SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Tyler Merritt understands the power of community, belonging and purpose. It's what drew him toward the military as a high school senior, not long after the Sept. 11 attacks. This service eventually led him to become an Apache helicopter pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, one of the most heavily deployed military units.

Thirteen years ago, Merritt cofounded Nine Line Apparel, named for the nine-line distress call medevacs use for calling in a combat injury. Since the very beginning, the company has donated a portion of its proceeds to a foundation it set up to serve veterans, as well as military and first responder charities.

Nine Line Apparel began in Merritt's garage in Savannah, Georgia. It has grown from its flagship storefront along the Savannah Riverwalk to a 50,000-square-foot factory on the outskirts of town and a total of eight stores.

Merritt said the company is ready to expand to at least five more locations. It's decided, in keeping with its mission of community and shared purpose, to step away from the traditional route of seeking a loan from a corporate bank, instead offering its customers a chance to "buy in" and be front-line investors in the company's future.

Merritt said Nine Line's first crowdfunding campaign goal is to raise $2.5 million, not just to........

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