There are many veterans that turn to entrepreneurship after serving their country. For some, the benefits gained from joining the military help them achieve their dream of launching their own startup or charity organization. Today, we are highlighting a few individuals that are unfortunately no longer with us. Even though these veterans have passed away, their legacies still live on. Here are three veteran founders to remember on Memorial Day.
George H.W. Bush
Points of Light
Former President George H.W. Bush served in WWII as a Navy Pilot. After being shot down in his aircraft, he was rescued by a submarine at sea. This remarkable event was captured on camera. While in office, he founded the Points of Light organization, which strives to strengthen relations around the world and build a community of peace. After his presidency, Bush continued his love of volunteerism by helping victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey.
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Paul A. Sperry
Sperry
Veteran founder Paul A. Sperry is the man to thank for the boat shoe. He joined the United States Naval Reserve in 1917, but was released from duty before the end of the first World War. Perry then spent his time sailing and creating wood duck decoys for hunting. After slipping in a boat and falling overboard, Sperry decided to design a non-slip boat shoe inspired by the bottom of his dog’s paws. Eventually, he founded Sperry and filed a patent for his invention in 1937.
Sam Walton
Walmart
Were you aware the founder of Walmart was a U.S. veteran? Sam Walton was an ROTC cadet at the University of Missouri before serving in WWII. With the money he had saved from his time in the U.S. Army, Walton purchased a series of variety stores and eventually opened the first Walmart in 1962. At one point, Walton was known as the richest man in America. Today the company is valued at $328B.
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Founding a startup or charity can leave lasting impressions. Who are some other veteran founders we should remember on Memorial Day? Let us know down in the comments.
This article originally published on GREY Journal.
