Meet Paul Carsola. He served from 1991 to 2015. ” I was 4 years active Army, 3 years Army Reserve, and 17 years Air Force National Guard.”
Mr. Carsola did me the favor of showing me Medals Of America. The company was founded in 1976, and today is led by Lee Foster, who is the generation Foster at Medals Of America and a 9th generation Veteran. From their website:
“Our mission will always remain the same: Honor the service, honor the sacrifice. Through our 40 years of service we stride ti maintain our brand that honors and inspires active duty, retired, and veteran service members.”
You like the tie that Mr. Carsola is wearing? It comes from Medals Of America.
“The tie I am wearing is a ribbon that most veterans have received in the last 20 years (and during other periods of war in the last decades), the National Defense Service Medal.”
Unfortunately, Medals Of America has scaled back their tie production, but there are still some left. And I am hoping that you will visit the site, perhaps purchase one in support (they are $12.97 each) and motivate Medals Of America to continue what I think is a fantastic tradition of making ties from the ribbons and awards of the military. For example:
This is the Air Medal Silk Tie. Click on the image to see the tie on their site. Or to buy it.
I do want to point out their intent for these ties, which is in the copy on their site:
If you have a former or current service member in your family, you can show your pride in their service with one of our high-quality military ties. They’ll love the silk fabrication, fade-resistant, classic designs we offer. The veterans on our staff handle each item with the utmost care, so you know your gift has been prepared for our country’s best by our country’s best.
If the ties are not your jam, they do have a custom shop, which would be another way you could think about supporting.
I am not affiliated, they are not an advertiser. It’s a worthwhile click.
Ben Silver in Charleston used to do this also. I bought a tie with the alternating stripes of the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal years ago when I was stationed there but it seems they no longer sell it. My dad loves it and still wears it, but not sure I ever would, even to honour him, as I did not earn those awards myself.
The tie in the cover photo looks like a WWIIVM. The tie Mr. Carsola is wearing bears little resemblance to the NDSM, and his AG tie is a completely different design than the discontinued Ben Silver AG tie (which is neither here nor there; I like them, both). Perhaps there are licensing issues? I don’t know. I’m pretty sure that the AG Corps does not have an official necktie authorized by the Institute of Heraldry.
It is unfortunate that there is not a bigger market for US “Regimentals”. I guess loyalty, i.e., to show one’s colors, is a British concept.
Ok. These are veterans, not designers, and these ties are veteran-approved. I think that covers as many bases as need covering? AGREED about US “Regimentals” – I am trying to bring sexy back.
At least part of the reason is that the British Army is not a single entity like our Army. It is composed of the various regiments serving the crown. All of which have their own traditions, colors, etc. British soldiers generally stay with their regiment. Our tradition of moving every 2-3 years does not lend itself to the same loyalty. We have some units with rich tradition but it is not quite the same.
I found “In The Highest Tradition” on YouTube recently. Fun to watch if you are interested in British Army traditions.
Thinking out loud:
Maybe instead of “regimentals” I should have said “emblematic” as some of these (and Ben Silver’s) were/are awards not units? Never-the-less, there is no shortage of great design potential all considered. For example, the Iraq Campaign Award colors would be sexy as hell worn with khakis and a navy blazer. So much bigger market for the NDSM (I would think).
About 15 years ago there was an effort to create “Cohorts”. I think that was another GOBI, as in practice they already exist among the Airborne and CAV communities, and the branches, as well as unofficial politics-as-usual, who-you-know cohorts. As most aren’t the neck-tie wearin’ type, overhead inventory would be a disaster.
So, now the hard part. The design is done. Now source various printed silk patterns on a MTO basis, market the final product, build each item on demand and ship it.
Thanks for the info! I just order a Special Forces tie for a friend who was SF medic, four tours of Vietnam and disabled. This will be his Christmas present with a greatful, Thank you for his service…..
Ben Silver in Charleston used to do this also. I bought a tie with the alternating stripes of the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal years ago when I was stationed there but it seems they no longer sell it. My dad loves it and still wears it, but not sure I ever would, even to honour him, as I did not earn those awards myself.
Very poorly typed – I meant that I “bought it for my dad”, not myself.
Thumbs up, three cheers, and hell yes.
Unrelated, but good luck, all, with the J.Press Warehouse sale. Picked up–hopefully!–a few ties.
The tie in the cover photo looks like a WWIIVM. The tie Mr. Carsola is wearing bears little resemblance to the NDSM, and his AG tie is a completely different design than the discontinued Ben Silver AG tie (which is neither here nor there; I like them, both). Perhaps there are licensing issues? I don’t know. I’m pretty sure that the AG Corps does not have an official necktie authorized by the Institute of Heraldry.
It is unfortunate that there is not a bigger market for US “Regimentals”. I guess loyalty, i.e., to show one’s colors, is a British concept.
Ok. These are veterans, not designers, and these ties are veteran-approved. I think that covers as many bases as need covering? AGREED about US “Regimentals” – I am trying to bring sexy back.
Vets make the best designers, although the industry would certainly not like that.
On “the bases”, I agree, of course, but I’m sure there are hurdles.
I’m in. Make America Sexy Again!
I’ve thought about US “regimentals” some too.
At least part of the reason is that the British Army is not a single entity like our Army. It is composed of the various regiments serving the crown. All of which have their own traditions, colors, etc. British soldiers generally stay with their regiment. Our tradition of moving every 2-3 years does not lend itself to the same loyalty. We have some units with rich tradition but it is not quite the same.
I found “In The Highest Tradition” on YouTube recently. Fun to watch if you are interested in British Army traditions.
Thank you for the YouTube recommendation, CA.
Thinking out loud:
Maybe instead of “regimentals” I should have said “emblematic” as some of these (and Ben Silver’s) were/are awards not units? Never-the-less, there is no shortage of great design potential all considered. For example, the Iraq Campaign Award colors would be sexy as hell worn with khakis and a navy blazer. So much bigger market for the NDSM (I would think).
About 15 years ago there was an effort to create “Cohorts”. I think that was another GOBI, as in practice they already exist among the Airborne and CAV communities, and the branches, as well as unofficial politics-as-usual, who-you-know cohorts. As most aren’t the neck-tie wearin’ type, overhead inventory would be a disaster.
So, now the hard part. The design is done. Now source various printed silk patterns on a MTO basis, market the final product, build each item on demand and ship it.
One Vet made it big designing ties. Uncle Ralph.
Thanks for the info! I just order a Special Forces tie for a friend who was SF medic, four tours of Vietnam and disabled. This will be his Christmas present with a greatful, Thank you for his service…..
Are these ties actually made in America?