It all began on Memorial Day in 2003 when I was searching for an outfit to wear to the USO Show at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. I had selected my camouflage skirt but was in need of a shirt that was slightly more interesting than a plain white t-shirt. I thought a military patch sewn on the front would be unique and appropriate. My husband, having served in the Army, had a small collection of patches from which I could choose. I sewed a simple “Airborne” rocker on the shirt. After several inquiries as to where I purchased it, I realized I might be on to something.

Because all military patches have a long and fascinating history, I decided to attach an interesting fact about the patch to each shirt. If it were not for the brave men and women who have defended our country and continue to do so on a daily basis, these patches would have no significance. To honor their relentless service, a portion of the proceeds from each shirt will be donated to causes which directly aid those who serve.

Major Raymond Elliott Brown, or Dad Brown to his close family, was commissioned on September 2, 1918 as a Judge Advocate and assigned to Washington, DC. He was later transferred to the 20th Division, Regular Army and was a Division Judge Advocate at Camp Sevier, SC. Throughout his life, he devoted much of his time to community projects and promoted numerous worthy civic and charitable movements. When it came time to name my business, it seemed natural to call it dad brown after my great grandfather.