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 

 

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

 

Training Value Part 4-Seeking Competent Instruction

 I have been a gun instructor for over 35 years.  I haven’t been active in 10 years professionally.  I don’t know if I count the many times at the range where I end up giving a “free” lesson or a friend or family member wants some instruction.  But I’ve been involved with some heavy instruction where I’ve trained military, DEA, ATF, CBP, Border Patrol, ICE, FBI, DOE, state, county, and local Police and Sheriff departments, and I taught a U.S. Marshall once. For some time, these agencies had nowhere to go but the military shooting range I was affiliated with.  That has since changed but for a while we were the only game in town.  It was interesting running these different courses of fire and qualifying these great responders.  I learned so much from each of them!  So, when I hear what some instructors teach, I take it just the way it is, for what it is.  It’s also an interesting term “expert”.  I prefer the word “experienced” because it’s difficult to be expert in anything.  I’ve had the great honor of learning from some of the greats, Jeff Cooper, Massad Ayoob, and Rob Pincus. I used to ride bikes with Rob Letham although he may not remember. We grew up a block from each other across the street from Lincoln elementary school, so that qualifies me at riding bikes! Maybe.  I’ve had several opportunities to rub shoulders and learn from some great shooters.  This doesn’t really mean anything except that you should seek out instruction where you can find it.  Be selective but also look for what you need.  Be realistic when assessing your own experience and skill.  But I’m here to say, just because you can shoot paper the first time in 2 years and can hit pretty well, it does not make you an advanced shooter.  Some think because they can hit a bull’s eye at 5 yards qualifies them.  It does not.  Shooting is a perishable skill that can only be kept up with practice.  If you can qualify with a course of fire consistently and can do well in a shoot house or force-on-force, then you are not a casual shooter.  In addition, I have noticed that my own skill has diminished the older I get.  Eyesight and arthritis in my hands have affected my shooting.  I’ve had to compensate.  If you shoot daily, or weekly, you can be considered adequate.  You don’t need to compete or be in combat to be advanced. 

Why do you shoot?  Is it recreation?  Competition?  Self-defense?  These are all very different reasons.  It is likely a combination.  But pinpoint your reason to shoot.  Then train accordingly.  I train for defense.  Having PTSD from combat I deal with a hyper-vigilance that I try to keep under control.  I don’t want to over-compensate or become over balanced in the area of defense.  But for me, defense means investing some time and money.  There is also a mix of recreation in there because I love to shoot.  It relaxes me and stems anger and frustration I have with all of you people!  I’m being facetious but I can get frustrated and intolerant with people just being people.  Shooting on a regular basis helps me in that control and makes me a better shooter.  I have a problem with people who carry a gun, shoot once or twice a year and think they are squared away to defend themselves and their families.  I guess that is better than nothing, but that is barely enough to be nothing.  Have they ever shot from one knee?  Ever shot from around an object?  Ever shot in low light?  Ever shot with a flashlight?  If their attacker is 15 yards from them with no one behind the target in daylight while a perfect stance and grip, with 2 hands then all is well.  But as we have learned, incidents don’t happen that way.  There are other things to learn.  Situational awareness, ballistics, caliber, movement. 

I can recommend only one place to get top notch training.  I’m sure there are others.

Gunsite Academy in Arizona.

https://www.gunsite.com/gunsite-class-list/

21 Pistol courses, 10 Carbine courses, 9 Rifle courses, 6 Shotgun courses, 4+ Specialty courses, 5 Situational courses, 4 Special weapons courses, 11 Tactical courses, and more.

That’s at least 70 courses.  And their courses change from time to time.  They add courses all the time.  Check it out.  I had the good fortune of being taught by Jeff Cooper himself back in my military days.

Rob Pincus developed I.C.E. Integrity, consistency, and efficiency training center that offers several courses with a large variety of defensive subjects.  I’ve never trained there but it is highly recommended.

 https://icetraining.us/

The Massad Ayoob Group offers many different courses in various locations.

https://massadayoobgroup.com/

I took the Use of Deadly Force Instructor Course several years ago and enjoyed Mass’s style of teaching and sense of humor.

Regardless of where you receive instruction ensure that you take the things that you learn and put them into your training program.  If you don’t have a training program develop one.  I have developed 5 different “work outs” that I rotate and will modify from time to time with new or different drills.  Variety keeps you sharp.

I have not taken a shooting course in 10 years.  But when I was an active instructor I would try to take a class annually.  Some that I took I will never recommend and will never take again.  But most I gleaned something that I could use.  I believe you can learn even from someone you may not agree with.  If you pay attention and put off your bias, you can enrich your knowledge or learn something new.

When starting down this path of being taught by instructors, make sure you do your homework and choose wisely.  Look at the instructor’s background and read reviews.  Find the most experienced and competent that you can afford.  Take notes and practice what you’ve been taught.

This is a great force multiplier in this country.  Take every opportunity to learn in your search to become deadly and smart.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Learning Prep and Self Sufficiency From Scouting

 Scouting for Skills

 

Have you ever seen someone doing something and said, “I’d like to learn that!”  How often would you like to improve your self-sufficiency or preparedness education?  The answer could be the Boy Scouts.  “Helping old ladies across the street?” you say?  Scouting is service oriented, but there is much more.  Camping skills are skills that could save you or your family’s lives.  First Aid is one of the first that comes to mind.  Now I’m not saying you should be a Life Scout working on your Eagle rank, I’m just saying there are many resources in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that are at your disposal.  I’ve been involved with Scouting most of my life as a boy and a leader.  Three of my four sons are Eagle Scouts and the last is on his way.  I know the benefits of Scouting.  But can Scouting benefit an adult who is not a scout leader?  Yes!  Everything from cooking to knot tying.  What if you’d like to learn the basics of farm mechanics?  BSA has a merit badge manual for just that.  Beekeeping, shooting, using rope for lashing (pioneering in BSA language), gardening, leatherwork, archery, using a map and compass (orienteering) and horsemanship.  These are only a few of the self-sufficiency and preparedness skills you can learn from merit badge manuals. You can learn the information in the manuals, which will give you a basic knowledge of the subject, or you can do the requirements and “earn” your merit badge.  Now don’t expect a patch at the Troops next court of honor, but the knowledge will last a lifetime.  You can teach your spouse and children with the same material.  My daughters have benefited from our Scouting experience as well as my wife.  My wife has been involved in Scouting for some time too.

To see a catalog go to www.scoutstuff.org.  From here you can order whichever merit badge pamphlet you need.  There are as of this publishing 140 merit badges.  They don’t change very often so even if you find an old pamphlet on e-bay it would cover the same information.  Some merit badges have gone away.  I mentioned beekeeping earlier and that was misleading.  Beekeeping has been discontinued as of now.  It could come back some day, but old pamphlets do exist. Two of my sons have the Beekeeping merit badge but the third could not get it.  They are reasonably priced and a great addition to your library.  I have a few (first aid and wilderness survival) in my go bag. I’ve also seen merit badge pamphlets at Deseret Industries, Goodwill and other thrift stores.  You can find them at garage sales too.  BSA has handbooks and field manuals that are a wealth of information also. I’ve taught many adults and youth with these manuals because of the concise writing and easy to understand level.  They are a joy to teach with!  BSA’s organization is divided into Councils that cover sometimes a large area.  You can got to www.scouting.org to find a Council locator to find one near you.  They sell these manuals and other scouting items.  Learning can be fun and the BSA makes Scouting fun for boys and adults alike.  If you’d like to visit a Troop they are everywhere or you can find one through a Council near you.

Here is a complete list of merit badges:

 

American Business

American Cultures

American Heritage

American Labor

Animal Science

Animation

Archaeology

Archery

Architecture

Art

Astronomy

Athletics

Atomic Energy

Automotive Maintenance

Aviation

Backpacking

Basketry

Bird Study

Bugling

Camping

Canoeing

Carpentry

Chemistry

Chess

Citizenship in Society

Citizenship in the Community

Citizenship in the Nation

Citizenship in the World

Climbing

Coin Collecting

Collections

Communication

Composite Materials

Computers

Cooking

Crime Prevention

Cycling

Dentistry

Digital Technology

Disabilities Awareness

Dog Care

Drafting

Electricity

Electronics

Emergency Preparedness

Energy

Engineering

Entrepreneurship

Environmental Science

Exploration

Family Life

Farm Mechanics

Fingerprinting

Fire Safety

First Aid

Fish and Wildlife Management

Fishing

Fly Fishing

Forestry

Game Design

Gardening

Genealogy

Geocaching

Geology

Golf

Graphic Arts

Health Care Professions

Hiking

Home Repairs

Horsemanship

Indian Lore

Insect Study

Inventing

Journalism

Kayaking

Landscape Architecture

Law

Leatherwork

Lifesaving

Mammal Study

Medicine

Metalwork

Mining in Society

Model Design and Building

Motorboating

Moviemaking

Multisport

Music

Nature

Nuclear Science

Oceanography

Orienteering

Painting

Pathfinding

Personal Fitness

Personal Management

Pets

Photography

Pioneering

Plant Science

Plumbing

Pottery

Programming

Public Health

Public Speaking

Pulp and Paper

Radio

Railroading

Reading

Reptile and Amphibian Study

Rifle Shooting

Robotics

Rowing

Safety

Salesmanship

Scholarship

Scouting Heritage

Scuba Diving

Sculpture

Search and Rescue

Shotgun Shooting

Signaling

Signs Signals and Codes

Skating

Small-Boat Sailing

Snow Sports

Soil and Water Conservation

Space Exploration

Sports

Stamp Collecting

Sustainability

Surveying

Swimming

Textile

Theater

Tracking

Traffic Safety

Truck Transportation

Veterinary Medicine

Water Sports

Weather

Welding

Whitewater

Wilderness Survival

Wood Carving

Woodwork

After being involved with Boy Scouting for 30 years or so I’m sure of the benefits it can bring to boys as well as adults involved.  I have learned and done things I would never have experienced outside of Scouting.  I knew how to use a compass and map before I received my military training in the same skill. The skills of lifesaving and first aid I have used to help members of my family. Fire building and campfire cooking could save my life one day.  If you earned 30 of the above badges you could say that you were well rounded. 

My challenge to you would be to pick ten or so of the above badges and collect the pamphlets.  Do the requirements.  Find someone you would consider expert at the badges you want to earn.  Ask them if they would be your merit badge “counselor”.  You would meet with them once a month or every few weeks to review your progress.  This would be a great training program for you or other members of your family.  You could involve your spouse and kids.  You could add to the requirements to delve deeper into the subject.  This may sound a little silly but you can learn much this way.  The rank requirements for each rank could be helpful too.  This may get you interested enough to become a real merit badge counselor or Scout leader for boys.  I feel I’ve become proficient in many skills because I’ve taught the basics over and over.  With over 120 subjects there are bound to be many things that will interest you or that you feel would be good skills for preparedness or survival.

The Boy Scout materials, pamphlets and manuals have so much information in them that I would recommend having these books in your preparedness library.  Old manuals are easy to find, and the information usually is valuable even if outdated.  I have some of these materials in my go bags.  I particularly like the merit badge pamphlets, they are small in size and usually in number of pages, so they are light and portable. 

Scouting has enriched my life in many ways.  I have learned much but watching my sons and other boys become competent, confident, and good American citizens is the real fulfilling part of Boy Scouting.  I would recommend that anyone get involved as a volunteer but especially to get your boys involved.  You won’t regret it. 

Training is an important part of preparedness and there are many ways to train.  I think using a tried and true system that really works is a inexpensive way to enrich your training.

 

Semper Paratus

 

Burn  

 

PS: Scouting took a sad turn.  It is now Scouting America and has abandoned its original intent in building boys into men.  Girls and woke ideologies have taken over.  I have nothing against girls, but I believe Girl Scouts was developed for girls specifically.  I’m not sure what good is achieved by allowing girls into a program developed specifically for boys.  BSA bowed down to crap from the world of “all inclusive”.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints abandoned the program, and they were the longest supporter of the organization.  There can be some good in the program, but it is bereft of its original intent and grandeur.  It’s sad but the origination is a shadow of its former self.  A lot can be learned still from its materials, but I don’t think I can recommend it as I once did.