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Wilcox Industries Honors Ron Bellan

Thursday, February 7th, 2019

Retired SOCM Ron Bellan’s recent passing hit a lot of us like a ton of bricks. Our friends at Wilcox Industries have honored Ron by foying their flag half-staff. I’d like to encourage others in industry who worked with Ron over the years to do likewise.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce the passing of Navy SEAL Master Chief Ron Bellan. Ron spent his life defending our country and the freedoms we have grown accustomed to. Reaching globally Ron served to protect the oppressed at any cost. Ron was a warrior amongst warriors, a teammate and personal friend. After retiring from serving his country Ron was instrumental in helping raise monies for non-profit organizations and helping veterans in any way he could. Ron unexpectedly passed peacefully in his home due to natural causes that stemmed from a recent surgery. In honor of Ron, the Wilcox HQ Flag will be flown at half-mast today. Please take a moment of your day to reflect on all the people past and present that have sacrificed for our freedom.”

God Bless Ron Bellan’s family and friends, and may he Rest In Peace

Very Respectfully

Dave Kent
Chief of Staff
Wilcox Industries

Posted in Advertiser, Memorial | 8 Comments »

In Memoriam – Ron Bellan

Thursday, February 7th, 2019

Yesterday, I found out Ron Bellan passed away peacefully, due to natural causes. It comes as quite a shock. I had just seen him in a video on Facebook. Like so many other friends here in the Tidewater, I saw him more on the road than in town or at the occasional local industry gathering. Considering how close he lived, it’s a tragedy we didn’t see each other more often.

Many knew Ron through his adventures at Reaper Outdoors, but I first met Ron when he was still on active duty as a SEAL in the Navy. Ron was such a great friend and mentor to all and lived a life full of adventure, even after retirement. He will be missed by friends and family alike.

I’ll never forget his smile. May he Rest In Peace.

Posted in Memorial | 7 Comments »

NDIA remembers President George H.W. Bush

Sunday, December 2nd, 2018

ARLINGTON, VA — We at the National Defense Industrial Association mourn the passing of George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the United States and true advocate for the warfighter through his service in the military and in office.

The U.S. defense industrial base entered a new era under Bush. In 1991, Operation Desert Storm saw the United States leading a global coalition that would feature the latest in military might and technology. Upon this base, many of the technologies and advancements for today’s warfighter were built. Bush’s leadership showcased U.S. capability on the world stage, and it has served as an example of bringing leading-edge technologies to the warfighter for years to come.

Bush was the last U.S. president to have served in World War II and used his diplomacy and skill to navigate the intricacies of the end of the Cold War and of the nuclear threats hanging over the world. What a remarkable point for a man who was the youngest naval aviator, enlisted at age 19 and decorated at age 20 when his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean.

In 1993, NDIA thanked Bush for his service to the nation’s military with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award, our highest honor, given to those who invest in strong national security, a robust defense industrial base and unwavering support of warfighters. As Navy serviceman, congressman, CIA director, U.N. ambassador, vice president and ultimately president, Bush was an embodiment of the award.

We thank President George H.W. Bush for his life of service to our country, and with his family, friends and the country we mourn his loss.

Posted in Memorial | 2 Comments »

In Memoriam – Damon Scott

Friday, November 23rd, 2018

We have some very sad news from Daniel Winkler. We’ve been using Winkler Knives for years and Damon Scott was one if those people behind the scenes that makes that company what it is.

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I have very sad news. After a long illness one of the pillars of Winkler Knives has left us. Damon Scott was not only a model employee who did whatever job was asked of him, we never had to question that he would always keep the best interests of the company first. He had a lot of experience that came in handy at work along with physical strength and an eye for detail. At 6’10” I have to admit I called on Damon a lot instead of hunting for a step ladder.

More than being a great employee, Damon became a member of our family. He married our niece who also works at Winkler Knives. He joined in all family activities and had the gift of naturally fitting in. There will be a sadness for us all in the coming holidays.

I personally believe that Damon has moved on to another existence where he is playing music, telling stories and making things. I look forward to the day I see him again.
God bless you Damon, and God bless the many of us left behind who your presence touched. We are better people for having known you.

-Daniel

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The 100th Anniversary of the End of the First World War

Sunday, November 11th, 2018

The Armistice ending the First World War came into effect at 11 AM Paris time on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) after the allies and German powers came to an agreement at 5 AM.

While perhaps not to the same level as it was in 1918, this date is celebrated in numerous countries as Armistice or Remembrance Day. Here in the US, we observe Veteran’s Day, honoring our those who have served this great nation and the cause of liberty.

You will often notice the wearing of rememberance poppies which were inspired by the World War One-era poem, “In Flanders Field.” Although the practice was first seen in America, it is quite prevalent in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Today, I’d like to remember those young Americans who made their way in troop ships to stop aggression across the globe in the dawn of the 20th century. I’d also like to salute my fellow Veterans, they make for a very large family. May they stay safe, serve the cause of righteousness, and be ever victorious.

Posted in History, Memorial | 4 Comments »

25th Anniversary – Battle Of Mogadishu

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018

As time marches on, younger Americans step into the breach. It’s our duty to teach them about their heritage. Today marks the anniversary of a major event in US military history.

Additionally, the 75th Ranger Regiment was created on this day in 1984, with the stand up of its 3rd Battalion. Over 30 years later, the Ranger Regiment boasts boasts five battalions of some of the most elite warriors on the face of our planet.

But more importantly, this date also marks the 25th Anniversary of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu during which, elements of TF Ranger which had deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid, a battle ensued which claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the Aideed militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th. Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64, was shot down.

If you are unfamiliar with the events, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Posted in History, Memorial, SOF | 13 Comments »

Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation Enlists Winstanley Architects & Planners

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

D.C.-based architecture and planning firm will manage the process of realizing a national memorial recognizing the country’s longest war

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19, 2018 – The Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation, the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced Winstanley Architects & Planners (WA&P) as the Executive Architect for the project.

In this role, WA&P will manage and oversee the 24-step process required by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) to design and build a memorial in Washington, D.C.

“Significant commemorative work such as this memorial require a well-laid roadmap to capture the purpose and vision of the project as well as move through necessary government approval processes,” said Michael Winstanley AIA AICP, Founding Principal of WA&P. “Utilizing our multidisciplinary approach and drawing on our many years of experience working in Washington, D.C., we look forward to collaborating with the GWOT Memorial Foundation to guide the planning and development of this unique and historic memorial.”

Over the months ahead, the GWOT Memorial Foundation is focused on advocating for land within the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The foundation and Winstanley will collaborate to gather input from the veteran community and the public to ensure the memorial pays proper tribute to GWOT veterans and their families – and is a true reflection of the American people.

“While the process to build a memorial is linear, we’re enlisting WA&P to collaborate with us in thinking about the bigger picture. With limited available locations on the National Mall, it is vital to demonstrate the scale and impact of the GWOT and a memorial in its remembrance,” said Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, president and CEO of the GWOT Memorial Foundation. “The conflict is filled with a collection of unique experiences by Americans across multiple generations and diverse backgrounds. Our next priorities as a foundation are to educate, encourage dialogue and listen to the voices of our country to ensure the memorial reflects the American people. WA&P will play a key role in that process.”

WA&P is uniquely suited to this assignment. From its origins, the firm has utilized a multidisciplinary approach of architecture and planning critical to assisting the Foundation. Additionally, as the Project Director for the NCPC Memorials and Museums Master Plan, Mr. Winstanley has a keen understanding of the opportunities and nuance of site selection in the nation’s capital.

Once a site is selected and approved, the GWOT Memorial Foundation will host a design competition, where artists from around the country can submit designs that evoke the themes discovered, including those of endurance and sacrifice on a global and multi-cultural scale in America’s longest war.

To learn more about the GWOT Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit gwotmf.org or follow the foundation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Posted in Charity, Memorial, Press Release | Comments Off on Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation Enlists Winstanley Architects & Planners

9/11 Remembered – The Toll

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

Reading the timeline each year is a sobering experience, but it doesn’t matter what time of year I look at the images from that day. They haunt me. There were 2996 immediate deaths on September 11th, 2001. There were people who cheered that day, celebrating an attack on America. But it wasn’t just an attack on us. It was an attack on the world, with victims from over 90 countries. And those countries came together in the wake of the attack to bring those behind it to justice.

9/11 isn’t over. Victims and rescuers alike suffer life threatening medical conditions due to the exposure to toxins during the attacks and continue to succumb to these lingering wounds.

And then, there’s the war. It doesn’t end. In the ensuing 17 years we’ve definitely taken the fight to the enemy and even cut their head off a time or two. The names change, but they remain enemies of freedom. We must secure our future.

Even now, the world is faced with the threat of a resurgent Islamic fundamentalism that targets our ideals in both word and deed. We must oppose them in every case, lest our efforts thus far, be in vain.

Never Forgive, Never Forget

Tags: 9/11
Posted in Memorial | 18 Comments »