SAVANNAH, Georgia — Tyler Merritt understands the power of community, belonging and purpose. It's what drew him toward the military as a high school senior, not long after the Sept. 11 attacks. This service eventually led him to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, one of the most heavily deployed military units.

Thirteen years ago, Merritt cofounded Nine Line Apparel, named for the nine-line distress call medevacs use for calling in a combat injury. Since the very beginning, the company has donated a portion of its proceeds to a foundation it set up to serve veterans, as well as military and first responder charities.Nine Line Apparel began in Merritt's garage in Savannah, Georgia. It has grown from its flagship storefront along the Savann

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