ARMED FORCES DAY
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. To our proud Veterans, selfless active-duty service men and women, unwavering family members and to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, thank you.
Watch our collection of Military Patriot Profiles sponsored by Smith & Wesson Corp. and our Military Frontlines Reports sponsored by FNH USA here: http://nralifeofduty.tv/home/list/military-week
*Active-duty Military, be sure to sign up for your free one-year NRA Life of Duty Membership at Join.NRALifeofDuty.tv.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2013:
Today’s National Police Week Tribute tells the story of Randal Simmons - a well respected LAPD SWAT Officer, a loyal husband, a devoted father, and a friend to many. He was a man who truly lived to protect and serve.
Watch “Protect & Serve” here.
Click here to view more Patriot Profiles sponsored by Smith & Wesson.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2013: Today’s National Police Week Tribute tells the story of Joseph Collins – a highly respected patriot who has served his country both here at home and abroad.
Watch “The Colors of Commitment” Here
Click Here to view more Patriot Profiles sponsored by Smith & Wesson
BEHIND THE LOD LENS:
More from the Track & Field Competition at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO. Look for more coverage this week and check back for our report in the upcoming NRA American Warrior Issue 14.
FRONTLINES EPISODE 9 TRAILER: WEST VIRGINIA SPONSORED BY FNH USA
In southern West Virginia, what was once a hard-working, coal mining town full of growth and promise, is now known for it’s prescription drug overdose rate - the highest in the nation.
FRONTLINES EPISODE 9: WEST VIRGINIA TRAILER
In southern West Virginia, what was once a hard-working, coal mining town full of growth and promise, is now known for it’s prescription drug overdose rate - the highest in the nation.
View the Frontlines Episode 9: West Virginia Trailer, presented by FNH USA here:
http://nralifeofduty.tv/frontlines/video/frontlines-episode-9-west-virginia-trailer
Stay tuned for the Full Feature in the coming weeks.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2013:
Today’s National Police Week Tribute comes from the California Department of Fish & Game – a team who works alongside the multi-agency task force to engage in a constant fight to protect our natural resources, wildlife and now our national security.
Watch “Reclamation: The Battle for Terra Firma” Here
BEHIND THE LOD LENS:
The NRA American Warrior Team is in Colorado Springs, CO today for the 2013 Warrior Games Relay. Look for the full report from NRA LOD Correspondent and Competitor JR Salzman in the upcoming fourteenth issue
Dave Roever, Chad Robichaux, and the Mighty Oaks Foundation
Rhino Den Powered by Ranger UP - While serving as a river boat gunner in Vietnam, Dave Roever was severely burned by a phosphorus grenade. Numerous surgeries, 14 months in a hospital, and many years of mental anguish later, Dave Roever became known worldwide for his motivational speaking at schools, on television shows, and more specifically, on military installations and in combat zones. His passion for helping active duty military and Veterans is undeniable to any and all who have even heard his name—for those who have heard him speak, the word “inspiring” just doesn’t quite cut it.
A few years ago, Dave was in the mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado and had a vision. That vision was of building a beautiful resort lodge that would act as a place where Veterans could come and heal—a place where those who had been to war and had struggles reintegrating could feel at home and learn how to use the skills they had acquired in the military for the rest of their lives. Painfully aware of the staggering number of suicides and unemployment in the Veteran community, Dave went to work at fulfilling that vision.
The dream has been realized now at a place called Eagle Summit Ranch. Located near the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, ESR is home to the Mighty Oaks Foundation’s “Fight Club,” which I had the privilege of attending last week. Run by Ranger Up MMA fighter and former USMC Force Recon member Chad Robichaux, Fight Club is designed as a way to help Veterans use what they already know to deal with what they don’t, while addressing the demons brought back from their sacrifices.
Amateurs take aim with Special Ops ‘legends’
TAMPA - Carlos del Castillo leans over a suppressor-fitted sniper rifle, sights the target 100 yards away and slowly squeezes the trigger, sending a .338 slug ripping through the paper target about an inch above its center.
“That’s a sweet weapon,” says del Castillo, taking part in “Shooting with SOF,” (Special Operations Forces) an event that brings together civilians and commandos to raise money for charities benefiting veterans and the military.
Held this year at Shooters World, a massive weapons emporium on Fletcher Avenue, the event drew about 100 shooters like del Castillo, a vice president with Bright House Networks, and 25 “special operations legends,” says Scott Neil, a retired Green Beret who runs the event.
Many of the shooters were veterans. Del Castillo has a special bond to the community. On June 25, 2011, his son, 1st Lt. Dimitri del Castillo, 24, an Army Ranger, was killed by enemy fire in Kunar province, Afghanistan. As a Gold Star father, he was invited to attend the event by organizers. It was an act of kindness, he says, that was both humbling and not surprising.
