**Honoring Elicha Jackson Allred: A Veteran’s Journey** ~ by Kristin Allred

This Veterans Day, we pay tribute to Elicha Jackson Allred, affectionately known as “Alabam" ~ and cherished as my Grandpa Jack.

Serving in the Headquarters Company of the Third Battalion of the 328th Infantry Regiment, part of the esteemed 26th Division—the "Yankee Division"—Allred played a vital role in the Third Army under General Patton during World War II.

Elicha arrived in France in the late summer of 1944, landing at the historic Utah Beach.

He immediately embraced his duty, reportedly serving as a jeep driver for his colonel.

While he may have participated in the Red Ball Express supply convoy, it was in the Lorraine Campaign, specifically at Moncourt Woods in eastern France, where he first saw action in late October and early November.

After a brief respite during Christmas 1944, Allred's company was sent north to the pivotal Battle of the Bulge. There, near Wiltz, Luxembourg, he and his comrades played a crucial role in blocking German reinforcements aimed at Bastogne, demonstrating remarkable bravery and resilience.

Throughout his service, Elicha was recognized for his valor, earning two Purple Hearts—one at Wiltz and the second in Hanau, Germany—as the Third Army advanced across the country.

He also received two Bronze Stars for his exemplary conduct in combat.

Following the war, Allred found himself in Pilsen, Czechia, as part of the occupation army. There, he contributed to the noble effort of relocating concentration camp survivors, providing hope and support in the aftermath of unimaginable hardship.

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans like Elicha Jackson Allred, we honor their bravery and commitment to freedom.

His story serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication exhibited by those who served, shaping our world for the better. This Veterans Day, let us remember and celebrate the legacy of all who have fought for our nation.

When it comes to snagging either your first pair of cowboy boots or adding another trusty pair to your collection, getting the fit just right is as important as a good saddle on a buckin' bronco. 

Western boots are built tough, ready to stand the test of time, making them a solid investment for years of wear. 

They're made to brave the wildest of conditions, from rugged trails to fierce weather, making them the perfect choice for anyone who spends their days under the big sky. 

And sometimes... we just want them to look good. 

Well, either way, boots should also be as comfortable as a well-worn saddle. 

They're designed to hug your foot and offer top-notch support.  They provide stability that keeps you on your feet, whether you're riding into the sunset or kickin' up dust on the trail. 

Here at Jack's we have an Ariat store... 3000 sq feet of just Ariat merchandise. Ariat has a complete guide to fitting cowboy boots.

1. Put the boot on and listen for the faint “pop” as your foot slides into place.
2. Confirm the proper amount of heel lift (there should be some lift, but not too much).
3. Comfortably stand, and then place a sideways thumb between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. This is the proper amount of space between your toes and boot end.
4. Walk around to confirm comfort, fit, and heel lift.

Put on Those Boots

The first thing you want to do when fitting a new pair of boots is to insert your foot into the boot’s shaft and firmly grasp the pull tabs or pull holes.

• The shaft is the upper portion of the boot where your calf and shin will rest.
• Depending on the boot, there will either be holes or tabs to assist in pulling the boot on.

Once you pull the boots past the resistance point in the arch you will hear a faint popping noise as your foot enters its resting place. The resistance point will come from the top of your foot in the arch area and also your heel inside the shaft.

Check for Slight Heel Lift

Heel lift is the gap between the insole of the boot and your heel. It is caused by a slight amount of room from the arch to the toe area of the boot. This room should not exceed more than 1/8th of an inch and is necessary for a proper and comfortable fit.

Check the Fit

Once you have the boots on it's time to make sure they fit. To ensure the proper fit for any boot, make sure the widest part of the ball of your foot rests on the widest part of the boot’s outsole.

Check the Tip of the Boot

Once your feet feel comfortable, stand up in your boots and try to use a sideways thumb to help judge the distance between the tip of your toe and the end of the boot. Your toe should rest about one thumb width away from the end of the toe box. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

• The toe box is the portion of the boot that houses your toes. It is the portion of the boot that starts at the base of your toes and ends at the tip of the boot. Wider toe shapes will often have a wider toe box.
• Remember everyone’s toes are a different length so it’s always a good idea to have that sideways thumb distance from the tip of your toe to the end of the toe box.

Well, partner, let me spin you a yarn and help you get those boots off!

Picture this: you’ve just rolled in from a wild ride, the sun setting behind you like a scene from a classic western. But then, just as you think the day’s a wrap, you find yourself in a tussle with your new boots!

You’re hopping around like a one-legged cowboy, face as red as a ripe tomato, and here you are—stuck with one boot still on.

It’s a sight, I tell ya!

Now, if you’ve ever faced this boot dilemma, you know it’s a rite of passage.

Sure, you might try that toe-off trick—where you use the toe of one boot to shove off the other. It’s a decent move, but it’s best left for old, scuffed boots that have seen better days. Nobody wants to scuff up a brand-new pair, am I right?

Or even have a friend try and yank the boot off!  It turns into a game of tug of war.

But hold your horses! There’s a better way to kick off those stubborn boots without all the fuss and bother.

Let me introduce you to the boot jack, the cowboy’s best friend when it comes to boot removal.

This nifty wooden contraption has been around since the 1800s, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Designed to help cowpokes like us deal with all kinds of boots, it keeps our hands clean and free of mud or, heaven forbid, manure.

Just imagine a cowboy, boots caked with the day’s adventures, stepping onto this trusty device and freeing himself with style!

Using a boot jack is as easy as pie.

You simply slide the heel of your boot into the U-shaped opening while your other foot stands on the flat end. With a swift pull, your foot pops right out—no bending, no jerking, and absolutely no scuffs to be found!

Now this handy device has been around for a LONG time.

A little digging revealed that the oldest boot jack patent dates all the way back to 1887.

Many of these gadgets were made of cast iron, tough enough to handle the hardest of boots.

And some? Well, let’s just say they were considered downright scandalous in their day. I’m sure the picture below will explain why.

But if you’re looking for a more traditional boot jack ~ well, we sell them here at Jack’s.  You can buy them in the store or online for just $17.

Now go on, partner, and ride into the sunset—boot-free and full of style!

Saddle up for the return of Wrangler Brushpoppers at Jack's Western Wear!

The long-awaited Wrangler Brushpoppers have galloped back into town, and the latest fall 2024 styles have landed at Jack's!

Originally introduced in 1979 and retired in 2003, these rugged shirts are making a triumphant comeback, and you'll want to snag one before they're all rustled up.

So, what exactly is a brushpopper, you ask?

Think of it as a cowboy who thrives in those wild, brushy terrains - brave, bold, and ready for anything.  

And just like the cowboys they're named after, Wrangler Brushpopper shirts are tough as nails. 

Designed to be water-repellent and resistant to wind, dust, and sand, these shirts feature a unique wax-like finish that gives them that classic, heavy-duty feel.  It's like having a starched shirt that doesn't require any of the hassle - now that's a win!

Don't let the thickness fool you! These shirts are as comfortable as they come. They won't cling to your skin, and they strike the perfect balance - keeping you cozy without overheating. 

Crafted to last, they give you that sturdy, stout look that's perfect for any cowboy.

The vintage-inspired Brushpopper western snap work shirt is made from soft cotton, ensuring comfort in every season. With its bold, colorful stripes inspired by the vibrant 90s, you'll be turning heads wherever you roam. 

And, of course, it wouldn't be a Wrangler without those iconic details - pointed yokes front and back, chest pockets adorned with Wrangler's signature "W" stitching, and those classic pearl snaps. 

So saddle up and head on down to Jack's to grab your Wrangler Brushpopper before they ride off into the sunset!

Check out this ad from 1992 ~ the Wrangler Brushpopper ~ Featuring Tuff Hedeman, World Champion Bull Rider ~ & Ty Murray, World Champion All-Around Cowboy

Rock the South is an annual country music festival held each summer in Cullman, Alabama. From classic artists to today's biggest stars, the lineup is packed this summer ~ including artists Eric Church, Hardy & Jelly Roll!

Jack's Western Wear is only 2 miles away from the festival site ~ 114 Schwaiger Road in Cullman. 

We've also teamed up with Ariat to sponsor this year's festival.

To help kick things off, we are giving away 24 PRIZES!!!!!!!! No purchase necessary! 

So here's the list ~ including rules on how to enter each drawing or contest! Good luck! 

1. Ariat is giving away 9 PAIRS OF BOOTS! (Mens & Ladies boots, retail value up to $250)

How do you win a pair of Ariat boots?

Come to Jack's now through July 18th and guess how many jelly beans are in the Jelly Roll Jelly Bean Jar!

We will also hold two in-store raffle drawings. Simply come to Jack's and fill out a ticket.

Finally, 6 PAIRS OF BOOTS will be given away at our Rock the South tent.  So stop by and enter for your chance to win!  Two pairs will be given away each day!

2. Dan Post Boots is giving away a pair of both men's and ladies boots, retail value up to $250!

How do you win a pair of Dan Post boots?

Jack's is holding a DANCE CONTEST!!  Show us your best moves to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big & Rich!  Send your video to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com  

3.  Corral Boots is giving one lucky winner a $250 gift card, which is good toward any pair of Corral boots.

How do you win a Corral gift card? 

Show Jack's your best Redneck Woman pic! ~ Hint ~ listen to Gretchen Wilson's song "Redneck Woman" and get creative! Send your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Redneck Woman in the subject line.

4. Justin Boots is giving away a pair of men's boots from its Frontier line & a pair of any ladies Justin boots!

How do you win a pair of Justins?

On Thursday, July 18th, the 50th and 100th customer of the day will receive a free pair of boots!!!!

5. Lucchese Boots ~ "Legendary boots, legend in the making." One lucky winner will receive a gift card of $500, which is good toward a pair of Lucchese boots.

How do you win?

Write a short essay about the legend in your life.  Submit your entry to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~ put Lucchese in the subject line.

6. Rocky Boots is giving away a pair of work boots! (retail value up to $250)

How do you win the work boots?

All you have to do is FIND the Rock the South Rocky Boots Rock!  Scavenger Hunt hints will drop on Friday, July 12th. Whoever brings the rock to Jack's will win a free pair! Stay tuned for details!

7. Muck, Xtratuf, Georgia Boot & Durango ~ take your pick!  One lucky winner will receive a free pair of boots from one of the following brands.  (retail value up to $250)

How do you win? 

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing!

8.  Horse Power & Macie Bean Boots ~ are giving away a pair of men's Horse Power boots & a pair of Macie Bean boots, retail value up to $250.

How do you win?

Show us your BEST OOTD (Outfit of the Day) for RTS ~ submit your best look to JacksRTS2024@gmail.com ~put OOTD in the subject line.

9.  Sorel ~ is giving away 5 pairs of ladies sandals!!!  

How do you win?

Come to Jack's and enter our in-store raffle drawing! 

Good luck!  Let's ROCK THE SOUTH at Jack's Western & Outdoor Wear!

 Ariat ~ a tale of horses racin' and a whole lot of passion

The name "Ariat" is a combination of two words: "air" and "active."

The correct pronunciation of Ariat is Euh ~ ree ~ uht.

It's simply Secretariat but without the "Secret."

Ariat was founded in America by current CEO Beth Cross and co-founder Pam Parker. 

Cross says one of her fondest memories was sitting in front of the TV back in 1973, eyes glued to the screen as Secretariat thundered down the track to win the Kentucky Derby.  That mighty horse went on to nab the Triple Crown, breaking records that still stand tall today.

Secretariat inspired the name Ariat.  Cross says they wanted to create "The New Breed of Boot." And by golly, they really were the first ones to blend athletic footwear technology with boots made for equestrian athletes. 

Even the symbol pays tribute to Secretariat.  The three horseshoes represent each leg of the Triple Crown.

It's a symbol of excellence.

Since 1993, Ariat has made a commitment to trailblazin' innovation, top-notch quality, unwavering integrity, team spirit, and givin' respect where it's due.

We reckon these values have helped set Ariat apart from the rest.  They are now one of the top dogs in the Equestrian, Outdoor, and Work realms.  

Their products are as tough as a wild stallion, and their culture is as tight-knit as a cowboy crew.

We started selling Ariat boots here at Jack's Western Wear back in 2001.  Our sales rep ~ Phillip Holden ~ walked in one day with just four Ariat boots.  Two were cowboy boots, and the other two were ropers.

Larry Allred, Jack's Western Wear Owner, says it all started small, but Ariat has now grown into the most aggressive western company there is.  

That's why Larry decided to devote 3000 square feet to only Ariat western wear. In this specialty room, you will find western clothing for both men and women, including hundreds of boots.  Anything from traditional to exotic.  

If you're looking for Ariat work wear, we have a bunch of that too.  You'll find that upstairs in our work department.

Every pair of Ariats is technology and innovation wrapped in a cowboy boot package. This is a brand dedicated to those who ranch, ride, and work outdoors. Ariat boots are rough and tumble— fashionable and functional.

While one of their trademarks is thick, tough leather, you won’t notice the most recognizable trademark of an Ariat boot until you put it on. The insole! This is where the athletic footwear influence comes in to play— a super cushy, very supportive insole is reminisce of a sneaker. You’ll know an Ariat when you feel it!

Here at Jack's, we are one of the largest Ariat dealers in the region.  We have an entire section devoted to just Ariat at the back of our 25,000 square foot store.  It's an addition to Jack's that we built just two years ago, in 2022.

So come out and shop our Ariat room!  Enter through the front door at Jack's and just follow the Ariat cookies on the floor.  These will take you to the back where you're sure to find your next favorite pair of jeans and boots!

Well, let me spin you a yarn about the iconic cowboy lid we all know and love.  It's the cowboy hat, partner.

Back in 1865, a fella by the name of John B. Stetson, rustled up the "Boss of the Plains" hat.

Now, at first glance, it might've seemed like just any old hat, with its flat, round brim and smooth crown. But it wasn't just any old hat. Ol' Stetson crafted his hat from the finest fur of beavers, rabbits, and such, making it tough as a bull's hide.  Cowboys took to it like a horse to water.  Stetson's hat could withstand anything the frontier thew their way. 

For nearly two decades, the original Stetson hat design held fast ~ its crown open, its form devoid of any distinctive crease. But then something changed.  According to Western lore, John Stetson was struck by the swagger of Spanish-influenced headgear worn in the Wild West. He was determined to craft something bold, something new.

Thus was born the iconic cowboy hat, a masterpiece of rugged elegance. Picture it ~ a lofty crown, split down the middle with a crease, adorned with dents on either side - crafted not just for looks, but for livin' in the saddle. It was a game-changer, a symbol not just of style, but of resilience in the face of all that untamed frontier could throw at ya.

Nowadays, you'll see the cowboy hat everywhere, from dusty rodeo arenas to glitzy Hollywood shindigs. It's a symbol of grit, tradition, and a little touch of cowboy charm that'll never rustle out of style.

Speaking of style, there's now a vast selection of cowboy hat styles.  Let weather, occasion, or personal preference dictate your choice ~ whether that's straw or felt.  And you'll find a wide selection here at Jack's Western Wear.

In the realm of cowboy hats, tradition often dictates the when and what.

Straw hats are lightweight and airy.  They are meant for warmer days.  Straw season traditionally kicks off with Easter.

Meanwhile, felt hats, take the stage from Labor Day until Easter.  They are warm, sturdy hats.  They're meant to shield you against cooler winds.

And then there are those that believe rules are meant to be broken ~ that your inner cowboy should be your guide.  

Whether you're corralling cattle or strolling downtown, a cowboy hat should be a reflection of your character.  

Cowboy hats, steeped in symbolism (straw or felt), embody the spirit of the American frontier. While they provide shade from the elements, they also serve as a beacon of manners and respect. A firm handshake, a tip of the hat, these are the timeless gestures that echo the legacy of the true cowboy way.