Feel good about your purchases when you support these veteran-friendly companies. (Fox News Composite)
Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11, is a time to honor those who have served, and one way to show your appreciation is by supporting businesses founded by veterans or those committed to giving back to the military community.
We’ve rounded up 12 veteran-founded and veteran-friendly brands that support retired and active-duty service members. Find everything from performance gear, polarized sunglasses for outdoor activities, coolers perfect for camping to more useful products and gifts.
Eyewear made for hiking, surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding and more. (Zeal Optics)
Whether you’re active in the sun or snow, gear up for your next outdoor adventure with Zeal Optics, a Colorado-based eyewear brand that supports veterans and active-duty military members through its Community Champions program. In partnership with ID.me, the company offers exclusive discounts to verified service members and veterans on its collection of polarized sunglasses, snowboard goggles and more. The brand emphasizes sustainability, using plant-based materials in its eyewear to help reduce its environmental footprint.
The rugged men’s grooming brand has heavy-duty soaps, colognes and body wash. (Duke Cannon)
Support veterans while stocking up on grooming essentials with Duke Cannon Supply Co. The men’s grooming brand is known for its oversized Big Ass Brick of Soap, inspired by the soap issued to U.S. soldiers during the Korean War. Through its Duke Cannon Veterans Fund, the company donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation and Honor Flight Network, which support veterans and their families. Shop its collection of soaps, deodorants, colognes and skincare. Veterans and active-duty military members receive 15% off through GOVX.
The brand funds veteran-friendly initiatives through its Howitzer Hero Project. (Howitzer Clothing)
Show your support for our veterans with Howitzer Clothing, a patriotic apparel brand that gives back to military members. The company has contributed more than $3 million to veteran and first responder charities while funding outdoor experiences, such as hunting and fishing trips, for combat veterans. Shop rugged everyday apparel and take advantage of a 30% discount for eligible military members through GOVX.
Bravo Sierra offers a 15% military discount through GOVX. (Bravo Sierra)
Built for demanding conditions and made with input by the people who know them best, Bravo Sierra works with U.S. Special Operations forces to test its deodorants, body washes and other grooming essentials in real-world conditions. The brand’s deodorant has more than 4,000 reviews. Its commitment to the military community goes beyond product development, with a portion of every sale going to veterans and their families.
These coolers have a unique design and ultra-thick shell. (Amazon)
Need a cooler that can handle the outdoors? Veteran-owned Cordova Outdoors builds its coolers in the U.S. using durable, field-tested materials. You’ll get a UV-resistant design that’s built for everything from tailgates to off-the-grid adventures.
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Invest in coffee that makes a difference. (Fire Department Coffee)
Start your morning with coffee from a company that gives back. Veteran-owned Fire Department Coffee offers single bags, themed bundles, K-cups and subscription plans through its Fire Department Coffee Club. The company also supports firefighters and disaster-relief efforts through its charitable initiatives.
Support fashion from a veteran-owned brand. (Grunt Style)
What began as a small business founded by a former Army drill sergeant has become one of America’s best-known veteran-owned clothing brands. Grunt Style has a wide range of patriotic clothing, including themed shirts, graphic tees and polos, featuring the bold, all-American designs the brand is known for.
Krate Tactical offers knives, wallets and flashlights. (Krate Tactical)
The Marine veteran-founded brand Krate Tactical focuses on everyday-carry gear that stands out from typical outdoor store finds. Discover products ranging from the Jade G10 OTF knife with a one-handed-opening blade to compact tactical flashlights designed to stay within reach when you need them most.
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Grab ready-to-pack meals for hiking, camping and other adventures. (RecPak)
Born from real-world military experience, RecPak makes lightweight meal replacements for people who spend time off the beaten path. Founded by a former Marine, the company sells ready-to-mix nutrition packs in flavors like chocolate, chai and vanilla. Just add water, and you’re ready to go, whether you’re hiking, camping or building an emergency kit.
Personalize your cooler with different colors and your own logo. (Taiga)
Want a cooler that stands out from the crowd? Taiga lets you customize everything from the color scheme to the logo plate. Veterans and active-duty military members can also unlock a special discount, making these durable, ice-retaining coolers an even better value.
This hot sauce is made in America. (Amazon)
Support veterans and fuel your love of spice. This brand makes its sauces in the U.S., and has a unique program that lets veterans and active-duty service members earn an extra paycheck when promoting its projects. Choose from military-themed flavors like Camo Comando, Berry Breach and Smoke Check, or try three different flavors together.
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Toor has tactical, everyday-carry and survival knives. (Toor)
Veteran-owned Toor Knives manufactures its products in the United States and employs veterans. The company handcrafts each knife, offering options for everyday carry, hunting and outdoor adventures, like this compact utility blade.
Looking for more ways to celebrate Veterans Day? Open a bottle from FOX News Wine Club’s collection of limited-edition wines.