PROGRAMS: GRANTS: Significant Projects: Operation: Stay Safe

Paratroopers from the 82ABN DIV

Our freedom is defended by this nation's service men and women.

With the risk of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) growing as our men and women put their lives on the line everyday, the Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation is working towards providing protective clothing for our men and women. The Illinois AMVETS Service Foundation helped to create a unique shirt to send to our service men and women abroad. The 5.11 Tactical Series^TM contains a special fabric that is fire retardant and won't wash or wear out. These shirts also contain moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial materials. These long-sleeved shirts exceed the minimum standard of NFA tests. In addition, there is enough cotton material in these shirts to wear comfortably under any uniform. The AMVETS hope these fire-retardant shirts will prevent some extensive burn injuries. Providing these shirts enables our soldiers to work more comfortable and effectively, ultimately saving lives.

The response to these shirts has been overwhelming. In the Spring of 2007, 4,500 shirts were sent overseas. By the end of this year, another 4,500 will be distributed.

To read about what the soldiers have to say about these shirts, click here.

For more information, click here.