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Kryptek Outdoor Group Partners with the Green Beret Foundation to Empower Veterans through the Warrior Sportsman Program

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

Eagle, ID – Kryptek Outdoor Group and the Green Beret Foundation (GBF) are proud to announce a strategic partnership to raise meaningful awareness and support for the Green Beret Foundation’s mission. This partnership will place special emphasis on the GBF Warrior Sportsman Program, a key initiative designed to assist U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers—whether active-duty, veterans, or retired—in their journey toward recovery through outdoor activities.

The collaboration between Kryptek and the Green Beret Foundation is rooted in shared values and a commitment to supporting the military community. Both organizations were forged through the strength of U.S. military veterans, and this partnership aims to leverage their unique resources to enhance the reach and impact of their missions.

“Kryptek is proud to support the Green Beret Foundation and the Warrior Sportsman Program and what they stand for! We are honored to collaborate with an organization that supports the center of gravity for U.S. Army Special Operations, from Battlefield to Backcountry,” said Kryptek CEO, Butch Whiting.

The Warrior Sportsman Program provides exhilarating outdoor adventures that offer physical, mental, and emotional recovery opportunities for Green Berets. These activities foster camaraderie, helping participants reconnect with the bonds forged in service and find healing in the great outdoors. The partnership with Kryptek will further amplify the program’s impact, bringing greater awareness and resources to support the brave soldiers of the US Army Special Forces.

“Our partnership with Kryptek is a crucial addition to the Warrior Sportsman Program, reinforcing the exhilarating outdoor adrenaline adventures that are central to our mission,” said Charlie Iacono, President & CEO of the Green Beret Foundation. “This collaboration offers U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers valuable opportunities for physical, mental, and emotional recovery, while deepening the bonds of camaraderie forged through shared experiences.”

Kryptek’s commitment to supporting U.S. military veterans is evident in its innovative outdoor gear and apparel designed by and for those who serve. By partnering with the Green Beret Foundation, Kryptek continues its mission to honor and support America’s heroes, providing them with the tools and experiences needed to transition from battlefield to backcountry successfully. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales goes directly to the Green Beret Foundation. See all their merchandise and partnerships in their shop located here.

Posted in Camo, Charity, Fundraising, Industry, Press Release, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on Kryptek Outdoor Group Partners with the Green Beret Foundation to Empower Veterans through the Warrior Sportsman Program

Get in on the Arc’teryx LEAF Auction for SOC-F

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

?To coincide with a live event at the Washington, DC Arc’teryx store, LEAF is opening an auction up to the web.

There are some great one-of-kind items like these jackets as well as a special plate carrier from Ferro Concepts created from an Alpha jacket.

Proceeds benefit the Special Operations Care Fund which supports SOF veterans and their families.

FYI, only 10 digit phone numbers can participate.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Fundraising, Veterans | 2 Comments »

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 | Comments Off on SOLGW Launches the OB1 Signature Rifle by Christian Craighead

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