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SOLGW Launches the OB1 Signature Rifle by Christian Craighead

Monday, October 14th, 2024

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Launches the OB1 Signature Rifle by Christian Craighead: A Tribute to Excellence in Craftsmanship and Service

SAN ANTONIO TEXAS – Sons of Liberty Gun Works® is proud to announce the release of the “OB1” Signature Rifle, meticulously built to the exact specifications of Christian Craighead, a highly decorated veteran of the British military. With a distinguished 28-year career, including pivotal roles in the 22nd SAS, Craighead is renowned for his bravery, particularly for his decisive actions during the terrorist siege in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2019. Since retiring in 2020, he has made Texas his home and partnered with Sons of Liberty Gun Works to bring his vision to life.

The OB1 rifle is a true reflection of Craighead’s commitment to excellence. It features an intricate engraving of the Blackbeard Boarding Party logo—representing Craighead’s own company—melding classic pirate imagery with elements inspired by the weaponry of the Revolutionary War. This unique aesthetic is further enhanced by the rifle’s cerakote finish in Craighead’s trademarked Rhodesian Brushstroke camouflage.

Specifications of the OB1 Signature Rifle:

• 13.7? V2 5.56mm barrel with pinned/welded HUXWRX® flash hider
• 13.75? L89 MLOK Handguard with Titanium Barrel Nut and 7-sided MLOK
• A5 Length Buffer System with FCD CN5F enhanced castle nut
• Magpul® DT stock, MOE Grip and Trigger Guard, and polymer Ejection Port Cover
• Liberty 2 Stage™ Trigger (L2S) with a 4.5lb total pull weight
• 50 Degree Ambidextrous Quick Selector
• Liberty Charging Handle (ambidextrous)
• Forged 7075-T6 upper and lower receivers
• Lifetime Warranty (including normal wear)

“We are honored to collaborate with Christian Craighead to create a rifle that embodies both functionality and artistry,” said Mike Mihalski of Sons of Liberty Gun Works®. “The OB1 Signature Rifle not only reflects Christian’s remarkable career but also stands as a testament to the quality and innovation that we strive for in every product.”

The OB1 Signature Rifle is now available for purchase on the Sons of Liberty Gun Works® website and Sports South LLC – The Shooting Warehouse.

About Sons of Liberty Gun Works

Sons of Liberty Gun Works® is dedicated to producing high-performance firearms that meet the needs of modern shooters. With an unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, SOLGW™ continues to set the standard for excellence in the firearms industry.

Website: www.solgw.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sonsoflibertygw

About Christian Craighead:

Born in Northeast England, Christian Craighead has always taken an unorthodox route, constantly defying the odds stacked against him at every level.

At the age of sixteen, he joined the British Army, initially serving in the fearsome Parachute Regiment, and was then selected for the elite Pathfinder Platoon. Craighead’s natural “get the job done” mindset secured him a coveted spot at the pinnacle of most soldiers’ dreams: Tier 1 Special Forces.

As a senior and highly decorated member of 22 SAS, the British Army’s Special Mission Unit known for covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism and hostage rescue, he participated in an exceptionally high number of high-risk missions and was wounded in action. This hard-earned combat experience underpins his reputation as a renowned counter-terrorism and special tactics instructor.

In 2019, Craighead single-handedly shifted the outcome of a terrorist attack in Kenya. His actions and leadership during the brutal attack are credited with saving hundreds of lives. Those unauthorized actions earned him global praise as well as an invitation and personal gratitude from the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

After 28 years of active service, Craighead retired in 2020. He continues to conduct leadership and specialized training and is sought after for keynote speaking engagements. The goal of his work is to encourage anyone to become the necessary leader, to have the courage to make decisions, and to actively reshape the narrative instead of being the passive bystander.

Staying true to his unconventional manner, Craighead is also the author of a children’s book, The Wrong Wolf. He now resides in Texas.

Website: www.theministryofdefence.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/christian_craighead

Posted in Advertiser, Black Rifle, Camo, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

15 Medal of Honor Recipients Endorse Trump for President

Sunday, October 13th, 2024

Joining more than 200 flag officers, 15 Medal of Honor recipients have endorsed Donald Trump in his bid for President of the United States.

Considering there are currently only 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, having 25% endorse a candidate is significant.

Read their full endorsement here.

Posted in Veterans | 10 Comments »

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

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

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 | Comments Off on Support the Courser Racing SF Team for The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific

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 | Comments Off on Wreaths Across America Radio Round Table Celebrates Women in Military Service