HighCom Armor Supports Veteran Owned Businesses

Check out Some Staff Picks!

At HighCom Armor, we are dedicated to empowering our veterans and providing continuous support to our national heroes, both during and after they serve. Check out some veteran-owned business picks chosen among the staff here at HighCom Armor for sharing in celebration of Military Appreciation Month and beyond. Be sure to keep supporting the military heroes who account for over 3 million+ proud veteran business owners all over the country.

Flags of Valor

Founded in 2015 by two veteran special operation pilots, Joe Shamess and Brian Steorts, Flags of Valor (FOV) offers patriotic products proudly handmade by combat veterans. The majority of its employed craftsman are service-disabled, and some with significant combat-related injuries. FOV awards these heroes a return to work and renewed purpose, alongside a core dedication to remembering, employing, and empowering our Nation’s heroes. A veteran-owned, veteran-operated, and veteran-made company, the hand-crafted wooden American flags and various other products it sells help raise money for veteran and public service charities and has raised over $1.35M to date based on current statistics on its website. FOV has been featured on many national news networks and continues to grow and expand its efforts through recognition and attention received to its tireless work promoting veteran issues and stories of courage. FOV is definitely one of HighCom Armor’s favorite veteran-owned businesses. Photo Credit: Flags of Valor

Nine Line Apparel

Nine Line Apparel having started in 2012 by a military veteran and his wife in their home garage, and since then, owners Tyler and Angela expanded the company to a 60,000 square foot facility on the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia. In the military, Nine Line is medevac request for a soldier that is injured on the battlefield. For soldiers, a Nine Line “symbolizes patriotism, hope, and trust in one’s countrymen.” These themes carry through every aspect of Nine Line Apparel’s product offerings, as well as to the core of its business. Customers can support its patriotic mission purchasing everything from apparel for men, women, and kids, to accessories, bags, drinkware, tactical gear, and so much more. All products line themes are inspired around first responders, the 2nd Amendment, veterans, and its famously “relentlessly patriotic” designs. In addition to the fantastically patriotic products sold, at its core, Nine Line is a give-back organization and support numerous initiatives for military, first responders, disaster relief, and more. Nine Line demonstrates its commitment in providing ongoing support of charities that inspire unity and brotherhood among all Americans. You can learn more about its Foundation at www.ninelinefoundation.org. Photo Credit: Nine Line Apparel website

Large Marge’s Philly Cheesesteaks

Opened in 2007 by Marge, Large Marge’s Philly Cheesesteaks is a family-owned restaurant located in Wheat Ridge Colorado. When Marge retired in 2012, she sold the restaurant, recipes, and procedures to Tyler Johnson, who kept the traditions and flavors alive for all patrons who come and sit down for a bite, are all considered family. In addition to feeding the local community, Large Marge’s serves its authentic philly cheesesteaks on Amoroso roll, hoagies, grinders, and other delicious finds at various Colorado festivals, city activities, events, and annually at the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota. Large Marge’s was voted the “Best Philly Cheesesteaks” in 2011 by the Best of Westward awards and continues to be featured on various news networks for its locally infamous sandwiches. Probably the best philly outside of Philly, anyone visiting the state needs to take the short drive to Wheat Ridge and support this local veteran-owned business. We promise your tastebuds will thank you! Photo Credit: Large Marge’s Philly Cheesesteaks website

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Founded by Evan Hafer and owned by all former members of the US armed forces, Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-owned coffee company based on Salt Lake City, Utah that is not your typical coffee company. Its high-quality coffee beans are imported from Colombia and Brazil and they roast 5 days a week in its facilities in Manchester, TN and Salt Lake City, UT and all coffee choices reflect the common purpose in serving premium coffee to those who love America. With a mission dedicated to supporting military, law enforcement, and first responders, BRCC is just a powerhouse of a coffee company and so much more. They offer a coffee club subscription for brews, apparel and gear for purchase, and the website’s national hero features just makes you proud to be American. They have a can’t miss blog and its Coffee or Die Magazine has some of the best written articles to get coming through the inbox. Go ahead and get your Black Rifle Coffee on, and support this veteran-owned company! We sure do! Photo Credit: Black Rifle Coffee Company featured on Military.com

Bearded Veterans Club

Founded by veteran Chris Steel, Bearded Veterans Club offers premium beard-care products serving patriots, first responders, and veterans who are seeking the best quality beard care products. 100% USA made, these beard products smell great, moisturize, strengthen, and help grow beautiful, healthy beards, and are made all in support of military and private sector “men and women putting their lives on the line to preserve liberties, freedoms, rights, health, and wellness.” In addition to the incredible product offerings, its Operation #FREEDOMBEARD was borne out of being in the military where beards are not an option and shaving happens every day. Aptly put, upon retiring from active duty, the time calls to grow a Freedom Beard, where Chris writes, “I served my country, then I grew a beard.” You can order beard care products individually or in sets, as well as apparel and your very own “combat comb” all from the website. Photo Credit: Bearded Veterans Club website

Combat Flip Flops

Launched in 2012 by Army Ranger veterans, Matthew Griffin, Donald Lee, and Andy Sewry, Combat Flip Flops is a company with an incredible purpose. This veteran-owned business began after Matthew and Donald received a calling following serving in Afghanistan to create sturdy military-themed flip flops and footwear made from leather and military-grade nylon and use profits to support education for Afghan girls. Since its founding, the company has expanded its line of merchandise to include everything from men’s and women’s apparel, shades, jewelry, and other gear and accessories. Profits continue to support the organizations Aid Afghanistan for Education (AAE) providing “education to marginalized women and children in Afghanistan as well as The Station Foundation (TSF), a non-government agency providing resources to help members and families of the Special Operations Community, while efforts have created opportunities of employment and education in Bogota, Colombia, Kabul, Afghanistan, and Laos where locals are leading the way in the core merchandise manufacturing and hand-crafting. Visit the website to purchase the amazing merch and to learn more about the “Goodness” Combat Flips Flops is doing these days. We know you are gonna love its “Floperators” that are branded by “Bad for Running. Worse for Fighting”! Photo Credit: Combat Flip Flops website

Bottle Breacher

Founded by former Navy Seal, Eli Crane and his wife Jen in Arizona, Bottle Breacher brought recycled, authentic decommissioned .50 caliber bottle breachers to the masses. These bottle openers are some of the coolest bottle openers on the planet! Designs are themed around everything from military branches and first responder themes to groomsman & bridesmaid gifts, Father’s Day, American Flags, US states, hunting and fishing, to customized designs. The company has expanded to offer even more gear and apparel available for purchase too. Its mission is all driven by giving back and supporting Military and Veteran Non-Profits, including America’s Mighty Warriors (AMW), Vet Tix, Joggin’ for Frogmen, Wishes for Warriors, and many more. Percentage of product sales go to support the Non-Profits and are all mentioned on its website for where purchases help fund the various organizations. In addition to its own line of merchandise, Bottle Breacher partners with Law Enforcement Today, Ever Onward, VFW, and others to offer additional products supporting the efforts, work, and community of military, law enforcement, and veterans. Be sure to check them out! Photo Credit: Bottle Breacher website

Sandboxx

Sandboxx is one of those service-providing companies that is just awesome. SandBoxx offers a few things to keep families in the military community connected. First, the App allows loved ones to write letters like writing emails to their loved ones on base from their mobile phones, but the App then sends the message for print and mails out for delivery to the military base where family members are stationed. Instead of loved ones lagging through the process of sending thoughts and prayers to their family members first on paper, then to post office, and then finally arriving to their loved ones, Sandboxx takes care of it all, and as frequently as you want. You even receive a tracking link so you know when letters arrive. Servicemen can write back too with branch-specific reply stationery. It also provides a service for sending Biblical versus to recruits at different intervals too. New recruits always know they are being thought of while away at basic training. In addition to the APP, you can also purchase apparel, gift cards, and letter add-ons to send. The website even has a News and Resources area where family members can read up on what happens or what to expect during basic training or military service life in general for all the branches. Anyone needing an easy way to stay connected with their military enlisted or serving family members, Sandboxx is it. Photo Credit: Sandboxx website

Pizzeria Rustica

Pizzeria Rustica was founded in 2008 by David Brackett, a 31-year US Air Force Colonel and Fighter Pilot veteran in 2008. Inspired by Brackett and his wife’s 14 years’ in Europe while serving the military, Brackett brought the authentic taste of a “generations-old neighborhood trattoria in Italy” to Colorado Springs, Colorado. This Neapolitan wood-fired pizzeria, Pizzeria Rustica has been awarded multiple distinctions including Best Pizza and the 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant rating, the highest rated in all of Colorado and the 11th in all of the United States. For visitors, it is the rustic wood-fired pizzas that are its claim to fame. Pizzeria Rustica makes its dough every day using flour imported from Italy, San Marzano tomatoes sourced from the base of Mount Vesuvius near Naples, yeast from off the coast of Naples, and uses sea salt in its recipes. And the mozzarella. The mozzarella gets stretched to a soft, silky consistency every day from fresh curd brought in from Wisconsin daily. For ingredients not sourced from Italy, they only buy local to ensure the freshest ingredients are always used across the menu. If you are interested in taking your tastebuds to an authentic Italian trattoria while in Colorado Springs, this veteran-owned pizzeria is on the itinerary. Photo Credit: Pizzeria Rustica featured on Bring Fido

Sword & Plough

Sword & Plough was founded in 2012 by military family sisters Emily Núñez Cavness and Besty Núñez when Emily, a veteran herself, was participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at Middlebury College. This Denver-based company utilizes military surplus material of leather, fabric, and hardware to create high-quality, fashionable bags, totes, work and travel bags, and jewelry. The sisters grew up in a military family at West Point and the entire company is structured around supporting the military, veterans, and military-focused charitable organizations and causes across every aspect of the business. From employing veterans to repurposing military surplus for their products, donating 10% of its profits to veteran organizations such as Got Your 6 and Team Red, White & Blue, and strengthening civil-military understanding, Sword & Plough is truly making an impact for veterans and military causes at a global level. Products are available on their website, its Denver showroom, various retailers, and through its Brand Managers. Photo Credit: Sword & Plough featured on Wide Open Country

The Virginia Tea Company

The Virginia Tea Company was borne out of Army veteran and founder Marisa Lightfoot’s vision, passion, and love for tea which became her calling to share the benefits of tea with Americans who are not as avid tea drinkers as the rest of the world, alongside the necessity to ensure the teas and herbs she would use, were all Fair Trade. This veteran-owned business sources USDA organic local herbs for a truly “farm to tea cup” experience, while other tea leaves not available in the US are certified Fair Trade. The Virginia Tea Company is one of only a few, nationally certified Fair Trade companies in the USA, and as stated on its website, the company is the only one based in Virginia. Tea brews and blends are available for purchase online and through a selection of retailers you can find on its website. Photo Credit: The Virginia Tea Company on Pinterest

Alpha Charlie’s Tap & Tavern

Located in Centennial, Colorado, Alpha Charlie’s Tap & Tavern has become a staple watering hole and eatery for the residents and working crews around Centennial, Englewood, and Parker. Opened in July of 2020, this local business owned by Ron House is veteran-owned and veteran-operated offering a great selection of 28 draft beers and assortment of bottled and canned beers. And the food, wow. This is not-your-typical Sports Bar menu offering everything that is All-American while standing out from the competition with burgers on brioche, to-die-for sandwiches, street tacos, as well as the crispiest chicken wings and tenders on the planet (no joke!), as well as salads, soups, delicious entrees, and so much more. The staff and atmosphere create the best easy-going meeting spot in the area, and your game will definitely be showing on one of the 30 flat screen TVS. Whether getting a bite indoors enjoying the comfortable seating or taking a load off outside on the massive patio, you are sure to have a great time at this Colorado local tap & tavern! A HighCom staff favorite! Photo Credit: Alpha Charlie’s Tap & Tavern website

Launch Pad Brewery

US Air Force veterans David Levesque and Henry Rusch opened Launch Pad Brewery in 2015 in Aurora, Colorado after their stationing at Buckley Air Force Base turned them into lifelong friends. It’s “Craft beer is our rocket fuel” mantra truly is representative to the owners and staff’s passion and love for the brew one experiences when visiting this brewery. The beer recipes are some of the most unique flavors around, with blends of blueberries, dragon fruit, Michigan sweet cherries, and even peppermint extract available among brews and ales on its current menu. For people who go the more traditional route for their brews, Launch Pad Brewery offers IPAs, American red ales, brown ales, wheat beers, Irish and Belgian style brews, and stouts, as well as traditional German-style Kölsch beers. Don’t take this short list as the end-all though. Just like any truly remarkable brewery, there is a lengthy choice of brews to flavor and of course, the menu changes often. Photo Credit: Launch Pad Brewery website

Here’s Some Trivia for You! Some of the leading USA corporations were veteran-founded and led including:

• FedEx – Founder Frederick Smith served four years in the Marine Corps
• Sports Clips – Founder Gordon Logan and his wife. Logan served in the Air Force
• Sperry Shoes – Founder Paul A. Sperry joined the Navy Reserve then invented the world’s first boat shoe
• RE/MAX – Co-founder Dave Liniger and his wife. Liniger served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War
• Walmart – Founders Walton brothers, Sam and Bud, served in the Army and Navy
• GoDaddy – Founder Bob Parson served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War
• Nike – Co-founder Phil Knight enlisted in the Army, serving one year on active duty and seven in the Army Reserve
• Universal Health Services – Founder Alan B. Miller joined ROTC while in college and served in the Army afterward
• Amway – Co-founder Richard DeVos served in the Army Air Corps during WWII
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company – Founder Jack Taylor, a decorated Navy pilot, served in WWII

Interested in finding more Veteran-Owned Businesses to Support?

Visit VeteranOwnedBusiness.com for a robust directory on veteran-owned companies or you can try searching on BuyVeteran.com to find veteran-owned businesses to support. Both directories include listings from all around the country.

For more information about HighCom Armor and our products, please contact [email protected] or call 614.500.3065.