Patriot Promotions is proud to support a new POSITIVE REVOLUTION! We can all be different. We can be positive!
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
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!
Photo from Jeff Collins
Jeff Collins has his motto, “Hard To Kill,” tattooed on his back.
“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.”
English: United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) emblem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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:
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.
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.
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TODAY AT SUPERBOWL ALLEY 5:15 PM (Below the zip line in the field) Run – Ranger – Run! |
| Cory Smith will run 565 Miles in 28 Days
Why is Cory running? 1. To get home to his daughter
Ranger Run started on January 3rd (Tues) and will end around January 31st (Tues). Cory has been covered along the route by Fox and CNN. Please come out to support him as he makes his way (with a wounded leg and foot) to meet his friends and family at Superbowl Alley by 5:30pm! SPECIAL GUEST MC: Boone Cutler, America’s only Wounded Warrior, ON-AIR Radio personality from Fox 99.1 FM (Reno,NV) will be there and available for interviews. He will greet Cory, pump up the crowd and broadcast to tell their fans about Cory’s accomplishment and how to help thousands of our transitioning military struggling with homelessness and suicide. Boone is the real deal! How you can help?
For more information on Gallant Few and to donate, please direct to: http://www.gallantfew.org |
Image for distribution: “Gallant Few”
“RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!” RLTW!
Image for distribution: Cory Smith, 3RD Ranger Battalion
CORY SMITH with his baby girl who’s worth running 585 miles!
IMAGE for distribution: BOONE CUTLER, America’s only OIF/OEF Wounded Warrior Radio Personality and Talk Show host. TIPPING POINT WITH BOONE CUTLER ON FOX 99.1 FM
More information can be found at: http://boonecutler.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE INTERVIEWS: JILL TRAMMELL, Patriot Promotions Owner at: 239-273-4783 BOTH WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT AND SPEECH FOR INTERVIEWS UP TO 6:30 PM
WHAT A NIGHT!
A heartfelt salute to the sponsors and volunteers for the “Warrior Appreciation Night” held at Gordon Biersch on Thursday, Jan. 19th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. Just under $25,000 was raised for 5 fantastic non profit organizations! All the proceeds will directly benefit veterans, law enforcement and active duty military families. We are already planning next years event and I expect that our wonderful sponsors and donors will come through again. So, please… spend your money with these companies when you need a product or service this year!
~ Special thanks to SGM Mark Christianson, Mark Quinn and Matt Burkett. I know many others had their hands in this event and it could not have been done without you all!~
I’m looking forward to having a big role in next years event, so contact me with your sponsorships, donations, ideas and requests. Lets double the donations next year!
God Bless you all in 2012 and thank you from Patriot Promotions and the US Veteran Corps!
Jill Trammell
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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.
http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/may/07/memeto1-special-forces-businesses-help-each-other–ar-400670/
