Protecting Our Way of Life

Every Memorial Day I hear from about 8 guys.  These 8 inform me about how they are doing mentally, physically, and spiritually.  They also offer connection with several others, additionally about their status.  By the end of the day, I have a pretty good picture of about the 27 survivors of grid 4143 in Panama. 30 survived, 27 are left.  Last Memorial Day (2026) was no different and I had plenty of accounts.  As this group gets older there are stories of medical issues but for the most part all are doing well physically.  Mentally, there are only a few who aren’t affected as much as the majority.  There are several levels of PTSD because several of those 27 stayed in dangerous jobs.

But in communicating with one particular guy, I learned some interesting facts about our Panamanian vacation.

Jason “Jujubee” Davis (WIA)-6 years Air Force, Career PMC, Blackwater, MVM, and G4S.  Jason is an interesting guy.  He is quiet but intense.  Jason worked in intelligence in the Air Force and then had a career in government contract work.  He is from South Carolina and joined the military to get out of his small town, and the gigantic lumber mill that his entire family had worked for 3 generations.  He worked for 3 different PMC’s (private military contractor). 2 U.S. companies and a British company.

Juju was connected to, deployed with, and had even worked for (double dipped occasionally) the “Company” or the C.I.A.

He was over-the-top patriotic and did not play well with someone who was not.  He is a great proponent of freedom and standing up for the right.

I checked on his health, mental and physical, and he mentioned Panama and our central American vacation.  He mentioned how intelligence failed us in our adventure.  In 1987 and 1988 there were several incidents that would have pointed to a larger conflict that we experienced.  He also mentioned that intel knew we were going into an ambush.  The reason it was not such a devastating, overwhelming battle was the underestimation of the timing, and ferocity of our defense. They knew we were going to be surprised and estimated there would be an 80% loss and 20% capture rate.  They knew who they were sending and what training and experience was there and that there were only 34 of us.  They did not count on us being as good as we were.  They also didn’t count on the PDF being as bad as they were. He said the report gave specific details about the PDF.  There were 282 PDF troops including commanders.  They outnumbered us 8 to 1.  They had 1 50 caliber jeep mounted gun.  They had 1 120 mm mortar.  AK’s and Star and Taurus pistols. Several Soviet RPGs.   According to Juju’s contacts, the Army had the intel from the CIA but did not share it with the Air Force.  Once we were engaged, the Army told the Air Force what was supposed to happen.  The Army did authorize air support though they didn’t think they would need to provide it.  They thought we would not last the initial ambush and that we wouldn’t have enough time before being overrun to ask for support or exfil.  We did have the time, so they gave us Apache’s.  Had the weather cooperated, we would have been out of there pretty early in the fight.  Had we stayed longer than we did, we would have lost more guys.  Apparently, the government wanted to use this incident, us getting killed and captured, to further their plans to invade Panama and grab Noriega.  We were human fodder to carry out the plans of others.

I don’t know if I should be angry or offended.  I think I’ll just chalk this up to government garbage and not take it personally.  I can understand nut jobs that blow up buildings or shoot up government facilities.  I said I understood, not condoned.  The feeling of betrayal from the country you swear to protect is palpable.  I can see where the acts of well-meaning or evil men would spiral someone into anger and hate.  It doesn’t change the fact that I took an oath to support presidents, corrupt or otherwise, and allegiance to a country that allows me and my family freedoms very few in this world get.  If not for a superior force and great training the 27 of us who are left from the original 34 may not be here.  Many of us went on to serve this country with great honor.  Regardless of the plans of evil men, we were able to overcome their plans and continue on.  Most of those involved thrived in their lives with families, jobs, and living the American Dream.  I believe that being treated this way would have been disastrous in a lesser country than the United States of America.

Why do I tell this story?  It is a commentary on the crazy idea and experiment we call the United States of America.  I can say with a level of assuredness that the great freedoms that we enjoy in this country also gives evil people opportunities to do corrupting things to elevate their power or bank account.  I could be bitter about my experience.  I am sad about the loss of life on both sides.  But when you sign up to serve, you risk the chance that you may have to give your life.  You don’t ask why, that’s a question for others to ask.  I don’t like the idea of someone giving their life for an unjust cause.  But the guys we lost were helping their brothers to get home in one piece.  It may have been a waste, all war is a waste, but they did not die in vain.  They died for me.  And for you.

My point is, there are many instances where those who have sworn to do difficult and dangerous jobs, military, first responders, and others, give the ultimate sacrifice for those whom they serve.  Please remember this and know that this country is worth it.  Maybe not always our government is worthy, but the idea of this country is well worth it.  Many in this country don’t appreciate what they have or think other ideas or ideologies may be better.  I do not agree.  I’ve been to several other countries and have seen other ways to govern.  We have the best the world has to offer.  It is not perfect and with great freedom comes more risk of corruption and activities that are not lawful or good for people or the country.  I fought for the freedom that others have to promote ideas I may not agree with.  Let everyone be on notice: You can bring other ideas and ways you feel this country should be changed but know that people like me will fight you (legally not physically) to protect what we have and the freedoms we feel are gifts from God as did the founding fathers.  One particular thing that threatens our freedom is Sharia law.  This is something that I feel is a direct threat to our freedom and way of life.  

Learn what others are trying to propose and push that undermines our laws and country.  Fight against it legally and lawfully.  They exist and should be defeated.  Please be aware and active in safeguarding this country that I risked my life to protect.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn 

 

Training Value #6-Competition

Training Value 6-Competition

In competition there are several points that can help with your training.

Safe Gun Handling Becomes Second Nature

In competitive shooting, safety isn’t just a rule, it’s a culture. Under the constant supervision of a Range Officer (RO), every shooter is held to the highest safety standards. Only one person handles a loaded firearm at a time, and any lapse in safety results in an immediate disqualification. It’s a high-stakes lesson, and it sticks. You quickly learn to treat your firearm with unwavering respect, and the accountability of your shooting peers reinforces those habits. These safety skills don’t stay on the range; they follow you everywhere you carry.

You’ll Truly Know Your Gun and Gear

Competitive shooting forces you to live with your gear under pressure. You’ll learn exactly how your holster, magazines, and firearms perform when adrenaline’s high and every second counts. Even if you don’t compete with your carry gun, the insights you gain, like drawing technique, reload efficiency, and gear placement, translate directly to your daily setup. By the time you’ve run a few matches, your gear won’t just feel familiar, it’ll feel like an extension of you.

You’ll Build Speed Without Sacrificing Accuracy

Let’s be clear: accuracy is everything. You can’t stop a threat (or win a match) if you can’t hit your target. Competitive shooting teaches you to prioritize precision under pressure, while also pushing you to develop the speed needed for tasks like drawing and reloading. You’ll learn when to go fast with a quick sight picture and when to slow down for that crucial shot. Through competition, you don’t just learn your limits, you expand them.

You can Master Movement and Learn to Use Cover

Real gunfights are fluid, fast, and chaotic. Standing still isn’t an option. That’s where competitive shooting shines. Sports like IDPA and USPSA demand smart movement, the effective use of cover, and split-second decision-making. You’ll learn how to navigate angles, corners, and barriers in ways that mimic real-life threats. And while match props aren’t real cover, the skills you build, like using terrain to your advantage, are as real as it gets.

Your Mindset Will Sharpen and So Will Your Decisions

Competition creates pressure and pressure builds character. Every match puts you in a situation where you must analyze, plan, execute, and adjust. You’ll learn to think fast, adapt quickly, and stay calm under stress. While self-defense scenarios are more chaotic, the mindset you cultivate in competition — focused, prepared, and decisive — can give you a critical edge when the stakes are real. And knowing your moral and legal boundaries before a crisis hit gives you the clarity to act decisively when it does.

Trigger Time is Time Well Spent

There’s no shortcut to skill. Whether you’re training for competition or self-defense, you need time behind the trigger. Competitive shooting gives you that time, but with a structure that challenges you, pushes your limits, and holds you accountable. With every match, you become safer, faster, and more precise. It’s not just practice; it’s performance under pressure. And that’s where real growth happens!

Competition can make you better if you let it.

While competition won’t replace self-defense training, it will make you significantly more prepared. 

At first glance, the two may look similar. Both involve a firearm. Both require safety, accuracy, speed, and gun handling.

That surface similarity can mislead people.

Competition shooting tests performance under match conditions. Self-defense firearms training prepares the armed citizen for lawful survival during a violent encounter. Those are very different goals.

A competition shooter may become very skilled with a firearm. Many competitive shooters handle guns extremely well. Their practice can improve speed, accuracy, movement, transitions, and confidence under pressure.

However, winning a match does not automatically prepare a person for a criminal attack. Match pressure and life-or-death pressure do not create the same problem.

Likewise, a self-defense student should not ignore skill-building drills. Hard skills matter. The question is not whether competition has value. The question is whether competition training and self-defense training solve the same problem.

They do not.

In competition, rules control the match. Break a rule and you may receive a penalty, lose points, or get disqualified.

That can feel disappointing, but you still go home.

In self-defense, the rules are laws. Break those laws and the consequences can change your life forever.

You may survive the attack and still face arrest, prosecution, civil litigation, bankruptcy, or prison. That is why defensive firearms training must include the legal side of force.

A responsible armed citizen must understand that deadly force requires more than fear. The facts must support the decision.

In many self-defense discussions, instructors refer to factors such as ability, opportunity, intent, and preclusion. Those concepts help students think through whether a threat is immediate, serious, and unavoidable.

The law matters before the gun comes out. It matters while the gun is out. Most importantly, it still matters after the threat stops.

Competition can be helpful.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

 

First Aid, it’s what’s first!

This is a reposted article. September is National Preparedness month. It is a good time to look at your preparedness plan and add to, or take away from. Use this article as a starting point. 

Recently we have been putting together our kids’ go bags. These 2 kids are in college and living away from home. As we came to their first aid kits, we weren’t real sure what we needed to include. I have a YouTube channel that I follow. Nutnfancy is the guy that makes videos about outdoor adventure. He reviews guns, knives, and other gear. I highly recommend his channel and videos. His POU (philosophy of use) and mine match up nicely. He did a few videos specifically on first aid kits. First, he did a video describing an experience he had with a bad car wreck. From that experience he vowed to never be unprepared in the first aid area again. He does two other video series on "level 1" and "level 2" kits. The level 1 kit is a one-to-two-person kit. It is small and compact but covers the items that are needed. He focuses on blood stoppers but goes beyond what a store-bought kit would be. Store bought kits usually have a lot of band-aids and maybe some aspirin. In his videos he explains why he included each item. I am not going to go through a list but will touch on a few things I feel are important. Like a go bag or 72-hour kit, first aid is up to the individual. Usually, the items you would include will match your capabilities and training. If you have had training putting in an IV, you would probably want that in your kit. If you know how to suture, you will probably have a suture kit. Make sure you have training and experience with the procedures you are planning for. If you have no training, I would strongly suggest you start with a Red Cross course in first aid and CPR. Get trained and stay current. If you have a friend who is a doctor or Nurse, ask them for training. Don’t get too technical but it is good to know when and why you should do a procedure. Learn what can go wrong and how to correct or treat the problem. As was mentioned, the Red Cross is a good source of training. Also mentioned were friends who are Doctors or Nurses, EMTs. A Boy Scout Troop might be another source. There are many good books, websites, and videos. Be careful about self-education. Ensure you have good information by checking with a credible source to verify what you’ve learned is actually how it is. Another good YouTube channel that I like is PatriotNurse. She is very informative and does not get too technical. She teaches in layman’s terms and realizes everyone hasn’t had several years of college courses concerning medicine. Also, if you know someone in the military they receive a lot of training in first aid procedures. A combat medic can teach some things that a doctor would not know. Most Doctors have an office or hospital with equipment and other professionals at their disposal. A combat medic is usually alone and is taught on a level that you and I may experience. If you come upon a car wreck, you won’t have a full staff and facility to use in treating the injured. I would highly recommend courses that focus on field first aid.  EMT’s and combat medics, first responders if you will; in my opinion have the most practical experience for survival or emergency medicine. As I said above, most doctors and nurses have experience in a controlled environment. Now I’m not saying those professionals are not trained in this type of medicine, many are but many have little or no experience in this type of medicine.   

As you put together your kit think about experiences you’ve had with first aid and what you need. Then look at your skills and training and add those items. Then, think of what you think you may need in the future and add those items. Then get the proper training to support those possible future events. Remember that it’s always better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Ask those who know about their gear. Find out what professionals use and try to obtain the same items that they use. Buying in bulk is always cheaper. If you need 3X3 surgical pads, find a good price on the internet and buy a bulk amount. You will need them for other kits. We have a kit in every go bag, then one in each vehicle or "get home" bag. You may want one at your place of work or school. There will always be a use for certain bulk items.

Pick a container that can meet your needs. For me it would always be contingent on SWB (size, weight, bulk). Also, how functional is the case, or box? Can you get to everything quickly? Can you find most things in it by sight, or do you have to dump out the whole container first? Is it easy to carry? Are things clearly labeled so someone unfamiliar with the kit can use it quickly and efficiently? Is it easily accessed or hard to find?  All this and more should be considered when choosing a kit container.

First aid skills will generally not change although some procedures do change, such as CPR.  Become trained and practice on occasion.  This could be a family activity.  To make it real and more fun, employ makeup for real looking wounds.  Stick to the basics and don’t try to practice medicine.  This is first aid after all.  Think of first responders and their job.  That is what you become, the first one on the scene.

Recently I was with a Scout troop who were training in first aid from the Scout manual.  Most of what was taught is very valuable.  I told the boys that they just received more first aid training that night than most Americans ever receive.  There was one thing that bothered me though.  I know the Boy Scouts of America have a liability problem, but I felt every part of this first aid training ended in seeking medical help.  I am definitely an advocate of seeking competent medical help whenever possible, but I feel more training can make you more self-sufficient.  Build your skills and kits around the possibility that medical help will not be available.  Two e-books that come to mind are“Where there is no Doctor”, and “Where there is no Dentist”.  These are geared toward the possibility that no help is available.  They are free in digital form if you do a search.

First Aid skills are probably more important than first aid materials, because you can improvise if you have the knowledge.  So, get trained.  But with that training make sure you know how to use your equipment and materials in your first aid kit.  Be familiar with how to use these items so you won’t fumble with them when you have to use them.  After your training you get your kit together so you have the items that will make your knowledge applicable to the emergency you are responding to. 

Put together a list that fits with your skills.  Remember that others may have some skills you may not have.  Once you get a list, start putting together the items in your container of choice.  When I did this, I considered SWB (size, weight, bulk).  If your budget doesn’t allow buying products all at once, put it together a little at a time.  Maybe a few items a month.  Make sure you write all this down and set your goal.  Then keep track of your progress.  In no time at all you will see kits being built.  You may want to put temporary items in your kit until you can purchase what you really want.  Such as scissors.  Put in what you have until you get what you want.

This is truly a labor of love because these first aid kits may save the life of you or your loved ones one day.

 

Semper Paratus

 

Burn