National Invest In Veterans Week® Appoints Kevin D. Shoun as Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development
Jacksonville, FL — December 29, 2024 — National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), a global organization dedicated to supporting veteran-owned businesses and fostering economic empowerment, announces the appointment of Kevin D. Shoun as Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development. This addition strengthens NIVW’s mission of advocating for veterans, building opportunities for their businesses, and amplifying their voices on a global stage.
Kevin’s career as a decorated U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, civic leader, and mental health advocate makes him uniquely suited to spearhead NIVW’s advocacy and leadership initiatives. His appointment also marks a meaningful moment for Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of NIVW, who credits Kevin as the most influential leader of her military career.
“Kevin was my First Sergeant during my time in Army aviation,” Angel shared. “His leadership inspired me to pursue education and shaped my approach to leadership today. He taught me that great leaders elevate those around them, and I’m honored to now call him a colleague at NIVW.”
Kevin D. Shoun: A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Military Career: A Leader Who Inspires Leaders
Kevin served as a First Sergeant in U.S. Army aviation, where he led teams of over 100 personnel and managed resources exceeding $2 million. His ability to inspire, mentor, and guide those under his command became a hallmark of his leadership style.
His mentorship extended beyond professional duties, as Kevin consistently encouraged his team members to pursue their education and personal growth. Angel Shuford, now a senior leader herself, credits Kevin’s encouragement as the spark that motivated her to achieve more than she thought possible.
“Kevin’s belief in me changed the course of my life,” Angel reflected. “He taught us to be resilient, to seek solutions, and to believe in our ability to overcome any challenge. That’s the kind of leader he was—and continues to be.”
Advocating for Mental Health
Kevin’s impact reaches far beyond the military. He is a tireless advocate for mental health, especially in the military community. His powerful article, “Why is Suicide So Difficult to Talk About?”, published in Aviation Digest, won the 2019 Article of the Year Award.
In this deeply personal and compelling piece, Kevin shared his experiences with loss and grief, shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the military. The article resonated widely, prompting meaningful conversations and driving awareness about the importance of addressing mental health openly.
“Leadership doesn’t end at tactical success,” Kevin explained. “It includes fostering an environment where people feel safe discussing challenges, including mental health. Ignoring these conversations can cost lives, and we have to do better.”
Civic Leadership: Empowering Communities
Wiregrass Food Drive: A Lifeline for Southeast Alabama
In 2020, Kevin led the Wiregrass Area Food Drive, an initiative that provided essential resources to families in need across Southeast Alabama. Partnering with the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, Kevin mobilized the community with multiple donation drop-off points and an incentive raffle featuring a Yeti Cooler Summer Fun Prize Pack.
The campaign demonstrated Kevin’s ability to inspire action and create tangible impact, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The food drive wasn’t just about collecting items,” Kevin said. “It was about uniting the community to help each other. Leadership is about service, whether you’re wearing a uniform or not.”
For full coverage of the Wiregrass Food Drive, read more here:
https://www.wtvy.com/content/news/Food-Drive-Benefitting-Wiregrass-Area-Food-Bank-570961561.html
https://www.wtvy.com/content/news/Wiregrass-Food-Drive-needs-support-571196261.html
Supporting Military Families
Kevin’s leadership extends to his real estate career, where he has assisted military families with relocation and housing needs. As a REALTOR® based in Southeast Alabama, he has navigated complex transactions with empathy and expertise, particularly during times of crisis. His ability to provide stability for military families during uncertain times has earned him widespread respect and gratitude.
A Vision for National Invest In Veterans Week®
Kevin’s appointment comes at a time of growth and transformation for NIVW. In 2024, the organization expanded to 62 global platforms, providing veterans with localized resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This expansion underscores NIVW’s commitment to empowering veterans at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Global Expansion Highlights
14 U.S. state-specific platforms delivering localized support for veteran entrepreneurs in states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.
29 international country-specific platforms that connect veterans with opportunities in countries like Australia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.
9 regional or organizational platforms fostering collaboration across geographic and economic boundaries, such as Scandinavia and Central America.
These platforms create a comprehensive network that ensures veterans have access to the tools they need, no matter where they are in the world.
Kevin’s Role as Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development
In his new role, Kevin will focus on three core pillars to advance NIVW’s mission:
Policy Advocacy
Kevin will champion policies that address the unique challenges faced by veterans, including access to funding, mental health resources, and support for military families. His firsthand experience as a veteran and community leader gives him the insight needed to drive meaningful change.
Civic Engagement
Building on his success with initiatives like the Wiregrass Food Drive, Kevin will lead community-focused programs that empower veterans and their families while fostering collaboration and resilience.
Veteran Empowerment
Through mentorship and education, Kevin will help veterans navigate the transition to civilian life, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in business and leadership roles.
A Commitment to Empowerment and Resilience
Kevin’s appointment represents more than a new leadership role—it embodies NIVW’s commitment to empowering veterans worldwide. His ability to inspire, advocate, and lead will play a critical role in shaping the organization’s future and ensuring that veterans have the resources they need to thrive.
“This opportunity is about creating lasting change,” Kevin said. “Veterans bring unmatched skills and leadership to the table, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.”
About National Invest In Veterans Week®
Founded by Jeff Shuford, National Invest In Veterans Week® is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran-owned businesses. With 62 platforms worldwide, NIVW connects veterans to resources that facilitate their transition to civilian life and empower their entrepreneurial ventures.
For more information, visit https://www.investinveteransweek.com
Complete List of Platforms
U.S. State-Specific Platforms (14):
LouisianaVeterans.com
KansasVeterans.com
RhodeIslandVeterans.com
NewHampshireVeterans.com
DelawareVeterans.com
PennsylvaniaVeterans.com
SouthCarolinaVeterans.com
MississippiVeterans.com
WyomingVeterans.com
WestVirginiaVeterans.com
TennesseeVeterans.com
NewJerseyVeterans.com
NorthDakotaVeterans.com
FloridaVeterans.com
International Country-Specific Platforms (29):
AustraliaVeterans.com
SouthKoreaVeterans.com
GermanyVeterans.com
JapanVeterans.com
UnitedKingdomVeterans.com
ItalyVeterans.com
TurkeyVeterans.com
FranceVeterans.com
NorwayVeterans.com
SpainVeterans.com
PolandVeterans.com
BrazilVeterans.com
NetherlandsVeterans.com
BelgiumVeterans.com
PortugalVeterans.com
IcelandVeterans.com
IsraelVeterans.com
ArgentinaVeterans.com
EgyptVeterans.com
MoroccoVeterans.com
PhilippinesVeterans.com
KuwaitVeterans.com
NewZealandVeterans.com
QatarVeterans.com
SaudiArabiaVeterans.com
SingaporeVeterans.com
ThailandVeterans.com
MexicoVeterans.com
UnitedArabEmiratesVeterans.com
Regional or Organizational Platforms (9):
AlliedForcesVeterans.com
CentralAmericaVeterans.com
SouthAmericaVeterans.com
GreenlandVeterans.com
PacificIslandVeterans.com
ScandinaviaVeterans.com
PanamaVeterans.com
CommonwealthVeterans.com
EUVeterans.com
