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FirstSpear Friday Focus: MIL, LEO & First Responders Streamline Website w/ iD.me

Friday, July 19th, 2024

FirstSpear continues to offer Military, Law Enforcement & First Responders discounts and has directly integrated with iD.me on the website to make it faster, more secure and easy for members to be verified. FirstSpear takes great pride in continue to offer the industry’s most innovative, premium products at an exclusive price.

To get your discount, either create an account on www.first-spear.com and it will prompt users to go through the steps to input their iD.me credentials, or simply shop on First-Spear.com and you will be prompted in the check out as a reminder to enter credentials to verify.

For over 13 years, FirstSpear develops hundreds of innovative products every year for the most elite military and law enforcement professionals in the world. For more information, check out www.first-spear.com.

For government GPC purchases please email govsales@first-spear.com. If you would like information on becoming a FirstSpear equipment dealer, please email dealerrequest@first-spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, LE, Veterans | No Comments »

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 | No Comments »

Support the Courser Racing SF Team for The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

Four Special Forces Veterans vie to row 2800 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Monterey, California to Hanalei on Kaua’i, Hawaii to raise awareness and funds for their worthy cause.

The team is participating in The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific starts in June each year with teams participating from around the World.

Founded by Special Operations Veterans in 2023, Courser Racing is a 501(c)(3) Charleston, SC-based non-profit organization that places Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Firefighters on Ocean Rowing Expeditions to support their transition to the civilian workforce.

Courser Racing provides support to these communities through a team-based robust maritime training regimen (simulating the rigor of a deployment cycle or emergency response preparation), by leveraging a professional business mentor network for job placement, and providing business experience through organic non-profit activities including fundraising, P+L management, recruiting, marketing, donor relations, and sponsorship contract negotiations.

They chose Ocean Rowing as a vehicle for transition support because it is relatively low cost (the ocean is free) and it mirrors the rigors of service required of Special Operations Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Firefighter/ EMS personnel.

To learn more, visit courserracing.com

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, SOF, Veterans | No Comments »

Soldier’s Injury Spurs Malpractice Claims Policy Changes

Saturday, June 8th, 2024

An Army family’s five-year struggle and advocacy efforts led to major changes in how the Department of Defense considers non-economic payments in medical malpractice claims filed by active-duty service members.

The changes, published May 10 in the Federal Register, say that potential financial damages in medical malpractice claims will no longer be offset or reduced by the compensation otherwise provided by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This change will ensure that families receive full compensation for pain and suffering.

“It wasn’t until the family brought this issue to the forefront that we were able to advocate on behalf of the entire military to remove the offset,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. “Pfc. Del Barba and his family deserve the credit for bringing attention to this issue.”

The case began when Pfc. Dez Del Barba, of California, reported to what is now Fort Moore, Georgia, for basic training in January 2019 in preparation for attending Army Officer Candidate School. That February, he became ill and over the course of a week his symptoms worsened.

After numerous visits to sick call, Del Barba was transported to a Columbus, Georgia hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a form of a flesh-eating infection linked to a Strep A infection.

The Army had earlier received a positive test result for Del Barba’s Strep A infection but had not acted on it.

Placed in a medically induced coma, Del Barba was given a 10% chance of survival. As the infection ravaged his legs and torso, he underwent repeated surgeries in Columbus and at the burn unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital to remove skin or tissue.

His left leg was amputated as the infection spread.

“What happened to me did not have to happen. This was preventable,” Del Barba told a Congressional subcommittee.

The Army is currently reviewing Del Barba’s medical malpractice claim.

“My life has changed forever. That once active and healthy 21-year-old man now must deal with a lifetime of challenges and obstacles because of the neglect I suffered,” he said.

“The last five years our family has worked tirelessly not just for our son … but for countless servicemen and women who have been grossly mistreated by the department due to military medical malpractice. This long-overdue change will finally bring some accountability to those responsible for their inexcusable actions. Our nation’s Servicemen and Women, our heroes, deserve better medical care,” the Del Barba family said in an emailed statement.

The DoD policy change also clarifies that future lost earnings may be awarded until the time DoD determines that the claimant is, or is expected to be, medically rehabilitated and able to resume employment.

“In addition to Pfc. Del Barba’s resilience and focus on his own recovery, the most remarkable aspect of his story is how he championed this change for all service members,” explained Secretary Wormuth.

Del Barba’s mother says he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management but cannot and likely will never be able to work.

“There are moments when we may think wecannot, until we change our mindset to say we can. I feel grief for all I have lost, but I am grateful for all that I have. We must stand firm, honor the sacrifices of our heroes, and fight for justice,” Del Barba said in an emailed statement.

The family wants more attention paid to the risk of necrotizing fasciitis, and May 31 is Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day, with a focus on the impact of the disease.

The Del Barba family has also formed a nonprofit, called Operation Dez Strong, to assist children ages 4 through 18 who face or have had an amputation and need assistance in acquiring and adapting to prosthetic devices.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Human Performance, Medical, Veterans | 2 Comments »

Wreaths Across America Radio Round Table Celebrates Women in Military Service

Sunday, June 2nd, 2024

Tune in on June 12 at 1 pm EST to hear stories of resiliency, purpose, and success.

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, and ARLINGTON, Va. — May 30, 2024 —Wreaths Across America Radio proudly announces the upcoming round table celebrating women in military service. This discussion will air onWednesday, June 12, 2024, at 1 PM EST – Women Veterans Recognition Day – and can be heard exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio, available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, the Audacy app and www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

The discussion will focus on women in service, highlighting their contributions throughout history to national security through military service. It will also touch on issues and opportunities unique to women veterans and the history of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.

The guest panelists listed below will be interviewed by Phyllis Wilson, retired United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Five and President of the Military Women’s Memorial, and Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director.

Distinguished panelists:

JoAnne S. Bass, Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Honorary Board Chair, Military Women’s Memorial Foundation. CMSAFBass served in the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force and, as such, provided direction for the enlisted force, representing their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government. She served as the personal adviser to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of more than 600,000 Total Force Airmen. Chief Bass was the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force to be appointed to and serve in the highest noncommissioned officer position in the Air Force. She was also the first woman to hold the highest senior enlisted rank in any United States military branch.

Octavia Harris, Command Master Chief, U.S. Navy (Ret.). She is a Subcommittee Chair, Secretary of Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services and the former Chair, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. Additionally, Harris is a member of the Secretary of Human and Health Services Advisory Committee on Women and Children and the NAACP Armed Services and Veterans Committee member. In 1994, the combat prohibition ban was lifted, and Harris became one of the first enlisted women to serve aboard a combatant warship. She served aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), her Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMDCM) sea tour was aboard USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and her last tour was as CMDCM of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, leading 10,000 men and women in support of the command’s vision and mission. She served for 30 years, mentoring hundreds of Sailors, and still uses her military training to help sexual assault survivors today. Additionally, Harris is the Texas Ambassador for the Military Women’s Memorial.

Lourdes Tiglao, Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Air Force Veteran. Tiglao serves as primary advisor to the Secretary on Department policies, programs, and legislation that affect women veterans. In addition, she oversees the Center’s activities, which include monitoring and coordinating VA’s administration of health care, benefits, services, and programs for women Veterans; serving as an advocate for cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women veterans and servicemembers and raising awareness of the responsibility to treat women veterans with dignity and respect.

“Through our partnership with the Military Women’s Memorial, we are committed to sharing the stories of resiliency, purpose, and success so that future generations of women understand the opportunities available to them through military service,” said Jeff Pierce, Director of Broadcast and Media Partnerships, Wreaths Across America. “We are grateful to be joined by this distinguished panel of veterans who continue to serve our nation, communities and their fellow veterans.”

For a complete list of programming and to tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio. The station can also be heard on the iHeartRadio, Audacy, and TuneIn apps.

Posted in For the Ladies, Media, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Task Force Expedition Embarks on Epic Fundraising Adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro

Sunday, May 26th, 2024

Raising Awareness and Funds for Nonprofits Supporting Military, First Responders, and the Second Amendment

ATLANTA, GA — Task Force Expedition (TFE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising funds and awareness for handpicked nonprofits focused on military, first responder, and Second Amendment rights, is thrilled to announce its upcoming expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, from June 27 to July 8, 2024. This “once in a lifetime” adventure, which will be documented by Prelude Films, aims to generate significant support and exposure for the five participating nonprofits.

The expedition, funded entirely by industry sponsors, pairs each sponsor with a nonprofit organization to form a team. While the adventure itself is non-competitive, the teams will compete to see who can raise the most funds through public donations at TaskForceExpedition.com. At the end of the fundraising period, the funds raised will be pooled together and equally distributed among the nonprofits, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

Participating Teams and Sponsors:

• Team ASA Foundation sponsored by SilencerCo

• Team Frontline Healing Foundation sponsored by Crye Precision & Staccato

• Team Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F) sponsored by Elevated Silence

• Team Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) sponsored by Brownells

• Team UK sponsored by Edgar Brothers and Reptilia

“I recently read a quote that’s commonly attributed to an African proverb that says, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,’” said Jeremy Morton, Executive Director of SOC-F and Secretary of Task Force Expedition. “I can think of no better way to capture the essence of TFE, which exists to bring people and organizations together in order to literally and figuratively climb whatever mountains lie ahead.”

“Task Force Expedition is more than just an adventure; it’s a powerful opportunity to bring much-needed attention and resources to handpicked organizations that tirelessly support our warriors, first responders, and Second Amendment rights,” said Knox Williams, President of ASA Foundation and Task Force Expedition. “By leveraging the excitement and challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, we aim to tell our stories, inspire generosity, and build lasting awareness for these essential causes.”

For more information about Task Force Expedition, the participating teams, and how to support their mission, visit TaskForceExpedition.com

Posted in 2A, Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Task Force Expedition Embarks on Epic Fundraising Adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro

Uniting for a Noble Cause: The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle in Support of Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation

Monday, May 6th, 2024

In the heart of every Special Operations mission lies a support network extending far beyond the battlefield. Behind the courage and valor of our Nation’s warfighters are organizations like the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation, which provide critical assistance and unwavering support to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Who We Are and What We Do

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation is a beacon of hope and resilience for wounded, ill, or injured US Special Operations Command members, veterans, and their families. Our mission is clear: to respond to immediate needs, organize Rehabilitative Adaptive Events (RAE), and pioneer education and next-generation health solutions for the issues facing our service members.

As a nonprofit founded and operated by Special Operations veterans, we deeply understand the unique challenges the Special Operations Forces community faces. Our programs are meticulously designed to heal, rebuild, and strengthen veterans, service members, and their families, providing them with a renewed sense of mission, purpose, and focus.

Our Impact in 2023: A Testament to Support

In 2023, your support through Task Force Dagger made a tangible difference. We provided $842,539 in assistance, directly supporting 1686 warfighters and family members. This assistance covered SOF health initiatives and immediate needs like medical treatment reimbursements, travel expenses, medical device reimbursements, emergency assistance, holiday support, and rehabilitative adaptive events.

Your Support in Action: The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle

The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, enabling us to continue our vital mission of supporting our Nation’s warfighters and their families. The auction kicked off on April 29th and concludes with an in-person reception generously sponsored by Cubic on Tuesday, May 7th at the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center in the Skyway Meeting Room. With 95% of donor dollars directly supporting our programs and initiatives, your contributions make an immediate and tangible impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

By participating in the auction, attending our events, and spreading awareness, you join us in our mission to honor and uplift our Special Operations community. Together, we can ensure that no warfighter or family member faces their challenges alone.

Highlighted Auction Items

• Donated by Arsenal: Limited Edition – IZHMASH Jubilee Series Silver Edition 5.45x39mm Semi-Automatic AK74 Rifle

• Winchester NILO Farms Hunting & Shooting 2 day Trip for 2

• Spartan Race Passes

• Maxim MD11 Rifle – .308 caliber, 16″ Stainless Barrel, Arid color

• Geissele Super Duty Rifle, 16″, 5.56MM

• Huxwrx 556K FLOW Suppressor

• 2024 PGA Championship Week Passes for Two

• Limited Horse Soldier Gift Box featuring a Rare 80th D-Day Anniversary Bottle of Select Bourbon

• Foursome @ Trump International Golf Club

Raffle Items: $20 Tickets for Great Prizes

• Gentex AMP Headset (Color: Tan)

• FN 509 Pistol 9mm

• Proof Research Stainless Steel Barrel

• Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Pistol Sight

• Mossberg Patriot .300 WinMag Rifle

• $500 JP Rifles Gift Certificate

• Black Rifle Coffee Package (Pour Over Set/Mugs/Coffee)

• Steiner 8×24 Tactical Binocular

• Oakley Standard Issue Fuel Cell Armed Forces

• LBT MG Origins Day Pack

• 2 Pack of Spartan Race Passes Exp 12/31/2023

• Oakley SI Fuel Cell Sunglasses

• Oakley SI GasCan Sunglasses

• Hornday Range Bag & Gift Items

• Magpul Bipod for Picatinny Rail

• Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling Gen 2 w. Magpul QD MOE Sling Attachment

In the face of adversity, the strength of our Nation’s warfighters shines brightly, buoyed by the unwavering support of organizations like Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation. As we forge ahead into the future, let us stand united in our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Join us in the 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle, and together, let’s make a difference that truly matters.

View the SOF Auction & Raffle items here: bit.ly/3KHzVDj.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF Week, Veterans | Comments Off on Uniting for a Noble Cause: The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle in Support of Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation