Michael Letts is the CEO and founder of InVest USA, one of the longest-running LEO-focused nonprofits in America. His nonprofit organization provides free tactical vests to law enforcement officers, and even other first responders, to help give them a better chance of survival.
But unlike most nonprofit organizations that start deliberately with a centered focus, Letts “inadvertently” started InVest USA.
As a young politician decades ago, Letts was surprised to learn that his police department at the time did not provide tactical vests to its own officers – he simply assumed it.
After he discovered this, he set out on a mission to provide officers vests using his position as a politician. His plan was simple; introduce legislation to pay for vests using taxpayer funds and his colleagues would vote and approve it.
However, Letts ran into another obstacle after learning his political colleagues voted against it and no money would go towards vests.
In a fit of frustration, an exasperated Letts told the media that he would get vests for law enforcement, even if he has to raise the money himself. And just like that, his comments were blasted on the cover of the newspaper the following day.
He unintentionally painted himself in a corner because he knew he had to follow through on his promise, and that is how InVest USA was born.
That was over thirty years ago.
Since then, he has committed his organization to continue providing law enforcement officers with tactical vests, no matter the cost or the amount of work needed to accomplish their mission. And they will not stop until every officer has one, which is a tall order.
“We have 90% of officers across the country who still do not have these vests, 90%! And do the math, we have roughly 1 to 1.2 million, we’re way under that right now because of the defund [police movement]. We're probably about 700, 750,000, but when you consider 90% of those don't have it [vest], what a disservice to this country,” Letts said in a recent interview. “So we have to make sure that they have the necessary equipment to have a fighting chance.”
That is precisely why InVest USA does what they do – to give police officers a higher chance to return home to their families. It’s a noble cause, but one that he feels shouldn’t be needed in the first place.
“It's a shame. I tell people all across the country, ‘I don't want to have to have a charity to do this. I shouldn't be needed. I shouldn't be around.’ But until we get that issue resolved to where they are provided for every officer willing to provide his life on the line in exchange for protecting the American people, we're not going to sit idly by. We're going to make sure that they're protected as long as we have breath!” Letts proclaimed.
His passion to help and protect law enforcement officers is unmatched. You can help him with his mission by visiting the InVest USA website to make a donation. It will go a long way and could save a police officer’s life.
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.
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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
But unlike most nonprofit organizations that start deliberately with a centered focus, Letts “inadvertently” started InVest USA.
As a young politician decades ago, Letts was surprised to learn that his police department at the time did not provide tactical vests to its own officers – he simply assumed it.
After he discovered this, he set out on a mission to provide officers vests using his position as a politician. His plan was simple; introduce legislation to pay for vests using taxpayer funds and his colleagues would vote and approve it.
However, Letts ran into another obstacle after learning his political colleagues voted against it and no money would go towards vests.
In a fit of frustration, an exasperated Letts told the media that he would get vests for law enforcement, even if he has to raise the money himself. And just like that, his comments were blasted on the cover of the newspaper the following day.
He unintentionally painted himself in a corner because he knew he had to follow through on his promise, and that is how InVest USA was born.
That was over thirty years ago.
Since then, he has committed his organization to continue providing law enforcement officers with tactical vests, no matter the cost or the amount of work needed to accomplish their mission. And they will not stop until every officer has one, which is a tall order.
“We have 90% of officers across the country who still do not have these vests, 90%! And do the math, we have roughly 1 to 1.2 million, we’re way under that right now because of the defund [police movement]. We're probably about 700, 750,000, but when you consider 90% of those don't have it [vest], what a disservice to this country,” Letts said in a recent interview. “So we have to make sure that they have the necessary equipment to have a fighting chance.”
That is precisely why InVest USA does what they do – to give police officers a higher chance to return home to their families. It’s a noble cause, but one that he feels shouldn’t be needed in the first place.
“It's a shame. I tell people all across the country, ‘I don't want to have to have a charity to do this. I shouldn't be needed. I shouldn't be around.’ But until we get that issue resolved to where they are provided for every officer willing to provide his life on the line in exchange for protecting the American people, we're not going to sit idly by. We're going to make sure that they're protected as long as we have breath!” Letts proclaimed.
His passion to help and protect law enforcement officers is unmatched. You can help him with his mission by visiting the InVest USA website to make a donation. It will go a long way and could save a police officer’s life.
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
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