Ever since CEO and Founder of the nonprofit organization InVest USA, Michael Letts, created it over 30 years ago, he’s saved the lives of countless police officers and first responders.
InVest USA provides free vests to law enforcement and first responders since, unfortunately, many departments in America do not provide them.
In fact, Letts started this nonprofit after he virtually painted himself into a corner as a young politician many years ago. As a member of a town council, he was surprised to learn that his own police department did not issue officers vests and vowed to have a portion of the budget allocated to purchase them.
But in a surprising turn of events, other members of the council voted against it. In a fit of frustration, Letts told the media that he would raise the money himself.
And they held him to it.
The next day, local newspapers published in bold letters on the front cover Letts’ commitment to raising money privately to purchase vests for police.
And he did not disappoint. As a man of his word, he fought aggressively to raise the money and fulfilled his promise. But after over 30 years, he never stopped, and InVest USA still functions to this day. He has since provided over 13,000 vests and collected nearly 3 million donations!
But his mission to acquire and provide vests is not strictly limited to cops and first responders.
“Here’s the way it works. We raise funds and we provide, free of charge, vests to those who are sworn officers,” Letts said in a recent podcast.
He added, “But at the same time I made the personal decision anybody should have the right to defend themselves and protect themselves. So if you want to, we’ll give you a vest at the same wholesale rate we pay for them. We’re happy to do that to any civilian that wants to contact us so you get the best deal in America, and the best technology.”
One of the reasons that Letts believes all Americans should be afforded the opportunity to acquire a vest comes from a deep, personal reason close to him.
“I got tired of going to funerals, especially law enforcement. We wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to protect themselves, and their families, and their community,” Letts said.
Body Armor Laws
There is a common misperception that it is illegal to purchase and own body armor. Although the laws vary by state, a large majority of states allow owning and wearing of body armor. However, the caveat to that is it would be illegal to wear one during the commission of a crime.
Also, many states do not allow those convicted of a felony to own, purchase, or wear body armor.
One of the most stringent states, Connecticut, requires face-to-face only sale of body armor and has severe penalties for those who do not follow that law.
You can view a summary of each states laws by clicking HERE. However, this is merely an informal summary. We advise you research the official laws of your state’s body armor laws.
Michael Letts is the author of Truth, Lies and Control: Finding Hope in an Upside-Down World. Order your copy on Amazon today!
To learn more about Michael Letts, go to michaelletts.us and to learn more about his nonprofit organization InVestUSA, which provides free vests to first responders, visit investusa.org.
Read the full history of InVestUSA with Michael Letts by clicking HERE.
-------------------
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
InVest USA provides free vests to law enforcement and first responders since, unfortunately, many departments in America do not provide them.
In fact, Letts started this nonprofit after he virtually painted himself into a corner as a young politician many years ago. As a member of a town council, he was surprised to learn that his own police department did not issue officers vests and vowed to have a portion of the budget allocated to purchase them.
But in a surprising turn of events, other members of the council voted against it. In a fit of frustration, Letts told the media that he would raise the money himself.
And they held him to it.
The next day, local newspapers published in bold letters on the front cover Letts’ commitment to raising money privately to purchase vests for police.
And he did not disappoint. As a man of his word, he fought aggressively to raise the money and fulfilled his promise. But after over 30 years, he never stopped, and InVest USA still functions to this day. He has since provided over 13,000 vests and collected nearly 3 million donations!
But his mission to acquire and provide vests is not strictly limited to cops and first responders.
“Here’s the way it works. We raise funds and we provide, free of charge, vests to those who are sworn officers,” Letts said in a recent podcast.
He added, “But at the same time I made the personal decision anybody should have the right to defend themselves and protect themselves. So if you want to, we’ll give you a vest at the same wholesale rate we pay for them. We’re happy to do that to any civilian that wants to contact us so you get the best deal in America, and the best technology.”
One of the reasons that Letts believes all Americans should be afforded the opportunity to acquire a vest comes from a deep, personal reason close to him.
“I got tired of going to funerals, especially law enforcement. We wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to protect themselves, and their families, and their community,” Letts said.
Body Armor Laws
There is a common misperception that it is illegal to purchase and own body armor. Although the laws vary by state, a large majority of states allow owning and wearing of body armor. However, the caveat to that is it would be illegal to wear one during the commission of a crime.
Also, many states do not allow those convicted of a felony to own, purchase, or wear body armor.
One of the most stringent states, Connecticut, requires face-to-face only sale of body armor and has severe penalties for those who do not follow that law.
You can view a summary of each states laws by clicking HERE. However, this is merely an informal summary. We advise you research the official laws of your state’s body armor laws.
Michael Letts is the author of Truth, Lies and Control: Finding Hope in an Upside-Down World. Order your copy on Amazon today!
To learn more about Michael Letts, go to michaelletts.us and to learn more about his nonprofit organization InVestUSA, which provides free vests to first responders, visit investusa.org.
Read the full history of InVestUSA with Michael Letts by clicking HERE.
-------------------
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2024-11-16T19:40-0500 | Comment by: James
STUPID pigs .... YOU are civilians .... WHAT makes you fools think I can't and don't have everything you can ???? Grow a brain, servants ......