Assemblyman Jake Ashby’s $500M Vision Anchors a National Movement: How ‘Invest in Veterans’ Became Policy, Practice, and Principle
New York State Assemblyman Jake Ashby’s 2022 call for a $500 million “Invest in Veterans” package marked a pivotal moment in the evolving national doctrine that sees military service as an economic investment. His proposal laid the groundwork for a cross-sector movement now embodied by National Invest In Veterans Week® the only federally trademarked civic initiative of its kind. From Charter Communications’ GI Bill–eligible Spectrum apprenticeship program to Congressman John Moolenaar’s bipartisan Veterans Fellowship Act, and from Harvard Catalyst’s academic endorsement to ITA Growth Partners’ veteran-focused investment launch, Ashby’s vision has matured into a national and international infrastructure of policy, opportunity, and institutional respect.
A Legacy Reimagined: The Historical Foundations and Future Vision of National Invest In America Week℠
More than fifty years later, that same spirit has been reimagined and scaled through the Jeff Shuford Roadmap℠, under the stewardship of the team behind National Invest In Veterans Week®. Recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record, National Invest In Veterans Week® laid the structural foundation for a broader civic and economic mobilization—culminating in the establishment of National Invest In America Week℠.
Flashback Feature | National Invest In Veterans Week® Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph: A Sacred Commitment to Veterans During National Invest In Veterans Week®
During National Invest In Veterans Week®, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph emerged as a model of faith-led veteran advocacy. In fiscal year 2020–2021, the organization invested over $1.27 million in rent and lease assistance for veterans, demonstrating its commitment to dignified housing as a foundation for stability. Through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph provided veterans with personalized pathways to self-reliance—offering rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and extended support via the Shallow Subsidy initiative. This collaboration between faith and service exemplifies the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®: empowering those who once served us.
Montrose County Joins Global Wave of Veteran Investment During National Observance
From Washington to Canberra, veteran policy is undergoing a profound shift—one that treats former service members not as beneficiaries of aid, but as contributors to national and community resilience. During this year’s National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1–7), Montrose County, Colorado, stepped into that momentum with a locally driven initiative: offering free weekly guitar instruction to veterans in partnership with Guitars 4 Vets and Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.
The program exemplifies how community-based action can reflect the emerging international framework, as seen in Australia’s national RSL platform, Canada’s investment framing, and U.S. institutional models like Harvard Catalyst and ITA Growth Partners.
Read the full release from Montrose County: montrosecounty.net/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1011
From Local Radio to National Reform: How the 'Invest in Our Veterans' Campaign Reflects a Tidal Shift in Civic and Corporate Responsibility
KIRO Newsradio and Global Credit Union have joined forces this National Invest In Veterans Week® to launch Invest in Our Veterans, a civic campaign inviting the public to nominate veteran-focused nonprofits for $1,000 donations—an act that symbolizes a broader national shift from ceremonial gratitude to institutional investment. This grassroots initiative aligns with a larger movement that includes Charter Communications’ nationally certified apprenticeship programs for veterans, Congressman John Moolenaar’s bipartisan Veterans Fellowship Act, and the federally trademarked framework of National Invest In Veterans Week®. As academic institutions like Harvard Catalyst and private capital groups such as ITA Growth Partners echo this call, one message is clear: investing in veterans is no longer symbolic—it’s strategic.
Charter Communications and Spectrum Lead National Movement in Investing in Veterans: A Model of Corporate Commitment and Civic Partnership
Charter Communications, through its Spectrum brand, is redefining what it means to invest in veterans—transforming patriotic intent into measurable opportunity. With nearly 10% of its workforce tied to military service, Charter’s nationally recognized Broadband Field Technician Apprenticeship Program offers GI Bill–eligible training across 41 states, helping veterans transition into long-term, skilled careers. Spectrum’s own Field Technician job listing describes a pathway from entry-level to leadership, grounded in training, independence, and advancement. This corporate model parallels public-sector momentum led by Congressman John Moolenaar, whose 2025 reintroduction of the bipartisan Veterans Fellowship Act and longstanding endorsement of National Invest In Veterans Week® reflect a shared commitment to structural veteran empowerment. As detailed in this official feature, the alignment of legislative, corporate, and civic leadership signals a national framework where service is met with opportunity—by design, and at scale.
By Design, Not By Chance: The Rise of National Invest In Veterans Week® as a Civic Doctrine
Launched in 2019, National Invest In Veterans Week® evolved from a grassroots movement into a federally trademarked and congressionally cited civic framework. Officially registered under U.S. Reg. No. 6784776, the initiative has established a clear national identity with cohesive messaging and legal protection.
Its influence has been cemented through entries in the Congressional Record:
May 24, 2023 — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) delivered a floor speech titled "Investing in Our Veterans" (Vol. 169, No. 88, Page H2588), stating:
"Investing in our brave veterans while helping the communities that need it most should be our highest priority."While not citing the initiative by name, Davis's rhetoric directly mirrored its federally protected language.
National Invest In Veterans Week® Earns Major Media Features on TODAY and Steven Kia, Expands Leadership and Global Reach
National Invest In Veterans Week® Featured in Major Media!
National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1-7) has been officially recognized by the TODAY Show in its list of national March observances! This milestone highlights NIVW’s growing impact in supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, Steven Kia has published a feature on how veterans thrive in business, emphasizing the economic contributions of veteran-owned businesses and NIVW’s crucial role in their success.
🔹 Check out the TODAY Show’s March Observances List: Read more here
🔹 Learn how veterans drive entrepreneurship at Steven Kia: Read the full article
Join us in celebrating and supporting veteran-owned businesses this March 1-7! #InvestInVeterans
A Family of Legacy: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Four Congressional Record Entries
For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has been honored with four separate Congressional Record entries, recognizing their lasting impact on music, business, and veteran advocacy.
From Jim Freeman, a doo-wop pioneer and founding member of The Five Satins, to Jeff Shuford, a national leader in veteran entrepreneurship, the Freeman-Shuford family has left an indelible mark on American culture and economic policy.
This multigenerational achievement cements their legacy in the official records of the United States Congress, ensuring their contributions will inspire future generations.
The Shuford-Freeman-Hawley Military Legacy: A Multi-Generational Chronicle of Service, Innovation, and Leadership
The intertwined histories of the Hawley and Freeman families form a remarkable legacy of resilience, military service, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Spanning centuries, their story reflects a profound dedication to freedom, equality, and societal progress. This comprehensive report explores their genealogical and historical narratives, highlighting key figures such as Private Orrin Benjamin Hawley of the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment and George Freeman, whose descendants have upheld a proud tradition of military service. Their combined histories showcase a commitment that has endured through wars, advocacy, and leadership.
Veterans & AI: A New Era of Economic Empowerment as OpenAI Expands Data Centers
As Stargate/OpenAI evaluates Florida, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina for its next wave of AI data centers, a unique alignment is unfolding—one that could redefine veteran entrepreneurship in the digital age.
At the heart of this development is National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), an organization dedicated to empowering veteran-owned businesses. With NIVW’s state-specific digital platforms (FloridaVeterans.com, PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, and SouthCarolinaVeterans.com) already in place, the stage is set for an unprecedented intersection between veteran innovation and AI-driven economic expansion.
Dr. Richard S. Freeman: The Legal Titan of Civil Rights and Corporate Justice, Anchored by a Legacy of Leadership, Music, and Veteran Advocacy
Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a lawyer—he is an institution. His career, spanning over four decades, has impacted civil rights law, labor justice, international humanitarian efforts, and corporate governance. His work has shaped major industries, protected marginalized communities, and established legal precedents that continue to influence policy today. As a legal strategist, educator, and civil rights champion, Dr. Freeman has built a reputation as one of the foremost legal minds of his generation.
Dr. Freeman’s legal brilliance extended beyond litigation. His passion for mentorship, education, and social justice led him to lead institutions and advise international organizations on economic and corporate law.
Flashback: Jeff Shuford’s Visionary Leadership – A Legacy of Empowerment
Jeff Shuford is more than a name; he is a movement. As the co-founder of National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), his visionary leadership has not only transformed veteran advocacy but set the stage for global collaboration, technological innovation, and cultural recognition of veteran entrepreneurship. Since his retirement on December 14, his influence continues to define our strategic direction and inspire our community.
This retrospective highlights Jeff’s transformative work in business, technology, and culture, celebrating his contributions that have laid the foundation for NIVW’s growth and success.
Empowering Pennsylvania Veterans: $300,000 Invested in Veteran Farmers
PennsylvaniaVeterans.com | A National Invest in Veterans Week® Feature
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is setting a new standard for veteran support with its groundbreaking investment of $300,000 in Veterans in Agriculture Grants, announced during the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show on Military Appreciation Day. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to empowering veterans who have transitioned from military service to agriculture, equipping them with resources and opportunities to succeed in one of Pennsylvania’s most vital industries.
The program represents a significant expansion of the Shapiro Administration’s efforts, with funding increased by 50% compared to prior years. This initiative not only amplifies Pennsylvania's agricultural legacy but also invests in the skills, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit that veterans bring to the field.
Fox Business Spotlights Veterans’ Financial Struggles During National Invest In Veterans Week®
As National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to amplify the contributions of veteran-owned businesses, Fox Business utilized the holiday to shine a light on the financial challenges facing our nation’s heroes. With 80% of veterans struggling to make ends meet and 1 in 6 experiencing food insecurity, their coverage was a sobering reminder of the urgent need to support veterans beyond their service.
Jeff Shuford: A Legacy of Prestige in Artificial Intelligence and Advocacy
Jeff Shuford’s academic contributions are a testament to his unparalleled ability to blend rigorous research with actionable solutions across artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, healthcare, and robotics. With a career built on self-funded, non-academic research, Shuford’s influence has extended to some of the world’s most prestigious academic journals, conferences, and institutions. His work has been cited in highly regarded publications, reinforcing his position as a thought leader in cutting-edge technology and social advocacy.
For a non-academic researcher, these metrics underscore the credibility and reach of his work, particularly in areas such as AI ethics, healthcare innovation, and sustainability.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Honoring Service, Empowering Entrepreneurship, and Building a Stronger Economy
Veterans are twice as likely to start businesses as non-veterans, bringing with them unparalleled skills in leadership, discipline, and decision-making. These qualities, honed in the military, form the backbone of successful ventures. However, veteran entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including limited access to resources, funding, and networking opportunities. National Invest In Veterans Week® addresses these barriers while celebrating veteran-owned businesses' vital contributions.
Official Report: National Invest in Veterans Week® Domains and Strategic Initiatives for Veteran Empowerment
National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) is an innovative national initiative focused on advancing veteran entrepreneurship. NIVW achieves this by creating state-specific domains aligned with the unique economic and social characteristics of various regions in the U.S. These 14 domains provide veterans with tailored resources, business mentorship, funding opportunities, and pathways to industry networks. This report deep-dives into the alignment, opportunities, and challenges faced by these domains while leveraging the 2024 PenFed Top Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs Report as a key reference
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Redefining Empowerment Through Unmatched Expertise
At National Invest In Veterans Week®, there is no singular definition of what it means to empower veteran entrepreneurs. Our team includes PhDs advancing groundbreaking research, Grammy® Hall of Famers shaping culture, and NFL alumni demonstrating unmatched resilience. Together, we redefine leadership through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, proving that our strength lies in the diversity of our experiences and the unity of our mission.
From the Desk of Angel Shuford: The Legacy and Future of Vetrepreneurship
The Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit is more than just a conference; it is a movement designed to empower veterans to become successful entrepreneurs. Founded in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and guided by the early leadership of Jeff Shuford, the summit has grown into a cornerstone event for veteran advocacy.
As Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I am honored to reflect on the summit’s impact and share our vision for the future of vetrepreneurship. This year’s summit is a testament to the ongoing evolution of veteran entrepreneurship, where the lessons of the past fuel the ambitions of tomorrow.
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Reiss-Davis Graduate School
“Reiss-Davis Graduate School recognizes National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7, 2023). We asked noted veterans advocate and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Veterans Studies, Mariana Grohowski, PhD, to share her thoughts on advancing the cause of veterans and their families.”
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Military Family Research Institute
“The first week of March is National Invest in #Veterans Week, designed to support the efforts of veterans building lives for themselves and their families through their work and businesses.”
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EnergyUnited
“Today marks the final day of Invest In Veterans Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the important work being done by Purple Heart Homes. Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a non-profit organization that works to provide housing solutions to veterans and their families who are in need.”
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Cintas Corporation
“It's National Invest in Veterans Week! At Cintas we are proud to be a Top Veteran-Friendly Company and are committed to recruiting military talent. For all the sacrifices they have made, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for Veterans to succeed.”
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Gary/Chicago International Airport
“Happy #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! Back in November, GYY received the prestigious HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an honor bestowed by the @USDOL for our efforts to create jobs that recruit, employ and retain veterans’ who have served our country!”
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Armed Forces Vacation Club
"#DidYouKnow it's National Invest In Veterans Week? National Invest In Veterans Week is observed every year from March 1 through March 7. This is a week where we support and honor aspiring and established veteran business owners!”
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Columbia Gas of Ohio
“We're proud to support our veterans, and especially those on our team! #InvestinVeteransWeek is a good reminder to invest in veterans after all they've invested in our country.”
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National Academy of Sciences
“#DYK It’s #NationalInvestinVeteransWeek! In this touching #TheScienceBehindIt video, meet Ray, Casey, and Raymond as they share their coming home stories and talk about the challenges facing millions of veterans.”
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Waubonsee Community College
“#Waubonsee is proud to serve those students who have served our country, and we'll do everything we can to streamline the process, start you on the right foot, and support your endeavors every step of the way. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”
