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Archive for the ‘Media’ Category

Vertx announces sponsorship Of WSOF Welterweight Champion Steve Carl

Friday, March 28th, 2014

March 26, 2014 – Vertx® is pleased to announce the sponsorship and addition of current World Series of Fighting Welterweight champion, Steve Carl, to their distinctive Pro Staff.

Carl has established himself as one of the world’s best Welterweights by posting an impressive 21-3 professional MMA record. Coming off 7 straight submission victories, Steve Carl is set to defend his title against Rouismar Palhares on March 29th at WSOF 9. The fight will be televised live on NBCSN.

Carl, known for his prowess inside the cage, is a former Army Sergeant who served two tours during his time in the military. He often credits his military background for the mental fortitude and strength necessary to become champion. His veteran status in addition to successes inside and outside MMA is what led him to be a natural fit for Vertx.

Vertx Director of Marketing, Ginger Rohlfs, feels Carl is a great addition stating, “Steve Carl is in many ways the proverbial good guy and he is a reflection of the Vertx brand. He’s been the underdog only to rise to the occasion and let his actions deliver results. We’re fortunate to have him on our team.”

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native had this to say about the partnership — “I’m honored to be supported by a company that I can really get behind like Vertx. They are known for having some of the best tactical gear around, and being a nature lover, I can’t wait to proudly wear Vertx in the cage and out in the field. I’m excited to be a part of such a great company.”

www.wearvertx.com

Utah Shall Sign Bill Passes Legislature, Moves To Governor

Friday, March 14th, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Just before midnight on Thursday, the Utah State Senate voted unanimously to pass House Bill 373, with amendment, by a final tally of 27 – 0 – 2. Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox (R-7) and Sen. Mark Madsen (R-13), the bill seeks to ensure that law abiding citizens within the state would receive their CLEO signature within 15 days of submitting their NFA application.

Following its passage by the Senate, it was then sent to the House for concurrence. At 11:50 PM local time, with ten minutes to spare before the midnight deadline, the House voted to accept the amendment, which reinstated the 15 day time period, and unanimously passed HB 373 by a final vote count of 68 – 0 – 7.

The American Silencer Association would like to thank everyone who took the time to contact their legislators in Utah in support of HB 373. We would also like to thank Rep. Wilcox and Sen. Madsen for their hard work and tenacity on the issue. Finally, we would like to thank the National Rifle Association for having gone above and beyond to support this legislation.

HB 373 will now go to Governor Gary Herbert to be signed into law. Given the overwhelming support in the legislature, it is likely that he will do so.

Nonetheless, please contact Gov. Herbert and urge him to sign HB 373. Contact information can be found here: http://utah.gov/governor/contact/

americansilencerassociation.com

Panteao’s “Battle of Chickamauga” Documentary Nominated for People’s Choice Telly Award

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Panteao’s “Battle of Chickamauga” documentary has been nominated for the 35th Annual People’s Choice Telly Award! Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web.

As a nominee, “Battle of Chickamauga” is competing for the People’s Telly Award which is voted online by its fans and global web community. From now until April 4th, you can cast a vote for their video. A ten minute segment of Battle of the Black Sea has been added as a selection of the 34th Annual Telly Awards People’s Choice Awards on YouTube.

PeoplesTellyBug2 Please help them win the People’s Telly Award – VOTE for Panteao and ask your friends to vote! Every vote counts! To view the video and vote, follow the direct link to the video below and click the “thumbs up” at the bottom of the video.

www.tellyawards.com/peoplestelly/?cid=382&id=20903

Raider Magazine – SSD SHOT Show Report

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

SSD Raider

The latest issue of Raider magazine includes coverage from SHOT Show 2014 written in association with Soldier Systems Daily, featuring photos by Blind Owl Media and Tactical Fanboy.

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In addition, this issue of Raider magazine also features our friends from Hot Shots Calendar. Volume 6, Issue 12 of Raider Magazine is available now.

raider-mag.com

Two Major Announcements Put The AIR Back In AMERICAN AIRSOFT: TIPPMANN Sports And Wolverine Airsoft go “High Pressure” And Engineer A New Future

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

By: Alan “Thumpy” Covey – Thumpy’s 3D House of Airsoft

American gun enthusiasts hear the word “airsoft” and think toy-like plastic or very fragile pot-metal guns, built mainly in Asia; guns not able to hold up to the rigors of serious training, handling, use or abuse. But, that has been changing…and is about to get two new boosts from a pair of US companies that couldn’t be any different from each other. But, both are ‘bullish’ that they have innovative ways to change the American marketplace.

A quick primer: Airsoft is primarily one caliber – 6mm plastic BB’s, pushed out of smoothbore guns by compressed air. Right now, the foremost systems are called Air Electric Guns or AEG’s, which use gears, a piston, cylinder and spring, powered by a DC electric motor and battery to propel BB’s downrange. A competing system (GBB – Gas Blow Back guns) use high pressure gas to do the same thing. Both models can simulate recoil “kick” and some even field-strip like their one-to-one “real-steel” counterparts…the current fascination with airsoft as a war-games tool and even as a safer-alternative training gun for firearms enthusiasts.

But TIPPMANN Sports, a leader and innovator in paintball guns for decades, and new startup WOLVERINE AIRSOFT are about to bring the manufacture of two gas systems back to airsoft’s roots in high-pressure air…and, build their products in the USA.

Tippmann_M4

TIPPMANN announced at last week’s Paintball Extravaganza event in Virgnia their entry into airsoft, the M-4 carbine…a clone of most AR-style guns with the guts of their highly reliable and rugged paintball markers reworked to fit inside a 1:1 scale upper and lower that will accept most real M-4 grips, stocks, rails/hand guards and accessories. Powered by 12-gram co2 capsules inside the 80-round magazines, the M4 will also alternately use regulated air tanks and current AEG airlift magazines.

Most important to their US market position is TIPPMANN’s established parts, service and distribution networks, and the brand reputation for rugged reliability that might find a true market as training arms for military or Law Enforcement agencies, many of which already use paintball as force-on-force training guns, or for pepperball devices in detention facilities. Expect a summertime release for a product that’s already gaining near-viral attention in paintball AND airsoft circles.

WolverineAir_Thumpy

Meanwhile, from Tennessee comes WOLVERINE AIRSOFT with a more basic and elegant engineering idea. Why replace all those existing AEG airsoft guns, when you can drop-in a replacement cylinder with ONE moving part! Called the SMP, for “Single Moving Part,” this system will use High Pressure Air in backpack tanks, regulated with an electronic trigger assembly. That takes the finicky and often-troublesome guts & gears out of the 1970’s Japanese technology of today’s AEG, yet keep their upgraded and more-modern outer shells, which have been getting better and better with age and materials-technology improvements.

A third American company, Delaware-based PolarStar Airsoft has had a more-complete HPA system on the market for several years now, called the Fusion Engine. But, judging from the viral social media reactions, there is probably room in the USA market for all three American entries. A trio that will “bear much watching” as 2014’s spring and summer release dates approach.

Stay up to date on all of America’s Airsoft news at Thumpy’s 3D House of Airsoft on SCOOP.IT: www.scoop.it/t/thumpy-s-3d-house-of-airsoft-scoop-it

A-TACS Camo Welcomes Clint Hoover To The Team

Monday, March 3rd, 2014

Meet him at IWA Show in Nuremberg, Germany – March 7-10, 2014

clint_and_Jim1

Digital Concealment Systems welcomes Clint Hoover to the team. In his first outing representing A-TACS Camo, Clint will be attending the upcoming IWA Show in Nuremberg, Germany in March of this year where he will be visiting with our international brand partners and developing new relationships within the industry. Clint brings over 25 years of practical military experience to DCS, having joined the U.S. Army in 1987. After completing Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, Airborne school and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was awarded his Ranger Beret, Ranger Scroll and served as a Special Operations Combat Medic with the 1st Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment. He was primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment and evacuation to his fellow Rangers. His special assignments also included serving as a medic for a Battalion Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT) and the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) team. Most of his warrior skills would derive from this premier Special Operations light Infantry unit; while focusing on Small unit tactics, Emergency field medical concepts and Ranger Operations. Due to Clint’s expertise, he was chosen to be a Task-Force medic for Operation BAT (Bahamas, Turks and Caicos), a joint Counter-Narcotic Interdiction unit. Operation BAT conducted counter drug smuggling operations, human smuggling and search and rescue with the US Drug Enforcement Agency, US Coast Guard, and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) in the Caribbean Islands AOR.

Soon after, Clint successfully graduated from the John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, and was awarded his Green Beret; he was assigned to an Operational Detachment-Alpha. He deployed for operations in SOCSOUTH in support of Operation Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B) with 20th Special Forces Group. Upon returning to active duty, Clint was assigned to USAJFKSWCS as a SF qualification course Instructor. There he mentored and instructed future Special Forces soldiers. His follow on assignment would be with an Operational Detachment-Alpha in 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group and his duty positions included Junior and Senior Weapons Sergeant, and Special Forces company assistant operations sergeant. Clint deployed to numerous states and military installations within the Continental United States, twenty-two countries in Central America, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia and operations in the Middle East. Clint supervised pre-deployment site surveys teams, advanced party teams, Joint Combined Exchange Training, medical missions, US Embassy Liaison, Personal Security Detail (PSD) and Joint Special Operations training. He worked directly with Foreign Government, Military & Law-Enforcement Officials in support of national interests and combat operations.

Once again due to his achievements, Clint was selected to instruct as the Primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the United States Asymmetric Warfare Groups- Combat Applications Training Course (CATC) for Marksmanship Strategies and Standards; and he was responsible for training Senior Leaders, Drill Instructors, NCOA and Deploying FORCOM units in Close Quarters Marksmanship (CQM) & Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Techniques. He was then called upon to become a Weapons Acquisition Branch NCOIC, who gave critical insight into the development and integration of materiel efforts for legacy and revolutionary weapon systems for the US Army. His area of knowledge focused on all weapons: 9mm, 5.56, 7.62, .50 cal and 40mm high and low velocity rounds.

Clint is also a master of all levels of Combat Marksmanship. His skills include: Training beginner, intermediate and advanced tactical shooting, Security, Survival, Unconventional Warfare concepts, Direct Action, Counter-Terrorism. Clint has developed a training methodology that is safe, effective and combat relevant, and encourages a continuous thought process. He is highly capable of training others how to maintain safety at all times at a realistic level for the student skill set and experience, as well as giving courses covering several categories, which cover individual, collective, on line and standards.

After retiring from the military in 2012, Clint formed Black Skull Tactical Applications. Derived from Outcome Based Training and Education application of divergent strategies, tactics, capabilities, and approaches are used to circumvent or negate an opponent’s strengths, while exploiting their weaknesses. Clint’s training programs revolve around 25 years of military training and a Special Operations background.

Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, DCS will not be exhibiting at the IWA Show this year. To meet with Clint, send an e-mail request to info@a-tacs.com and he will make sure to stop by for a visit. Join us in welcoming Clint to the team.

www.a-tacs.com

Wilcox Industries Welcomes Former NASA Astronaut William Shepherd To Team

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Bill Shepherd

Newington, NH — Wilcox Industries Corp., manufacturer of specialty defense material, is proud to announce that William “Shep” Shepherd has joined the “Wilcox Team” as Vice President of Advanced Development and Restricted Programs. Shep’s distinguished career includes service as a Navy SEAL and a NASA astronaut.

“Shep’s experience and knowledge of special operations, aerospace, and defense activities will add unique depth to Wilcox’s development team. We are continuing to grow into new technology areas and we know that Shep will be instrumental in this process,” said Jim Teetzel, Wilcox CEO.

Capt. Shepherd’s career began as a Navy SEAL Officer with both East and West coast SEAL teams. In 1984, he was selected by NASA for the Astronaut program. He flew three Space Shuttle missions and was Program Manager for the International Space Station. In 2000 he commanded the First Expedition to the new Station. He later served as US Special Operations Command’s Science Advisor, where he managed the Forces’ science and technology portfolio.

Shep holds degrees in Aerospace, Mechanical, and Ocean Engineering from the Naval Academy and MIT. He has received many military and civilian awards including the Goddard and Collier trophies, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

www.wilcoxind.com

Combat Flip Flops’ CEO Joins Coalition For Afghan Democracy

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

In the spirit of the brands’ ‘Business, Not Bullets’ message, CEO and former Army Ranger Matthew Griffin supports free and fair elections in Afghanistan.

{Issaquah, WA} – Leading foreign policy experts, human and women’s rights advocates, voting rights watchdogs and prominent business leaders from Afghanistan and the United States have come together to launch the Coalition for Afghan Democracy, a not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring democratic governance in Afghanistan through free, fair and transparent elections this April. With Afghanistan’s presidential and provincial elections a little more than a month away, United States policymakers, the media and international human rights organizations will be watching closely. The Coalition is highlighting the need for April’s election to remain free from interference or tampering.

“If you ask me why I support Afghan democracy, it’s because I want my brothers and sisters in arms to know they made the world a better place,” said Matthew Griffin, “Griff”, CEO of Combat Flip Flops. “I hope our service men and women look at the brave Afghan men and women casting a vote to change their future—changing the world, and know they are able to do this because of their sacrifices. It’s my hope that this demonstration of independence provides a relief to our service members burdens. It does for me. I support free, fair, and transparent elections in Afghanistan.”
In addition to engaging the American public, foreign policy community and policymakers, the Coalition will actively work with civil society groups on the ground in Afghanistan who will have the most direct impact on the integrity of the election process.

“Conducting free and fair elections is a critical component of instilling a perception of confidence and legitimacy in the new Afghan government,” said Craig Smith, senior advisor to the Coalition with more than 25 years of experience developing and executing political strategies at all levels of government. “Having worked with numerous post-conflict elections, it is clear to me that the international community should work hard to ensure that the process is credible and fully supported. Policymakers should also make sure the current government prevents both domestic and international interference in the electoral result.”

“I can’t imagine what America would do if there was the threat of suicide bombers at polling stations,” said Griff. “What would happen if somebody left a note on your door saying they would cut off your finger if it was found covered in voting ink? Would we be brave enough to vote? Would we risk not coming home to our children because we decided to stand up for what we believe? Afghans will. They are willing and able to take that risk because of the blood, sweat, tears, and pain of U.S. service members, NGOs, and international diplomats. Many of us carry burdens delivered in Afghanistan and most days the weight never feels lighter. I ask myself if we carry these burdens in the way our grandparents did after World War II? Or were they able to let them go because they knew their sacrifice paid on multiple continents truly made the world a better place. They saved lives. They defeated evil. They changed the world.”

Through the Coalition for Afghan Democracy’s website (www.afghandemocracy.org), visitors are encouraged to take action and ask American policymakers to make every effort to ensure free, fair and transparent elections for the Afghan people.

www.combatflipflops.com