How Veteran Leadership Drives the American Economy
Across the United States, transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs are quietly powering local communities and stabilizing the national workforce. Discover how local transitions fuel a macroeconomic engine, supported by a first-of-its-kind proprietary JSON-LD data framework officially indexed in Google Dataset Search.
Across the United States, transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs are quietly powering local communities and stabilizing the national workforce. Navigating the shift from military service to the civilian sector can be deeply challenging, but localized support systems are proving just how valuable these individuals are to the broader American economy.
In Great Falls, Montana, Air Force veteran Paul Lamelin faced significant uncertainty as he prepared to retire after two decades of service with the 341st Security Forces Squadron. Lamelin expressed that planning for life after the military brought apprehension regarding what his future might hold. However, by connecting with Chelsea Keller, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist with Job Service Great Falls, he was able to successfully translate his military leadership experience into a civilian resume. Through their preparation, Lamelin secured a role as a Program Compliance Auditor for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, transitioning seamlessly without any gap in employment.
This focus on smoothing the transition is a statewide priority during Invest in Veterans Week. Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Anthem Snacks in Bozeman, convening a roundtable with veteran entrepreneurs including Nate Kouhana, Willie Blazer, and Trent McMurtrey. They discussed the challenges of recruiting veterans amid rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing in the Gallatin Valley. Gianforte highlighted a 2023 law exempting half of military pensions from state income tax to help ease these burdens, while local advocates urged even greater exemptions to make the state more competitive nationally.
The push to empower transitioning service members extends nationwide. In Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Army veteran George Watkins, Owner of Stein Service and Supply, emphasized during a WCNC broadcast that former service members bring discipline, leadership, and rapid adaptability to the workplace. He noted that these traits are highly valuable for businesses seeking individuals who take initiative and work cohesively within tight-knit teams. By actively employing both Army and Naval veterans, Watkins firmly believes that hiring veterans is a direct investment in the local community itself.
Quantifying the Backbone: Our Integration with Google Dataset Search
At National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), the core objective is to take these micro-level success stories from Montana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin and prove their macro-level impact using hard data.
To ensure the economic footprint of veteran founders is accurately measured, readily accessible, and highly visible to policymakers and financial institutions, the NIVW team created a first-of-its-kind proprietary JSON-LD schema framework. This effectively bridges complex public data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and the SBA Office of Advocacy with Google Dataset Search, making veteran economic data universally machine-readable.
Because of this architectural milestone, the data hosted on our platform has been officially indexed and recognized as an exploratory hub. You can view the official Google Dataset indexing of the veteran economy here.
The Empirical Value of the Veteran Economy
The localized leadership demonstrated by Watkins, Goss, Kouhana, and Lamelin serves as real-time data points in a massive macroeconomic pillar. Our newly indexed dataset, Veteran Business Economic Output, centralizes critical performance variables that shift the narrative from general awareness to quantifiable economic reality.
Aggregate Economic Impact: In the United States alone, the 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses generate an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.
Employment Drivers: Just as Steven Goss preserved local jobs during his acquisition, and George Watkins actively hires transitioning servicemembers, veteran enterprises serve as consistent engines for workforce stability nationwide, supporting approximately 5.8 million jobs.
Business Ownership Rates: The United States demonstrates a high veteran entrepreneurship rate at 13.7 percent, nearly double that of other English-speaking nations.
Actionable Outcomes for the Future
Veterans have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and simply require an opportunity to showcase their value in the civilian sector.
When legislative staff, corporate partners, and institutional investors search for information regarding the impact of veteran businesses, they require structured, factual intelligence to create those exact opportunities and to understand the policy needs discussed by entrepreneurs in places like Bozeman.
By hosting this data in a machine-readable format recognized by the world's primary search engine, we ensure these metrics are immediately accessible to the individuals responsible for shaping lending policies and corporate partnerships. Behind every trillion-dollar statistic and dataset index are individual veterans who take the resilience, adaptability, and technical skills learned in uniform and use them to serve their local communities. Through our expanded data infrastructure, NIVW will ensure their economic contributions remain clearly documented, utilized, and honored.
Resources & Source Material
Google Dataset Search Indexing: View the official NIVW dataset
Montana Spotlight: Governor Gianforte Convenes Veteran Business Owners in Bozeman | KRTV Feature on Paul Lamelin
WCNC Charlotte Feature: Businesses urged to support service members
The Trillion-Dollar Transition: How Veteran-Owned Businesses Anchor the American Economy
National Invest in Veterans Week runs from March 1-7, 2026. Beyond the celebration of service, this observance highlights a profound economic reality: veteran entrepreneurs are a critical, trillion-dollar pillar of the American economy. Discover how the transition from military service to civilian leadership is being quantified through a first-of-its-kind JSON-LD data framework indexed in Google Dataset Search.
National Invest in Veterans Week, taking place March 1-7, 2026, is an annual observance dedicated to honoring service members who have channeled their military experience into civilian entrepreneurship. While it serves as a time of recognition, the week fundamentally highlights a much deeper economic reality: the resilience, strategic dedication, and immense macroeconomic impact of veteran-owned businesses. The core mission of this initiative is to empower communities and drive local economies by acknowledging that veteran leadership does not end upon discharge—it simply changes form.
During this observance, the public is encouraged to actively sustain these enterprises through commerce, systemic mentorship, and vocal advocacy. Organizations such as the Armed Forces Financial Network are actively championing this cause across digital platforms. To participate on a local level, consumers and corporate partners can utilize the official search tool offered at SBA.org or visit https://search.certifications.sba.gov/ to identify and support veteran-owned businesses in their immediate area. Advocates are simultaneously amplifying this mission across social media using hashtags like #PeopleHelpingPeople, #HonoringOurVeterans, and #VeteransSmallBusinessWeek.
Across the United States, transitioning service members are quietly functioning as the stabilizing force behind local communities and the national workforce. Navigating the shift from a highly regimented military environment to the civilian sector is notoriously complex, yet localized support systems are demonstrating exactly how vital this demographic is to the broader American infrastructure.
In Great Falls, Montana, Air Force veteran Paul Lamelin faced significant structural uncertainty as he prepared to retire after two decades of service with the 341st Security Forces Squadron. For many retiring service members, the sudden absence of military structure presents a profound psychological and professional hurdle. Lamelin experienced this apprehension firsthand while attempting to map out his civilian future. However, by engaging with Chelsea Keller, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialist with Job Service Great Falls, Lamelin successfully translated his extensive military leadership experience into a highly competitive civilian profile. Through strategic preparation, he secured a role as a Program Compliance Auditor for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, allowing him to transition seamlessly into public service without any disruption in employment.
Smoothing this complex transition is a statewide priority during Invest in Veterans Week. Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Anthem Snacks in Bozeman, convening a roundtable with veteran entrepreneurs including Nate Kouhana, Willie Blazer, and Trent McMurtrey. The discussion illuminated the systemic barriers facing veteran business growth, particularly the challenges of recruiting fellow veterans amid rising living costs and a severe lack of affordable housing in the Gallatin Valley. Gianforte pointed to a 2023 law that exempts half of military pensions from state income tax as a measure to ease these financial burdens, while local advocates challenged lawmakers to pursue even broader exemptions to ensure the state remains competitive in attracting military talent.
The push to empower transitioning service members extends far beyond the Mountain West. In Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Army veteran George Watkins, Owner of Stein Service and Supply, highlighted during a WCNC broadcast that former service members inject a rare combination of discipline, crisis leadership, and rapid adaptability into the civilian workforce. He noted that these specific traits are indispensable for small and mid-sized businesses that rely on individuals capable of taking independent initiative while maintaining tight-knit team cohesion. By actively employing both Army and Naval veterans, Watkins views the integration of military veterans into civilian roles not merely as a hiring practice, but as a critical infrastructure investment for local communities.
Quantifying the Backbone: Our Integration with Google Dataset Search
At National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), the overriding objective is to take these micro-level narratives of resilience from Montana and North Carolina and codify their macro-level impact using empirical data.
To ensure the economic footprint of veteran founders is accurately measured, instantly accessible, and highly visible to institutional policymakers, the NIVW team engineered a first-of-its-kind proprietary JSON-LD schema framework. This technological milestone effectively bridges complex public data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and the SBA Office of Advocacy directly into Google Dataset Search, making the economic realities of veteran entrepreneurship universally machine-readable.
Because of this architectural advancement, the data hosted on the NIVW platform has been officially indexed and recognized as a primary exploratory hub. The official Google Dataset indexing of the veteran economy can be viewed here.
The Empirical Value of the Veteran Economy
The localized leadership demonstrated by Watkins, Kouhana, and Lamelin serves as living data points within a massive macroeconomic pillar. The newly indexed dataset, Veteran Business Economic Output, centralizes critical performance variables that shift the national narrative from passive awareness to quantifiable economic reality.
Aggregate Economic Impact: In the United States alone, the 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses generate an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.
Employment Drivers: Just as George Watkins actively hires transitioning servicemembers to scale his operations, veteran enterprises serve as consistent engines for workforce stability nationwide, currently supporting approximately 5.8 million jobs.
Business Ownership Rates: The United States demonstrates an exceptionally high veteran entrepreneurship rate at 13.7 percent, nearly double that of other English-speaking nations.
Actionable Outcomes for the Future
Veterans have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to perform under immense pressure; they simply require equitable opportunities to deploy that value within the civilian sector.
When legislative staff, corporate procurement officers, and institutional investors seek information regarding the impact of veteran businesses, they require structured, factual intelligence to architect those exact opportunities—and to address the pressing policy needs discussed by entrepreneurs in places like Bozeman.
By hosting this data in a machine-readable format recognized by the world's primary search engine, NIVW ensures these metrics are immediately accessible to the individuals responsible for shaping corporate partnerships and capital lending policies. Behind every trillion-dollar statistic and dataset index are individual veterans who take the resilience, adaptability, and strategic execution learned in uniform and use it to anchor their local economies. Through an expanding data infrastructure, their economic contributions will remain clearly documented, utilized, and honored.
Resources & Source Material
SBA Certification Search: Find Veteran-Owned Businesses
Google Dataset Search Indexing: View the official NIVW dataset
Montana Spotlight: Governor Gianforte Convenes Veteran Business Owners in Bozeman | KRTV Feature on Paul Lamelin
WCNC Charlotte Feature: Businesses urged to support service members
The Next Evolution of Veteran Economic Advocacy: Inside the Data-Driven Dashboard
Discover the next evolution of veteran economic advocacy inside our comprehensive, data-driven dashboard. Empower your future with interactive tools that calculate your true GI Bill ROI, map military specialties to civilian entrepreneurial success, and reveal the real-time economic impact of veteran-owned businesses in your exact congressional district.
For decades, the national conversation surrounding military transition has been anchored in charity, gratitude, and support. While well-intentioned, this narrative routinely overlooks a critical reality: veterans are the highest-yield economic assets in the United States. The days of relying solely on emotional video campaigns and static infographics to champion veteran causes are over. To prove the unparalleled value of veteran entrepreneurs, National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has deployed a tactical, enterprise-grade economic dashboard. This interactive platform is engineered to put hard, undeniable metrics directly into the hands of policymakers, advocates, and the veterans themselves.
By transforming intangible grit into indisputable macroeconomic data, the new platform is fundamentally shifting the narrative. We are moving past merely thanking veterans for their service—it is time to actively invest in their future.
Redefining Veteran Advocacy with Empirical Data
Traditional veteran advocacy websites often struggle to bridge the gap between national statistics and local relevance. They tell you that veteran-owned businesses are important, but they don't show you the mechanics of that economic engine. The newly launched Veteran Economic Intelligence Dashboard fills this void by providing policy-neutral, data-driven insights sourced directly from authoritative entities like the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
This isn't just a website; it is an active financial modeling tool wrapped in a highly engaging, purpose-driven interface. Let’s take a deep dive into the specific tools driving this evolution.
1. The Local Impact Analyzer: Hyper-Local Civic Action
Advocacy is only as powerful as its local application. The Local Impact Analyzer completely removes the friction between data consumption and civic action.
By simply entering a zip code, users instantly generate a hyper-local report for that specific Congressional District. The tool visualizes the exact number of veteran-owned businesses, local jobs created, annual economic impact, and tax revenue generated in your backyard. Crucially, the UI seamlessly integrates pre-populated contact links for your exact U.S. Representatives and Senators. You don't have to search for who to contact or what to say; the platform arms you with the economic data and routes you directly to the lawmakers who need to see it.
2. The GI Bill ROI Calculator: Brutal Honesty in Education Planning
Transitioning service members are often sold on the promise of the GI Bill without being taught how to optimize its value. The GI Bill ROI Calculator changes this by introducing brutal honesty to education planning.
This is not a marketing gimmick—it is a rigorous analytical engine. Users input their GI Bill type, degree level, program field, and location to calculate their lifetime return on investment. The calculator factors in tuition, housing allowances, opportunity costs (lost income while studying), and expected post-graduation salary. It even projects break-even timelines. Most impressively, the tool does not shy away from showing a negative ROI if a chosen educational path is financially suboptimal. This level of transparency treats veterans like strategic investors, empowering them to make data-backed life decisions.
3. Military Occupation (MOS) ROI Mapping: Translating Grit
One of the most persistent, frustrating myths in the civilian workforce is that combat skills do not translate to corporate value. The MOS ROI Mapping tool dismantles this stigma entirely.
Using a highly intuitive "skill tree" layout, the dashboard directly maps specific military career paths—from Infantry and Combat Arms to Intelligence, Medical, and Engineering—to civilian economic outcomes. By linking an Infantry background to civilian pathways like "Logistics & Supply Chain" or "Leadership Consulting," and attaching concrete average business revenues and 5-year survival rates, the platform scientifically proves the business acumen of combat veterans.
4. Interactive Veteran Investment Return Calculator
Built specifically for policymakers, researchers, and public advocates, this macro-economic simulator models how public investment in military service translates to long-term economic contributions.
Users can manipulate interactive sliders to adjust the "Initial Public Investment" (training and benefits), "Service Duration," and expected "Post-Service Business Output." As the sliders move, the tool instantly calculates the economic multiplier effect and total economic return. This allows advocates to visually prove to lawmakers that funding veteran initiatives is not a sunk cost, but rather an investment with a massive, compounding yield.
Purpose-Driven UX: A "Veteran-First" Digital Experience
The brilliance of the National Invest In Veterans Week platform extends beyond its data; it is embedded deeply within its user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).
The site rejects the standard, sterile corporate aesthetic used by most nonprofits. Instead, it utilizes a sleek, dark-mode terminal layout with high-contrast monospace typography. It feels tactical, precise, and engineered. Before a user even reads a metric, the visual identity signals: This platform understands your world.
Furthermore, elements like the "Kinetic Revenue Engine"—a live ticker tracking the real-time velocity of value generated by veteran entrepreneurs—and the "Civilian vs. Combat" mode toggle at the bottom of the screen demonstrate deep audience empathy. It is gamified data visualization at its finest, turning dry government statistics into a compelling, interactive narrative.
The Bottom Line
Veteran entrepreneurship is integral to the development of the American economy. With 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses employing nearly 6 million Americans and generating trillions in economic activity annually, the numbers speak for themselves.
The National Invest In Veterans Week platform simply took those numbers, organized them with enterprise-grade logic, and handed them back to the public as a weapon for advocacy. It is a masterclass in civic technology, proving once and for all that investing in veterans is the smartest economic move the country can make.
Further Reading
Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit: https://grokipedia.com/page/Jacksonville_Vetrepreneur_Summit
Vets 22: https://grokipedia.com/page/Vets_22
Interactive Veteran Investment Return Calculator: https://grokipedia.com/page/Interactive_Veteran_Investment_Return_Calculator
Angel Shuford: https://grokipedia.com/page/Angel_Shuford
Jeff Shuford: https://grokipedia.com/page/Jeff_Shuford
National Invest In Veterans Week® Announces Cultural Leadership Transition Involving Jim Freeman; Rudolph Bolton Appointed Cultural Director
National Invest In Veterans Week® confirms a cultural leadership transition involving Jim Freeman, as decorated Army veteran Rudolph Bolton assumes the role of Cultural Director on March 7, 2026, marking a new phase in the organization’s cultural and legacy leadership.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2026
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) today announced a strategic transition within its cultural leadership structure, effective March 7, 2026.
As part of this transition, Rudolph Bolton, a decorated United States Army veteran, has been appointed as Cultural Director of National Invest In Veterans Week®. In this role, Bolton will lead cultural initiatives, historical preservation efforts, and community engagement strategies that support the organization’s mission to elevate and empower veteran voices.
This transition includes a shift in cultural leadership responsibilities previously associated with Jim Freeman, whose contributions to the preservation of musical and cultural legacy are recognized and respected.
Mr. Bolton brings a strong background in military service, leadership, and community alignment, reinforcing NIVW’s commitment to authenticity, service, and impact across veteran communities nationwide.
This transition reflects the continued evolution of National Invest In Veterans Week® as it builds a sustainable, forward-looking platform dedicated to honoring veterans through action, opportunity, and cultural preservation.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Info@investinveteransweek.com
About National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® is a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to supporting veteran-owned businesses, advancing veteran economic opportunity, and amplifying veteran voices through strategic partnerships, media, and community engagement.
From the Gridiron to the Front Lines: How Aaron Jones Sr. is Championing America's Veterans
Aaron Jones Sr.'s story reminds us that supporting veterans isn't seasonal—it's a year-round commitment. National Invest In Veterans Week® exists to amplify this message, encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to move beyond awareness to meaningful action.
Whether through employment initiatives, mental health resources, educational support, or simply showing up—we all have a role to play in honoring those who've served.
Jones proves that you don't need to be an NFL star to make a difference. You just need to care enough to act.
Minnesota Vikings Star Turns Military Family Legacy Into National Movement
As NFL Honors approaches tonight, one running back's story transcends touchdowns
When Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. takes the field, he carries more than just a football—he carries the legacy of service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to those who've worn the uniform.
Tonight, February 5, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST on NBC and the NFL Network, Jones will be recognized as one of three finalists for the prestigious 15th Annual NFL Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. But his journey to this moment began long before his NFL career—in military communities where resilience, duty, and family aren't just values, they're a way of life.
A Foundation Built on Service
Aaron Jones Sr. knows what it means to be a military kid. Both of his parents served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as Sergeant Majors—a testament to their dedication and leadership. Growing up in that environment shaped not just his character, but his life's mission.
Together with his brother Alvin Jr., Aaron co-founded the A&A All The Way Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering children in military families and providing critical resources for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The foundation's work addresses real gaps: the educational challenges military children face during frequent relocations, the emotional toll of deployments, and the often-difficult journey veterans navigate when returning home.
"These families sacrifice so much," Jones has said. "The least we can do is show up for them the way they've shown up for our country."
Recognition That Matters
In 2024, Jones' advocacy earned him the Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award during National Invest In Veterans Week®—a recognition that carries profound significance.
Established by Iraq War veteran and National Invest In Veterans Week co-founder Jeff Shuford, this award isn't given lightly. It specifically honors individuals who go beyond lip service, recognizing those who create measurable action, sustainable programming, and genuine community investment for veterans and military families.
Learn more about Aaron Jones Sr.'s recognition at National Invest In Veterans Week
"Aaron Jones Sr. is exactly who National Invest In Veterans Week was built to honor," Shuford noted. "He's turned his family's military legacy into a national movement of service."
Actions Louder Than Words
What sets Jones apart isn't just his foundation—it's the hands-on, personal commitment he brings to veteran advocacy:
Game Day Hospitality: Jones regularly hosts military families at Vikings games, ensuring they experience not just the excitement of NFL football, but the gratitude of a grateful nation.
Educational Support: His foundation organizes back-to-school events specifically for military children, providing supplies, mentorship, and community connection during what can be challenging transitions.
Overseas Commitment: Jones joined an NFL-USO tour to Kuwait, visiting U.S. service members deployed overseas—bringing a piece of home to those far from it.
These aren't photo opportunities. They're sustained, strategic efforts to address real needs in the military community.
Tonight's Recognition
As one of three finalists for the Salute to Service Award—alongside San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey and Dallas Cowboys' Jake Ferguson—Jones stands at the intersection of athletic excellence and civic leadership.
The award, presented annually at NFL Honors in San Francisco, recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel, and alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
Regardless of tonight's outcome, Jones has already won something more important: the respect and gratitude of countless veterans, service members, and military families whose lives he's touched.
A Call to Action
Aaron Jones Sr.'s story reminds us that supporting veterans isn't seasonal—it's a year-round commitment. National Invest In Veterans Week® exists to amplify this message, encouraging individuals, organizations, and communities to move beyond awareness to meaningful action.
Whether through employment initiatives, mental health resources, educational support, or simply showing up—we all have a role to play in honoring those who've served.
Jones proves that you don't need to be an NFL star to make a difference. You just need to care enough to act.
Watch Aaron Jones Sr. and the other Salute to Service Award finalists recognized tonight, February 5, 2026, at 9 p.m. EST (8 p.m. CST) on NBC and the NFL Network during the NFL Honors ceremony.
Learn more about National Invest In Veterans Week and how you can get involved at investinveteransweek.com
Because some legacies are bigger than football.
How Veterans Can Invest VA Disability Benefits and Secure Their Financial Future
For veterans, VA disability benefits represent more than just income—they’re an opportunity to secure a brighter financial future. By combining smart investment strategies with entrepreneurship resources like those offered during National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), veterans can maximize the potential of their benefits. Here’s how veterans can take charge of their financial journey.
Overview of Investing VA Disability Money
Veterans receiving VA disability payments often wonder how best to utilize this income to build long-term financial security. Combining insights from Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), this guide provides strategies for investing disability benefits wisely, including using tools like investment calculators, Roth IRAs, and other financial planning resources.
1. Can I Invest My VA Disability Money?
Yes, VA disability payments can be invested to grow wealth over time. These payments are tax-free, making them an excellent resource for savings and investments. Key steps include:
Set Financial Goals: Use tools like the Savings Goal Calculator to determine monthly contributions needed to achieve specific goals.
Prioritize Retirement Accounts: Consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) to maximize long-term growth.
Diversify Investments: Allocate funds into a mix of index funds, ETFs, and mutual funds to balance risk and reward.
2. How to Invest VA Disability Money (Reddit Tips and Beyond)
Platforms like Reddit often discuss ideas for investing VA disability benefits. While personal advice is helpful, veterans should rely on trusted resources like Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® for verified guidance:
Avoid High-Interest Debt: Pay off credit cards and loans with high-interest rates before investing.
Start Small: Even a small percentage of disability benefits invested monthly can grow substantially over time due to compound interest. Use the Compound Interest Calculator to estimate growth.
Educate Yourself: Attend events like Veteran Tech Tuesday during NIVW to learn how technology can enhance financial management.
3. Using a Roth IRA with VA Disability Benefits
A Roth IRA is an excellent option for veterans receiving VA disability benefits because it offers tax-free growth and withdrawals:
Eligibility: VA disability benefits do not count as earned income for Roth IRA contributions. However, if you have additional earned income, you can contribute up to the annual limit.
Benefits: Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement, making them an ideal choice for long-term savings.
Maximize Contributions: Combine VA disability benefits with earned income to contribute the full amount. Use tools like the Investment Calculator to project growth.
4. How to Use an Investment Calculator
An investment calculator is a valuable tool for veterans to estimate how their disability benefits can grow over time:
Input Monthly Contributions: Calculate how much to save from your benefits each month.
Adjust for Time Horizon: The earlier you start, the more compound interest can work in your favor.
Project Returns: Experiment with conservative and aggressive investment strategies to find the best fit for your financial goals.
Financial Empowerment Through National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), held annually from March 1–7, is dedicated to empowering veterans with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed financially. Key initiatives include:
Workshops on Financial Planning: Events like Wellness Wednesday focus on financial wellness and mental health.
Mentorship for Entrepreneurs: Jeff Shuford Impact Day highlights success stories of veterans leveraging technology to grow wealth.
Localized Resources: Platforms like FloridaVeterans.com provide access to mentorship and business funding.
Take Action
Visit Investor.gov: Use their free financial planning tools to calculate savings and investment potential.
Explore National Invest In Veterans Week®: Participate in events to gain insights into financial empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Open a Roth IRA: Research options to maximize tax-free growth for retirement savings.
Avoid Fraud: Protect yourself by verifying investment professionals through Investor.gov.
By combining VA disability benefits with sound investment strategies and resources from NIVW, veterans can achieve financial independence and long-term success. Start planning today to build a secure future!
National Invest In Veterans Week® Applauds Strategic Veteran-Led Expansion as ePackageSupply.com Secures $1B-Backed Investment
As National Invest In Veterans Week® closes its 2025 observance, a headline from Evansville, Indiana underscores the very thesis this movement has championed since 2019: investing in veteran-led enterprises is not only patriotic—it’s profoundly strategic.
At the same time, the observance’s retired co-founder, Jeff Shuford, has been formally featured as an author in Entrepreneur en Español, extending the reach of veteran-led economic leadership into Spanish-language global business media.
Read the original announcement via PR Newswire
As National Invest In Veterans Week® closes its 2025 observance, a headline from Evansville, Indiana underscores the very thesis this movement has championed since 2019: investing in veteran-led enterprises is not only patriotic—it’s profoundly strategic.
On May 13, 2025, ePackageSupply.com, a U.S.-based, majority veteran-owned supplier of food-grade containers and packaging solutions, announced a strategic investment from Michael Wittmeyer, the ecommerce visionary behind JM Bullion, one of the nation’s premier precious metals retailers. Wittmeyer, who helped grow JM Bullion into a $1 billion company, joins ePackageSupply.com as Managing Director with a mission to expand digital operations and optimize nationwide scalability.
The news comes at a time when National Invest In Veterans Week®—a federally trademarked, congressionally recognized civic observance founded by Jeff Shuford, Drayton Florence, and LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.)—has been amplifying stories that reflect the shifting paradigm around veteran entrepreneurship. In 2025, NIVW spotlighted numerous success models where military discipline, logistical fluency, and resilience are directly contributing to market expansion, policy innovation, and private capital growth.
ePackageSupply.com embodies this thesis. With over 6,000 business clients, shipments exceeding 3 million containers per month, and a firm commitment to American manufacturing (98% U.S.-made inventory), the company is proving that domestic sourcing, veteran leadership, and scalable logistics are not just ideals—they are differentiators in volatile markets.
Paul Saunders, the veteran founder and CEO, articulated a clear vision: “We’ve always believed in the importance of American manufacturing and supply chain control—not just for reliability, but for our customers’ peace of mind.” This ethos closely mirrors the objectives of National Invest In Veterans Week®: fostering trust in veteran-led innovation, empowering U.S.-based supply networks, and reshaping public-private collaboration.
Wittmeyer’s arrival adds a new strategic layer. His expertise in ecommerce acceleration, operational scaling, and high-volume digital logistics will help position ePackageSupply.com to modernize what has traditionally been a fragmented and offline industry. In Wittmeyer’s own words, “The team is already doing excellent work—I'm just here to help support their vision and accelerate what’s already working.”
From a National Invest In Veterans Week® perspective, this partnership offers a textbook case of veteran-led enterprise attracting elite capital—fueled by performance, not sentiment.
A Broader Context of Veteran-Led Investment
In 2025, National Invest In Veterans Week® also spotlighted Hivers & Strivers, a venture capital firm that has deployed over $80 million into veteran-founded startups. Coupled with insights from CCS Global Tech, which emphasized the superior ROI of veteran hiring, a cohesive national picture emerges: veterans are outperforming expectations in entrepreneurship, investment, and enterprise leadership.
Looking Forward: Infrastructure, Brand Power, and Cultural Momentum
Later this year, ePackageSupply.com will debut new features including self-service bulk ordering, eco-conscious packaging options, and digital design tools—innovations that bridge B2B and direct-to-consumer needs. These enhancements speak directly to the adaptive leadership style veterans are known for: logistics-anchored, mission-driven, and customer-focused.
As National Invest In Veterans Week® continues its advocacy across 40 digital platforms and in collaboration with state governments, policy influencers, and private-sector partners, it will continue highlighting and celebrating such breakthroughs.
This is not a trend—it is a permanent shift.
To learn more:
National Invest In Veterans Week® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
“Don’t Just Cheer for Veterans—Invest in Them”: Phil Hulett Elevates National Invest In Veterans Week®
In the arena, we cheer for heroes. In the economy, we invest in them. National Invest In Veterans Week® is about more than recognition—it’s about action. And across the country, leaders are stepping up. In South Carolina, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week®, uniting both the House and Senate to honor veteran-owned businesses and their impact on the state’s economy and communities. -I’m Phil Hulett, 40-year broadcaster and voice of the Anaheim Ducks.
“I’m Phil Hulett, 40-year broadcaster and voice of the Anaheim Ducks. In the arena, we cheer for heroes. In the economy, we invest in them. National Invest In Veterans Week® is about more than recognition—it’s about action. And across the country, leaders are stepping up. In South Carolina, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week®, uniting both the House and Senate to honor veteran-owned businesses and their impact on the state’s economy and communities. Across the country in Douglas County, Oregon, commissioners went a step further—issuing a formal proclamation and honoring veteran-owned businesses, employers who hire veterans, and individuals who invest in veterans through mentorship and leadership. This is what leadership looks like. This is how you support those who served. Follow their lead. Support veteran-owned businesses. Join the movement at InvestInVeteransWeek.com.”
Featuring Phil Hulett, 40-Year Broadcaster and Voice of the Anaheim Ducks
TL;DR
Legendary broadcaster Phil Hulett is calling on America to move beyond symbolic support for veterans and toward measurable economic action. In a powerful endorsement of National Invest In Veterans Week®, Hulett highlights bipartisan legislative leadership in South Carolina and Douglas County, Oregon—showing how real investment in veteran-owned businesses strengthens communities, economies, and national resilience.
From the Arena to the Economy: A Voice America Trusts
For more than four decades, Phil Hulett has been a trusted voice in American sports and broadcasting. Best known as the public address announcer for the Anaheim Ducks, Hulett has spent his career at the intersection of leadership, storytelling, and public trust—calling the moments that define champions.
Now, he is using that same voice to champion a different kind of hero.
“In the arena, we cheer for heroes.
In the economy, we invest in them.”
— Phil Hulett
That distinction—between applause and action—is at the core of National Invest In Veterans Week®, a nationally recognized observance dedicated to strengthening the veteran economy through consumer choice, policy leadership, and business investment.
Why National Invest In Veterans Week® Matters
National Invest In Veterans Week® is observed annually March 1–7 and focuses on one clear principle:
veterans do not need charity—they need opportunity.
Rather than symbolic gestures, the initiative encourages Americans to:
Buy from veteran-owned businesses
Support employers who hire veterans
Recognize leaders who invest time, capital, and mentorship into veteran success
Hulett’s endorsement underscores that this movement is not abstract—it is already producing tangible results across the country.
Leadership in Action: South Carolina & Douglas County, Oregon
Across the United States, elected officials are answering the call.
South Carolina
The South Carolina General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week®, uniting both the House and Senate to honor veteran-owned businesses and their measurable contributions to the state’s economy and local communities.
This bipartisan action signals that veteran entrepreneurship is not a partisan issue—it is an economic imperative.
Douglas County, Oregon
In Douglas County, commissioners went even further. They issued a formal proclamation and publicly honored:
Veteran-owned businesses
Employers who hire veterans
Individuals who invest in veterans through mentorship and leadership
This model demonstrates what community-level leadership looks like when words are matched with action.
“This is what leadership looks like.
This is how you support those who served.”
— Phil Hulett
Why Phil Hulett’s Voice Carries Weight
Hulett’s credibility matters. A 40-year broadcaster does not maintain relevance without trust, discipline, and consistency. His career has been defined by recognizing excellence under pressure—qualities veterans understand better than most.
By aligning with National Invest In Veterans Week®, Hulett bridges sports culture, civic leadership, and economic responsibility, helping mainstream audiences understand that supporting veterans is not just patriotic—it’s smart business.
A Word from Angel Shuford
Angel Shuford, President of National Invest In Veterans Week® and an Army veteran herself, emphasized the deeper significance of endorsements like Hulett’s:
“When respected voices like Phil Hulett speak up, it validates what veterans have always known—investment changes lives. National Invest In Veterans Week® is about building sustainable pathways for veterans, their families, and the communities they serve.”
— Angel Shuford
Her message reinforces the initiative’s long-term vision: not a one-week campaign, but a permanent shift in how America values veteran leadership.
From Recognition to Responsibility
National Invest In Veterans Week® is about more than proclamations and applause. It is about economic participation, policy alignment, and shared responsibility.
Phil Hulett’s message is clear:
“Follow their lead. Support veteran-owned businesses.”
Join the Movement
America does not lack gratitude for veterans. What it needs is follow-through.
➡️ Support veteran-owned businesses
➡️ Encourage leaders who invest in veterans
➡️ Turn recognition into action
🔗 Learn more at:
https://InvestInVeteransWeek.com
Veterans Week Website Scores Big League Recognition — And a Sports Broadcaster Says It’s Time to “Get in the Game”
Ranked #66 Best Squarespace Website of 2025, National Invest In Veterans Week® reflects Jeff Shuford’s strategy: a durable, policy-driven digital platform built to document proclamations, preserve public record, and scale veteran economic impact.
“In the arena we cheer for heroes. In the economy, we invest in them.” Phil Hulett spotlights National Invest In Veterans Week® as action over applause—calling on states to follow Montana’s lead and back veteran-owned businesses.
By any measure, this isn’t just a website win — it’s a statement.
National Invest In Veterans Week® has landed a spot on the 2025 list of the “Best Squarespace Websites”, ranking #66 out of 100 nationwide, according to independent design and platform analysts at SparkPlugin.
That puts a veteran-driven national observance — not a Silicon Valley startup or fashion brand — among the top digital platforms of the year.
And it’s not accidental.
A Big Site With a Big Mission
SparkPlugin didn’t mince words.
Calling National Invest In Veterans Week® “a huge site with a lot of information,” the reviewers highlighted why the platform works: clarity, usability, and constant updates — all powered by Squarespace.
Their standout design note?
A simple but effective “back to top” button, letting visitors navigate long-form civic content without friction. In other words: a site built to be used, not just admired.
The platform was categorized as Non-profit, reflecting its public mission: pushing real economic investment into veteran-owned businesses.
From Applause to Action
That mission is exactly what longtime broadcaster Phil Hulett, the voice of the Anaheim Ducks, has been talking about.
“In the arena, we cheer for heroes. In the economy, we invest in them.”
Hulett didn’t stop there. He pointed to Montana, which has officially proclaimed National Invest In Veterans Week® three years in a row — 2023, 2024, and 2025.
“They didn’t just talk; they led.”
In sports terms, Montana didn’t just show up — it set the pace.
Why This Matters Now
Observed annually March 1–7, National Invest In Veterans Week® is congressionally recognized and nationally syndicated, focusing on veteran entrepreneurship, workforce transition, and economic leadership.
The website isn’t window dressing. It’s the operational backbone — housing proclamations, media coverage, policy references, and public engagement in one place.
Being named one of the best Squarespace sites in 2025 signals something bigger:
This movement isn’t temporary. It’s built to last.
The Bottom Line
A veteran-led national observance.
A platform ranked among the best in the country.
A growing chorus saying it’s time to move beyond symbolism.
As Hulett put it:
“Now it’s time for the rest of the nation to get in the game.”
Visit:
https://www.investinveteransweek.com
See the full Squarespace ranking:
https://www.sparkplugin.com/blog/best-squarespace-websites
National Invest In Veterans Week and Its Congressional Record Footprint
The Invest in Veterans Week congressional recognition is not only preserved in a legislative database, but also discoverable through Ivy League academic infrastructure—placing it within both governmental and scholarly archival ecosystems.
National Invest In Veterans Week—often referred to interchangeably as Invest In Veterans Week—has achieved formal recognition within the U.S. congressional publication and archival ecosystem. This recognition is evidenced by its appearance in a congressionally indexed publication titled “Rep. Rosendale Celebrates Invest in Veterans Week,” dated March 8, 2024, and preserved within the Congressional Documents and Publications collection.
The entry reflects remarks delivered on the House floor acknowledging veterans and highlighting Invest in Veterans Week as a recognized civic and economic observance. Once spoken into the congressional record, those remarks entered a documentation pipeline that ensures long-term preservation, professional indexing, and institutional accessibility.
The Congressional Record and ProQuest Indexing
Congressional remarks are not preserved solely through live transcripts or government websites. They are systematically collected, published, and indexed through established archival partners. In this case, the remarks recognizing Invest in Veterans Week were published by Federal Information & News Dispatch, LLC, a long-standing publisher that aggregates congressional material for research dissemination.
That publication is indexed in ProQuest Congressional, a core research database relied upon by:
Congressional offices and legislative counsel
Universities and law schools
Policy analysts and historians
Journalists and public affairs professionals
The record is assigned a permanent identifier:
ProQuest Document ID: 2954639283
This identifier functions as a stable reference point, allowing the document to be cited, retrieved, and verified regardless of institutional access or changes in URL structure. The document is classified under Law and Political Science, ensuring it is discoverable within federal policy research contexts.
Why the Record Is Also Indexed in Harvard’s Hollis System
The same ProQuest record is discoverable through Harvard University’s Hollis library catalog, one of the most authoritative academic discovery systems in the world. Hollis does not republish congressional content; rather, it indexes and points to verified external scholarly and governmental databases, including ProQuest Congressional.
Hollis indexing signifies several things simultaneously:
The record meets academic cataloging standards
The metadata is sufficiently authoritative for institutional libraries
The document is relevant to historical, legal, or policy research
The source is considered stable enough for long-term reference
As a result, the Invest in Veterans Week congressional recognition is not only preserved in a legislative database, but also discoverable through Ivy League academic infrastructure—placing it within both governmental and scholarly archival ecosystems.
About Representative Matt Rosendale
The congressional remarks recognizing Invest in Veterans Week were delivered by Representative Matt Rosendale of Montana, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Representative Rosendale has built his congressional profile around issues of federal accountability, constitutional governance, and veteran affairs. During his tenure in Congress, he has served on committees relevant to public lands, natural resources, and veterans’ issues, aligning closely with Montana’s large veteran population and military heritage. His work has consistently intersected with policy areas affecting veterans, service members, and rural communities.
By raising Invest in Veterans Week on the House floor, Representative Rosendale elevated the observance beyond state-level proclamations and into the federal legislative discourse, ensuring that the recognition became part of the permanent congressional historical record.
What Is National Invest In Veterans Week?
National Invest In Veterans Week® is a congressionally recognized observance dedicated to highlighting the economic, civic, and social contributions of military veterans—particularly veteran-owned businesses and veteran-led initiatives. While the full trademarked name is National Invest In Veterans Week, the observance is frequently referenced in shortened form as Invest In Veterans Week, a usage reflected directly in congressional remarks and official publications.
The observance emphasizes a simple but strategic principle: supporting veterans through investment, opportunity, and long-term economic inclusion rather than symbolic recognition alone. Over time, Invest in Veterans Week has been recognized through:
Congressional remarks and record entries
State and county proclamations
National media coverage
Academic and policy indexing systems
Its appearance in congressional publications confirms that the observance has crossed from grassroots advocacy into formal legislative acknowledgment.
Permanent Archival Status
The March 8, 2024 publication ensures that Invest in Veterans Week is preserved in multiple parallel systems:
Federal congressional publication archives
ProQuest Congressional research databases
University library discovery systems (including Harvard Hollis)
This layered archival presence is how modern civic observances become historically durable. It allows future researchers, legislators, and historians to trace when and how Invest in Veterans Week entered federal recognition, who raised it on the House floor, and how it was formally documented.
Publication Record Summary
Title: Rep. Rosendale Celebrates Invest in Veterans Week
Date: March 8, 2024
Publisher: Federal Information & News Dispatch, LLC
Location: Washington, United States
Collection: Congressional Documents and Publications
Database: ProQuest Congressional
Document Type: News
Language: English
ProQuest Document ID: 2954639283
Research Access Links:
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2954639283
https://hollis.harvard.edu/permalink/f/1mdq5o5/TN_cdi_proquest_congressional_https_search_proquest_com_congressional_view_app_gis_congdaily_cr08mr2024_dat_47
The inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week—also known as Invest In Veterans Week—within these systems confirms its status as a documented federal observance, preserved using the same archival standards applied to legislation, floor remarks, and significant congressional activity.
Investing in Veterans, Not Just Supporting Them: What New Jersey’s Debate Signals for America
A new guest column in NJ.com argues that New Jersey is leaving billions in potential on the table by merely “supporting” veterans instead of investing in them and their families as core economic drivers. National Invest In Veterans Week® examines what this debate reveals about state-level policy, why veteran and military-family entrepreneurship is one of America’s sharpest competitive advantages, and how governors nationwide can move from gratitude to true investment
TL;DR — “Veterans can drive N.J.’s future economy, but we’re stuck in the past.”
The article argues that while many states offer ceremonial support to veterans, what’s really needed is active investment — treating veterans and their families as drivers of economic growth rather than passive beneficiaries.
Veterans launch businesses at significantly higher rates than non-veterans, and military spouses and family members also offer unique skills (adaptability, resilience, project management) that make them valuable contributors to entrepreneurship and the workforce.
States like Texas and Florida are described as capturing this potential by offering veteran-specific business incentives, streamlined licensing, preferential contracting for veteran-owned firms, and support structures that turn military experience into competitive economic advantage.
The article calls on New Jersey to adopt similar policies — tax incentives, procurement quotas, veteran business accelerators, and licensing reforms — to stop losing business, talent, and innovation to states already treating veteran entrepreneurship as an economic strategy.
For (NIVW), this reinforces the core message: recognition of veterans is meaningful only if it’s paired with real structural investment — making veterans and their families central to economic growth and community resilience.
Read the full article here:
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2025/12/veterans-can-drive-njs-future-economy-but-were-stuck-in-the-past-opinion.html
As National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), we see Scott E. Rutter’s recent guest column in NJ.com for what it is: a warning shot and a blueprint.
Rutter, a retired lieutenant colonel, business owner, and CEO of The Valor Network, argues that New Jersey is “supporting” veterans while other states are strategically investing in them and their families as a primary engine of economic growth. He contrasts New Jersey with states like Texas and Florida, which deliberately recruit veteran entrepreneurs, military families, and defense-driven innovators with tax policy, procurement priorities, and purpose-built business ecosystems.
That distinction—support versus investment—is the core philosophy behind National Invest In Veterans Week®. Our movement was built on the idea that veterans and their families are not a charity line item; they are a competitive advantage.
Veterans and families as an economic strategy
Rutter’s column underlines several key data points and lived realities that NIVW has championed for years:
Veterans start businesses at higher rates than non-veterans, bringing leadership experience, operational discipline, and comfort with high-stakes decision-making.
Military spouses and family members are often the quiet backbone of those enterprises: managing logistics during deployments, adapting to new environments, and building community cohesion wherever they go.
Today’s veterans come home with expertise in cybersecurity, logistics, AI applications, advanced manufacturing, drone operations, and other frontier technologies—exactly the sectors governors say they want to grow.
Rutter’s message to New Jersey policymakers is blunt: if you want the next generation of high-growth companies, you must deliberately recruit and retain the veteran community and their families. From the NIVW perspective, that is not just good social policy—it is sound economic strategy.
How states like Texas and Florida operationalize “investment”
In his piece, Rutter points to states that have moved beyond ceremonial appreciation toward tangible incentives. These strategies mirror themes we see across proclamations and partnerships that power National Invest In Veterans Week® nationwide:
Streamlined business registration and licensing for veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned firms
Aggressive state-contracting goals for veteran-owned businesses, paired with real enforcement
Income- and property-tax structures that make it rational, not just patriotic, for veterans to build companies and careers there
Veteran-focused accelerators and university partnerships in high-growth sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing
When governors and legislators combine these tools, the result is not simply “veteran programs.” It is a competitive economic platform that attracts entrepreneurs, capital, and employers who value the veteran talent pipeline.
That is precisely the ecosystem National Invest In Veterans Week® was designed to highlight and scale.
Where New Jersey stands—and what could change
New Jersey possesses much of the raw material Rutter describes: a proud military tradition, access to capital, major universities, and a history of world-changing innovation—from Bell Labs to life-sciences corridors.
What it lacks, he argues, is a cohesive veterans-investment thesis.
The proposed New Jersey Veterans Investment Act that Rutter sketches out would change that by:
Treating veteran and military-family employment incentives as core economic-development tools
Establishing meaningful state-contracting targets for veteran-owned businesses
Building accelerators tied to universities and focused on technologies where veteran skill sets are strongest
Recruiting veteran-owned firms and transitioning service members with the same intensity used to court large corporations
From the NIVW vantage point, such legislation would do more than improve one state’s rankings. It would signal that New Jersey intends to compete in the same arena as states already leveraging veteran talent as a growth driver.
How this connects to National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® was created to move the national conversation from “thank you for your service” to “how are we investing in your leadership?”
The Congressional Record recognition of NIVW, along with proclamations from governors, state legislatures, county commissions, and mayors across the country, has helped crystallize a simple message:
Veterans and their families are not peripheral to the economy—they are central to its future.
Rutter’s call for New Jersey to step up aligns directly with that mission. His emphasis on veteran family members—spouses, children, caregivers—as co-architects of economic opportunity mirrors the reality we see across our state and international veterans-domain network:
Many of the most resilient veteran-owned enterprises are truly family enterprises.
Military spouses often carry portable careers in healthcare, education, technology, and small business management—fields that anchor communities.
When policy recognizes both the veteran and the family unit, retention, entrepreneurship, and long-term community investment all rise.
As governors, legislators, and economic-development leaders look ahead to the next National Invest In Veterans Week®, this New Jersey conversation should be viewed as a model, not a one-off op-ed.
A call to action from the NIVW lens
For policymakers far beyond New Jersey, Rutter’s argument surfaces three practical questions:
Is your state merely “supporting” veterans, or is it strategically investing in them as economic assets?
Do your tax, procurement, and regulatory structures make it obvious that veteran-owned and military-family-owned businesses are wanted and prioritized?
Are you building infrastructure—accelerators, university partnerships, targeted recruitment—to capture the talent leaving nearby bases and installations each year?
National Invest In Veterans Week® will continue to spotlight leaders who answer “yes” to those questions and challenge those who do not.
Check out the 9th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit in Jacksonville (Dec 12, 2025), a long-running gathering of veteran and military-family entrepreneurs. The Summit is now nine years strong and serves as a model of how veteran economic empowerment and community entrepreneurship can be built sustainably under .
👉 Jacksonville’s 9th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit – legacy event now nine years strong
FLASHBACK: The Day a U.S. Senator Called It “The Largest Investment in Veterans in a Generation”
In a 2023 MSNBC flashback, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock—pastor, Morehouse alumnus, and the first African American to represent Georgia in the Senate—declared that Congress had delivered “the largest investment in veterans in a generation.” This resurfaced moment underscores a national shift toward veteran-focused policy momentum, now powerfully reflected in the global expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week®.
National Invest In Veterans Week® goes back to a moment that captured national momentum before our movement ever became a global force.
On September 23, 2023, during a live appearance on MSNBC’s Symone, U.S. Senator Raphael Gamaliel Warnock — pastor, Morehouse graduate, and the first African American ever elected to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate — laid out what he believed was one of Congress’s defining achievements.
The clip resurfaced recently in veteran circles, and it hits differently today.
THE SENATOR BEHIND THE STATEMENT
Raphael Warnock is not just a lawmaker.
He is the senior pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the pulpit once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a figure whose rise from Savannah public housing to the U.S. Senate is now part of American political history.
Elected in 2021 and reelected in 2022, Warnock represents one of the most consequential shifts in modern Georgia politics. Alongside Sen. Jon Ossoff, he helped deliver a 50–50 Senate split that shaped national legislation during the pandemic years.
From civil rights activism to faith leadership to emergency policy response, Warnock’s public identity is rooted in service — which is why his on-air reflection about veterans continues to resonate.
THE MOMENT ON MSNBC
Around the 9-minute mark of the broadcast, Warnock recounted the razor-thin margins of the previous Congress and the decisions he believed mattered most:
“We passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill.
We passed the largest investment in veterans in a generation.”
It was a rare, direct acknowledgment of the scale of federal commitments flowing toward veterans — health infrastructure, benefits modernization, community support, and long-term resources.
He continued:
“When I look at the work that we were able to do last Congress, I’m proud of the people of Georgia for setting me to represent them… With that margin, look what we accomplished. We passed the American Rescue Plan.”
What followed was a list of targeted relief efforts — support for cities, small businesses, families, and communities recovering from the pandemic — all part of a legislative period that marked a major pivot toward veteran investment nationally.
WHY THIS FLASHBACK MATTERS NOW
National Invest In Veterans Week® has since expanded into one of the most far-reaching veteran advocacy ecosystems ever built — spanning:
• 40+ U.S. and international “Veterans” domains
• Multi-market syndication
• Congressional recognition
• A global platform for veteran-owned businesses
But back in 2023, this televised moment showed something critical:
America’s investment in veterans is not a side note — it is a national priority acknowledged at the highest levels of government.
Warnock’s statement didn’t become a headline at the time. Today, viewed through the lens of NIVW®’s rapid growth and international reach, it reads like an early marker of a broader movement.
A movement now embodied by National Invest In Veterans Week®.
WATCH THE ORIGINAL CLIP (ARCHIVE)
Source: Internet Archive
https://archive.org/details/MSNBCW_20230923_200000_Symone/start/540/end/600
The New Digital Footprint of Veteran Advocacy: What the World Is Searching For
Global search behavior is shifting, and National Invest In Veterans Week® is emerging as a recognized driver of that change. New analytics reveal a rapidly expanding international audience, rising high-intent queries, and a growing digital footprint across multiple continents. From veteran-focused financial education to global observance trends, the data shows increasing demand for credible leadership in veteran advocacy—and NIVW’s influence now extends far beyond the United States. This report breaks down the movement’s accelerating visibility, the keywords fueling its rise, and why the world is searching for National Invest In Veterans Week® more than ever before.
Here’s the link to the active report (valid until December 19th):
https://app.seogets.com/share/XgdxiIWrEq6ziFdfy2Or
National Invest In Veterans Week® began as a congressionally recognized observance led by Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford. Supported by proclamations from mayors, governors and regional leaders, the week has grown into a national platform for honoring veteran entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and civic contribution. In just a few years it has expanded well beyond its American roots: NIVW is now celebrated across nineteen states and twenty‑one countries and spans more than sixty global markets, offering mentorship and funding opportunities that uplift veteran founders worldwide. That global reach has amplified the week’s digital footprint, turning it into a search phenomenon.
Analysis of recent search data shows that the majority of queries continue to revolve around the name of the initiative itself. People are not only searching for “invest in veterans week” but also for its formal title and for the names of its founders, reflecting a desire to learn about the individuals and institutions behind the movement. Related queries explore holiday observances (such as the official status of Veterans Day around the world), advisory councils, and even cultural ties like The Five Satins, indicating a deepening curiosity about the program’s heritage and leadership. A new wave of search interest also connects veteran advocacy with cutting‑edge technology: “OpenAI veterans program news” is among the fastest‑growing queries, suggesting that audiences are beginning to see AI innovation as part of the veteran‑entrepreneurship conversation. On the financial front, searchers are asking about retirement accounts for veterans, investment products for wounded service members and how to manage VA disability benefits—signaling a hunger for trustworthy financial guidance.
The geographic spread of search interest tells an even richer story. While the United States remains the primary source of traffic, the fastest growth is coming from emerging markets. Search volume from Bangladesh has surged by more than two‑and‑a‑half times, while new interest from Poland, Czechia, Ghana and Pakistan has leapt from virtually zero to a meaningful presence. Australia has seen search inquiries grow by more than seventy percent, and Nigeria and Germany have roughly doubled. These triple‑digit increases highlight a truly global resonance; communities across Asia, Europe and Africa are now seeking information about veterans’ economic empowerment. Even within North America, Canada’s query volume has climbed by roughly one‑third, underscoring momentum in neighboring markets.
The quality of this traffic is improving along with its quantity. Within the ranking tiers, the share of top‑position queries (positions 1–3) has grown by about one‑third, while mid‑tier queries (positions 11–20) have risen by more than ten percent. This shift suggests that National Invest In Veterans Week® content is moving higher in search results and capturing more qualified intent. Device usage patterns reinforce the picture of deeper engagement: desktop queries have climbed by double digits, reflecting longer research sessions and more deliberate reading, while mobile searches remain strong but stable. Meanwhile, the most‑viewed page continues to be a comprehensive guide on how veterans can invest their disability benefits—evidence that well‑crafted educational content drives sustained interest.
Taken together, these trends paint a picture of a brand in ascent. What was once a grassroots observance is now a global movement with measurable digital momentum. The convergence of veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and even AI ethics—areas in which Jeff Shuford has become an influential voice—is attracting audiences from every continent. As new queries emerge and international participation accelerates, National Invest In Veterans Week® stands poised not only to honor the past but to shape the future of veteran economic empowerment.
Flashback Feature: Virginia’s 2020 Call to “Invest in Veterans” Still Resonates Today
In 2020, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins urged the public to “invest in veterans” by supporting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation—a message that foreshadowed the broader national movement later embodied by National Invest In Veterans Week®. His statewide appeal remains a pivotal early example of investment-based veteran advocacy.
TL;DR
In a 2020 statewide message, Virginia Secretary Carlos Hopkins encouraged Virginians to invest in veterans by supporting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, highlighting critical services such as housing stability, behavioral health, workforce transition, and emergency relief. The message reflected the same investment-focused philosophy later formalized through National Invest In Veterans Week®.
Watch the original video:
https://vimeo.com/460338460
Full Story
In September 2020, at a time when the country faced deep uncertainty, Virginia delivered a message rooted in commitment and clarity: investing in veterans is essential to the strength of the Commonwealth.
This message was delivered by Carlos Hopkins, Virginia’s Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, in a statewide video titled “How You Can Invest in Virginia Veterans by Supporting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation.” Filmed on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol, the video outlined why veteran support must be treated as a long-term civic investment rather than a one-time act.
Watch the official video:
https://vimeo.com/460338460
A Foundation Designed to Close Critical Gaps
Hopkins emphasized that the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation functions as a lifeline for veterans facing challenges that traditional institutions often cannot resolve alone. The Foundation plays a direct role in:
Emergency financial assistance
Homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing
Mental and behavioral health support
Workforce re-entry and transition programs
Support for Gold Star families
Crisis assistance for veterans and their dependents
Hopkins’ framing was intentional: veteran support is not charity — it is infrastructure.
It strengthens families, fortifies the workforce, and keeps local communities stable.
Learn more about the Foundation:
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/veterans-services-foundation
A Message That Foreshadowed a National Movement
Hopkins’ remarks now read as an early articulation of a philosophy that would soon scale far beyond Virginia.
Within a few years, the idea of “investing in veterans” became the cornerstone of the nationwide observance National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1–7)—co-founded and architected by Jeff Shuford. Shuford’s model elevated the concept from state-level guidance to a national framework embraced by policymakers, corporate partners, veteran advocates, and international markets.
What Virginia previewed in 2020 became the language adopted across more than 40 regions globally through the expanding National Invest In Veterans Week® platform.
Virginia as a Structural Blueprint for Veteran Investment
Virginia hosts one of the nation’s most significant concentrations of transitioning service members. Its veteran population, combined with a broad network of bases and Guard components, requires a modern, responsive support system. The Veterans Services Foundation became one of the earliest models for:
Targeted funding
Impact-driven resource allocation
Community–government partnership
Readiness-focused support
Many states now look to the Virginia framework when shaping their own investment-based veteran ecosystems.
Positioning the Flashback in Today’s Context
Today, the 2020 message stands as more than a video—it is an early chapter in a larger national narrative that recognizes veterans as:
Economic drivers
High-impact entrepreneurs
Community stabilizers
Policy-shaping leaders
National Invest In Veterans Week® embodies those same principles, positioning veteran empowerment as a measurable investment in America’s future.
Hopkins’ 2020 call to action reminds us that even before the national observance took shape, the foundation for investment-centered advocacy had already begun in states like Virginia.
Special Report: Veteran-Owned Brands Turn Veterans Day Into $34 Million in Medical Debt Relief
Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company have transformed Veterans Day into one of the largest veteran medical-debt relief efforts on record, erasing $34 million in medical bills through Operation Debt of Gratitude. In partnership with ForgiveCo, the veteran-owned brands pledged 100% of online profits from November 7–11 to buy and cancel medical debt held by thousands of former service members, building on prior campaigns and amplifying the “invest in veterans” mission that National Invest In Veterans Week® has advanced for years.
Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company have turned a simple Veterans Day sales push into one of the largest acts of medical-debt forgiveness for veterans on record—while bringing renewed national attention to the broader “invest in veterans” movement that National Invest In Veterans Week® has championed for years.
According to a joint announcement released through PR Newswire, the two veteran-owned companies set out in November 2025 to erase $25 million in medical debt for former service members through an initiative called “Operation Debt of Gratitude.” By dedicating 100% of online profits from November 7–11 to the effort, and partnering with debt-relief firm ForgiveCo, they ultimately surpassed that goal by 36%, eliminating $34 million in medical debt held by thousands of U.S. veterans.
The effort places the initiative among the largest single campaigns of veteran medical-debt forgiveness yet documented.
How “Operation Debt of Gratitude” Worked
Rather than asking veterans to apply for help, Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company worked with ForgiveCo to use donated funds to purchase portfolios of qualifying medical debt on the secondary market—then cancel that debt outright.
From November 7–11, 2025, 100% of profits from each brand’s online sales were committed to the campaign.
ForgiveCo structured and executed the acquisition and cancellation of eligible accounts, a model the company describes as “Transforming debt into goodwill.”
Impact letters will be mailed directly to affected veterans, notifying them that their debts have been wiped out—no applications, portals, or paperwork required.
For many families, those letters will land just as holiday expenses begin to mount. One beneficiary highlighted in the announcement, Mara C., a U.S. Army veteran and Gold Star spouse, saw over $341,000 in medical debt erased after years of struggle following her husband’s death in Iraq and her own serious injuries.
Why This Matters: The Veteran Medical-Debt Crisis
The campaign is taking aim at a quietly devastating problem.
Citing national data, the organizers note:
More than one-third of U.S. veterans worry they cannot afford needed medical care.
One in five veterans has medical debt in collections—nearly double the national rate.
Over 33% report “surprise” medical bills exceeding $1,000.
Post-9/11 veterans with medical debt are twice as likely to face eviction or housing instability.
Service-related injuries, complex care needs, and gaps between Veterans Affairs coverage and civilian billing mean that even small billing errors can spiral into life-altering debt.
By targeting that specific pain point instead of launching yet another awareness campaign, Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company are meeting veterans at a critical financial choke point: the difference between barely hanging on and finally being able to breathe.
Veteran-Led Brands at the Center of the Story
Both companies behind Operation Debt of Gratitude are deeply rooted in the military community.
Born Primitive
Founded in 2014 by former Navy SEAL lieutenant Bear Handlon and co-founder Mallory Riley, Born Primitive has grown from a niche fitness line into a global nine-figure athletic and lifestyle brand offering more than 1,200 SKUs across training apparel, athleisure, workwear, tactical gear, footwear, and more.
Website: https://www.bornprimitive.com
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Founded by former Green Beret Evan Hafer in 2014, Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) has become one of the most visible veteran-owned consumer brands in the U.S., known for its unapologetically pro-veteran identity and mission to “serve coffee and culture to people who love America.”
Website: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com
How This Connects Back to National Invest In Veterans Week®
For the team at National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Operation Debt of Gratitude reads like a case study in what “investing in veterans” should look like in practice:
Veteran-founded brands using their peak sales period (Veterans Day) not just for promotions, but to create measurable economic relief.
National television exposure that reinforces veterans as leaders and problem-solvers, not just recipients of charity.
A structure—through ForgiveCo—that is scalable and repeatable, rather than a one-off publicity stunt.
From the perspective of NIVW, campaigns like this extend the impact of their March 1–7 observance into November and beyond, strengthening a year-round culture where veteran-owned companies are central players in solving veteran challenges.
Learn More / Get Involved
Full PR Newswire announcement:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mission-accomplished-born-primitive-and-black-rifle-coffee-company-surpass-veterans-day-debt-relief-goal-eliminate-34-million-in-veteran-medical-debt-302622444.htmlBorn Primitive: https://www.bornprimitive.com
Black Rifle Coffee Company: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com
ForgiveCo: https://forgiveco.com
BREAKING: Jacksonville’s 9th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit Returns December 12 — A Legacy Event Now Nine Years Strong
Jacksonville’s 9th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit returns December 12, continuing a legacy first architected by veteran technologist Jeff Shuford. This year’s program features AI-driven marketing training, franchising insights, capital access panels, and one of the strongest support networks assembled for veteran entrepreneurs. Shuford is a direct descendant of Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley, a Black Union soldier in the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry during the Civil War—a regiment honored today by the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Monument in New Haven.
JACKSONVILLE, FL — The City of Jacksonville’s signature veteran-entrepreneurship event, the Vetrepreneur Summit, returns for its 9th consecutive year on Friday, December 12, 2025, marking nearly a decade of economic empowerment, training, and innovation for veterans across Northeast Florida.
What began as a small, experimental gathering—quietly architected years ago by technologist and veteran advocate Jeff Shuford—has now scaled into one of the region’s most influential one-day business accelerators for military-connected entrepreneurs. The 2025 Summit, presented by the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department, will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the FSCJ Advanced Technology Center.
Florida State College at Jacksonville also issued its own announcement, reinforcing the momentum behind this year’s programming and the region’s deep commitment to veteran entrepreneurship.
A One-Day Blueprint for Veteran Business Success
The Summit delivers a high-velocity curriculum aligned with the realities of modern entrepreneurship. This year’s agenda includes:
9:00 a.m. – Welcome Remarks
9:20 a.m. – Keynote Presentation
10:00 a.m. – Session 1: Marketing with AI
10:45 a.m. – Session 2: Franchising
11:35 a.m. – Lunch
12:10 p.m. – Veterapreneur Success & Challenge Story Panel
1:00 p.m. – Access to Capital Panel
2:00 p.m. – Adjourn
The city has assembled one of its most comprehensive slates of partners to date, including:
City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Dept.
FSCJ
Florida SBDC at UNF
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB)
Valor2Venture
Jacksonville Women’s Business Center
VBOC
Veterans Florida
Navy Federal Credit Union
Vystar Credit Union
Wealth Watchers
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Women Veterans Ignited
And dozens more
The event remains free and open to Veterans, Service Members, National Guard, Reserve Components, and military spouses.
A Program Rooted in a Quiet—but Historic—Origin
Long before regional agencies adopted it as an annual fixture, the original Vetrepreneur Summit concept emerged from a period of intense innovation inside Jacksonville’s veteran community. Jeff Shuford, combat veteran, technologist, and civic strategist, helped develop the foundational blueprint in 2016 when he launched one of the earliest municipal-supported veteran entrepreneurship summits in the country.
While today’s event is fully owned and operated by the City of Jacksonville, its DNA can still be traced to Shuford’s early architecture: high-value programming, AI-driven marketing literacy, early-stage financing instruction, and a strict focus on actionable outcomes rather than ceremonial applause.
The city’s decision to carry that model forward has resulted in tens of thousands of veteran engagements over nine years—making this summit one of Jacksonville’s most enduring economic-impact initiatives.
Why This Ninth Year Matters
Veteran entrepreneurship nationally is undergoing a resurgence driven by:
Rapid AI adoption
A surge in veteran-owned microbusiness formation
Federal and state policy shifts toward procurement access
Cross-sector demand for military-grade leadership talent
This year’s Marketing with AI session marks one of the first times Jacksonville has embedded AI-based entrepreneurial instruction directly into its veteran business curriculum—reflecting the same trends that have defined Shuford’s recognized contributions in AI ethics and innovation.
A Deeper American Story Beneath the Celebration
Toward the close of this year's announcement, it is fitting to acknowledge that the modern veteran-entrepreneur movement—especially in Jacksonville—sits atop a far older legacy of military service and Black American resilience.
One of Jeff Shuford’s own ancestors, Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley, served in the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry, a regiment celebrated for its role in the fight for freedom during the Civil War. Hawley and his regiment are memorialized in the landmark historical entry linked below, which documents their contributions and the ongoing public remembrance of their service:
29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Monument Archive:
https://www.slaverymonuments.org/items/show/1111
This lineage—combined with Shuford’s role in designing early veteran-entrepreneur platforms—adds a profound historical dimension to the Vetrepreneur Summit’s ninth year. It ties modern economic empowerment to a multigenerational record of duty, sacrifice, and civic advancement.
Related Report: National Guard Observance Highlighting National Invest In Veterans Week
For background on Jeff Shuford’s broader impact on national veteran recognition initiatives, see the flashback report:
https://www.investinveteransweek.com/news/flashback-report-national-guard-observance-highlights-national-invest-in-veterans-week
FLASHBACK REPORT: National Guard Observance Highlights National Invest In Veterans Week®
Key Points:
National Guard Bureau formally listed National Invest In Veterans Week® as a March observance.
Recognition appears during a documented CNGB leadership transition.
The initiative’s lineage traces to Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley of the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry.
Monument documentation: https://www.slaverymonuments.org/items/show/1111
Jeff Shuford serves as the Chief Architect of the observance’s national structure.
The framework is designed to operate across government, community, and media without dependence on external funding.
In the March issue of The Focus, the National Guard Bureau’s official publication, National Invest In Veterans Week® appeared in the monthly observances section as March 1–7. While concise, the listing is notable: it places the observance within an established federal communication channel, alongside Women’s History Month, International Women’s Week, and other nationally recognized periods of reflection.
The mention coincided with a leadership transition in the National Guard. In a separate DVIDS release titled “CNGB Assumes Responsibility,” federal public affairs documented the assumption of duties by the incoming Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Document reference:
https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_72831.pdf
The operational overview accompanying this transition—ranging from space operations to domestic readiness and federal mobilizations—underscored the breadth of responsibilities the National Guard carries nationwide. Within such a context, the inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® reflects institutional acknowledgement of the economic and civic role veterans play in national stability.
Historical Lineage: From Hawley to Shuford
The roots of this observance stretch far deeper than contemporary branding or advocacy narratives.
The family line reaches back to Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley, a Black Union soldier who served in the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry, a regiment composed of African American volunteers during the Civil War.
The 29th’s legacy is preserved through the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Monument in New Haven, documented as part of the national slavery-monument archive:
https://www.slaverymonuments.org/items/show/1111
This scholarly record details the monument’s significance, its commemorative purpose, and its connection to the broader history of Black military service during the Civil War. Private Hawley’s participation in a regiment that fought against enslavement established a generational throughline of service, resilience, and civic responsibility.
That lineage continues through Jeff Shuford, a descendant of Hawley’s line. As a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Shuford’s work reflects a modern counterpart to his ancestor’s service—this time expressed through civic architecture, media innovation, and national veteran-empowerment initiatives rather than battlefield engagement.
Jeff Shuford’s Role as Chief Architect of National Invest In Veterans Week®
Jeff Shuford serves as the conceptual and strategic architect behind National Invest In Veterans Week®. His contributions extend far beyond branding; he established:
a trademarked national observance framework,
a multi-market digital infrastructure,
a policy-aligned messaging structure,
and an annual communication cycle anchored in congressional recognition.
Shuford engineered the observance to operate independently of political structures, nonprofit funding requirements, or corporate underwriting. This design enables institutions such as the National Guard to reference the week without organizational entanglement or compliance complications. The architecture is minimalistic in appearance but structurally robust, allowing widespread adoption across states, agencies, and media networks.
His approach reflects a principle rarely achieved in modern civic advocacy: create a framework that institutions can use without needing to be asked.
Professional Summary
The National Guard Bureau formally listed National Invest In Veterans Week® in its March observances, signaling recognition within federal public communication.
The listing accompanied the documented assumption of responsibilities by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, as detailed in DVIDS-published materials.
The historical lineage of the observance traces to Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley of the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry, whose regiment is memorialized at a nationally documented monument in New Haven.
Jeff Shuford, a direct descendant and a modern veteran, serves as the Chief Architect of National Invest In Veterans Week®, responsible for its structure, strategy, and national positioning.
Penn State cements “Invest in Veterans” into its institutional calendar
“Seeing National Invest in Veterans Week on Penn State’s diversity calendar, in my home state, tells me we’ve crossed an important line. Investing in veterans isn’t just a program or a campaign anymore—it’s part of how major institutions define inclusion, economic justice, and community. When a university of Penn State’s scale builds that into its culture, it sends a signal to every campus and every employer in the country: veterans aren’t an afterthought, they are a core constituency you plan for all year long.”
— Jeff Shuford
TL;DR: Penn State’s official Diversity Holidays calendar now includes National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1–7) among the observances it highlights for employees. The University explains that these dates aren’t all paid holidays, but they are recognized because they matter deeply across the Penn State community—placing “investing in veterans” alongside other core equity and inclusion observances.
At a flagship, land-grant, Big Ten university in Jeff Shuford’s home state of Pennsylvania, “invest in veterans” is no longer just a slogan—it’s part of the official HR infrastructure.
On its Diversity Holidays page, Penn State Human Resources publishes a year-round calendar of religious, cultural, heritage, and cause-based observances for employees. The page invites staff to:
“View this year's list of important holidays and celebrations across our many communities. These events may not be University paid holidays, but they are important observances and celebrations that matter to many members of the Penn State community.”
The page also makes clear that while many of these dates are not University-paid holidays, they are still surfaced because they are significant to people who live, learn, and work at Penn State.
Within the March section of that calendar, alongside entries like International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Penn State lists “National Invest in Veterans Week” under its “Career-related Days/Week” column.
Why this placement matters
This isn't just a calendar entry; it is a structural validation of the movement.
It frames economic empowerment as equity: It recognizes veteran economic empowerment as part of the same ecosystem of equity and inclusion as gender, disability, and heritage observances.
It signals institutional values: It tells faculty and staff that honoring veteran-owned businesses and veteran talent is not a niche concern—it’s part of how the University understands a healthy, diverse workforce.
It creates permanence: It gives National Invest In Veterans Week® a recurring, discoverable footprint on a major public university website, linked directly from HR’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging section.
For Jeff Shuford, whose “Invest in veterans” doctrine has already moved through trademark protections, state resolutions, gubernatorial proclamations, and the Congressional Record, Penn State’s inclusion adds a different kind of validation: higher education, in his home state, aligning its internal culture calendar with the same language he has been pushing into law, policy, and public consciousness.
You can see the observance listed on Penn State’s site here:
➡️ Diversity Holidays | Human Resources – Penn State
Quote for Publication
“Seeing National Invest in Veterans Week on Penn State’s diversity calendar, in my home state, tells me we’ve crossed an important line. Investing in veterans isn’t just a program or a campaign anymore—it’s part of how major institutions define inclusion, economic justice, and community. When a university of Penn State’s scale builds that into its culture, it sends a signal to every campus and every employer in the country: veterans aren’t an afterthought, they are a core constituency you plan for all year long.”
— Jeff Shuford
Investing in Veterans Is the Key to Hampton Roads’ Workforce Future, Leaders Write
In a guest column for The Virginian-Pilot, Bank of America chief audit executive and Army veteran Len Botkin and Mariners’ Museum and Park president and CEO Howard H. Hoege III, also an Army veteran, argue that investing in veterans is the most powerful way to grow Hampton Roads’ regional workforce—directly aligning with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®.
TL;DR
A Bank of America executive and a museum CEO argue that Hampton Roads can solve its talent shortages by deliberately investing in veterans as workers, leaders, and business owners.
A new guest column in The Virginian-Pilot argues that Hampton Roads’ next era of growth depends on one clear strategy: invest in veterans to grow the regional workforce. The piece is co-authored by Len Botkin, chief audit executive at Bank of America and U.S. Army veteran, and Howard H. Hoege III, president and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park and a former Army infantry and JAG officer.
Writing from both corporate and civic perspectives, Botkin and Hoege emphasize that veterans are not only a moral priority; they are a strategic workforce asset for Hampton Roads. The region has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and veteran-owned businesses in the country, and the authors argue that deliberately recruiting, training, and promoting veterans will help close critical talent gaps in sectors such as shipbuilding, logistics, advanced manufacturing, maritime, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
Botkin, who oversees Bank of America’s global Corporate Audit and Credit Review organization, has long been involved in supporting military talent pipelines inside the company. Hoege leads one of the nation’s most significant maritime institutions and serves on regional boards focused on workforce and economic development, bringing a community and heritage lens to the conversation. Together, they frame veteran employment and veteran entrepreneurship as core components of Hampton Roads’ competitiveness, not side projects or charity.
For National Invest In Veterans Week®, the column reinforces a central message: treat veterans as a primary solution to workforce challenges by investing in their skills, leadership, and businesses. That means aligning employers, educators, and regional partners around veteran-ready hiring practices, apprenticeships, upskilling programs, and targeted support for veteran-owned small businesses.
Key Link
Virginian-Pilot guest column:
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/11/29/column-invest-in-veterans-to-grow-the-regional-workforce/
The Definition of Investment: Honoring a National Promise
For Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the fight for veteran funding is familiar terrain. Representing Florida's 25th Congressional District, she serves a community in a state with the third-highest veteran population in the nation—home to more than 1.5 million service members.
National Invest In Veterans Week serves as a reminder that the commitment to those who served goes far beyond ceremonies and salutes. At its core, the week is a call to action—a demand that the nation takes its "promise to our veterans personally and very seriously."
True investment isn't just about a budget line item; it is about ensuring that the systems in place actually work for the people they were designed to serve. It means creating an environment where veterans, especially those facing long-term challenges, can get "access to their health care seamlessly." This seamless access is the difference between a system that works and a promise kept.
To "invest" in veterans requires constant vigilance. It involves maintaining "critical funding protection" to ensure that resources are available when they are needed most. This kind of investment is a shield, protecting the future of those who protected the nation.
Ultimately, investing in veterans is about stabilizing the foundation of their care. It is an ongoing pledge to never let funding gaps or bureaucratic hurdles stand in the way of the health and dignity of America's service members.
About Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz
For Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the fight for veteran funding is familiar terrain. Representing Florida's 25th Congressional District, she serves a community in a state with the third-highest veteran population in the nation—home to more than 1.5 million service members.
Her advocacy is backed by significant legislative power. She currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. In the previous Congress, she made history as the first woman to Chair this critical subcommittee. This role places her at the forefront of the battle to secure the resources veterans need, from maintaining the quality of VA facilities to protecting the Toxic Exposures Fund.
Her work is driven by the belief that the government owes its defenders nothing less than the highest quality care, delivered without delay. Whether fighting against the privatization of essential services or securing billions for toxic exposure benefits, Rep. Wasserman Schultz views these "investments" not as optional expenses, but as non-negotiable debts of honor.
Watch the full statement here:
🫡Our Team
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![A woman wearing a navy blazer with an embroidered coat of arms, gold lapel pin, and jewelry, sitting with her hands clasped, with American flags in the background.]()
President Angel Shuford
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Army Veteran
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![A man in a blue suit and white shirt standing in front of an American flag against a black background.]()
Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Kevin D. Shoun
Senior Advisor | Civic Leadership and Policy Development
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![A woman with blonde hair smiling in front of an American flag and a black background with a logo that says 'National Invest in Veteran Owned Business Week.']()
Sara Pomposo
Chief Advisor | Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication
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![A man in a red shirt holding a music award trophy, standing next to a framed platinum record plaque on display, with framed posters and awards hanging on the wall behind him.]()
Jim Freeman of The Five Satins
GRAMMY Hall of Famer | Brand Ambassador
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![A man with gray hair and glasses stands behind a music stand, speaking into a microphone while using hand gestures, against a dark background.]()
Pastor Ron Henson
Social Impact Advisor | Navy Veteran
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![A man in a U.S. military uniform in front of an American flag.]()
LTC Rickey L. Pope USA, Ret.
CO-FOUNDER | Retired Army Veteran, Retired Firefighter
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![A man in a gray blazer and shirt posing with arms crossed in front of a city skyline at dusk, with buildings and a bridge reflected in the water.]()
Jeff Shuford
CO-FOUNDER | Iraq War Veteran & Military Spouse
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![Three men in a discussion in an office break room with black and white geometric wallpaper. One man with a beard, wearing glasses and a suit, is talking to a bald man wearing a black sweater, who is making a gesture with his hands. The third man with dreadlocks, dressed in a blue suit and holding papers, listens attentively.]()
Drayton Florence
CO-FOUNDER | NFL Veteran & Military Brat
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![A smiling man with glasses, wearing a green sweater over a striped collared shirt, standing with crossed arms in an office space near a window, with framed certificates on the wall behind him.]()
Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC
Trademark Attorney | Veteran IP Advocate
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![A man in a green vest with a plaid shirt and bow tie standing in front of a booth labeled 'Body Aqua' at a trade show or expo.]()
CPT Sherman WIlliams, USA, Ret.
Advisor | Retired Army Veteran
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![Two men in business suits having a meeting in an office with a window showing a city view, discussing a presentation on a laptop.]()
Brandon Sugar
Legacy UX/UI Designer | Army Veteran
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![A young man with dark hair styled back, light eyes, and a light beard, wearing a blue suit and white shirt, looking at the camera.]()
Mike Bicek
Creative Director | Army Veteran
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![A small brown and black puppy sitting on a red folding chair at the beach, with sunglasses and a colorful bag in the background.]()
Private Jewel
Co-Founders Pup | Biewer Terrier
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![A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a striped white shirt.]()
Lonnell McCall I
Sr. Spokesperson | Retired Navy Veteran
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Celeste Everett
Legacy IT Consultant | Army Veteran
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![Composite image of three young men dressed as a graduate, a football player, and a young man in formal wear against a stadium background.]()
Lonnell McCall II
Jr. Spokesperson | Military Brat
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![Close-up of a young man with dark brown hair, styled back, with light eyes, a light beard, and wearing a dark shirt, standing in front of a background with horizontal lines.]()
Christopher B. Mueller
Lead Video Spokesperson | Veteran Advocate
“As an educator committed to professional growth, I fully endorse National Invest in Veterans Week® for recognizing that veterans are vital economic assets who deserve tangible support in entrepreneurship and workforce development.”