Building the #NIVW Legacy Across Generations

Op-Ed by Lonnell McCall I, Retired U.S. Navy E6

Lonnell McCall I, a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class (E6) with over 20 years of service, shares his perspective on the transformative impact of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Drawing on his experiences as a veteran and advocate, McCall highlights the visionary leadership of Angel Shuford, whose work has turned NIVW® into a movement that empowers veteran entrepreneurs and their families.

The op-ed also explores the contributions of NFL veteran Drayton Florence and Green Bay Packers star Aaron Jones, demonstrating how veterans and military families continue to lead through service and innovation. McCall reflects on his son, Lonnell McCall II, a military brat and the Jr. Spokesperson for NIVW®, whose involvement represents the next generation of advocacy and support for veterans. This piece celebrates the enduring mission of NIVW® and its commitment to honoring and uplifting those who’ve served.

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For over a decade, I’ve had the distinct privilege of collaborating with Angel Shuford, a leader whose innovative vision has reshaped how we advocate for veterans. Angel’s contributions to National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) have amplified the voices of veteran entrepreneurs, creating opportunities that transcend industries and inspire communities. Her dynamic leadership as Vice President of Tech From Vets and CFO of NIVW® has set a new standard for what veteran advocacy can achieve.

Under Angel’s direction, NIVW® has grown from a grassroots effort into a nationally celebrated movement, impacting veteran-owned businesses and their families across the country. Her dual role as a U.S. Army Sergeant and her numerous accomplishments—FAA certifications, a Secret Security Clearance, and a HarvardX credential—showcase her unmatched determination and ability to balance service, leadership, and innovation. Together, Angel and I have worked to transform NIVW® into more than a week of recognition; it’s a legacy of empowerment and progress that inspires veterans to thrive in every area of life.

A Legacy Passed Down: Lonnell McCall II and the Power of Military Brats

One of the most meaningful aspects of this journey is the involvement of my son, Lonnell McCall II, in NIVW®. As a military brat, Lonnell Jr. has grown up with a firsthand understanding of the sacrifices veterans and their families make. Today, he serves as the Jr. Spokesperson for NIVW®, bringing energy and perspective to our mission. Now a freshman at Warner University, Lonnell Jr. exemplifies the next generation of advocates who are passionate about honoring and uplifting veterans.

Military brats like Lonnell Jr. embody a unique resilience shaped by their upbringing. Their experiences mirror those of many connected to NIVW®, such as NFL veteran Drayton Florence, who serves as our Director of Partnerships. Drayton, like Lonnell Jr., grew up in a military household, learning early on the values of service, adaptability, and perseverance. These lessons guided him to success both on and off the field. Florence’s commitment to giving back, particularly through his role at NIVW®, reflects the same dedication to service that drives Lonnell Jr.’s contributions.

Another shining example of this legacy is Aaron Jones, the Green Bay Packers running back and the inaugural recipient of the Jeff Shuford Award. Aaron, too, is a military brat, having been raised by parents who both served in the U.S. Army. His upbringing instilled in him a commitment to community and a passion for supporting veterans, making him a perfect representative of the values we champion at NIVW®. Jones’s impact on and off the field highlights the incredible potential of military brats to carry forward the mission of service and advocacy.

Bridging Generations Through Advocacy

Having Lonnell Jr. as part of this mission is deeply personal for me. He represents the future of NIVW®, ensuring that our work continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of veterans. His perspective as a young leader brings a fresh voice to our efforts, inspiring peers and audiences alike to engage with veteran advocacy in meaningful ways. Through his role as Jr. Spokesperson, he not only honors the legacy of those who’ve served but also demonstrates how the children of veterans can create their own path of service.

Lonnell Jr.’s contributions to NIVW® extend beyond appearances and speeches. He actively participates in outreach efforts, helping to bridge the gap between younger audiences and the veteran community. By involving the next generation, NIVW® ensures that its mission is not just sustainable but dynamic, reflecting the needs of a changing world. His involvement also underscores the inclusive nature of NIVW®—a movement that celebrates not only veterans but their families and the communities that support them.

Strengthening Community Through Leadership

Angel and I, alongside leaders like Drayton Florence and Aaron Jones, share a vision for building a stronger, more connected veteran community. Together, we’ve transformed NIVW® into a platform that doesn’t just celebrate veterans but equips them with the tools and resources to succeed. Whether it’s securing South Carolina’s 2019 Senate resolution or Montana’s 2023 and 2024 proclamations, our legislative victories reflect the broad impact of our collective efforts.

As a military brat, Lonnell Jr. has embraced the mission of empowering veterans as his own. His involvement echoes the broader narrative of resilience and leadership that defines so many military-connected families. Like Drayton Florence, whose career spans professional sports and philanthropy, and Aaron Jones, whose on-field excellence is matched by his off-field advocacy, Lonnell Jr. carries forward the values instilled in him by his upbringing.

Investing in Veterans Through Collaboration

Our work at NIVW® goes beyond recognition—it’s about creating sustainable change. Programs like Tech From Vets provide veteran entrepreneurs with innovative resources, earning national accolades such as the BizTech Award from Comcast Business. Angel’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in these successes, proving time and again that collaboration and creativity can drive transformative results.

For me, this mission is deeply tied to my own experiences. Over 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy taught me the value of precision, accountability, and strategic thinking—qualities I bring to my role as Senior Spokesperson for NIVW®. These principles also guided my professional contributions at Booz Allen Hamilton, where I developed the Material Turn-In Supply (MTIS) system, streamlining fleet readiness and saving significant resources.

Angel and I share a commitment to creating opportunities that empower veterans and their families. Whether through mentorship, job fairs, or legislative advocacy, our work reflects a belief that every veteran has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society. Having Lonnell Jr. by my side in this mission adds a generational depth that underscores the importance of passing these values forward.

A Movement That Transcends Generations

The recognition I’ve received, such as Booz Allen Hamilton’s Silver Award and the Performance Excellence in Detail Award, is a testament to my commitment to excellence. But the real reward is seeing the impact of our work—especially through the involvement of young leaders like Lonnell Jr. His passion and dedication ensure that NIVW® remains not just a week of celebration but a lasting legacy of empowerment.

As we move forward, the future of NIVW® is bright. Leaders like Angel Shuford and Drayton Florence, alongside advocates like Aaron Jones and emerging voices like Lonnell Jr., ensure that our mission continues to inspire, uplift, and empower. Together, we are building a movement that honors the past, invests in the present, and secures the future for veterans and their families.

I am honored to stand alongside Angel, Lonnell Jr., and the entire NIVW® team as we continue to champion those who’ve served our nation with courage and dedication. Our work is far from over, and I look forward to seeing the legacy of National Invest In Veterans Week® grow for generations to come.