The uniforms worn by the Army National Guard soldiers and reservists who supported President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20 and former President Jimmy Carter’s memorial parade earlier this month were sourced by the Industries of the Blind.
IOB is one of nearly 100 associated nonprofit agencies across the country that partner with National Industries for the Blind, the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, low vision or visually impaired.
The Army placed the order for the new 15-piece dress uniform ensembles in December of 2024.
“We are so proud of our associated nonprofit agencies and the quality work they deliver, often under time constraints or other pressures," said Soraya Correa, NIB president and CEO. "Many of those wearing the new uniforms at President Carter’s memorial parade and the presidential inauguration had no idea that their clothing arrived on time and in good order thanks to a person who is blind, visually impaired or has low vision.
“These employees are part of the backbone supporting our armed forces. While they may not be able to serve as active-duty military, they approach their work with a great sense of pride and patriotism.”
IOB faced a two-fold hurdle when it came to sourcing the items to make the uniforms. Not only were the items required highly sought after with reduced availability, but there was also weather to contend with as the country braced for multiple winter storms.
IOB also worked with the Defense Logistics Agency to make the orders its top priority, with employees working off-hours to receive urgent deliveries of end items and quickly repacking and shipping them to customer locations.
Over the past five years, average sales by NIB agencies to the military totaled more than $201.8 million per year, with approximately 1.1 million units manufactured during each of those years by people who are blind at 35 locations across the country.
Items are diverse, ranging from uniforms to rucksacks to cold weather gear and medical supplies, and they are used by all branches of the military. Advanced combat uniforms, some flame-resistant, are made by NIB agencies for the Army and the Air Force in Maryland; Dallas, Texas; and Greensboro. Advanced combat shirts are sewn for the Army and Air Force in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and New York.
Improved physical training uniforms and gear are made for the Air Force and Space Force in Maryland and Raleigh, North Carolina. A Navy running suit is manufactured in New York. Other items for the Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard are also made across the country.
Military branches work with NIB agencies to develop new prototypes or improvements to existing products to better serve the warfighter. They use the latest technology — including 3-D printing and modern programmable sewing machines — to develop new and unique products. These prototypes are then field-tested, adjusted as required and comprehensively retested.
NIB agencies also provide uniform-related services to save the military time and money, reducing waste. In particular, NIB agency Travis Association for the Blind in Texas manages a receipt, inspection, repair and reissue program for U.S. Army Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE). Army OCIE items are currently warehoused, cleaned, repaired, inspected and distributed by 147 employees who are blind.
In the past, this process was conducted by the Central Issue Facility at each Army base. However, the Army concluded that Travis is better suited to fulfill this function and offers a better use of resources. Through this program, Travis saves the Army over $25 million each year.
For more information on National Industries for the Blind, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.