Last Chance to Buy a 'Town of Farmington Supports the Troops' T-Shirt!

Town of Farmington Supports the Troops. 

The message on T-shirts designed by a local sports gear business is simple, but it holds great significance to the Farmington residents behind it.

Farmington resident John Krause brought the concept to JB Sports Gear owner Jennifer Hogan. Krause, a 2005 Farmington High School graduate and New York firefighter, is also a veteran who recently served overseas.

Residents Mike Vibert and Hogan's son, Conor "spearheaded" the idea for similar shirts in the past that were given to firefighters within the past few years, she said. 

"We did it again last fall to welcome John Krause home with donations going to his troop for their welcome ceremony," Krause.

And now Krause wants to do the same for his friend, Zach Higley, who is returning soon from a military tour overseas. So he designed a new T-shirt in collaboration with Hogan's graphic designer. The last day to order a shirt online is Wednesday.

"John is a good friend of Zach's and he wanted to 'pay it forward,'" Hogan said.  "We decided this time to redesign the shirt and offer it to all town residents, it is close to Memorial Day and seemed appropriate.  

Hogan is also excited to welcome Higley, another Farmington firefighter, home. She said that his service is important to his parents, fellow Tunxis Hose firefighters and the Farmington community.

"I was at the welcome ceremony here in Farmington for John Krause, it was one of the most amazing events I've been a part of," Hogan said. "It is always special to welcome those who serve back to the United States, but it is extremely so to welcome home our local heroes. I am proud of their service and feel honored to be a part of welcoming them home."

The profits from the T-shirt sales will be donated to Fisher House, "which builds residences for the families of injured service men and women to utilize while their family member is in rehab," Hogan said. 

"A house is being built in West Haven currently and these funds will support that," Hogan said.

Hogan said she makes a habit of donating a portion of the profits from her Farmington home-based custom sports apparel business to charities and works with local organizations for fundraisers.  

In this case, she said that showing support for American troops is important.

"These young men and women are putting themselves in harms way to fight for democracy," Hogan said. "We as citizens must support them in any way we can.  I believe it is so important that we show them we care by celebrating them but also supporting them once they do return.  They need continued help and support and it is important to remember that."

To order a shirt, go to www.jbsportsgear.com, click on "stores" and then "Causes." You can pay for the shirts using PayPal.