2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Military Families

Gift Guide

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Growing up, my family was big on tradition. In fact, for about 30 years, my Christmas looked and felt pretty much the same — from eating the same meal each Christmas Eve to opening gifts in the same order, from youngest to oldest.

However, since marrying my husband (a Navy pilot), no Christmas has been the same.

This upcoming holiday will be my seventh as a military spouse. During that time, we’ve spent Christmases with friends, with family, in Tokyo (make sure to check out Crystal Kupper’s story on OCONUS holiday traditions), on the beach in Hawaii and as parents for the first time.

The thing that has remained consistent each holiday, though, is the support we’ve experienced from this military community. A few tears were shed that first Christmas I spent away from my home state, but military friends who became more like family lifted my spirits.

That’s why when shopping this holiday season, consider making your purchases at militaryconnected businesses, supporting the community that’s supported you through deployments, PCS nightmares and more. Military Families Magazine teamed up with The Rosie Network to introduce you

to veteran, military and militaryspouse entrepreneurs.

While putting this holiday gift guide together, I learned about several small businesses I was unfamiliar with and added (more than) a few of their products to my holiday shopping list. Between accessories, home decor, coffee and clever inventions, you’re sure to find something for everyone.

In addition to our holiday business directory, you’ll find fun, helpful and uplifting holiday content. Don’t miss the story on NORAD and its volunteers who track Santa’s journey each Christmas Eve!

If you need inspiration for a holiday menu, Air Force spouse Amy Pottinger, a finalist on Food Network Star, cooked up an entire day’s worth of recipes sure to impress friends, family or both.

Speaking of support, whether you’re in a position to provide help to others or you find yourself needing financial support this holiday season, we’re connecting you with

organizations and nonprofits that provide military families the help they need to make the season a little brighter.

Happy shopping and happy holidays!

TEAL YOST Associate Editor, Military Families Magazine

ON THE COVER

Emma Comery

Nikki Davidson

Crystal Kupper

Rachel Morgan

Amy Pottinger

contributors

From left: Tricia Ross, Rachael Medlin, Leona Sublett, Stephanie Brown, Jennifer Jordan and Lura Poggi from The Rosie Network. For more on the nonprofit organization that promotes the entrepreneurial efforts of our nation’s veterans and military, see page 12. Photo by Kerry L Photography.

by Amy Pottinger

Santa is on the military’s radar

BY RACHEL MORGAN

Santa and his elves aren’t the only ones who bring Christmas magic to living rooms across the globe. For more than 65 years, the team at NORAD (North American Aerospace Command) has helped people worldwide follow along as the big guy makes his deliveries. NORAD Tracks Santa (NTS) has become a special part of the Christmas season for the families that use it to watch St. Nick’s progress and the volunteers who get to be a part of the wonder of Christmas for believers worldwide.

Every year NORAD has 1,600 volunteers answering more than 125,000 phone calls, 2,000 emails, and thousands of messages through their various other interfaces from children eagerly wanting to know where Santa is and when he will arrive at their chimney. Many volunteers feel they get as much joy out of the experience as the children and young-at-heart with whom they interact.

When her husband was stationed at Peterson Air Force base in Colorado Springs, Karen Hoagland made it a

priority to snag one of the coveted volunteer shifts, answering phone calls from around the world. One such call came from a boy who lived in Michigan. When told Santa had already passed through his area, he became dismayed because there were not yet any presents under his tree. Hoagland reassured him, “Santa could come back, but only if he and his sister were in bed. He said he was going to bed right then!”

If they ever return to Colorado, Hoagland says she’ll happily volunteer again to experience the joy

Several volunteers have the ability to speak different languages to help with calls from around the globe during NORAD Tracks Santa. Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow.

that comes from being a part of the Christmas magic.

“It was the absolute best way to spend Christmas Eve when you don’t have kiddos of your own!”

In addition to heightening the excitement about Santa’s impending visits, many families find creative ways to use NTS. It can become a fun, impromptu geography lesson, utilizing the website feature that allows users to select cities Santa has recently visited and read facts about each place. Others use it to feel connected

during a deployment or after a move, reassuring kids that Santa’s sleigh won’t skip their friends and family members living far away.

ER nurse Emily Ross Koch found a unique use for NTS during her Christmas shifts. She used the tracker to soothe the nerves of children worried about spending the holiday at the hospital.

“One Christmas Eve, we had a little boy who was there getting stitches and was so worried he wouldn’t make it home before Santa got there to put cookies out,” she said. “He made it home in time, but we checked it the whole time he was there. His mom was so thankful.”

Koch also used the system to show children not lucky enough to be discharged by Christmas Eve that Santa had made it to their house while they were away. Her own family uses it to help navigate Christmas Eve bedtime hesitance.

“They know when he’s in South America, they’d better be asleep!“ she said.

Air Force Col. Harry Shoup inadvertently started the mission in 1955 when he answered a misdirected call at NORAD from a child who believed she was calling Santa. Shoup assured her that he and his coworkers would track Santa’s progress to ensure he didn’t run into trouble as he made his deliveries. Since that year, NORAD has reported on Santa’s journey, allowing children to nestle safely in their beds on Dec. 24, confident that the reindeer and their precious cargo will soon arrive in their hometowns.

Starting Dec. 1, the noradsanta.org site is up and running, offering games and other content in anticipation of Dec. 24, when Santa takes off on his adventure.

Just as the toys made in Santa’s workshop have kept up with technology, so too has NORAD’s tracking interface. His journey can be followed through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Amazon Alexa, as well as the official website, noradsanta.org and the phone line, 1-877-HINORAD.

2019 NORAD Tracks Santa Operation Center on Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow.

Redline Steel offers Made in USA, customizable gifts for everyone

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER

Certain things are written in steel for former Army Staff Sgt. Colin Wayne — like the way an American business should be run and how its workers and customers should be treated.

Wayne is the CEO and founder of Redline Steel, a Huntsville, Alabama, maker of home décor like customized signs, ornaments, flags and apparel. He found early success as an Army police officer and fitness model but opened Redline in 2016 after seeing a customized steel baseball silhouette he liked.

“I credit the military in shaping my ability to lead others,” said the married father of three. “A good leader leads from the front — not by micromanaging every small facet, but by encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to march onwards despite the occasional failure.”

A quick look at Redline’s numbers shows there haven’t been many failures. Wayne’s company has sold well over five million products and employs 100 workers, earning Redline the distinction of fastest-growing Alabama business in 2020. The year of COVID also gave Wayne the opportunity to put his principles of “people first” in action; he paid his employees’ April house payments — many of them veterans.

“I vividly remember going to the grocery store during the early days of the pandemic, thinking, ‘I know my family and I will be ok if anything happened, but what about the everyday worker who may not have the means to support their family?’” Wayne said. “I wanted to not only alleviate the stress caused by COVID-19, but also challenge other business owners to take a similar

stance and truly put people over profit.”

Redline made national headlines when President Trump purchased a customized steel flag from the company in 2019. But Wayne isn’t content to stop there; his 2022 plans include expanding from a direct-toconsumer model to an additional, “hyper-focused” direct-to-merchant channel. Wayne hopes to motivate retailers to carry Redline products both online and in stores nationwide.

But before that comes the winter and Christmas seasons, in which Redline is offering ornaments, wall hangings, hoodies and decorative steel scrolls. Plenty of items can be customized, and themes run from faith and pets to sports and kids.

“There’s something for everyone!” said Wayne, who has multiple Redline products in his house. “With every product 100% Made in the USA, affordable prices, and qualityassurance with every order, customers can trust that Redline will provide superior satisfaction by delivering the most meaningful and memorable gift this holiday season.”

OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP

The story behind the hit Netflix holiday film

BY EMMA COMERY

In 2020, Netflix brought us a brand new holiday movie, “Operation Christmas Drop,” Hollywood’s twinkling rom-com version of the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift operation. This holiday season, we’re bringing you the real story behind the film, the mission, and the remarkable service members who make it happen.

The story of Operation Christmas Drop didn’t originate in the writers’ room of a multi-billion dollar production company, but in the cockpit of a B-29 Superfortress. In 1952, an aircrew flying over the islands of Micronesia noticed a group of islanders waving at them from one of the beaches. Kapingamarangi is a 272-acre island 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. A literal blip on the map. As the story goes, the aircrew was so moved by the spirit of the season that they dropped a bundle of supplies down to the islanders via parachute.

A tradition was born.

Seventy years later, Operation Christmas Drop is a fixture in the DOD’s airdrop training schedule and humanitarian outreach efforts. To date, the mission has delivered over 55,000 pounds of critical supplies to approximately 20,000 people across 56 Micronesian islands.

Netflix certainly got many of the mission’s central facts correct — the operation does fly out of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Capt. Dan Mumford, a C-130 pilot who flies down from his duty station in Japan to contribute to the mission, walks us through exactly how the Air Force

partners with local civilians and organizations to make this mission of holiday kindness happen.

Operation Christmas Drop serves as a valuable training mission for pilots and aircrew honing their airdrop skills, which is essential to the Air Force’s goal of being constantly ready to respond to humanitarian, disaster, or wartime needs anywhere in the Indo-Asian Pacific region. But what makes Operation Christmas Drop doubly important is the opportunity it provides the Air Force to participate in cooperative training alongside regional allies like Japan,

Australia and New Zealand.

“For many of us,” Mumford shared, “this is an Air Force operation similar to the many missions we run a year.”

The C-130J is often used for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions that rely on airlift and airdrops. But Operation Christmas Drop holds a special place in the hearts of airmen for its unparalleled history and tradition. December 2021 will mark the 70th anniversary of the drop.

“That’s 70 years of training with our Pacific partners,” Mumford points out. “70 years of showcasing our capabilities, and, most importantly, 70 years of supporting the longestrunning humanitarian effort in the Air Force.

“The thing that really got me was when I was told the children on these islands don’t believe Santa Claus flies a magical sleigh; he flies a C-130. They look up and see our aircraft and believe they’re looking at Santa Claus.”

Though the costs of the mission — flight hours, fuel, maintenance, etc. — are federally-funded, and

the humanitarian side is entirely volunteer-run. Without the generosity of the local communities, “we wouldn’t have the supplies to drop,” Mumford said. “Local businesses donate food and hardware by the tons. Families volunteer their time to pack and build the boxes.”

The drop only delivers to islands that wish to participate and includes items specifically requested by the islanders — fishing lines, mosquito nets, lamps and fuel, medical supplies, rice, and educational materials. “After the goods are sorted, riggers from Yokota [Air Base] and Andersen volunteers build dozens of boxes to hold the materials.”

“We try to bring a bit of the Christmas tradition by adding a few toys and candies to the bundles we drop,” Mumford added. The islands Mumford and his crew deliver supplies to are the very definition of remote, and they often go four to five months without a visit from the boats that make supply runs. “This is the biggest day of the year for them. It is the largest resupply they’ll get in the year and it truly is Christmas when we fly over.”

Maj. Joseph Spitz, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot and the 69th annual Operation Christmas Drop mission commander, waves the shaka at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Photo by Senior Airman Amir R. Young.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Arcega, a loadmaster with the 36th Airlift Squadron, looks across the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules after a low-cost, low-altitude airdrop during Operation Christmas Drop. Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel.

Santa’s workshop sleighs holiday blues for military families in need

BY NIKKI DAVIDSON

Just weeks before Christmas, Army wife Leacey Reyes felt defeated and powerless.  Her husband was 5,000 miles away on a deployment while she and their three young children were back in Fort Hood, Texas. He enlisted in the Army to provide a better quality of life for their kids, but he had only been serving for two years.

She faced the harsh reality that their money wouldn’t stretch far enough to buy the kids Christmas gifts.

“(He) had just left at the time,” Reyes remembered. “We were still going through the ‘I miss Dad’ phase. I felt bad because they weren’t even going to get presents now.”

Her husband applied for help through the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop. The nonprofit program helps provide toys to military kids for the holidays.

“He told me that we qualified, and told me to go there and pick up some gifts,” Reyes said. At the time, she assumed she’d get handed a few stocking stuffers. She walked out of the workshop with her arms full of much more. “My girls got big toy houses, they got dolls, strollers, like when I’m saying a lot of stuff, they got a lot of stuff,” she emphasized.

The surprise came as a huge relief to Reyes. All she had to do was purchase gift wrap to give her kids the happiest holiday she could with their father away.

“When they got the presents, it kind of filled that void a little bit,” Reyes said. “They still missed Daddy, but they had the moment of happiness when they woke up in the morning and had presents.”

Personal stories like Reyes’ make Fort

Hood Santa’s Workshop president Chella Stokoe emotional.

“We’ve had some families that have come through that have really just touched me throughout the years,” said Stokoe through tears. “I will never forget them.”

Stokoe knows what military life is like for kids — her husband has served in the Army for 24 years, and her family has experienced 14 moves.

“They’re always trying to play catchup no matter how good of a student they are,” said Stokoe of military kids. “They’re always trying to play catch up with friends, or their standings, or what placement they are in high school.”

A love of Christmas and a desire to help people led Stokoe to start volunteering for the nonprofit a few years ago. She worked as an elf in the workshop, guiding parents through the aisles of donated items.

“We would pick out toys, and the parents would say, ‘You’re giving me too many,’ and I would say, ‘No, no, this one child gets all of this, and we’re going to do this over again for each of your kids,’” she said. “I saw the sheer happiness that they were able to do something like this.”

Santa and his elves prepare for a busy season inside the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop.

‘Santa Dave’ has volunteered for the workshop for 17 years and attends all of the Fort Hood workshop fundraisers and events.

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Operation Homefront Toy Drive: (https://operationhomefront. org/holiday-toy-drive/)

Operation Homefront partners with Dollar Tree to support military families during the holidays. Dollar Tree stores set out donation bins in stores in November and December to collect toys and gift cards.

Solider’s Angels: (https://soldiersangels.org/ holiday-adopt-a-family/)

The Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family program helps businesses, organizations and individuals support qualified military and veteran families that could use some help providing a holiday celebration for their families. Eligible families will receive (at minimum) gifts for each child and a grocery gift card to put toward a holiday meal.

The program is open to families of deployed service members, families of Post 9-11 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.

Toys for Tots: (https://www.toysfortots.org)

Marine Toys for Tots collects new unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children at Christmas. Toy applications are accepted and managed by local chapters throughout the country.

Trees for Troops:: (https://www. christmasspiritfoundation.org)

Individuals buy a fresh Christmas tree and donate it to provide free trees to military families. The trees are picked up and delivered to a base. Trees for Troops has delivered more than 262,000 trees to service members in the last 16 years.

Finding joy in a tough year

Santa’s Workshop has grown in popularity since it started as a fundraiser for a single unit at the base in 1998. It now makes assistance available to all of the units at Fort Hood, consisting of about 65,000 soldiers and family members.

According to Stokoe, nearly 900 families submitted applications to the program this year, and most of them have multiple children. That means Santa’s Workshop is planning to provide gifts for more than 2,000 kids for the holiday season.

Many families who have applied for assistance are up against unique financial stressors this year. A large number of military spouses have experienced unemployment, while some families have struggled with increased costs associated with PCSing. Housing shortages have forced some to spend more than their BAH on rent or mortgages, while others struggled to come up with the money for month-long hotel stays while waiting for a place to live to become available.

“A lot of them have trouble asking for help,” said Stokoe. “No one likes to ask for help, no one likes to admit that you

know, they’re unable to provide for their families. But they’re not asking for themselves; they’re being an amazing parent because they’re asking for their children.”

Funding for the program comes from private donors and grants from businesses and foundations. Military units also organize ruck marches and donate toys. Not only that, volunteers are eager to help out in Santa’s Workshop and return year after year.

“You just can’t help but be happy in Santa’s Workshop,” said Martha Honeycutt, who volunteered as an elf last year during a socially distanced version of the event. “Family members come to meet these representatives and pick up these items. They’re just joyful, thankful, smiling, and happy; it’s just an infectious environment to be part of.”

It’s now been three years since Leacey Reyes first felt hopeless during the holidays. She’s used the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop program every year since and recommends it to anyone in a similar situation.

“To us, the military has been a blessing in disguise,” said Reyes. “This program honestly is a life-saver.”

A typical annual inventory in Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop consists of more than 100,000 toys, 3,600 books and 3,600 games.

The Rosie Network: supporting military entrepreneurs into 2022 and beyond

Nonprofit organization The Rosie Network will roll out new business networking platforms for military entrepreneurs in 2022.

As The Rosie Network turns 10 in 2022, the brand plans to celebrate in a big way — with a year of featuring graduate success stories on their social media platforms. But the fun doesn’t end there. Through a series of new efforts — in person and virtual — the nonprofit will advance what they’ve always done: help military-connected entrepreneurs through certified courses.

Regardless of where a person is in their career, they can find resources at The Rosie Network, said Lura Poggi, National Director of Education and Training. From founder curious, to established and making a profit, their certified programs provide intensive, achievable ways for members to learn. From the basics to learning about the legal ramifications of starting a business to gaining help with how to scale, Poggi said the courses are structured and come with accountability, allowing the member to succeed.

Their courses offer structured curriculum, with a timeline that can be sped up or lengthened based on the

entrepreneur’s availability.

“As entrepreneurs, we don’t have anybody telling us we have to get this done by x date. If I miss a deadline, I’ll make a new one,” Poggi said. “Instead, being within the community of military-connected entrepreneurs, you not only feel responsibility to yourself, but to others in your community — a little more pressure to get things done.”

The Service2CEO program is dedicated to those who have been in business for at least three years and allows the help to scale.

“It’s that pivotal point when you’re making revenue and you know who your market is, but the leap to the next level is scary,” Poggi said. The module program ends with an “intensive business assessment process that will leave you poised and with a road map to scale.”

Additional programs, including a virtual Kidpreneurs Camp, which is open to military kids in middle school and high school, which will take place during the summer.

Speed networking events, Rosie Connects, will take place twice a year. Members can attend the virtual event

to connect with mentors and other entrepreneurs across the country and even internationally.

Meanwhile, in-person networking events will be held in each of Rosie’s six regions in the summer of 2022.

The network also hosts specific programs for Wounded Warriors and Elizabeth Dole Fellows.

“We give them the tool kit that they need so they can find success,” said Tricia Ross, Social Media, Marketing & Community Relations at The Rosie Network.

As a nonprofit organization, all of their courses are free to the militaryconnected community, including active-duty members, veterans and spouses. Donations and sponsorships make it all possible.

Rosie offers ongoing help through mentors, volunteers, sponsors, annual awards and grants, and their active alumni community. The resources don’t end with the program, Poggi said. “We continue to educate and support.”

To learn more about their programs, head to www.therosienetwork.org or e-mail contact@therosienetwork.org.

OCONUS FAMILIES EXPERIENCE UNIQUE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER

Military families stationed outside the United States have unique opportunities to discover new holiday traditions in their host countries. Read on to learn about the fun ways our overseas service members and their families get to celebrate around the globe.

United Kingdom

Air Force spouse Bekah Young and her husband, Master Sgt. Jason Young, were stationed at RAF Lakenheath for several years. They welcomed the opportunity to learn about and participate in British traditions like Christmas crackers (long decorated tubes containing a small gift that make a popping sound when pulled apart) and pantomime theater (special plays happening only during the holidays with audience involvement). They also made sure to enjoy local holiday fare, including mulled wine and mince pies (a combination of dried fruit and spices).

“We loved England and were very excited to try all the new traditions. It just became natural to us,” Young said. “It was important to us to take part in the traditions in our new country because we wanted to fully embrace what England had to offer.”

The Netherlands

If you’re stationed at Volkel Air Base in Holland, listen for Hoornblazen, handcrafted horns blown at the beginning of Advent to announce the birth of Christ. Similar to other European nations, the Dutch also celebrate St. Nicholas Eve, or Sinterklaas Avond. But the celebration actually begins in November, when Sinterklaas (a completely different figure from Santa Claus) arrives on a steamship from Madrid, Spain. Parades, choirs, children’s parties and church bells greet his arrival.

Germany

In Deutschland, it’s all about the end-of-the-year shopping! Master Sgt. Patrick Gaudet and his family spent many happy hours perusing the Christkindlesmarkts, outdoor holiday bazaars featuring handmade items and local foods.

“We had the unique opportunity to spend so many years in Europe that it just felt natural to partake in the local customs,” said Natalie Gaudet, Patrick’s wife. Those customs also included St. Nicholas Day, where children set their boots by the front door on Dec. 5 to receive treats in the morning. Gaudet’s children “are anxious to see their boots and hope there are gifts rather than a lump of coal from Krampus!” Natalie said.

Spain

How quickly can you eat 12 grapes? If you’re stationed in Spain and are hoping for a lucky year ahead, it had better be by the time the clock finishes chiming at midnight! Spaniards ring in the New Year by eating one grape for every chime of the clock. Perhaps you’ll get incredibly lucky the following year and win “El Gordo,” or the national lottery! Nearly everyone in Spain participates each Christmas season, with the winning numbers being announced on TV by a choir of school children on Dec. 22. The cash prizes total more than 2 billion Euros!

Japan

In Japan, the U.S. restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken is the Christmas meal of choice. In fact, Dec. 24 is by far the busiest day of the year for KFC locations in Japan. No one is entirely sure why, said Marine Corps spouse Melissa Duncan. Rumor has it that KFC employers overheard Americans looking for a turkey replacement for holiday dinners, and a brilliant marketing plan was born.

“They have special holiday meal sets that you must order in advance — like a month or so in advance. It’s sometime in November!” Duncan said. “But they have special Christmas chicken sets,

and the top tier ones usually sell out.”

Last year, Duncan forgot to order in time, meaning that they had to settle for a “mid-tier” KFC party bucket. But she said she’s on top of her game this year, having already pre-ordered the most popular Christmas dinner set that comes with a special cake and even a commemorative plate. Talk about fancy — KFC in Japan even sells champagne with its holiday dinners.

South Korea

Seollal, or Lunar New Year’s Day, is an important day on the Korean calendar. Falling on Feb. 1 in 2022, Seollal involves paying respect to elders, performing ancestral rites, enjoying dishes like Tteokguk (soup made with sliced rice cakes), playing a board game called Yut Nori and exchanging friendly greetings.

Peru

December is a great excuse to join with friends and neighbors for a cup of hot chocolate, but in Peru, it’s an official social gathering called chocolatada. Most Peruvians attend a Catholic Mass on Christmas Eve called Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster. Jesus’ birth often takes center stage in this South American nation, with nativity scenes sometimes taking up entire living rooms. The manger remains empty until midnight on Christmas Eve when a member of the family (often the youngest child) will place the baby Jesus figure in its proper place. It’s not all sweet scenes, however — Dec. 25 also marks the day of Takanakuy (“to hit each other”), when people settle disputes!

So wherever you’re based this holiday season, try something new. Your family may discover a tradition to take with you and continue, long after you’ve left the duty station.

Hair accessories highlight a woman’s authentic self

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER

“There’s never enough hours in the day, but it’s worth it because I have the mental freedom of having my own company,” Caines said. “I’m happy to get out of bed and start the day.”

Most of Caines’ products are sourced and made in Senegal. Each vivid pattern is named after a friend or relative, and new ones rotate in constantly. Caines works as her own model, too, wearing a Queen of Spades item (or two) every day.

For as long as Capt. Monifa Caines can remember, people have had opinions about her hair. Through her years as a military nurse and then in corporate America, she tried to make her African-American locks stay flat and fit so she did not draw unwanted comments. That often meant chemical relaxers, frequently leading to burns and hair loss.

After she left the Air Force, Caines let her hair grow without chemical interference. In that vein, she searched for accessories that would work for her hair texture but found nothing. So, in 2019, Queen of Spades was born in her Silver Spring, Maryland, home. She now sells head wraps, head bands, hair ties, wider hair pins, totes and masks.

“We are changing the narrative at Queen of Spades,” Caines said. “We’re going to be proud and change the narrative of what’s beautiful.”

Given that Queen of Spades is a one-woman show, “we” refers to the community of women surrounding and supporting Caines and her business.

So far, the strategy is working, especially after Queen of Spades expanded from products aimed only at women of color to all ethnicities and hair textures. Close to 1,000 items have sold — and Caines has a 2022 goal of hitting 10,000. With their polka dots and striking red or black color, the Rosie (red) and Pearl (black) headbands are her current favorite products.

Next up for Queen of Spades: partnering with cancer charities to help cancer survivors feel beautiful with gorgeous headwraps and coverings. Caines also is kicking off beauty workshops where she shows women of all ethnicities how to add pops of color to their “hairdrobes.”

“I have something for everyone that will highlight who they are and their authentic selves,” Caines said. “I want to create options that make it hard for you to decide what to buy.”

Shop

A former Air Force nurse-turned-entrepreneur is helping women feel beautiful from the tops of their heads on down.

Around the clock

BY AMY POTTINGER

Holiday food is the best food. Not only is it deliciously elevated, but calories don’t count at Christmas! In case you were fretting about what to serve for your holiday feast, I have you covered from sunup to sundown with brunch, dinner and dessert.

For brunch, I have a holiday classic that we do every year at my home: a Dutch Baby. We love to switch it up with caramelized apples, pears and a variety of fruits. This Christmas, we are going with the holiday classic flavors of orange and cranberry.

Dutch Baby

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 cup milk

2 blood oranges, zest and juice

salt, a pinch

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

4 tablespoons butter

2 cups fresh cranberries

5.3 ounces dried candied oranges

Instructions

1. In a large blender, combine the milk, flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, zest and juice of two blood oranges and maple syrup and blend until smooth.

2. Place a cast-iron skillet into your oven and allow it to heat up at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or so.

3. Add butter, cranberries and chopped-up candied oranges to the hot butter.

4. Carefully stir for 1-2 minutes.

5. Pour the batter into the hot castiron skillet.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees and cook for 15 minutes.

7. Serve with pure maple syrup or freshly made whipped cream.

Okay, your tummy has been satisfied; you have opened your presents and are going to regroup. There is nothing better than putting a bunch of ingredients into one large baking dish, forgetting about it for enough time to allow for a nap and a brisk afternoon walk, and then pulling it out just in time to be a dinner hero. This slow-cooked, elevated pot roast is easy enough for anyone to make and will satisfy a crowd of people.

Pot Roast

Ingredients

5 pound roast

1 bottle red wine

16 ounces beef broth

.75 ounces fresh thyme

10 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 shallot, coarsely chopped

3 stalks celery, cut into 3-inch pieces

3 bay leaves

1/4 cup peppercorns

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons baby or fingerling potatoes

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch Oven and cook at 300 degrees for 4-5 hours.

2. Carefully remove the meat and the potatoes from the Dutch Oven.

3. Strain the other ingredients from the broth in a sieve.

4. Reduce the broth on high for 30 minutes or so, and pour over the meat when ready to serve.

5. It is entirely optional, but I like to drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt, and broil them for 3-4 more minutes. They are already cooked through but this extra step adds a bit of texture/char.

Butter Caper Carrots

Ingredients

2 pounds petite rainbow carrots  1/2 cup butter, divided 8-10 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 tablespoons butter

3.5 ounces capers  salt, to taste red pepper flakes, to taste 3-4 tablespoons sherry

Instructions

1. Melt 1/4-cup butter into a large pan.

2. Cut the carrots lengthwise from top to bottom and add them to the pan.

3. Turn the heat to high on the burner and allow the carrots to brown, stirring them every 3 minutes or so.

4. When the carrots have been in the pan for about 10 minutes total, transfer them to a plate while you cook the garlic and capers.

5. Add the rest of the butter, and turn the heat down low.

6. Add your chopped garlic and capers and cook until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).

7. Add the carrots back into the pan and return the heat to mediumhigh. Add salt and red pepper flakes to taste.

8. Deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of sherry and serve with the pot roast and potatoes.

At last, we have dessert. Everyone loves a good dessert. So often we stick with the traditional chocolate or pumpkin. As much as I love a good chocolate tart (trust me, I have many on my blog), sometimes I like to switch it up. Mulled spices and warm wine scream holidays to me. I encourage you to try out this recipe for red wine poached pears with a sweetened red wine reduction and a cinnamon mascarpone cream — it’s definitely a crowd pleaser.

Wine Poached Pears

Ingredients

3 cups red wine

3/4 cup sugar

1 blood orange, sliced

4 cinnamon sticks

7 cloves

1 tablespoon vanilla

4 pears, peeled and halved

2 cans blood orange San Pellegrino

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except for the pears into a small pot. Allow them to come to a low boil.

2. Once the poaching liquid is ready, peel the pears and cut them in half lengthwise.

3. Poach in the liquid for 20-30 minutes.

4. Reduce the liquid for another 2030 minutes until it becomes more syrup-like in texture.

For the Cinnamon Mascarpone Cream:

32 ounces mascarpone

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1. Allow the mascarpone to reach room temperature.

2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the powdered sugar and cinnamon.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup sugared almonds

10-15 gingersnaps

Plate by spooning the red wine reduction into a shallow bowl. Add a scoop of the mascarpone and a poached pear. Finally, add the crumble.

There you go … an entire day’s-worth of recipes with fantastic holiday flavors. Now you just need to come up with cocktails!

1. Pulse these ingredients in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped.

Army spouse’s book and plushie bear set combats sleepless nights

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER

Sleep deprivation is known for its negative effects — but in the case of Army wife Colleen Marchi, it led to the creation of a successful small business.

Magical Order of Brave Knights is a get-kids-to-sleep kit that includes a cuddly 15-inch plushie bear dressed in knight attire, a blue or pink flashlight with eight images to shine into scary corners, and a 28-page hardcover storybook introducing Sir William and his Brave Knights. The Knights help children conquer their nighttime anxieties and (hopefully) rest unaided.

“Sleep is a universal need, but sometimes it can be so challenging to achieve,” said Marchi, a mother of three. “When I hear a mom tell me that their special needs child has slept through the night or been able to go to the doctor or dentist [because of Brave Knights], it brings me such joy.”

That joy came from years of struggle. When her son Cooper was 4, he began imagining monsters and couldn’t sleep. Marchi and her husband, retired Col. Rob Marchi, became desperate. They eventually

gave him a stuffed animal and called him Sir William. William would chase away the monsters, they told Cooper, and his Brave Knights would stand guard and protect.

Though it worked and Cooper began sleeping, the tale of the Knights only grew. Marchi officially kicked off Magical Order of Brave Knights in 2019 and has since sold over 700 kits via their website, Spouse-ly and Amazon.

Cooper is now 14 and taller than Marchi, but Sir William and his bear buddies soldier on.

“There were so many times in my sons’ childhood that they lost sleep due to anxiety, separation from their dad during his deployment and other stressinducing transitions that I knew I could create a product to help families enduring similar challenges,” Marchi explained.

Marchi often hears from grateful moms and dads about Sir William’s impact.

One little girl got her ears pierced only after watching Sir William safely get his done first. Another began assigning the Knight light housework at night, since he no longer needed to guard her room.

Sir William has accessories, too, including nightlights and blankets. Marchi plans to expand the line into stores in 2022, as well as write more Brave Knight books.

“I love hearing the success stories and the happy tales of children overcoming their fear and anxiety,” Marchi said. “I also love that I am showing my boys that there is nothing tougher than a mother.”

TOP MILITARY-MADE PURCHASES for all on your list

GIFTS FOR BOOK LOVERS AND LEARNERS

A Word or Two

www.AWordorTwo.us

A Navy spouse author is behind A Word or Two, which provides speaking and content creation services.

Fairy Circle Garden

www.fairycirclegarden.com

Fairy Circle Garden is a veteran and military spouse small business with a goal of sharing their love of gardening. Fairy Circle Garden is a resource for gardeners everywhere.

Ivey League Kids

Learning Decks

www.iveyleaguekids.etsy.com

This small business offers Montessoriinspired learning cards designed to teach children about famous people, places and creations.

Leaping Lumberjacks

www.leapinglumberjacks.com

A children’s book, “Leaping Lumberjacks” was written by Sarah MacElroy, spouse of a combat disabled Army Veteran.

Lessons from Thor

www.lessonsfromthor.com

“Lessons from Thor” is a quick, impactful read about life lessons from a service dog.

List & File

www.listandfile.com

List & File is a military spouseowned business created to help families manage military life with greater confidence and peace of mind through organization.

Magical Order of Brave Knights

www.magicalorderofbraveknights.com

Award-winning product helps children with sleep & anxiety. This kit was designed by a military spouse and mother of three boys who also happens to be a former school counselor.

SOURCED by Styleberry

www.sourcedkits.com

SOURCED is the take-charge woman’s fail-safe resource for leading a home renovation to success. Created by Interior Designer Shawna Percival of Styleberry Creative Interiors, each design kit serves up fresh yet timeless style, quality material selections, and an easy-to-follow renovation guide to help you lead your renovation with ease!

The Languages Corner

www.thelanguagescorner.com

The Languages Corner helps military members, their families and civilians learn the language and understand the culture of the country they are moving to, or are stationed in. Private and group classes are available to adults and children.

Veteran Writing Services

www.believinginhorses.com

Veteran Writing Services

publishes Young Adult books set in a military family setting. Navy veteran Valerie Ormond’s Believing In Horses series has won eight national and international awards including Gold Medals from the Military Writers Society of America.

GIFTS FOR COFFEE FANATICS

Aerial Resupply Coffee

www.aerialresupplycoffee.com

A service-disabled, veteranowned small business (SDVOSB) smallbatch coffee roaster, with a mission of supporting those who support others.

Alpha Coffee

www.alpha.coffee

Alpha Coffee offers subscription service for premium coffee and cocoa products. The business donates a minimum of 10% of profits to sending coffee to deployed troops and supporting charities commited to veterans, community and the betterment of our planet.

Lonesome Rider Coffee

www.lonesomeridercoffee.com

Lonesome Rider Coffee Company is a USMC Veteran owned and family operated business. Rider Coffee Company believes the best tasting drinks must come directly from the earth from organic and or sustainable sources.

Soldier Girl Coffee Company

www.sgcoffee.co

This e-commerce business sells coffee and merchandise with a portion of proceeds donated to veteran programs.

Southern, Sweet & Sassy Coffee

www.southernsweetandsassycoffee.com

Southern, Sweet & Sassy Coffee is a “roast to table” company that is passionate about creating opportunities for connection through an amazing cup of coffee.

Unscripted Roasters

www.unscriptedcoffee.com

Unscripted Roasters is a sustainable and responsibly-sourced coffee roasting company.

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

7 Stitches Boutique

www.7stitchesboutique.com

7 Stitches offers stylish, handcrafted surgical recovery products lovingly designed to provide comfort and convenience during your personal journey back to health.

Ballash Woodworking

www.ballashwoodworks. com/shop

Ballash Woodworking creates custom handcrafted wood designs, including home decor and kitchen items.

Chest Out. Chin Up.

www.eat-the-lemons.shop

Our brand provides quality, inspirational apparel for all those seeking self-care through positive and fun expressions.

Combat Core Fitness

www. Combatcorefit.com

A veteran-owned fitness, nutrition and apparel company providing quality, affordable products and services.

Heart’felt’ Travels

www.facebook.com/ yourheartfelttravels

This small business offers custom embroidery and hand-stitched items that meet your gifting and special occasion needs.

Hoagland Handmade www.hoaglandhandmade. etsy.com

Hoagland Handmade has all of your unique, natural fiber knits for holiday gifting! Choose from eco friendly gifts, local luxuries featuring fibers farmed in the greater DC-Maryland-Virginia region, sustainable gifts using recycled and reclaimed fiber, and more!

Mottainai Creations

www.mottainaicreations.com

Mottainai Creations upcycles vintage and antique Japanese kimonos into women’s and men’s accessories and household decor. Each piece is unique.

Nerissa Alford Designs

www.nerissaalforddesigns.com

This Air Force spouse and artist creates mixed-media art and photography inspired by their military life spent overseas.

O’Connor Woodworking www.ocwwvb.com

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, this former Navy EOD Master Chief creates hand crafted woodworks.

Operation Unbroken

www.operationunbroken.com

Operation Unbroken is a retail store with a focus on selling veteran-owned brands.

Oscar Mike Apparel Company

www.oscarmike.org

“Oscar Mike Apparel Company is a SDVOSB offering authentic, Americanmade apparel. Every purchase helps support the Oscar Mike Foundation, non-profit 501(c)3.“

Otaku Haven

www.otaku-haven.org

Otaku Haven is a one-stop shop for a variety of officially-licensed and affordable anime apparel items, figures, drinks and snacks.

RainCaper

www.raincaper.com

RainCaper designs & creates thoughtfully designed gifts. These include gorgeous and smart travel essentials like chic travel capes, innovative reverse-opening umbrellas, and sueded texting gloves. Or, consider a selection of artfully inspired gifts for entertaining and the home.

Redline Steel

www.redlinesteel.com

Redline Steel makes Made in USA home décor such as customized signs, ornaments, flags and apparel.

Sunset Promos

www.sunsetpromos.net

Sunset Promos specializes in the design and manufacturing of promotional products, made to order items and customized gifts. Sunset Promos provides innovative marketing solutions with quality customer care at a competitive price.

The Christian Dion Collection

www.shopchristiandion.com

The Christian Dion Collection is an exclusive signature apparel line founded on core values: dignity & respect, character, peace & freedom, relationships, communication, leadership & success.

Wallabox

www.mywallabox.com

Wallabox is a cell phone holder you peel and stick to your wall. It allows you to keep your phone in a convenient, safe storage box beside your bed, in office, kitchen, bathroom or anywhere you need to be handsfree.

Warmer Upper

www.mywarmerupper.com

The Warmer Upper is a unique, premium lap throw designed for the seated user. It provides warmth from below and above and comes with a removeable clear, touch-sensitive pouch to hold and manage your mobile devices. Warmer Uppwer is perfect for outdoor sporting events, by the fire pit, at the office or relaxing on the couch.

Wear Your Spirit Warehouse

www.wearyourspiritwarehouse.com

This small business provides advertising specialty items, as well as spirit wear. At Wear Your Spirit Warehouse you can find all the products you need to promote your business, unit, school, team or cause.

GIFTS FOR FOODIES

Blue Magnolia Engagement Strategies

www.bluemagnoliacooking.com

A homestyle catering and event planning company based in Northern Virginia. Blue Magnolia also sells baked-to-order ginger cookies, featuring ground ginger combined with crystallized ginger for a little sweetness, and a slight heat.

Charlie & Echo Winery and Tasting Room

www.charlieandecho.com

Charlie & Echo produces natural wine with 100% local grapes of Southern California.

CW Dressings

www.cwdressings.com/

CW Dressings is a veteranowned small business specializing in unique and flavorful sauces, marinades and salad dressing.

Elevated Oats

www.elevatedoats.com

Elevated Oats is an Alaskan gourmet granola manufacturer.

JB’s Gourmet Spice Blends

www.jbspiceblends.com

JB’s Gourmet Spice Blends creates small-batch gourmet barbecue rubs and seasonings. These products are gluten & MSG-free, and are perfect for anything you can grill, cook or smoke.

Mutts Sauce

www.muttssauce.com

Mutt’s Sauce is an all-purpose, tomato-based specialty sauce. It’s sweet, tangy, with a little bit of heat.

Pacific Northwest Cookie Company

www.pnwcookies.com

Pacific Northwest Cookie Company bakes vegan, gluten-free and soy-free cookies that taste so good, you won’t believe what’s (not) in them!

Patriot BBQ

www.patriotbbqak.com

Patriot BBQ makes and sells homemade BBQ rubs and sauces.

SGT Hart’s BBQ Sauce

www.strongfamilybonds.com

SGT Hart’s BBQ Sauce is a savory blend of quality flavors, herbs & other delicious ingredients. This small business offers premium BBQ sauce for food enthusiasts who enjoy complex & concentrated flavors & enjoy feeling a sense of belonging.

Swagyu Box Co.

www.swagyubox.com

Swagyu Box Co., produces full-blood Japanese Wagyu beef in Center, Texas. Our sustainable farming practices produce highly-marbled, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, delicious Wagyu beef.

The Bold Mariner Brewing Company

www.theboldmariner.com

The Bold Mariner Brewing Company is a veteran-owned and craft brewery in Norfolk, Va. The Bold Mariner tasting room is located in a beautiful building across the street from the Chesepeake Bay.

The Gorilla Cookie Company

www.thegorillacookie.com

The Gorilla Cookie Company creates healthy and delicious protein cookie mixes. These cookies are packed with 20 grams of protein each.

GIFTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

Azricka www.azricka.myshopify.com

Azricka is a boutique style brand that specializes in bassinet sheets and changing pad covers in luxurious fabrics and bright bold designs.

Kids’ Cake Boxes

www.kidscakeboxes.com

Kids’ Cake Boxes cake baking kits provide children an engaging enrichment activity. The kits help to cultivate their creativity and build confidence in the kitchen while delivering families quality, screen-free time together in the heart of the home to bake and make memories.

Military Mommies

www.militarymommies.com/contact/ Military Mommies started with one goal in mind — to provide the best care to moms, and in turn, help moms provide the best care to their babies. This small business offers breast pumps, compression garments and more.

Mygani

www.mygani.com

“Mygani is a lifestyle accessory brand that creates inspirational products for women + girls of color. Mygani’s product line features custom illustrations of black women with naturally curly hair. The company’s mission is to empower women to be confident regardless of their hair texture or complexion.“

Rollors

www.rollors.com

Rollors is an outdoor game which combines bocce ball, bowling and horseshoes. It’s an award-winning and unique game revolutionizing beach and backyard fun for the entire family.

The Wild Brand

www.thewildbrand.com

The Wild Brand is a smallbatch apparel company focused on creating modern “mommy and me” and “daddy and me” styles. Each piece is handcrafted in Texas.

GIFTS FOR MEN

Caisson Shaving Company

www.caisson-shaving.com

Get a barbershop quality shave anywhere life, or Uncle Sam takes you with products from Caisson Shaving Company.

FAST-TARP www.fast-tarp.com

FAST-TARP manufactures and sells premium quality tarps and bungees, all made and sourced in the U.S.A.

Purple Heart Originals

www.purpleheartoriginals.com

Purple Heart Originals designs and produces Custom Ammo Cans from government-issued ammo boxes that were made for and used by the United States Military. Professionally powder coated and digitally printed with personalized designs these make the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for veterans, active-duty military members, and first responders.

South Coast Shaving www.southcoastshaving.com

South Coast Shaving Company is a small, family-owned and operated business located in the heart of San Diego, CA that sells not just grooming products but an experience.

Ziv Products

www.zivproducts.com

Ziv Products is a veteranowned business in the state of Texas that makes 100% organic hair, beard, and skincare products.

GIFTS FOR PETS

K9 Salute www.k9salute.com

K9 Salute is a natural dog treat company that honors and gives back to working K9 heroes.

OkiePaws

www.OkiePaws.com

OkiePaws is a one-stop shop for high-quality dog and cat bandanas made in America. OkiePawks also offers additional pet accessories at affordable prices.

GIFTS FOR WOMEN

Baskets and Beads Kenya

www.basketsandbeadskenya. com

Hand-crafted fair trade jewelry, accessories and household goods made by women in Kenya. Purchases help these artisans get out of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families.

Cultivating Intimacy

www.shopcultivatingintimacy. com

Cultivating Intimacy is an online lingerie store focused on inclusivity.

Dreadnought Designs

www.dreadnoughtllc.etsy.com

Dreadnought Designs sells charming gifts for you, baby and the home. These are high quality, unique, handcrafted fabric items & gifts with a touch of whimsy.

Great Lakes Wreaths

www.m.facebook.com/

GreatLakesWreathsMI/ Great Lakes Wreaths offers handmade designer faux floral wreaths and signs for all occasions.

Lady Vet www.ladyvetusa.com

Lady Vet is on a mission to raise the visibility of female veterans through clothing and accessories designed specifically for women who served.

MadeTreasuristics

www.madetreasuristics.com

MadeTreasuristics offers a selection of quality clothing, jewelry and accessories for women at affordable prices.

MIAH Collection

www.miahcollection.com

This small business sells fair-wage, 100% handmade luxury bags and accessories made by skilled Artisans in Guatemala.

Queen of Spades Style

www.queenofspadesstyle.com

Queen of Spades Style offers beautiful and bold hair accessories for every hair texture, including head wraps, headbands, hats, hair combs and more.

R. Riveter

www.rriveter.com

A canvas and leather handbag company on a mission to support military spouses by providing mobile, flexible income.

Wilco Supply

www.wilcosupplyco.com

WILCO SUPPLY is a lifestyle shop for the military and veteran community, and anyone who loves bold + simple style. The shop offers minimalist style bags and accessories.

GIFTS THAT PAMPER

Aceites de Vida, Inc. www.aceitesdevida3.square. site

A one-stop shop for essential oil storage solutions. Specializing in custom wooden essential oil storage racks and essential oil travel bags for when you’re on the go!

Armyprinncess Collection

www.armyprinncess.com

The Armyprinncess Collection has cultivated a community where women serving in the Armed Forces can find products to help them maintain their femininity while still looking professional. This small business offers makeup, beauty products and accessories.

CHAT Nature’s Skin & Hair Co.

www.chatshco.com

CHAT Nature’s Skin & Hair Company focuses on improving the health and wellness of the skin and hair with natural products.

Embrace Your Tones Beauty

www.embraceurtones.com

Embrace Your Tone Beauty was created to provide innovative and inclusive cosmetic products to build a better tomorrow for our communities and our environment.

Gempire

www.gempirebeauty.com

Gempire offers beauty enhancement products, including magnetic eyelashes and eyeliner.

PerfectScents

www.perfectscentsonline.com

PerfectScents offers an extensive fragrance line specializing in massage oil candles. PerfectScents also sells aromatherapy spa products, including soaps, body butters, room sprays and more.

Quantum Candles

www.quantumcandles.com

Quantum Candles are specifically crafted as a tool to assist you in manifesting your desires.

San Dieguito Candles

www.sandieguitocandles. com

San Dieguito Candles curates scented candles inspired by places in San Diego, California. The small business also specializes in products made from cement, such as coasters, incense holders and more.

Spice Garden Soaps

www.spicegardensoaps.com

Spice Garden Soaps is an online bath and body product shop, featuring all-natural soaps, balms, bombs, waxes, scrubs, and bath products. Spice Garden Soaps believes in natural skincare to help soothe the body, mind and soul.

Sweet Teas Skincare For Your 7th Day

www.foryour7thday.com

A gender-neutral, organic and artisinal skincare line that allows you to experience the rejuvenating qualities of tea.

The Euphoric Palace

www.theeuphoricpalace.com

The Euphoric Palace aims to provide holistic wellness through bath bombs, body butter, body scrubs and black soap.

Zhi Bath and Body

www.zhibathandbody.com

Zhi offers high-quality, handcrafted goat milk skincare products and soy candles.

GIFTS THAT SHOW MILITARY PRIDE

Breach or Bypass

www.breachorbypass.com

Breach or Bypass is a servicedisabled, veteran-owned business specializing in patriotic and military themed attire and coffee.

Charliemadison Originals

www.charliemadisonoriginals.com

Charliemadison Originals helps military families tell their unique stories through everyday jewelry. Our custom jewelry keeps you connected to your family and friends near and far as a reminder and reassurance you that you’re not alone during the uncertainty of military life.

Fair Winds Candle Company

www.fairwindscandle.com

Fair Winds Candle Company offers US Navy inspired candles and home fragrance products.

Hope Design Ltd.

www.hopedesignltd.com

Hope Design is a military spouse-owned small business that designs and creates hand-crafted military jewelry, accessories and gifts.

Mag Mug Equipment Co.

www.themagmug.com

Mag Mug Equipment Co. provides high-quality drinkware durable enough for use by military and first responders, and convenient enough for everyday use.

Military Apparel Company

www.MilitaryApparelCompany.com

Abandoned in attics, isolated in closets, retired, forgotten... Military Apparel Company gives military uniforms a second chance as a carefully crafted, tangible display. These displays serve as a personal, constant reminder of loved ones that have just returned, are presently serving or have sacrificed their lives defending our country.

Nomadés

www.nomadescollection.com

Nomadés designs, creates and sells sterling silver military inspired charms.

Poe & Company Limited

www.poeandcompanyltd.com

Poe and Company Limited provides America’s very first officiallylicensed flat caps authorized by the U.S. Military.

Steel Beach Designs

www.etsy.com/shop/

SteelBeachDesigns

A small business from an active duty family aiming to bring you the best in Navy pride apparel. Steel Beach Designs specializes in custom rate and rank gear.

The Jewelry Republic

www.thejewelryrepublic.com

Veteran-owned maker of custom military signet rings.

Veterana Shop

www.veteranashop.com

VETERANA sells apparel and items designed to show support for female veterans.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from the AmeriForce Media team.