Every November, we pause as a nation to honor the men and women who raised their right hand and swore an oath to defend our freedoms. Here in the greater Fayetteville–Fort Bragg region, that oath doesn’t simply end when service members take off the uniform, it continues—quietly, faithfully and powerfully—through the businesses they build, the people they employ and the communities they strengthen.

As a Veteran myself, and as someone who has spent nearly my entire adult life launching, buying and growing businesses, I have seen firsthand the unique qualities Veterans bring into the marketplace: discipline, accountability, mission focus and leadership under pressure, to name a few. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re the habits and instincts that make Veteran-owned companies some of the most resilient and high-performing businesses in our local economy.
This month’s issue highlights just a few examples of that impact. Raven Advisory LLC, right here in Fayetteville, embodies the very best of post-service leadership. Their specialized training, strategic insight and global capability are impressive—but what stands out most is their continued devotion to helping safeguard and strengthen the very communities they come from. Their work is a reminder that the transition from military service to business leadership is not a step down in mission, but a continuation of it.

We also feature Walsingham Group’s VET Program, an initiative that represents the future of Veteran workforce development. By creating structured pathways into high-demand technical fields—supported by mentorship, training and a belief in the potential of every participant—the VET Program is transforming lives and industries at the same time. It is a model of what can happen when a company leans into its values and invests in Veterans with purpose.
Across Cumberland County and all surrounding counties, this story repeats itself. Countless Veterans have planted roots here after service, built companies here, created jobs here and helped shape an economy defined by resilience and excellence. From small businesses to fast-growing firms, they are strengthening our region’s competitive edge in ways that are felt every day.

For me personally, this issue carries special meaning. I know what it’s like to take the discipline, grit and faith forged in uniform and apply it to the world of business. I know the uncertainty, the risk and the reward of stepping into entrepreneurship after military service. And I know that our region would not be what it is today without the thousands of Veteran business owners who chose to stay, invest and lead right here at home.

To all our Veterans—thank you for your service to this country. And thank you for continuing to serve this community with the same courage, integrity and commitment that defined your time in uniform.

We are proud to dedicate this issue of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal to you. May your example continue to inspire the next generation of leaders who will build the businesses—and the future—of our region.
God bless you and yours,

Marty