SureFire X300 Ultra…500 lumens
Archive for September, 2012
SureFire X300Ultra
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012Stanley McChrystal: Leadership is a Choice
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012GEN (R) Stanley McChrystal, USA addresses leadership during this hour-long video for the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The takeaway? “Leadership is not a talent or a gift. It’s a choice. It’s not complex, but it’s very hard.”
When The Pope talks, people listen.
Michael Alvis Joins B.E. Meyers & Company as Vice President of Business Development
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012BE Meyers & Company, Inc, manufacturers of the IZLID series of laser designators as well as countless other optics and target designation devices announces the appointment of Michael Alvis as Vice President of Business Development. In his new position, Mr. Alvis will be broadly responsible for strategies and execution leading to market expansion and revenue growth.
Mike was previously with ITT Corporation, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President of ITT Defense International and Vice President for International Development at ITT Exelis. In these positions he led planning and execution of international business development activities, while working with the Exelis divisions to pursue opportunities in emerging markets.
“During his eight years at ITT, Mike engineered a remarkable record of growth in both U.S. and international markets. He has demonstrated strong leadership in developing and implementing innovative strategies and approaches, and an uncompromising commitment to outstanding customer service. His experience will be invaluable in driving our continued growth and success,” said Dr. Gregory Quarles, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Company, Inc.
Before that, Mike served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for ITT Night Vision, where he was responsible for worldwide strategy, sales, and marketing. He also brings extensive military experience to the brand. He is a retired US Army Colonel whose 26-year career included command of infantry, cavalry and combat aviation units. He also served three tours in the Pentagon, the last as Chief of Congressional Activities in the Office of Chief of Staff for the Army, and has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and holds the Master Army Aviator designator.
“I am delighted with the opportunity to help lead this industry innovator to a higher level of success, here at home and around the world,” said Mr. Alvis. “B.E. Meyers is well known in this market, so I am very familiar with their outstanding product portfolio and commitment to quality and technological leadership. I look forward to the challenges and satisfactions of this position.”
Prior to joining ITT, Mr. Alvis held positions with Thales North America, which specializes in tactical communications, night vision and advanced weaponry; and with L3 Communications, where he directed the Army Strategic Leadership Program. He is a graduate of Tulane University, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University.
Gratuitously Stolen From The Observation Post
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012Magpul Unveils Latest MOE Colors
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012Although the colors were announced ages ago, Magpul has now unveiled what the upcoming Stealth Gray and Pink colors will look like. Stealth Gray will begin with the MOE products and Magpul has said that they will gradually roll it out across their full product line. Pink will be a limited release, starting with the MOE Grip, Stock, and Carbine Handguard.
Look for them this Fall from www.magpul.com.
In Memoriam – Dave Ruiz
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012Over the weekend industry lost a visionary and I lost a friend. In fact, a lot of us lost a friend when Dave Ruiz passed away. There isn’t enough room on SSD for me to say all of the good things that need to be said about Dave. In an effort to do him justice I’ve asked his business partner Brian Abrams to prepare a eulogy. In the comments I invite you all to share your memories of Dave. We are truly diminished by his loss.
Sorrow fills our hearts this sad moment, a pain that cuts deep and personal. Dave has silently closed the door of life and has been deployed on yet another mission, somewhere where I know he will continue to make a difference. Our lives will surely be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us.
In one word, Dave is a man who gave. He gave so much to his family, friends, work and his country. Here was a life that demanded notice-a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit.
I have known Dave for twenty years…he was my business partner, but more importantly, he was my friend, a great one at that. He was a strategic thinker, a visionary who was smart, innovative and creative. He generously gave us his knowledge, his expertise, his skills and yes, his sarcastic humor which always kept things light.
Dave was deeply concerned as a Marine with improving the quality of their gear to enhance comfort and increase survivability and he was very keen to pursue innovation and look for solutions outside the box. He initiated and implemented much in this field during his tour of duty that can be still seen today.
Dave was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father and grandfather. He was also a good friend and colleague to many of us. He was sincere, earnest, humble and loyal. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle way about him. Dave was bright, logical(most of the time) and could converse on so many topics…business, technology, sports, family and religion.
In his career he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death, all that knew him will miss a highly intelligent and vibrant guy with a special charm of personality. Our sadness is lessened slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him. Dave was my best friend and I’ll miss him dearly.
brian abrams
Soldier Reenlists at Tactical Tailor
Tuesday, September 11th, 2012
US Army SPC Zoila Del Rocio Pesantez from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s 513 Transportation Company reenlisted today at the Tactical Tailor factory. It’s where her mother works and it’s quite fitting to see a company founded by Veterans like TT host such a ceremony.
Congrats Specialist Pesantez. I remember my first reenlistment. I’m very proud of you. Here’s to many more!
911 on 9/11 – The Target
Tuesday, September 11th, 2012This target contains 79 hits; one for each NSW member we have lost in operations or training since 9/11/01. They were placed there by a retired SEAL firing a custom Remington 700 fitted with a Leupold optic from 911 yards. The Shooter began firing this morning at 0846:30, the same time that Flight 11 struck World Trade Center North Tower (One) in 2001. Winds began to pick up on Academi’s Range 19 so the shooter pressed through in order to finish mid-day before even higher winds came late in the afternoon.
This is just phase I. Next, the target will be sent to artist Ellwood T Risk to be turned into a unique piece of art. He is known for incorporating targets into some very amazing stuff. Make sure you take a look at his site.
The entire project, coined, “911 on 9/11” commemorates NSW’s fallen operators and support personnel by creating unique art to raise money and awareness for Warrior Wear which provides specialized clothing for wounded who require prosthesis.
Once finished this piece will be auctioned off at the upcoming Hold ’em for Heroes poker run sponsored by Wounded Wear.
