Our Brand Story

More Than Apparel. It’s a Mission.

O.T.H.E.R was created from a simple belief: When the uniform comes off, life keeps moving, but the connection to those who serve never disappears.

Founded by U.S. Navy veterans and based in San Diego, California, O.T.H.E.R is a veteran-owned apparel company built around authentic military experiences, humor, pride, and purpose.

The founders recognized an opportunity to create something different in the apparel industry: a brand that understands military culture because it was built by people who lived it.

O.T.H.E.R represents the real, raw, and relatable experiences of military life. From the humor shared between shipmates to the challenges of deployments and the transition into civilian life, our designs tell stories that service members and veterans recognize as their own.

But the mission doesn’t stop with clothing.

O.T.H.E.R — Meet the Founders

  • Melvin F. — Co-Founder & CEO

    A U.S. Navy veteran, Melvin brings firsthand military experience, leadership, and a mission-driven mindset to O.T.H.E.R. As Co-Founder and CEO, he helps guide the brand’s vision, growth, and commitment to creating meaningful connections with the military community through authentic apparel and service.

  • Huy T. — Co-Founder & CFO

    A U.S. Navy veteran, Huy brings military discipline, teamwork, and strategic problem-solving to O.T.H.E.R. As Co-Founder and CFO, he supports the company’s financial direction and sustainable growth, helping ensure the brand’s business success continues to support its mission of giving back to deployed service members.

  • Jason R. — Co-Founder & Executive Chairman

    A U.S. Navy veteran, Jason brings a strong foundation of military leadership, operational experience, and service-focused values to O.T.H.E.R. As Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, he helps shape the company’s long-term vision, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance its commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.

Military Service Background

O.T.H.E.R was founded by United States Navy veterans who bring more than 50 years of combined Navy experience to the brand.

Their military backgrounds provide firsthand knowledge of the sacrifices, challenges, camaraderie, and unique experiences associated with military service.

Having experienced the demands of military life, including deployments, extended separations from family, and the challenges of serving far from home, the founders understand the importance of maintaining connections between service members and the people who support them.

Professional Experience

With more than five decades of combined military experience, the founders bring a foundation of leadership, teamwork, operational discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused problem-solving to their business.

Their transition from military service into entrepreneurship reflects a continued commitment to leadership, community, and service.

Through O.T.H.E.R, they have applied their experience to developing a veteran-owned apparel brand that combines military-inspired creativity, authentic storytelling, and community support.

Their entrepreneurial efforts include:

  • Apparel branding and product development
  • E-commerce and digital marketing
  • Veteran and military community engagement
  • Creative content development and brand storytelling
  • Community outreach and strategic partnerships
  • Development and management of Operation Give Free

Their goal is to build a sustainable business that delivers quality apparel while creating a meaningful impact on the military community.

Operation Give Free: The Heart of Our Mission

One of the defining initiatives behind O.T.H.E.R is Operation Give Free, a program dedicated to supporting deployed U.S. service members through customized care packages.

Through this initiative, families, friends, and supporters can nominate a deployed service member to receive a personalized care package at absolutely no cost to the sender or recipient.

O.T.H.E.R currently provides six available care package opportunities each month, covering the cost of preparing and shipping these packages.

A portion of the proceeds generated through apparel sales helps support this mission.

For the founders, this initiative is personal. They understand what it means to be deployed, separated from loved ones, and reminded that someone back home is thinking about you.

A care package is more than a box of supplies. It’s encouragement, connection, and a reminder that those serving far from home have not been forgotten.

Our Vision

Our vision is to establish O.T.H.E.R as a recognizable military lifestyle brand that celebrates authentic service experiences while creating a lasting positive impact on the lives of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

Our Mission

To create authentic, high-quality military-inspired apparel that celebrates the experiences of those who serve while using our platform and proceeds to deliver hope, encouragement, and support to deployed service members.

Our Promise:

We don’t just create apparel inspired by military service. We use our brand to continue serving those who wear the uniform.

WEAR THE MISSION.

Sending Hope and Help to the Fleet.