I knew that Pat MacNamara’s wife was an artist, specializing in in the collage style. Although I’ve known Pat for many years, I never knew he was an artist in his own right. Together, they offer their art for sale via their Etsy shop, McNamara Artistries. It’s some great stuff, so if you’re looking for something as a gift or for the office, or mancave, check them out.
Longtab Brewing was founded by some SF dudes who love beer. SF guys loving beer? Imagine that. But I digress.
They originally wanted to call the company Meerket brewing due to the mascot of their ODA (2023, seen in silhouette below during operations in Afghanistan in 2002) but the name was taken by a wine company. So, they chose another name with a nod to their DNA. It’s a good fit. Their planned beverages also have appropriate names.
It’s been a long week. I could use a beer. Unfortunately, it won’t be a Longtab until 2017. Until then, keep up with their progress at www.longtabbrewing.com.
The Elk Institute is in need of donations to sustain their free services for our active duty and veterans. Dr Carrie Elk has been doing some phenomenal work with Veterans suffering from PTSD at the Elk Institute. She has even been known to make trips to military bases in order to reach those who can’t travel. If you give to Combined Federal Campaign, consider this charity. If not, visit their website, learn more, and help them help our men and women.
Terminal Lance is a very popular cartoon strip created by Marine Veteran Maximillian Uriarte. Originally, “The White Donkey” was published via Kickstarter but it’s now available at book stores, for those who missed it.
“Terminal Lance: The White Donkey” is the story of a Marine and his journey to Iraq. It’s definitely a labor of love. Uriarte worked on the 150-page graphic novel for three years. Pick up a copy and have a few laughs.
Mark Baker is an Army Retiree. We served together in the MI Det at 2nd Bn, 3rd SFG(A) when he started working on the Private Murphy strip which you may remember from the Army Times. This is one of my favorite cartoons.
Mark, wherever you are, I salute you.
-Eric
Issaquah, WA – After four years of failing and succeeding, creating new roadmaps for manufacturing in war zones, employing former drug runners, educating women, clearing land mines, and supporting veterans, Combat Flip Flops has succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of three of today’s most prominent investors and Shark Tank’s self-made millionaires. Mark Cuban, Daymond John and Lori Greiner made a deal of $300,000 for 30% equity in Combat Flip Flops, spread equally between the three investors.
“Having our mission of ‘Business, Not Bullets’ validated by the Sharks is powerful,’ said Matthew ‘Griff’ Griffin. “It’s not just a good idea, it’s a legitimate course of action now backed by dominant players in the fashion, retail, and tech sectors.”
The $300,000 investment from the Sharks will be used for inventory and to build up Combat Flip Flops’ staff. The three co-founders have, for the majority of their time in business, been working side jobs. Investment will allow them to focus 100% on the business and add staff when needed.
“Combat Flip Flops will be able to book solid, consistent orders with our manufacturers. This will enable those manufacturers to hire more staff and have a larger impact in their communities. For the charities, we will be able to provide steady, substantial support. More Afghan girls in school, swaths of land cleared of mines, and supporting positive transitions for SOF veterans,” said Griff.
When asked what, besides the deal, was the most exciting part of being on Shark Tank, Donald Lee joked, “We’ve heard Kevin talk about his money being soldiers, going to war, and other military analogies. When he dropped out, handing him the red chem light was the only logical thing to do.”
In 2015, Combat Flip Flops’ sales increased 150% over 2014 while the company donated over 60 years of school to Afghan girls and cleared 1533 square meters of land mines in Laos, keeping kids and villagers safe. Through its Unarmed Forces, the brand has spread stoke and empowered mindful consumers to make a difference.
To keep up with Combat Flip Flops and learn more, please visit www.combatflipflops.com. For sales inquiries, please contact Matthew Griffin, griff@combatflipflops.com.
In light of DoD’s decision to open every career field to women, how will we transform former male-only jobs like Infantryman into gender neutral titles? Canada has had female Combat Arms personnel for years. They refer to theirs as Infantry Soldiers. On the other hand, the Australian Army still refers to their Infantry as Riflemen despite the integration of a handful of females. In both cases, females have preferred Armor, Artillery and Engineer fields over the Infantry.
Talk amongst yourselves.
ONTARIO, California – The Safariland Group is proud to support retired Sergeant Major Jeff Benrud in the SCORE Baja 1000 this year starting on November 20. The Baja 1000 takes place on Mexico’s Baja California Pennisula and is a part of the SCORE Championship Desert Racing Series that includes the Baja 500, San Felipe 250 and the new San Felipe Challenge of Champions. Benrud has participated in two Baja 1000 races placing 4th in his motorcycle classes for 2013 and 2014. This year, Benrud will be foregoing the relay style race and completing the entire Ironman category by himself, aiming to finish 1000 miles within a 24 hour period.
Benrud is a retired Sergeant Major with the Army’s Special Operations unit with extensive combat experience. He has been awarded three Bronze Stars for valor along with numerous other awards including the Purple Heart. Benrud will lean on this experience as he races 1,000 miles solo on his Multicam Honda CRF 450x.
Benrud, along with Ricky Johnson (RJ) – Team Manager and Co-Founder of American Off-Road Driving School, teach law enforcement and military officers how to ride and maneuver motorcycles in various settings. Both Benrud and Johnson work with teams at The Safariland Group in developing and testing innovative products, including Safariland® holster gear, Hatch® gloves, BreakFree® lubricants and Tactical Command Industries (TCI™) communications equipment.
“I often accompany Jeff and RJ on rides, where we test our gear in real applications. They have an amazing talent on the bike and provide insightful instruction along with quality feedback. We wish Jeff and his team the best of luck this year as he races through Baja.” Scott Carnahan, VP Safariland Equipment Category.
