Grunt Style and VFW Unite to 'Honor the Contract' with Limited-Edition T-Shirt Supporting Veteran Suicide Prevention
The collaborative design is a modern reimagining of an archival VFW concept dating back to one of the most shameful chapters in American history, when veterans of World War I were denied their promised compensation and violently removed from the nation's capital for demanding justice. That movement came to be known as the Bonus Army, a somber reminder that America has not always lived up to its promises to those who serve.
Today, nearly a century later, the battle continues, not on the battlefield, but within our own communities. Veterans are still petitioning the government for better care, timely benefits, and mental health support. And once again, the VFW is stepping forward, not just with words, but with action.
'This campaign isn't just about a shirt. It's about a promise, a contract, between the United States and its defenders,' said VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt. 'Our nation must honor that sacred agreement, not just during service, but long after the uniform is folded. By resurrecting this historic design, we're reminding America that failure to care for its veterans is not just neglect, it's betrayal.'
The VFW has committed to donating proceeds from this design directly to Irreverent Warriors, a program of the Grunt Style Foundation that uses humor, camaraderie, and shared experience to tackle the suicide epidemic within the veteran community.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief in action over lip service and a mutual understanding that the fight for a veteran's life doesn't end at discharge.
'Grunt Style was founded by a veteran who believed in taking care of his own, and that belief hasn't changed,' said Tim Jensen, Chief Brand Officer of Grunt Style and Chairman of the Grunt Style Foundation. 'When the VFW brought us this design from their archives, it was like a lightning bolt. We knew this wasn't about nostalgia, it was about the now. Veterans are dying because the system meant to support them is broken. This shirt is our call to arms and our way of saying we won't be silent.'
The design itself is striking, gritty, evocative, and unmistakably patriotic. Bold lettering and a weathered visual aesthetic recall wartime posters of the past, while the phrase 'Honor The Contract' punches with present-day urgency.
The limited-edition shirt will be available exclusively through Grunt Style's website. A portion of proceeds will directly fund Grunt Style Foundation's work through Irreverent Warriors, whose mission is to bring veterans together in a safe, humorous, and healing environment through events like Silkies Hikes and community engagement.
About Grunt Style:
Founded by a combat veteran, Grunt Style is more than a t-shirt company, it's a lifestyle brand for those who still believe in the American spirit. With more than 5 million social followers and millions of loyal customers, Grunt Style is committed to serving those who serve.
About the VFW:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest war veterans service organization, tracing its roots back to 1899. With more than 1.5 million members, the VFW fights for veterans' rights and well-being on Capitol Hill and in communities across America.
About Grunt Style Foundation:
The Grunt Style Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving those who served, with programs focused on mental health, transition support, and combating veteran suicide. Its Irreverent Warriors initiative brings humor and connection to the frontlines of healing through unique events and community activism.
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Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
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Cosmopolitan
18 minutes ago
- Cosmopolitan
Ranked: The 7 healthiest milks you should be drinking—from cow's milk to oat milk
If you take a cursory look at any supermarket shelf, you'll find that we really can – and will – turn pretty much anything into milk these days. Gone are the days of blue, green or red topped options straight from the cow, there are now an increasing amount of options to pour on top of your cereal, spanning from oat to coconut to even hemp. But with so many different options to choose from, and with some milks becoming more 'fashionable' than others (it's now thought that as many as a third of British households now have a dairy-free alternative milk in their fridges), how can we be sure which milk is best for us nutritionally? Well, fear not. Cosmopolitan UK has sought the help of Alison Bladh, clinical supervisor on nutrition at the University of West London, to share her expertise on which milk is the best. The classic option is still favoured by most people in the UK (a 2024 study found semi-skimmed milk is the best-selling milk in Britain). But it can cause digestive issues for many – and not just those who are lactose intolerant, explains Bladh. 'Dairy milk contains proteins like casein and whey, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals,' she explains. 'The allergenic potential of dairy milk can vary depending on the type of milk and the individual's immune response. For example, whole milk contains more fat and protein than skimmed milk, which may slightly increase its allergenic load in sensitive individuals.' Full fat milk has previously been lambasted as being unhealthy (however, whole milk sales have started to rise again in more recent months – perhaps as a result of our newfound protein obsession?). Bladh adds its reputation is slightly unfair, particularly as it's a good source of vitamins as well as protein. 'Whole milk retains all its natural fat, which can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K,' she says. 'Whole milk may help with satiety, making you feel fuller for longer, and some studies have linked it to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and healthier weight outcomes compared to low-fat versions, likely because it's less processed and more satisfying, helping to reduce overall snacking and cravings.' Reduced and low-fat cow's milk have similar benefits, Bladh adds, but would be better for those mindful of calorie intake or saturated fat consumption. Unpasteurised, or 'raw' milk has gained traction in some circles (see American 'crunchy moms' for details). This is effectively milk that hasn't been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria, with some claiming it's more nutritious than milk that has been processed. Bladh, however, is wary, and explains the health dangers: 'Raw milk can harbour dangerous bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, which are especially risky for pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems,' she says. 'In the UK, raw cow's milk can legally be sold by registered farms directly to consumers (e.g. at the farm gate, via a farmer's market, or through a delivery scheme) but must carry a warning label.' She continues: 'As a nutritional therapist, I advise caution. If you're considering raw milk, make sure it's from a reputable, regularly tested source, and understand the potential risks. 'For most people, pasteurised milk remains the safer, more reliable option especially when you're looking to meet your nutritional needs without compromising food safety.' Not all dairy milk comes from cows; you may have indulged in goat's cheese before, so why not give goat milk a go? Bladh explains it may generally be better for those who struggle with cow's milk. 'Goat's milk has a different protein structure and lower lactose content, which makes it slightly easier to digest. 'It also contains slightly more calcium and certain medium-chain fatty acids, which are more readily used for energy. However, it's still a dairy product and not suitable for those with true dairy allergies or following a vegan diet.' Made from processing soy beans, this plant-based alternative is considered to be the milk most nutritionally similar to dairy. As well as being high in protein and having strong calcium, it is also cholesterol free. Bladh argues this is a strong option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant – but warns it may not work for everyone. 'Some people may be sensitive to soy, and it's not always well tolerated by those with IBS due to its fermentable fibre content,' she says. 'For soya milk, I recommend choosing organic when possible. This helps avoid genetically modified (GM) soy, which is common in conventional production, and often means fewer pesticide residues.' Almond milk is made from almonds and water, meaning it tends to have fewer calories than traditional dairy milk. However, Bladh warns, almond milk can sometimes have very high sugar content – particularly in sweetened versions – and has low protein. 'Fortified versions can provide calcium and vitamin D, but nutritionally it's not a like-for-like dairy replacement unless enriched,' she says. 'Still, it can be a good base for smoothies or as a light alternative in tea or coffee. It's best for general use, rather than as a protein source.' Currently the most popular plant-based milk in the UK (annual sales of oat milk have reached £275 million), its creamy texture and and pleasant, naturally sweet taste has seen it become a staple in both kitchens and plush coffee shops alike. While there are some health benefits (It's well tolerated for those with milk allergies, and is often fortified with calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D, Bladh says) it is very starchy and carb-heavy , so it may not be suitable for those closely monitoring blood sugar. Simply made from milled rice and water, Bladh touts rice milk as the best type of milk if you have many food intolerances. However, compared to dairy and other plant-based alternatives, it contains few dietary benefits. 'It has a high glycaemic index and offers very little protein,' she says. 'Although often fortified, it's not ideal as a standalone nutritional replacement for dairy.' This flavourful alternative tends to be light in both texture and carbs – but high in saturated fats. 'It may be fortified with calcium and vitamin D but isn't naturally nutrient-dense,' Bladh says. 'It can be a flavourful addition to drinks or dishes, but its limited nutritional content means it should be used more as a complement than a key dietary source of nutrients. 'Best suited for occasional use in smoothies, teas or curries, especially for those following low-carb or plant-based diets who enjoy its flavour.' Made from hemp seeds and water, hemp milk contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, making it unique among plant milks. 'It's typically low in protein but often fortified with calcium, vitamin D and B12,' Bladh says. 'It's naturally free from nuts, soy, and gluten, and has a slightly nutty taste. Some people find its flavour strong, but it blends well into smoothies or porridge. 'It's best suited for individuals with food allergies who are looking to boost their intake of essential fatty acids, particularly those following plant-based or anti-inflammatory diets.' Bladh argues there is no one size fits all approach to finding the best or healthiest milk. 'The healthiest option depends entirely on your individual health goals, dietary needs, tolerance, and lifestyle,' she says. 'If you're looking for a nutrient-dense, natural source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, and you tolerate dairy well, then whole milk from grass-fed cows can be an excellent choice especially when consumed as part of a balanced, whole-food diet. 'If you're trying to reduce saturated fat or manage heart disease risk, then reduced-fat or low-fat dairy can still offer valuable nutrients with fewer calories and less fat 'For those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or following a plant-based diet, unsweetened, fortified, organic soy milk is the closest nutritionally to cow's milk, especially in protein. Other plant-based options like hemp, oat, and almond milk have their place, but vary widely in nutrient content. 'It's essential to choose fortified, unsweetened versions and be mindful of added sugars and processing.' This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
Buzz Feed
6 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
15 Dark Historical Facts You Didn't Know About
It's no secret to anyone who's read my content on the internet: I've been obsessed with history lately. And recently, I was scrolling through the depths of the internet when I stumbled upon some dark historical facts that I seriously can't shake. It's been days, and I'm still thinking about them. There's something so shocking and fascinating about an eerie historical event that few people actually know about. So we're gonna learn about some of those today! I'll warn you: Some of these are really intense, so if you're sensitive to stories about dark topics, I'd proceed with caution. The Dancing Plague of 1518 is one of history's weirdest and scariest events. It happened in Strasbourg, now in France, and it's exactly what it sounds like: hundreds of people began dancing and supposedly couldn't stop. They were dancing consistently for days on end. The odd plague eventually went away a couple months later, and people went back to their normal lives, but some people "died from their exertions." No one knows why this happened, but theories range from stress-induced mass hysteria, to food poisoning from fungi found in bread. The summer of 1816 should've been just a normal summer, but umm…let's just say my worst fear happened. For some parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe, that summer actually felt like a full-blown winter (snow, wind, cold temperatures, the whole shebang). Of course, the "year without summer" had catastrophic effects on farming, and people's overall wellbeing. So why did this happen? It turns out it was the result of an Indonesian volcanic eruption that happened the year before. A couple decades after Pierre and Marie Curie discovered the glow-in-the-dark radioactive element of radium in 1898, something absolutely catastrophic happened. People (wrongfully) thought radium was safe for humans to handle because it had worked in some cancer treatments, so female factory workers started putting it in everyday products like makeup and even toothpaste in the early 20th century. The radium they were handling made their skin literally glow, and they were assured it wasn't dangerous…but of course, it was. The workers slowly began developing terrible illnesses and later dying of radium poisoning — and they're now called the "Radium Girls." Before the atomic bomb was made, one of the largest explosions was a ship accident in Halifax, Canada in 1917. Two ships crashed into each other in the harbour, which wasn't unheard of — but the problem was that one of the ships was full of explosives that were intended to be used for battle in World War I. So when the ships hit each other, it caused a literal tsunami. The ship's explosion and resulting tsunami killed 2,000 people and left 9,000 more with permanent injuries. Plus, part of the city of Halifax was totally "wiped out" as a result, leaving thousands more without shelter. If you've got a weak tummy, I'd skip this one…because "The Great Stink of 1858" is enough to give me nightmares. It happened in London, and was caused by intense heat along with all the sewage people poured into the River Thames. And by the way, when I say the lake was full of sewage, that also includes household garbage, and even a few dead bodies. This led to virus outbreaks and death, along with horrendous living conditions for, well, everyone. Time for something a bit lighter. The Great Emu War of 1932 happened in Australia, and it was humbling, to say the least. It started when Australian soldiers were instructed to kill 20,000 emus — there were just too many of them, and they were killing crops. Seemed like a simple task, but the emus were just too strong and too numerous. The soldiers only managed to kill less than a thousand in a couple months, and the emus were eventually declared the winners of the war. The species is now protected by the government! So there you go, happy endings! In the mid-19th century, around 81 American pioneers (including children) were on their way to California when a snowstorm began. The conditions left them completely stranded. At that point, around half of the survivors allegedly (and unwillingly) engaged in cannibalism, eating the bodies of the people who'd already died, just to stay alive once their food supply was empty. The terrifying incident is now called the "Donner party," named after one of the families on the trip. Only around half of the original group survived. Similarly, in 1820, a whaling ship was travelling across the Pacific Ocean when a whale punctured and sank the ship. The 20 survivors loaded into small boats to travel to the closest land — which was more than 1,300 miles away. Within a few months, 12 more people had died, and some were eaten by surviving passengers as a last resort. But a few of the castaways had better stories: Five were rescued by ships along the way. The most interesting part of this story, though, is that it was part of the inspiration for the book Moby-Dick. Japanese military officer Hiroo Onoda was on a small island in the Philippines towards the end of World War II in 1944 when the US army attacked the area. Many soldiers escaped the attack by hiding in the jungle. But the unique part of Hiroo's story is he stayed hidden for 30 years, and was declared dead in 1959. Eventually, we learned he spent those years serving a "secret mission" there on the island, but at the time, nobody knew where he was. And for those 30 years, Hiroo thought the war was still going on. He came back home to Japan in 1974 to a "hero's welcome," and even published a bestselling book about his experience. In 1876 in Kentucky, the unthinkable happened: chunks of meat started falling from the sky, out of nowhere. Locals were all baffled, and couldn't think of an explanation as to how it could've happened (which makes sense, yanno, because meat literally started RAINING from the sky). The grossest part? Some people actually tasted the sky-meat. Finally, a scientist figured it out: The "meat shower" was actually just "vulture vomit," birds spitting out their food up above. We're all aware many people were hanged for committing crimes until about the mid-20th century (depending on where you live). These executions were pretty straightforward and didn't typically have any major roadblocks. Well, in 1885, a man named John "Babbacombe" Lee was convicted of murdering a woman named Emma Anne Whitehead Keyse…but he actually survived his hanging. Here's what supposedly happened: The executioner tried to drop the trap door to complete the hanging, but it got stuck — not once, not twice, but THREE times. John was sentenced to a lifetime in prison after that, and now he's known as "The Man They Couldn't Hang." You know when people talk about asteroids hitting the Earth and you convince yourself that it'd never really happen? Well, it actually did. In 1908, the Tunguska Asteroid hit Earth, falling right through the atmosphere (that's where most asteroids break down…but this one stayed intact). The asteroid "exploded in the skies all over Siberia," and caused tons of damage including "forest fires, and trees blown over for miles," according to NASA. Because so few people lived there, it didn't make much news, but it sure was rare — and pretty freaky, if you ask me. The US's first documented serial killer is called H.H. Holmes, and he was active in the late 19th century. He owned a lot in Chicago where he built his "Murder Castle," which is exactly as horrifying as it sounds. The building was reportedly full of "booby traps," including "soundproof rooms," "secret passageways," "trapdoors," and allegedly a "crematorium." We're not totally sure what was in there, or even how many victims he had, because the initial reports were supposedly exaggerated…but that just makes it scarier in my eyes. H.H. Holmes was eventually hanged, and the Murder Castle was burned, then later torn down. The Italian Hall Disaster of 1913 happened in Michigan on Christmas Eve. At the time, in a village called Calumet, copper miners were striking. The miners and their families were celebrating Christmas Eve together when someone allegedly yelled "Fire!" — and this led to a rush of people trying to exit the hall. That's when tragedy struck. The stampede of people led to 73 deaths from suffocation, with the majority of them being children. It's still unclear how exactly it all went down, but the event is still memorialized every year in the town. In 1814, London experienced (dare I say, the world's first and only) "beer tsunami," which killed eight people. Yes, beer. So how did it happen? I'll explain. You could call it a freak accident: A tank at a brewery exploded, crashed through the building's walls and into the streets. And it sure wasn't small — we're talking about 320,000 gallons of beer here, in a giant uncontrollable wave. Now, what's a dark historical fact that others probably wouldn't know about? Tell me in this quick form, or in the comments below! And check out BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more fascinating stuff! 🧠
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad for You—These 8 Are Actually Healthy
New research from the American Heart Association suggests these foods have some benefits. Key Takeaways Ultra-processed foods dominate the U.S. diet and raise heart disease risk, but some—like whole-grain cereals or plain yogurt—can still be healthy. Good picks include frozen produce, low-sodium beans, nuts, and high-fiber cereals, while processed meats, sugary drinks, and refined breads are best limited. Swaps like plain yogurt with fruit or sparkling water, plus smart use of frozen or canned basics, can cut harmful UPFs without losing convenience. If you've noticed a lot of headlines around ultra-processed foods lately, you're not imagining it. There have been several recent studies linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—which contain ingredients and chemicals that aren't generally available to a home cook—to a variety of health issues, from cardiovascular disease to risk of premature death. "High UPF intake is widespread and detrimental," says Grace Derocha, RDN, CDCES,spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Nearly 60% of U.S. calories come from UPFs—and adolescents fare worst, correlating with poorer heart health scores." But before you clean out your pantry, there is some nuance when it comes to processed foods, according to new research from the American Heart Association. And in fact, some can actually be beneficial to your health. Meet Our Expert Grace Derocha, RDN, CDCES,spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics What the Research Shows Regarding Ultra-Processed Foods The American Health Association found that processed foods that contain additives and chemicals often have other not-so-great ingredients that put you at risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases, and death, including unhealthy fats and added sugars and salts. And processed food takes up more than 70% of what's available at your local grocery store, so it can be harder than you'd expect to avoid them. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your UPF intake and focusing your diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and lean proteins. But in this new research, they've taken a stab at defining which UPFs are the most dangerous to your health—and which ones aren't. "Not all UPFs are equally harmful: Items like whole-grain cereals or yogurt may carry lower or even inverse cardiovascular disease risk compared with sugary beverages or processed meats," Derocha says. "The science recognizes the complexity—UPF is a broad category, and context matters. We should differentiate between 'unhealthy UPFs' and more wholesome packaged items." Related: The Difference Between Processed Food and Ultra-Processed Food—and Why It Matters for Health How to Choose Healthier Processed Foods You don't have to give up the convenience of processed foods entirely in order to reduce your risk of negative health effects. Just follow these tips—based on the new research—to help you create a shopping list that'll focus on your health. Opt for "Green-Flag" Processed Foods One of the reasons that ultra-processed foods have proliferated? They make it much simpler to get dinner on the table—just heat and eat. But you don't have to rely on heavily processed foods to simplify your food prep. "Convenience doesn't equal compromise," Derocha says. "Smart choices like frozen produce, canned staples, and wisely selected UPFs can make healthy eating accessible." Among the "green-flagged" processed foods that are considered healthier: Lightly salted and flavored nuts, seeds, and legumes Low-sodium canned beans and legumes Low-sodium canned tuna, salmon, or chicken, packed in water Unsweetened dried fruit Low-sodium whole grain breads and crackers High fiber cereal with minimal sweeteners Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives like soy milk and tofu Frozen produce There are also a few "caution" items that are considered moderately healthy, such as canned fruit in light syrup or juice, hard cheeses, and low-sodium and/or low-fat canned soups or canned beans that contain salt. Minimize "Red-Flag" Foods The American Heart Association chart reviews both processed and unprocessed foods for their potential impacts on cardiovascular health—which includes a list of red-flagged foods that could put your health at risk. "Identifying high-risk UPF subgroups is essential to balancing nutritional goals with the need for accessible and appealing food options," according to the study. "Most UPFs overlap with foods high in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, which are already targets for cardiometabolic risk reduction." Processed meats like bacon, chicken nuggets, sausage, and hot dogs, and sugar-sweetened beverages are high on the list of red-flag foods, but you probably won't be surprised by what is on the list: Processed meats, like chicken nuggets, sausage, hot dogs Sugar-sweetened beverages Sweets like cookies, candies, and fruit snacks Cheese products White bread, tortillas, and rolls Ice cream and other dairy-based desserts Frozen meals that contain things on this list (like pizza or instant noodles) Canned fruit in syrup Tortilla or potato-based chips But the paper also called out some minimally processed foods that could be harmful to your health. That list includes: Meat and dairy products, including red meat, pork, butter, beef tallow, and sour cream Natural sweeteners, like sugar, honey, and maple syrup Sweetened dried or canned fruit and brined vegetables French fries Crackers 100% fruit juice Tropical oils, like palm and coconut oil Some of these foods are often on lists of healthier options, and Derocha notes that they may be more of a "sometimes" food, rather than a wholesale ban. "While honey is minimally processed, it's still a concentrated source of sugar—making it less heart-friendly than, say, whole-grain bread or canned beans that offer fiber and nutrients. It's less about processing level and more about overall contributions to cardiovascular health." Make Healthier Swaps If you're looking to reduce your ultra-processed food intake, there are some easy swaps that are just as delicious—and won't raise your health risks. "Try sparkling water flavored with fruit instead of soda; make yogurt parfaits with plain yogurt and fruit instead of pre-sweetened cartons," Derocha suggests. And check the ingredient list. "Look for UPFs that include whole grains, legumes, yogurt, or nuts—not just isolated additives," Derocha says. "Cereals, yogurts, and whole-grain products are among UPFs associated with lower cardiovascular risk." You'll also want to limit or avoid foods that have a huge list of chemicals among their ingredients. "Favor foods with fewer, recognizable ingredients—avoid long lists of additives, emulsifiers, sweeteners," Derocha says. Find Other Ways to Speed Up Meal Prep Choosing minimally processed building blocks like frozen fruits and veggies, canned beans, and frozen whole grains can help you get your meal on the plate faster, Derocha says. "You can also meal prep simple components," she suggests. "Roast a batch of chicken or bake vegetables ahead, then mix and match throughout the week." You can also consider batch cooking, in which you make a larger batch of a favorite dish and freeze the leftovers for a busy weeknight. "Cook once, and eat twice," Derocha says. "Allowing the freezer to be your friend is a great way to be in the driver's seat of what you are consuming." Related: 9 Superfoods That Will Help You Live Longer, According to Dietitians Read the original article on Real Simple
