Military

Blue Coats to Modern Military Uniforms: A History of U.S. Military Attire

Posted on June 13, 2018

Modern military uniforms are the result of centuries of refinement, the apex of function and efficiency – and it all started with a blue coat and white overalls. Changes to the United States military uniform have been gradual but the goal has always been the same: keep our boys safe, keep them stocked, and keep America strong. The influences are numerous, even down to the materials, but the results have proven iconic. So let us take you through eras of American history and see the evolution of our modern military uniforms from humble beginnings. The American Revolution to the War of 1812 Considering the circumstances around the American Revolution, it’s no surprise that the Continental Army uniforms were nearly identical to those of the British. The main distinguishing factor of the standardized...

Helpful Ideas for Your Holiday Care Package

Posted on December 15, 2017

Send Your Deployed Service Member a Care Package The military holiday care package narrative is about deployed service members receiving personal packages in the mail from their loved ones back home. For the brave men and women who will be overseas and deployed during the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, they will be monumentally grateful for anything that would be sent their way. Figuring out and choosing the contents to send in your holiday care package will be instrumental in helping you feel a lot closer to your loved ones. It'll be tough for deployed military members to be away from their friends and family throughout the holidays, so it's paramount to decide on the things that you can and should mail to military personnel in foreign destinations. Here are...

The Year-Round Bomber Jacket Trend

Posted on April 14, 2017

A Soaring Trend Every now and then, there seems to be a fashion trend that unexpectedly hits. Its' popularity spreads everywhere without a hint or a whisper, taking a spot in many of our closets. Currently, one of the largest and “coolest” trends around is that of the bomber jacket trend. Yes, military wear has finally gone full mainstream! Those classic aviation jackets have now become a staple in our on-trend, social society. More notably, we’re referring to the MA-1 bomber jackets, which was first developed in the late 1940s. The MA-1s are so in demand today that it's begging us to trace the roots of the bomber jacket and how it soared into popularity. This is also a gender-balanced trend that can be worn on multiple occasions and in any...

Military Women Veterans Who Made an Impact

Posted on March 14, 2017

It’s another month, and this time, it’s National Women’s History Month! This title is dedicated to the many brave and strong women in the past who have sought to battle through inequality in society, break down barriers and pave a path for future generations to soar without resistance. To commemorate this month, we want to use this blog to honor some of the military women veterans who served for the US and distinguished themselves and help make a better future for women in the military. While we know many men in the military who had heroic roles during the past wars, there are a number of military women veterans who deserve a spotlight as well. Ann E. Dunwoody [caption id="attachment_50818" align="aligncenter" width="402"] pc: Encylopedia Britannica[/caption] One of the most decorated military women veterans...

Six Famous Military Presidents

Posted on February 15, 2017

Military Presidents of the United States As we celebrate Presidents’ Day this month, we want to commemorate the holiday by discussing several US presidents who either served or has played a key role in the military. Although many of our past leaders have held a military role, we want to discuss the military presidents who have played a more prominent role. We will cover these men, prior to becoming our commander-in-chief, from serving in the American Revolution to the Civil War to World War II. George Washington [caption id="attachment_50826" align="aligncenter" width="551"] pc: mountvernon.org[/caption] The country’s first president was also a man with one of the longest military careers. He was a part of the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. Commander of the Virginia Regiment and later, the Continental Army, he played...

The Last-Minute Christmas Gifts That Will Be Perfect For Your Loved One

The Perfect Last-Minute Christmas Gift for Your Loved One

Posted on December 10, 2016

Something for Everybody: Last-Minute Christmas Gift The perfect last-minute Christmas gift can be found just around the corner on Venice blvd. in Southern California. The Surplus Store is a low cost, affordable, family-owned and operated, camping and military surplus store that may be the exact place you need when looking for a meaningful gift this year. According to our calendars, that special holiday of giving is near; shoppers are scrambling to pick up the best gifts for their friends and family. We may be busy with work and planning events and trips that could pit us with a limited time to shop for gifts. Many shoppers panic on what to get for their loved ones, if you're one of them, don't worry. We’re a large surplus store in the West LA region...

Work Uniforms for You and Others

Posted on September 15, 2016

Get to Work! You've started your new job and you're wondering where you can buy your new work uniforms, but you don't even know where to start. Look no further than The Surplus Store! Located conveniently in West Los Angeles, we've been in business since 1946 and have been selling work uniforms as well as military garments, camping supplies and survival supplies since we opened our doors. Our friendly staff can easily help you find any kind of work uniform that you need. Range of Work Uniforms Medical uniforms: We carry a range of medical uniforms for hospitals, dental labs, and even doctor's offices. Our high-quality medical uniforms and scrubs will make you look clean, professional, and ready for work! Police uniforms: Although we don't sell police shirts we have several brands that you...

Wear Your American Pride Out Loud For July 4th

Wear Your American Pride for July 4th

Posted on June 29, 2016

Can't Wait for This Day In the United States, the 4th of July is the American holiday that we may cherish the most. It is OUR holiday, shared by no other nation outside of the US. As we joyfully celebrate the birth of America, we shouldn't be shy about how much American pride we show. Before the 4th of July, make a stop at the Surplus Store, where you'll discover the perfect accessories and products to get you more excited. What's in Store for You Located in the Venice, West LA area; our store specializes in providing affordable outdoor/emergency/camping supplies, school supplies, uniforms, clothes and many more goods for your daily use. America and the military are what we honor most, so if you're looking to go big for July 4th; take a...

The History of Dog Tags in the Military

Posted on May 14, 2016

Looking Back at Dog Tags As Memorial Day grows near, it's an opportune time to discuss the history of dog tags in relation to its honorable reminder of our loved ones who passed while serving our country. Military dog tags are a simple, yet crucial piece of identification mainly for identifying fallen or wounded soldiers while serving as a piece of remembrance for loved ones. The term "dog tags" is an informal one; coined by WWII soldiers due to its resemblance to animal registration tags. The history of dog tags is rich and worldwide, as it all started in the days of the Civil War. The Need for ID Tags During the Civil War, soldiers realized that some kind of ID was needed on their bodies when in combat. Some of them improvised...

Veterans Day In Los Angeles: A Guide

Posted on November 6, 2015

How You Can Help This Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day in Los Angeles and across the country. It is a holiday dedicated to honoring all of our veterans who bravely served the United States by joining the armed forces. Throughout times of peace and times of war, these veterans did all they could to help protect and strengthen our nation. Regardless of your stance on domestic or foreign policy, our veterans deserve our admiration and gratitude. Although there are many reasons to honor and celebrate our veterans, unfortunately, they do not get all the recognition or assistance they deserve. Thankfully, there are many things that you, your friends, neighbors and family can do to help honor our veterans and express your gratitude for the dedication they have shown for our community and country. Here...