Thanking the Inspiration in Person: Why We Support Warriors Heart
We recently had the incredible opportunity to shake hands with the people behind the mission that inspired our 11Bravo design. Meeting Tom Spooner of Warriors Heart, along with Jordan and Josh from Front Line Healing Foundation, in person during SHOT Show was a moment of profound gratitude. It gave us the chance to look them in the eye and thank them for the path they’ve forged.
For those of you who have been following our journey, you know that the spark for our Black Tiger 11Bravo shirt wasn’t just a random design choice. It came from a place of deep personal loss and a desire to honor a legacy.
This design is a tribute to my brother, Craig, and every warrior like him.
The Reality Behind the Fiction
Growing up in the '80s felt like living inside a real-life action movie. We were fueled by larger-than-life icons who defined what it meant to be tough, determined, and relentless. Pair that with the nostalgia of family traditions and Army recruiting slogans, and you had a generation ready to take on any challenge.
But those fictional heroes in those movies only showed us the glory, the adrenaline, and the camaraderie. What they didn’t show us was the grit and sacrifice off-screen. They didn’t show us the lasting scars, the battles fought long after leaving the field, or the challenges soldiers face when they transition to civilian life.
The Black Tiger 11Bravo Shirt isn’t about reliving movie moments. It’s about honoring the real-life warriors who lived it, breathed it, and bore the weight of their commitment every single day.
A Tribute to Craig
For those who may not know, "11Bravo" is the U.S. Army MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) for Infantryman. It’s the backbone of any land force, the boots on the ground, and the ones most likely to directly face combat. It’s not just a job; it’s an identity, a badge of pride, and for many, a lifelong brotherhood.
My brother Craig was an 11B. He was a former Army Ranger who, like most guys from the Global War on Terror (GWOT) era, returned from deployment carrying more than he bargained for. Even after his service, 11Bravo remained a central part of who he was. When he got into boat racing—his other passion—he chose "11B" as his racing number. It wasn’t just a digit on a hull; it was his identity.
Tragically, Craig passed away in a car accident on October 30, 2024. The grief of losing him knocked me to my core. He wasn’t just my brother; he was one of my closest friends and a lifelong source of inspiration.
As I struggled with that grief, memories of our childhood flooded back. I remembered all the war movies he got me interested in. I remembered the Army slogans being sung perfectly in my memories of him. One day, I just blurted out, "Be all you can 11 B."
That was the moment the design was born. I wanted to create something in memory of my brother that served a purpose—something that aligned with him and who he was as a soldier and a man.
The Connection to Warriors Heart
When I first saw Tom Spooner share his story, it struck me. The parallels between Tom's timeline and my brother’s were undeniable. I was so thankful to see that Tom was able to get the help he needed through Warriors Heart.
I tried to get my brother to consider going to Warriors Heart. That was a challenge I feel I failed.
When Craig passed, I knew immediately that in lieu of flowers, we would choose to support Warriors Heart. It is one of the few organizations exclusively focused on helping those who’ve carried the heaviest burdens. They provide clinical treatment, holistic care, and a community where warriors—veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), or substance dependency—can rebuild their lives.
In the wake of his passing, I channeled my energy into building the Black Tiger website. It became my anchor. Black Tiger embodies a mindset of self-improvement, resilience, and the determination to rise after every fall. That mantra has been my guiding light through the darkness of grief.
More Than Just Apparel
The 11Bravo design on this shirt is more than just art or words. It’s a statement. It represents the blood, sweat, and unyielding dedication of those who lived it. It’s a tribute to the Infantrymen who stepped up, took the oath, and did what most people can't or won’t do.
With every purchase of the Black Tiger 11Bravo Shirt, we donate a portion of the proceeds in Craig’s name to Warrior’s Heart.
While Warrior’s Heart is not set up to accept donations directly, all contributions are made through Front Line Healing Foundation. In 2025, proceeds from the Black Tiger 11Bravo Shirt allowed us to donate $400 toward this mission. After meeting Jordan, Josh, and Tom at SHOT Show, our resolve to do more was reinforced. In 2026, our goal is to surpass that contribution and expand our 11Bravo design line—ensuring this tribute continues to give back to those who’ve carried the weight of the job.
Be all you can BE!