It’s not often that I make a personal appeal but a tragedy befell the family of one of my friends last weekend and they need our help.
Abel is the victim of a senseless hit-and-run road rage attack which resulted in the amputation of his foot. Fortunately, the attacker is in custody. While we all can take solace in the great work of the Washington State Patrol and Tacoma Police Department for getting this creep off the street, it isn’t going to heal Abel or take care of his bills. Those, are up to him and us.
I have known Abel for many years. He is a Marine Corps Veteran and a former employee of Tactical Tailor. He currently works at Anytime Fitness in Tacoma, WA. If none of that makes a connection, he is also the son of GW Ayers, Vice President of Grey Ghost and GW is one of the most straight up, honest guys in this industry who raised Abel from a tyke to be the man he is today. I look at GW as a brother from another mother. We both served on the IGB (that’s Inter-German Border for those of you who didn’t have the honor of serving in the Cold War) and I am constantly amazed at GW’s demeanor. He still conducts himself like a Platoon Sergeant; praise when it’s warranted and a kick in the ass, when it’s not. Fortunately, Abel is a chip off the old block. He’s going to lick this and that’s why we need to help him out.
One of Abel’s co-workers has created a GoFundMe Page and we encourage everyone to help out if you can. Our family contributed and we hope you will too.
Flash-Bang creatr Dom Andre is partnering with French publisher “Nimrod” to produce a “coffee-table” art book focusing on special units and their members. Combining about 500 of Dom’s best photos in a large format with the operator’s very own words, it will be available in English and French versions.
Thencollection of exclusive photograohs was collected over the past eight years from visits with 28 elite units around the world. The book will be 640 pages and weigh in at a whopping 5 kg.
The book will cover the following units and countries:
PI2G (France), DPR (Switzerland), GIGG (Switzerland), RAID (France), GPI Guadeloupe (France), GIPN (France), Commando Hubert (France), STAR (Singapore), DSU (Belgium), Las Vegas Metro PD SWAT (USA), Las Vegas Metro PD Search & Rescue (USA), CORE (Brazil), Col Moschin (Italy), Vancouver ERT (Canada), TEK (Hungary), LASD SEB (USA), BSIJ (Romania), GRUMEC (Brazil), Monte Cervino (Italy), ZJ (Czech Republic), US Marshals SOG (USA), SFG (Belgium), COBRA (Austria), BORTAC (USA), ATF SRT (USA), NOCS (Italy), RCMP ERT (Canada), EULEX IG (European Union).
Grey Tactical Outfitters has donated a Troy Defense 5.56 Carbine to be raffled off to help support Louisiana flood victims that are currently serving in the 3D Force Reconnaissance Company. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the families impacted by the flood.
Olive Drab Cerakoted forged flat top upper receiver with integrated M4 feed ramps
Olive Drab Cerakoted forged lower receiver with Troy Industries Enhanced Trigger Guard
Chrome Moly Vanadium Melonite coated 1/7 RH twist barrel, chambered in 5.56 with M4 feed ramps
Troy Industries free float modular 13? Alpha Rail system with integrated spring loaded front M4 Battle sight
Mil-Spec bolt and carrier with properly staked gas key
Troy Industries Battle Ax 6 position buttstock with Mil-Spec receiver extension
Troy Industries Medieval Flash Suppressor/or pinned Claymore Muzzle Brake
Troy Industries Rear Folding Battle Sight
Troy Industries Enhanced CQB Pistol Grip
Troy Industries Battle Mag
We’ve recently seen some rough times in this country and unfortunately, members of the Law Enforcement community have given their lives in service. One of our biggest concerns here at SSD is that these men and women (and their K9 partners) have the equipment they need to protect their communities as well as themselves. Recently, Tactical Distributors approached us about doing a Thin Blue Line version of our popular Keep Calm Return Fire T-shirts to raise finds for a Law Enforcement charity. We thought it was a great idea and suggested Spirit of Blue Foundation for the great work they do identifying and fulfilling capability gaps in smaller Law Enforcement Agencies. Since 2011, this 501(c)(3) has awarded 42 grants valued at almost $200,000 in 22 states.
We only had one stipulation; our entire licensing fee had to go to Spirit of Blue. The shirts look great and we are pleased to report that TD kicked in on their end as well. $10.00 from the sale of each shirt will be donated to Spirit of Blue.
It’s easy to just take a passing notice of the victims of natural disasters but it’s the individual stories which garner our attention. While every story is tragic, the Marine Reconnaissance & Sniper Foundation is taking action to help Four Marine families from 3d Force Reconnaissance.
We encourage you to click the link and read their stories, and donate to help them recover their lives.
Rainier Arms of Auburn, WA hosted the inaugural Northwest Shooting Sports Expo at the Tacoma Convention Center Aug 27-28 with over 50 defense manufactures on display and estimated 5-7,000 attendees.
Rainier Arms sourced and donated several high end products from Vortex, Sig, Adams Arms, Fortis and many others. The donated items were raffled by the Darby Project to support their mission of providing transition services for Army Ranger from active duty to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of greatest loss of life in a single day since Operation Red Wings. The 8.6.11 Five Year Anniversary Morale Patch honors those who fell on August 6, 2011.
These custom 100% embroidery patches measure 2.5? wide x 3.5? tall and feature 31 gold stars for the men and lone K-9 of DEVGRU, Naval Special Warfare Command, Army National Guard and the Air Force Special Operations Command who gave their lives on August 6th.
This summer, Army Special Operations Retiree Josh Collins conducted Operation Phoenix, a 2500 mile standup paddle board journey, to raise funds and awareness for vetran health issues. This is just the first in an effort called VetranVoyage 360 to circumnavigate the globe. Josh is an inspiration to us all.
OPPHX Day 134 – Riding the Waves of Life. 14 Miles yesterday and now 2502.6 complete.
Today we’ll run the remainder of the coast up to Sandy Hook, and where the prize will be within sight.
I saw the Marker in this video (Channel Marker 11), and it made me think back throughout the whole expedition. And, I remembered the USA TODAY Article (about a “Reduction” in Veteran suicides) which still bothers me so much. Frankly, my first thought after reading/listening was, “Is this a VA press release?”
How has this become our new normal, and for so long? Ive said before, if 22, or 20 school teachers or nurses were killing themselves each day, we’d cancel holidays until we got it fixed. Folks, even 20 a day is DOUBLE the National average. That means your son, daughter, brother, or sister may be twice as likely to kill themselves if they are also a great American who selflessly serves their country. (?????) NO! That doesn’t make sense. And it aint just (ONLY and exclusively) the stressors of the battlefield, or trauma from sexual assault, etc….. A hard look must taken at the massive over medication on these problems. Thats been the one reality in the VA’s fix. Not the broken call center, or therapy groups which may sometimes literally sit around chatting about medication and alcohol (personal experience).
RESULTS COUNT! That’s what I grew up hearing from my mom. I think we could question everything we do, or don’t do on that statement. I have to look at the results of Operation Phoenix, and believe it has accomplished a couple important items for me personally, but on the whole has only reached the tip of the iceberg in terms of action for these problems. I wont stop till we get to the whole enchilada!
The proximate causes – PTSD is one of them sure, but TBI, and specifically multiple TBIs (Repetitive Concussive Syndrome) is just as much the culprit. (Please reference the NFL findings and movie “Concussion”) Combine the effects of both of these issues and the problem is like trying to figure out why the music is skipping on a jukebox with a broken needle cycling scratched records.
As for me. Ive discovered thus far a whole new world within myself. i recommend an extreme adventure in any way that can be planned and executed for anyone. THERE IS A WHOLE PATH TO RECOVERY HIDDEN HERE.! Sounds crazy i know, but if Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is increased during aerobic exercise (along with all the BEST endorphins, hormones, and chemicals in the body), then what happens when its this is taken to extreme levels. Well, i think Ive found out, and will tell more.
Like the Scarecrow, I may have found a brain. It may not be my old and complete self, but thats ok. Its a great start. I CANT WAIT TO REUNITE WITH CHARLIE THIS WEEK!
jc
Congrats Josh! It was great seeing you when you made it here to Va Beach! I am still in awe of your feat!
