Jeff Shuford Jeff Shuford

Championing Veteran Entrepreneurs: From Military Service to Business Success

My dedication to empowering veterans as they transition from military to civilian life, especially within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, has been a deeply personal and professional mission.

My collaboration with Drayton Florence has been foundational in launching initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week and the Vets 22 app—endeavors that stem from a profound understanding of the multifaceted challenges veterans face and a firm belief in their invaluable contributions to society, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurial spirit is deeply embedded in the fabric of America, and it resonates strongly with those who have served in the military. This spirit, nurtured through the discipline, resilience, and teamwork inherent in military service, positions veterans uniquely for success in the business world. Recognizing this, the development of the Vets 22 app aimed to offer not just resources but also a community for veterans, addressing their immediate needs while fostering a supportive environment.

Highlighting the significance of veteran entrepreneurs has been a crucial aspect of my advocacy. Despite their undeniable potential and unique skill set, veterans often encounter barriers that hinder their full participation in the entrepreneurial landscape. Initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week have been instrumental in breaking down these barriers, rallying support from government, businesses, and the public to create a more welcoming ecosystem for veteran-owned businesses.

Securing official recognition for this week marked a significant milestone in our journey to elevate the profile of veteran entrepreneurs nationally.Our efforts have gained visibility and momentum through features on platforms like the NFL Network and participation in high-profile events such as SXSW. These platforms have not only expanded our reach but have also underscored the critical nature of our mission to a broader audience, highlighting the entrepreneurial prowess and the unique challenges faced by veterans.

In 2017, my contributions were recognized with a prestigious high-tech award, affirming the impact of leveraging technology to support veterans. This acknowledgment served as a milestone, reflecting our commitment to innovative solutions that facilitate the successful reintegration and entrepreneurial endeavors of veterans.Reflecting on our journey since then, the strides we have made are a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our nation's heroes. The challenges remain significant, but the opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans are boundless.

Looking forward, I am energized by the prospect of building on our achievements. The path ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with continued collaboration and a steadfast commitment to innovation, we can create a brighter future for all veterans. Supporting their transition and fostering their entrepreneurial success is not just a duty but an honor, one that I embrace wholeheartedly.

National Invest In Veterans Week® is an annual holiday dedicated to supporting and honoring veterans by creating a hub for connection, collaboration, and community. The week is observed each year from March 1 through March 7. The congressionally honored mission of this week is to bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses to foster a stronger sense of community and to better serve our veterans. It encourages more people to patronize established and upcoming businesses set up by veterans.

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National Invest In Veterans Week Staff National Invest In Veterans Week Staff

National Invest In Veterans Week® Announces Historic Launch of Largest Veteran State Domains

Press Release

For Immediate Release: March 16, 2024

National Invest In Veterans Week® Expands with Launch of Largest Veteran State Domains, Following Congressional Honors

In a landmark expansion, the visionary leadership of Jeff Shuford has propelled National Invest In Veterans Week® to new heights with the announcement of the launch of the largest collection of veteran state domains to date. This historic initiative, announced on March 16, 2024, underscores a national commitment to honoring and supporting veterans through innovative digital platforms.

Visionary National Invest In Veterans Week® Co-founder Jeff Shuford commented about the massively historic veteran-focused digital asset announcement in excitement, “In the wake of our recognition by Congress, this expansion marks a pivotal moment for our initiative. By unveiling the largest collection of veteran state domains to date, we underscore a commitment of national importance, elevating our mission to new heights of prestige and impact. These state-specific domains, our crowning achievements, serve as a beacon of our unwavering dedication to harness digital frontiers for the betterment of our veterans' lives. As a Congressional honoree, we hold a mantle of responsibility to innovate and advocate with honor, integrity, and a forward-thinking vision. This initiative is more than an expansion; it's a testament to our collective resolve to create a nation where veterans are perpetually honored, supported, and empowered. As we chart this new course, let us embrace the privilege and duty bestowed upon us, to enrich the lives of those who have served our country with valor."

Following the prestigious inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® in the Congressional Record on March 8, 2024, and the recognition of Jeff Shuford with the 2024 Lifetime Digital Grassroots Achievement Award for outstanding digital advocacy, this expansion represents a significant leap forward in veteran advocacy and support​​.

The new veteran state domains are as follows:

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℠

These domains, all under the banner of National Invest In Veterans Week®, aim to provide localized support and resources, highlighting the unique needs and contributions of veterans in each state. By fostering a more connected and supportive community for veterans nationwide, the initiative is set to enhance the visibility and accessibility of resources, services, and opportunities tailored to veterans' needs.

Jeff Shuford's vision, fueled by his own experience as an Iraq War veteran and his commitment to leveraging digital innovation for social impact, has been instrumental in this expansion. Through these state-specific domains, the initiative seeks to amplify veterans' voices, promote veteran-owned businesses, and advocate for policies that support veterans' transition to civilian life​​​​​​.

National Invest In Veterans Week®, celebrated from March 1st to 7th annually, has garnered national recognition and bipartisan support for its impactful advocacy and support for veterans​​​​​​. This year's expansion marks a significant milestone in the initiative's journey, reinforcing the importance of investing in our veterans, not just during one week but throughout the year.

As we move forward, the launch of these state domains represents more than just a digital expansion; it embodies a nationwide call to action to support and honor the sacrifices of veterans. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the veteran community.

For more information about National Invest In Veterans Week® and the newly launched state domains, please visit www.investinveteransweek.com.

Contact: LTC. Rickey L. Pope (ret.), Chief Strategy Officer @ National Invest In Veterans Week®

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