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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 | No Comments »

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

Posted in Medical, Off-Duty | Comments Off on Backyard Adventure Raccoon First Aid Kit

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

The OPERATOR Project – An Innovative Range of High Quality Spirits from Hotspur LEAF, Ltd

Sunday, July 14th, 2024

Founded by “Andy” a UKSF Veteran, Hotspur LEAF, Ltd is becoming well established in their homeland with a reputation for offering elite military customers high quality spirits in innovative packaging. This makes for excellent gifts and mementos. They are also gaining some interest from US units who have begun to see the bottles during exchange visits. The bottles have been restricted to military units and their members, until now.

Their OPERATOR Range is just open is open to civilian purchase and features a bottle with custom lid which is a perfect scale replica of a high-cut FAST helmet. Cast in solid pewter, it includes a ‘functioning’ night vision system and an IR strobe that are initiated by a motion sensor and powered by an internal, rechargeable, battery.

Every Operator lid is hand assembled in the UK by craftsmen. The pewter outer is bolted, with stainless bolts, to an internal 304 stainless steel carriage that also supports and holds the electronics. The 304 stainless steel pouring spout engages with the stainless carriage and seals via an ‘o’ ring seal.

The 1st Civilian Edition is filled with an 8 year old single malt, single cask scotch whisky, specially chosen by Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox at the Annandale Distillery in Scotland. For military bottles there are options on the spirits you may like.

To maintain its OPERATOR ‘DNA’ the bottle is packaged in an ex-military 40mm grenade ammo tin.

Here’s what you get:

• Presented in a genuine military issue 40mm grenade tin. (These are supplied from the Ministry of Defence and may show signs of wear and on occasions rust) This is intended to add OPERATOR Character to the product.

• A presentation booklet that documents Jasons journey and reasons for being involved with the OPERATOR brand.

• An FFE Certificate (Free From Explosives as supplied in an old ammo can)

• A certificate of authenticity

• A Quality Assurance card

• Every bottle is individually numbered.

• The 1st Edition is strictly limited to 2500 pcs.

• Pre orders will receive a free OPERATOR 40mm HE grenade hip flask. Offer ends when the first bottles are shipped, this is likely to be Mid/end of July 2024.

I actually learned of the line through Jason Fox who is a brand ambassador for The OPERATOR Range. Jason is also UKSF Veteran and a founder of ThruDark, a clothing brand. I then chased Andy and his main business Hotspur LEAF Ltd, down through some friends at Edgar Brothers who are starting to work with The OPERATOR Range.

Andy had this to say about what motivated him to create this brand:

Hotspur LEAF was created to embody the core principles from UKSF selection process. These include honesty, integrity, humility & to be relentless in the pursuit of excellence. Values we strive for every day within our business.

The business began in the shadows, solely supplying discreet military units and related entities with premium quality spirits & bespoke laser engraved items. We earned a reputation for quality, discretion and a ‘name’ for creating truly unique products for unique people. We grew steadily through personal recommendation.

I recently spent about an hour on a video conference with Andy and I was overwhelmed by their offerings. Check them out.

Civillian edition orders: PLEASE CLICK HERE

Military orders: PLEASE CLICK HERE

Their main website is www.hotspurleaf.com

Posted in International, Off-Duty, Veterans | 1 Comment »

The First and Only Black & Veteran Owned Scotch Fior Partners with Operation Gratitude

Saturday, July 6th, 2024

Retired Marine Major Eric Dominijanni’s brand to donate $10,000 to the organization

MIAMI – June 2024 – Fior Scotch, the super-premium, hand-crafted, small-batch scotch launched by Marine Major Eric Dominijanni, announced today that it will partner with the non-profit Operation Gratitude.

Launched in 2023, Fior is the first and only Black-owned scotch and the first and only U.S. veteran-owned scotch. Major Dominijanni isn’t your typical Marine or scotch enthusiast. After a 20-year military career as an Assault Amphibian Officer with three tours in Iraq and two in Okinawa, he started to mix various samples of particularly good scotches into what would become his “Infinity Bottle.” Eventually, the blend became so good that he didn’t want to change it. To fulfill his dream, Major Dominijanni tapped industry talent James Landis, who is known for successfully launching and growing brands like Hypnotiq. They were able to help recreate the taste, aroma, and smoothness of that original infinity blend, which is now Fior.

Operation Gratitude is an organization that provides opportunities for Americans to express their gratitude and show the U.S. Military and first responders that what they do matters. Founded in 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent more than four million care packages to active military members, including carefully chosen items meant to boost the morale and resilience of the U.S. service members and give them warm reminders of home.

Major Dominijanni and his Marines received numerous care packages during his time and formed a friendship with Operation Gratitude’s founder, Carolyn Blashek. Fior’s $10,000 donation will mean Operation Gratitude can send more than 400 care packages to the military.

“We are honored to join forces with this fantastic U. S. Veteran-owned company in support of our mission to deliver Care Packages to our nation’s heroes, like we did to Major Dominijanni years ago,” said Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude.” I am honored to reconnect with one of our early Care Package recipients to make an even greater impact in the future.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Fior Scotch’s generous contribution to Operation Gratitude,” said Meg Barron, Executive Director of Operation Gratitude. “This unique partnership that allows us to work with a former Care Package recipient empowers us to expand our reach. Together, we can continue to uplift and honor our brave Service Members and First Responders.”

“I first met Carolyn during my second tour in Iraq. I have personally benefited from Operation Gratitude’s care packages on several deployments. Each one brought me great comfort, and I truly appreciate it. I’m proud Fior can donate to this noble cause, and I hope it will go a long way for the organization,” said Major Dominijanni.

Fior has earned a number of impressive accolades since its 2023 inception, including a double gold medal at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and New York World Spirits Competition, a 93 rating at the The New York International Spirits Competition, a gold medal from Santé Magazine and a platinum rating at the Ascot Awards.

Fior Scotch is available in stores in New York, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia and online. For more on Fior Scotch, please visit www.fiorscotch.com.

Posted in Off-Duty, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on The First and Only Black & Veteran Owned Scotch Fior Partners with Operation Gratitude

Introducing the Combat Flip Flops X Tacticon Armament Limited Edition Floperator de la Muerte

Sunday, May 19th, 2024

Issaquah, WA, May 17, 2024] ? Everyone knows that flip flops are bad for running and worse for fighting, or are they??? Combat Flip Flops, the veteran-owned flip flop and accessories brand creating jobs, empowering veterans, and improving people’s lives around the globe, has announced its first limited edition collaboration with Tacticon Armament – the Floperator de la Muerte.

The Floperator de la Muerte (aka flip flop of death) celebrates Combat Flip Flops’ highly popular Floperatormodel with injection molded arch supports, proprietary rubber outsole, EVA mid-layers, and military grade tubular nylon webbing upper. Made in Bogota, Colombia at a family-owned facility, the Floperator de la Muerte comes with Tacticon Armament and Choncla de la Muerteinterchangeable morale patches.

“After years of reading the comments, ‘you can’t fight in flip flops,’ we sought out the world’s top flip flop warrior,Tacticon,” said Combat Flip Flops’ CEO, Matthew Griffin(who has run with the bulls in his flops). “Not only are they great people, but they also field tested the hell out of our footwear and validated two things: Combat Flip Flops arebuilt to handle anything, and people should spend more time training, less time commenting.”

“Combat Flip Flops and Tacticon share the same ideal of wanting to inspire each person we encounter to be a little bit better than they were yesterday,” said Nolan Meeks of Tacticon Armament. “Whether that’s a better husband, wife, friend, parent or human, or just better at a skill, we encourage everyone to try to leave the world a little bit better than they found it.”

Scientifically proven to make you stronger, faster, more agile, and more attractive, the Floperator de la Muerte is available at www.combatflipflops.com/products/floperator-de-la-muerte. And with a lifetime warranty, you’ll be running these for years to come. Get yours today.

Posted in Boots, Off-Duty, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Olive Drab Project – Quad NOD Lamp

Saturday, November 18th, 2023

If you’re looking for something to spruce up the mancave, check out the Quad NOD Lamp from Olive Drab Project.

Specs:

Overall Height 13.8 inches
NODs Width 8.7 in
NODs thickness 4 in
NODs Depth Around 5 inches
lamp base 6.25” in diameter
lamp features LED bulbs is rechargeable

Pre-orders are up now. They are also offering Lamp themed morale patches and T-shirts.

olivedrabproject.com/shop

Posted in Off-Duty | 2 Comments »