Through the end of 2017, we’re partnering with Run Down the Demons, a local non-profit that advocates for education, awareness, and research to support complications that veterans and their families might be facing. The initial inspiration started with our own team members at Hot Chicken Takeover— those who have served our country or who have a close family member or friend who has served— looking to get more involved in the Columbus veteran community.
One of our General Managers, Craig, shares a few words with us:
“I was in Junior High when 9/11 happened, college during the Iraq surge. In my mind, Iraq and Afghanistan were going to be the defining events of my generation and I wanted to play a part. For five years, I served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. On my last day in the Army, I addressed my platoon for the last time and I told them the only thing I knew how: that they had given me far more than I could’ve ever hoped to have given them. I made the transition to civilian life assuming that the most professionally meaningful years of my life were behind me. Then I stumbled upon HCT. Just over a year after I came off active duty, moments before we opened our doors at Easton to the public, I was afforded the opportunity to address the team. I told them the only thing I knew how: that they had given me far more than I could’ve ever hoped to have given them. I don’t know how I can repay all these debts.
This shirt, and the cause it supports, means the world to me. RDtD is doing incredibly compelling work in an arena that desperately needs it. The VA recently published a report on veteran suicide. Unprecedented in its comprehensiveness, the report outlines a grim reality. Over 7,300 veterans will likely kill themselves this year, which will be more than than the total number of service members who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. Veterans account for 18% of all deaths by suicide among U.S. adults, yet they constitute only 8% of the population. Rates of suicide were highest among male Iraq and Afghanistan veterans ages 18-29. Even still, the suicide rate for female veterans is 250% that of non-veteran females. Purchasing this shirt isn’t merely an investment in chicken, its an investment in the Columbus veteran community.”
These limited edition, Army green shirts will be available in sizes XS-3XL at the North Market, Clintonville, and Easton locations for $29 while supplies last. Each t-shirt purchase comes with a free meal, and each time the shirt is worn into the restaurant, the purchaser will get $1 off their order. We also offer 50% off to all active and inactive military personnel and first responders in uniform, or with a valid ID. This is a standard discount offered at Hot Chicken Takeover every day.