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Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Open Letter from SOC-F Co-Founder David Kramer

Wednesday, November 9th, 2022

The Special Operations Care Fund

4279 Roswell Road, NE Suite 208 #313

Atlanta, Georgia 30342

In 2013 a friend in the SEAL Teams, Brett “Shady” Shadle, perished in a training accident, leaving behind a grieving widow, and 2 very young children. His death was one of a series of tragic losses, among the men whom I had the pleasure of knowing, from my professional dealings with the Special Operations Forces (SOF) units. Shady’s death ultimately was the catalyst to form The Special Operations Care Fund. The original founders, Cannon Reynolds, Dave Money, Griff Griffin, and myself, all had a desire to do something to help this community. They are a tribe of warriors from which none of us came from. However, we all understood that these men & women who volunteered to serve in the US military made our personal and professional lives possible as we raised families, grew companies, and planned for our futures.

With no set goals, other than to help those in the SOF Community, we began raising money via some very enjoyable gatherings, inviting business colleagues, peers, and friends. From our first event- a day of shooting sporting clays, eating steaks, and raising money, to becoming a sizable philanthropic organization, we grew organically at a pace that matched our external growth. From the beginning, our next steps were planned only as far as our headlights lit – and when we got “there”, we’d take stock of what the next move was. Each event we hosted often doubled the revenues of it’s predecessor. It’s staggering how big these event have become. We never could have predicted the explosion of support from so many Americans like you, that share the same passion and desire to help SOF families.

We planned these sporting clays events, special dinners, and other engagements in our spare time, running the organization out of our garages, basements, and spare bedrooms. “All-volunteer run,” was something we held close to our hearts. We all had families, careers, and hectic lives. It was extremely gratifying to connect our donors to the families they support, in an effort to raise the resources needed to help these families that gave so much, to protect the freedoms we enjoy. The time we spent away from our jobs and families seemed like the right price to pay for the life of security and prosperity, provided by the very people we help.

From the start, SOC-F had a practice of attraction rather than promotion- we never wanted to pressure people to give. We quickly understood that those who attended an event either felt the call to donate, deep within their soul, or they didn’t. Our ethos has always been to cultivate an environment where people aren’t guilted or shamed to donate. Rather, we value a heart that WANTS to give, because each person shares the same values and passion we do – help SOF families discreetley, respectfully, and in a way that reflects the same standard of excellence the SOF community adheres to, every day. As a result, many of you invited your friends, family, and colleagues to see and experience what had been created – a unique and incredible community; complete with like-hearted supporters, SOF Commandos, volunteers, and servant leaders. 

Fast forward 9 years, and we have raised and granted over 10 Million dollars to support this tight-knit community. I can honestly tell you that no one in SOC-F could have forecasted this level of generosity or the fiduciary responsibility we have been entrusted with. Over time we matured and added to the Board to achieve new perspectives and a more balanced view, taking into considertion life experiences that the founders didn’t have. This process helped the organization to further develop and become significantly more effective. A few years ago, the Board started to wrestle with issues like leadership succession, strategic planning, research studies, and other large decisions. We found that two BIG questions needed answering:

#1) What do we want to be when we grow up?

#2) Is what we are doing today going to get us there?

The answer to question # 1 is: To be the Gold Standard of Veteran Service Organizations (VSO). The SOC-F Leadership wants to be the most professionally run, scalable, & quietest VSO, that excels at healing bodies & minds, saving marriages, and keeping familes together. We strive to make the kind of generational impact that will positively affect those to come.

The answer to question # 2, is: NO.

Running any organization that is going to raise and grant millions of dollars a year, can’t be operated on a part time basis by amateurs. I’ll own it; that’s what we currently are; amateurs with a huge heart to serve. We do have the wherewithal to know that we can’t achieve the future, doing what we’re doing today. We’re successful and very good at hosting events, creating an amazing culture, and developing deep & meaningful relationships. But we can improve in many areas where we are deficient- and this is what separates the amateurs from the professionals:

• Strategic planning and goal setting
• Quartely updates & communication
• Year-end re-caps & reporting
• Making sure that our supporter’s donated resources are being well utilized
• Updating the SOC-F website
• Connecting with the SOF community to socialize our programs & resources
• Finding new treatments & programs to support our long term goals

This will require us to change, and most importantly help us to reach thousands of SOF men and women and their families, who are suffering from 20+ years of war.

My family and work demands continue to escalate and take more of my time, focus, and energy. (And honestly, I love being a husband to my amazing wife, and Dad to my 3 awesome children). So, it’s with much prayer and thought, that I have decided to assume a new role in the organization and hand over the day-to-day operational duties and responsibilities to a professional that will take this amazing organization to the next level and beyond. 

It is with tremendous pride that we report to you that we have hired our very first Executive Director, Mr. Jeremy Morton. If you have ever been to one of our Sporting Clays events, Jeremy is the auctioneer. He was a 1st Battallion US Army Ranger, then served at a US Army Special Mission Unit, from which he retired in 2016. Upon retiring from 21 years of military service, Jeremy joined Crye Precision, and ran their international military business. I have known Jeremy since 2008, and will tell you that SOC-F’s Gold Star and Marriage Programs would not exist without his heavy lifting during his active duty time. Jeremy and his wife, Alyssa, have been amazing friends and supporters of SOC-F since its inception. They have 2 wonderful children, that Alyssa raised while Jeremy deployed 10 times while stationed at Ft. Bragg. If ever there was a perspective this organization needs, it’s from a family who wrote Uncle Sam a blank check for 21 years.

A while back I asked Jeremy to consider running the organization. He has always had a heart to serve and knew his unique experience as a SOF Commando would allow him to reach his former mates in ways that others can’t. He and his wife prayed and wrestled with the decision, weighing their own plans and desires for a better life, and future for their children. During the process of interviewing Jeremy and several other candidates to fill the executive director position, a gracious and generous donor came forward and offered to pay the executive director’s salary for 5 years! This amazing donor understood the impact his generous investment will have on SOC-F’s ability to grow internally and externally in scale and effectiveness, while moving seamlessly from a basement-run organization to a Tier 1 Veteran Service Organization that excels at helping SOF families with respect and discretion.

Always amazed and never surprised by the generosity and graciousness of our supporters, we are incredibly excited for what the future holds for SOC-F. We thank you for the support, trust, and confidence.

As for me? I will remain on the Board, and my role, as by what an executive coach articulated, will be “Protector of the Soul.” I love that title.

David Kramer
SOC-F President

US Army’s DEVCOM Chemistry lab Focuses on Energetics Innovation

Tuesday, November 8th, 2022

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Thinking about a chemistry lab usually evokes visions of beakers bubbling with solutions, Bunsen burners, perhaps a giant periodic table taped to the wall. But this is not that type of chemistry lab.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center Propulsion Engineering Analytical Chemistry laboratory works on the Center’s stockpile reliability programs where they conduct prognostic aging and safe life assessment through disassembly of weapon systems detailed chemical analysis.

“The ammunition and explosives mission is one which spans the entire weapons system life cycle — from early research and development, to production, to sustainment and eventually demilitarization,” said Dr. Robert Little, chief for the Propulsion Engineering Division. “In each phase, there are hazards and risks to be managed. The Analytical Chemistry laboratory, and the core competencies of the trained personnel, are key elements to ensure that explosive stability and safety are maintained for fielded weapons systems in their intended tactical environments.”

Simply put, it is not enough to make sure the energetic materials — propellants, pyrotechnics and explosives utilized in weapon systems — work, they must continue to work, across many years and a full spectrum of military tactical environments.

 “A rocket motor in Afghanistan, for example, is in a hot, arid climate so propellant stabilizer depletion is faster at elevated temperatures,” said Chris Marshall, supervisory chemist for the lab. “In a cooler environment it is much slower. Propellant in a TOW missile in Afghanistan may become unsafe for use and storage after as little as 10 years, if subject to solar radiation heating. In Alaska, based on a much lower temperature it may be 30 years.”

The lab team does not just work on fielded weapons systems, it also helps develop the next generation of propellants for use in solid fuel ramjet, an airbreathing jet propulsion engine that employs a continuous combustion process.

“We try to find new methods to analyze new propellant formulations — including novel energetic formulations and new energetics molecules. Research chemists will bring them to us and say, ‘How do I get the composition and ballistic properties of this new formulation?’” Marshall said.

Additionally, the lab works on missile failures.

“We may have a missile in theater malfunction, and we get samples back and we’ll analyze all failure modes to figure out what happened,” Marshall said. “Why we had a misfire, hang-fire, detonation or deflagration event. We work on failure reviews for production as well. We work with our contracting partners that make the missiles and when they have issues, this lab will partner with them, their chemists and their labs, trying to multitask issues. Since this lab has diagnostic capabilities in explosives compositions and their properties, we can do things that vendors may not be equipped to do.”

This is not the type of subject matter expertise that can be learned in undergraduate school — there is no “Energetics 101.”

“You have to grow an energetic chemist, mentor and train,” Marshall said. “There’s a lot of hands-on training — hands-on work — you can’t really teach it because you are not going to handle this stuff in school. We try to always team a younger engineer or scientist with an older, more seasoned professional to help mentor that person.”

For the Analytical Chemistry Lab team, their work gives them the opportunity to work in scientific innovation while also support not just the Army but also the Navy, Air Force and international allies.

“We know what we’re doing every day protects our service members — protects our sons, daughters, and grandchildren. We want to protect those lives.”

By Katie Davis Skelley, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center Public Affairs

AF provides Additional Information for Aircrew Considering flying During Their Pregnancy

Monday, November 7th, 2022

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force has developed several products designed to assist aircrew in making the most informed decisions about whether to fly during their pregnancy.

In April 2022, the DAF issued a clarification of policies pertaining to aircrew during pregnancy. Since then, the Department recognized the need to provide aircrew, commanders, and healthcare professionals greater awareness of and transparency around the process for submission and review of waivers to fly during pregnancy.

The Aircrew Voluntary Acceptance of Risk, or AVAR, is a three-part document (including a risk acknowledgment page, an outline of medical risks, and acceptable flight profiles) designed to ensure aircrew have access to the information that will allow them to make the most informed decisions about whether to continue flying during their pregnancy. Additionally, a set of frequently asked questions and answers were developed for additional assistance. Both the AVAR and FAQs may be found on the Air Force Medical Service’s Reproductive Health webpage.

“At the end of the day, we need to balance operational readiness, safety, and our aircrew’s agency, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to that end,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

Aircrew who want to be considered for crewed flight duty must personally request to continue flying during their pregnancy. The AVAR will help guide discussions with healthcare providers and inform members of both known and potential, but unmeasured, risks to make an informed decision.

To return to flying duties after becoming pregnant, the service member must submit a waiver for review by their flight surgeon, obstetrical care provider, and commander, who must collaborate to determine whether to approve the waiver. All flights must meet approved flight profiles based on the commander’s discretion and safety considerations.

DAF leadership’s intent is that aircrew are confident that the decision of whether to request to fly during pregnancy – or not – will have no impact on their military career. Aircrew who elect not to fly have other options to continue their career progression, such as maintaining currencies in the simulator, instructing academics, supervisor of flying, top-3, and many other training opportunities and duties.

“It was a team effort to develop these options for pregnant aircrew so they can continue carrying out the missions they are trained and ready to perform,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.

As with any medical condition, the DAF will continue to review aircrew pregnancy policy and practices, including an ongoing collection of health and safety data. The service remains focused on identifying, analyzing, and appropriately mitigating flight safety hazards and exposures to facilitate the safe and successful accomplishment of the military mission. A continual review will also drive appropriate modifications to the AVAR to allow aircrew to make the most informed decision on whether to request the continuation of flight duties.

Story by Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Photo by Michelle Gigante

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Boat Maintenance

Sunday, November 6th, 2022

Knowing what you have is necessary before you can even diagnose a problem or figure out what kind of work your inflatable might need. You must first be informed that there are two different kinds of cloth available: PVC and Hypalon (CSM).

Due to the differences in their construction, each requires a unique approach to maintenance and repairs. As with so many maritime-related things, periodic checks of your boat will help you identify minor concerns before they turn into bigger ones. Like everything else, UV is the worst thing for PVC and Hypalon. Do a visual and rub your hands along the boat’s tubes to help find dry or cracked spots, “alligatoring”, but you will need to improve your UV protection.

To start your inspection, fill your spray bottle with liquid soap, pump the boat to specifications from the aft to the forward (drum tight), and then begin spraying. It will be more effective to set your spray nozzle to create a wide mist than a narrow jet. In both cases, make sure to soak the tubes thoroughly. Finding air bubbles is essential because they are a surefire indicator of leaks. Keep an eye out for valves, cones, and seams. Rarely are leaks cooperative enough to show up on a field of open tubes. Nope, they would much rather stand next to or even behind some fitting or label.

Check the cloth for wear, especially the tube tops. Where guys will sit with all their gear on, and it might rub holes or start to rub holes. They will eventually dry out and begin to leak. Check for wear on all the attachments and accessories. Some accessories will droop and chafe the tube fabric as the tubes deflate in colder conditions. Don’t forget to check the holders for the transom.

Look under the boat to inspect the bottom for wear, particularly to the areas around the transom and where strips connect it to the tubes. While you’re at it, grip the tube-to-hull strips directly to check for any fabric that may have come loose. Keep a close lookout for rot if your transom is made of wood.

Lastly, examine all the valves. Are all the caps present? The “plungers” are they free to move? It’s okay to spray a little more of the soap mixture while you’re rummaging around to clear out any sand or other debris that may have started to gather.

Before putting the boats away, give your tubes a UV treatment in addition to routine checks. Use a manufacturer-recommended UV protectant. There are several goods available.

Spray the boat down after every use and give it a good cleaning before you stow it away. Salt away is a great product to help get all the salt off the boat. Never leave an inflatable in the sun to the recommended pressure after filling it. This is especially true for PVC boats with glued seams since you could stress the seams and produce leaks (or worse). On the other hand, buzzing around while the tubes are not inflated to the proper pressure will undoubtedly ruin those handy transom holders. This is due to the outboard’s vibration, which will cause the tubes to start pulling away from the transom if they aren’t pushed tightly against its sides. Inflatable air chambers are divided by internal baffles that keep them apart in the event of an accident-punctured chamber. These baffles also balance the air pressure throughout all the chambers’ connections.

Underway repair You should always keep the following supplies on board: a hand pump, duct tape, ClamSeal, and some beach balls.

It isn’t much you can do if a boat is punctured below the water line besides pumping air using a hand pump to reduce the air leak. You can buy a ClamSeal for quick emergency repairs in torn inflatables.

Duct tape can temporarily repair punctures inside the boat that is in easily accessible areas. Before applying duct tape, the area around the puncture should be cleansed with acetone to ensure a proper seal. After that, you can pump air into the boat to slow the escaping air, allowing you to land as soon as possible. If a hole gets ripped in the sponson before you put the ClamSeal on, you can set the beach ball in there and inflate it when it is in there, which will help make the sponson more stable. Then try and close the hole with tape or a ClamSeal. On a side note, you can also use flex seal tape or other products. The downside is getting all the adhesive off that spot to repair the hole, but that is a dry land problem.

Tyrant Designs Presents – Upgrading Your Factory GLOCK Barrel

Saturday, November 5th, 2022

So, you own a Glock handgun like the bulk of the shooting community for innumerable reasons. Some of them are the robust aftermarket components that are available (especially from Tyrant Designs) as well as Glock handguns being touted as supremely reliable and a highly-configurable platform. With that comes the ability to change components at will. This can vary from frame pins to barrels; all of which Tyrant Designs makes premium upgrades for. What are some of the reasons that you would want to even bother changing your factory barrel though? Let’s walk through those to see if the recently unveiled Tyrant Designs barrel is for you!

The very first thing that will catch your eye about our premium barrels is the curb appeal. So, how much does this matter? To be completely honest, quite a bit. I have had the whole “curb appeal” debate with countless friends when it comes to upgrading components on firearms, and this is the lens I view that conversation through… “Nobody wants a highly-accurate gun that is ugly just like no one wants an ugly muscle car.” That makes sense, right? You shouldn’t sacrifice performance for looks, but if you can have both, why not? The other big element of upgrading components is performance. Our barrels will give you greater reliability and consistency in chambering rounds. It will also ensure spent rounds are being extracted and ejected without a sliver of doubt.

The fitment to the slide will also guarantee a more secure lockup into the battery every time. Another glaringly obvious reason to upgrade to our barrel is the greater accuracy. We have imparted a deep crowning to our barrels – that is not present on factory barrels – that will increase velocity and bullet stability upon exit of the barrel. Finally, you may want to look at upgrading your factory barrel to one of ours if you have a damaged barrel or one that has deteriorated in quality over time. This could be a valid safety concern after an accident – your gun falls down the side of a mountain while hiking or it fell out while changing the oil in your vehicle and you subsequently ran it over.

Whatever the reason might be, if you fear your barrel is compromised, you should replace it out of an abundance of caution for your own safety. So, there you have it! Improve the curb appeal of your Glock and be the envy of your friends, simultaneously improve its performance, and/or ensure your gun is at its tip-top safest quality for carrying. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!

Tactical and Tech Day Expo Returns to Vicenza

Saturday, November 5th, 2022

Vicenza, Italy – U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF) partnered with National Conference Services Inc. (NCSI) to host the Tactical and Tech Day Expo at the Golden Lion Conference Center on Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, October 26, 2022.

NCSI worked with SETAF prior to the event to develop a list of vendors that would provide technological solutions to bring to our partners in Africa. Having just completed a recent event in Morocco, NCSI was able to identify technology gaps and source vendors who could deploy solutions both in Italy and in Africa.

“Working with specific vendors can help bridge the technology services gap in places like Morocco to provide better, and more mobile security and data protection,” said Katia Sears, NCSI events manager.

The expo allows companies to showcase their products by providing demonstrations using the latest technological options and services that can fulfill mission requirements through collaborative efforts with members of the Vicenza Military Community who may utilize their services.

Companies showcased products that could aid units with communications, language translation, radar, big data analytics, workflow software, signal monitoring, and advanced structures on the African continent.

Sgt. 1st Class Simone Loncke, the operations NCO for the Operation Protection Directorate, feels a certain responsibility and vested interest in intel for the continent. She says, “Technology is a way of the future and we have to embrace it. I am impressed by all we can invest in to protect the continent, and how fast it can be deployed.”

While the event aims to cultivate a network of mission-oriented partnerships, it also provides opportunities for individual members to develop professional relationships.

“Technology changes so fast and it is important for the Army procurement process to get in on this stuff early,” said the G6 Sgt. Maj. Thomas Richard.

Due to Covid restrictions, the Tactical and Tech Day Expo has not been held in Vicenza since 2019. An annual event, it is scheduled tentatively for the Spring of 2023.

Story by SPC Alisha Grezlik, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wool ACM 400

Friday, November 4th, 2022

Prepare for the Fall with FirstSpear’s American Made Advanced Clothing Material. This week, we’re featuring ACM-MID 400 Merino Wool layer.

The ACM – MID 400 has a 100% Merino Wool exterior with a 100% Polyester interior which is perfectly matched to trap warmth and wick away moisture. FirstSpear ACM is breathable, anti-microbial, warm when wet and provides flam resistance.

The FirstSpear Mid Shirt is a comfortable, 2/3 zip pull over that is perfect as a standalone over a t-shirt or added to a layering system.

The Lightweight Vest is a versatile mid layer that traps heat while allowing ample ventilation and dexterity of the arms.

An old world design meets the Tip of the Spear in performance materials and expert craftsmanship. The Squadron Smock is sourced and built in the USA.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s War Fighter.

AFSOC Receives Final AC-130J

Friday, November 4th, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Air Force Special Operations Command received its 31st and final AC-130J Ghostrider, completing the command’s transition from the legacy AC-130W, AC-130U and AC-130H fleets.

Following a commemoration ceremony at the Lockheed Martin Gunship Modification Facility in Crestview Nov. 2, the final AC-130J was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

During the AC-130J Ghostrider Dedication and Delivery Ceremony, Lt. Col. Joe Allen, Gunship Program manager and narrator for the event, briefly discussed the history of nose art and how it became a common way of depicting the name of an airplane. He also explained how pilots would stencil names or call signs on their aircraft, providing a sense of connection and further a feeling of pride for themselves and the crew that kept the airplane flying.

“Aircraft #31 is no different [than previous World War II aircraft] and is being named in honor of Mr. Stan ‘Sluggo’ Siefke who was instrumental in the developments of the precision strike package prior to cutting first metal on the MC-130W,” said Allen. “Sluggo’s impacts on Whiskey and Ghostrider have been nothing short of outstanding and we are honored to have him in attendance today.”

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, AFSOC Commander, represented the command at the ceremony and spoke about his experience with acquiring and receiving the AC-130J.

Slife recalled that it had been “only a few years back,” when then Col. Slife working at the Pentagon for the Office of Secretary of Defense, began the messaging and formative language that initiated the program that he’s seeing come full circle.

“In the fall of 2009, the Secretary of Defense decided to recapitalize [the AC-130] with C-130Js to build the platforms we see behind us today,” said Slife.

He also spoke about seeing the first J model go into combat in the summer of 2019 while serving as the AFSOC commander.

“The airplane and its predecessors have exceeded all our expectations and kept more Americans alive than any other airplane on the battlefield,” said Slife.

“The future is going to be different than what we have experienced for the last 20 years, but one thing I’m certain of is this airplane will be relevant to whatever the future operating environment brings, so thank you all for delivering such a magnificent capability to today’s warfighters,” he said.

Capt. Katie Tiedemann, 73rd Special Operations Squadron Weapons Systems Officer, shared operational vignettes of the AC-130J during the event. She specifically shared her own experience deployed in Afghanistan when she supported Operation Allies Refuge.

“Over two weeks, my own crew, and two others, continued to employ our aircraft for countless hours, reopening the [Kabul] airport and evacuating 123,000 refugees,” said Tiedemann. “Much of the rest of the story you have seen and heard, but our two crews who flew during the evacuation will be recognized this fall with the MacKay trophy for accomplishing the most meritorious flight of the year.”

Following Capt. Tiedemann’s presentation, William Innes, Deputy Director for Acquisition, United States Special Operations Command, spoke about USSOCOM’s part in navigating the acquisitions process to get the weapons systems from industry to the warfighter.

“When we can see firsthand that it [the acquisition process] works, it delivers the best weapons system the nation can get, it is truly inspirational,” he said.

Vic Torla, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services, expressed his gratitude for the partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Air Force.

“A great example of a government and industry partnership to stand up this facility,” said Torla. “A ten-year journey to deliver what is now 30 combat capable aircraft to Special Operations Command.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Gen. Slife along with aircrew stepped onto the new AC-130J and took off for Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., where the final AC-130J will become part of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

He concluded with his gratitude for all who contributed to making the AC-130J the success it is today.

“For the whole team today, for the team that maintained the airplane, that built the airplane, that acquired the airplane, that fly the airplane, that tested the airplane, thank you for what you’ve done.”

The AC-130J is a transport aircraft modified for special forces operations and has been used to support AFSOC in missions around the world. It is a fifth-generation gunship that can provide close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

By Capt Alicia Premo

Air Force Special Operations Command