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FirstSpear Friday Focus – 9/11

Friday, September 11th, 2020

As of today US Military, Government and Law Enforcement personnel have been continuously deployed domestically and globally for over 6,938 Days beginning with Operation Noble Eagle on 14 September 2001 preventing and prosecuting terrorists, the FirstSpear Team would like to take this moment to extend our profound gratitude to them, their families and loved ones as they continuously bring punishment and retribution to those enemies of freedom.

In the words of the late Major Douglas A. Zembiec, USMC:

“Never forget those that were killed. And never let rest those that killed them.”

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BCM – Remembering 9/11

Friday, September 11th, 2020

September 11, 2001. 402 first responders give their lives in the effort to save the over 3,000 innocent people trapped in tower one and tower two. Nineteen years later, BCM honors their selflessness and remembers the weight of their loss.

Posted in Advertiser, Memorial | 6 Comments »

In Memoriam – Melvin Hill, Veteran of First Combat HALO Mission

Saturday, August 15th, 2020

It has come to our attention that MSG Melvin Hill (USA, Ret) has passed away at age 81. He was not only an Army veteran but served in Special Forces and MACV-SOG during the Vietnam war where he was the team leader for the first combat HALO mission. He was awarded the Silver Star for that mission.

Melvin Hill was born March 26, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York and joined the Army in 1955. During his career he served with:

18th Regimental Combat Team (Airborne)

Airborne School – HALO instructor,

Special Forces (joined in 1964)

MAV-SOG (Two tours)

After his retirement Mel worked at the US General Services Administration, Washington, DC for 14 years.

Melvin Hill served two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was in 1966 with MACV-SOG, Khe Sanh, RVN, Spike Team Oklahoma. He returned in 1970 to MACV-SOG, Command and Control North (CCN), Recon Company, Recon Team Florida.

Melvin was the team leader for the first MACV-SOG, High Altitude Low Opening (HALO), Combat Jump. He was awarded the Silver Star for that HALO jump (28 November 1970).

Hill is seen here with Cliff Newman who also participated in that fabled jump along with Sammy Hernandez.

The citation for his Silver Star reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Melvin Hill, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 28 November 1970, while serving as Team Leader of a Combined Reconnaissance Team, Republic of Vietnam. At 0200 hours Sergeant Hill fearlessly led his team from the tail gate of a C-130 aircraft at an altitude of 17,000 feet on the first free fall into hostile territory in the history of the United States Army. This awesome free fall carried him through two cloud layers and light rain to penetrate deep in the enemy’s rear area. The team landed in rugged terrain, but, due to the intensive training and rehearsal conducted by Sergeant Hill, sustained no injuries. Having cached their parachutes, the team moved through the high-threat area toward their target to accomplish their reconnaissance mission. During their five-day stay behind enemy lines, the team gathered sufficient hard intelligence to mark this mission a success. As a result of Sergeant Hill’s training, motivation and fearless leadership, his team was able to accomplish a harrowing mission which testifies to his courage and moral fiber. Sergeant First Class Hill’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Biographical information and photos from Special Operations Association and Special Forces Taps groups on Facebook.

Posted in History, Memorial, SOF | 16 Comments »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Operations Red Wings

Sunday, June 28th, 2020

On 28 June 2005, U.S. Special Operations suffered our its biggest loss since WWII. Please take a moment today and think about the fallen and their families. Long Live the Brotherhood

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y.

Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, Calif.

Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nev.

Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, N.H.

Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two, Virginia Beach, Va.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colo.

SEAL Team Ten, Virginia Beach, Va.

Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La.

Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, Calif.

Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Ore.

Lt. (SEAL) Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, of Portville, N.Y.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, W.Va.

Army Night Stalkers

3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio.

Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minn.

Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla.

Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind.

Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va.

Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla.

HQ Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn.

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Mr Patriot – A Frank DeSomma Tribute Site

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

POF USA sent out this note earlier today.

Dear POF friends and supporters,
Due to the overwhelming amount of support from our friends, customers, and fans of Frank, we, unfortunately, cannot reach out directly to each one of you. However, we would like to thank everyone who did so. Everyone who wishes to leave a story or comment about Frank for the DeSomma family can do so at the Mr. Patriot website that we created in memory of Frank. The entire POF-USA family would like to thank all of you who have reached out to us to express your condolences, it means a great deal to us. We want to assure everyone that the dream Frank had will not only live on but continue to build upon his legacy and vision that this company was founded on.
-Thank you on behalf of the POF-USA family and team

Please share your stories about Frank DeSomma at MrPatriot.com.

Posted in Memorial | 2 Comments »

In Memorium – Frank DeSomma

Friday, June 19th, 2020

Patriot Ordnance Factory shared the tragic news today that founder and President Frank DeSomma succumbed to wounds from a traffic accident.

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should Thank God that such men lived.

-George S. Patton

It is with great sadness that we bring to you, the news that POF-USA’s founder and President, Frank DeSomma, passed away yesterday evening. Thank you to everyone who has been part of Frank’s journey. POF-USA will do everything in our power to build on Frank’s legacy of patriotism, passion, and innovation.

Frank was always a good friend. I was once criticized for talking about how much Frank loved the Second Amendment, but it was true. He lived and breathed gun rights. It was only second to his love of family.

Aside from that, Frank always wanted to build the most reliable guns he could. I always felt he over engineered, but the man could always explain why he made the material and design choices he did.

He leaves a legacy of excellence behind. His shoes won’t easily be filled. He will be missed by many.

May he Rest In Peace.

-Eric Graves

Posted in Industry, Memorial | 5 Comments »

Happy Birthday US Army

Sunday, June 14th, 2020

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Frogman Down – Memorial Toast to Fallen Frogmen

Monday, May 25th, 2020

Yesterday, Navy SEALs Fund – Brotherhood Beyond Battlefield presented Frogman Down, an extension of program support provided by Navy SEALs Fund to all generations of UDT/SEALs. Strengthening the bonds between Brothers builds strong families and strong communities.

This National Toast to Remember their Brothers who we have lost is held every Memorial Day weekend at select locations across the United States and via live broadcast on the internet.

This year’s co-hosting partners are:

frogmandown.org

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