Veterans Who Lead & Inspire

Did you know a secret unit of artists, designers, and sound engineers once tricked Hitler with inflatable tanks and theatrical illusions?

The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops — known as the "Ghost Army" — was a 1,100-man unit that staged over 20 battlefield deceptions across Europe during WWII. Using inflatable tanks, fake radio chatter, and sound effects, they made the enemy believe entire divisions were somewhere they weren't.

After the war, many Ghost Army veterans went on to become some of America's most influential artists and designers. Bill Blass became a legendary fashion designer. Ellsworth Kelly became a world-renowned abstract artist. Their creativity, forged under fire, shaped American culture for decades.

Did you know two Marines built one of the world's most effective disaster response organizations — from scratch — after a devastating earthquake?

Jake Wood and William McNulty served as U.S. Marines in combat zones including Iraq and Afghanistan. Their training taught them to operate in chaos, make rapid decisions, and lead under pressure.

When a massive earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, they didn't wait for orders. They grabbed their packs and went. That moment of action became Team Rubicon — now deploying thousands of veteran volunteers to disaster zones worldwide, giving them renewed purpose while providing communities with rapid, skilled relief.

Did you know a soldier, already engulfed in flames, went back into a burning vehicle — again and again — to save every single one of his soldiers?

Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe served with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment in Iraq. On October 17, 2005, his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by an IED in Samarra. Drenched in fuel and already on fire, Cashe didn't run.

He pulled six soldiers and an interpreter from the burning wreckage, suffering burns over 72% of his body. He succumbed to his injuries three weeks later. In 2021, SFC Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor — the first Black service member to receive the honor for actions in Iraq.

Did you know America's very first ice cream franchise was started by a WWII veteran? Tom Carvel launched Carvel in 1934, and veterans haven't stopped leading the franchise world since.

Veteran interest in franchising isn't new. Well-known franchises like Sport Clips, RE/MAX, and Insulation Commandos were all founded by veterans and continue to support the military community. Today, the IFA's VetFran program reports that an impressive 14% of franchise owners in the United States are veterans — with 65% of franchisors noting their veteran hires have increased in recent years.

Last year, three franchise industries dominated: 34% of veterans who completed franchise coaching opened a home services franchise, 26% went into business services, and 17% opened a senior care franchise. Quick-service restaurants are also surging, with PJ's Coffee annually giving away a $40,000 franchise license to a veteran, and Dunkin' offering a 20% franchise fee discount. U.S. Veterans magazine ranked Dunkin' third on its Top 10 Franchises for Veterans in 2025.

Did you know that thousands of military veterans are trading combat boots for crop rows — and feeding the nation in the process?

Veterans from every branch of the military bring unmatched discipline, work ethic, and leadership to everything they do. Many served in harsh environments where adaptability and resilience weren't optional — they were survival skills.

The Farmer Veteran Coalition connects these veterans with agricultural careers, offering grants, mentorship, and the "Homegrown By Heroes" label to help veteran farmers stand out in the marketplace. From small family farms to large-scale operations, they're proving the mission never ends — it just changes terrain.

Did you know there's a national franchise that can ONLY be owned by military veterans and their families? No exceptions.

Army veteran Jerry Flanigan and his wife, Tracey, founded JDog Brands with one clear purpose: to support military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. JDog Junk Removal, the flagship brand under JDog Brands, is a national franchise that can only be operated by former members of the armed forces and their families — making it a truly unique military-only business model.

But JDog's impact goes far beyond business. The company's nonprofit foundation raises funds for suicide prevention and mental health programs for veterans — extending its support from franchise ownership to the well-being of the entire veteran community. It's not just a junk removal company; it's a movement built on military values of integrity, respect, and brotherhood.

Did you know nearly 35% of Dream Vacations franchise owners are veterans or military family members? That's one of the highest concentrations in any franchise system.

Dream Vacations has built a large and loyal network of veteran and military-affiliated franchise owners — nearly 35% of its entire system. The company actively recruits from the military community, recognizing that the leadership, discipline, and adaptability honed in service translate directly to running a successful travel business.

To attract and support military families, Dream Vacations offers discounted franchise fees and waives monthly fees during the first year for veterans. The home-based model means low overhead, no territorial restrictions, and the ability to relocate if deployed or transferred — a perfect fit for military lifestyles. The company has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the best affordable franchises for veterans.

Did you know that by 2060, individuals age 65 and older will make up over a quarter of the total U.S. population? Veterans are stepping up to serve this growing community through franchise ownership.

Neighborly, the world's largest home services franchise, reports having over 425 veteran owners across its brands. Senior care franchises like Home Instead offer a 20% discount on franchise fees for veterans, while Visiting Angels and A Place At Home offer 10% discounts. Pet care franchise Woofie's provides reduced franchise fees and service discounts for military veterans. These franchises offer lower start-up costs and steady consumer demand.

For disabled veterans — who make up 30% of all veterans as of 2022 — franchising offers a path to self-employment that accommodates different abilities. Home-based franchises in payroll, tutoring, education, and operational support are a growing field. New frontiers are also emerging: Aquiline Drones Corporation partnered with Ryder System and Vets to Drones to create a discounted drone franchise program exclusively for veterans — blending military-acquired tech skills with a rapidly growing sector. The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program and the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provide additional support.