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Muhlenberg College Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly School Designation

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

Allentown, Pa. (4.8.25) – Muhlenberg College’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education has earned recognition as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly ® School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly ® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly ® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as a Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026,” says Vice President of Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, AJ Lemheney, Ed.D. “At Muhlenberg, we are deeply committed to supporting our student veterans and military-affiliated learners with flexible, high-quality academic programs and dedicated support services tailored to their unique needs. This designation reflects the strength of our community, the value we place on service, and our ongoing commitment to helping military-connected students succeed in their academic and professional journeys.”

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student-veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.” – Kayla Lopez, vice president, Military Friendly®.

The Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies has specialized in adult and continuing education for over 100 years, offering over 25 programs, including accelerated and traditional bachelor’s degrees, teacher certification and a certificate in project management. Its programs are built for the unique needs of the adult learner and provide flexible scheduling options. The Muhlenberg College School of Graduate Studies offers graduate degrees and certificates with multiple pathways that provide flexibility for students to create their own graduate experience. Programs are delivered in a fully online format and provide impactful learning experiences with virtual learning, helping our students achieve an enhanced work-life balance.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.

For all inquiries, please contact: careymanzolillo@muhlenberg.edu

Posted in Off-Duty, Press Release | No Comments »

New Fit Exchange by DXL + Military & First Responders Discount Offers New Savings for All Big + Tall Men

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

CANTON, Mass., April 2, 2025 — Destination XL Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DXLG), the leading integrated-commerce retailer specializing in Big + Tall men’s clothing and shoes, is proud to announce two new cost-saving initiatives designed to bring a heightened level of exceptional value and recognition to its guests – our newly announced Fit Exchange by DXL program and a program supporting those who serve us all.

In late February, Fit Exchange by DXL launched, offering customers an easy way to donate clothing and refresh their wardrobe, while giving back. Customers can bring in clothing that no longer fits them to any of the 250+ DXL Big + Tall or Casual Male XL locations and receive 20% off their in-store purchase of new, better-fitting styles. All donated items will be distributed locally, supporting those in need within the community.

“At DXL, we believe every man deserves clothing that fits perfectly, so he can look good and feel good.” said Harvey Kanter, President and Chief Executive Officer of DXL. “That said, we are dedicated to continuing to find ways to provide value at a time when customers are really looking for it.”

The next exciting announcement is the introduction of the DXL Heroes Discount. This exclusive 15% discount is available to active military personnel, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers – both in-store at DXL Big + Tall and Casual Male XL locations, as well as online at DXL.com.

As a token of appreciation for their dedication, this program helps these everyday heroes refresh their wardrobes with great-looking styles that fit comfortably. By teaming up with GOVX, the largest online marketplace dedicated to serving those who serve, DXL will be added to a list of respected retailers offering such discounts.

“These new initiatives are about more than just savings – they’re about empowering our guests to step into the styles they love and to wear what they want,” Kanter went on to say. “Whether it’s through our Fit Exchange by DXL program or exclusive discount honoring heroes, we’re here to ensure every man can find the perfect fit and embrace his unique style.”

Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Enforce Tac 25 – Helikon-Tex Goes Hawaiian

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

Helikon-Tex has introduced some comfy off-duty wear in Hawaiian-inspired patterns.

In addition to the shirts, you’ll find field totes.

Finally, there’s a Trucker cap in the patterns on the way as well.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Enforce Tac, Off-Duty | No Comments »

“Close and Destroy” by Tom Marshall

Wednesday, January 1st, 2025

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year than by touting a novel by my friend Tom Marshall. Many of you will know Tom’s many years of work for Recoil and Off Grid magazines, but fewer still know that Tom is an Army Veteran with service in the GWOT as well as work as a contractor for a prominent PMC.

Tom’s first novel leverages his experience to create an operational environment which will be familiar to many.

Windsor Kraft Strategies is a shadow empire in the murky world of private intelligence and corporatized warfare. Their “Special Mission Troops,” staffed by former military operators and intelligence specialists, are able to discreetly deliver surgical force around the globe, making them a silent partner in American foreign policy.

In the failing nation-state of Daristan, NATO’s long-running counterinsurgency campaign begins to falter when the country’s fundamentalist spiritual leader returns from exile with an army of devout fighters – and covert support from foreign agents looking to upset the balance of world power.

A token force of international peacekeepers, propped up by the Special Mission Troops and their local guerilla units, try to hold the line as coalition governments scramble to shore up exit plans amid the shockwave of violence.

Windsor Kraft’s team must begin evacuating their clients while attempting to stall the newly energized insurgent offensive. But with the clock ticking, the country collapsing, and a hidden enemy hunting them behind the scenes, they must choose between mission accomplishment and self-preservation, or risk being abandoned behind enemy lines by the government that hired them.

The Kindle version is available now with the paperback available for pre-order with a January 14, 2025 release from Amazon.

Posted in Off-Duty | 4 Comments »

Limited Edition KS-1 Decanter from Hotspur

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

Hotspur will be releasing a collectors edition KS-1 Decanter, limited to 100 premium units. There are a few left, allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each will be presented in a limited edition collectors case, with a drinks flask which will be an exact copy of the (very cool) moderator & other exclusive collectors items. This will never to be repeated in this format or quality. KS-1 decanters can personalised to an individual or unit. A military charity will benefit from the sale of these items at the request of Knight’s Armament Company. A big thank you to Edgar Brothers for all their support & help on this project.

This is set to be a really beautiful item. The rifle in the main will be pewter, the base, top & barrel & moderator will be 304 stainless steel. Note the detailing on the top and base to mimic the forend of the rifle. The interior base of the decanter is ‘dimpled’ to echo the rifles ground breaking barrel heat dissipation design. The moderator unscrews to reveal the pouring spout. Each collectors set will come with an anodised aluminium CNC made flask that will be an exact replica of the moderator.

Please e-mail andy@hotspur.co for further information. This product is not listed on their website.

Posted in International, Off-Duty | Comments Off on Limited Edition KS-1 Decanter from Hotspur

Bass Pro Shops Becomes Official Outdoor Gear Provider for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Saturday, September 7th, 2024

Partnership expands on never-ending commitment to veterans and active-duty military members, with tax-free shopping and all exchange earnings going to support military communities

Bass Pro Shops is excited to announce an agreement has been signed to become the official outdoor gear retailer for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, launching this year at ShopMyExchange.com.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the Department of Defense’s largest military exchange, operates nationwide and in more than 30 countries. Later this year, all active-duty service members, dependents, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and retirees and honorably discharged Veterans who have confirmed their eligibility through ShopMyExchange.com/vets will be able to reel in deals on the best outdoor gear from Bass Pro Shops.

“We can never adequately thank our nation’s heroes for the sacrifice shown in service to our great country, we are all deeply grateful for what they do every day to protect the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy here in the USA,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “To be named the Official Outdoor Gear Provider for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service makes this one of the proudest days in the history of our company.”

Veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents will have the opportunity to shop the leading outdoor brands from Bass Pro Shops tax-free, and the prices they see on the shelf will have the 10 percent Legendary Salute military discount Bass Pro Shops is known for already built in. Additionally, 100 percent of Exchange earnings support the military community, including critical quality-of-life programs. This will bring outdoor experiences to our nation’s heroes, with the convenience and savings they deserve.

“Nature leads to healing, to adventure and a lifetime of the best memories,” said Tom Shull, Director/CEO of AAFES. “Together, Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and the Exchange will help service members and Veterans enjoy the wonder and healing nature offers. Team Exchange looks forward to connecting heroes with the land they fiercely fight to protect.”

Bass Pro Shops’ Commitment to Veterans and to the U.S. Army Community

This partnership is an extension of the support shown by Johnny and Bass Pro Shops – North America’s premier outdoor retailer and three-time honoree as America’s Best Outdoor Retailer by Newsweek – for our heroes in the armed forces.

This commitment stems in part from the respect Johnny holds for his father, John A. Morris, a decorated World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

For decades, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s has been committed to hiring those who have served our nation. Currently, nearly 3,000 veterans or active-duty military personnel are employed as Outfitters.

Legendary Salute Discount

For over 25 years, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have offered discounts to veterans and active-duty military members as a token of appreciation for our true heroes.

The Legendary Salute Discount offers 10 percent off on almost everything in all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations in the United States and Canada, offered to veterans, active military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and fish and wildlife officers.

Veterans Tower at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

One of the most striking features of the new not-for-profit Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is the Veterans Tower, inspired by historic national park and forest service fire and wildlife viewing towers. The breathtaking 12-story tower serves as a tribute to honor of all of our veteran heroes, including John A. Morris.

During the recent Rolling Stones concert, Bass Pro Shops hosted over 1,000 veteran Outfitters and their families from 22 states.

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops Recipient of The National Service Award

The U.S. Army’s Highest Civilian Award

In 2022, Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops received the U.S. Army’s highest civilian honor, the prestigious National Service Award, from the Association of the United States Army. This award was presented in recognition of exemplary service and demonstrated enduring support to the American Soldier and the United States Army community, honoring a decades-long commitment to supporting veterans.

The award was presented during a special gathering at the Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., attended by more than 40,000 soldiers from across the country and around the world, representing allied armies from 200 nations.

Helping a Hero 100 Homes Challenge

Partnering with the organization Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops is improving the lives of disabled American veterans and their families across the country.

Through this partnership, Bass Pro Shops paid the mortgage on 10 specially adapted homes for disabled veterans and issued a challenge grant to fund 25 percent of the construction cost on the next 100 homes built by the organization.

To date, 28 homes have been awarded to deserving veteran heroes, with another 11 planned by the end of 2024.

Folds of Honor

With the support of customers from across the United States, Bass Pro Shops made a $300,000 donation to Folds of Honor in 2021, supporting an organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen U.S. soldiers.

Since the organization was formed in 2007, more than 52,000 educational scholarships have been awarded to the families of American fallen or disabled military and first responders.

Patriots Park

Through charitable donations from Bass Pro Shops and its Legends of Golf tournaments, Patriots Park at College of the Ozarks was created to honor fallen military members. Donations funded Missouri’s Vietnam, Korean and Gold Star Families memorials located there.

Patriots Park sits near the entrance of the College of the Ozarks campus, where The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the 1,410 servicemen and women from Missouri who gave their lives during the war. Built and designed by students, this memorial serves as Missouri’s official Vietnam memorial.

Camp Homefront

Bass Pro Shops is proud to sponsor and support Tom and Jen Satterly with the All Secure Foundation. Its mission with Camp Homefront is to provide Special Operations warrior couples with workshops specializing in results-driven tools and tactics to help them reconnect after living through the effects of war trauma and countless deployments apart.

More than 5,000 Special Operations warriors and spouses have been through programs and training with the All Secure Foundation, with more than 450 individuals attending Camp Homefront.

Other Support

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also hosts a variety of diverse programs and events to support active-duty military members and veterans, including annual Fishing Dreams outings, serving as a primary sponsor for the Shadow Warrior Project’s golf tournaments, the 2021 Missouri Veterans Fishin’ Contest that connected veterans with outdoor experiences, and providing a free day away annually to hundreds of soldiers at Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood, with a visit to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium for those unable to be with their families during holiday block leave.

To learn more about the Exchange program, please visit ShopMyExchange.com.

Posted in Air Force, Army, Industry, Off-Duty, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Backyard Adventure Raccoon First Aid Kit

Sunday, August 25th, 2024

The Backyard Adventure Raccoon First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical Kits is a fun way to get the little ones (and adults) to start carrying basic first aid supplies.

They are relatively inexpensive at $12.00 contain items which cover most of the small cuts and scrapes kids encounter while enjoying the outdoors:

3 – Hand Sanitizer, 0.9 g

20 – Adhesive Bandage, Fabric, 1″ x 3″

3 – Triple Antibiotic, Single Use

The zippered pouch features a mini-carabiner to attach to most packs or belt loops.

In addition to the Raccoon, these kits are available as a Bear, Fox, Llama, Owl, Sloth, and even a Unicorn.

dventuremedicalkits.com/products/backyard-adventure-raccoon-first-aid-kit

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SIG SAUER Presents “Now it’s Real,” a New Backcountry Archery Elk Hunting Film in Partnership with GOHUNT

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

An archery elk hunt is the pinnacle for many hunters—like GOHUNT’s own Omar Lopez. When their founder, Lorenzo Sartini, invited him to join his next elk hunt, Omar couldn’t contain his excitement. However, while planning their hunt, Lorenzo’s appendix ruptured, throwing a massive wrench into their plans. Trying to fill two tags in two different units is hard enough when not recovering from major surgery, but now? The pressure was really on.

The pair now venture into the backcountry with hopeful hearts, eager to pursue Omar’s first bull. All their meticulous preparation and hard work had led to this moment, and they aren’t about to let a little thing like an appendix get in the way of turning Omar’s dream into a reality.

See the video at www.gohunt.com/browse/videos/gohunt-originals/a-backcountry-archery-elk-hunt-now-its-real

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Off-Duty | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Presents “Now it’s Real,” a New Backcountry Archery Elk Hunting Film in Partnership with GOHUNT