On Veterans Day, the nation salutes the men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice. Military veterans have defended not just the borders of the United States, but the country’s values and ideals, and demonstrate our steadfast commitment to freedom.
Most leagues competing in sports have a tradition of showing appreciation for this service through special events in stadiums and arenas or through unique officially licensed sports apparel, sports collectibles, and memorabilia. Fanatics proudly carries options in all those categories, with lines such as our Salute to Service* collection and Operation Hat Trick**.
Veterans Day is on Nov. 11 each year. Fans looking for new items to salute a service person and express their allegiance can trust Fanatics to help find the perfect things for their collections.
Baseball and Winter Hats
Whether fans favor professional sports such as baseball or football, or are partial to NCAA teams, Fanatics has the salute to service items that fit perfectly and wear comfortably.
Any baseball fan that likes to wear caps, may be interested in an adjustable, fitted or snapback caps in the Fanatics lineup, some of which celebrate special events such as Armed Forces Day. Sporting a bold camouflage design with a six-star patch on the right, the Armed Forces collection*** will help you stand out among other fans for your military pride and commitment to the team. The hat and others in this category have curved bills, low crowns, six-panel construction with eyelets, and raised embroidered graphics with team logos. The same design is available as a bucket hat with a stretched and structured fit, four eyelets, and color contrast brim trim.
Supporting this collection assists service members, veterans, and families as Major League Baseball is a donor to related military support charitable programs.
Fans of NCAA teams have options for supporting the military and their favorite players, such as the Midnight Trucker Snapback Hat, which recognizes Top of the World Operation Hat Trick (OHT). The hat sports a camouflage panel with raised flag graphics in the shape of the state in which the school is located, along with the school’s logo. Stay cool with mesh side panels and ensure a proper fit with a snapback closing that easily adjusts.
Depending on the school, fans may be able to find the truck hat in a camo-cream color collection. One alternative to the trucker hat design is the olive-colored adjustable hat. The hat includes six panels with eyelets, as well as screen-printed logos across the surface of the hat.
Operation Hat Trick (OHT) generates awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans by selling branded merchandise and products. Proceeds are donated to select organizations that support the OHT mission.
Football fans may want to examine choices such as the cuffed knit hat for use in fall and winter, benefiting Salute to Service. The front crown sports a fabric applique with a camouflage patch and team name and logo. Fans can also show their patriotism as the hat has an embroidered American flag patch on the right side. The Salute to Service line also includes options for women, with a fashionable pom and team-colored crown.
Sweatshirts and Jackets
Thanks to stylish sweatshirts from the Salute to Service Collection, fans can root for their teams and celebrate the military all year, no matter the temperatures.
NFL fans, for instance, can look cozy and feel warm in a Performance Pullover Hoodie, also in the Salute to Service line. This olive-colored item, made of 60% recycled polyester and 40% regular polyester, comes with technology that keeps fans warm while providing breathability.
The sweatshirt features a United States flag and a Salute to Service ribbon applique on the right sleeve. Fans can show their military support via the shirt’s camouflage design; the front of the shirt features team graphics. Fans may also find their favorite teams in a Salute to Service Shield quarter-zip in a light gray. These sweatshirts have team logos on the left chest.
Proceeds from Salute to Service sales benefit the NFL Foundation to support the NFL’s military non-profit partners.
Fans of NCAA teams have an even-greater selection. The OHT Military Appreciation Digi Camo is a charcoal quarter-zip hoodie with the team name and logo on the left and right chest area, respectively, in embroidered graphics. The shirt features embroidered graphics and embroidered fabric applique. Fans will be nice and warm with a fleece lining, and can tighten the hood with a drawstring. Carrying possessions is easy with two zippered front pockets and zippered chest pocket. The Digi Camo is a midweight hoodie that will insulate you against moderate temperatures.
The OHT collection also offers opportunities for fans who want to declare their allegiances loudly. The OHT Military Appreciation line includes a Raglan quarter-zip jacket available in team colors, such as Georgia red and Michigan blue. These sweatshirts also boast the team’s name and logo across the chest in embroidered graphics, with the American flag on the left sleeve and camo accents stretching vertically from the underarm area to the waist. This piece is 100% polyester and includes a zipper garage to keep sharp edges at bay.
The line includes choices for female fans, such as the Women’s OHT Military Appreciation Officer Arctic Camo 1/4-Zip Jacket. This piece includes a mock neckline, raglan sleeves, thumb holes at the cuffs, and contrast-colored stitching.
Baseball fans can also obtain a military appreciation sweatshirt that meets their needs. One example is the an MLB Armed Forces Day Camo Full-Zip Hoodie for women. This sweatshirt comes in a green color scheme for women in screen-printed team graphics on the left chest and a U.S. flag applique on the left sleeve. Fans will appreciate the warmth from the fleece lining and the ease of use of the full-zip front and hood with drawstring.
Collectibles and Party Items
Fanatics’ Salute to Service line also extends to non-clothing items, including collectibles and memorabilia and tailgate and party supplies.
College fans can acquire items such as the gray Military Appreciation Frosty Fleece Tailgate Blanket. This item, made of soft fleece material with a woven team patch in the corner, comes in team-color trim. Fans will appreciate that the 100% polyester blanket comes folded and tied with a team color ribbon and bow. It measures 60-inches by 50-inches.
College party hosts looking for ways to show their respect for the military and love for their team may want to consider the Operation Hat Trick team tray. Measuring 12 inches by 20 inches, the tray is made of 100% micro-density fiberboard, and is perfect for the party cave for serving drinks or snacks.
Fans leaving early to get to the game might need something to hold their coffee. The 24-ounce stealth draft stainless steel travel tumbler is worth a look, which fits neatly into car cupholders. The tumbler is branded with a team logo on one side and an OHT logo on the opposite side, both laser-etched into the mug. The plastic top keeps liquids warm or cold, depending on your preference for the beverage of choice.
Fans interested in tailgating or who enjoy picnics will use the Military Appreciation black 24-can cooler. Depending on the team, the cooler will display the school’s name on the front in camouflage letters. The zipper dry pocket on the front helps keep essential items away from moisture. The cooler measures approximately 12 inches by 8 inches by 11 inches and can hold up to a case of 12-ounce beverage cans.
NFL fans can showcase their team passions and support the military with items such as the Salute to Service mini-helmet. Standing about 5.5 inches tall, the mini-helmet is painted in army green and includes a U.S. flag and a Salute to Service ribbon on the back. Purchase your favorite team’s helmet or build a collection of all NFL teams for display on a shelf or bookcase. For realism, the helmet includes a 4-point chinstrap.
If small replica helmets aren’t enough, then consider the Salute To Service Speed Flex Authentic Helmets from Riddell. Featuring the same military-inspired color scheme, this helmet measures 11 inches and includes a large-size speed shell. Fans will also appreciate the 4-point chinstrap and authentic face mask. The helmet allows fans to show their allegiance with pride through large team graphics printed on the side of the helmet.
Accessories
A fan’s salute to service can extend even into miscellaneous accessory items. For instance, fans who play football or other sports might appreciate the Salute to Service camo headband, College fans can pick up a women’s Sullivan Scarf or multi-use lanyard with a detachable buckle. Those who appreciate winter weather can purchase a camo-colored military appreciation gaiter.
Fanatics is the source of officially licensed sports apparel, sports collectibles, and memorabilia for fans of all sports and all leagues. The Fanatics collection changes regularly, so check our site often for the latest new items and most recent deals. Fanatics also offers a 365-day return policy. Shop to fulfill your sports passions at Fanatics.
*Salute to Service: The NFL does not profit from the sale of Salute to Service products. Charitable contributions are awarded by the NFL Foundation to the NFL’s military nonprofit partners. For more information, please visit www.NFL.com/causes/salute.
**OHT Operation Hat Trick: Nate Hardy & Mike Koch. Born as a way to honor Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs and friends who fought and died together in Iraq in 2008 and are buried together at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT branded merchandise generates awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. A portion of each sale helps to fill critical gaps in care. For more information, visit Operationhattrick.org.
***Armed Forces Day Collection: Major League Baseball is a proud supporter of charitable programs for service members, veterans and military families.
