Support veteran-owned businesses that manufacture right here in the United States.
Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It’s a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country. It’s also a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the people who continue to protect them. One powerful way to honor their legacy? Support the veterans who keep building America long after their military service ends.
These are more than just companies. They’re stories of discipline, grit, and pride. Meet the veterans behind them:
Meet Dale.
Dale King, an Army intelligence veteran, came home from Iraq to find his hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio, at war with something else: opioid addiction. Factories had closed, jobs disappeared, and drug overdoses were devastating the community. Dale didn’t look away. He rolled up his sleeves.
He co-founded Doc Spartan, a company that would do more than make all-natural skincare and grooming products; it would help rebuild a community. From Combat Ready Ointment to beard balm, every product is handcrafted in Portsmouth using clean ingredients and a whole lot of grit.
But the mission runs deeper: Doc Spartan hires veterans and individuals in recovery, offering second chances and meaningful work to people often overlooked. That heart and hustle caught the attention of Shark Tank, where Dale landed a deal and national spotlight. He was also praised in Rolling Stone for his efforts to help his community heal.
Doc Spartan is veteran grit turned into healing. It offers care for the skin, hope for the people, and strength for a town fighting its way back.
Meet Lisa and Cameron.
Military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse launched R. Riveter to create flexible income for other military families, who are often on the move. Their company’s handbags and accessories, made by upcycled military gear, are handcrafted by a nationwide network of military spouses. Every bag tells a story; they’re named after a true Rosie, and each comes with unique RR stamps, which are subtle signatures from the military spouses who crafted it. These stamps are tied to individual RR IDs on the company’s website that show exactly who had a role in making each bag. From remote Riveters across the country to the final assembly in their studio in Southern Pines, every maker leaves a mark.
Meet Luke.
Luke Schneider joined the Navy in 2004, drawn by a calling to serve and a dream of one day becoming a firefighter. As a Navy Damage Controlman, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. After serving four years in the military, Luke served as a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Rockford, Ill. for 12 more years. In 2016, he launched Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee company in Rockford. One of its products, Shellback Espresso, was created to honor Navy sailors (those who crossed the equator by ship, otherwise known as Shellbacks). All Fire Dept. Coffee is roasted in Rockford and is available on store shelves at Meijer and Walmart. Check out Luke’s interview on the Huckabee Show.
Meet Noah.
Quadriplegic Marine Corps veteran Noah Currier was paralyzed in a car accident just days after returning from Iraq. But he didn’t stop moving forward; he founded Oscar Mike, a patriotic apparel company with a mission to keep injured veterans on the move. In military radio speak, “Oscar Mike” means “on the move,” a phrase instantly recognized across the armed forces. Each shirt is printed in Oak Creek, Wis. But from textiles and dyeing to cutting, sewing and printing, it’s all proudly made in the U.S. The company helps fund adaptive sports and recovery programs. Now, Oscar Mike is taking its mission even further with the Carry the Weight campaign to build a 100-acre adaptive sports campus in Marengo, Ill.
Meet D’Shawn.
Military spouse D’Shawn Russell created Southern Elegance Candle Co. to celebrate Southern living. While living overseas, she found herself deeply missing the feeling of home. That longing became the spark for her business. What began in her kitchen has grown into a thriving candle company based in Raeford, N.C. Each hand-poured soy candle is proudly sourced in America, with the wax coming from Pennsylvania;, mason jars from Arkansas., lids from West Virginia; wicks from Florida; and labels from South Carolina.
This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave all, let’s also recognize those who returned and kept serving by building businesses, creating jobs, and making products with purpose.
Let’s remember with gratitude and shop with intention.