I promised you all not too long ago, I’d tell you about a special t-shirt company celebrating females in the military.  Turns out there is another company with a similar passion.  The first, i Rock the Boots, was started up by Arizona State University Army ROTC cadre Executive Officer Major Michelle Bravo.

Below are photos from the brand’s website so you get a quick peek at the designs:

I found out about the second company, Lady Brigade, as my former USMC roommate, Sarah, shared it on Facebook.  This company is also established by a female veteran.  Nadine Noky started up her company last year.

While I was initially hesitant to look through the designs, I’m glad I did.  I want to create awareness t-shirts, but being aware of what’s out there also serves a purpose in ensuring my designs do not closely resemble other products.

I wish both these women success in their endeavors; being an entrepreneur is certainly not an easy adventure, but the potential to change the world is pretty exciting.  I understand there is negative feedback already brewing over Lady Brigade; you can see some of this animosity in comments listed on Buzzfeed.

Below are just a few of the comments being made; I don’t know if there would be such a negative response for a male veteran owned company.  Perhaps.  But I don’t think so.  And if nothing else, some of these comments only make me more eager to get my own products developed.

Being a veteran is something to be proud of; I know I didn’t serve my country so I could get a ‘thank you’ at the end of four years.  I served because someone I loved previously was killed and couldn’t finish his dream.  I served because I didn’t want to be $80,000 in debt for college.  I served because my father served in the Navy and I believe in our nation’s military.  I served because I met veterans who impressed me.  I served because I had friends also willing to serve.  I served because there was no reason I couldn’t serve.

I am a veteran and I’m proud of my service.  I talk to people about my service not because I want a ‘kudos’ from people; I talk about my service so people can understand our nation’s military and the gendered experiences in recruitment, training, deployment, and transitioning out of the military.

As such, it’s important to also support women like Major Bravo and veteran Nadine Noky in their efforts to shed light as well on female military service.