Like a dingbat I forgot to bring my extra mags for the HK.  We both shot Pat’s M&P instead.  At least one of us was always armed and at a range like Bullseye, well any range these days, that’s not a bad thing.  My groups were decent but landing to the left on the target.  Not really sure why…might have something to do with the fact that I haven’t shot in three months!

My Milt Sparks holster arrived that I ordered in March.  Now, if my Fusion 1911 would only get here (ordered in February).  They say it’s worth the wait.  I’m getting antsy and I miss my HK USPc .45.  I’m kicking myself for selling that one but oh well.  HK is importing stainless again so maybe I’ll get another one of these days.  Who am I kidding?  I know I will.

I only took two 9mm’s with me this time…the GP6 and the M&P.  I wanted to see how Mary did with the M&P as I think this would be a good first gun for her at some point.  She shot well and impressed the guys in the lane next to us.  Of course, it might have had something to do with the fact that she is beautiful and was wearing a skirt .  The GP6 is STILL fun to shoot but is STILL having problems with that darn ambi pin.  I have been going back and forth about sending it in to STI for a once over but I think I have to.  Once my 1911 arrives (should only be a few more weeks!!!) I’ll send this one in.  I’ve been carrying the HK 9 lately.  With my new Milt Sparks belt and the Bulman holster it makes a world of difference.  Can’t wait for my MS holster to arrive.

Hopefully we can make a range day soon – an outdoor range – with me, Pat, Ken, Mary, Zakk and Toney.  I need to go ahead and pick up that Walther before that!!!  Maybe I can break out my SBR and Pat’s AR again.  NEED MORE AMMO!!!

Do you remember what I gave?

Do you even remember who I was?

I was the kid next door. I was your friend. I sat behind you in calculus. I worked with you that summer at McDonalds. I was the one who was too young to sign the contract so my mother let me. She didn’t want me to lie about my age. I was the one who didn’t want to, but I did it anyway because I knew someone else would just have to take my place.

I don’t ask for much. Just think of me. Remember how I laughed, what made me angry, my favorite song. Do you remember that movie I always quoted? How I liked my burgers? Remember my favorite book with the dog-eared pages? Remember my favorite jeans and t-shirt. Remember me in uniform. Remember that look, my smile. Remember that I had the will to fight.

When you do the things I loved to do, think of me. If you remember me in the little things I will always be with you.

Washington, DC 26 May 2009:

This Memorial Day we launch a new group, The Warrior Legacy Foundation- a non partisan organization committed to the protection, promotion and dignity of America’s Warriors. The membership of the group is open to anyone who believes in this cause.

Across every generation, at war and at peace, America has asked her citizens to protect liberty and
defend freedom at all costs. And no matter the terrain or political climate, America’s Warriors have met
every challenge and made every sacrifice that was asked of them in order to defeat our enemies and
protect our way of life. The Warrior Legacy Foundation is a passionate advocate for the preservation
and elevation of the hallowed legacy of the American Warrior Class. Join us and stand firm in defense of the heritage of those brave souls who have protected our sovereignty throughout our great nation’s history.

They have asked for nothing and have given us everything.

Below is a message from our Executive Director, David Bellavia:

WLF will work to educate all Americans about those who bought them the freedoms they enjoy each and every day. We will ensure that children grow up with the knowledge that brave men and women volunteer to face our enemies abroad so they can be safe here at home. We will capture the stories of all those who came before us and preserve them for posterity. We will never forget that the sacrifices of those who went to war bought the freedom and liberty we enjoy daily.

To arrange an interview with our Executive Director, Medal Of Honor nominee David Bellavia, or other WLF leaders please contact:
Sr. Director Communications, Jim Hanson at
jim.hanson@warriorlegacyfoundation.org or (608) 213 1702

I had to be there early for a key volunteer meeting.  Sad meeting.  My friend Jenn, who is the KVC and built this KV from the ground up, announced her husband’s promotion…that also meant she was announcing her departure from our unit.  It’s bittersweet.

The kids had a great time.  They jumped in the bouncy castle, go their faces painted, and Zakk got dunked in the dunk tank.  He loved it!

I love these Marines.

Reason # 1:  Myself

I am worthy of protection, am I not?  Of course I am.  If I am not willing to protect myself what am I teaching my children about their own self worth?  I do not believe a gun is the only means of protection but I do believe that it is the tool that levels the playing field for me.  Situational awareness is primary in any circumstance.  In fact, being aware of your surroundings has the potential to greatly reduce the odds of being involved in an incident.  If you can see it coming you can avoid it.  If you can avoid it you also avoid having to deal with the police, the lawyers and the media.  If you cannot see it coming and/or you cannot avoid it and either the situation does not allow for a de-escalation or a less lethal form or protection then having my pistol gives me a chance to make it home alive for the other five reasons on my list.

Reason # 2: My husband

My husband is a Marine.   When he deploys again it gives him peace of mind knowing that I have the mindset and ability to protect myself and my children while he is gone.  When he is home I am his backup and he is mine.  We watch out for each other and we protect our children together.  We’re a team.

Reason #3: My son

My son is 11 years old.  He is old enough to be curious.  Too old for the simple “Just don’t touch” lesson.  He needs to know how to safely operate a firearm.  Why?  Well, for one, I think it should be a lesson just as common as how to safely use scissors or a knife.  Secondly, if he is at a friends’ house he needs to know the lethal potential playing with a firearm has.  I don’t believe he would play with a gun but I wouldn’t put it past another kid.  Just telling him to Stop! Don’t Touch! Leave the area! Tell an adult! Was enough when he was 5,6,7, etc.  Now he needs to know why and what can happen.  He also needs to know his mom is a woman capable of protecting him, his siblings, and herself.

Reasons # 4,5,&6:  My girls

They are 2, 4, and 6 right now.  The two youngest are at the Eddie Eagle stage.  To teach them Stop! Don’t Touch! Leave the area! Tell an adult! Is simple enough for them to being to understand right now.  My six year old is fast approaching the need for a bit more of an explanation.  She needs to begin to understand the power of this tool and the damage it can do.  They also need to see that females can handle these tools effectively and even masterfully.  They need to learn they are not the weaker sex and this tool can level the playing field for them, too as they get older.  They also benefit from the same lesson as my son…that their mom will protect them and their brother.

We took my GP6, Pat’s new S&W M&P 9mm, and my SBR.  It goes like this:

STI GP6

This is the gun that had the problem last week.  The pin that holds the ambi-slide release in place began working loose.  At the Hackathorn class Pat took this weekend there were a couple of folks there with the right skills and tools to handle the fix.  I am still going to send it off to STI for a once over – just want to make sure it’s all good to go.

This gun fits my hand, points naturally, shoots great.  The trigger reset is amazing.  Over the last week I have been convinced I was going to sell it…that is, until today when I started shooting it again.  If I ever had the time to shoot in a leauge this would be a great gun for that.  I have decided to keep it for now.  My biggest problem is that I do not have a holster for it.  I found one holster maker in Texas that is expecting a block from STI next week.  He is my only lead for a holster right now and I hope it works out.

S&W M&P 9mm (full size)

After deciding that we each did in fact need a backup gun, Pat picked up an M&P 9mm the other night.  I’ve shot one before and I really liked it so I am excited about this.  The only thing I don’t care for is the lack of a thumb safety.  S&W has come out with a variation with the thumb safety.  The trigger reset is not as noticeable on the M&P as it is on the H&K or the GP6.  I like a shorter trigger pull and reset.  But some trigger work should make that better.

SBR

Finally!  I got to shoot my AR-15!!!  Loved it.  With the shorter barrel it is a good bit louder so I’ll be starting a suppressor fund.  While it will add weight it will also make shooting it a little easier on the ears – and yes I was wearing ear pro .

All in all, a good time was had by all.

The good…we met my niece and her friend at the range.  Mary has been shooting before but only once ar twice.  Her friend had never fired a gun before.  They both did really well.  Mary has improved a lot – she was a good shot to begin with but you could see she was more confident this time.  Her friend did great, too.  It is always fun to see someone enjoying themselves at the range.  I felt bad because we had been running behind schedule all day and that made the range time rushed.  I promised that next time we would go shoot and grab lunch and not be so rushed.

The bad…my gun broke!   I was shooting my STI GP6 (since I hate the P64).  I had fired off one magazine, Mary had done one and Pat was shooting when he noticed something wasn’t functioning properly.  Basically, the pin that holds the ambi-slide release in place had worked out some.  The gun was still shooting but that wasn’t good!  We called STI and, while they said a competent gunsmith could fix it here, we decided to send it to them for repairs.  They were familiar with the problem and said they could have a quick turn-around.  So, Monday my gun will be shipped off for fixin’ and until them I am feeling half naked.  I guess I could carry my SBR slung on my back – hahaha!  That would get some looks at Walmart!