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HunterSeven Foundation – Warfighter Health Symposium – March 22 in San Diego

Monday, March 21st, 2022

The HunterSeven Foundation and Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation invite you to attend an interactive event designed to educate service members, veterans, their families and healthcare providers on the importance of understanding military exposures as they relate to wellness.

Veterans and Clinical Researchers Chelsey Simoni, MSN-RN, FP-C and Jack Ratliff, APRN-BC of the HunterSeven Foundation, along with MSG Geoff Dardia, Director of the TFDSOF Health Initiatives Program will present research on post-9/11 toxic exposures, deployment and operational environments, risk factors, and explain how a personalized and preventative approach to healthcare will lead to optimal wellness in the veteran and warfighter community.

Guest speakers will include:

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, D.O., Founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine

Get tickets here.

Sponsored by NFQ

H/T to Tactical Distributors

Posted in Charity, Medical, Veterans | Comments Off on HunterSeven Foundation – Warfighter Health Symposium – March 22 in San Diego

In Memoriam – Col Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret)

Friday, February 18th, 2022

Earlier this week Col Gail S. Halvorsen (USAF, Ret) aka The Berlin Candy Bomber and Uncle Wiggly Wings passed away. His family was at his side at the Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah, where he was admitted following a short illness. Colonel Halvorsen was 101 years old and he is survived by his five children and numerous grand- and great grandchildren.

We received this information from the Airlift/Tanker Association:

Col Halvorsen, a Utah native, began his flying career when he earned his private pilot’s license in 1941 through a Civil Air Patrol program. His passion for aviation led him to join the Army Air Force in 1942 flying transport aircraft. In 1948, peace in Europe was threatened as the Soviet Union blockaded all ground access to war-torn West Berlin. Then, Lt Halvorsen, a member of the newly formed United States Air Force, began flying humanitarian airlift missions to starving West Berliners. During one mission, he paused to share two sticks of gum with nearby German children who were watching the aircraft and busy flightline. Two sticks of gum did not go far and he promised the children he would be back the next day to drop candy from his airplane, telling them, you will know it is me when I “wiggle” my wings. That simple act of kindness and compassion led to “Operation Little Vittles” and, in all, over 23 tons of candy were dropped from Allied aircraft. His impact spread beyond the smiles of German children. He brought visibility to the plight of the German people and put a human face on their suffering—Americans now saw the Germans as humans, not enemies. Strategically, the Allied resolve strengthened, and West Berlin’s freedom was secured without a single shot fired and his act of kindness forged the strong bond between America and Germany that endures today.

After hanging up his uniform Col Halvorsen continued his life of service by inspiring youth and adults around the world to a life of service.

May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Air Force, Cold War, History, Memorial, Veterans | 3 Comments »

5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Saturday, February 12th, 2022

Channing Tatum (co-director/star) and Reid Carolin (co-director/writer) join to support military veterans in celebration of their new film “Dog”

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2021) 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has teamed up with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), United Artists Releasing (UAR) and K9s For Warriors to support military veterans in celebration of the February 18 theatrical release of the upcoming film, ‘Dog’ starring Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin. As part of the collaboration, 5.11 will donate $25,000 to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

As a part of the initiative, Carolin, Tatum and K9s For Warriors delivered a service dog to a well-deserving member of the U.S. Military earlier this month. Active Navy Captain, Jon, and his new Labrador, Winston, will complete a 3-week training program at K9s For Warriors’ headquarters in Florida where will build an unwavering bond.

(Left to Right) Navy Captain, Jon, with Labrador, Winston, Dog Co-Director, Reid Carolin, and Dog Co-Director and Actor, Channing Tatum

Tatum reflected on the opportunity to unite a deserving veteran with his dog saying, “it is an honor to be a part of this moment.” Around creating the film, Tatum remarked, “It was a really beautiful journey for us to learn the depth of the bond between a soldier and a dog.”

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. With roots in servicing military communities, 5.11 products appear throughout the film, including the RUSH24™ 2.0 Backpack used by Tatum’s character.

“We’re pleased to support these outstanding projects that bring awareness to the many sacrifices and struggles that our nation’s veterans face every day,” said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “We hope our contribution helps more brave veterans find a companion through the efforts of K9s For Warriors and lets them know they are greatly appreciated.”

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is a non-profit that pairs highly trained service dogs, commonly rescued from shelters, with veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. This innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

“We are incredibly grateful to collaborate with 5.11, MGM and UA Releasing to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Rory Diamond. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Service Dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of a dignity and independence. This partnership has given us the amazing opportunity to showcase that special moment when Channing surprises our Warrior Jon with his Service Dog for the first time, beginning their journey towards an unbreakable bond.”

Join us in celebrating the work of K9s For Warriors, the spirit of the film ‘Dog’, and the excitement from Channing and Reid around uniting Jon and Winston. The video can be viewed in its entirety here.

For more information on 5.11’s activation with MGM, UAR and K9s for Warriors, please visit www.511tactical.com/k9s-for-warriors. For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. To learn more about K9s For Warriors visit www.k9sforwarrior.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on 5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

Pompano Beach, Florida February 7, 2020 – If dogs are man’s best friends, then service dogs are their life-enhancing faithful companions. Service dogs for veterans take it one step further: providing their valuable assistance to those who have selflessly served our country.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) believes in giving back, especially to military veterans. The company is also filled with dog lovers. Recently KUSA decided to help a very deserving Marine veteran by providing her with an emotional support service dog. Meet US Marine Corps veteran Lorena Guimares and her new canine companion, Vityaz, a male Labrador Retriever puppy:

K-9 recruit Vityaz, sitting on the yellow paw prints at Recruit Depot Pawris Island, meets his new battle buddy, former US Marine Corps Sergeant Lorena Guimares

Over the next six-months, and under the watchful eye of professional dog trainer (and senior drill instructor) Fletcher Swain of Custom K-9, K-9 recruit Vityaz and former “Devil Dog” Lorena G. will be honed into a lean, mean, finely-tuned human/canine machine.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) is grateful to several key individuals and organizations who helped make this happy connection happen. Sgt. Adams Lin of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the introduction to Marine veteran Lorena Guimares. In addition to being the county’s largest law enforcement organization, the PBSO is well known for their support of military veterans and their annual Bark-A-Thon event designed to promote pet adoptions.

Dog trainer Fletcher Swain helped identify and secure a suitable puppy with the right temperament and intelligence needed to become a fully-trained emotional support service dog. Custom K-9 is providing lodging for Vityaz as well as a suitable parade ground where he and his human companion can learn to march in unison and communicate with each other.

“This really was a team effort involving KUSA employees, community partners, and even our customers (especially Dennis M.) who helped us select “Vityaz” as the name for the service dog in training. In Slavic mythology, a vityaz was a noble knight who fought dragons, giants and other creatures using a combination of strength, wits, and courage. We’re confident our canine Vityaz will likewise help Lorena overcome her challenges” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing for Kalashnikov-USA. ‘Stay tuned as we follow this dynamic duo on their Semper Fidelis bonding journey” he added.

Posted in Industry, K9, Press Release, USMC, Veterans | Comments Off on Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

SHOT Show 22 – 18 Series Bag Company

Thursday, January 20th, 2022

During one of the pre-SHOT Show range events I ran into a new Veteran owned company named 18 Series Bag Company.

Founded by retired Special Forces Soldiers, they set out to create mission specific bags and packs for the various functions on an Operational Detachment – Alpha.

Take for instance the Delta Bag which is a modular medical bag.

In addition to the large, lay flat main bag, it includes a zip-off Assault Bag and removable Fanny Pack. At the interior, there are six color-coded transparent pouches to organize your gear.

Plus, it’s rigged for jumping. While it was built for medical use, it can be configured for a variety of applications such as sUAS or EOD.

The bags are all Berry complaint.

18seriesbags.com

Posted in Load Carrying, Medical, Packs, SHOT Show, Veterans | Comments Off on SHOT Show 22 – 18 Series Bag Company

“Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior)” a Film by Mystery Ranch & Mission Roll Call

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

MYSTERY RANCH has always had the utmost respect for the servicemen and women of our country. We build our gear to help them complete their mission with no compromise. Our commitment to helping these individuals does not stop when they finish their service but rather to help provide veterans connect with communities that advocate for positive change.

MYSTERY RANCH has partnered with Mission Roll Call, an organization dedicated to providing veterans with a powerful, unified voice that our Nation’s leaders heard, to create a short film called Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior) – centered around veteran of the U.S. Army, Sam Alexander, who served as a Green Beret and his transition into civilian life.

Sam’s story is about finding purpose in life after the military. Follow him through the centennial climb of Denali, his guided backcountry trips to bring people into his Gwich’in community, and his way of life in this short, powerful film.

Connect with Mission Roll Call to learn more about their movement.

Posted in Advertiser, Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on “Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior)” a Film by Mystery Ranch & Mission Roll Call

Coming Soon – “Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior)” a Film by Mystery Ranch & Mission Roll Call

Friday, November 26th, 2021

Sam is a veteran of the U.S. Army who served as a Green Beret.

After returning home from the Army, Sam received a business degree to benefit his native tribe, the Gwich’in. He later started an adventure travel company, Latitude Six-Six, that would immerse travelers in “the full Alaska experience – seeing the land and the local native culture through native guides as well as through visiting local communities.”

Sam found as he would say, “his service after his service.”

Many veterans struggle with not only finding their way to serve but finding their passion for life post-service. The mental challenges that veterans face are unimaginable, and the mental toll is unbearable for many on their own, so having access to proper healthcare is essential. Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to the services they are promised post-service – especially those who live in remote areas, like Native Alaskan veterans. With such profound limitations, the result is veterans who do not prioritize their mental care and may be more prone to suicide.

Watch the trailer and stay tuned for the latest collaborative MYSTERY RANCH and Mission Roll Call film Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior) – a story about finding purpose in life after the military. Watch the YouTube Premiere on November 30th at 13:30 EST/11:30 MDT.

Read more now on MYSTERY RANCH’s latest blog Meet Green Beret Sam Alexander, and connect with Mission Roll Call to learn more about their movement.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Media, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Coming Soon – “Niveh T’ah’in (Warrior)” a Film by Mystery Ranch & Mission Roll Call

VA Adds Six New Presumptive Conditions Related to Service

Sunday, November 21st, 2021

WASHINGTON —

Over the course of the last six months, the Department of Veterans Affairs has begun processing service-connected disability claims for six new presumptive conditions related to environmental exposures during military service.

In May 2021, VA started implementing provisions of the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, adding bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism to the list of medical conditions presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange. A few months later VA added asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis (to include rhinosinusitis) on a presumptive basis based on particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas.

Any Veteran who was previously denied service-connection for any of these six conditions but had symptoms manifest within 10 years of military service would need to file a supplemental claim. Officials advise using VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim, when filing. The claim form should include the name of the condition and specify that the condition is being claimed because of in-service exposure to environmental hazards.

Officials also advise veterans to stay plugged in to http://www.va.gov for the most recent developments around environmental exposures during military service, as VA is constantly conducting research and surveillance as well as reviewing scientific literature for conditions that may be related to exposure during military service.

For more information about VA benefits and eligibility, or how to file a claim, veterans and survivors can visit VA’s website at www.va.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

(Courtesy of VA)

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Veterans | Comments Off on VA Adds Six New Presumptive Conditions Related to Service