Need a knife?

I've always stated that you need to support the companies that support you. So when I read this, I thought I'd pass it on.

POST FALLS -- Five area businesses were recently honored for their dedication toward employing veterans.

American Legion National Commander Thomas L. Bock presented special Employment of Veterans awards to Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene and IMCO Recycling of Post Falls during the recent American Legion state convention at Templin's Red Lion Hotel in Post Falls. Ground Force Manufacturing of Post Falls earned the Small Employer of the Year award. The category was for businesses with less than 50 employees. Buck Knives of Post Falls won the Large Employer of the Year award for firms with more than 250 employees.

Buck knives recently relocated from California to Post Falls, Idaho. So what did they do to win this award?

• Buck Knives employed 276 at the time of the nomination and had 30 veterans (12 percent) on staff.

"Buck Knives has long been committed to providing employment opportunities for veterans, including the disabled," Shoeman said. "Patriotism has deep roots within the Buck family. It is clear that issues affecting our nation's veterans receive top priority with Buck Knives."

All local members of the 116th Engineer Battalion of the Idaho National Guard were presented a specially engraved knife upon return from combat duty in Iraq. The company also hosted a knife sale open to the public, with proceeds supporting troops and family members.

(emphasis mine)

I know what kind of knife I'll be buying when I next need one.