freeman III
Relation: Great-Uncle of Jeff Shuford
Unit: U.S. Air Force
Service: Among the first wave of airmen to serve in a newly desegregated U.S. military.
Vietnam War: Robert Fliehler
Relation: Relative of Jeff Shuford
Unit: U.S. Air Force
Service: Played a pivotal role in aerial combat operations during one of the most challenging periods in modern U.S. military history.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: A New Chapter in Service
Jeff Shuford
Unit: U.S. Army
Service: Served during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006–2007), earning the Combat Action Badge for direct engagement in combat.
Jeff Shuford’s service continues the family tradition of military excellence while bridging it with modern innovation and leadership.
Modern Leadership: Angel Shuford and National Invest In Veterans Week®
Angel Shuford
Relation: Wife of Jeff Shuford
Military Service: U.S. Army, Sergeant
Post-Military Career: Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW)
Angel’s distinguished service in military aviation paved the way for a career marked by innovation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Her FAA certifications, real estate expertise, and technology-driven leadership have positioned NIVW as a global platform supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
Key Credentials and Achievements
FAA Control Tower Operator Certification: Ensured precision and safety in high-pressure aviation environments.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate: Showcased her technical expertise and adaptability.
HarvardX Certification: Advanced innovation and entrepreneurship.
BizTech Award: Recognized for empowering veteran-owned businesses through Tech From Vets.
Cultural Legacy: Jim Freeman and “In the Still of the Night”
Jim Freeman
Relation: Grandfather of Jeff Shuford
Contribution: Founding member of The Five Satins, whose timeless hit, “In the Still of the Night,” is enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Jim Freeman’s contributions to American music resonate across generations, paralleling the family’s broader legacy of cultural and societal impact.
Congressional Recognitions and National Impact
Jeff Shuford
Combat Action Badge (2007)
Congressional Record (2024): Honored for founding National Invest In Veterans Week® and championing veteran advocacy.
Jim Freeman
Congressional Record (2015): Recognized for shaping American music through The Five Satins.
Family Contributions to Society
The Shuford-Freeman-Hawley family stands as a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and innovation. Key contributions include:
Military Service: From the Civil War to modern conflicts.
Veteran Advocacy: Through initiatives like NIVW and Tech From Vets.
Cultural Excellence: Through Jim Freeman’s music and Jeff Shuford’s thought leadership.
A Legacy for the Future
The Shuford-Freeman-Hawley family’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and triumph. Their unbroken legacy spans centuries, leaving an indelible mark on history. As Angel and Jeff Shuford continue to lead in veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship, their work ensures that the family’s contributions will inspire generations to come.
From Civil War battlefields to global leadership in veteran empowerment, the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley legacy is a testament to the enduring power of service, innovation, and impact.
The Fliehler Family Military Connection: Digging Deeper —A Legacy of Military Service
The Fliehler family, connected through marriage to the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley lineage, has a distinguished history of military service spanning multiple generations and major conflicts. Their unwavering commitment to defending freedom and upholding duty reflects a proud tradition of sacrifice and patriotism.
World War I
Henry Fliehler – Served in the U.S. military during World War I, contributing to the nation’s first large-scale global conflict.
World War II
Almon Fliehler – Answered the call to serve in World War II, fighting to secure victory for the Allied forces.
Jack Fliehler – Served alongside Almon, further demonstrating the Fliehler family’s dedication to military service.
Vietnam War
Robert Fliehler – Continued the family’s tradition of service by joining the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, playing a role in one of the most pivotal conflicts of the Cold War era.
A Legacy of Honor Through Service
The Fliehler family’s contributions to World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War reinforce their dedication to protecting the values of freedom and democracy. Though connected by marriage to the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley family, their military service further strengthens the shared commitment to honor, resilience, and patriotism that defines this multi-generational legacy.
Dr. Richard S. Freeman: The Legal Strategist Behind the Family’s Historical Legacy
Furthermore, the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley family is blessed to have had the guidance and dedication of Dr. Richard S. Freeman, a towering figure in civil rights law, corporate justice, and veteran advocacy. As the younger brother of Jim Freeman, Dr. Freeman has spent over four decades shaping legal precedents that have safeguarded workers’ rights, reformed corporate policies, and championed economic empowerment.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. Freeman’s legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on industries and communities nationwide. From his pivotal role in EEOC cases against Fortune 500 companies to his leadership in international humanitarian initiatives, his work embodies the family’s legacy of service and leadership. Now, as Legal Advisor to National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), he continues this mission by ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs receive the legal protections and business opportunities they deserve.
Dr. Freeman's dedication to researching, preserving, and honoring the family's history has been instrumental in piecing together the Shuford-Freeman-Hawley military and cultural legacy. His meticulous efforts have helped solidify a multi-generational narrative of resilience, patriotism, and excellence—one that continues to inspire future generations.
Hawley-Freeman Family Marriages
The Hawley-Freeman family has upheld a multi-generational tradition of resilience, service, and leadership. The union of these two distinguished families has created a lineage deeply embedded in military excellence, social progress, and historical impact. These marriages, spanning centuries, have played a pivotal role in shaping a legacy that continues through Jeff Shuford, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and a modern innovator in veteran advocacy.
Colonial and Early American Marriages
Joseph Hawley (1603–1690) married Katherine Birdseye (1610–1692) in Stratford, Connecticut, establishing the Hawley family's foundation in the American colonies.
Samuel Hawley (1647–1734) married Mary Thompson (1650–1720) in Stratford, Connecticut, strengthening the family’s civic and military presence.
Captain Robert Hawley (1729–1799) married Sarah Nichols (1732–1800) in Trumbull, Connecticut. Robert Hawley played a significant role in the American Revolution, providing supplies to Continental soldiers.
Revolutionary and Early 19th Century Marriages
Nero Hawley (1742–1817) married Peggy Freeman (1750–1821) in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Nero, an enslaved man who gained freedom through service in the Continental Army, marked the earliest recorded connection between the Hawley and Freeman families.
Harry Benjamin Hawley (1785–1870) married Lydia Clark (1811–1883) in Derby, Connecticut, solidifying the family’s transition from enslavement to community leadership and social mobility.
Civil War Era Marriages
Orrin Benjamin Hawley (1826–1900) married Mary Ann Jackson (1830–1895) in New Haven, Connecticut. Orrin's service in the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment was pivotal in his family’s military tradition, laying the foundation for generations of service.
Aaron Hawley (1830–1905) married Margaret Freeman (1835–1908) in Derby, Connecticut, further intertwining the Hawley and Freeman legacies and reinforcing their commitment to military service and civic engagement.
Early 20th Century Marriages
George Freeman (1857–1930) married Mary A. Hawley (1860–1942) in New Haven, Connecticut, further linking these two powerful families.
