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OpticsPlanet, Inc. Donates PPE to Numerous Organizations That Serve Their Communities

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021

OpticsPlanet, Inc. continues their established efforts to help those who serve their communities by donating personal protective equipment to over twenty non-profit organizations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northbrook, IL. June 15, 2021 – OpticsPlanet Inc., an Ecentria company, continues to serve vulnerable communities in need by donating face masks, hand sanitizer, coveralls, and other essential PPE to various organizations that play a vital role in helping their communities. The OpticsPlanet Cares program has already donated over $500,000 to non-profit organizations committed to their communities, and this donation of PPE is another example of the company’s unyielding dedication to aid those who serve others.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE became increasingly difficult to acquire, which left many organizations in dire need of protective gear. Recognizing this issue, the company utilized their established network of suppliers and extensive experience in the industry to acquire essential products for schools, medical clinics, police departments, and other groups focused on serving the public. The company donated these items to ensure these organizations can safely continue their efforts to aid those in need.

OpticsPlanet, Inc. chose these specific groups because of the service they provide for others, whether it be education, veteran support, or after-school care for children. Among these groups is Hope for the Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides aid to military families through programs focused on health and wellness, transitioning to civilian life, and sports and recreation.

“Events at Hope For The Warriors are life-transforming opportunities to not only raise support for our mission, but also to build a renewed sense of community in the veterans and transitioning service members we serve,” said Leslie Hunt, Director of Donor Partnerships at Hope For The Warriors. “OpticsPlanet’s donation of large-scale PPE for our New York and North Carolina events ensures that we can once again gather safely and carry out our mission of providing HOPE to the post-9/11 warrior community.”

OpticsPlanet, Inc. also donated PPE items to the Children First Fund, the Chicago Public Schools Foundation. CFF promotes the growth and success of Chicago Public Schools through philanthropy and partnerships.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Ecentria and all of our partners across Chicago who help us ensure a safe, supportive and equitable school year for all,” said Mica Matsoff, Interim Executive Director at Children First Fund. “This contribution of PPE to Harold Washington Elementary supports Chicago Public Schools’ extensive work to provide the safest possible learning environments for students and staff.”

The shortage of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the operations of several organizations that aid their communities. These groups that help others became in need themselves, and OpticsPlanet, Inc. demonstrated the value of their vast supply chain by sourcing and donating protective gear in an unprecedented time.

See below for a complete list of the non-profit organizations that received a donation:

-Navy Special Warfare Foundation for their Kids Summer Camp Program

-UDT-Seal Association

-Deerfield Police Department

-Feed My Starving Children.

-Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry

-Harold Washington Elementary

-Children First Fund

-Little Sisters Of The Poor

-Chicago Teachers Union

-Bulldog Booster Club

-North Maine Fire Department

-Willow Bend Elementary School- CCSD 15

-Ageless Eyecare

-Hope Church Pilsen

-MiMedico Clinic

-Ranger Road

-Ogden Elementary School

-United 4 Children

-Springfield Workshop Institute

-Hope For The Warriors

-Camp Manitowa

-MAAC Foundation

Wiley X Breaks Ground at New Headquarters in Frisco, Texas

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021

Livermore, CA. (June 22, 2021) – Wiley X®, the leading premium protective eyewear brand,  broke ground in Frisco, Texas, where its global headquarters, manufacturing and distribution site is set to be located in the Star Business Park by 2022. Wiley X joins a growing list of California-based companies seeking new locations, with many finding their new homes in the Dallas and North Texas region. The central location within the United States will increase efficiencies of shipping and distribution, in both time and cost, to the wide range of customers Wiley X supports.

Co-Owners of Wiley X, Myles Freeman, Jr. and Dan Freeman, were on-site with shovels in hand and hard hats on to commemorate the milestone of this brand. Naturally, all participants, which included Mayor Jeff Cheney, Councilman John Keating, Councilman Bill Woodward, and Councilman Brian Livingston were equipped with the brand’s iconic safety-rated eyewear to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Other attendees included Gary Garley, Jason Dudley and Rick Fletcher of the Frisco EDC Board of Directors as well as Fire Chief Mark Piland and Assistant Chief Greg Ward of the Frisco Police Department.

“Wiley X is committed to piloting smart and sustained growth for many years to come and a central location like Texas is a prime place to call home for our brand,” said Dan Freeman, Co-Owner of Wiley X. “Frisco is a perfect fit for Wiley X and as a veteran-founded, family-owned company, we are excited to call Texas home as we begin to grow and contribute to the area while supporting the community,” expressed Myles Freeman, Jr., Co-Owner of Wiley X.

Frisco – known as “Sports City USA” – is a perfect fit for Wiley X, a company committed to protection and performance for active pursuits such as fishing, motorsports and shooting, as well as for the government/first responder network. Wiley X aligns well with Texas values, with a long history of providing protective eyewear to the United States military and being veteran-founded and family-owned. Breaking ground and the move to Frisco will inspire the fabrication of a state-of-the-art building to elevate brand operations and will include a flagship retail store for Wiley X fans and local customers to enjoy.

About the Frisco EDC

The Frisco EDC operates as a Texas non-profit corporation and is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Frisco, Texas City Council. Job number one is facilitating the creation of jobs, as the Frisco EDC’s mission is to improve the economic opportunities and quality of life for all Frisco residents. The Frisco EDC has facilitated major economic development projects, resulting in hundreds of projects and thousands of jobs in the City of Frisco. For more information, visit FriscoEDC.com.

Si Hannaford Runs 13-Minute Mile in NP Aerospace Bomb Suit During Ultra-Triathlon

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021

WO2 Si Hannaford, Bomb Disposal Operator for the British Army, has run an impressive 13-minute mile in an NP Aerospace Bomb Suit – 13 days into a 26-day, 1,777 mile £100k ultra-triathlon fundraiser for the Felix Fund and the Hummingbird Centre.

Si ran the mile in the 35kg fully operational and unmodified NIJ certified 4030 ELITE Bomb suit on Sunday 13th June in John O’Groats, Scotland. The run was in preparation for an attempt to beat the fastest mile in bomb suit world record later in the Autumn of 7-minutes 24-seconds which was set by a British Army Solider in 2017.

Facing challenging terrain and exhaustion after cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and swimming 21 miles (the length of the English Channel) he wasn’t put off by the task. He managed to run an impressive 13 minutes 8 seconds over challenging terrain on the hottest weekend of the year.

The mile marked the start of the last leg of Si’s journey – a 756 mile run back to his home town of Bicester where his wife and four children aged from three to 16 years will be waiting for his return.

Glynn Jones, NP Aerospace Product Manager, who was there to witness the challenge, said: “As we watched the triathlon unfold on social media, we became aware of the extent of the challenge we had set Si. We were unsure whether it would even be possible to complete a mile in a bomb suit let alone achieve a fast time. However, his determination and energy was clear to see from the start and it was an honour to be there and cheer him on.”

Simon Hannaford said: “It was a brave move to commit to the challenge with everything else going on but I did it for the charities and their efforts to support veterans and people suffering with cancer. I wasn’t sure how it would go but I am so glad I did it! I am looking forward to attempting to beat the fastest mile record in the NP Aerospace Bomb Suit when I am recovered and back on flat ground.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, said: “Outstanding result and dedication in the middle of a charitable cause. From the start, Si said the least he could do was suffer for 26 days to support charities who help people who are suffering for much longer. After a grueling swim and a 1000+ mile bike ride he decided to continue with his plan to run a mile in a bomb suit before running a further 756 miles. Most would have given up but Si’s tenacity and motivation are clearly world class and we are thrilled and proud to have been supporting him and raising awareness for his cause. We are also excited to support him in beating the fastest mile in a bomb suit world record later in the Autumn.”

Michelle Hannaford, wife of Si Hannaford, said: “When Si says he is going to do something it always gets done. Whether it’s running a mile in a bomb suit during a triathlon or mowing the lawn! He was determined to do this challenge for the charities involved as what they stand for is very close to home, with his mother and friend being diagnosed with cancer. It’s also been good for his mental health doing something valuable for the community. He’s done an amazing job and the family can’t wait to have him home.”

Si Hannaford is running, cycling and swimming 1777 miles in 26 days to raise £100,000 for charities, the Felix Fund and the Hummingbird Centre. The challenge started in Portsmouth on 1st June and will end in Bicester on 26th June. The Felix Fund provide welfare and financial support to military and police personnel working in bomb disposal and search. The Hummingbird Centre is a cancer support center based in Launton, near his home town of Bicester.

Si is urging people to sign-up and follow his YouTube channel – he needs 1000 followers so he can broadcast it live from his mobile phone.

To sign-up to Si’s YouTube page view www.youtube.com/c/SiHannaford

To sponsor Si view uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SiHannaford/1 Or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simonhannaford 

Federal Ammunition Awarded 3-Year Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium Contract

Monday, June 21st, 2021

ANOKA, Minnesota – June 21, 2021 – Federal Ammunition has been awarded a 3-year contract to partner with the Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium to design, develop, and demonstrate technological superiority in ammunition to enhance the Warfighter’s lethality, survivability, and combat effectiveness.

“This is a tremendous honor,” stated Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition.  “When called upon, Federal wants to provide our industry leading expertise to work alongside our military partners to build only the best ammunition for our servicemen and women whose lives depend on only the best ammunition while defending Americans and our way of life,” stated Vanderbrink.

Vice President of Government Sales David Leis says with this partnership, Federal will collaborate on programs to improve small caliber ammunition performance through advanced research and development. “By supporting combat operations with precision products designed for long-range fire on select targets, our objective is to increase a soldier’s lethality and survivability with advanced ammunition capabilities,” stated Leis.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct. For more on Federal ammunition, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Pandemic Delay Provides Extra Practice Time for USA Shooting Shotgun Teams

Monday, June 21st, 2021

ANOKA, Minnesota – June 16, 2021 – As the 2021 Olympic Games approach, USA Shooting team members Kayle Browning, Brian Burrows, Vincent Hancock, Austen Smith, and Derrick Mein are intently focused on preparing to finally compete on the world stage after a year-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement was a shock for all Olympic athletes, but from difficulty comes opportunity, and the team has made the most of the extra time by putting a whole lot of rounds through their shotguns during the past year’s delay.

“These athletes compete at the highest level, they are extremely accomplished and worked hard to compete for their country in front of the entire world,” stated Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition. “As a company that sponsors the USA Shooting team, we can’t wait to watch them compete, and for Federal Ammunition to be part of them accomplishing their goals of bringing home Olympic medals.”

“Preparing for Tokyo has been difficult to say, at the very least,” said Vincent Hancock, a skeet shooter who took gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 games. “After the delay and some time off, I’ve maintained my training at a high level for the past four to five months now, working diligently to make sure I reach my peak at just the right time and that I’m ready for the tests of competition.”

“I have been firing a lot of Federal Gold Medals to get ready for the Olympics. I fully expect to put forth my best effort at this year’s Olympic Games, and for me, that means eliminating mistakes,” said Derrick Mein, who took full advantage of the extra time he’s had to prepare and recently won the Super Sporting event at the NSCA’s U.S. Open last weekend while competing at Claythorne Lodge in Kansas. “The extra year has given me a great opportunity to fine tune my game.”

“It has been a very unique situation. At first, I was really bummed out, like a lot of other athletes,” Kayle Browning said. “But once the shock of the games getting postponed wore off, I quickly realized I’d been given a great training opportunity. I began taking full advantage of the training facility that’s literally in my back yard.”

“I’m ecstatic for the Olympic Games this July! This will be the first games I will compete in, and it will be the completion of four years of intense training and sacrifices,” said Austen Smith. “The delay was heartbreaking at first, but I found a way to convert that heartbreak into determination. Throughout the lockdowns and competition cancellations I dedicated myself to training in any way possible.”

Brian Burrows said the delay definitely changed how he expected to prepare for the games.

“Typically, we would have shot three or four World Cups plus a test event on the Olympic range, but this time we had one world cup and no test event. So, I have had to adapt and adjust how I prepare for the Olympics, but I am confident in my training, and it has paid off,” Burrows said. “In the one world cup we shot, I entered the final in second place with a very strong qualification score. So, even though I had to adapt my training to the delay, I feel very confident.” 

Federal is the official shotshell ammunition sponsor and supplier of USA Shooting, a non-profit organization that promotes the shooting sports and prepares American athletes to bring home Olympic gold. Learn more at: www.usashooting.org.

Federal Ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Run, Walk or March to Help Those Who Fought for Our Freedom

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

July 4 Virtual 5K supports American Humane’s lifesaving Pups4Patriots™ program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Fourth of July, Americans have a new way to celebrate our nation’s freedom.   In addition to the usual frankfurters, fireworks and fun that make up so much Independence Day fanfare, one organization is asking people to lace up their sneakers and run, walk or even march to support those who have served our country and sacrificed so much to keep it free.

American Humane’s national Pups4Patriots 5K is a virtual weekend-long event, raising funds to train lifesaving service dogs for veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Patriotic participants can show their solidarity with America’s veterans by walking, jogging or running at their leisure over the Fourth of July weekend. Participants can register online at www.AmericanHumane.org/P4P5K.

Research shows that specially trained PTS service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort and restore confidence to affected veterans. There are many obstacles standing in the way of veterans in need of service dogs, however, including long waiting lists and exorbitant costs, often upwards of $30,000 per service dog. American Humane’s Pups4Patriots™ program pairs dogs in search of forever homes with veterans in need. The two are trained together at no cost to the veteran.

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and a top-rated charity that has been supporting the U.S. military, military families and military animals for more than 100 years. In addition to the nearly one billion animals it saves, shelters, feeds and protects around the world each year, American Humane brings home retired war dogs and reunites them with their handlers, trains lifesaving service dogs for veterans with PTS and TBI and helps provide critical healthcare to our K-9 warriors.

“American Humane is committed to putting healing leashes into the hands of more veterans in need,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO and president of American Humane. “This virtual event will serve as a rallying point to bring us together to provide veterans in need with the healing power of our four-legged friends.”

Participants can register at www.AmericanHumane.org/P4P5K.

AT&T Launches Animal Assisted Therapy for First Responders

Sunday, June 20th, 2021

Man’s Best Friend’ Comes to FirstNet: AT&T Launches Animal Assisted Therapy Initiative to Further Health & Wellness for America’s First Responders

30+ “ROG the Dog” Therapy Animals Stationed Nationwide to Deploy Following Emergencies like Hurricanes, Wildfires and Man-Made Disasters

What’s the news? In advance of the 2021 storm season, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T* – the nation’s only network built by public safety, for public safety – is introducing “ROG the Dog” animal assisted therapy to support public safety on the front lines. This new initiative builds off of the launch of the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition and reinforces our commitment to Be There for America’s first responders by further supporting the health and well-being of those who serve their communities each and every day.

Why is this important? Compared to the general population, first responders experience higher rates of depression, PTSD, burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues.1 In law enforcement, one study found a more than 20 year difference in life expectancy compared to the average American male.2 uIn addition, it’s estimated 20-25% of all first responders experience post-traumatic stress.3 Therapy dogs are proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can improve coping and recovery, enhance morale, decrease stress, and reduce the effects of PTSD and emotional distress.4 And as public safety’s partner, we have a responsibility unlike any other wireless carrier to deliver for the first responder community. That’s why we’ve gone beyond our commitment to build and operate FirstNet and are providing this unique type of support to keep them mission ready.

What is ROG the Dog? Affectionately named after the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) – the team led by former first responders that guides the deployment of the FirstNet fleet of dedicated deployable network assets – ROG the Dog is actually a fleet of trained Labradoodles who specialize in animal assisted therapy for first responders.  We’re collaborating with Global Medical Response (GMR) to provide the therapy dog services, which are especially meant for times of crises following natural or man-made disasters.  GMR chose Labradoodles as their therapy dog breed because of their temperament, they are hypoallergenic, and well suited to providing calm and care in the middle of chaos. The ROG the Dog initiative is currently comprised of over 30 animals located across the U.S.

What is the FirstNet Response Operations Program? To strengthen public safety’s command and control of their network, we launched the FirstNet Response Operations Program in 2018. This program aligns with Homeland Security’s National Incident Management System with a focus on life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation. With FirstNet, public safety agencies have access to a dedicated, nationwide fleet of 80+ land-based and airborne portable cell sites, like FirstNet One – all at no additional charge. The deployable network assets are designed to keep FirstNet subscribers connected to the information they need, no matter where their mission takes them. This allows first responders to make rescues, communicate and coordinate their emergency response, or aid in recovery, even in the hardest hit areas or most remote parts of the country.

When public safety calls upon the FirstNet fleet for additional support, the FirstNet Response Operations Group works with the agency to assess the situation and either deploy an asset, or identify and provide alternate solutions that could better serve public safety – such as expediting network restoration, quickly turning-up indoor coverage, and now, providing therapy dog services following a crisis. So far this year, public safety has requested support more than 125 times for planned and emergency events covering everything from COVID-19 vaccination centers to winter storms.

How can public safety request ROG the Dog? Agencies on FirstNet can request ROG the Dog in the same way they request an asset from the FirstNet fleet. And just like the fleet, ROG the Dog is available at no additional charge. Simply, call 1-800-574-7000 or contact their FirstNet Solutions Consultant and the Response Operations Group team will work with you to determine if your request meets the requirements for therapy dog services.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. With more than 16,000 public safety agencies and organizations subscribed – accounting for more than 2.2 million connections nationwide5 – the FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.

Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news.

1 Purvis, M., Fullencamp, L. & Docherty, M. (2020). Animal Assisted Therapy on Law Enforcement Mental Health: A Therapy Dog Implementation Guide. Bowling Green University.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734369

www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018

4 Tedeschi, P. and Jenkins, M. (2019). Transforming Trauma: Resilience and Healing through our connections with animals.  Purdue University Press.

5 As of April 2021.

A New Member in the Family: Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, an Extreme Terrain Autonomous UGV

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall proudly announces the release of the Mission Master XT, the latest member of its successful Mission Master family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). Unlike the Mission Master SP platform, which is already introduced to the market, the Mission Master XT has a diesel-powered engine. Responding to a new set of needs, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is highly mobile even in the toughest terrain and capable of carrying impressive payloads. The Mission Master XT was developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

A true companion when the going gets tough
The Rheinmetall Mission Master XT thrives in extreme terrain. It easily tackles ice, snow, and sub-zero weather conditions, as well as sandy, rocky and mountainous topography. Its advanced amphibious capabilities allow it to float and swim while maintaining its full payload capacity. Weighing in at 2217 kg, this powerful A-UGV can carry a 1000 kg payload in all scenarios, allowing troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach locations. The diesel-powered engine allows it to travel 750 km without refuelling, while lithium-ion batteries enable up to 6 hours of silent watch operations.

Another remarkable feature of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is its continuous tire inflation system, which adjusts the tire pressure as needed based on the terrain. Featuring high endurance and survivability, the A-UGV keeps moving on even with 2 cm-holes in the tires.

Autonomous, intelligent and easy to control
Like the other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the Mission Master XT is optimized to take on dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, allowing soldiers to focus on their core missions more effectively and in greater safety. It is driven by Rheinmetall PATH, a proven autonomy kit (A-kit) that enables a wide range of autonomous driving and navigation capabilities.

The Mission Master family is fully compatible with NATO-standard battle management systems and can be controlled through a variety of teleoperation options. “The most multifunctional of these is a smart tablet developed by Rheinmetall, which allows the operator to control any Mission Master platform and payload through a single interface, a first for the market”, explains Alain Tremblay, Vice-President of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. “For instance, users can monitor camera feeds or direct a weapon station, then quickly program the platform to navigate itself autonomously to a desired location, all from the same device”, adds Mr Tremblay.

If necessary, this robust, tried-and-tested mechanical platform can operate in manned configuration, with an integrated joystick and emergency seat.


Multi-mission capabilities
Thanks to its modularity, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT can take on multiple missions in any situation. The scope of activities the A-UGV can conduct includes logistic transport, surveillance, fire support, rescue, medical evacuation, CBRN detection, communication relay and a multitude of other client-specific requirements. Rheinmetall is committed to maximum operational safety at all times, keeping a human in the loop in all kinetic operations.

A powerful component of Joint All Domain Operations
As enemy capabilities become increasingly advanced, the ability to quickly leverage large amounts of data in order to make informed decisions in the field is more critical than ever. Foreseeable force deployments are likely to take the form of multinational Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) that encompass every dimension of the modern battlefield: land, air, sea, cyber and information space as well as outer space.

Just like the other members of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master family the new Mission Master XT features a unique NATO standard battle management system (BMS) integrated into every platform. This allows each system to process large amount of tactical data. The Mission Master XT thus becomes an integral member of the tactical combat team able to share and exchange information from its vehicle and module sensors to improve the team’s common operating picture. The BMS also uses information in the network from other contributors to improve its own situational awareness with regard to terrain as well as the location of friendly and enemy forces. The built-in BMS allows many Mission Master platforms to operate as an UGV team when carrying out standard military missions in direct support of troops on the ground.

Finally, the Mission Master XT will also benefit from the systematic integration of new artificial intelligence applications, allowing it to evolve and continue contributing to successful outcomes in the complex JADO battlespace of tomorrow.

Renaming of the existing Mission Master
To make room for the newcomers in the Mission Master family, the existing Mission Master platform now becomes the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP. Named for its role as “silent partner”, the Mission Master SP remains an invaluable asset for dismounted troops in a wide range of missions, including high-risk situations.

www.rheinmetall.com