180s is providing 1,000 pairs of its innovative 2003 180s Eyegear™ to the United States Marine Corps (USMC). After testing the 180s Eyegear earlier this year, the USMC requested to buy 1,000 pairs of the sunglasses. As a sign of support for the nation’s military, 180s donated 500 of the 1000 pairs, a retail value of $22,500.

“This year 180s has experienced tremendous growth and we wanted to share our success with those fighting for our freedom,” said Brian Le Gette, co-CEO and founder of 180s. “We wanted to support our Marines in Afghanistan with a gift in recognition of their dedication to this country. They push themselves to their limits — an attribute that represents one of our core values.”

180s Eyegear features the patented Pivot Guard System™, allowing the temples of the sunglasses to fold in front of the lenses. The multipurpose revolutionary design protects the lenses from scratches, prevents the temples from breakage and provides ultimate comfort for the user. This technology also enables the sunglasses to collapse into a sleek profile of less than one inch for compact storage.

In March 2003, the United States Marine Corps purchased approximately 100 pairs of the patented eyegear from 180s to conduct product testing. 180s provided the troops with its durable and compact eyegear to protect the Marines’ eyes from the intense sunrays in Afghanistan. The USMC received Tangle style eyegear in gun metal and matte black, all with polarized lenses.

As a result of the 180s Eyegear performing positively in product testing, the USMC may purchase additional units of the sunglasses for future deployments to Iraq. 180s will work with the USMC to meet current and future requirements on eye wear, as well as other commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) innovative products.

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) has been working with 180s to cultivate a relationship with the United States Marine Corps. Senator Mikulski serves on the Appropriations Committee and is committed to preparing America for the future — protecting America from terrorism and making investments in science and technology. “It makes me proud that a Maryland company's innovative products were chosen to supply our military,” said Senator Mikulski. “I'm particularly proud that 180s is going the extra mile to support our troops by donating as much as they're selling.”