About Us : Our AMERICAM Story

David & Jacqueline have lived in Virginia since David’s retirement from the US Army in 2006.

David, grew up in Southwestern Virginia with a love for the outdoors, stock car racing and South Holston Lake. He attended school in Lynchburg and Blacksburg, but had a calling for a uniform. It was during his twenty years of service he met Jacqueline in, of all places, Buffalo, New York. 

The newlyweds found their mutual interest and love for the “Great Outdoors” in the SERIOUSLY GREAT OUTDOORS of Alaska on their first duty station together. They settled in the Fairbanks/North Pole area of Ft. Wainwright in the late 1990’s. Jackie finished school with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where she specialized in Graphic Design/Commercial Photography and Design. 

Three years later, another move, courtesy of the US ARMY. They left Fairbanks, Alaska and found themselves in Columbus, Georgia.  Columbus is not only the “Home of the Infantry” at Ft. Benning, but also one of America's top outdoor brands. Jackie went to work in the marketing department of that major outdoor company. It was there where she honed her skills and developed a taste for the outdoor industry and the people involved in it.

There's a sense of Patriotism that goes along with the love of the outdoors and the industry seems to gravitate and foster those same feelings. Being married to a soldier it's always been about country. The mission always came first; and in the early years after 9/11, there was a lot of mission.  

Three short years later, they were blessed with their first child in the fall of 2004 ... as well as orders to uproot and head north again; “Climb to Glory” - Ft. Drum! New home, new baby, new adventure, NO new job for Jackie. It all equaled a great decision to become a stay-at-home mom. Married to a soldier, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Talk about new dimensions to juggling more than you can handle. God's timing - career on hold - life in full gear.

Funny, how a small mustard seed can grow and change the landscape. So can a 25 mile road march and an insignificant pebble. Not only did it break an ankle, it quickly grew into a life changing event. David’s career in the Army was coming to an abrupt end and a new chapter - civilian life - awaited. They had no idea where or how they were going to do it. No Plans. They ended up choosing the Roanoke Valley to try and make a new life. Two more blessings later (2 more beautiful baby girls) - they became their current, family of five.

In a nutshell: May 2006 through the Pandemic were rough.

David developed a theory that unlike the Army there was a lot less integrity out in the civilian world.

In summary: "No one suffers consequences because no one wears a name tag." All good lessons.

Highlights: David developed a strong walk and relationship with Jesus which grew & strengthened Jackie's faith as well.  

The ensuing shut down of our country/world, the girls getting older, some semblance of order being established all led Jackie wanting to get back into doing something that she loved to do. She started thinking of an idea for a new camouflage design (Not Americam™) Still harboring on ideas, she went on with everyday life.

Then, one afternoon while working in the garden, out of nowhere, God gave her the idea for the Americam™ design. It wasn’t just an idea but the entire structure, name, look, feel - she immediately stopped what she was doing and shared what had happened with David. He didn’t quite understand what she was describing but supported what she was saying and asked her what he could do to help. A little overwhelmed. She thought, "I know I’m rusty, I haven’t done this in a really long time, could I still even do it anymore? Do I have the time (It was our first year homeschooling) or finances (we are pretty much a one income family in the midst of a pandemic) to really move forward with this?" She prayed and asked for His guidance and help. A couple of days passed, and a package arrived - David had splurged on a refurbished computer, and she was plum out of excuses about whether or not she should be attempting this kind of feat.

The neighbors already had some ideas that they might have been a little different, but standing in the yard and woods around their home taking pictures of leaves, sticks, grass, weeds, puddles, and flags removed all doubt.

However, they were inspired and Americam™ was on its way!

It is our hope that you will enjoy Americam™ as much as we have had bringing it to you.