Lawmakers Unhappy With US Army-Sears Deal

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, Chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee on defense, is unhappy with a new licensing deal between the US Army and Sears. The Hoffman Estates-based retailer announced last week a new fall line of men's, women's and children's clothing, bearing the 1st Infantry Division’s historic “Big Red One” insignia. “I’m astounded,” Murtha told Politico. “That patch is to be worn by only people who served in the 1st Division,” said Charles Horner, a retired Army officer who now works for Murtha. “What right does the Army have to sell our patch?”

Sears doesn't see it that way, however. "Sears has been proud to show its support of members of the military and their families on a variety of levels," adding that a portion of the licensing fee will go to benefit troops and their families. The military sees it as a boon as well. “Strong brand identification through retail sales of products potentially can enhance the Army’s recruiting efforts and the public’s general goodwill toward the Army and its activities,” an Army spokesman told Crain's.