Staying Fit
Christmas and the season of giving are just around the corner.
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Finding that perfect holiday gift can be challenging. To help with your shopping needs, AARP Veteran Report has compiled a list of gifts made by veteran entrepreneurs:
Beard Care and Grenade Soap Kit, from the K Bar Soap Company, $54.97
Marine combat veteran Chris McKinney founded K Bar Soap Company in 2016. Based in South Carolina, the company takes its name from the legendary 1219C2 knife and produces all-natural, cold-processed soap with scents named after sayings and concepts familiar to those who have served in uniform.
The Beard Care and Grenade Soap Kit comes in “Napalm in AM,” “Firewatch” and “Whiskey and Bad Decisions” varieties. It features a “7.62 oz. soap grenade of all-natural showering freedom,” beard grease, beard oil and a cedar soap dish.
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Big Iron Blend Coffee (Medium-Dark Roast) from Altruistic Joe, $21
Jamie Jenks, a former search-and-rescue pilot in the Coast Guard, founded Altruistic Joe with his wife, Libby, after spending more than 20 years in uniform. Their Big Iron Blend takes its name from the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, which he flew. They describe the brew as a “wonderfully balanced blend … full of rich caramel and milk chocolate notes, citrus-like acidity, and a touch of smoke.”
Big Iron Blend is a washed whole-bean coffee sourced from Guatemala and Sumatra, and ground options are available. Twenty percent of Wyoming-based Altruistic Joe’s proceeds go to charity.
Hand-Forged Railroad Spike Knife from 51 Bravo, $100
Army veteran Shawn Moulenbelt established his company 51 Bravo after being inspired by his brother, a Marine veteran. The company name comes from the famed bolt-action sniper rifle. Moulenbelt was in his 40s and had spent years working in construction and remodeling when he decided to become an entrepreneur.
He has a thriving business forging knives in Michigan, taking pride in what he intends to be heirlooms passed down through families for generations. He sums up the Railroad Spike item as “a great conversation piece and a badass knife!”
Otto Canvas and Leather Handbag in Camo from R. Riveter, $268
Military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse founded R. Riveter to meet the needs of military spouses who relocate frequently and have difficulty finding jobs. Their handbags are made by military spouses across the country.
