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SIG SAUER Releases Rare Set of Surplus M17 and M18 Pistols to Benefit Sterling’s Promise Foundation

April 24th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 24, 2023) – Ahead of Special Operations Foundation Week (SOF Week) SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the first-ever public offering of a pair of M17 and M18 military surplus handguns with matching serial numbers through an online auction to benefit Sterling Promise Foundation. All proceeds from this online auction, hosted by Guns America, will go to support the mission of Sterling’s Promise Foundation to provide financial support for early cancer detection and to cover the financial gaps that occur between treatment needed and benefits provided of special operations veterans.

This pair of surplus Modular Handgun System (MHS) pistols to include an M17 (serial # TF000041) and M18 (serial # TC000041) with matching serial numbers is 1 of 9 sets of MHS surplus pistols originally manufactured under contract with the U.S. Army according to the original specifications. Both pistols were originally issued by the U.S. Army and fielded during the initial domestic and in-theater deployment of the Modular Handgun System. The unique, one-of-a-kind, features of these surplus pistols include coyote controls, the original government-issue markings and serial numbers, and orange rear and green front SIGLITE Night Sights.

“It is an honor for SIG SAUER to join forces with Sterling’s Promise to celebrate the life and service of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling, who passed away early into his civilian career after a heroic battle with cancer, through this rare opportunity to own a piece of U.S. military history,” said Jason St. John, Sr. Director, Government Products. “We are hopeful that the rarity of these pistols will entice collectors to bid for a worthy cause. Not only are these pistols a rare set, but I would also note that this M18 surplus is the first-ever to be released. With only 75 of the M18 surplus pistols in existence SIG SAUER has no plans to offer them commercially, only through charitable auctions such as this or for historical display.”

SIG SAUER’s Jason St. John discusses the features of the M17 and M18 surplus pistols available at the online auction to benefit Sterling Promise Foundation.

The Sterling Promise Foundation was established in memory of U.S. Army SOF Veteran Scott Sterling who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as well as 1st SFOD-D. Following his service, he enjoyed a successful civilian career in the industry and passed away in April 2021 from cancer caused by exposure during his military service. The Sterling Promise Foundation was set up in his memory to help special operations veterans and their families by covering the gaps that exist between expenses and benefits, and to provide financial assistance for ongoing early detection medical screenings for improved health and survivability.

The complete details of this auction, detailed product photos, and product video with Jason St John can be found at GunsAmerica.com. Bidding is now open through Thursday May 11, 2023, and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Bid here.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Firearms, Fundraising | 1 Comment »

Counterstrike AO Knife from Hogue

April 24th, 2023

Hogue recently introduced the Counterstike, an out the front, automatic opening knife.

While there are several different grip colors and finishes, the blades are either Tanto or Drop Point in 3.35″ length and made from CPM 20CV Stainless Steel. The case is 5″ and the weight is 2.9 oz.

www.hogueinc.com/knives/hogue/automatic-knives/counterstrike

Posted in Knives | 1 Comment »

Black Hills Designs – SHOVE-R

April 24th, 2023

The Black Hills Designs SHOVE-R shove knife is the hyper minimalist entry tool designed to be with you when you need it.

What is a shove knife and why do I need one?

In simplest terms: A shove knife is the old creditcard + door trick

Traditionally a shove knife is made out of metal and presents a long rigid item to conceal with a width measured in inches, the objective of the SHOVE-R is to make sure that you are equipped at all times.

3x for $35

If you are intrested in purchasing or becoming a dealer contact us at:

www.blackhillsdesigns.net

Prior and current mil/leo discount available.

Posted in Gadgets, Guest Post | Comments Off on Black Hills Designs – SHOVE-R

USSF Completes Service Dress Uniform Fit Tests

April 24th, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Space Force completed its final service dress uniform fit test March 27-31 at the Pentagon. The initial fit test was conducted February 13-17 at Peterson Space Force Base.

Fit tests are an essential process in developing the prototype’s sizing and fit. One hundred Guardians worldwide were selected as fit test participants, an important milestone in delivering a first-rate uniform.

“From the word ‘go’ we have been committed to keeping Guardian feedback at the forefront of developing the service dress,” said Col. James Jenkins, director of the Office of Change Management Team. “We know Guardians are excited for a uniform they can call their own and we are accelerating as quickly as possible to deliver a product they can wear with pride.”

The Space Force unveiled its initial service dress uniform prototype in September 2021, quickly followed by a uniform roadshow garnering Guardian feedback.

“We used Guardian focus groups and roadshows to narrow service dress design options,” said Wade Yamada, U.S. Space Force Director of Staff deputy. “We listened intently to Guardian design and fit requests. In many ways, Guardians helped select our current service dress design.”

The next step in developing the service dress uniform is the wear test to assess the durability, functionality and comfort of the prototype. The wear test will begin in summer 2023.

During the wear test, Guardians will wear the uniform three times a week and provide detailed feedback assessing the prototypes.

“We are excited by Guardians’ input into their future uniform,” said Catherine Lovelady, Office of Change Management Team uniform lead. “We are passionate about ensuring our members continue to have a voice in shaping a unique Space Force uniform.”

Guardian feedback will continually be at the forefront of uniform development as the service works toward delivering to the force in late 2025.

Story by SAF/PA Staff Writer, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Photos by Andy Morataya

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space | 7 Comments »

Team Gold Tip Takes Top Spots at ASA Fort Benning Pro/AM

April 23rd, 2023

Gold Tip’s Randy Morocco Wins Second ASA Tour Event in a Row

MADISON, Miss. – April 17, 2023 – Gold Tip®, an industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, congratulates team archers for another string of impressive finishes at the 2023 ASA Fort Benning Pro/AM, which took place in Fort Benning, Georgia. Gold Tip archers were successful in claiming first place wins in both the Senior Pro Known and Men’s Unknown Pro classes plus multiple other podium finishes.

The second stop on the ASA 3-D National Tour, Fort Benning is also the biggest venue in 3-D archery with more than 1,700 shooters registered from across the U.S. and world. A relative newcomer to Team Gold Tip, Randy Morocco sealed his second victory on the ASA circuit, again winning first place in the new Senior Pro Known class after claiming the same title at the ASA Foley competition. Throughout the match, Morocco shot Gold Tip Triple X Pros. Teammate and staff manager Tim Gillingham came in third in the same event.

“Randy has been shooting great and it’s good to have him on Team Gold Tip,” Gillingham said. “I tried hard to beat him this weekend, but he wasn’t giving up any of the lead he had gained.”

New to the pro podium was Gold Tip staffer Hunter Hogan, who had an outstanding second-place performance in the Men’s Unknown Pro class. Meanwhile, in the Men’s Known Pro, where some of the best shooters in the sport compete, Gold Tip/Bee Stinger™ pros Lane Brandt and Alex Taylor took second and third respectively after an incredibly tight shoot-off.

In the Women’s Pro class, staffer Lindsay Christensen claimed third place, while in the Senior Pro Unknown class, Joe Pitt also took home third place.

To learn more about Gold Tip and Bee Stinger, check out goldtip.com and beestinger.com.

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Team Gold Tip Takes Top Spots at ASA Fort Benning Pro/AM

SPARTANAT Presents: “On Tour: FROG.PRO workshop visit”

April 23rd, 2023

SPARTANAT’s ON TOUR: FROG.PRO workshop visit was organized finally posted to their site at www.spartanat.com/2023/02/on-tour-werkstattbesuch-frog-pro in their native German language. This is a translation of that article. They’ve been gracious enough to share it with our readers.

ON TOUR: FROG.PRO workshop visit

We, too, have undertaken an Italian journey. No, not like Goethe, who traveled south of the Alpine ridge from 1786 to 1788. We were only there for two days and only got as far as Parma. And there not because of the famous culinary – although we can’t complain there – but because of the good gear. FROG.PRO, the Armani among Italian gear manufacturers, is at home there, we were with them in the workshop.

How Gear is created? Gear is created from material. Also at FROG.PRO, ten minutes from downtown Parma and yet outside the city, the raw material is important and the stocked warehouse is the basis that gear can be produced in different materials and colors.

But the sum of the parts is then more than the parts for themselves. FROG.PRO relied on laser cutting early on, and that shows in the workshop equipment. When you see the parts, you know where you stand.

This is what a panel looks like on the computer that controls the laser cutter. Here, the viewer can already recognize FROG.PRO’s characteristic design language: MOLLE with point openings.

And this is what it looks like when the suction stops working and the lid of the large laser computer opens. You can never have enough MOLLE …

The Italians produce on a daily basis. And in addition to the laser cut parts, all the other ingredients are added. They all add up to a whole: this will be Orthos Med Pouches.

Other color fancy? No, this is still not fashion, but MOLLE for IFAK bags for rescue forces, which are in hi-vis eye-catching colors.

Only who must come and everything exactly and exkat assemble. At the industrial machines sit seamstresses who build from the individual parts, the gear that you all know. Here again is a civilian IFAK in the works.

Work that requires a lot of patience and accuracy, because equipment consists of many parts and is constructed step by step. Until the FROG.PRO product is ready.

Also still there: classic MOLLE straps that provide mounting options on equipment.

And not to forget: lots of plastic parts with special functions.

These are some jobs that FROG.PRO has created. All Gear is produced locally by local workers.

At the end comes the shipping. What is ready is packed. Before that, the quality control department takes a close look at everything and makes sure that everything is as good as you expect from FROG.PRO.

At the same time, the Italian equipment manufacturer has a wide range that wants to get to the man: here is the very special Sniper CORE Chest Rig. It has been designed with special forces, we will soon present it to you separately.

Other items are more mundane, belts for example. Below the inner belt, above the equipment belt and above the padding that can be velcroed into the belt, which prevents the War Belt from slipping when worn over the jacket.

And, of course, plenty of different pouches for all the purposes you need to use.

“The Italian has a deeper feeling for the high dignity of art than other nations,” Goethe wrote in his famous Italian travelogue. Sounds pompous today, but it has a kernel of truth that can be found not only in the many fashion companies in the area and Milan and Parma. Fabio Casa, the founder and the soul of FROG.PRO, brings functionality and style together and both together result in his designs best equipment from Italy: FROG.PRO just.

FROG.PRO im Internet

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, International | Comments Off on SPARTANAT Presents: “On Tour: FROG.PRO workshop visit”

Registration Opens Nationally for the 5th Annual Stem to Stone Races

April 23rd, 2023

Virtual and in-person options allow participants to join in from anywhere while helping sponsor veterans’ wreaths for the participating location of their choosing!

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME — April 18, 2022 — Today, Wreaths Across America (WAA) proudly announces that registration is open for its annual Stem to Stone Races. Both in-person and virtual options are available to participants. For each race registration a veteran’s wreath is sponsored and will honor a hero on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Registrations are open for both the virtual race as well as the annual live Stem to Stone Races scheduled on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The virtual and in-person options allow participants to join in from anywhere while helping sponsor veterans’ wreaths for the participating location of their choosing. The live, in-person event will take place in Columbia Falls, Maine, on the tip lands where balsam is grown and harvested each year to make the veterans’ wreaths that are then placed on the headstones of our nation’s heroes.

Race options for early registration (prices will increase July 1 through race day):

• 1 Mile Kids Fun Run (In-person only) – $17.00

• 5K In-person – $45.00

• 5K Virtual – $45.00

• 10K In-person – $50.00

• 10K Virtual – $50.00

Click here to register or learn more about this event.

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/563857188924219

“This our fifth year holding these races, and to date we’ve been really happy with the turnout, not only in Maine but across the country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “The Stem to Stone Race is a great way to stay active, be healthy, get involved in the community and do something meaningful for people who have done so much for us. We encourage everyone to get involved either virtually or in-person, and help share the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.”

Every race registration sponsors a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. You can personalize your efforts by designating a local Sponsorship Group or Participating Location you would like your sponsored wreath allocated to during the registration process. Just have the location or group ID available during checkout.

These races serve to help further community awareness and understanding of WAA’s yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that served, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

To learn more go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/19520/News/944

If you would like to register go to runsignup.com/Race/ME/ColumbiaFalls/StemtoStoneRace.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising | Comments Off on Registration Opens Nationally for the 5th Annual Stem to Stone Races

AFSOC Hosts Semi-Annual SAF/FM Executive Session

April 23rd, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Carlos Rodgers, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Management and Comptroller, recently met with senior leaders here to discuss the strategic issues and priorities impacting the financial management career field.

The meeting was hosted by Air Force Special Operations Command at the Joint Operations Planning Center for members of the Executive Session.

“The AFSOC team provided exceptional planning support and created an environment that drove the success of this session,” said Rodgers.

During the three-day executive session, FM leaders engaged in detailed discussions on the future design of financial management functions. The participants covered topics such as resource management optimization, budgeting in the garrison and deployed environments, and enhancing customer service.

“We need to achieve these goals while balancing audit requirements, automating processes, improving data analytics capabilities, and maintaining a highly trained, diverse, and inclusive workforce.” said Rodgers.

Events like these can help improve the future of the Air Force by ensuring commanders have the resources they need to properly handle the mission in today’s shifting operational and constrained financial environment.

Additionally, timely and accurate delivery of financial services allows Airmen and Guardians to focus on the mission instead of the cost of how to accomplish the mission.

Furthermore, these types of events can also improve business systems and processes that will lead to accurate financial statements, thereby driving increased confidence with Congress and the American taxpayer.

“The overarching intent of the session is to improve the delivery of financial management services and decision support across the DAF,” said Rodgers. “With a focus on driving progress toward the vision set out in the DAF FM Strategic Plan, the attendees reviewed the progress, re-vectored as necessary, and established a clear way ahead for each line of effort.”

Insights gained from this executive session are integrated into AFSOC and the Air Force’s overall strategy and operations.

Jeff Decocker, AFSOC director of Financial Management and Comptroller, pointed out that AFSOC stands at a strategic inflection point.

He also stated that the challenges that AFSOC face include great power competition, tightening fiscal constraints, and the accelerating pace of technological change. This ensures that AFSOC will overcome those obstacles, it starts with Airmen because they form the core of Air Force competitive advantage.

AFSOC efforts are focused on providing forces ready to generate advantage in competition, enable the joint force in conflict, and respond to crises while remaining engaged in countering violent extremist organizations.

“The Department of the Air Force must invest in operational capabilities that protect our ability to deter conflict and project power against pacing challenges,” said Rodgers. “Financial management is at the core of our ability to accelerate these investments.”

Innovation is an integral part of the Air Commando culture and that extends to the Comptroller community.

Hurlburt Field is leading an initiative to improve financial customer service across the Air Force. The 1st Special Operations Comptroller Squadron created an appointment-based system enabling a virtual face-to-face meeting between the customer and the member using Microsoft Teams. This innovative approach gives time back to the customer enhancing mission accomplishment.

AFSOC FM is also partnering with our U.S. Army and United States Special Operations Command counterparts to implement financial approaches to impose cost, reduce purchasing power, and decrease our adversaries’ operational efficiency. Understanding how our adversaries move, store, and use resources can be a powerful deterrent for our commanders to apply down range.

Many innovations are being brought to fruition by Airmen, Guardians, and senior leaders throughout the Air and Space Force.

“The DAF FM Executive Session is a critical element in maintaining the momentum toward building the future FM organizations and capabilities needed by the Department of the Air Force,” said Rodgers. “This executive session was an essential step in improving financial management across the Air and Space Force.”

By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alysa Knott

1st Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC Hosts Semi-Annual SAF/FM Executive Session