National Invest In Veterans Week®: Leading the Charge for Veteran Entrepreneurs
As National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) approaches its 2025 celebration from March 1-7, its legacy as a transformative force for veteran entrepreneurs continues to grow. Recognized as a cornerstone of veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship, NIVW has garnered endorsements from prestigious organizations such as the National Guard Bureau, positioning itself as a vital platform for empowering veterans to transition from service to success in the civilian and entrepreneurial world.
Endorsements and Milestones
The National Guard Bureau’s endorsement of NIVW highlights its significance in fostering opportunities for veterans. This recognition, paired with a 2020 video feature on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), reinforces NIVW’s reputation as a trusted partner for advancing veteran entrepreneurship.
The December 2024 issue of the National Guard’s publication praised NIVW for its contributions to national economic resilience and veteran-owned businesses. It emphasized that the qualities honed during military service—discipline, leadership, and adaptability—are integral to entrepreneurial success.
Senior Spokesperson Lonnell McCall I aptly summarized the impact:
“This recognition from the National Guard and DVIDS underscores the vital role National Invest In Veterans Week plays in supporting our nation’s heroes. It’s an affirmation of the work we do and the lives we impact.”
Leadership Excellence: Driving Success
NIVW’s success is underpinned by its dynamic leadership team, each bringing expertise and a deep commitment to empowering veterans.
Angel Shuford: Vice President and CFO
At the helm of financial operations and strategic initiatives, Angel Shuford stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience. A decorated Army Reserve Sergeant and military spouse, Shuford has revolutionized veteran entrepreneurship through groundbreaking initiatives like the Progressive Web App (PWA). Her diverse expertise—spanning aviation, real estate, and technology—ensures that NIVW remains at the forefront of advocacy and resource delivery.
“Angel’s contributions reflect her extraordinary ability to innovate and inspire,” said LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA, Ret., NIVW President. “Her vision and dedication have been transformative for our mission.”
Shuford’s credentials include numerous prestigious certifications, such as the FAA Control Tower Operator Certification, HarvardX Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate, and Google IT Support Professional Certificate. These qualifications reinforce her capability to lead with precision, innovation, and foresight.
LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA, Ret.
As President, LTC Pope emphasizes legislative advocacy and partnerships that expand economic opportunities for veterans. His steadfast leadership ensures that NIVW’s initiatives are rooted in impactful, systemic change.
Drayton Florence Jr.
A former NFL player and co-founder, Florence serves as Director of Partnerships, leveraging his network to build bridges between veteran organizations, businesses, and communities.
Jeff Shuford
As the organization’s founder and Honorary Ambassador, Jeff Shuford laid the foundation for NIVW’s mission. His visionary leadership continues to inspire the team as they expand on his legacy.
Transformational Impact
NIVW’s achievements in 2024 illustrate its capacity to drive meaningful change for veterans worldwide.
Technology Innovation
The launch of the Progressive Web App (PWA) represents a significant step forward in accessibility for veteran entrepreneurs. The PWA connects veterans with mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources tailored to their unique challenges, earning widespread acclaim for its user-friendly design and innovative features.
Global Expansion
NIVW has extended its reach to veteran communities across South Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom, affirming the universal value of veterans’ contributions to innovation and economic growth.
DVIDS Video Feature
The ongoing relevance of NIVW’s 2020 feature on DVIDS highlights its steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of veteran entrepreneurs. This video remains a powerful tool for public education and advocacy.
Angel Shuford: A Career of Distinction
Angel Shuford’s leadership exemplifies the values that drive NIVW’s mission. Her military and professional achievements are a testament to her ability to lead in high-pressure environments and inspire others.
Military Service
During her tenure with the U.S. Army, Shuford served as an Air Traffic Control Specialist, managing over 170,000 air traffic movements without incident. Her operational excellence earned her recognition as a standout leader in aviation.
As a Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Shuford trained and mentored soldiers, achieving an impressive 87% Quality Assurance Inspection score. Her safety leadership contributed to exceptional outcomes, including commendable ratings during the Initial Command Inspection (ICI).
Professional Accomplishments
Shuford’s credentials span multiple industries, including aviation, technology, and real estate:
FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License: Pioneering the integration of drone technology into real estate marketing, driving over $6 million in sales.
Military Relocation Professional Certification: Supporting military families during transitions, providing expert guidance in real estate.
BizTech Award: Celebrating her work as co-founder of Tech From Vets, which equips veteran entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology solutions.
Advocacy and Legislative Achievements
NIVW’s commitment to systemic change is evident in its advocacy for the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act. This legislative initiative expands access to government contracts for service-disabled veterans, leveling the playing field for veteran entrepreneurs.
“Every piece of legislation we support is a step toward creating a more equitable future for our veterans,” said LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA, Ret.
Expanding Global Influence
Under Shuford’s leadership, NIVW has bolstered its intellectual property portfolio, including domains like FloridaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, and UnitedKingdomVeterans.com. These platforms serve as digital hubs for advocacy, education, and support, amplifying NIVW’s global presence.
Celebrating Resilience and Innovation
Veteran entrepreneurs embody resilience, discipline, and adaptability—qualities celebrated during National Invest In Veterans Week®. The National Guard Bureau’s endorsement highlights how initiatives like NIVW align with broader commitments to diversity, inclusion, and community support.
How You Can Support NIVW
NIVW invites individuals and organizations to join its mission through:
Supporting veteran-owned businesses.
Advocating for veteran-friendly policies.
Volunteering time and expertise to mentor veterans.
Sharing veteran success stories to inspire others.
A Legacy of Leadership
As the 2025 celebration approaches, NIVW remains a testament to the power of service, innovation, and collaboration. Guided by leaders like Angel Shuford, the organization continues to drive meaningful change for veterans worldwide.
“This is more than a week—it’s a movement,” said Shuford. “It’s about ensuring veterans have the tools and opportunities to succeed in every aspect of life.”
For more information, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.
https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/72441
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/741176/national-invest-veterans-week
