Kevin D. Shoun: A Transformational Leader in Veteran Advocacy, Entrepreneurship, and Civic Engagement
Kevin D. Shoun has a reputation that precedes him—a decorated U.S. Army veteran, an award-winning writer, a respected mentor, and a leader with the ability to inspire change. As the Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Kevin is poised to make an even greater impact on the veteran community. His multifaceted background, which spans military service, entrepreneurial ventures, real estate, and mental health advocacy, uniquely positions him to champion initiatives that empower veterans and transform communities.
Kevin’s career journey is one of resilience, empathy, and tireless dedication to serving others. With a focus on advancing policy development and fostering collaboration among veterans, Kevin’s work with NIVW is the culmination of a life dedicated to leadership and service.
Leadership Rooted in Military Service
As a First Sergeant, Kevin managed over 100 personnel and resources valued at more than $2 million. Yet, it wasn’t just his logistical skills that stood out—it was his ability to connect with and uplift those around him.
Kevin’s mentorship and commitment to his team left a lasting impact on those he led. He consistently went above and beyond, arriving early, staying late, and ensuring that every task was completed to the highest standard. His influence extended beyond the military, with many of his former colleagues crediting him for shaping their own leadership philosophies.
A Mentor Who Inspires Transformation
One of Kevin’s most profound impacts as a leader was on Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of NIVW. Angel credits Kevin’s mentorship as a turning point in her life.
“Kevin was the best leader I’ve ever had,” Angel shared. “He inspired me to pursue higher education and showed me the importance of leading with integrity and empathy. Kevin didn’t just teach us how to lead—he taught us how to believe in ourselves.”
This sentiment echoes across Kevin’s professional and personal life. Whether training future leaders in the military or coaching entrepreneurs, Kevin’s ability to empower others has been a consistent theme in his career.
Addressing Mental Health: Kevin’s Award-Winning Advocacy
Kevin’s commitment to supporting his community extends beyond operational leadership. In 2019, Kevin penned an article titled “Why is Suicide So Difficult to Talk About?” for Aviation Digest. The deeply personal piece tackled the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in the military, drawing on Kevin’s own experiences and observations.
The article was met with widespread acclaim, earning Kevin the 2019 Article of the Year Award from Aviation Digest. The publication praised Kevin’s courage in addressing such a critical yet often overlooked issue, noting the article’s ability to spark meaningful conversations and provide actionable solutions.
“People don’t want to talk about suicide because it’s uncomfortable,” Kevin wrote in the article. “But avoiding the topic only makes it worse. We need to create spaces where people feel safe to share their struggles.”
The piece resonated deeply within the military and civilian communities, further cementing Kevin’s reputation as a compassionate and effective advocate for mental health.
Civic Engagement: Making a Difference in the Wiregrass Community
Kevin’s dedication to serving others is equally evident in his work within the civilian community. In 2020, Kevin organized the Wiregrass Area Food Drive, a community initiative designed to combat food insecurity in Southeast Alabama. Partnering with the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, Kevin coordinated multiple drop-off locations and incentivized donations with a raffle for a Yeti Cooler Summer Fun Prize Pack.
“It wasn’t just about food—it was about bringing people together to support one another,” Kevin explained.
The food drive was a success, providing essential resources to families in need and demonstrating Kevin’s ability to mobilize communities for a greater cause.
For more information on Kevin’s Wiregrass Food Drive initiative, read:
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Commitment to Growth
Kevin’s entrepreneurial ventures further showcase his versatility and drive. As the founder of KDS Properties, LLC, he built a successful real estate investment portfolio, managing multifamily and single-family homes across the Southeast. His expertise in real estate has helped countless military families navigate the complexities of relocation, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kevin’s entrepreneurial background is a testament to his adaptability and commitment to serving others, whether in business or community initiatives.
Courses and Professional Development
Kevin’s dedication to professional growth is evident in the numerous courses and certifications he has completed, many of which are associated with the U.S. Army. These include:
Advanced Leader Course
Master Leader Course
Senior Leaders Course
Unit Movement Officer Course
Warrior Leader Course
Combat Communication Course
Equal Opportunity Leader Course
These achievements highlight Kevin’s commitment to lifelong learning and his ability to adapt and excel in diverse fields.
Presentations That Inspire Change
Kevin’s impact extends to public speaking, where he shares his insights and experiences to inspire others. His two standout presentations are:
Failing Forward
In this presentation, Kevin explores the concept of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Drawing from his military and entrepreneurial experiences, he provides strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.Building a Winning Team
Kevin delves into the essentials of creating and leading a high-performing team. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, he teaches audiences how to foster collaboration, trust, and resilience.
Kevin’s Role at National Invest In Veterans Week®
As Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development, Kevin is helping shape the future of National Invest In Veterans Week®. His work focuses on:
Policy Development: Crafting policies that address the unique challenges veterans face, including access to funding, mental health support, and entrepreneurial resources.
Civic Engagement: Building partnerships with local organizations to foster collaboration and support for veterans.
Global Impact: Strengthening NIVW’s network of 62 platforms to connect veterans with resources and opportunities worldwide.
Global Platforms of National Invest In Veterans Week®
U.S. State-Specific Platforms (14):
International Platforms (29):
AustraliaVeterans.com
(Full list continues via their site)
Looking Ahead: Kevin’s Vision for the Future
Kevin’s work with National Invest In Veterans Week® represents the culmination of a life dedicated to service, leadership, and advocacy. Through his role, he is helping create a future where veterans are empowered, supported, and celebrated.
“This isn’t just about helping veterans—it’s about recognizing their immense value and ensuring they have the tools to succeed,” Kevin said.
For more information, visit www.investinveteransweek.com.
