What is your view on military/patriotic themed t-shirt sales?

SSG Richard Reilly — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:55:10 -0400

With many veterans looking at what's next in their lives what is your opinion of the ones that are creating a small business with the primary customer being veterans and service members. Additionally, what is your opinion of the ones not owned by veterans?

Example:
Ranger Up
9line
Grunt Style
Oscarmike
Lady Brigade
etc...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 10 at 2015 1:02 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:02:27 -0400

For me, it depends on where the profits go and who benefits. If the proceeds go directly to support veterans/disabled veterans or military families I am in favor. If they support a foreign power such as those made in China I am generally opposed.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 10 at 2015 1:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:31:45 -0400

They tend to be a bit hokey/corny, but hey, if that's how people want to spend their money...

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 10 at 2015 1:38 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:38:36 -0400

Some are good. I like some of the RangerUp with good historical references.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 10 at 2015 2:13 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 14:13:53 -0400

Grunt Style seems to come up with a lot that suits my taste.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 2:22 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 14:22:34 -0400

I just wish there were more Navy themed ones...

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Apr 10 at 2015 3:27 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:27:54 -0400

I don't have any use for it myself as I am not able to wear such items in my work environment and I don't maintain a separate inventory of clothing for "casual" wear when not working.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 3:55 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:55:14 -0400

I personally would prefer to support more veteran-owned companies. There's a women's veteran's apparel company Lady Brigade gaining recognition for female figure friendly veteran shirts. http://ladybrigade.com/

Lady Brigade

Wear your pride lady veterans! Lady Brigade is an online apparel store for women service members and veterans. 100% made in the USA.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 3:59 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:59:03 -0400

I grew up as a military brat and now serve in the Army. I was always raised to not make yourself a target by showing that you are in the US Military. I do own a couple of unit shirts and wear them around the house or to unit functions, but to wear them on vacation or overseas I can't do. A few times when I ran to Walmart or to the store wearing one, people would look at me and either thank me (which was nice) or call me names and talk down to me like I thought I was better then them. I support veterans who open a business and will hire veterans that shows that we are a family of brothers and sisters no matter what branch we serve in.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 1:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 13:58:06 -0400

Don't see anything wrong with it good for them. Also I thought Oscarmike was veteran owned?

What do you thing of Blackhawk? I believe it was started by a veteran.
http://www.blackhawk.com

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 3:42 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 15:42:21 -0400

Love them except most of the ones sold are made outside of the US and some that i've seen, in clothing sales, were even make in Pakistan. Just seems to me if you are going to be supporting our troops you should also be supporting our country and buy American....kinda like all those car magnets that are made in China.....I have yet to find a Retired, or AF hat on base that I would buy for this reason.....anyway peace, love, and democracy to all

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 4:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 16:06:53 -0400

I think that it is AWESOME for folks to be able to convert themselves into great entrepreneurs!

Any business which TRULY supports Active Duty and Veterans works for me.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Apr 12 at 2015 7:42 PM

SSG Eric Eck — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 19:42:25 -0400

Nothing wrong with veterans targeting veterans for clothing sales because we know what we like. I haven't bought from anyone on your list though except for NineLine because they support wounded vets, without much profit, unlike WWP which seems to be all about profit. I don't mind these clothing companies being about profit, but when they claim to be using their proceeds to help vets, that's what they better be using them for. You're not supposed to get rich running a charity.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 12 at 2015 8:29 PM

SGT John Wesley — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 20:29:00 -0400

I've got one Army t-shirt. I've worn it a handful of times, but I'm not opposed to veterans selling patriotic shirts. I just don't want to advertise as I was a Navy brat and we lived overseas and we were always reminded to not bring notice upon ourselves. It's something that's stuck in my head...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 09:16:14 -0400

I am going to have go with gruntstyle.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:19 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 09:19:14 -0400

I like the idea behind it. I'm not the kind of person to go out and buy a lot of themed shirts anyway but I like looking for one that would suit me. And honestly I do not care if the company is Vet owned/operated or not, they're still sending a pro military and Vet message and I appreciate that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 9:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 09:36:50 -0400

Personally i think that its a great idea to employ veterans and people currently serving i cant count how many grunstyle shirts there comfortable and amazingly priced supporting a vet and there idea is a great way to help people out. its a good way for people to express there thoughts about war and pain and even loss on the battlefield.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Apr 13 at 2015 11:25 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:25:51 -0400

I only wore service or squadron t-shirts. Just make sure words are spelled correctly.