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5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Saturday, February 12th, 2022

Channing Tatum (co-director/star) and Reid Carolin (co-director/writer) join to support military veterans in celebration of their new film “Dog”

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2021) 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has teamed up with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), United Artists Releasing (UAR) and K9s For Warriors to support military veterans in celebration of the February 18 theatrical release of the upcoming film, ‘Dog’ starring Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin. As part of the collaboration, 5.11 will donate $25,000 to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

As a part of the initiative, Carolin, Tatum and K9s For Warriors delivered a service dog to a well-deserving member of the U.S. Military earlier this month. Active Navy Captain, Jon, and his new Labrador, Winston, will complete a 3-week training program at K9s For Warriors’ headquarters in Florida where will build an unwavering bond.

(Left to Right) Navy Captain, Jon, with Labrador, Winston, Dog Co-Director, Reid Carolin, and Dog Co-Director and Actor, Channing Tatum

Tatum reflected on the opportunity to unite a deserving veteran with his dog saying, “it is an honor to be a part of this moment.” Around creating the film, Tatum remarked, “It was a really beautiful journey for us to learn the depth of the bond between a soldier and a dog.”

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. With roots in servicing military communities, 5.11 products appear throughout the film, including the RUSH24™ 2.0 Backpack used by Tatum’s character.

“We’re pleased to support these outstanding projects that bring awareness to the many sacrifices and struggles that our nation’s veterans face every day,” said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “We hope our contribution helps more brave veterans find a companion through the efforts of K9s For Warriors and lets them know they are greatly appreciated.”

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is a non-profit that pairs highly trained service dogs, commonly rescued from shelters, with veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. This innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

“We are incredibly grateful to collaborate with 5.11, MGM and UA Releasing to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Rory Diamond. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Service Dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of a dignity and independence. This partnership has given us the amazing opportunity to showcase that special moment when Channing surprises our Warrior Jon with his Service Dog for the first time, beginning their journey towards an unbreakable bond.”

Join us in celebrating the work of K9s For Warriors, the spirit of the film ‘Dog’, and the excitement from Channing and Reid around uniting Jon and Winston. The video can be viewed in its entirety here.

For more information on 5.11’s activation with MGM, UAR and K9s for Warriors, please visit www.511tactical.com/k9s-for-warriors. For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. To learn more about K9s For Warriors visit www.k9sforwarrior.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on 5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

Pompano Beach, Florida February 7, 2020 – If dogs are man’s best friends, then service dogs are their life-enhancing faithful companions. Service dogs for veterans take it one step further: providing their valuable assistance to those who have selflessly served our country.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) believes in giving back, especially to military veterans. The company is also filled with dog lovers. Recently KUSA decided to help a very deserving Marine veteran by providing her with an emotional support service dog. Meet US Marine Corps veteran Lorena Guimares and her new canine companion, Vityaz, a male Labrador Retriever puppy:

K-9 recruit Vityaz, sitting on the yellow paw prints at Recruit Depot Pawris Island, meets his new battle buddy, former US Marine Corps Sergeant Lorena Guimares

Over the next six-months, and under the watchful eye of professional dog trainer (and senior drill instructor) Fletcher Swain of Custom K-9, K-9 recruit Vityaz and former “Devil Dog” Lorena G. will be honed into a lean, mean, finely-tuned human/canine machine.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) is grateful to several key individuals and organizations who helped make this happy connection happen. Sgt. Adams Lin of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the introduction to Marine veteran Lorena Guimares. In addition to being the county’s largest law enforcement organization, the PBSO is well known for their support of military veterans and their annual Bark-A-Thon event designed to promote pet adoptions.

Dog trainer Fletcher Swain helped identify and secure a suitable puppy with the right temperament and intelligence needed to become a fully-trained emotional support service dog. Custom K-9 is providing lodging for Vityaz as well as a suitable parade ground where he and his human companion can learn to march in unison and communicate with each other.

“This really was a team effort involving KUSA employees, community partners, and even our customers (especially Dennis M.) who helped us select “Vityaz” as the name for the service dog in training. In Slavic mythology, a vityaz was a noble knight who fought dragons, giants and other creatures using a combination of strength, wits, and courage. We’re confident our canine Vityaz will likewise help Lorena overcome her challenges” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing for Kalashnikov-USA. ‘Stay tuned as we follow this dynamic duo on their Semper Fidelis bonding journey” he added.

Posted in Industry, K9, Press Release, USMC, Veterans | Comments Off on Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Clif Bar & Company Launches Trailblazers Incubator and Introduces CLIF Pet

Sunday, January 2nd, 2022

EMERYVILLE, Calif. – Dec. 13, 2021 – Today, Clif Bar & Company announced the launch of the Trailblazers Incubator, an in-house new ventures group built to deliver disruptive innovation and create sustainable business opportunities. Based in Clif Bar’s Emeryville, CA headquarters, the Trailblazers team of “intrapreneurs” is applying an agile start-up mindset to driving new growth strategies for Clif Bar. This includes expanding into new categories that align with the company’s Five Aspirations business model.

Overseen by Chief Innovation Officer, Rizal Hamdallah, and led by Incubator Senior Director, Greg Lok, the Trailblazers first venture is CLIF PetTM, with the introduction of plant-based pet snacks. Slated for national launch in early 2022, CLIF Pet will start with three flavors of snacks for dogs with plans to build out the Pet portfolio in the near term.

“Just as Clif Bar was founded on disrupting the energy bar category nearly 30 years ago, the Trailblazers Incubator is built to consistently deliver our bold innovation agenda and accelerate our growth plan,” said Hamdallah. “In addition to a rapid, data-driven product development and go-to-market strategy, what makes our approach different is extending the loyalty of the CLIF® brand. By introducing CLIF Pet, we will bring energy to the whole family.”

Clif Bar has set a bold goal to multiply its positive impact on the world by doubling the size of the company. The decision to enter the pet snacking category is supported by the dramatic increase in pet ownership coupled with the emerging demand for human-grade pet food1. Today, as pets are considered part of the family more than ever before, the category represents a significant growth opportunity for Clif Bar.

“With more than 11 million U.S. households bringing a pet home during the last 18 months of COVID, the category is exploding and ripe for new offerings2,” said Lok. “What makes this launch unique is the combination of speed and discipline to bring an innovative, relevant product to market during a global pandemic. We are truly blazing new trails by applying best practices from tech start-ups to our expertise in consumer insights and packaged goods – it’s a winning combination.”

www.clifbar.com

Posted in K9, Outdooralamode, Press Release | 1 Comment »

TacMed Tuesday – Importance of K9 Transport Legislation

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

In 2018, Sgt. Sean Gannon and his K9 Nero suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, Sgt. Gannon succumbed to the injury, but K9 Nero was effectively treated on site by a Federal medic previously trained by K9 MEDIC®. The situation dramatically highlighted the state regulations that legally limited care and transport of K9s by local and state providers. Many states currently don’t have any legislation that would allow EMS to treat and transport an injured working K9. Today, Nero is alive and healthy and serves as an advocate for more states to support life-saving care.

Because many states such as Colorado, Massachusetts, Florida, Rhode Island, and more have recently begun passing legislation allowing for EMS treatment and transport of K9s, EMS K9 training is becoming increasingly important. One training resource that K9 Medic utilizes is TacMed Simulation Rental Program. Through this program, Jo-Anne Brenner and her K9 Medic team have been able to host a variety of training classes using our K9 Diesel and K9 Hero simulators. These simulators can provide over 28 different features and medical intervention sites to provide training on a wide range of critical life-saving tasks with a realistic experience.

We are thankful for K9 MEDIC® and other similar organizations who provide top-notch training and education for EMS personnel in order to best be prepared for a K9 emergency.

If you are a K9 Handler or part of a K9 Team, seek out proper training and equip yourself with the necessary life-saving medical equipment from TacMed™. Check out our K9 Handler Line here: tacmedsolutions.com/collections/k9-handlers

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, K9 | Comments Off on TacMed Tuesday – Importance of K9 Transport Legislation

American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog with Handler in Arizona

Sunday, October 24th, 2021

PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 18, 2021) – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, yesterday reunited retired Military Working Dog Irk, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Sheridyn Rupp, his former handler and best friend, in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “Tragically, these K-9 veterans are still sometimes separated from their human counterparts, who they formed a deep bond with. We are honored to reunite SSgt Rupp with MWD Irk, and wish Irk a happy, peaceful retirement with the person he loves best.”

MWD Irk is trained as a Patrol Narcotics Detection Dog. He served his time at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois for six years, helping to train his handlers on the basics and tactics of working with a Military Working Dog. MWD Irk worked alongside SSgt Rupp at Scott AFB for 22 months – the longest handler he ever had. While assigned as a team, the two conducted daily trainings on obedience, bite-work, narcotic detection and base security measures. The two have been separated for a year.

“Irk is one of the sweetest K-9’s I have met,” said SSgt Rupp. “He is brave and served with all his heart. However, because of his age he is starting to slow down, and the decision was made to give him a loving home and a couch to lay on for his retirement. I am so grateful to be reunited with Irk and cannot wait to give him the retirement he deserves.”

SSgt Rupp was active duty for eight years. She now serves in the Reserves at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, working as a Diet Therapy Technician.

Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs, so American Humane veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus travelled to Arizona to ensure MWD Irk’s health and safety. The reunion took place at the Lulu’s Fund headquarters in Phoenix. Lulu’s Fund, which is part of the Timothy T. Day Foundation, supports organizations in the animal rescue community throughout the United States.

American Humane recently launched a Military Working Dog Reunification fund which will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of donors. Proceeds from this fund will also provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement. To donate and support our nation’s furry heroes, including MWD Irk, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Press Release | 2 Comments »

K9 Helm

Sunday, October 10th, 2021

K9 Helm M2 will see it’s European debut next week at Milipol Paris.

Posted in Helmets, K9, Milipol | 2 Comments »

TMS Tuesday – Diesel: K9 Simulator

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

K9s faithfully serve along side us in the military and on law enforcement teams, so it is our responsibility to be ready to help them in the case of an emergency. TacMed’s two K9 simulators, K9 Diesel and K9 Hero, are advanced full-body K9 simulators that serves as a skills trainer by simulating active breathing, audio queues, and over 28 different features and medical intervention sites.

It has adjustable breathing, interchangeable limbs, audio, pulse, full anatomical skeletal motion, and bleeding junctional wounds. It can serve to help train in IV insertion, intubation, amputation scenarios, paw lacerations, CPR, bloat, needle decompression, wound packing, and more!

It is currently used by trainers, veterinarians, military handlers, and K9 first responders. Get yourself trained and ready for a K9 emergency.

Check it out: K9 DIESEL – TacMed Solutions

Posted in Guest Post, K9, Training | 1 Comment »

Uncharted Supply Co. Unveils Three New Products for the Everyday Adventurer

Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

The Wolf Pack, Park Pack and First Aid Plus bring reliable protection to daily activities

PARK CITY, Utah (Aug. 10, 2021) – Uncharted Supply Co., the leader in personal preparedness, is launching three new products specifically designed to bring peace of mind to every adventure:

• Wolf Pack, a dog collar that doubles as a lightweight, durable first aid kit

• Park Pack, a modular hip pack with integrated first aid, gear repair tools and room for storage

• First Aid Plus, a waterproof and highly durable first aid kit packed with essential tools for any emergency

Building upon Uncharted Supply Co.’s revolutionary line of emergency preparedness products, this new gear will be available for purchase online via Uncharted’s website and on-shelves at official Uncharted Supply Co. retail partners across the country starting this fall. The Park Pack ($159), Wolf Pack ($89) and First Aid Plus ($124) offer a durable, yet lightweight build and give outdoor explorers (along with their canine friends) the essentials needed to safely go about daily activities.

“Since 2016, our team at Uncharted has been committed to empowering people to be the hero of their own story during emergency situations. These new additions to our line up present a more accessible and diverse way to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected moments in daily life,” said Christian Schauf, founder and CEO of Uncharted Supply Co. “The Wolf Pack, Park Pack and First Aid Plus were built for adventurers and their dogs. Whether hiking, fishing, biking, hunting or simply exploring, these expert-designed products provide ample coverage for emergencies while enhancing (not restricting) the experience of the adventure.”

The Wolf Pack was designed specifically for furry sidekick adventurers. Created following a real-life scare that almost took the life of Uncharted’s beloved mascot, Barron, the lightweight and durable pack doubles as a dog collar and is easy for pets to wear on daily outings. It comes complete with a veterinarian-approved first aid kit to protect against cuts, bites, stings and more.

The Park Pack is a comfortable hip pack that provides protection, convenience and customization for adventures of any kind. Its welded 600D Tarpaulin shell makes it extremely durable and water-resistant, and a separate cell phone pocket sits atop the pack for easy access and protection. The pack was meticulously designed to eliminate the ‘flop’ common with many hip packs, and its EVA-molded back panel wraps away from the user’s back¾effectively eliminating uncomfortable seams. The pack comes with the Uncharted Triage Kit for first aid and gear repair, two water bottle holders and detachable water bottles positioned to stay out of the way when running or hiking. A selection of attachments for the Park Pack, soon-to-be-released by Uncharted, will transform it into the perfect kit for fishing, hunting and any other activity where lightweight transport is needed.

The First Aid Plus is an extension of Uncharted’s first aid family of products and is an essential piece of gear when heading off the beaten path. It features a waterproof, air-tight shell and the same first aid components as Uncharted’s popular First Aid Pro with the addition of a collection of tools, which include the new multi-tool, flashlight, duct tape, chem lights and more. With a Velcro tear-away Molle backer, First Aid Plus was designed to easily strap on to adventure vehicles of all kinds—taking peace of mind to the trails.

For more information on Uncharted Supply Co.’s complete line of emergency preparedness and safety gear, visit www.unchartedsupplyco.com. Visit booth #41039UL at Outdoor Retailer in Denver August 10 – 12 for a first look at the new gear.

Posted in K9, Medical, Outdoor Retailer, Packs, Press Release | Comments Off on Uncharted Supply Co. Unveils Three New Products for the Everyday Adventurer