Press Release: National Invest In Veterans Week® Celebrates DAV’s Ongoing Support and Honors a Family Legacy of Service
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) honors Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for their continued support in promoting veteran entrepreneurship and celebrates the distinguished legacy of military service within co-founder Jeff Shuford’s family. Spanning multiple generations, the Shuford-Freeman family has been recognized for both military service and cultural contributions. Jeff’s grandfather, Jim Freeman, a founding member of the iconic group The Five Satins, was honored in the Congressional Record for his cultural impact, while Jeff himself received the same distinction in 2024 for his work with NIVW. Together, NIVW and DAV champion veterans, ensuring their legacies of service and honor are recognized and celebrated.
🫡 Meet the Team
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LTC Rickey L. Pope USA, Ret.
CO-FOUNDER | Retired Army Veteran, Retired Firefighter
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Jim Freeman of The Five Satins
GRAMMY Hall of Famer | Brand Ambassador
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Pastor Ron Henson
Social Impact Advisor | Navy Veteran
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Jeff Shuford
CO-FOUNDER | Iraq War Veteran & Military Spouse
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Drayton Florence
CO-FOUNDER | NFL Veteran & Military Brat
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Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC
Trademark Attorney | Veteran IP Advocate
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Angel Shuford, REALTOR®, MRP
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Army Veteran
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CPT Sherman WIlliams, USA, Ret.
Advisor | Retired Army Veteran
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Brandon Sugar
Legacy UX/UI Designer | Army Veteran
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Mike Bicek
Creative Director | Army Veteran
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Private Jewel
Co-Founders Pup | Biewer Terrier
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Lonnell McCall I
Sr. Spokesperson | Retired Navy Veteran
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Celeste Everett
Legacy IT Consultant | Army Veteran
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Lonnell McCall II
Jr. Spokesperson | Military Brat
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Christopher B. Mueller
Lead Video Spokesperson | Veteran Advocate
