I don’t quite know what to say about this so I will just post the Sears press release verbatim.

A Salute to Style and Substance of U.S. Military

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Sears announced today the launch of All American Army Brand’s First Infantry Division collection. The classic American sportswear collection inspired by the oldest and most illustrious division of the U.S. Army, the First Infantry Division collection will debut in 550 Sears stores nationwide and on Sears.com in October.

The Army Brand’s First Infantry Division collection for men, women and boys represents the first time the U.S. Army has officially licensed the use of its marks and insignias, reflecting two centuries of proud tradition and rich heritage. Vintage inspired design, intricate attention to detail, and supreme quality standards, inspired by Army technology, will offer a timeless and authentic collection.

“Army Brand is proud to launch the first apparel collection officially licensed by the U.S. Army. Every design carries the Army seal of approval,” said Robert McGuinness, a company executive. “Embracing the diversity of the U.S. Army through various Divisions, each Army Brand collection will be comprised of authentic lifestyle reinterpretations of the supreme fit, classic design, and rugged performance of regulation uniforms and military issued gear. We are excited to launch our First Infantry Division
collection exclusively at Sears this fall.”

“For the first time, the U.S. Army has granted a license to the All American Army Brand, a well established designer and manufacturer of apparel, allowing use of official Army marks and insignias in its new specially created apparel collections,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Army. “By incorporating the Army’s timeless traditions with iconic styling and unparalleled standards for performance, fit and function, consumers can wear the pride they feel for our troops. We are especially pleased that the
First Infantry collection will launch at Sears in keeping with the company’s tradition of supporting the U.S. military through its Heroes at Home program.”

The Army Brand collections will also give back to those who have given so much in service to the United States. The license fee paid by Army Brand is used to support programs that benefit the well-being of the troops and their families.

Army Brand’s well-priced First Infantry Division collection offers opening price points for t-shirts at $11.99. Hoodies range in price from $29.99 to $44.99. Denim is priced at $25.99 and outerwear ranges between $35.99 and $119.99. The outerwear styles are highlighted because of their authentic iconic silhouettes that enhance the coordinating knits, woven sweaters and bottoms.

“Over the years, military-inspired clothing has played a distinct role in shaping fashion trends,” said Craig Israel, Senior Vice President, Sears Holding Corporation and President, Sears Apparel. “We are now able to exclusively offer a line that is pure to the origins of that inspiration. Our commitment to the All American Army Brand is evident in its prominence in our Fall Forward fashion exhibit, held September 10 during the week of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It will also be apparent in numerous
marketing campaigns going forward, including those planned for the holiday season, and in the store experience.”

About All American Army Brand

All American Army Brand is a designer and manufacturer of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel. They are officially licensed by the U.S. Army to use all of the marks and insignias of the U.S. Army. Army Brand ensures that the use and combination of these marks and insignias are translated in the designs, fabrications, quality standards, and authenticity criteria of the U.S. Army for the official U.S. Army seal of approval. For more information, visit the All American Army Brand website at http://www.armybrand.com.

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Web site: http://www.sears.com http://www.searsholdings.com http://www.armybrand.com

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Today (August 16) is National Airborne Day.

Unfortunately, we cannot let this day pass without remembering Don Lassen, WWII veteran with two combat jumps in the ETO. Don was publisher of the “Static Line”, a monthly airborne newspaper. He passed in the late evening hours of 7 August 2008. We will remember him. Rest In Peace.

The Presidential Proclamation for National Airborne Day

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2001 – Sixty-one years ago, 48 brave volunteer members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon pioneered a new method of warfare. Their successful jump led to the creation of a mighty force of more than 100,000 paratroopers. Members of this force were assigned to the legendary 11th, 13th, 17th, 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions and numerous other units that fought in every theater during World War II.
The soldiers of the Parachute Test Platoon also forged a unique warrior spirit, a relentless passion for victory, and a reputation that still strikes fear in potential adversaries. Beginning with the first combat jump by the men of the 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, over North Africa in November 1942, airborne and special operations soldiers have made a total of 93 combat jumps. Since World War II, paratroopers have continually distinguished themselves in battle, earning 69 Congressional Medals of Honor and hundreds of other awards for valor.

Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump, I join all Americans in recognizing these heroes. We salute our Nation’s sky troopers, both past and present, for their great service and personal sacrifice in the defense of freedom and liberty around the world.

Best wishes to all for a memorable observance.

– GEORGE W. BUSH