On July 4th, Combat Flip Flops set out to raise $15k via a crowdfunded VetLaunch campaign that will bring their cashmere product line to market while they continue to support stability in Afghanistan through economic means. They are almost halfway to their goal.
For the first time, our generation can have a direct impact on the future stability of a war torn country without having to join the military; we can speak with our local and national economy. On July 4th, Combat Flip Flops launched an ambitious crowdfunding campaign with VetLaunch to raise $15,000 to establish their cashmere apparel program—transforming cashmere wool from local Afghan goat farmers into fashion statement luxury scarves to be sold throughout the US and Internationally.
The DoD thinks Afghanistan cashmere potential is so great, they've assigned a special task force to organize the national industry and streamline exportation. CFF has been working directly with the DoD Cashmere Task Force to develop this program. This cashmere product is a direct government to commercial handoff as a result of the capacity building by the DoD. Who says the government doesn't get anything done?
With Perks like first edition cashmere scarves, campaign t-shirts, one a kind CFF flip flops (including options for a "Lifetime supply"), social media shout outs just for you; supporting Combat Flip Flops' ALL OR NOTHING campaign comes with its rewards.
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WHO IS COMBAT FLIP FLOPS AND WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO LAUNCH THE CASHMAGH PROJECT?
The journey began with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lee and Griff made their first trip to Afghanistan in the Winter of 2003. After several deployments and the reality of growing families, they separated from the military in 2006 and continued to support troops through other avenues. In 2010, Griff returned to Afghanistan to assist the growing Afghan National Army. On that trip, he toured an Afghan-owned boot manufacturing plant and saw where a factory worker punched a flip flop thong through a combat boot sole. The idea was born.
By supporting small Afghan businesses, CFF aides in developing a stable and self-sufficient economy in a war-torn nation. This mission empowers millions of Afghan goat herders in establishing an enterprise that will give them the means and resources to provide for their families. In addition, part of the funds generated through the cashmere project go towards funding secondary school for Afghan girls through Aide Afghanistan for Education (AAE).
WORLDWIDE IMPACT
Combat Flip Flops is committed to creating peaceful, forward-thinking opportunities for self-determined entrepreneurs affected by conflict—'Business, Not Bullets'. Seeking to aide residents of war torn countries on a worldwide scale, CFF currently works with manufacturers in multiple conflict regions across the globe. Flip flops are produced in a facility in Bogota, Columbia, known for its high-end leathers and shoe construction; sarongs are sewn at a women-owned factory in Kabul, Afghanistan where the purchase of one sarong puts a woman in secondary school for a week; jewelry is made from unexploded ordinance (UXO) that was dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War with each purchase helping to clear three square meters of UXO; and messenger bags are sewn in Washington which keeps Americans at work with the decrease in military orders.
Launching the Cashmagh Program is a bold endeavor that will help turn a natural resource into a profitable, sustainable industry for the country of Afghanistan. Recognized as the third largest cashmere producer in the world, Afghanistan is home to an estimated 450,000 goat herders. With 95% of Afghan goats categorized as "cashmere producing", only 30% are utilized for this valuable resource. By creating opportunity for cashmere exportation, the Cashmagh Program will encourage Afghan residents to recognize the benefits of business, not bullets.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THIS CAMPAIGN IS FUNDED?
When this campaign is funded, you will have done the following:
▪ Provided thousands of Afghan goat herders with the resources to provide for their families
▪ Created an opportunity to offer Afghanistan products with first world markets
▪ Provided Afghan girls with an educational opportunity through secondary school
▪ Encouraged economic development and stability within a war-torn nation
▪ Proved that businesses have more impact than bullets
