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PHOTOS COURTESY BRANCHES OF ALOHA
Tim Brandon’s Army T honors the Stryker Brigade; Rae Sojot’s, the Navy’s USS Michael Murphy. Email branchesofaloha@gmail.com for information.
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COURTESY BRANCHES OF ALOHA
A design on the back of each shirt notes the theme of the collection.
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Self-described "military brat" Rae Sojot and graphic designer Derek Tsutomi will be launching their Branches of Aloha collection of T-shirts during the Schofield Barracks Fourth of July Spectacular celebration Friday, open to Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests.
Sojot said she was inspired to create the line to appeal to military men and women stationed in Hawaii after visiting the Navy Exchange with her father, an Army veteran. There she noticed scores of patriotic apparel emblazoned with flags and eagles, but no designs that incorporated a sense of place that would link the wearer’s service to Hawaii.
Their designs highlight military landmarks and vessels related to Hawaii. A Navy design features the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy. Schofield Barracks is known for its Stryker Brigade, so it is featured on an Army design.
The shirts will be available at $20 for men and women, and $15 for children, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Schofield’s Craft and New Product Bazaar, part of the day’s events that include midway rides to 8 p.m., a climbing wall to 7 p.m., games, food booths and pony rides. Third Eye Blind performs at 5:35 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. patriotic salute with the "1812 Overture" and cannons, and an 8:30 p.m. fireworks display.
For details on the events, visit www.himwr.com/4thofjuly.