CAMP DENNISON — When Gary Rogers designed a motivational T-shirt after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he and friends spent countless hours attaching stickers bearing his Web site address to thousands of hang tags.

Gary Rogers designed this shirt after the Sept. 11 attacks. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        Mr. Rogers, owner of a home-based apparel business called Check Your Game, hoped to hear from people who bought the shirts, but months went by without a response.

        Then, on Jan. 2 an e-mail arrived from a U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan. The soldier's wife sent him a T-shirt for Christmas, and he wrote how much it meant to him.

        “It was one of those highs you can't explain,” said Mr. Rogers, of Camp Dennison. “It was worth all my time and work. It made me feel strongly about what I'm doing and like I am making a difference.”

        Mr. Rogers, who was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Indian Hill, played in the Canadian Football League from 1994-99. During that time, he thought about creating a line of apparel.

        “Check Your Game is just examining your game — the game of your life, what's important in your life,” Mr. Rogers said. “I want to help motivate people to check their game and improve their game. There are many games out there — sports, your job, parenting.”

Aniceto Hernandez e-mailed this photo of himself with his gift, which he received while serving with the U.S. military in Afghanistan. | ZOOM |

        Mr. Rogers, 31, started the business in 1998 and returned to the Cincinnati area in 1999. He produced some apparel for Berean Christian Stores, a Cincinnati-based chain with 22 stores in nine states.

        He got the idea for his “One Nation” T-shirt after the terrorist attacks.

        The front of the shirt reads “One Nation, Under God, Indivisible.” A Bible verse is printed on the back: Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

        Customers were looking for a way to be supportive to the people of New York, said Roger Feenstra, Berean president. So, Berean hooked up with Mr. Rogers.

        Berean sold 8,700 shirts and gave $1 from the sale of each shirt to the American Red Cross.

        “We were pleased with the outcome,” Mr. Feenstra said. “He's such a good guy to work with.”

        Mr. Rogers, though, was beginning to think all that work publicizing his Web site (www.checkyourgame.com) was a waste of time until the e-mail arrived from Aniceto Hernandez, a husband and father from Bakersfield, Calif. He included a photo of himself holding the shirt, which his wife had bought at Berean's in Bakersfield.

        Mr. Hernandez wrote: “I received it in Afghanistan while I was in my fighting hole. ... It really touched me to see a T-shirt of that design. I mean because of where I was at and all, especially that particular scripture from Joshua 1:9. Praise God!”

        It was one of those moments Mr. Rogers said he experienced playing football — only this time he felt he was making a difference in people's lives.

No dropouts: At one school, it's not just a goal, it's a fact
Jailed since 2000, accused acquitted
Labor supply called key for Hyundai
Senate OKs redistricting legislation
Changes to police panel proposed
Council finally closes housing deal with ReStoc
CPS aspires to be more parent-friendly
Galloway sought to avoid release on parole
Highway's safety examined
Network of friends shares generosity
Reece on running mate list
Shirt proclaiming pride of country makes impression
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
Computers for cops Mason priority
Glen Este, Amelia highs combine music
Hamilton OKs road through Millikin Woods
Park District to put levy on ballot
Regionalism essential to succeed, Cox says
Talawanda to decide building strategy
Township draws inn, shopping complex
Gov. Taft to donate Enron's money
Arena? No money for that, says governor
Bill would let all vote in primaries
Chamber endorses slots at tracks
Getaway car burns after holdup
Independence seniors get advocate
Kentucky News Briefs
Man faces prison time in beating case
Program to help felons get work helps employers