The Ammo Satchel Makeover

     Several years ago, Joaquina's son, who is a USMC sergeant, was home on leave. She couldn't help but notice the bag he used for his shave kit, which he kept on the bathroom counter. Made of olive drab canvas and fastened with tie strips, the battered bag aroused her curiosity.
     "That looks like military issue," she said.
     "It's actually an old ammo bag," her son explained. "It got too worn out to carry the heavy packs of ammo anymore, so I just recycled it as my ditty bag."  Hmmm...clever idea.
     Later that evening while her son was out with friends, Joaquina did a little reconnaissance. She emptied his "ditty bag" and examined the construction. Then she drew up a pattern, and with a few design tweaks, made her own version of an ammo bag. Of course, Joaquina doesn't usually carry ammunition around, but now and then she does need something rugged for toting heavier loads in the great outdoors, and she wants it to be attractive, too. Thus was born the Joaquina field satchel.
     Made of durable canvas or heavy denim, the field satchel is ideal for carrying books, cameras, art supplies, or what have you. Triple stitched at stress points, and with roomy interior pockets, this is one bag that will hold up to the rigors. As the field satchel owes its existence to military inspiration, fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the #JoaquinaFieldSatchel is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
     Let's all remember our veterans this Memorial weekend. Give thanks to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy our freedoms.