Hardships - two time Iraqi War Vet, father of six with brain cancer, faith and prayer

UPDATE: John Cloninger passed away the morning of Feb 20, 2012. He leaves behind six young children and a supportive, loving and devoted wife - the mother of their children. Funeral arrangements with full military honors, at his request, will take place in Morgan, Utah on Saturday, Feb 25th.

John Cloninger served an enlisted solider in the U.S. Army as a helicopter machine gunner at the end of Desert Storm. After an honorable discharge, he left the military, got married, received a college education, and started a family. After graduating from medical school as a podiatrist, Dr. Cloninger received a commission as a Captain in the U.S. Army. His five year stint in the service included a tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he lived and worked in Abu Gharab prison after the scandal there. He survived a severe attack, at one point watching enemy ordnance land near him and into the fuel tank of a humvee without exploding.

He was honorably discharged from military service in 2006. He and his family relocated from Fort Hood, Texas to northern Utah, where he set up a medical practice. With six young children, including an adopted orphan from China, all was going well in the life of Dr. Cloninger and his family. Then, on September 28, 2010, he went to the hospital with a severe headache, the worst of his life. He was immediately transported to a larger trauma center where doctors discovered bleeding in his brain stemming from a brain tumor. Days later he underwent brain surgery, wherein a walnut sized tumor was removed. He was diagnosed with stage four GBM. His recovery was truly miraculous. Unfortunately, that only lasted so long.

In mid-July 2011, his cancer returned aggressively. Chemo, radiation or a second brain operation was not an option anymore. Dr. John Cloninger requested a military burial with a 21-gun salute. He cherishes each moment with his wife and children.

John Cloninger turned 42 years old in Feb 2012. The brain tumor has taken over, severely affecting his balance and speech. He now lies in bed, unable to eat.

He is the very best brother-in-law I could have ever hoped to marry my younger sister. I love him and respect him.

He is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized in September of 1992, during his initial military enlistment. Portions of this article below were taken from a talk he gave in church in December 2010. Minor corrections and deletions were made for general audience.

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

—Genesis 28:15



I was asked to talk about what I have learned from hardships.

I wish I was here to talk about enduring funships. I looked in Webster Dictionary there is no listing for funships. I find that interesting. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a funship. I imagine it would be like opening your front door and there is a big pot of money and fairy dust to fix any physical ailments. That might seem great, but there are good reasons why such an event does not occur. We don’t seem grow as fast spiritually when things are going well. If you look in the scriptures, many times when things are going well, people become corrupt but quickly change to a more righteous attitude when hardships are inflicted upon them.


Prior to this recent ailment, I pretty much thought I was bulletproof. I did not think any medical hardships could come my way, anytime soon. I have great health, had bullets fly right be, mortars not explode near me, ran my helicopter into trees and power lines and walked away unscathed. My family history is strong for longevity. There is no family history of cancer. Well, I was wrong.



CPT John Cloninger in Iraq

Hardships are something we will all endure. The rain falls on the wicked and the just. It is an essential part of our probation time on this earth. Hardships occur to all people. Trials and hardships are not just for the wicked or the righteous. There is a saying, Hardships are a tool used to humble us and make us more teachable…

The first lesson learned was I’m not bulletproof, nor is anyone else. At any given time anyone here could have an ongoing significant trial or about to start one. I’m not talking just about medical trials. Trials come in so many colors. They can be financial (loosing a job), emotional (divorce or marital problems, children going astray…), addictions, etc. We probably could spend the whole hour listing different trials that have occurred in this room alone.


I think the most important thing to understand about hardships and trials in our lives is our responsibility. I personally believe that hardships without prayer and faith are just another form of torture. We must humble ourselves through trials and listen to the inspiration which will follow. It is only through this inspiration that we will be able to negotiate through this difficult moment. There is a quickening of the spirit and thinning of the veil [that separates heaven and earth] which can occur through significant trials. This process will not occur without us doing our part. We must go to our Savior in prayer with a willingness to be meek, submissive, and a willingness to endure all that the Lord desires to inflict upon us. Many times we try to figure things out ourselves and try to dictate the path to resolve our hardship instead of listening to that still soft voice which will guide us…


I have been through moderate trials before. They were difficult and there was no clear plan. There were moments of uncertainty. Probably of most noteworthy was my first trip to Iraq as a doorgunner on a Blackhawk helicopter. All I had to depend upon was myself, my training, strength and fortitude. There was no source of comfort or counsel. Being 19 years old and thinking I was bullet proof was my only consolation. After survival of this trial, I believe it was one of the many things which lead me to seek out the true gospel.


Whatever trials we go through require us to seek to the Lord for guidance. We must be willing to accept whatever his will requires. Whatever results from this supplication will be for our own good. We must look to our Savior when going through trials…


… We are not calling the shots when going through trials.


… [The doctors] expected me to be partially blind as a minimum. So, when I was sitting in preoperative room prior to my brain surgery. I started thinking about that time when I asked the Lord if everything was going to be okay before I went to Iraq, and was willing to accept whatever his will required… I received a witness that everything was going to be okay. When I woke up [from surgery] there were no deficits… However, after surgery I was told I had a malignant brain tumor. Since I had received a witness through prayer and knew everything was going to be okay.

I know that everything will be okay… The Lord is good at his word.

Once I had returned home from the hospital, Bishop Hendershot stopped by to see how I was doing. Bishop Hendershot said something which I knew but I had not internalized until this event. He said, “there are no things too big for the Lord to fix.” That is a profound and completely true statement. Our God is a God who performs miracles in the past, present, and future. During this visit, I was talking to him in a moment of frustration (we were waiting to start chemo and radiation treatment and wanted to already start it) and he said “you do not have any control in this. You are just the passenger and the Lord is the chauffeur.” It was a powerful lesson in realizing I am not in the driver’s seat, I can’t control the events that are about to occur. My part is to have faith and prayer and the knowledge all was going to be well.

When going through this trial, I was humbled at how many people cared. I realized the power of prayers. I could feel the prayers of others. Those prayers strengthened and supported me through my most difficult moments. I had patients come up to me and say “ Dr. Cloninger, I am not a praying man but for you I have been praying.” One of the nuns at Ogden Regional [Hospital] came up to me and said, "Dr. Cloninger, my knees have calluses." She said all of the nuns at Ogden Regional have been constantly praying for your behalf. Many different people told me they had put my name in the temple. One person asked me how to pray.

We should not hide our trials and try to figure them out ourselves. We do not need to be alone through trials. We need to embrace our ward [congregation] and those who surround us. They will strengthen and help us.

I looked in the wilkipedia and found something interesting. One definition of a ward is a part of an inner portion of castle which was a courtyard enclosed by a wall. It is an area of protection. I believe that is one of the functions of a LDS ward. It is a protective system to help us. When we are going through tough times the ward will surround you to uplift and protect you. However our Ward cannot help if we do not let them. It takes a stripping of self pride in allowing them to help. It allows others to serve their God by serving you as seen in Mosiah 2:17, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are in the service of your God.” It is wrong to rob others of this opportunity and allow them to see the power of God by serving you when you are going through a trial.



Dr. Cloninger and his adopted son, Eli

I firmly believe…all hardships…should be [recorded in our journals] and expressed to those around you. Do not keep trials and miracles to yourself. I am not saying we should brag about miracles, but we should testify of them. Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) 59:21 [reads] “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” We are not to seek for signs but we need to share our experience to allow us to appreciate the power of our Master. It helps to remind us the God of the past, present and future is the same God. It also helps to remind us, no matter what difficulties we are going through, there is a plan and a loving Heavenly father willing to help us.

As we express our trials it allows us to bond as ward. The ward is a family unit and as your trial is recognized; those around you will uplift you through prayer and service. The adversary wants you to believe you are alone. Once you believe you are alone, you become vulnerable. You are never alone through a trial. You have your ward and the Savior to lean on and look for support. Our Savior knows what you are going through, and knows how to uplift you. Remember in D&C 122:8, “The Son of Man hath descended below them all, Art thou greater than he?” Our Savior knows what we are going through. He knows how to uplift, comfort, strengthen and heal. It just requires your prayer and faith…

There were many days through this battle I was so miserable I just wanted to curl up die. But [a still, small] voice came to me saying, “Bro. Cloninger, just get up and I will do the rest.” I would get up as commanded and my strength would return. My body would work, my nausea would subside and my energy would return. I know this is what He will do for all of us. We just have to get up and He will take care of the rest. It just requires us to do our best and He will strengthen our shortcomings.

Sometimes when we are going through trials, He will allow us to trip for our own good… There will be moments in trials when things will not go as planned. There will be set-backs and the adversary will try to use these against you. I know the adversary was trying to break me through… set backs, but the strength of our Master is superior.

Hardships also allow us to learn how strong we really are. I have learned I am much stronger than I ever thought I was through this most recent trial. But I don’t kid myself by thinking that strength was just the arm of flesh. I know it was reinforced by spiritual power. This develops a confidence in not only yourself but of the spiritual power we each possess.


There is a poem I love:

A mighty wind blew day and night,
And stole the oak tree's leaves away.
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark,
until the oak was tired and stark.

But still the oak tree held its ground,
while other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
"How can you still be standing, Oak?"

The oak tree said,
"I know that you can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf of mine away,
shake my limbs, and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
growing stronger since my birth.

You'll never touch them, for you see,
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure,
of just how much, I could endure.
But now I've found, with thanks to you,
I’m stronger that I ever knew.”

[Poem titled: Oak Tree, Johnny J Ryder Jr., as qtd by Elder M. Russell Ballard, Nov. 7, 2010 CES fireside at BYU titled: Follow the Doctrine and Gospel of Christ]

It is those roots that are so important. They are our faith and testimony. That is our source of power when enduring hardships. The adversary cannot touch our testimony and faith unless we allow him.

When we go through trials, many times Heavenly Father does not remove the trials from us, but instead he strengthens us as we endure through the trial…

I do have a testimony that as we pray and show faith through our trials, our burdens may not be removed on the timeline we want, but our strength to endure will be magnified. …If we follow into the trap of the adversary and become bitter or uncommitted, our roots will weaken and our faith will dwindle. When we are going through trials we should be running towards our Lord, not running away from him…

We will all undergo trials, to include our youth. We must all prepare for hardships. I had a drill sergeant who used to always drill into our heads: prior planning prevents poor performance. I would like to amend that concept when it comes to trials. Prior preparation prevents poor performance. We need to prepare for the inevitable hardships which will fall upon all of us…

Spiritual strength comes only with doing spiritual activities—like daily couple prayer, reading the scriptures, family time and going to the temple. Those activities galvanize a spiritual strength in a marriage and family which allows a collective testimony to overcome any trial. We can read in the Bible that two are stronger than one, for if one falls, the other will lift him up again. (compare to Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) There will come times in trials where we may have reservations or doubts, that is when we need our spouse and family to pick us up. This requires a collective testimony where we can teach each other and bear our testimony to each other to strengthen us through difficult trials. The adversary knows if he can’t destroy your faith through the trial, he is going to try to destroy your marriage and family. If you have that spiritual collective testimony, you will be successful in overcoming any trial. Trials should be a time where a marriage and family is strengthened not weakened. Just as we build a stronger relationship with God through trials, our marriage and family should also strengthen.

It is important we strengthen our children. They must be prepared to undergo trials. Junior High and High School are difficult times. They must have their own testimony, not a testimony which is built upon their parents. Their testimony is grown the same way as an adult—attendance to meetings, family and individual prayer and scripture reading, family time, and so on. They must develop as many spiritual experiences as possible during their maturing.

…It is those spiritual experiences in their early youth that galvanizes their testimony and helps them to make the right choices. It does not guarantee they will always make the right choice. It allows them to feel the spirit and a desire to return to it if they stray.

I am also reminded of another military saying. When hardships come, we do not rise to the occasion, we fall back on training. Our training includes a strong marriage, scripture knowledge, and an individual testimony resulting from obedience, faith which we have embraced and tried. What I mean by having a faith which has been embraced and tried, means we have done those required things which require faith. Those things include consistent obedience to basic gospel principles. Many of these things require faith for us to continue to do. Sometimes they may even feel unrewarding because nothing special occurs. That is where we practice daily faith, doing those activities because we are commanded to perform on a consistent basis. That is where the Lord tries us on a subtle level. These small forms of obedience are what strengthen our faith and prepare us for harder trials. The scripture in Isaiah 28:10, remind us we are taught “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little.” We cannot become trained to act of great faith in a difficult trial if we have not been performing that daily training which is obedience to basic gospel principles. That is how we prepare for trials.

When we are going through trials people watch and learn from your example. Their testimony can grow just by your conduct through a trial. When they see you trudging through a hardship with chin up, steady pace and not complaining and acting in faith. They don’t just feel your testimony, they see your testimony. The only thing stronger than bearing your testimony, is living your testimony, particularly when it is challenged. That is when people see you walking the walk, that is when they know you believe what you are saying. That is as powerful as it can get for a testimony and it will soften the hardest heart.

In closing, I would like to leave you with two things to ponder. Our neighbor is a survivor of multiple myeloma cancer. The problem with any cancer, it can always come back. Cindy was talking with them about this burden. They said, “Everyday is a gift and we live everyday with no regrets.” And I once had a patient who was in his 90’s and of poor health. “He said, Doc, I am so old I don’t buy green bananas.” I think both of these thoughts are really insightful. None of us are bullet proof, we could be called home at anytime. We need to live everyday like it is a gift and live it with no regrets. Too many times I think we buy spiritually green bananas. What I mean is, we find it too easy to say we will perfect or ripen certain behaviors later on, thinking we have time to correct them later. We don’t know when we are going to be called home. We need to live everyday like it is our last. Do our children know that we love them? When was the last time they heard you bear your testimony? Are we doing the things we are supposed to be doing? How many times do we procrastinate perfecting ourselves?

We need to live everyday like it is our last with no regrets.

As we come upon this sacred day, the birth of Jesus Christ. I hope we remember it true meaning and I hope we also remember the gift of life which is given to all of us. We must be mindful of this probationary time we are given on this earth and that we prepare to meet God. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.


To read this and other amazing interviews, check out Warrior SOS, the book on Amazon.com. 

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Bin Laden's death - day after interview

Buy Back America radio interview I did on May 2nd the day after the announcement of the death of bin Laden. The interview begins at 2:00.

Download the MP3 archive here.


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

Discussing high risk operations & PTSD - Interview with former Navy SEAL

Ronald Relf has over 35 years of experience in high-risk security and protective operations, including eight years in the United States Navy Special Warfare Community as an operator in Underwater Demolition Team 12 and SEAL Team One. Mr.Relf has been engaged with, among other things, Maritime Counter-terrorism, Direct Action and Mobile Training Teams, Personal Protection Operations, Threat Vulnerability Assessments, Analytical Risk Management and Harbor / Port Security Programs. Relf has also served as a Special Agent within the intelligence community in its Protective Operations Division. Mr. Relf served as a Police Officer with the Denver, Colorado Police Department for 15 years, including a patrolman, field training officer, SWAT Team operator, Bomb Technician, Criminal Investigator and Hostage Negotiator. Since October 2007, Mr. Relf has been the Director of Global Security for an offshore exploration company with over 4,000 employees worldwide. Mr. Relf has received a number of awards from the intelligence community and the Denver Police Department during his service, including a Medal of Honor from the Denver Police Department.



SOS: There have been a number of different names for the horrific stresses faced after lethal confrontations—battle fatigue, shell shock, post traumatic stress. In your experience, what is it that you feel brings on this phenomenon? What are some of the feelings associated with traumatic events, generally speaking?

I recall as a cop when I was exposed to a life threatening situation - either my own life or the life of a criminal in the act of committing a crime - I had the feeling of anger after the action was completed. Sometimes it would be directed toward the fool who put himself and me in the critical situation. Sometimes it would be at the totality of the circumstances. But I do believe anger is part of what causes the stress. The administrative second guessing is also a serious factor.

There does seem to be a difference when going into a combat situation in a war zone. For the most part I was already angry with anyone who would be considered an adversary, a very subtle anger but a powerful anger nonetheless. I believe the anger was part of the mental preparation for going into the environment. I mean I was not there to socialize that's for sure.

There is a human factor involved when you see a teammate or someone you lived and worked with blown into chunks. Human suffering is not normal for most to experience. It is not normal to see a human body torn and shredded by acts of war or violence. It is possible that our brains have a problem recognizing a damaged body and associating that damaged body with the people we care about without some type of mental response or possibly the lack of outward response. The other factor may be that when we see such a thing we do get angry and we want to return the favor to the people who caused the damage to our friends. I believe there is a baseline for human acceptance of disfigured or destroyed people - of course it is much lower if the body is of someone we care about vs .someone considered an adversary. Most know what they are getting into but to some degree are shocked when it actually happens with death and destruction resulting.

I also believe that when a reasonable human sees torn and shredded humans over and over again over a period of time a sort of mental numbness sets in as a coping tool. It may be possible that we see our own mortality in the death or destruction of others and we do not want to openly face that fact. I am nearly certain that this "numbness" is a huge part of the PTSD evolution for combat veterans. After a while combat veterans tend to isolate themselves and feel that no one except their "kind" have any value. Imagine how that would multiply when a veteran is released from service in a combat zone and comes home to what he would most likely deem "sheep" vs. warriors.

If you observe anyone who is truly suffering from PTSD or similar afflictions you will see that they do not seem to find many things entertaining or important. Smiles are very rare. Very sullen facial expressions. And emotional responses are difficult for them. People mean very little to them unless they have had similar experiences. Families had to be put on the back burner when the vet was in a war zone and now he does not feel like he may be able to communicate with them as a result of his experiences. He does not want to burden them with his traumas. He does not want to show any emotions because of the fear he may be seen as something less than the warrior he has become.

Honestly, I would not say that I have never suffered some degree of this mental trauma but somehow I was prepared to deal with it. I expected it and was certainly ready to do what I needed to do. Being in several life threatening situations in the service, the police department and other tasks since then in foreign locations like Iraq and Afghanistan was something that I had accepted when I chose to do that kind of work. I did not enjoy taking action but I was not overwhelmed by the fact that I did take action resulting in a bad day or worse for others. (You know that I have seen at least my share of trauma and probably much more than my share of death and destruction.) I would think about the event and later do my own post operation evaluation as to what could have been different, what I learned and possibly what I could have done to avoid the situation or possibly have facilitated a different outcome. I dealt with it quickly and effectively - trying to find the answers that would allow me to move on. Never rationalizing or second guessing but coming up with an honest evaluation of what had taken place. There is no easy solution for dealing with the death of a teammate when one is trying to ensure they survive by providing effective cover or field medical care. There is a huge feeling responsibility when the person dies even though you did all you could to prevent the death. I am not quite sure how one explains that but I am nearly certain the field medics and corpsman in the service are dealing with this everyday and will soon find they have suffered something more than they signed up for. This is not to take away from medical professionals who deal with death daily but I can assure you it is much different, much more personal in a police action or in a combat action.



SOS: What do you believe is at the heart of healing from post-incident traumatic stress?

I think the issue is to get to the bottom of what the PTSD victim is actually suffering and then find out the best method to get them back to what their new normal will be.

Many will be very resistant because they may not actually understand what is moving about between their ears. I am nearly certain anger and survival instinct has a lot to do with it. Frustration is almost certainly a factor too. Also I believe that most decent people are not made to kill another or to accept that they are in the middle of the killing fields where their lives are in obvious and very real peril. Long term exposure to potential death and destruction has to be a factor as well. This may be true for cops and war fighters. NOT EVERYONE IS WELL SUITED TO BE A WARRIOR AND WHEN EXPOSED TO A SERIOUS LIFE AND DEATH WARRIOR ENVIRONMENT THEY SOME HOW MUST FIND A WAY TO COPE - THIS MAY BE A PORTION OF LINGERING MENTAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA. Check out Grossman's book "On Killing"; it will give you some serious insight.

Sorry to babble but this is an area I am still trying to clarify - I guess I had always known I would be in high risk - high threat situations and l knew no other way than to deal with it.

SOS: "On Killing" is a great read. I read it long ago. As far as your response, what do you mean no other way to deal with it? Do you mean than to figure it out in your own my psychologically and philosophically? 


Yes - deal with it at a personal and professional level - remain honest with yourself and absorb the blame if it is necessary but understand that bad things happen to good people.

SOS: All of this is very poignant and relevant to what so many warriors have and are experiencing. You brought up several points worth examining more closely. Let's start with anger. An influential religious leader once said there is righteous anger and unrighteous anger. Would you agree? And, if so, how does one "control the beast," so to speak? Why is anger necessary?

I will avoid the religious connotation but there may be something to the two types of anger. For the most part our warriors, regardless of uniform, strongly believe in what they do. The reason may be varied but almost always there is a form of patriotism involved. Or at least a strong fiber of honor and duty. Part of the anger, at least from my point of view recently, maybe the result of the outward attack upon our way of life by jihadists or anyone who might appear to be against our western world. They are plotting to destroy what we have known all of our lives - they would like to take away our freedoms and make us live their ridiculous way of life. This might be what we could refer to as righteous anger. Unrighteous anger - Hmmm, not sure I can address that one. I would stick more with the righteous anger and it would carry over from the idealism to the field of battle. If someone is attempting to kill me or my teammates there is no problem mustering up the anger to defeat them at all costs, I believe General Patton made it perfectly clear when he said we should not die for our country let some other poor bastard die for his cause. That is righteous anger.

I am not sure anyone can kill another human without some degree of anger in their soul.

SOS: Any civilized person with a love for freedom and liberty yearns to preserve those blessings. That's particularly true for the warrior. That said, anger seems to be a natural response and by-product to prolonged stress as well. Could unjustified anger, then, be indicative of not dealing with the psychological issue at hand? More pointedly, how does one balance when to use justified anger in an operation and yet not lash out, abuse or harass others (including family members) verbally or physically? Or engage in foolish revenge or excessive force?

I think we would have to define unjustified anger. The actor will obviously have a different perception than the receiver.

SOS: True. For unjust anger I mean kicking the dog, slapping the wife, road rage and bar fights - basically flying off the handle. Prior to such a traumatic event as war or critical incidents that might cause PTSD, such anger wouldn't have happened -- or at least such anger wouldn't come as easily and the emotionally wounded warrior wouldn't be unjustifiably aggressive..

It seems that some of the characteristics may have existed before the trauma but are exposed much quicker and with more vigor after traumatic experience. I think some of it may be related to the point that those with traumatic experiences are less tolerant of others for many reasons they seem to think they can look through all of the superfluous situations and get right to the facts - they may not always be right but they do feel they have to be assertive in their actions and of course others are not. Plus I think that in many cases they have to be in charge because they want to be the one making critical decisions.


SOS: You had mentioned initially that those involved in critical incidents feel different -- like no one other than "their kind" understands them, or what they've experienced. Difficulty in marriage seems to almost always follow. Why? And, how can one begin the healing process in an attempt to feel normal again?

My perception is that combat changes ones views of what is most important in life and how one interacts with the people around him. My best guess is that marriages suffer because one person experiences the worst life has to offer and the other remains home with little or no change in their lives other than handling the household by themselves (not a simple task I might add). Maybe the best way to describe the situation is that people change when they experience traumatic situations on an extended time frame and spouses who remain home have to make adjustments and do the job of two people - this can be frustrating for them too. The two people in the marriage tend to grow apart because they cannot or will not see what the other has been through and expect the spouse to automatically understand their side. Communication skills are stifled then anger and frustration continue to expand thus a serious friction and eventual lack of patience with the other happens. Sometimes physical violence is the result- I would say mostly due to the frustration and lack of fulfilled expectations, as well as the inability to communicate.

SOS: How does one begin healing from post traumatic stress and engage in critical incident recovery?

I believe a person suffering from the impact of combat - where ever the environment might be - has to answer a few questions for himself- like:

What was the situation?
What was the first thing you saw that grabbed your emotional strings?
Was the event a recurring situation like multiple roadside IEDs resulting in death and destruction? Was it the fact that a human life was destroyed? Was it the fact that you had taken a human life?
How do you deal about the fact that you had to act or go home in a box? (are you angry that someone put you in that situation? - your adversary)
What was the duration of your deployment/s?
How did you function within your team or group?
How do you feel your peers reacted to the incident/s?
Did you have close peer support?
Did you sustain any physical injuries?
Did you lose someone you trusted?
Do you feel you have responded any differently than your peers?
Do you believe that your developing years allowed you do face the combat situation or did your sense of right and wrong impact your response in combat?
Do you feel that you were properly prepared to enter into a combat situation - not only your fighting skills but your psychological understanding of combat?
Were you prepared to kill or be killed?
Do you have trouble thinking about the incident/s that have caused you to feel depressed? How does your personal discipline impact your daily life now vs. prior to the incident/s?
Do you believe your loved ones see you differently after experiencing combat actions?
Do you see yourself as a different person now that you were before your combat experience?
Do you believe you fulfilled your personal commitments to your service?
What plans do you have regarding your future? Do you have goals set? Do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now?
What makes you smile now?
If you were 17 yrs old again would you look forward to going into the service that exposed you to the combat situation?
Was is the most distinctive thing your recall from your combat experience?
What would you offer an young soldier/police officer regarding the job you chose?
What would you do over if you could?
What will it take to make you feel whole again?
When do you think about the combat experiences - during your sleep - during the day?
Do you have any fears?
What makes you feel strong?
What could you do to find the direction in life you are looking for?
Do you feel you are clinically depressed?

SOS: Do the feelings change after time—has that been your experience? Do those feelings change with repetitive combat experiences, either on the street as a cop or in a battle zone?

I am not certain the feelings change. I do believe however that we get better at dealing with the feelings and therefore they appear to change from the view of observers.

With repetitive experiences I believe we become more accustomed to the feelings and adjust - take a look at a serious combat veteran when the bullets are flying - he continues on without fear of destruction - even though he knows it could happen any second. He has adjusted to the emotions of combat and works beyond them to accomplish his perceived tasks.

SOS: What do you believe is at the heart of healing from post-incident traumatic stress?

Understanding the situation and what it has done to you. Knowing that you are in fact a good person with a strong moral fiber. Knowing that war will result in losses. Knowing you can continue on in life as a productive person, citizen and survivor. Believing in ourselves and understanding that the worst times may be over and we have a chance to heal and move on.

SOS: Are there any last words of advice you'd like to share?

The human spirit is truly resilient. Most of us know we can survive nearly anything that does not kill us. I would encourage any of my brothers to stand up, take an honest look at the situation and make every effort to step back into our society and become productive and successful but never forget they have served and given all they have for this country and for our fellow warriors.

We have one common goal and that is to serve our peers with loyalty, honesty and integrity. I have no doubt we will all succeed with this task.

SOS: Ron, you're an inspiration to me - a true friend, patriot and warrior. Thank you so very much for agreeing to do this interview. I'm confident your words and insights will help many, many others.



To read this and other amazing interviews, check out Warrior SOS, the book on Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-SOS-Military-Veterans-Emotional/dp/1462117341/

For Warrior SOS book endorsements from Glenn Beck, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and others, check out the author's link: http://www.jeffrey-denning.com/books/warrior-sos/ 

Tactical Patrol Rifle Course - Law Enforcement Only - Rockford PD - Sat. June 18th

Warrior SOS Tactical Patrol Rifle (TPR) Course Description

Length: One day (8 hours), June 18th (8am – 5pm)

Location: Rockford PD firing range

Course Description:
This carbine/long gun rifle training course emphasizes tactical fundamentals for law enforcement professionals to win lethal confrontations. The Tactical Patrol Rifle course gives students practical knowledge and tactical application with a variety of drills officers need for tactical considerations and rapid deployment situations faced under stress. Students should come with rifles already zeroed, if possible. This course is beneficial for patrol officers and SWAT operators alike.

Prerequisites:
Law Enforcement only with prior basic training, knowledge and use of AR-15/M-16/M-4.

Topics:
• Firearms safe operation and control
• Winning mindset
• Marksmanship fundamentals
• Multiple positions/target engagement
• Weapon transitions
• 360-degree movement
• Defensive Shooting fundamentals
• Reloading and malfunction drills
• Officer rescue drills

Ammunition: 400 RIFLE rounds, 50 handgun rounds – (jacketed, no reloaded ammo)

Required Equipment:
Rifle/Carbine w/ 3-4 magazines
Handgun, holster 2-3 magazines
LBE, vest or belt with mag pouches
Baseball style hat, Wrap around eye protection, Ear protection
Water bottle/hydration kit
Rain gear/cool weather gear
Knee pads, elbow pads and body armor optional

Cost: $150 department/agency; $100 individual officer pricing – cash, check or money order

About the Instructor:
Jeffrey Denning is a former SWAT team leader, Iraqi war vet, Diplomatic Security specialist in Israel/Palestine, Federal Air Marshal, and subject matter expert for a classified contract with a US government customer. He has won multiple Top Gun shooting awards and is a full-time NRA law enforcement instructor at a nuclear power plant and is a member of IALEFI. He has taught multiple advanced tactical courses to civilians, SWAT operators, and military and law enforcement personnel, including expertise in suicide bomber recognition and tactical interdiction. He is the founder of Warrior SOS. Proceeds from this course will be donated to warriors in need.

To sign up, email: info [at] warrior-SOS.org (written out to avoid spam).

Service, Kind Words, Encouragement and Love in Action

John Masson (picture taken from JohnMasson.com)

True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men.

—David O. McKay (1951-1970)

I called John Masson recently. John lost both of his legs and his good arm last October in Afghanistan while conducting a military Special Forces mission. I called to invite him to come out to the Memorial Day event held at a local cemetery, of which I was asked to deliver the keynote address. This event has gone on for 140 years, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. At the event, I was going to recognize John. I invited him to be there. The event organizer also asked if he could be a part of the flag raising ceremony.

John expressed sorrow that he could not attend, however he's still in Walter-Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. and has another operation scheduled soon. He was incredibly thankful for the invitation.

We had a long conversation. He expressed deep appreciation for the great outpouring of love and kindness from so many people.

He said he was fitted with two prosthetic legs and had been doing walking therapy. During our conversation he both wondered aloud why something like that would happen to him, but he said he thanked God he was alive.

I told him that I loved him, and that I had been praying for him and thinking of him since his accident last October, which our mutual friend had told me about and had continued to give me updates about him. When I expressed my love and appreciation for him—even calling him a hero, for to me he is having sacrificed himself to serve our beloved county—at my comment, John said, "I have been having a real hard day. Thank you for saying that. It really means a lot." Tears nearly filled my eyes and dropped.

Later I was reminded of a wonderful passage I found many years ago while reading Dale Carnegie's well-known book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," wherein is written this:

"I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to ay human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (as qtd in How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie, Pocketbooks, Simon & Schuster Inc., 82, p 31.)

At the end of our conversation John encouraged me. He wished me luck in my speech on Memorial Day, in which all of the local media will be present. He said simply, "prepare and do all you can, and God will help you."


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

Triple limb amputee...

John Masson's Special Forces teammates returned from Afghanistan. He waited to get awarded the purple heart for losing both his legs and an arm after stepping on a land mine. He wanted to be with his team in Fort Bragg.

Warrior SOS received a note that John hugged his teammate and shared his love for them. Such love among brothers could most certainly make soft hearts of any experienced soldier.

Here's a video link to an amateur video of his homecoming from Walter Reed, fitted with another arm so he can use the wheel chair. http://usoonpatrol.org/archives/2011/01/28/john-masson-a-heros-homecoming

The photo above is from a Hawks game John was invited to. They incorrectly stated he was a double amputee, but regardless, what a wonderful thing the Black Hawks did to honor him. We hope there are many more hero "Thank You's" like that!

Here's the video from the sports center: http://video.blackhawks.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=109820


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

Interview with Founder and President of Warrior SOS, Jeffrey Denning

SOS contributor and former Marine Combat Correspondent (Vietnam), Bill Dahl, requested to do an interview with Warrior SOS president and founder, Jeffrey Denning. After several persistent requests, an interview finally occurred.



(Capt. Jeffrey Denning, Operation Iraqi Freedom -- the same picture ran on CNN headlines following an interview after his return from Iraq.)

Jeffrey Denning is a former undercover Federal Air Marshal, an Iraqi War Veteran, and a father of six children. In addition to Warrior SOS, he's a full time firearms training instructor at a nuclear power plant in northern Illinois.


SOS Contributor (Bill Dahl): Your motto: Train. Win. Recover. It is not only an incredible stake-in-the-ground for today's Warriors and their families, but also begs the question, "How did you get here?" Let's start with the Train part or beginning. Tell us about your initial military experience?

Answer (Denning): I enlisted in the military, not for the GI Bill or to see the world, but because I felt a very strong inclination to physically protect and help others. I had thoughts and feelings of protecting the presidents and leaders of the church I belong to—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a.k.a. the Mormons. I wanted to get experience to do that. Besides, military and in law enforcement seemed a good fit for who I felt I was and am.

One definition of vocation is "a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career." Further definitions include "a divine call" or "a function or station in life to which one is called." (See dictionary.com) For me the military just seemed like the right way to go.

I'm reminded of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo, who carved away magnificent statues from the huge blocks of marble taken from the quarry. He said, "In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it." (As quoted online in Squidoo.com in historical commentary on Michelangelo.)

With every magical moment of tactical training I endured, the block of marble surrounding me was slowly chipped away revealing who I was and who I am—who I was meant to be. With every stroke of training I received and with every tactical mission I conducted, more of my character was revealed.

There was something magical that happened for me personally when I grabbed a weapon in training and went running through a maze of buildings engaged in the greatest puzzle of human challenges ever—a lethal conundrum that could end in death and, on the corollary, lives saved.

To point, I was eventually the team leader on a full-time military police Special Reaction Team (SRT) or SWAT team. I was cross trained as a police sniper and FBI-trained crisis negotiator. I was awarded Top Gun at several police SWAT schools, trained with LAPD SWAT, as well as police tactical teams that responded to the Columbine High School incident just a couple of months after that unfortunate massacre.




My teammates were and are still my best friends in the whole world. The amount of trust between operators cannot be filled by any other person—not your spouse, not anyone-why? because you rely on them to kill to protect you, and you know they will. They'll do the right thing, and they have the right skill, knowledge and attitude to do the job superbly.



There's truly nothing else like lining up in a tight stack, getting ready to conduct a close-quarters battle (CQB) mission and knowing the guy behind you is fully capable and trustworthy to help save your life and help rescue a hostage or apprehend a dangerous barricaded suspect. There's nothing quite like the rush of being in a dangerous and potentially lethal moment like that. Skydiving doesn't equate to it, ski jumping, cliff jumping—nothing is quite like the team trust in the lethal game with potentially deadly consequences. You trust your team with your life, work and train as hard as you can, and leave the rest to God.


SOS: After active military service your career took many turns and was, in large part, defined by 9/11. Please tell us about your post 9/11 career and the loss of two close friends...and why SOS will create specific awards for them?


A: After getting out of the military I was a cop with Dallas Police Department. September 11th changed everything for me. I soon found myself living and working in Jerusalem as a contractor for the Department of State (DoS) Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Soon thereafter the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) offered me a position, which I took.



Now former Federal Air Marshals pictured on FAM range, Jeffrey Denning pictured on right.

While working as a FAM, I took a phone call November 13, 2005 from a friend and fellow officer who told me Brian Jackson had been shot and killed that morning. We were in the police academy together. Brian was one of the greatest, most helpful and happy guys I've ever met.



Fallen Dallas Police Officer, Brian Jackson

Brian's partner that night said of the last call they ever took together, "I asked him if he wanted to go help out and before I could get all the words out, he said, 'let's go help 'em.' "

One of the awards Warrior SOS will create is in Brian Jackson's behalf-a service award in his recognition for faithfully serving and helping others.

The second award would be in memory of Staff Sergeant John D. Linde. He and I were on SRT together as NCOs. Later, after I got out and received my commission in the Reserves, we were both in Iraq together at the same time. Johnny and three others in his humvee were killed when they drove over an IED.



The late Sgt. John Linde is pictured on the bottom row, second from the right, along with Denning and other members of the full time police SRT.

The energized Bronze Star winner from a firefight on a previous tour to Iraq was the epitome of an energetic warrior who could get things done.

Johnny was great to be around. His optimistic attitude was contagious and helped every situation be better. His outstanding energy and positive attitude changed every situation for the better. Each person could stand to have a little more of Johnny's notable characteristics. Subsequently, another award will be in his behalf—hope in the face of tragedy, happiness in the wake of sadness and sorrow, and a can-do attitude when facing impossible odds.



Staff Sergeant John Linde's funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.

SOS: How did those experiences affect you?

A: Losing friends and brothers-in-arms is not something most people have experienced. It's especially tragic knowing that someone else caused their deaths. I shed a lot of tears in their behalf and I think about them every so often. Time is a great healer.

I especially feel for those closest to them—their family members. Johnny had a wife and children. Brian was a newlywed.

Sometimes, there is a horrific tragic pain caused by survivor's guilt. I really feel for those who think they could have done more to stop what happened. In the end, if God's will was to take them home; not heaven or hell could have stopped the inevitable. I hope those who feel any guilt that it will be swept away in the knowledge and hope of the resurrection—that all will live again someday.

I like what John the Revelator says of a future time, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 21:4).


SOS: You've also served your country in a number of classified roles. In broader terms, what can you share about some of those experiences? For instance, I understand that you lost three teammate while serving as a DOS-DSS security contractor...what mission were you supporting and when was this?

A: Prior to Iraq I did work as a private security contract in Israel with Department of State. I was living in Jerusalem and escorting U.S. diplomats into the West Bank and Gaza Strip. That was not a classified position.

While in Isreal, on October 15, 2003, for the first time ever U.S. government personnel were attacked and killed by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. I lost three co-workers and another one was seriously injured in roadside bomb attack.



Wreckage of a fully armored State Department Suburban in the Gaza Strip that took the lives of John Eric Branchizio, Mark T. Parson, John Martin Linde, Jr. (no relation to John Linde above) -- AP photo

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Memorial/2003/John+Eric+Branchizio+-+John+Martin+Linde-+Jr+-+Mar.htm

It's quite surreal when one day you're laughing, talking and chatting about a variety of things and the next moment, your friends and coworkers are gone—blown to smithereens.

SOS: That is both surreal and tragic. But you moved ahead by accepting other classified roles. Is there anything you can share regarding them? At the very least, how did they shape you as a person?

A: I had a classified contract with a U.S. government customer prior to getting involuntarily mobilized to Iraq with the Army Reserves. That's what I can say. There's nothing like Hollywood stereotypical craziness mingled in there, so don't think I'm some heartless...whatever. There's great power in anonymity, but there's also a lot of incorrect speculation. That said, I also have signed a lot of paperwork saying I can't talk or write about it. 'Nuff said.

I had left the Federal Air Marshal Service and had started my own business with the aforementioned sole source contract as the main source of income. I was well on my way to the career I had always dreamed about. When I got called to go to war, I lost the contract. Nothing was the same after that. I lost the opportunity which, understandably, had to be filled.

I was unemployed. Being self-employed, I wasn't protected by law to return to my job once I came home from being deployed to Iraq. In addition to being away from home for over a year, missing my wife and children, and going through all the stresses or horrors of war, I also didn't have a job to come home to. Talk about stress. Besides, I didn't have an opportunity to go to job interviews or look for a job since I was tied up in the proverbial sandbox. I understand the stress of not having a job—or being self-employed but lacking income. I feel for those in current situations in the economic unraveling of our time.

Furthermore, Iraq was nothing like what I had imagined it would be. I wasn't able to do what I felt I could do best. There was nothing glamorous or exciting about my time in Iraq. Hollywood's war, of course, is exciting. That's all a façade and a lie. For me, being in Iraq was as if time stood still for a year. I even found myself regretting taking the occupational pathway I chose. I regretted my career choice, and I wanted to go home and be far away from anything to do with war.

SOS: What effect has this had on your family, On your beliefs or source of strength?

A: I leaned a lot on the personal religious convictions I had held since youth. Prayer is a great source of strength, a passport to peace. (For more reading on my personal experiences with prayer, click on the following link: http://mormon.org/me/2GXB/Jeffrey)

SOS: Have you suffered from PTSD or other stress-related conditions? What support have you sought?

A: I've seen some interesting things over the span of my profession, but I don't believe there'd be any classification of PTSD. However—and it is difficult for me to admit (or at least was) for several months and years—looking back I was stressed to the brink. It's easier for me to talk about lately, especially when courageous Veteran's have personally shared their own struggles and experiences with me personally and here with Warrior SOS. I witness their willingness to open up and I've slowly been able to do the same.

It has been said that 70 percent of war Veteran's experience stress, which can exhibit itself in depression, anxiety, anger, etc. I feel a whole lot better than I did while in Iraq and in the few months following my war time experience today, fortunately. I realize now, after learning of that statistic, I would definitely be classified in that 70 percentile. Admittedly, while in Iraq, I found myself crying uncontrollably and trying to hide it from others.

I remember one day in Iraq asking a stable and wonderful tenured NCO how he was doing. He broke out in uncontrollable tears. I had never heard someone cry in front of me like that before. A wonderful and mature man, he was on his third tour. He was also a newlywed. For him, this tour was different than all the rest.

Coming home was quite a culture shock too. Transitioning is hard. Our church happened to have a marriage enrichment class for couples at the time I was coming home. I asked my wife, if we could attend, hoping that would offer some kind of help. I'm the one who needed help. My wife was supportive and helpful.



Jeffrey Denning pictured with his wife while home during a two-week R&R from Iraq.

Sadly, some Veteran's don't have that support. In fact, one good soldier I was deployed with went home for his two weeks R&R and at the end, he said through tears (while we were in Iraq), that his wife told him the last day of his leave that she wanted a divorce.

Going though life without having someone to share it with would make things much harder. All marriages could use a little more love, kindness and selflessness. After all, family is what makes life great. Strong family life is the strength of any nation.

SOS: What worked in your recovery...and what didn't?

A: As mentioned, when I came home I recognized I needed help. I wanted to speak to someone, but I never did. It's not the macho thing to do. Initially, I felt I needed to speak to a mental health counselor or psychologist—just to try to get things right in my own head and in my own experience—but I never ended up meeting with anyone. It was just too strange to speak to a stranger or, in lieu to a counselor, someone who wouldn't be empathetic or understanding.

I continued to write in my journal and speak to other friends and veterans who understand. Eventually, I began feeling much better as time went on.

Time is a great healer. But sometimes without the right help, I've witnessed great friends have serious problems.

In all of this I learned a great and valuable lesson: I learned how to truly empathize with others. We don't understand how difficult something can be for others. We never know just how difficult and challenging some people's experiences are for them personally. I've become a better person for having faced these obstacles in my life. I've become a better husband and father.

SOS: For you and the effects you see with other warriors, what do you think is needed for screening, personal help and long-term family support?

A: I was speaking to a warrior not long ago who mentioned a novel idea. A former police officer who had been in a number of critical incidents, he recommended that fellow officers—peers—needed to be trained and have an additional, voluntary duty to help other officers. Police officers and military personnel alike are more inclined to speak to friends and co-workers, people they know, trust and work with, than to Department Psychologists or Combat Stress Clinical personnel. I really like that idea and believe that implementing something like that would go a long ways in helping identify, heal and resolve problems.

SOS: You've spent a lifetime studying and training for war, how has this defined you today?

A: Hollywood's definition of a warrior is quite different from reality. Additionally, who I am is different from many others.

I was reading the autobiography of my great-great-great grandfather, Parley P. Pratt yesterday and I found this gem. He wrote:

O Liberty!
O sound once delightful to every American ear!
O sacred privilege of American citizenship!...

Awake, O Americans!
Arise, O sons and daughters of freedom!

Restore...people to their rights, as citizens of a free republic. Down with tyranny and oppression, and rescue your liberties from the brink of ruin. Redeem your much injured country from the awful stain upon its honor...And let the news go forth to the wondering nations that [America] still is free. (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 194)

I love and sustain the Constitution. I've taken several oaths to support and defend that sacred document against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I take that oath seriously.

I also really like what King Arthur said in the musical play, Camelot. Said he, "Violence is not strength, and compassion is not weakness."

Like I said, Hollywood's definition of a warrior is quite different than what I envision a true warrior to be.

SOS: Is this when the idea for Warrior SOS came about? What did you see as the unserved need for warriors past and present?

A: The idea for Warrior SOS came about after my brother-in-law, a two time veteran of Iraq wars, was sitting in the hospital after having brain surgery to remove a large tumor. A father of six, who had gone into the hospital the week before with a headache, was now wondering if he'd be able to work and support his family, let alone survival from stage four brain cancer. Through his tears, I told him over the phone, "John, if there's anything-anything-I can do, I will." I knew he wouldn't ask for help, but I wanted to do something!

When I hung up the phone I told my wife I was going to start teaching firearms classes in order to raise money in his behalf.

About the same time I was contacted by the spouse of a good friend of mine who suffers from PTSD after the battle of Fallujah. He has hard times on occasion and I was summoned to reach out to him.

Within a day or so of that, a great, lifelong friend and current police officer, who was also with the Marine Corp in the first wave into Iraq, reached out to me...an SOS.

These and the summation of multiple other experiences made me want to start an organization to help warriors and their family members. Hence the idea for Warrior SOS was born.

There is a constant and continual need for training—moral, ethical, psychological and, of course, tactical. There is and will forever be an on-going need for helping warriors and family members as society gets worse and war continues unabated.

SOS: What is your future vision for SOS? How do you want others to become involved?

A: Someone once shared a catchy poem that goes like this:

If you're blue
Find something to do
For someone who
Is sadder than you.

While more things will certainly come along in the near future that may add direction and ideas for Warrior SOS, the main focus of Warrior SOS is to bless, heal and help. Service is at the heart of our mission.

We encourage all people everywhere to look for opportunities to serve and help others, whether it's lending a listening ear, taking time to say "thank you," or extending a hand of friendship and forgiveness.

Of course, we're always looking for people willing to open up and share their experiences publicly, although that can be hard.

I've also made a personal pledge to help out John Masson, a friend of a friend, who lost both legs and his arm in Afghanistan after stepping on a land mine. I plan on doing all I can to help out that great Special Forces operator.



Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and triple amputee, John Masson

Warrior SOS is also hoping to get sponsorships in addition to those companies that have already helped us out, and whom we express our deepest appreciation.

Finally, we need help spreading the word, so to speak. And the word is: Watch for the SOS sign. The SOS signal may be subtle or blatant, but there are people all around us everyday who are suffering and in need. Watch for signs of suffering and need, and then help others out. As civil, decent human beings it is our inherent duty to run to their aid and offer help, healing and love. Doing so will bless them and bless our lives as well. Serving will make our society better. We could save a life, gain a friend and win another battle, day by day.

SOS: As a Vietnam veteran I am deeply impressed with what you have taken on as a personal mission to support warriors of all conflicts and those who serve in law enforcement roles today. Please accept a very sincere "Thank You" for your continued commitment to serving the public and your country.

A: Thank you, for going out of your way to do this interview. I hope it will help a great number of people.


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

Pictures from Warrior SOS firearms training

Author looking over notes while instructing a combat handgun course in Utah last November.



Overseeing a student during a tactical exercise.


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

SOS Raffle -- Announcing WINNERS

UPDATE: Lori passed away in June 2011. Our prayers are with Mike and their children. She's in a better place now.

A SOS raffle was held in order to help raise some money for warrior Mike and his wife Lori, who's battling cancer. Thanks to many generous people, including those vendors as well as those who purchased and/or helped sell tickets, Warrior SOS is able to give Mike and Lori a healthy amount of money.

But more than that, we want Mike and Lori to know we love them and they're always in our prayers. That's more important and more powerful than anything money can buy!

...Next prize, Crossbow ESS glasses (2 pair in one durable case). They work excellent on the range or during operations. The Crossbow doesn't dig into the side of your head like other glasses do when wearing ear protection. As a firearms instructor these are the glasses I use every time I'm at the range. They're fantastic.



ESS Crossbow eyewear comes with two glasses and a case.

http://www.esseyepro.com/Crossbow_detail.html

Also, the CDI MAX.



ESS CDI Max glasses come with interchangeable clear/dark lenses and a case.

While in Iraq, I personally witnessed some ESS glasses that saved a soldier's eyesight after an IED blast! They work. Period.

Seeing is a tactical requirement. Take care of your eyes. Check out http://www.esseyepro.com/.

Original SWAT boots are next.

My Original SWAT boots outlasted several other pair of boots, including tactical training, tactical operations and a tour to Iraq. They outlasted other competitors, which, frankly, surprised me since the other brand was well-known.

Original SWAT boots lasted me three years and a tour in the sand box.
The "other" brand lasted six months before the souls tore away from the boot.

As a former SWAT operator, security contractor overseas, military man (enlisted and commissioned officer), and a Federal Law Enforcement officer, I've worn every kind of tactical boot imaginable. Original SWAT offers durable, comfortable, stylish, good-to-go boots.



Original SWAT boot comes in either black or desert tan.

Brownells.com is the World's Largest Supplier of Gun Parts, Gunsmith Tools & Shooting Accessories. They have about everything any gun enthusiast would want or need. Their customer service is top notch, and their prices are spot on. It's easy to say you're on target when you shop at Brownells.com.

When it comes to cleaning and preserving the tools that will save your life -- firearms and edged weapons -- you must get the right product...the best product. I use Sentry Solutions on all my personal firearms.

Even and especially in my home emergency Go-Bag (a.k.a. 72-hour kit, Grab Bag, E&E bag, etc) I carry knives and guns. Before I got some Tuf-Cloth, the knife I kept in my Go-Bag for several years started developing rust spots. With Tuf-Cloth, rust spots will never be a problem...ever!



Sentry Solutions has kindly donated 20 prizes. Tuf-Cloth.

The lint-free replacement for oil and silicone rags. Tuf-Cloth applies a water-displacing, micro-bonded crystal barrier to protect against rust, friction, and wear in any condition, for all of your firearms and metal equipment. Tuf-Cloth provides superior protection compared to any oil or silicone based products against moisture; including extreme conditions and environments. Tuf-Cloth’s 12” by 12” lint-free fabric makes oil rags and disposable wipes obsolete. Tuf-Cloth can be used again and again, literally hundreds of uses, just return Tuf-Cloth to the vapor barrier pouch and re-seal it. If your Tuf-Cloth does dry out, simply restore it to its previous condition by using a touch of Tuf-Glide™; a partner for Tuf-Cloth using the same quick-drying mineral spirit carrier. With one simple swipe of the Tuf-Cloth, your outdoor gear is properly lubricated and protected from rust. Issued and used by more than 60,000 troops to replace CLP during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Check out http://www.sentrysolutions.com/ for all your firearms and edged weapons cleaning and lubing needs.

Thank you all for participating. More important than the prizes is the fact that a Warrior has been helped from all the generous donations.

Please keep Mike and Lori in your prayers.

Mansions of the Lord - Where no mothers cry and no children weep

I received the following from a dear friend:
Hi Jeff,
I was surfing around looking for stuff for my upcoming Vietnam reunion and tripped over this website and more importantly this hymn sung by the West Point Choir. Turn up your speakers and listen. It gives me goose bumps it's so beautiful.

http://www.ichiban1.org/html/bnkia.htm#

After surfing the web a bit and listening to the song over and over and over, I decided to post it here on the Warrior SOS blog. Enjoy!

God bless all those who've served or are serving.



"The Mansions of the Lord"

To fallen soldiers let us sing
where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
to the mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
just divine embrace, eternal light
in the mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard tho the angels sleep
All through the ages safely keep the mansions of the Lord

"Mansions of the Lord" is a hymn written by Randall Wallace and set to the music of Nick Glennie-Smith.
"Mansions" was originally written for the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, and was performed by the United States Military Academy Glee Club.



I'm reminded of a Bible verse in the book of Revelations (21:4):

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain."


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK

Faith, Leadership, War and Abraham Lincoln

The following is a letter penned to an experienced warrior in Afghanistan, who's been struggling. In his letter, which I'm not including, he mentions his struggles and need for faith, God and family in order to carry on and get through this terrible deployment. I thought the letter in reply worth repeating for all to read.


I thought of what I could write to you after reading your tear-jerking note below. I thought of the hell I experienced in Iraq. I thought to write something short, but powerful, that might let you know I love you and can understand, in some small way, the hard times you currently suffer. The "short, but powerful" requirement brought to mind the Gettysburg address. Lincoln gave one of the shortest speeches ever. Another man spoke before him for a very long time, but neither his name nor the memory of his words lives on through the annals of history.

Lincoln, a consummate man of God who prayed and studied the Bible regularly, knew that he, as the President of the United States, wasn't ultimately in charge. He knew that God was the ultimate Ruler of the universe, and the inevitable Founder of the United States, upon which He (Heavenly Father) could destroy or save at His almighty will and pleasure. Fortunately, Abraham Lincoln, I'm sure, recognized his role in bringing to pass good things. He prayed fervently and worked hard in his role as leader.

Lincoln will long be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in history. Interestingly, years ago while working as an air marshal, I remember seeing a periodical at one of the magazine stands in the airport that labeled Lincoln as a privately depressed and distressed man. To me, I thought it was a cruel observation and study against such a great man among men. It was pointing out the flaws of someone beyond the grave, and I saw no need for it. But, my experiences in Iraq helped me to see things a little differently--not that we should point out flaws, but I understood more about the loneliness of leadership. In that way, perhaps in some small measure, I understood more about Lincoln's character and behavior--a true paragon among men.

I'm including Lincoln's words spoken in the melancholy fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where I too have stood and wept silently at man's inhumanity to man.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope one day we can greet each other with a hug and talk for a long while.

Now, the iconic Abraham Lincoln:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met here on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But in a larger sense we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled, here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.

It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.


To read amazing interviews with warriors, check out Warrior SOS: Interviews, Insights and Inspiration, the book on Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3WO7VK