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SK Customs Partners with Omar “Crispy” Avila to Honor our Nation’s Heroes this Independence Day

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

HAYMARKET, Va. June 29, 2023 — SK Customs® is proud to commemorate Independence Day along with with Omar “Crispy” Avila to honor recipients of the Military Badge of Merit, the modern-day Purple Heart Medal.

“As Independence Day approaches, we recognize the sacrifice and unwavering dedication of those who have served our great Nation,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Last year, we partnered with Purple Heart Homes, the Purple Heart Integration Project and U.S. Army veteran and content creator, Omar “Crispy” Avila. This partnership pays homage to our combat-wounded veterans through the limited-edition 240th Purple Heart Colt 1911 firearm, representing the spirit of freedom as we celebrate America’s independence.”

After being deployed to Iraq in 2007, Avila’s vehicle was struck by a 200 lb IED, resulting in burns up to 75% of his body and amputation below the knee of his right leg. Sergeant Avila retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 after serving for nearly a decade and devoted his life to serving other Veterans and helping wounded warriors across the Nation.

As a Purple Heart recipient, Avila shows us what it means to commemorate wounded veterans through his video of the Purple Heart Commemorative Colt.

Through the SK Gives Back initiative, SK Customs donates a portion of the proceeds raised by the sale of this production to Purple Heart Homes and Purple Heart Integration Project.

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, visit skguns.com. ?

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Eco Defense Group Uses StarLink to Stop Poachers

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

Eco Defense Group is a unique consultancy designed to develop and implement solutions in areas of poaching crisis in Africa.

In the past, they’ve created, supplied and mentored marine and special operations units, built and guided training programs, partnered with the most important parks in Africa and even helped firefighters jump out of helicopters on fast ropes. We’ve just been shown that this past month, Eco Defense Group has taken an interesting step to use satellites — and the ingenuity of Elon Musk — to make possible communications where they have never before been available.

Pursuing a unique partnership last month, the non profit deployed field teams to remote areas of national parks in Africa with portable Starlink devices to aide in countering specific poaching crises. Where they go, even the group can’t admit to—and that’s the point of how effective.

Certain areas in Southern Africa are wild — truly wild — and necessarily the home of the endangered and threatened species that wildlife Rangers professionals work tirelessly to protect. In these areas, infrastructure is limited, communications sometimes impossible and the execution of counter-poaching strategies to defend wildlife can be remarkable difficult, even with the training and tools that groups like Eco Defense Group provide.

Now the group has started to deliver sponsored Starlink devices as the Starlink “Constellation” has begun to glitter the night sky over Africa. One can imagine that this will be a game changer for wildlife protection along with a variety of unconsidered industries working in remote places.

Eco Defense Group is one of the more innovative non-profits that we’ve seen (even if you rarely see much of them), and this kind of intelligent thinking is exactly why they are both effective and invisible.

The modern world, having ignored the crisis of African animals that are being poached to extinction, has arguably now offered a tool that could, in places, change the game against the poachers that seek rhino, lion, elephant and other species for black market exploitation.

www.ecodefensegroup.org

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Honoring the Legacy of America’s Finest since 1980

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

Tampa, FL, May 8, 2023 – Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is a non-profit organization with an enduring promise to the children of fallen Special Operations (SOF) Personnel and the children of all service members awarded the Medal of Honor to fund education for children of fallen Special Operations Warriors.

Founded in 1980, SOWF has supported the over 1700 children who have lost a parent during the last 43 years of fighting, funding their education from “cradle to career”, in other words from pre-school to college. And, while the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over, SOWF continues to support the children, including fully-funding college attendance for nearly 1100 eligible students.

Grace Goetsch, a surviving daughter from a SOF veteran, is indebted to the support from SOWF:

“Thanks to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, I have attended college debt-free, helping to take the burden off my mother’s shoulders and allowing me to succeed—in and out of the classroom!”

To learn more about the work of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, please go to their website specialops.org or visit their booth at SOF Week, which runs from 8-11 May 8-11, 2023, at the Tampa Convention Centre, Tampa, Florida.

Posted in Charity, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Honoring the Legacy of America’s Finest since 1980

Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser at SOF Week

Monday, May 8th, 2023

Please join us for the Sterling Promise Foundation fundraiser this Tuesday, 9 May from 1700-2000 at the Channelside Terrace room in the Westin.

Those of you at home can participate as well. The auction at qtego.net/qlink/sterlingpromise and closes at 1945.

Additionally, a unique serial number matched pair of surplus Modular Handgun System M17 & M18 pistols produced by SIG SAUER. That online auction at Guns America lasts until
1200 Thursday, May 11th.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising | Comments Off on Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser at SOF Week

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s SOF Online Auction & Raffle

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023

Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation (TFDSOF) will be the beneficiary of the SOF Online Auction & Raffle presented by Cubic, which is open now and closes during a Social Event in Cubic’s Embassy Suites Ballroom next to the Tampa Convention Center on May 9th at 8PM EDT.

There are more than 100 items on the Auction & Raffle, the list includes a Rustick Knives Conflict Forged Tomahawk made from steel off the USS Kitty Hawk, a four-person Dustin Johnson Golf School package, an Omega watch, Richard Childress Racing VIP NASCAR Experience, Horse Soldier Bourbon Commanders Select Box, Under Armour & Tactical Games Package, Custom HS Precision Rifle w. Swarovski Optic, QuietKat E Bike, Spartan Race Pass Packages, original artwork, firearms, tactical items, clothing, outdoor products, golf products, sports memorabilia and many more

Our goal is to raise $150,000, and all funds raised though the SOF Auction & Raffle will directly impact families of the Special Operations Community and 100% of the proceeds will be applied to TFDSOF’s three core programs: Immediate Needs, Rehabilitative Events, and the SOF Health Initiatives Program.

To bid on an item or learn more about this fundraising event, please visit:

sofauction.cbo.io

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill, or injured United States Special Operations Command members and their families. We respond to immediate needs, conduct Rehabilitative Therapy Events, and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. Our cohesive programs improve the quality of life for Special Operations Families. To learn more about Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation, visit our website at

www.taskforcedagger.org

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SOC-F Raises Over $2M to Support Special Operations Personnel and Their Families

Friday, April 28th, 2023

Atlanta, GA – April 27,2023- Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F), a non-profit grant making organization that is focused on the needs of current and former Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and their families, is proud to announce that they have secured $2.1 million dollars (a new record) for their partner treatment programs, following their annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser held at Barnsley Gardens Resort, north of Atlanta, GA.

Hosting friends, family and supporters of the Special Operations community, SOC-F’s annual event was a fundraiser like no other. From a sporting clays tournament, to a women’s only pistol class, hosted by World Champion, Jessie Harrison, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy.

“What this incredible community has given to our heroes and families in the Special Operations Community, is time to do the ‘normal’ things that others take for granted,” stated SOC-F Executive Director, Jeremy Morton. “We are so proud of how the SOC-F family came together to raise this staggering and humbling amount for our SOF heroes.”

The money was raised from a combination of live and silent auctions, as well as generous donations over the course of the two-day event. Auction items ranging from custom firearms, to knives, hunting experiences and one-of-a-kind art pieces by world renown performer, Joe Everson, that brought in an unprecedented sum for the organization.

SOC-F’s grants generally fall in two major categories including family resiliency and medical care that is not currently covered by insurance or government programs. The funds raised will be immediately invested into the SOC-F caregiver programs, supporting treatments in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTS (Post Traumatic Stress), Endocrine System Therapies, Marriage and family Counseling, Gold Star Kids Camp, K9 therapy and more.

“The objective in hosting this annual event, is to create a platform for positive change; raising not only money but awareness of the incredible work being done in the community of treatment and care for the SOF Warriors,” stated SOC-F co-founder, David Kramer. “The impact this funding will have on the lives of the SOF members, their families and children we and our caregiver programs serve will be immeasurable.”

Posted in Charity, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on SOC-F Raises Over $2M to Support Special Operations Personnel and Their Families

SIG SAUER Releases Rare Set of Surplus M17 and M18 Pistols to Benefit Sterling’s Promise Foundation

Monday, April 24th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 24, 2023) – Ahead of Special Operations Foundation Week (SOF Week) SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the first-ever public offering of a pair of M17 and M18 military surplus handguns with matching serial numbers through an online auction to benefit Sterling Promise Foundation. All proceeds from this online auction, hosted by Guns America, will go to support the mission of Sterling’s Promise Foundation to provide financial support for early cancer detection and to cover the financial gaps that occur between treatment needed and benefits provided of special operations veterans.

This pair of surplus Modular Handgun System (MHS) pistols to include an M17 (serial # TF000041) and M18 (serial # TC000041) with matching serial numbers is 1 of 9 sets of MHS surplus pistols originally manufactured under contract with the U.S. Army according to the original specifications. Both pistols were originally issued by the U.S. Army and fielded during the initial domestic and in-theater deployment of the Modular Handgun System. The unique, one-of-a-kind, features of these surplus pistols include coyote controls, the original government-issue markings and serial numbers, and orange rear and green front SIGLITE Night Sights.

“It is an honor for SIG SAUER to join forces with Sterling’s Promise to celebrate the life and service of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling, who passed away early into his civilian career after a heroic battle with cancer, through this rare opportunity to own a piece of U.S. military history,” said Jason St. John, Sr. Director, Government Products. “We are hopeful that the rarity of these pistols will entice collectors to bid for a worthy cause. Not only are these pistols a rare set, but I would also note that this M18 surplus is the first-ever to be released. With only 75 of the M18 surplus pistols in existence SIG SAUER has no plans to offer them commercially, only through charitable auctions such as this or for historical display.”

SIG SAUER’s Jason St. John discusses the features of the M17 and M18 surplus pistols available at the online auction to benefit Sterling Promise Foundation.

The Sterling Promise Foundation was established in memory of U.S. Army SOF Veteran Scott Sterling who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as well as 1st SFOD-D. Following his service, he enjoyed a successful civilian career in the industry and passed away in April 2021 from cancer caused by exposure during his military service. The Sterling Promise Foundation was set up in his memory to help special operations veterans and their families by covering the gaps that exist between expenses and benefits, and to provide financial assistance for ongoing early detection medical screenings for improved health and survivability.

The complete details of this auction, detailed product photos, and product video with Jason St John can be found at GunsAmerica.com. Bidding is now open through Thursday May 11, 2023, and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Bid here.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Firearms, Fundraising | 1 Comment »

Registration Opens Nationally for the 5th Annual Stem to Stone Races

Sunday, April 23rd, 2023

Virtual and in-person options allow participants to join in from anywhere while helping sponsor veterans’ wreaths for the participating location of their choosing!

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME — April 18, 2022 — Today, Wreaths Across America (WAA) proudly announces that registration is open for its annual Stem to Stone Races. Both in-person and virtual options are available to participants. For each race registration a veteran’s wreath is sponsored and will honor a hero on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Registrations are open for both the virtual race as well as the annual live Stem to Stone Races scheduled on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The virtual and in-person options allow participants to join in from anywhere while helping sponsor veterans’ wreaths for the participating location of their choosing. The live, in-person event will take place in Columbia Falls, Maine, on the tip lands where balsam is grown and harvested each year to make the veterans’ wreaths that are then placed on the headstones of our nation’s heroes.

Race options for early registration (prices will increase July 1 through race day):

• 1 Mile Kids Fun Run (In-person only) – $17.00

• 5K In-person – $45.00

• 5K Virtual – $45.00

• 10K In-person – $50.00

• 10K Virtual – $50.00

Click here to register or learn more about this event.

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/563857188924219

“This our fifth year holding these races, and to date we’ve been really happy with the turnout, not only in Maine but across the country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “The Stem to Stone Race is a great way to stay active, be healthy, get involved in the community and do something meaningful for people who have done so much for us. We encourage everyone to get involved either virtually or in-person, and help share the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.”

Every race registration sponsors a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. You can personalize your efforts by designating a local Sponsorship Group or Participating Location you would like your sponsored wreath allocated to during the registration process. Just have the location or group ID available during checkout.

These races serve to help further community awareness and understanding of WAA’s yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that served, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

To learn more go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/19520/News/944

If you would like to register go to runsignup.com/Race/ME/ColumbiaFalls/StemtoStoneRace.

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