In this episode, Kerry Davis discusses the importance of not only carrying an IFAK, but having solid medical training.
Kerry Davis founder of Dark Angel Medical, has been taking care of people more than half of his adult life. Born and raised in Mississippi, he joined the US Air Force in 1991 and trained as a medic, working in an ER, then moving on to special duty with the only Tac Evac unit in the active USAF. In that station he was a flight medic and an Aircrew Training instructor.
That duty station gave Kerry the opportunity to go to the U.S. Army’s Airborne school and work with Airborne units at Pope AFB and Ft. Bragg. After leaving North Carolina, he moved to Maxwell AFB, AL, where he instructed several thousand new Air Force officers at Officer Training School’s Medical Readiness Indoctrination Course at Gunter AFB Annex over a two and a half year period.
Kerry also taught, during his tenure in the USAF, ACLS, PALS, BCLS and Paramedic Cardiology. During that time he worked as a paramedic and after separation from the Air Force, he completed his training and certification as an RN. He has now been in the Critical Care and ER field since 2003. He separated from the Reserves in 2007. He is an avid shooter and has instructed with Magpul Dynamics. Today he is currently an adjunct instructor with SIG Sauer Academy where he teaches weapons manipulation as well as “Bullets and Bandages”.
A new customer within the US Department of Defense, has selected INVISIO to provide a suite of hearing enhancement devices that will enable users to communicate in critical situations while at the same time protecting their hearing. The order is valued at approximately SEK 28 million, and deliveries will take place in the first half of 2020.
“We are very proud to be selected by another unit within the US Department of Defense. It is an important reference win for us, as the rest of the world closely studies what solutions the US forces use,” says Lars Højgård Hansen, CEO of INVISIO.
On December 24th, 1944, The Battle of the Bulge had started 8 days before with a massive push by the Germans to split the Allies in half and stop the use of the Belgium port of Antwerp. Many soldiers on both sides had become lost from their units and were looking for a place to stay. Three American Soldiers were lost around the area where the shack was. They saw the light from the small hunting cabin and the smoke from the chimney. They saw their chance to warm up. They knocked on the door and asked if they could come in. The German lady had a small chicken cooking for themselves but invited the Americans in to warm up and for the Christmas meal.
One of the American Soldiers was wounded, and the lady tried to make him comfortable. There was a language barrier for a time till one of the soldiers found out the lady could speak French as well as German. So, everything was going well, and the Americans were feeling right at home.
Then suddenly there was a knock at the door. The American’s went for their guns. The lady went to the door and answered it. There were four German soldiers who were also lost from their unit, and they asked the lady for shelter. The lady answered them with this, “Yes, you can come in for Christmas dinner, but I have other guests.” One German soldier remarked, “Americana.” She said, “yes, and that this was Christmas, and there would be no killing on this night.” She also told the Germans that they would have to lay down their weapons while they came in. She instructed the Americans to do the same.
There they were all in the room together, soldiers who a little while ago were bent on killing each other. Now, they were in a small room together with no weapons. Everyone could feel the tension in the air. It was very quiet for about ten minutes. Then one American soldier offered the Germans a cigarette. They obliged. One of the Germans who had medical training asked about the wounded American. He then began to help the wounded American and made him as comfortable as he could be.
By the time the meal was ready, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Two of the Germans were only sixteen, their corporal was 23. As Elisabeth said grace, Fritz noticed tears in the soldiers’ eyes, both German and American.
The truce lasted through the night and into the morning. Looking at the Americans’ map, the corporal told them the best way to get back to their lines and provided them with a compass. They asked if they should instead go to Monschau, the corporal shook his head and said it was now in German hands. Elisabeth returned all their weapons, and the enemies shook hands and left in opposite directions. Soon they were all out of sight, and the truce was over.
If you are in the Christmas spirit and want to watch a movie about the Battle of the Bugle, I would recommend Battleground. It was written by someone who was in the Battle of the Bugle. It is an all-time classic.
Sorry, I couldn’t find the whole movie. This is the preview.
ZEV Technologies Optimized Match Barrels have been redesigned for improved performance and Gen5 compatibility. Enhanced features include proprietary broach cut left-hand twist rifling to negate loosening of thread on suppressors and compensators, a recessed target crown, a new match chamber with a loaded chamber indicator, a stylized barrel hood with caliber and model engravings.
ZEV’s proprietary broach cut 1 in 14” left hand twist rifling was developed to create the most accurate Glock aftermarket barrel available, and testing confirms a significant increase in accuracy over factory barrels in all standard bullet weights.
Manufactured from 416R stainless steel which is an ideal material for making match grade barrels because the material allows for the precise cutting of chambers and rifling which results in a more accurate barrel.
Available in Black DLC and Bronze.
G19 and G17 models are available either 1/2×28 threaded or non-threaded.
Mehler Vario System Gmbh (MVS) signs strategic partnership.
Since 18.12.2019, Mehler Vario System Gmbh takes over 51 % of the shares of UF PRO, 49 % remain with the previous owners Milena Wagner, Armin Wagner and Nejc Zavrl.
THIS NOW UNITED THE MEHLER VARIO SYSTEM GMBH, UF PRO AND LINDNERHOF Tactics, which results in a pretty strong overall package.
It’s Friday and we have another edition of the FirstSpear OEM Partner Series where we take a look at a new company FS has partnered with and the equipment they build for them. Today we are checking out a great up-and-coming American equipment company, Shaw Concepts and the RAID Pouch.
Why was the RAID developed and why did you choose the Tubes system?
The RAID was developed from the lack of a good IFAK that could be easily removed and reattached. Most IFAKs on the market come off easily but once used don’t offer the user an easy way to pack up the contents and reattach the pouch. Some just dump out their contents, leaving the user to pick up their trash and just stuff it in their pockets or dump pouch. The RAID started out as a solution to this but proved itself to also make a great general utility plate carrier hanger pouch as well. The idea to use the FirstSpear Tubes came from my experience with the Tubes on the AAC I owned. They’re easy to connect and disconnect and they are short in distance from end to end making them fit well in the slim space between the plate carrier and RAID Pouch, something not many buckles can do well, which made it a simple choice. The ease of connecting with one hand without seeing it made it idea for lowlight and night time operations as well and that’s the sort of work our target customer base does.
Why did you choose FS manufacturing?
Once some of my designs caught a bit of traction and I found myself unable to fulfill the demand on my own sewing equipment I started looking into OEM options. FirstSpear turned out to be one and I was already familiar with their products and quality since I used their AAC Plate Carrier. I contacted them and to my surprise they answered and were willing to help and easy to work with.
Why is American manufacturing important to Shaw Concepts?
I fundamentally believe in American Exceptionalism and that as Americans it’s our responsibility to pioneer continuously. I also believe in taking care of fellow Americans and American Industries first. Most of us hate how much of what we use is made overseas and now that I’m in a position to choose to make things here or abroad I prioritize American manufacturing. Plus I get a sense of pride in seeing the ‘Made in the US’ tag on some of my products. I hope this shows in the quality of my products and the values of my business.
Why was Shaw Concepts started?
Shaw Concepts was started due to a lack of satisfaction in the gear offerings of the industry. Time and time again I found myself wishing for a particular piece of gear tailored to a certain purpose or just made well with the user’s comfort and use in mind. I found myself designing gear I wish I had and even making some early creations out of sea bag canvas with the help of my unit’s riggers. From there I started making things for fellow recondos around the barracks and coming up with new products like the RAID Pouch. I started an instagram (@ShawConcepts) for my creations; not planning for too much to come of it but people online and around the barracks were really impressed with what I came up with so from there it just kind of grew.
Manufactured from 500D Cordura, this updated model of Platatac’s popular take on the ALICE rucksack is packed with features. Use your own 1606 or ALICE frame.
Features
10 x large external utility pockets
2 x single zip
3 x dual zip
5 x clip (with drawstring closure)
5 x mesh storage pockets inside the main compartment
4 column PALS fields on sides to attach MOLLE-compatible pouches
2 x internal hydration sleeves with pass-throughs for tubes
7 column x 4 row PALS field on the front of the pack behind large centre pocket for the addition of MOLLE pouches
External hidden zip compartment under lid pocket
Internal zip compartment on the inside of the lid
Centre pocket features a pass-through for the handle of an issued E Tool
Internal zippered side pockets for bladders or long items such as tri-pods
Bottom zip access to the main compartment
Internal radio/cargo pouch with PALS
Lid pouch with waterproof zip access and covered zip access
Removable lid for OP Kit/Go Bag with web tape shoulder strap
Dual waterproof zip hydration/comms ports
Double drawstring closure to the main compartment
Zippered floor divides the upper and lower compartments
YKK zips
Shrink-wrapped paracord pulls
Drainage holes in the bottom of pack for water ops
Bar tacking on all major stress points
Padded section compatible with 1606 and Alice style frames (sold separately)
Nylon wrapped web tape carry handle
