Press Release: National Invest In Veterans Week® Celebrates DAV’s Ongoing Support and Honors a Family Legacy of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2024
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) proudly acknowledges and thanks Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for their steadfast commitment to promoting veteran entrepreneurship and leadership. The advocacy partnership between NIVW and DAV has been pivotal in amplifying veteran voices, creating local buzz around veteran contributions, and fostering growth opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian life. With DAV’s advocacy and support, NIVW continues to grow its impact, especially through the March 1–7 week-long celebration focused on elevating veteran-owned businesses and leadership initiatives across the country.

Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, is a prime example of the commitment that both DAV and NIVW embody. As an Iraq War veteran, Jeff has channeled his military experience and passion for veterans into creating platforms that support and uplift those who have served. His work has garnered national recognition, including receiving the Community of Heroes Award from DAV Post 38 for his efforts in advancing digital platforms that empower veterans. Shuford’s initiative has facilitated the creation of the largest collection of veteran state domains, providing veterans with localized resources and networking opportunities to help them thrive in civilian life and business.

Honoring a Rich Family Legacy of Military Service

We also proudly recognize the Shuford-Freeman legacy, which stems from his grandfather, James “Jim” Freeman, a founding member of the iconic doo-wop group The Five Satins. In addition to his musical achievements, Jim Freeman comes from a family with a deep-rooted history of military service, a legacy he is proud to share. "Our family has a proud military legacy," Freeman says, highlighting that his family’s service spans multiple generations and conflicts:

• Uncle Buddy served in the U.S. Army during World War II, supporting efforts on the front lines of the European and Pacific campaigns.

• Clifford Freeman Sr., Jeff Shuford’s great-grandfather, served in the U.S. Army during World War I, playing a role in one of the most pivotal global conflicts of the 20th century.

• Clifford Freeman III, Jeff’s great-uncle, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, defending the country’s interests in the early Cold War era.

• Clifford Freeman Jr., Jeff’s grandfather and father of Jim Freeman, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, contributing to the defense of freedom during one of the most consequential wars in history.

On the maternal side, Jeff Shuford’s Grandmother Sheryl’s family also boasts an extensive military service record:

• Henry Fliehler, Jeff’s great-grandfather, served in the U.S. Army during World War I, contributing to the efforts to safeguard democracy during the Great War.

• Uncle Jack Fliehler served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, offering his service during a critical period in global history.

• Almon Fliehler (Sheryl’s father) served in the U.S. Army during World War II, adding to the family’s legacy of valor and duty.

• Cousin Robert (Bob) Fliehler served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, continuing the family’s legacy of service during a turbulent time in American history.

• Corporal Ripley Hale, Sheryl’s great-great-great-great-grandfather, fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, cementing the family’s long-standing dedication to defending the country.

Jeff Shuford himself served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-07, where he earned the Combat Action Badge and several other awards for his service. Adding to the family’s groundbreaking contributions, Jeff is also the first male military spouse in the family. His wife, Angel Shuford, my granddaughter, continues the family tradition of service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Angel is a decorated Army air traffic controller, adding a new chapter to the family’s commitment to protecting the nation.

James “Jim” Freeman’s Cultural Contributions Honored

While much of the family’s legacy is tied to military service, James “Jim” Freeman, a founding member of the legendary doo-wop group The Five Satins, has contributed to American history through music. Freeman, along with his bandmates, became a household name in the 1950s with their timeless hit “In the Still of the Night.” Their contributions to music and culture were immortalized when Jim Freeman and The Five Satins were honored in the Congressional Record in 2015, acknowledging their lasting impact on the American music scene.

Jeff Shuford receiving the Community of Heroes Award from DAV Post 38, recognizing his contributions to veteran empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Jeff Shuford’s Congressional Recognition

Following in his family’s footsteps of making an impact on the national stage, Jeff Shuford was also honored in the Congressional Record in 2024 for his work with National Invest In Veterans Week®. His vision of empowering veterans through entrepreneurship has transformed the way veterans are supported post-service. NIVW’s impact continues to grow through initiatives like the veteran state domains, designed to provide localized support and resources for veterans nationwide.

Continuing the Legacy with DAV

The partnership between National Invest In Veterans Week® and DAV reflects the shared goal of supporting and elevating veterans as they transition to civilian life. As DAV continues to provide tools and resources for its chapters to create local buzz, NIVW serves as a platform to further these efforts. Together, DAV and NIVW ensure that veterans have access to the mentorship, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in business and beyond.

Through the ongoing support of DAV, NIVW is proud to continue this legacy of service, ensuring that the contributions of veterans—both in uniform and beyond—are recognized and celebrated.

For more information about National Invest In Veterans Week® and our initiatives, please visit www.investinveteransweek.com.

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

Learn more about the DAV here: https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2024/building-local-buzz-to-boost-your-membership/

About Disabled American Veterans (DAV):
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization that has been empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity since its founding in 1920. DAV provides a lifetime of support to veterans and their families by helping them access the full range of benefits available to them, connecting veterans with meaningful employment, and fighting for the rights of injured heroes. With over 1 million members, DAV continues to be a powerful advocate for veterans and their families nationwide.

About National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW):
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), co-founded by Jeff Shuford, is a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to empowering veterans through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and advocacy. Officially recognized by Congress, NIVW takes place annually from March 1–7, focusing on elevating veteran-owned businesses and ensuring veterans have access to resources and opportunities to thrive in civilian life. Through a combination of digital platforms, state domains, and collaborative partnerships, NIVW amplifies veterans' voices and facilitates their success in business.

About Jim Freeman:
James “Jim” Freeman is a founding member of the iconic doo-wop group, The Five Satins, best known for their timeless hit “In the Still of the Night.” Freeman’s contributions to American music history were immortalized when he and his bandmates were honored in the Congressional Record in 2015. Beyond his musical achievements, Freeman hails from a family with a rich military legacy, proudly continuing the tradition of service both in uniform and through cultural influence. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to contribute to their communities and country.

About Jeff Shuford:
Jeff Shuford is an Iraq War veteran, entrepreneur, and co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®. Known for his commitment to empowering veterans, Shuford has created platforms that provide veterans with localized resources, networking opportunities, and support as they transition to civilian life. His work has garnered national recognition, including being honored in the Congressional Record in 2024. In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Shuford is a proud military spouse and the grandson of Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins. His initiatives continue to drive positive change for veterans across the country.

Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Veterans

One of the most remarkable yet often underappreciated facts about veterans is their inclination toward entrepreneurship. Veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than their non-veteran counterparts. This statistic is not just a number; it is a testament to the resilience, discipline, and leadership skills that veterans bring from their military service to the business world. As we delve into the reasons behind this entrepreneurial spirit and explore how initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week® support veteran entrepreneurs, it becomes evident that the journey from service to self-employment is a natural and rewarding progression.

The Military Foundation: Building Blocks of Entrepreneurship

The military experience imparts a unique set of skills and values that are directly transferable to the entrepreneurial landscape. Veterans are trained to think strategically, act decisively, and lead effectively under pressure. These qualities are essential for any successful entrepreneur. Additionally, the military fosters a culture of teamwork and mission-oriented thinking, which translates into a strong ability to build and manage a cohesive team in a business setting.

Veterans are accustomed to navigating complex, high-stakes environments. This experience equips them with a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, a critical trait for entrepreneurs who must continually pivot and innovate to stay competitive. Moreover, the problem-solving skills honed in the military enable veterans to tackle business challenges with a level of confidence and ingenuity that is often unparalleled.

The Statistical Edge: Why Veterans Excel in Entrepreneurship

The statistic that veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans is rooted in several key factors. First and foremost, the transition from military to civilian life often comes with a desire for autonomy and control over one's destiny. Entrepreneurship offers veterans the opportunity to leverage their skills and experiences to create something of their own, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Furthermore, veterans are adept at risk management. Military training emphasizes the importance of assessing risks and making informed decisions, a skill that is invaluable in the business world. This ability to navigate uncertainty gives veteran entrepreneurs an edge in managing the inherent risks of starting and running a business.

Access to resources and support networks also plays a crucial role. Many veterans take advantage of programs specifically designed to help them transition into entrepreneurship. From government grants and loans to mentorship programs and business incubators, veterans have access to a wide array of resources that can help them succeed.

National Invest In Veterans Week®: Championing Veteran Entrepreneurs

At National Invest In Veterans Week®, we recognize the immense potential of veteran entrepreneurs and are committed to providing the support and resources they need to thrive. Our initiatives are designed to highlight the contributions of veteran-owned businesses and to foster an environment where these businesses can flourish.

One of our key initiatives is the launch of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) across our veteran-focused platforms, including LouisianaVeterans.com, KansasVeterans.com, RhodeIslandVeterans.com, and many more. These PWAs are designed to provide veteran entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools to enhance their online presence, reach a broader audience, and grow their businesses. With features such as easy installation, minimal storage space usage, and robust privacy protections, our PWAs are tailored to meet the unique needs of veteran-owned businesses.

In addition to technological support, National Invest In Veterans Week® offers a range of programs aimed at empowering veteran entrepreneurs. These include business training workshops, networking events, and access to a network of successful veteran business owners who can provide mentorship and guidance. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where veteran entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and share their experiences and insights.

Success Stories: Inspiring Examples of Veteran Entrepreneurship

The success stories of veteran entrepreneurs are a testament to the impact of initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week®. Take, for example, the story of John Smith, a former Army officer who launched a successful tech startup after his military service. Leveraging the leadership and problem-solving skills he developed in the military, John was able to build a company that now employs dozens of people and serves clients around the world.

Another inspiring example is Maria Rodriguez, a Navy veteran who turned her passion for fitness into a thriving business. With the support of veteran-focused programs and a strong network of fellow veterans, Maria was able to open a chain of fitness studios that cater specifically to veterans and their families. Her business not only provides a valuable service but also creates a sense of community and support for veterans.

These stories are just a glimpse of the incredible potential that lies within the veteran community. By providing the right resources and support, we can unlock this potential and help veterans achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

The Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship: Building a Legacy

As we look to the future, it is clear that veteran entrepreneurship will continue to play a vital role in our economy and society. The entrepreneurial spirit of veterans is not just about creating successful businesses; it is about building a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community impact.

At National Invest In Veterans Week®, we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to support veteran entrepreneurs and to raise awareness of the unique strengths they bring to the business world. By championing veteran-owned businesses and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we can create a brighter future for our veterans and for our nation as a whole.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The statistic that veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans is a powerful reminder of the entrepreneurial potential within the veteran community. At National Invest In Veterans Week®, we celebrate this potential and are committed to providing the support and resources necessary for veteran entrepreneurs to succeed.

I encourage everyone to take part in our initiatives, whether by supporting veteran-owned businesses, participating in our events, or simply spreading the word about the importance of veteran entrepreneurship. Together, we can create an environment where veterans can thrive, and their businesses can flourish, contributing to a stronger, more resilient economy.

As we continue to celebrate and support our veteran entrepreneurs, let us remember that their journey from service to self-employment is not just a path to personal success but a pathway to collective prosperity. By investing in veterans, we invest in a future where their skills, leadership, and determination can make a lasting impact.

Join us in this mission, and together, let's honor the entrepreneurial spirit of our veterans, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and their businesses are given every opportunity to succeed. National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than just an event; it is a movement dedicated to empowering those who have served our country to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Let us continue to support and celebrate our veteran entrepreneurs, today and every day.

Source: https://business.defense.gov/Resources/Veterans-Resources