Several years ago, Bob Baumann of Edward Baumann Clothiers, began a program called Suits of Honor. Every year he offers at least 26 veterans a new custom suit, shirt, and tie for free. So far, about 80 veterans have taken part in the program.

Baumann said, “I’m a patriotic guy.” He is a custom clothier who serves everyone from high-end to blue-collar clients at his business in Addison, Texas. When he held a 4th of July fireworks-watching party, he admits he felt a rush of American pride when he saw a massive American flag on the side of his building.

He decided to show his patriotism a little more than displaying a giant American flag. That is when he started Suits of Honor. “We’re not in the clothing business. We change people’s lives. And that’s what makes it fun,” said Baumann.

One veteran who took part in the program explained how wearing a custom-made suit fills him with the kind of pride he felt when he put on his dress uniform.

Chad Fleming is one of those changed lives. The Army captain from Alabama who now calls Texas home, became a battle-scarred lower leg amputee during his service but, fitted with a prosthetic leg, chose to re-deploy as an active duty soldier five more times.

“Not every day is a good day, but there’s good in every day,” Fleming said of the mantra that sometimes fuels his positive outlook.

“You can sit around and feel sorry for yourself, but you’re wasting time that you’ll never get back,” he said.

He admits, however, that the mental recovery from his injury was lengthy and difficult. And the transition to civilian life also difficult in unexpected ways: including putting away his military dress uniform.

“When you went and put that dress uniform on, dude, you were like Superman,” he said.

“The sense of pride that you get, especially when other people notice, there’s not a feeling like it. It’s the same in one of these suits,” he said of the custom suits Baumann has made for him.

“The first time since military service I was like, I got that feeling back, I got the emotions back of putting on that dress uniform. And I said this is now my new dress uniform,” he said of his latest Edward Baumann Clothiers suit.

“It changes the way people see them,” said Baumann.

That’s a great story. It reminds me of the advice often given to young people entering the workforce – dress for the job you want.

In July Baumann bumped up his efforts in order to help even more veterans. When a customer spent $2,500 or more, he offered a complete suit for a veteran for free. When he made that decision, he hoped to deliver that gift to at least 100 veterans.

He believes if you look like a million bucks, you act like a million bucks. He thinks his suits can bring a veteran a civilian job or a promotion they seek.

Fleming said you perform at your best when you are well-dressed. His best now includes his performances as a public speaker. He wears one of Baumann’s tailor-made suits and wants to encourage other veterans to do the same.

“It’s my turn to pay it back, to pay it forward. To help those who will be coming up next,” said Baumann.

That’s the kind of business people should feel good about supporting. It’s a feel-good way for those who can afford to purchase a custom-made suit to help someone else, while thanking a veteran. It’s a win all around.