Jill, Kris Ford and Stephanie Hayden on our first SCUBA dive ever! Thank you DIVE CARE!
Shooting with SOF, Dive Care & SOFIC
Friends and Patriots support GRAA National Rally, May 25th
Check out the Friends and Patriots gathering at the Liberty Bell on May 25th for the GRAA National Rally! Gun Rights Across America is a grassroots organization that is quickly building followers in all 50 states. Get involved when you can and hope to see you in Philadelphia!
Two amazing VALUES for advertising budgets! Minimum of 100 million anticipated TV viewers!
Two fighters grappling in a mixed martial arts event. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you have an advertising budget between $5,000 and $50,000…DO NOT MISS THIS!
This is not a charitable endeavor…this is the real deal that would cost you MEGA BUCKS through a media buying agency.
I’ve got two (2) TV PRODUCTION advertising opportunities with anticipated minimum viewership of of 100 million people and the chance to be a part of history!
One is in the MMA market which is a perfect cross over for the firearms and accessories industry.
The other is for a historical documentary that will be highly anticipated, as there is already an unfinished documentary of the same subject being replayed often. A competing network with the same type of show has over 15 million viewers per week, on the subject matter!
Give me a call if you understand VALUE for your advertising budget!
NDA’s are needed for more information. Call Jill at 239-273-4783
NEW SEASON OF “SONS OF GUNS” Starts April 19th! Book appearances now!
“SONS OF GUNS” NEW SEASON STARTS ON APRIL 19th!
Patriot Promotions is now booking appearances for Red Jacket Firearms April through December 2013
Bring America’s favorite firearms business to your next event or fundraiser.
Saturday dates are filling up quickly. Call Jill for prices and to reserve your date!
UFC VIP EVENT: Making a Wounded Warfighter’s Dream Come True!
THIS IS JEFF. His story was brought to my attention from Wounded Vets.org and when I learned he was using MMA as his coping mechanism for dealing with his PTS….it was time to make a few calls! The result was totally unexpected and obviously meant to be!
Hooters hooked us up with all VIP passes for the Jones vs. Evan’s fight in Atlanta. I quickly found sponsors for expenses. Much appreciation for the airfare provided by Soldier Water of Tampa and Wounded Vets.org for hotel.
Jeff had the time of his life meeting his UFC heroes, but when they learned about him…the respect was more than mutual.
This is the article written by my friend Howard Altman, Sr. Military writer for the Tampa Tribune. Thanks Howard for documenting his story!
Army hero turns to ring to battle PTSD
Photo from Jeff Collins
Jeff Collins has his motto, “Hard To Kill,” tattooed on his back.
By HOWARD ALTMAN | The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 19, 2012
Updated: May 19, 2012 – 5:20 PM
Published: May 19, 2012
Updated: May 19, 2012 – 5:20 PM
HUDSON –HUDSON In a 22-foot-diameter octagonal cage where kicks and punches are exchanged, Jeff Collins finds an escape from his pain.Stalking his opponent, eyes fixed with concentration, Collins doesn’t think about the soldiers who died beside him in an Iraqi firefight. He doesn’t dwell on what might have been if post-traumatic stress disorder hadn’t forced him from the Army.Jabbing, ducking, swinging his feet in a roundhouse kick, his thoughts don’t swing to the day his father killed himself in his house.Here at Extreme MMA, a mixed martial arts academy run by an affable redhead from Massachusetts named Paul Mello, Collins allows his brain to think only about his training for an upcoming match in Orlando.Mello built the gym in the middle of his father’s junkyard, Hudson Salvage.It’s where Collins, 33, found salvation.”Mixed martial arts has saved me,” he said.* * * * *Jeff Collins, construction worker, became U.S. Army Sgt. Jeff Collins in July 2007 after returning from a tour in Afghanistan with the Florida National Guard. Collins enlisted after his job with a concrete pumping company ended.Just as he received news that his first wife was filing for divorce, he was selected to be the “tip of the spear” on a mission to go after an al-Qaida leader. The man had massacred the family of a U.S.-friendly militia member in Diyala province, and Collins was tasked with kicking in the door on a payback raid.He picked three guys — Pfc. Zachary Nordmeyer, Cpl. Michael Mayne and Spc. Michael Alleman — to be on his team.
“I knew they were reliable,” said Collins, sitting on a chair in his Holiday home. “I knew they were the best of the best.”
In the early hours of Feb. 23, 2009, Collins and the rest of his platoon, a couple dozen men, boarded choppers heading for the target. The raiding party entered the compound, but there were no insurgents, just an old man and a few women, Collins said.
A Predator drone overhead captured a different scene. The drone operators saw men run into the courtyard but not out.
“We knew they were there,” Collins said. “We just didn’t know where. The old man said no one was here, but he was lying to us.”
Nordmeyer saw something that didn’t look right. He picked up an ax and began hitting the ground. An indentation opened up, then a small hole.
Collins, who had a powerful flashlight attached to his M-4 combat rifle, pointed the barrel into the hole, his interpreter next to him.
“I flipped on the light,” said Collins, “and then an instantaneous ba-pow.”
An insurgent in the hole had shot the interpreter in the head.
Two holes opened up on each end of the courtyard, Collins said. Insurgents with belt-fed machine guns popped out and began firing.
“We were stuck,” Collins said. “It was a meat grinder. They were shooting the place up.”
Lt. Hans Rohr, the platoon leader, was shot in both hands. Just before getting to a mud wall for cover, Nordmeyer was hit.
“I went to go get him,” said Collins, “but it was just bullets, a wall of bullets. I remember telling him, ‘Hold on a minute; I’m going to come get you.’”
But the enemy gunfire was too fierce.
“He got shot two or three more times,” said Collins, crying at the memory. “I just felt helpless. I was this big bad NCO that ruled with an iron fist, and everyone looked up to me. I was the go-to guy. I couldn’t help him.”
Enemy bullets began piercing the mud wall. Then the insurgents began lobbing grenades.
Mayne was killed. Minutes later, Alleman was dead, too.
Collins, alone now, kept firing. He remembers killing an insurgent who raced toward him but hesitated a second too long.
“I went through five 30-round magazines,” he said.
Eventually a quick-reaction force arrived and rescued Collins, but not before almost killing him. A truck crashed through a wall, the bumper hitting his head.
Collins ended up in a truck with the other rescued soldiers. The men cried and hugged.
One of those men was Rohr, now a captain stationed in Hawaii.
“I was very concerned for his mental health,” Rohr said. “He was very, very traumatized. “I told the medics, ‘Make sure someone keeps an eye on him. He is not OK.’ “
* * * * *After the firefight, the Army career that Collins loved essentially was over.
“I didn’t finish my tour,” he said. “I started getting panic attacks, and they sent me to a combat stress unit.”
He spent time in psychiatric units in Germany and Bethesda, Md. Finally, an Army medical board decided he no longer could serve. Collins was devastated.
“I didn’t want to get out of the Army,” he said. “I would still be in right now if they would let me.”
About the same time, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in the courtyard. At the ceremony, a general came up to Collins and said he saw the firefight on a video captured by the drone.
” ‘You are one hard son of a bitch to kill,’ ” Collins said the general told him.
* * * * *Before returning home to Holiday, Collins was kept for observation at an Army post-traumatic stress disorder center in Washington State.
“They wouldn’t let me go back home,” Collins said. “I was too unstable, having outbursts and anger. They were afraid I was going to go home and kill my ex.”
When he first got home, Collins went through a “partying stage” and then withdrew. But in December, he met a woman on an online dating site who would become his second wife.
Andrea Collins said she didn’t know anything about what happened in that courtyard in Diyala province until about a month after they started dating, when the new couple hosted a party for a cousin departing for Afghanistan.
“He drank too much, pulled a gun on himself and said he wanted to be with his boys,” Andrea Collins said. “I sent everyone home, and he laid on the floor and spilled his guts.”
Opening up did not change things for Collins.
“I felt ripped off because the Army took my job away,” he said. “I was bitter.”
One day in March 2010, Andrea Collins came home from work and found what looked like shredded paper all over the house.
“I had gotten drunk and shot the house up, all the pillows, shot holes in the wall,” Jeff Collins said. “I probably shot off 40 or 50 rounds.”
The next day, Andrea Collins took her then-boyfriend to the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, where he was put on more than a half-dozen medications.
But he still drank, often a case of beer a day. He ballooned to 250 pounds.
And he kept getting hit with bad news. His parents’ 32-year marriage dissolved and his dad fell into an alcohol-fueled depression. Collins’ downward spiral continued.
Then one day, the man who ran his PTSD group at the VA made a suggestion.
Try martial arts.
* * * * *Collins went online and found Extreme MMA in Hudson.
He approached Mello in July 2010, told him about his past, that he was there on doctor’s orders.
“I instantly clicked with the guys,” he said. “The camaraderie reminded me of the military.”
He stopped drinking, began training. Four months later, he entered his first tournament and won gold.
“That tournament changed my life,” he said. “I felt like I was a winner again. In the Army I was a winner. I was the best at what I did. When I got out, I had no purpose. I just wanted to die.”
After winning, Collins decided to live. He dropped 60 pounds. He entered four more tournaments, coming in first or second each time. He and Andrea married.
“I was transformed into the soldier I used to be,” he said.
The resurgence didn’t last . On Dec. 14, while sitting at home, Collins heard a loud “pop” coming from the room where his daughter, Savannah, stayed during visits.
His father had committed suicide.
“I pretty much lost it,” Collins said.
He started drinking again. Quit training. Ballooned back up to 230 pounds. Stopped answering his phone.
Then one day in April, his 7-year-old daughter asked him a question that might have saved his life.
Daddy, why don’t you fight anymore?
“She used to go to the tournaments and watched me win,” Collins said.
Collins went back to Extreme MMA and once again threw himself into training. In a few weeks, he competed in an April tournament in Orlando, taking second place.
The weight started to come off again. The drinking stopped.
Collins still has issues. Loud noises startle him. Something as innocuous as a garbage bag in the road will cause him to veer into oncoming traffic. But for the most part, his life is back on track.
Which is why he wants to tell his story.
“I want other veterans out there dealing with this to know that I have PTSD,” Collins said. “PTSD does not have me anymore.”
* * * * *With Mello yelling instructions, Collins practices his technique for the upcoming tournament in Orlando.
“He looks pretty good,” Mello said.
Collins is confident he will do well. To show why, he lifts up his sweat-drenched T-shirt to show off the tattoo underneath.
“Hard To Kill” is inked across his back, just below his shoulders.
It is, he says, his motto.
“I am a survivor,” he said. “The other guy doesn’t stand a chance.”
Related articles
Press Release: World Champion pistol competitor Dave Sevigny teams up with the All Veteran Parachute Team, Blue Emu and PBR for a wounded warrior Adventure Day to remember!
Press Release
Multiple National & World Champion pistol competitor, Dave Sevigny & Team Sevigny Performance show their respect for wounded Warriors with a special day of one on one instruction, followed by skydiving with famous Golden knight, Mike Elliot and the All Veteran Parachute Team (AVPT). Fayetteville, NC (April 2012) – World Champion pistol shooter and firearms instructor Dave Sevigny and Anna Brooke of Team Sevigny Performance, joined with PBR (Professional Bull Riders Association), their loyal sponsor Blue Emu and famous Army Golden Knight, Mike Elliot with his All Veteran Parachute Team, along with others to host a simulated “SOF Adventure Day” for wounded warriors and professional bull riders from PBR. Dave and Brooke did their part coaching and teaching the group how to improve their marksmanship while representing Sevigny Performance and OMB Guns. New techniques and tricks were learned while the crowd was given a “shock and awe” performance on steel targets by Dave Sevigny. His lightning fast magazine changes, along with his stone cold accuracy on the targets left the crowd cheering and wanting more! However, they had to move on to the next amazing treat, a tandem skydive with the famous Golden Knight, Mike Elliot and his All Veteran Parachute Team (AVPT). The wounded warriors and PBR guests started in the wind tunnel and it was clear there was a sense of freedom from their wheelchairs and adaptive equipment that can’t be rivaled by any other experience! For many, especially the sponsors, this was one of the best parts of the day as you can’t put a price on the smiles given to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Sevigny Performance regularly conducts LE and civilian firearm training courses. Brooke heads up the ladies team and adds a touch of class to every event, demonstrating her top notch pistol skills for the crowd and assisting Dave as he instructs. The two were able to provide an exclusive training with the new FNH FNS 9 striker-fire pistol which received rave reviews. “At one point the three wounded warriors were in the wind tunnel with the instructors. Seeing them smile and embracing that moment was a once in a lifetime sight for Dave and I,” said Brooke, a competitive shooter and trainer for Sevigny Performance. Dave says “ I highly respect these heroes and it was an honor to work with them.” Patriot Promotions has teamed up with Sevigny Performance, Mike Elliot and the All Veteran Parachute Team, to plan for more Adventure Academy events, like the one you see here. They will be hosting future veteran/wound warrior events that provide winning opportunities for wounded warriors and caregivers. Companies should spend their marketing or charitable dollars to host their own Adventure Academy for teambuilding or cause marketing. Seeing our combat wounded war fighters have the time of their life, makes this the most memorable way to spend your marketing dollars. If you would like to become a sponsor of one of these events, please contact : Jill Trammell of PATRIOT PROMOTIONS at 239-273-4783. www.patriotpromotions.wordpress.com For more information about booking a Sevigny Performance LE and civilian training class: please email Dave and Brooke at info@sevignyperformance.com Dave and Brooke of Sevigny Performance with Blue Emu, prepping for the warriors. ESPN in background.
Following the demo, Dave ran the guests through a competition Wounded war fighter in wind tunnel at ParacleteXP.com |
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Wounded war fighter shooting on the range
Getting ready to jump with the All Veteran Parachute Team
Life is good! Flying through the air with famous Golden Knight, Mike Elliot!
Dave and Brooke of Sevigny Performance with the Adventure Academy Sponsors
Tampa Tribune News: Special forces, businesses help each other out
English: United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) emblem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/may/07/memeto1-special-forces-businesses-help-each-other–ar-400670/Special forces, businesses help each other out
By Howard Altman
It began less than two months ago as a brainstorm to help special operations forces veterans and raise awareness among local business leaders of what operators do in the field.
Have active-duty and veteran Air Force Special Tactics Squadron members, Green Berets, Marine Special Operations Command members, Rangers and SEALs teach local business leaders how to shoot machine guns and other weapons, then lead them in a competition.
Golf tournaments? Fishing derbies?
Been there, done that, says Scott Neil, a recently retired special forces master sergeant who came up with the idea. Neil, who used to train special forces members on how to shoot in urban combat situations, wanted to offer the amateurs “the same environment used by Green Berets and SEALs to test each other.”
For Neil, the event, called Shooting With SOF, was a natural for several reasons.
As a former senior enlisted adviser to the director of the Interagency Task Force at U.S. Special Operations Command, Neil was used to bringing disparate groups together to work toward a goal.
Coming on the heels of the anniversary of the demise of Osama bin Laden, the curiosity factor about special operations forces remains high.
Then there is the cool factor.
“People love to tell their buddies stories,” Neil says. “I did something you didn’t.”
After the concept was signed off on by a group of Neil’s fellow SOF veterans, including David Scott, a retired Air Force major general who served as deputy director for Socom’s Center for Special Operations, word quickly and quietly spread through the special ops and business communities. People offered to help. Without any advertising or media coverage, the teams quickly filled up.
“It was all achieved by word of mouth,” says Neil.
Shooting With SOF will not only give business leaders a chance to see how special operators work, Neil says, but it will also give special operators a chance to learn how to become successful in civilian life.
Paralyzed veterans will also get a chance to shoot, Neil says, thanks to Be Adaptive, which makes hunting and fishing equipment for the disabled. The company has a wheelchair device that allows a paralyzed shooter to use a blow tube to fire a weapon.
It all starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bad Monkey, a new bar in Ybor City run by Scott. From there, the shooters will travel by limo bus to the Teneroc Shooting Sports range in Lakeland. After the competition, shooters will head back to the bar for awards, razzing and perhaps an adult beverage or two.
The inaugural Shooting With SOF benefit supports three charities:
- The Green Beret Foundation, which provides financial resources, immediate-need supplies, caregiver assistance, and educational scholarships to wounded or ill Army Special Forces warriors and their families. www.greenberetfoundation.org
- TAMCO Foundation, a non-partisan organization dedicated to helping severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. www.tamcofoundation.org
- Black Dagger Military Hunt Club, providing peer-to-peer hunting and shooting opportunities for military men, women and family members. www.blackdaggermhc.org
Though the shooting slots are filled, anyone wanting to make a contribution to the charities or meet the special operators can attend the Cigars and Cars event at Jaguar of Tampa, 320 E. Fletcher Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Thursday or show up Saturday night at Bad Monkey Bar, 1717 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City.
For more information. about Shooting with SOF, go to www.shootingwithsof.com.
Related articles
- McRaven: Special Operations More Than Just Combat (defense.gov)
Press Release: Shooting with SOF event, May 12, 2012 Tampa, Fl.
Press Release
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jill Trammell May 7, 2012 (239)273-4783
Veteran & Community news – On the heels of the anniversary of the takedown of Osama bin laden, there will be a shooting event. “Shooting with SOF” – Special forces legends and local celebrities team up with a grateful community to provide a day of high intensity shooting matches and special adaptive shooting devices that allow our severely disabled wounded veterans the ability to participateDate: May 12, 2012 Time: 11am – 6pm Location: Bad Monkey (1717 E 7th Ave) in Ybor City and top notch range facility. |
Shooting with S-O-F (Special Operation forces) community fusion and charity event was organized by Scott Neil- a recently retired senior enlisted advisor to USSOCOM and counter terrorism training subject matter expert. Scott literally helped write the Army’s current weapons training standards utilized by our modern military. The event will benefit; Green Beret Foundation and two local Tampa veterans charities, the TAMCO Foundation and the Black Dagger military Hunting Club in order to raise funds for their programs that assist in integration of combat wounded OIF/OEF warriors.
(Tampa, FL) The Shooting with SOF shooting event will be held Saturday May 12th from 11am to 6pm. The event will kickoff at retired Major General Dave Scott’s new establishment, the Bad Monkey in Ybor City. The Bad Monkey is a former Navy SEAL call sign and is a Special Operations themed establishment. The participants will be transported to an exclusive shooting range where they will compete and have fun shooting exotic weapons. The exciting range matches will showcase Special Operations Forces (SOF) legends, such as Scott Neil and friends, as well as, other well known patriots who have served their nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and other global operations.
These Green Berets, SEALS, U.S. Army Rangers and Special Operation Marines will be teamed with local businesses, celebrities, and community leaders in a high intensity competitive shooting match, using special weapons and tactics. A special pre party with early arrivals will be held at the regularly scheduled “Cars and Cigars” event at ELDER JAGUAR. Local high performance vehicle dealers gather with Special Forces Motorcycle Club to view their newest custom bike and sidecar, along with the best cars our community has to offer.
Of special interest is the firing range dedicated for severely injured and disabled veterans assisted by special adaptive shooting technology provided by Be Adaptives, which can assist disabled war fighters… even quad amputees, to perform the shooting skills they previously enjoyed. This type of “shooting sports re-integration” provides our wounded heroes with camaraderie from a grateful community and is a unique feature of this dynamic shooting event.
The entire day is made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as General Dynamics, Elder Automotive Group, as well as corporations involved in adaptive sports technology, special operations support, and patriotic business leaders.
Following the event and mission debrief, scoring and additional fundraising functions will be enjoyed to include a silent auction with a variety of products and services, including National and International simulated Special Operation adventures for purchase. Festivities will continue at the Bad Monkey, which will be open to the public immediately following the post event mission debrief.
Please contact Jill Trammell of Patriot Promotions at (239)-273-4783 to arrange for exclusive interviews and video coverage.
Pictures for distribution: Logo
Special Forces Motorcycle Club Custom Bike and Sidecar at Elder Jaguar Thursday night at 6pm for the regular “Cars and Cigars” event with local high performance vehicle dealers and early arrivals for the SOF shooting match.
National and International simulated SOF Adventures at Auction by: Patriot Promotions and the All Veteran Parachute Team led by Mike Elliot, Former Golden Knight and skydiving legend with over 9000 jumps!
Wounded Warrior doing what he loved to do before his injuries. Special adaptive equipment will be provided at the range for their enjoyment.
What happened to Junior Seau? – Thoughts from the “Albino Samoan Girl”.
My maiden name is Marquardt.
Its German descent but a familiar last name to Samoans, thanks to WWI Germans exploiting trade and making babies there in Samoa. In the N.County area of San Diego, Ca. where I grew up, there was a group of Marquardt’s who were on our rival football team. I went to Vista High with our own Samoan hero, legendary Colorado University quarterback, Sal Aunese (RIP). Sal would joke with the his O’side brothers to be nice to me because I was one of them. One day someone on the Oceanside team started the joke that I was their ‘albino Samoan girl’. A mascot of sorts. I couldn’t argue with that.
Oceanside Pier, in Oceanside, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Players who surfed, including Junior, would see me out in the water and were always super friendly. The competition for waves was always fierce especially for me as a teenage girl, but they would shelter me from oncoming posers threatening to run over the little albino Samoan girl or snaking all my waves. I was blessed to learn how to surf in their presence, riding waves in Oceanside Harbor the Pier or Buccaneer Beach breaks. I always loved them and a handful of other good guys, who gave me that gift growing up. They were some of the best times of my life.
People thought Junior Seau was so lucky. But he really sacrificed his life to rise above the beach loving, party throwing, rowdy, church going crowd…just to be able to go back to them again as the same guy that left, or so many had thought. On his journey, he made us cheer for the Chargers even when they sucked and took what still seemed to be our small town, into the Football Hall of Fame. For that we are all grateful as he came back and used his fame to help the at-risk youth and Marines of our community and created the Junior Seau Foundation.
In his retirement, Junior could be found on any given morning in front of his beach house doing CrossFit exersizes with local Marines, surfers, housewives, the postal carrier, whomever wanted to get down and dirty on the sand and be motivated by and become motivation for, this NFL legend. It was a gift he freely gave to his neighborhood just south of Oceanside Pier on the strand. A perfect view and some of the best surf in the area was his backyard and he loved it there playing his ukulele and his spirit channeling his Samoan island ancestors. Over the years, the Pier became home to gang-bangers and there was even an occasional murder, but for the most part people like Junior are what kept it clean, safe and under watch. It’s a safe bet that nothing would get by Junior, if he saw it happening.
Life seemed good for Junior Seau. He had a beautiful girlfriend Mary, who lived with him, took care of his business, made sure he remembered appointments and was devoted to him, he had kids that he loved and was so proud of his daughters on ‘The Wave’ volleyball team. He traveled to her events and was a saving grace for the volleyball Dads who were needing a major testosterone infusion on these girls trips, or a little ukulele entertainment. I think is safe to say is that Junior was the kind of guy with such a huge heart, that to disappoint those he loved or who looked up to him, carried guilt that couldn’t be shaken.
But there was a growing element to his personality that wasn’t like him. Eventually it became evident in behaviors he was exhibiting. He and Mary had a fight and a domestic disturbance call was made which threw him into the Vista jail. The next day he drove his car off the cliff in Carlsbad. We all knew it was a cry for help. Apparently, Mitchell the former Chargers pastor was counseling him. While Christian counseling is all well and good, I doubt very seriously that Mitchell knew what he was dealing with nor was he trained to see the signs of the psychological impact of TBI. Junior took many hard hits over the years, and for the most part, you just don’t get into the Football Hall of Fame without them. Fact is, brain injury leaves a lasting impression and needs very specific treatment and attention in counseling.
Junior Seau as a Charger (Photo credit: chrisphoto)
My father, was an All American Quarterback, he told me of this years ago when we saw football stars falling down in the public eye. Sometimes they turned to drugs and as we watched other local players (Carlsbad you know who I’m thinking of..) make it to the NFL, only to be struck down by these injuries and poor coping skills. The alpha male types don’t often reach out for help until they hit rock bottom. Usually jail time, or worse. Junior had hit rock bottom on that car ride to the Vista jail. That was NOT the Junior Seau in his mind…he was not a criminal…he didn’t hurt or scare people.
He may have been thinking things that I hear from veterans suffering from the same…What have I become? She would be better off without my sorry self…all I am is a burden and it’s getting worse. I could carry on about all the reasons that I think Junior’s head injuries played the major role in his suicide. But the thing that made it clear to me was the message we got. It could have been his last thought when he pulled that trigger to the heart, just like his friend did who wanted to save his brain for research. I don’t think it could be any more transparent to us all, unless there was a note.
For now, I can claim to be at least a partial TBI subject matter expert. Starting with the fact that at age 15 my best friend was in a coma for two weeks and I moved in and helped her to rehabilitate, she had to re-learn walking, talking, adding, subtracting, common sense, just about everything came back at an accelerated pace, except many things that Junior also had issue with…short term memory, social reasoning issues with impulse and anger control and I’m sure there were others that if he had been getting treatment, an expert would have been able to diagnose. These are parts of the brain controlled in the frontal or occipital lobes and are also the parts that would be bruised by being tossed around in your skull.
I eventually pursued a degree in psychology sparked by that experience and began mental health testing on combat veterans, as well as, several years working for State of Ga. in Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intake and Evaluation writing reports on mental status, medical, social and environmental histories.
My jobs have made me privy to personal information by interview, observation and instinct. People have different symptoms, but I could tell you from just talking to those who cared for him, Juniors head trauma presented as typical of a brain injury in the frontal and occipital lobes, a progressive deterioration with age (common) with impulsive, angry outbursts, very difficult to control and the resulting psychological impact is guilt and depression. A ton of guilt because a guy like Junior thought he had to always be in control…but he was out of control with his emotions and was hurting the people he loved.
I could see how he may have rationalized what a lot of veterans that are suicidal believe, that he was …”More of a burden than a help….. Would be better off dead with the insurance money then to have to deal with me…Its never going to get better, only worse.”
This story is so familiar to us who work with suicidal veterans and who understand the TBI that our troops are coming home with. So many not properly diagnosed and can be labeled as PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder NOS or have a concussion on record but tell others they are OK and don’t get the diagnosis. Unfortunately, what finally brings the actual brain injury to our attention can be a mental illness a progressive disease, like Parkinsons, just think about Muhammad Ali , another disability or suicide. Today, veteran suicide is literally an epidemic that people don’t know how to prevent. That is why its my top priority when helping assist wounded warriors with resources and dream trips that will pull them out of that deep figure 8 track of poor self-image and depression.
I will continue to try to bring the epidemic to people’s attention because this is why we are losing more of our young men to suicide than we did in war. OVER 18 per day and that is just the recorded suicides, not the ones by Cop or extreme activities. Their ages are 27 and under, on average.
If we can’t take care of our young men who have been ordered to do things that we cannot even fathom in our worst dreams, then why would anyone want to volunteer for the military? For the most part, Americans are clueless to how these invisible wounds effect so many lives until something like this happens and I know that Junior, having given so much to the troops, would want us to use his story to help them and sports athletes suffering the same, in his death.
Is brain injury linked to the suicide of Junior Seau? (ABC News article)
This albino samoan says YES….it could actually be the biggest issue.
Rest in peace Junior. I picture you on the endless wave where we will all meet again one day….. and this time, I’ll be tan.
Related articles
- Did the NFL Kill Junior Seau? (blogs.lawyers.com)
- Junior Seau receives tribute on Saturday (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- Oceanside names amphitheatre, community center after Seau (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- TMZ: Junior Seau’s family to be honored guests at Chargers home opener (tracking.si.com)
- Chargers Will Retire Juinior Seau’s Number 55 at Home Opener (boltbeat.com)
- Junior Seau’s Autopsy Reveals Linebacker Had No Alcohol or Illegal Drugs in His System at Time of Death (nesn.com)
- Junior Seau honored on billboard off I-5 in Oceanside (nfl.com)
- Junior Seau autopsy finds no illicit drugs, no brain damage (latimesblogs.latimes.com)
- For San Diego, a Clean Autopsy Means More Questions Surround the Junior Seau Death (rantsports.com)
Did you know only 39 of our States uphold our 2nd Amendment rights? Learn about Silencers, a Class3 product that can save millions on VA Claims and decrease Veteran suicide rates
Point Blank Range Grand Opening and Welcome Home Veterans Fundraiser
Tim Abell, Host of Grateful Nation, Jessica Harvey Mrs. N.C. and Mike Hughes from TopShot
October 29th, 2011
We opened the Point Blank Range (PBR) in beautiful Moorsville, N.C. outside of Charlotte. The event was helped to raise much needed funds for “Welcome Home Veterans” who run America’s Most Patriotic Coffee Shop which is a living history museum! The morning started at Richard’s Coffee Shop where we juiced up on cups of joe and special conversations with WWII Veterans and a bluegrass band made up of local vets that brought me to tears! Mike and Tim then headed up the RECON Car Rally as Grand Marshall’s riding in a classic military ambulance. (You know, the kind on M.A.S.H. with the big Red Cross on the side.)
Along the route, the drivers stopped at PBR where we were waiting with food and beverages along with the opportunity to meet Mrs. N.C. Jessica Harvey, wife of MLB Chris Harvey, sign up for raffle tickets, check out the many auction items and enjoy tours of this fantastic range and their Patriot Club which is a country club concept and unlike others we know in the west, this one is affordable!
If you get a chance to see this place. Please don’t hesitate to go in and say hello to Owners Jim and Dave…get a lesson from their expert trainer, Troy and tell them Jill sent you!
To see more pictures go to the “Past Events” tab.
Lone Congressman Takes Action on DoD Suicide Prevention Failures
MILITARY SUICIDE: War’s Invisible Casualty
by Rep. André Carson, Congressman from Indiana
Politico, April 8, 2013
Three hundred forty-nine members of the United States military committed suicide in 2012 — a total higher than the number of combat casualties in Afghanistan during that same period.
This 15 percent increase over the year prior points to a dangerous national epidemic and a failure to address the invisible wounds of war inflicted on members of the proudest military force in the world.
We must support the Congressmen and women who are doing the right thing for our veterans. Usually, they are also doing the right thing for the country!
Friend and Patriot Tim Clemente is a “hater”?!
Friend and Patriot Tim Clemente is a “hater”?!
I know Tim Clemente. He is far from a “hater”. In fact, he is a loving father, husband and patriot who has sacrificed for the sake of this country beyond the understanding of those whose ideologies teach them that we must have a valueless society. I don’t know many people who are conservatives that do not have some level of understanding and tolerance for the gay community. However, it is not the government or the media’s place to try and force what some call immoral behavior, onto others to make it OK for everyone?
Tolerance for other human beings is NOT calling good people names like “hater” when they just don’t believe in something you do. These people need to look in the mirror and realize that not everyone wants what they do. The ongoing feuding about this subject is fueled by such statements and only divides the country further.
Here’s an idea that everyone can get behind…..Why not take government out of the family entirely and then everyone can have their own way! A much more civil and tolerant proposition to get what they want.
Obama’s “Forward” campaign – A Socialist training commercial by MSNBC
MSNBC Host describing “Collective” property – our children! The Obama Administration is doing everything it can to insert its valueless ideology into every family. You must watch this video and share with the preface to listen and open your minds to what they are really saying here! It’s worse than “it takes a village to raise a child” She is basically saying the “children belong to us and we (the government) decide how to raise then and what “thing”(unborn) we spend the tax money on!
If you do NOT hear the echo of the Soviet Education conference of 1919, the Hitler Youth movement of the 1930′s and 1040′s, and the Communist Chinese and North Korean Marxist/totalitarian regimes claiming complete ownership of your children, you may want to consider, that their ideology has gotten to you too!
We are ALL influenced through subtle and not so subtle media. However, this “FORWARD” campaign is insanity and is obviously intended to spew the ideology of the progressives, to literally wipe away the morals and values of everyone in this country! We must ALL question authority and every media outlet that does not, is part of the problem!
Look at what your kids are bringing home from school. What are they studying? More importantly, WHO are they studying? Even worse…WHO ARE THEY NOT STUDYING! When you begin to question authority and look to see how they are influencing our children…you can clearly see the insertion of a progressive indoctrination program in the ciriculum. Most messages are carefully disguised to our children as neccessary ”tolerance” to those different from us and in the process are confusing children as to what and who they really are! They have taught a new belief system, one that contains no opinions and no consequences. This is how they describe “normal” now.
We ALL must question this Administration on every front. Write and use the internet to get the ground level truth about what they are doing to free thinking people who value a nation of morality and civility. Call out the leftist media on their propaganda campaigns to win over at least one heart or mind. Their machine will not stop until they fulfill the “progressive” agenda. By their own teachers and ideology, this is nothing less than Socialism which then becomes Communism.
Related articles
- Msnbc Promo: Your Kids Belong to the State [w/ Video] (secretsofthefed.com)
- US GOV OWNED MSNBC Host: YOUR KIDS BELONG TO THE COLLECTIVE [VIDEO] (secretsofthefed.com)
- State Kids Not Parents (educationviews.org)
- MSNBC Host: Your Kids Belong to the Collective (vineoflife.net)
- MSNBC Cadre Member: Your Kids — Like Your Money and Guns — Belong to the “Community” (lewrockwell.com)
- MSNBC Host: Your Kids Belong to the Collective (informationliberation.com)
- MSNBC Host: Your Kids Belong to the Collective (earththreats.com)
- Your Kids Belong to the Collective (dprogram.net)
- MSNBC Host: Your Kids Belong to the Collective (usahitman.com)
Sandyhook Requiem
Friday 12-14-12 started as any other day
Dressing for school, hurried breakfasts, hugs, little ones at play
Dedicated, loving teachers there in the morning
As dedicated, loving parents hand-off their living treasures
Little beating hearts and chubby hands
Giggles and greetings, crayons and colored clay
Chaos and unspeakable violence breached the walls
Of an institution felt safe and warm
By one confused, angry and hurt…
We should never forget the pain and loss of the families at Sandy Hook. God Bless them all and may their hearts find some peace. This is a wonderful requiem.
Picture of child with gun in NJ prompts Police intrusion
http://news.yahoo.com/video/picture-child-holding-gun-prompts-122553628.html
Police in NJ brought the Dept. of Child and Family Services officers to the home of this NJ man after seeing pictures of his 10 year old son holding an AR. Not only did they push their way into the home to search for any unsecured guns lying about the house (which they did not find) they insisted on making him open his gun safe with threat to take his kid from him if he didn’t! Why did they want to see his guns…to record the serial numbers and see if they are registered. In NJ you don’t have to register your guns, regardless, he got his attorney on the phone and he said DO NOT OPEN THE SAFE to them and even told them so on the phone. Actions by local officials like this will become more and more prevalent as those who think they have power, will abuse it. Its time that all Americans get to know their rights to keep and bear arms and its likely those that do not…well, you get what you ask for. Stupid is as stupid does. Lets enforce those who do stupid things. A Facebook post of a kid with his new hunting rifle, should never prompt such an intrusion!
Related articles
- Facebook Pic of NJ Boy Holding Rifle Prompts Raid by Police and Child Services (VIDEO) (guns.com)
- Police, Family Services raid NJ home over photo of child with rifle (kdvr.com)
- Facebook photo raid? Family says NJ overreacted to boy’s Facebook gun photo. (csmonitor.com)
- Police and Family Services Raid NJ Man’s Home Over Photo of Son With Rifle (foxnewsinsider.com)
- Family says NJ overreacted to boy’s gun photo (cnsnews.com)
- Family says NJ overreacted to boy’s gun photo (sacbee.com)
- Facebook Photo Raid: NJ Home Searched Over Child Holding Gun (theepochtimes.com)
- Family says NJ overreacted to boy’s gun photo (newsday.com)
- NJ Family Claims Officials Overreacted To Facebook Photo Of Son With Gun (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)
- WATCH: Judge Napolitano Weighs In on NJ Authorities Raiding House After Dad Posted Picture of 10-Year-Old Son With Rifle (foxnewsinsider.com)
The Benghazi Story - with Links
Someone put A LOT of work into this --- I'm republishing it here for two reasons:
1) To keep it as a resource.
2) For YOU to have as a resource too.
Obama is solely responsible for this.
Hillary claimed “No Knowledge” of gun running and told Rand Paul he needed to ask the CIA.
Let's look at some of the facts.
We already know that millions of dollars from the Republican establishment will be spent fighting the next campaign of Hillary Clinton. Every friend and patriot needs to take time to read the real stories about what happened in Benghazi. This one took some serious time to put together with a ton of links to educate even the biggest skeptic. The more you learn, the better decisions and debates you can make! The truth today is the enemy of those who want to stay in power. If you care about the future of this country and of the world today....you must educate and do something. If you are not involved and know the truth...you are part of the problem!
Now Booking Red Jacket Firearms, the stars of Discovery Channel’s “Sons of Guns”
Contact Jill to book an appearance from the favorite firearms family on TV.
Support the 2nd Amendment and women in firearms trade and manufacturing.
Friends and Patriots give thumbs up to Patriot Promotions Event during week at SHOT Show 2013
Dave Sevigny WINS U.S. IPSC Nationals.
GASTON J. GLOCK STYLE, Ltd. sponsor of the SEVIGNY Performance Team and OMB Guns is proud that Dave Sevigny showed a strong win at the US IPSC Nationals in Frostproof, Fl. this month.
Hosted by the Universal Shooting Academy, this national competition always brings out the best in the sport, including Dave! He beat some great shooters to win the Standard Division by more than 3%.
For those who are still learning about the outdoor and shooting sports world, you’re with me! I learned that this Standard Division in IPSC is basically like winning the Iron Sight Division of USPSA Limited. Dave’s final score was 1667.8517 and he felt good about the match.
We can look forward to more strong finishes for Dave and big thanks to GASTON J. GLOCKSTYLE, Ltd. and OMB for supporting this Super Star shooter You guys were right on the mark!
Gun Culture: Detroit vs.San Antonio
A melting pot, we are not. Just sayin….
If we were a true melting pot, there would not be such diversity of cultures. Its generational how people feel about guns. It’s based on their own personal experiences, the media that feeds them facts (or not) and the political climate we have to deal with today. So, in Detroit they are melting guns in desperation, while in San Antonio they are happy to have had a bystander stop a violent stabbing with his concealed carry. Two completely different cultures and reactions to carrying a firearm and our 2nd Amendment rights.
Places in our country have become SO lack of diversity, they are imploding. Parents are giving up their own safety to be actively doing something against the fear that their children will only “kill each other” with them.
By melting them, they are making a clear statement of disregard for selling in other parts of the country who do not have the problems they do in Detroit. However, if more good people in Detroit were not so afraid of guns…they would not be where they are today. Many a thug up and down the alley would have been blown away, not to reproduce the next generation of thugs.
Reporters have got to have seen it all by now…..
“The Rev. Theodore Parker, pastor of St. Cecilia, said the police-supported buyback is a benefit to the community. The guns they collect are melted down.
He said the program is a “great opportunity for people to unburden themselves” and rid the fear that “something really bad” could happen.
“We’re trying to get guns off the street so the kids won’t use them to kill each other,” said Alexander Thomas, a member of the church on Livernois near Grand River.”
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120831/METRO01/208310377#ixzz2592NXLzn
And in the news from San Antonio, where some of the most patriotic people in our country reside. Don’t mess with Texas folks! They’ve got a culture where carrying guns is just part of everyday life….for generations! Perfect example of what culture differences we have from one are to the next in the US.
Related articles
- Gun Culture: Detroit vs.San Antonio (patriotpromotions.me)
AR15.com Makes World’s First 3D Paper Gun! WOW!
Looking forward to the anti-gun nuts losing it over this new development!
“Photos of the world’s first 3D printed gun were discovered on the AR-15.com, a forum for firearms enthusiasts and supporters of gun rights. The creator, who goes by the username HaveBlue, assembled the weapon by combining the body of a normal .22 caliber pistol with that of a printed plastic version of the lower receiver used in AR-15 assault rifles (similar to the military’s M16). HaveBlue then tested out the creation by successfully firing 200 rounds without any signs of malfunction or complications, according to a post on the web site.
HaveBlue documents his gunsmithing process in such a detailed way, it might be a bit unnerving for some folks. With little more than a Stratasys 3D printer, a $30 batch of plastic resin and printing specifications available on the internet, the user was able to produce several of the necessary working parts. A step-by-step blueprint for making your own AR-15 lower receiver can also be found on Thingiverse.
While only one part of the gun was actually ”printed,” the lower receiver is the critical piece that enables the weapon to fire. It includes the bolt, trigger and the magazine, where ammunition is stored. Thats why under the American Gun Control Act, it’s this lower part that constitutes an operational gun and thus is heavily regulated.” (SmartPlanet, 2012)
The issue which arises now is that if anyone with a 3D printer can manufacture this part themselves or, as my previous report found, can purchase firearms freely using underground websites, what good would any form of “gun control” be?
Related articles
- One Per Cent: First successful firing of a 3D-printed gun [del.icio.us] (newscientist.com)
- First working 3D-printed firearm built (gizmag.com)
- The world’s first 3D-printed gun is a terrifying thing (thenextweb.com)
- Report of working 3D printed gun (boingboing.net)
- Forum Poster Claims He Successfully Tested World’s First Gun Made with a 3D Printer (betabeat.com)
- Gunsmith Uses 3D Printer To Make A Rifle (refreshingnews99.blogspot.com)
- Gunsmith Uses 3D Printer To Make A Rifle (webpronews.com)
- Man makes guns with a 3D printer (slashgear.com)
- Geek Creates Working Gun with a 3D Printer (techeblog.com)
Female wounded war fighter wanted for tandem skydive with Mike Elliot and friends!
I love being a volunteer!
Who else gets to make someones day like this?! Patriot Promotions is taking names of female wounded who want a thrill! How about a free skydive with Golden Knights (Ret.) attempting to beat the State record for Belly Flying!
If you know a worthy female warrior that can be in NC by July 14th, please respond via the email form below. We provide happy FLYING experiences that lift the spirit!
Vote for TalkingWithHeroes in Colorado!
Vote for TalkingWithHeroes in Colorado! Help them win a $250,000 grant to keep their great work going with our Veterans! http://ow.ly/bA2d8
NEWS! Suicide Prevention Partners- Facebook, VA & Blue Star Families.
“Today, we (Blue Star Families), along with Facebook and the Department of Veterans Affairs, are proud to announce that the Facebook military crisis content is live. As a result, friends and families with concerns about veterans, active-duty service members, and military family members will receive specific information about crisis services for our nation’s military, including The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders via phone, online chat, or text messaging.”
Facebook already provides suicide-prevention services, but the social network announced a special initiative targeting the U.S. military and its families, teaming up with Blue Star Families and the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer customized services to veterans, active-duty military-service members, and their families.
The Facebook engineering team developed a customized solution to help identify military families and personnel and offer them specific information if friends or family members report any of their content on the social network as harmful or suicidal, including information on The Veterans Crisis Line, which provides access to Department of Veterans Affairs responders via phone, online chat, or text messaging,
Blue Star Families said two key results from its third annual Military Lifestyle Survey fueled its partnership with Facebook:
- 86 percent of military families on Facebook said they access the social network daily.
- The percentage of military family members who have considered suicide (10 percent) is almost equal to the percentage of service members who have considered suicide (9 percent).
military-suicide-prevention_b88310The U.S. Military on Facebook page will host a live conversationThursday at 3 p.m. ET, featuring representatives from Blue Star Families, Facebook, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Advance questions and comments will be accepted on the event wall.
The panel will be moderated by Facebook Vice President of U.S. Public Policy Joel Kaplan, and guest panelists are scheduled to include:
- Blue Star Families Director of Research and Policy Vivian Greentree, a co-founder of the organization, Navy veteran, and military spouse.
- Department of Veterans Affairs Psychologist Caitlin Thompson.
- Denise Hamlin-Glover, senior manager of the Combat Stress Recovery Program at the Wounded Warrior Project.
Blue Star Families offered more details in a blog post:
Facebook has already provided suicide-prevention services, but it did not have automatic customized services for veterans, active-duty military spouses, and their families. For example, friends can report suicidal content, which triggers an email to the poster, providing him/her with a note that includes support information from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
While this is helpful for a military family, there are several specific resources provided to our nation’s military that we wanted to make sure they were aware of at their time of need. The Facebook engineering team worked on a customized solution that could help to identify military families and military personnel, ensuring that family members could send critical military-related counseling information to their soldiers.
Today, we, along with Facebook and the Department of Veterans Affairs, are proud to announce that the Facebook military crisis content is live. As a result, friends and families with concerns about veterans, active-duty service members, and military family members will receive specific information about crisis services for our nation’s military, including The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders via phone, online chat, or text messaging.
This is just one way to help our nation’s military families in their time of need. However, we believe that the Facebook platform, which is used on a daily basis by so many of our families, will be a critical means of helping our military community live long, healthy, and successful lives after they have sacrificed so much for our safety and way of life.
Link to Press Release: http://allfacebook.com/military-suicide-prevention_b88310
GASTON J. GLOCK style LP SPONSORS THE DAVE SEVIGNY PERFORMANCE TEAM
BREAKING NEWS!
GASTON J. GLOCK style LP Partners with World Champion Dave Sevigny and Team Member Anna Brooke
- April 17, 2012
- Print Pitch
SMYRNA, GA - GASTON J. GLOCK style LP, the purveyors of fine quality hunting and shooting sports apparel and accessories, have signed world champion shooter Dave Sevigny and Sevigny Performance team member Anna Brooke. GASTON J. GLOCK style LP will be working closely with Dave and Brooke to improve and develop apparel and equipment specifically to fulfill the shooting requirements for firearms training and competitions.
“The Sevigny Performance team of Dave and Brooke best exemplify the GASTON J. GLOCK style LP philosophy of dedication, purpose and integrity,” Beate Arnold, CEO of GASTON J. GLOCK style LP commented. “We are very proud to support this winning team and look forward to creating a high quality line of shooting sports apparel and equipment unlike anything in the market today.”
Dave Sevigny has been competing and winning titles since 1999 and since then has claimed over 170 major tournaments. While competing in defensive pistol shooting sports, Dave won more National championships than any other competitor from 2000 to 2010. In 2011, Dave became an 11-time United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) National Champion and is the only person to win a USPSA National Championship in nine consecutive seasons spanning 2003 to 2011. Dave won USPSA Nationals in four different divisions of competition ranging from stock pistols to high capacity iron sight divisions and the American favorite 1911 pistol. In both the 2010 and 2011 season, Dave won the Iron and Open divisions at the Pro-Am Championship. He also won the Iron Sight division along with Top 5 finishes in the Open division at the Steel Challenge National and World Championship in 2010 and 2011, proving his talent throughout multiple hotly contested shooting disciplines.
Anna Brooke’s journey as a competitive shooter began in April of 2011. While under the tutelage of Dave Sevigny, she has competed in Steel Challenge, USPSA, Pro-Am Championships in both iron sight and Open divisions. During her first year, Brooke has already earned titles such as High Lady in Open Rimfire at the 2011 Steel Challenge West Coast Regional (her first regional championship), 2nd Place Lady in Open Rimfire Division at the 2011 Steel Challenge World Championship and Ladies Limited Champion at the 2012 Georgia State Steel Championship. She is a rising talent in shooting sports and an inspiration to beginning competitors of all ages and gender.
Casting military. See me for more details.
