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Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category

SOC-F Custom SSD/ADM Rifle Raffle Has Raised $7500 So Far, Let’s Make it $10,000

Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Last week, we launched a raffle along with SOC-F and the Duskin-Stephens Foundation to raise funds for the families of the four 2nd Bn, 3rd SFG(A) Soldiers killed earlier this year in Niger. So far, we’ve raised $7500. The raffle closes soon so we can get the funds disbursed in time to make a difference for Christams and I’d like to see this get to $10,000.

If you’ve already bought a ticket, thank you. If you haven’t please do. Either way, please share this raffle with friends and coworkers.

In case you missed it before, here’s the story:
A few months ago, William Phebus of American Defense MFG approached me about doing a custom SSD rifle to raffle for charity. As a Veteran, I jumped at the opportunity and told him to start working on the project and I’d identify a charity. Unfortunately, one presented itself not long after. Four Soldiers, deployed to the African nation of Niger and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), were killed during a brutal gun battle with Muslim extremists. I was assigned to the Military Intelligence Detachment of 2/3 SF, serving on a SOT-A from 1990-96. Although I am long retired and never knew any of those men, we share a kinship of common service. And, as a husband and father, I am always concerned about the families who lose someone dear to military service.


SSG Bryan C. Black, SSG Jeremiah W. Johnson, SSG Dustin M. Wright, and SGT La David T. Johnson, you are not forgotten.

Speaking with friends currently serving in 3rd Group, I know that their loss really hit the Bush Hogs hard and I vowed to do something to support each of the families of those men. I want to make sure that every child has a Christmas and the families have bridge funds to help offset any unforeseen expenditures associated with their loss. I hope you’ll join me in this endeavor.

Eric Graves
Editor, Soldier Systems Daily

ADM did the heavy lifting and came through with a great rifle package, which includes accessories I use on my rifle. I will always be in their debt for thier efforts. Since I use a T2 red dot sight on my rifle, the great folks at Aimpoint donated one to the cause. I turned to my friends at the Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F) to help with the raffle and at the Duskin-Stephens Foundation to distribute the funds once the fundraiser is finished. Richard King Photography donated these fantastic photos of the build to the cause as well. Neither I, nor any of of these companies, are taking a dime from this fundraiser. They do it because they support the men and women who defend this great land.

What we are raffling

ADM UIC MOD2 (Soldier Systems Daily Edition)

ADM UIC MOD2
· 14.5 Criterion Barrel 1/8 .223 Wylde Chamber
· Surefire War Comp Flash Hider Pin & Welded
· American Defense MFG® Billet Upper Receiver
· American Defense MFG® Completely Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver
· American Defense MFG® 13.5 MLOK rail
· Talon Ambidextrous Safety
· Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
· Geissele® G2S Trigger
· Aimpoint® T2 Red Dot Sight
· American Defense MFG® QD Mount
· Magpul® MBUS Pro Flip Up Sights
· Magpul® Stock
· Magpul® MOE+ Grip
· Magpul® Magazine with MagPod
· Raven Concealment® Top Stop

The carbine features our SSD and KCRF logos.

No one else in the world will have a rifle like this, not even me.

Ticket Info:
SOC-F is only selling tickets to win this rifle package for one week. Tickets are $25.00 each
or
5 for $100.00
15 for $250.00
40 for $500.00
100 for $1,000.00

Rules:
There are always rules, and this raffle is no different. Void where prohibited by law. This rifle IS NOT California compliant. It is American compliant. Please know your local, State, and Federal laws before making a donation. We will not reconfigure the rifle for States that have restrictions on features already assembled. Donations are appreciated, but NOT tax deductible.

To get your chance to win this one-of-a-kind rifle, visit SSD / SOC-F “De Oppresso Liber” Relief Carbine.

SOC-F Is Raffling A Custom SSD/ADM Rifle To Raise Money For The Familes Of The Four 3rd Group Soldiers Killed In Niger

Friday, December 8th, 2017

A few months ago, William Phebus of American Defense MFG approached me about doing a custom SSD rifle to raffle for charity. As a Veteran, I jumped at the opportunity and told him to start working on the project and I’d identify a charity. Unfortunately, one presented itself not long after. Four Soldiers, deployed to the African nation of Niger and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), were killed during a brutal gun battle with Muslim extremists. I was assigned to the Military Intelligence Detachment of 2/3 SF, serving on a SOT-A from 1990-96. Although I am long retired and never knew any of those men, we share a kinship of common service. And, as a husband and father, I am always concerned about the families who lose someone dear to military service.


SSG Bryan C. Black, SSG Jeremiah W. Johnson, SSG Dustin M. Wright, and SGT La David T. Johnson, you are not forgotten.

Speaking with friends currently serving in 3rd Group, I know that their loss really hit the Bush Hogs hard and I vowed to do something to support each of the families of those men. I want to make sure that every child has a Christmas and the families have bridge funds to help offset any unforeseen expenditures associated with their loss. I hope you’ll join me in this endeavor.

Eric Graves
Editor, Soldier Systems Daily

ADM did the heavy lifting and came through with a great rifle package, which includes accessories I use on my rifle. I will always be in their debt for thier efforts. Since I use a T2 red dot sight on my rifle, the great folks at Aimpoint donated one to the cause. I turned to my friends at the Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F) to help with the raffle and at the Duskin-Stephens Foundation to distribute the funds once the fundraiser is finished. Richard King Photography donated these fantastic photos of the build to the cause as well. Neither I, nor any of of these companies, are taking a dime from this fundraiser. They do it because they support the men and women who defend this great land.

What we are raffling

ADM UIC MOD2 (Soldier Systems Daily Edition)

ADM UIC MOD2
· 14.5 Criterion Barrel 1/8 .223 Wylde Chamber
· Surefire War Comp Flash Hider Pin & Welded
· American Defense MFG® Billet Upper Receiver
· American Defense MFG® Completely Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver
· American Defense MFG® 13.5 MLOK rail
· Talon Ambidextrous Safety
· Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
· Geissele® G2S Trigger
· Aimpoint® T2 Red Dot Sight
· American Defense MFG® QD Mount
· Magpul® MBUS Pro Flip Up Sights
· Magpul® Stock
· Magpul® MOE+ Grip
· Magpul® Magazine with MagPod
· Raven Concealment® Top Stop

The carbine features our SSD and KCRF logos.

No one else in the world will have a rifle like this, not even me.

Ticket Info:
SOC-F is only selling tickets to win this rifle package for one week. Tickets are $25.00 each
or
5 for $100.00
15 for $250.00
40 for $500.00
100 for $1,000.00

Rules:
There are always rules, and this raffle is no different. Void where prohibited by law. This rifle IS NOT California compliant. It is American compliant. Please know your local, State, and Federal laws before making a donation. We will not reconfigure the rifle for States that have restrictions on features already assembled. Donations are appreciated, but NOT tax deductible.

To get your chance to win this one-of-a-kind rifle, visit SSD / SOC-F “De Oppresso Liber” Relief Carbine.

HASF Charity Raffle – Win 10 Grand+ in Prizes

Sunday, December 3rd, 2017

HASF is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization consisting of Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Civilian Professionals who carry out Humanitarian Aid Missions in the world’s most dangerous places. Their specialty is providing Dental, Medical and Food/Water Logistics to allow Families in War Zones where no other groups are going access to these basic human serves.

Recently during Hurricane Harvey the HASF team was able to provide food, clothing, water, and medical care to thousands of people with our team of dedicated volunteers.

One of HASF’s main difficulty’s in fundraising is they are an armed Humanitarian Aid Team due to the inherent danger of providing Aid in places like the Southern Philippines, Honduras, Burma, Kurdistan, and Iraq. And now they need help bringing their mission and hard learned skills to families in need during natural disasters right here in the U.S.A.! Thank you for supporting our Humanitarian Aid Missions Abroad, and now here in the States.

To elevate their deployment times normally spent fundraising between getting the call for help and being able to deploy domestically, the HASF Mission Team is hosting a Raffle to fund a War Chest. The Team has a bunch of cool prizes that have OVER $11,050.00 DOLLARS COMBINED CASH VALUE for the winner or to a veteran.

THE PRIZES include:

3 chances to win an ALL-INCLUSIVE 5 DAY HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT OPERATIONS SKILLS COURSE

LEARNING THE SKILLS THE MISSION TEAM USES IN THE WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS PLACES, SIDE BY SIDE WITH OUR MISSION PSD TEAM at their headquarters in Virginia. Housing, chow and use of aall Training Gear included. $3,000.00 DOLLAR VALUE

M-PSD MOBILE MISSION TEAM BATTLE BELT SYSTEM
AND 2 HOURS 1 on 1 OF REMOTE TRAINING ON SKYPE WITH THE TEAM.

Our custom belt system includes a cobra buckle tactical nylon belt, holster (just tell us what model you carry), double pistol mag carrier, double m-4 mag carrier, radio holster, multitool carrier (Leatherman or Raptor Shears) all in one concealable package. The teams will also Skype with the winner and train them in all the ins and outs of using the M-PSD battle belt system for two hours. $350.00 DOLLAR VALUE EACH

$1000+ DOLLAR COMBINED VALUE TWO custom knives – BOTH 1 of 1

The Pocket Cleaver was designed by HASF Founder and Team Leader James Price, who had it custom made by Robert at R. Scheppmann Knives when he was in Iraq. This is the only one in the world, 1 of 1 with a certificate of Authenticity.

Made by Spencer A Reiter SAR at Global Tool with input from James, The design is a fixed blade which is 9 1/4? long 5? handle 4 1/4? blade, the blade features a modified tip sometimes referred as “harpoon” and a “Power-Assist” grove on the Spine.

Both knives have Pedigree, and were used by the HASF Team Leader in Iraq on contracts so they have some interesting story’s you can hear about on Skype with the team. Women, and children.

Milipol 17 – Good Guys In Bad Lands

Tuesday, November 28th, 2017

At last week’s Milipol Exposition in Paris, I met the founders of the Italy-based international military/LE chaity, Good Guys in Bad Lands.

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Good Guys in Bad Lands was born in 2012 on Facebook by an Afghanistan Veteran as a page to commemorate Fallen Soldiers worldwide. These days they are a charity, raising funds via auctions and the sale of memorabilia to train local agencies, provide support to the survivors of fallen service and LE members, and support those with service related PTSD. They have several industry partners such as Garmin, which is offering a special version of their tactix Bravo.

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To learn more, visit goodguysinbadlands.com.

POLARIS TEAMS WITH UNITED HEROES LEAGUE TO SUPPORT MILITARY CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Sunday, November 19th, 2017

Deserving Military Children Surprised by Polaris and Minnesota Vikings Stars Adam Thielen & Kyle Rudolph with ‘Salute to Service’ Game Tickets and a Youth Off-Road Vehicle

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 18, 2017 – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) joined forces with the Minnesota Vikings and United Heroes League to celebrate service members, veterans and their families. Six children from five deserving families were selected by United Heroes League to participate in the Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids event and to be recognized by the Minnesota Vikings at its Salute to Service game on Nov. 19.

Polaris also is donating five percent of proceeds from all Polaris ACE® 150 EFI sales in November and December, up to $20,000, to United Heroes League.

On Nov. 7, the six kids, ranging in ages from 12 to 14, spent a dream day riding youth-sized, off-road Polaris vehicles at the company’s research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota. A Polaris driving instructor worked with each child to teach them how to safely operate the vehicle, along with proper off-road driving techniques. At the end of the day, Polaris surprised the kids with keys to their own youth-sized Polaris vehicle. The kids could choose from a Polaris Outlaw® 110 EFI, ACE® 150 EFI, RZR® 170 EFI, Sportsman® 110 EFI and Phoenix® 200.

More surprises were in store for the kids when the Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph stopped by to meet the families and invite them to the Vikings Salute to Service game.

“We can never truly repay our active military members for the sacrifices they make on our behalf, but it can be easy to overlook the sacrifices their kids are also making, and that’s why it was so gratifying to be able to do something in honor of them,” said Thielen. “It was such a privilege to spend some time with these five incredible families, and I look forward to honoring them at our Salute to Service Game.”

Among the families who will be honored during the game are active and former service members of Minnesota Army and Minnesota Air National Guard. The kids, and their families, are a part of the United Heroes League organization that aims to empower military kids to stay healthy and active, and supports veterans and active duty service members battling the financial burden associated with sports.

“Our mission focuses on empowering our military families to stay healthy and active. Today was a shining example of families enjoying a fantastic activity that peaks all of their interests,” said Ben Mattson, chief marketing officer for United Heroes League. “We cannot thank Polaris or the Vikings organizations enough for this tremendous gift. These military families will never forget this day!”

“United Heroes League helps military kids receive the support and resources they deserve while their parents are serving our country,” said Kyle Duea vice president of marketing for Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris. “We are honored to have helped these five families create lasting memories, and look forward to continuing to help support United Heroes League and its worthy mission through the rest of our Salute to Military Kids giveback campaign.”

United Heroes League helps to keep military kids engages and active in sports throughout all 50 states through grants, free skill development camps and equipment, and game tickets to professional sporting events.

More information on Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids and ways to support United Heroes League is available at www.polaris.com/uhl.

Jack Daniel’s and the Armed Forces YMCA Kick Off Seventh Year of “Operation Ride Home”

Monday, October 23rd, 2017

Campaign Has Helped More Than 5,700 Junior-Enlisted Service and
Family Members Travel From Their Bases to Homes Across the Country

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (Sept. 25, 2017) – For the seventh year, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) have kicked off their “Operation Ride Home” campaign that provides financial assistance to active duty junior-enlisted military and their families to travel from their place of military service to “home” for the holidays.

Since Operation Ride Home began, 2,669 junior enlisted single service members and those with families – for a total of 5,767 people – have traveled from their bases to homes around the country for the holidays. Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to 47 of the 50 states.

The ASYMCA works with the various military commands in specific areas co-located with ASYMCA branches to identify and prioritize junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need. Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those traveling.

Jack Daniel’s has once again donated $100,000 to kick off the campaign that this year will exceed more than one million dollars in total donations over the life of ORH. The famed distillery is asking friends to visit www.jdoperationridehome.com to make a contribution to help more service members spend the holidays at home. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

“Words can’t describe what it means for us to be able to give back and help these heroes and their families make it home for the holidays,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “We can’t thank our friends enough for their support of Operation Ride Home over the years, and hope they will once again do what they can as we try to get as many families home as possible. The sacrifice shown daily by our men and women in uniform and their families is simply incredible. They are there for us, and we need to be there for them.”

“Our junior-enlisted service members are often young, new to the military and struggle to get home during the holidays,” said William French, ASYMCA President and CEO. “We are proud to work alongside Jack Daniel’s for Operation Ride Home and hope others will join us in sending these service members home to their loved ones this holiday season.”

Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home for the holidays. The option to drive or fly is an individual decision. Plane ticket vouchers are limited to $400 per person flying and for those choosing to drive, the pre-paid debit cards are $100 per family member for gas, lodging and food. For additional information on eligibility and to view participating installations that qualify for travel assistance, please visit asymca.org/opridehome.

Silent Warrior Foundation 2017 Raffle

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

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I met with Silent Warrior Foundation at this week’s TYR Tactical worldwide HQ grand opening in Phoenix. They had a very cool TomCar in their display. I asked what it was for and they told me about their annual fundraiser as well as the history of the charity. First off, it is 100% volunteer run. Additionally, it is non-parochial charity. Although it began in 2016 as an academic scholarship fund for the families of Marine Reconnaissance and Critical Skill Operators, the charity now focuses on Veterans in need as well as providing scholarships.

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There are three prizes this year. The Grand Prize winner will receive a new, custom 2016 TM4 by Tomcar. The Second Prize this year is a BCM RECCE-16 KMR-A with ELW barrel rifle, hand-painted by First Sgt Timothy LaSage (USMC Retired). The Third Prize is a WK II knife by Daniel Winkler.

Tickets are $100 but there are only 1000 available. Once they are sold, they will conduct the drawing. To get your raffle ticket and support this charity, visit silentwarriorfoundation.com/product/silent-warrior-foundation-2017-raffle.

Frank Cappo of 5.11 Tactical Joins Spirit of Blue Board

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

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ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – September 26, 2017 – The Spirit of Blue Foundation is excited to announce that Frank Cappo, Vice President of Law Enforcement Sales at 5.11 Tactical, has joined the Spirit of Blue Board of Directors. 5.11 Tactical is a leading manufacturer of purpose-built apparel and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and enthusiasts worldwide and is based out of Irvine, CA. Frank previously served as a police officer with the Overland Park (KS) Police Department for 12 years with assignments as both a patrol and SWAT officer, a police academy instructor, department quartermaster and director of training. In his volunteer role with Spirit of Blue, Frank will be focused on new sponsor acquisition and advising on the administration of the Foundation’s Safety Grant Program.

A17AA02C-C440-42DD-ABC6-A051C5E43B6A“I’m very excited to join the board of the Spirit of Blue Foundation,” said Frank Cappo, newly appointed Spirit of Blue Board Member. “After leaving a career in Law Enforcement I always felt there was something missing for me personally. And I wanted to find a way to continue to give back. With my association with the Spirit of Blue I now have a way to help agencies and communities around the country who cannot afford quality, life-saving equipment.”

Spirit of Blue’s Board of Directors is comprised of business professionals who each have either previously served in law enforcement or have a special connection to that community and the cause of Officer Safety. The Board is relied upon heavily for governance, regulating financial affairs and fundraising to support the day-to-day operations managed by the Executive Director. Additionally, each Board Member helps in presenting grant awards around the country and advocates for Officer Safety where they live and work.

“Frank became a fast friend of the Foundation after a chance encounter and conversation passing through an airport,” commented Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue. “That conversation led to others and it was apparent that Frank connected with our mission of protecting police officers. And, he knows the job inside and out, along with the risks and the needs. When we asked him to sit on the Board he responded quickly and enthusiastically and his contribution has already been significant.”

Since 2011, the Spirit of Blue Foundation has awarded 47 grants in 24 states valued at over $200,000. The grants have varied from patrol rifles, body armor, riot control gear, AED’s, K9’s, forensic software, flashlights, Police/Youth Dialogue training, night vision optics, LED flares, ballistic helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus. The Foundation is supported on an ongoing basis by Law Enforcement United, Sportsmen Organized for Law Enforcement and LMT Defense, along with a number of other premiere brands who manufacture safety equipment across a broad range of categories. For more information or to learn how to support Spirit of Blue please go to: www.spiritofblue.org