The Helmand

The Helmand. Wearing a uniform can mean many things but to me it’s an expectation to be in harm's way. I inherited my freedoms from brave warriors who wore my nation's uniform, who fought in countries they had never been to, for people they had never met, and for homes they may never return to. There is nothing more boldly Canadian to me than wearing my nation's flag on my shoulder knowing our enemies fear our resolve while the innocent feel safe in our presence.

In an old life I wore the combats provided to Blackbird Industries during the heaviest fighting Canadian Forces had seen since the Korean War. The bloody, torn combats I wore the day I was wounded were placed in a burn pile while I was in surgery, however I’d like to share the ones that remain with you. I made a promise to a fallen brother from my wheelchair, with bones still broken and skin still stapled closed, that I’d return to the fight. I'd get back to the war on terror for both of us. I just had to learn how to walk again first.

Like many Canadian troops I returned to serve multiple missions in Afghanistan. My Oath fulfilled. Ultimately my mission would change and I’d trade my beret and parachute in for a Stetson and highbrowns. Being told how good you have it in Canada is no substitute for earning it, and it needed protection at home. You see, the simple truth is once you've seen evil you can no longer pretend it does not exist, that it doesn’t affect us all, or that someone else should pick up the fight. You must seek it out and extinguish it wherever it may be. That is why I still wear a uniform. - Cpl AVL

Handmade in Canada featuring battle-worn Arid CADPAT uniform set behind brown stained leather. Richardson 115 low-profile snapback in Chocolate Chip / Grey. One size fits all.