Moved...

I had just found a website that had some great stories by a former (yes, a real one) SEAL named Brandon Webb. I found that this guy writes in a style that I really like-intelligent, easy going, and well thought out without being too pretentious or "high-speed". As I read about him and his buddy Glen going through sniper school, he drew me into his tale and made me really like him and his friend. It was only after several other posts later that I found out his sniper school partner was the former SEAL killed during the protests in which The US Ambassador was also killed. The following letter is written by Webb to his slain comrade. I have to be honest-it sucked me in and made my eyes do the "Daddy is ok-I just have dust in my eyes" speech as the kiddos came by the desk. Man...What a life. What a life to be ended by thugs who have been apologized to by our leadership. These are the days I struggle with the future of our nation and the dark demons that the liberals fail to see. Anyway, read this and try the link to the website. I will get his book and the one coming out this winter; co-written with his fallen team mate. The strength of real-world operator types continues to astound me and always will. People often praise the guys in my line of work, but damn, we are nowhere near the same tier as these individuals. Quiet, stoic, solid, professional. Words we should all strive to live by. Hooyah to all the fallen. Y'all have a good 'un.



September 21, 2012, 2:19 pm14 Comments

A Letter to My Friend Glen Doherty

By BRANDON WEBB

Glen A. Doherty, a security contractor and former member of the Navy SEALs, was killed in Libya on Sept. 12, 2012, while defending the American Mission in Benghazi, Libya. During a memorial service for Mr. Doherty and the three other Americans killed in the attack — the Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Tyrone S. Woods and Sean Smith — President Obama said of Mr. Doherty: “He believed that his life he could make a difference, a calling that he fulfilled as a Navy SEAL…in Benghazi, as he tended to others, he laid down his life, loyal as always, protecting his friends.”
Mr. Doherty’s best friend and former SEAL Team 3 comrade, Brandon Webb, has written a goodbye letter that we are publishing in full. —At War

---

Courtesy of Brandon Webb Left, thousands lined the streets of Boston as Glen Doherty’s coffin passed on its way to burial. Right, Mr. Doherty’s folded flag.

Glen,
I still can’t believe you punched out early on me, but glad to hear from the guys that you fought like a hero–no surprise there.
You should know, your efforts resulted in the rescue of over 20 Department of State personnel. They are alive today because of yours and Ty’s heroic action.
I know you hate funerals as much as I do but, the service in Winchester was humbling and inspiring. The people of Boston are amazing. I had to choke back the tears as me and the boys rolled through town, and thousands of people lined the streets to honor a hero and our friend and teammate. Seeing American citizens united around a hero, if only for a brief moment, restored my faith in humanity and that there’s other things more important in life than killing each other.
Your family is and was amazing. Their poise, patience and the dignity they displayed was incredible to witness. Your mom, Barbara, stood by stoically for hours to ensure she greeted everyone who came to pay their respects. She was an inspiration to everyone who watched. Seeing your dad, his sadness and how proud he was of you, made me give him a big hug, and reminded me to work harder at patching things up with my own father.
Greg delivered one of the best talks I’ve ever heard under the most difficult of situations. What an amazing brother; I hope to get to know him better. His speech made me reflect on my own life choices and how important our relationship with friends and family are. I’m going to work harder at embracing my friends and family the way you always did.
Katie gave such an awesome toast at the wake with all the Bub lessons to live by, I smirked secretly to myself knowing that I’ve heard them all before and will never forget. “Drive it like it’s stolen!” and “Kids don’t need store-bought toys, get them outdoors!” and all the rest.

Courtesy of Brandon Webb Glen A. Doherty on a fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The author is taking the picture.

Your nephews are amazing and so well-behaved. Great parents of course. F.Y.I., I told them I’d take them flying when they come out west. They were beaming when I described all the crazy flying adventures me and their uncle went on. I told them how you and I would fly with my own kids and take turns letting them sit on our laps to get a few minutes at the controls. I’ll do it up right and let them each have a go at the controls.
Sean has been steadfast in his support role and has handled everything thrown at him. Helping him this last week really showed me why he was such a close friend of yours. He’s solid, and I look forward to his friendship for years to come. You chose well having him execute your will, he’s solid.
We are all dedicated, as you explicitly indicated to us all, to throw you the biggest eff-ing party we can, and to celebrate your life as well as our own. Done deal; Sean and I are on it.
Most of SEAL Team 3 GOLF platoon showed up in Boston. It was great to see how guys like Tommy B. just made stuff happen, no matter what was needed. Things just got handled like men of action handle them, no questions asked and no instructions needed — just get it done in true SEAL fashion.
One by one the Tridents were firmly pounded into to the mahogany as the guys paid their respect. Mike and I handed the plank to your mom, choked back tears, and kissed her on the cheek. We both told her how much you’ll be missed by us all.
Afterwards, the Team Guys, Elf, Steve, Sean and others tipped a few back in your honor. In good Irish fashion we drank whiskey from Sean’s “What Jesus Wouldn’t Do” flask, hugged each other like brothers and said goodbye, each in our own way.
We are planning the yearly surf trip to Baja in your memory. We share Steve Jobs’s philosophy on religion and tolerance, but if you can arrange it, please talk to whomever and fire up a good south swell for me and the boys.
My kids will miss their Uncle Glen. I told them it’s O.K. to cry (we all had a good one together) and to be sad but not for too long. You wouldn’t want that. They will grow older, and like the rest of us, and be better human beings for having known you.
You definitely lived up to the words of Hunter S. Thompson:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a ride!”
When I skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke myself I’ll expect to see your smiling face handing me a cold beer.
See you on the other side, brother. You are missed by many.
-B.W.

---

Brandon Webb is a former Navy SEAL, author of a memoir, “The Red Circle,” and editor-in-chief of SOFREP (Special Operations Forces Report). He served with his best friend, Glen Doherty, at SEAL Team 3, where they were sniper students together. They had just completed a book together, “Navy SEAL Sniper,” which is due out in January.

Disturbing...

This video disturbs me greatly. Have a watch and you tell me. Note: I found this on the Western Rifle Shooter's Assoc. page-thank you guys for a good blog.







Y'all have a good 'un.

Weary...

I've been spending all my time working on the Ponderosa as of lately, hence the dirth of blogging. It's been a rough couple of months around the world. It's actually starting to wear on me. I know sticking my head in the sand and bunkering in is not going to help, but damn, do I feel like doing just that. Too many shootings, too many protests, too many liberal idiots, too many "faithful" taking advantage of a non-issue. Our leadership is at its worst. I've never seen anything quite like it and I'm afraid for our nation's future, my future, but most of all-my children's future. The hardest thing for me is not being able to even begin fathoming the liberal mindset. It's as if they are from another dimension.


Money is tight now with the new place, so our preps are running low. Good thing deer season is here-meat in the freezer. The kids will have their first experience this year; should be fun. I'm more excited for them than for myself to be honest. These are the times I've been looking forward to. My Dad is one of the best men I've ever known. I owe him everything. In giving us the things we needed he had to spend all his time working. He owned his own small business, meaning it owned him. I'm sure some of you are in the same spot. This meant we didn't have tons of time together that didn't involve work. Let's say it this way-I spent a lot of time early on working and learning the job. It was the only way if I wanted to see him for more than ten minutes here or there. I often was dropped off after school with him and came home well after closing with him; dirty, greasy, worn, but all smiles that I was "helping" Dad and being a man. It was time well spent, but it was rough time. I'm sure it was tough on him; worrying about me and making a living at the same time. Still...these are some of my favorite memories. That is what I want to build with the girls. Memories. Good ones. Ones that they will carry into their adult lives, one day realizing how much I really love them and want them to be happy. So again, I can't wait to see all three pair of little blue eyes sitting in a deer blind with me. It's going to be fun. I can only hope they enjoy it; I guess time together is never a waste.

Anyway, let's hope for a good deer season and a better November-you know what I mean. Y'all have a good one and I'll see you next time.

Happy trails...

Happy trails to our friend and fellow blogger, Matt. I get it; been there myself.

So...Via con Dios, my friend. Enjoy.

Y'all have a good one.

Wicked Edge Knife Sharpener Demo

I WANT!

Willy Wonka knows the truth...

Willy Wonka gets it...why can't the Democrats?

Confiscating, pilfering, stealing-your guv'mint in action

Of course the guv'mint took these coins; I mean, we're the guv'mint, right? Just another case of "keep your mouth shut, melt 'em down, and go on about your business". I know that they wouldn't have the same value melted down as they would as coins, but at least something is better than nothing. Better yet, sell them overseas through someone. Then just roll that cash into one of those fancy Swiss accounts us poor folk always hear about. Damn...

Judge Says 10 Rare Gold Coins Worth $80 Million Belong to Uncle Sam

By SUSANNA KIM | Good Morning America – Wed, Sep 5, 2012

Related Content

• Enlarge PhotoJudge Says 10 Rare Gold Coins Worth …

A judge ruled that 10 rare gold coins worth $80 million belonged to the U.S. government, not a family that had sued the U.S. Treasury, saying it had illegally seized them.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin was originally valued at $20, but sold for as much as $7.5 million at a Sotheby's auction in 2002, according to Courthouse News.

After President Theodore Roosevelt had the U.S. abandon the gold standard, most of the 445,500 double eagles that the Philadelphia Mint had struck were melted into gold bars.

However, a Philadelphia Mint cashier had managed to give or sell some of them to a local coin dealer, Israel Switt.

In 2003, Switt's family, Joan Langbord, and her two grandsons, drilled opened a safety deposit box that had belonged to him and found the 10 coins.

When the Langbords gave the coins to the Philadelphia Mint for authentification, the government seized them without compensating the family.

The Langbords sued, saying the coins belonged to them.

In 2011, a jury decided that the coins belonged to the government, but the family appealed.

Last week, Judge Legrome Davis of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania, affirmed that decision, saying "the coins in question were not lawfully removed from the United States Mint."

Barry Berke, an attorney for the Langbords, told ABCNews.com, "This is a case that raises many novel legal questions, including the limits on the government's power to confiscate property. The Langbord family will be filing an appeal and looks forward to addressing these important issues before the 3rd Circuit."

The family said in its suit that in another seizure of the 1933 double eagle, the government split the proceeds with the owner after the coin sold for $7.59 million in 2002, according to Coinbooks.org.

Y'all have a good 'un.

British law sucks...Don't become the UK

Yeah, God save the queen and all that crap. God forbid we end up like this.

 

Farm tenant arrested after burglars shot was 'plagued by break-ins'

A farm tenant and his wife who were arrested after two suspected burglars were shot at their isolated home had been the victims of a number of robberies.

The scene of the shooting in Melton Mowbray

By Nick Britten

7:44AM BST 03 Sep 2012The man is believed to have grabbed a legally owned gun after they were disturbed by the break-in early yesterday.

He is understood to have fired at the intruders who then fled the isolated house at Melton Mowbray, Leics, before calling the police.

Minutes later, an ambulance was called to treat a man with gunshot injuries nearby. It is understood that call was made by one of the suspected burglars.

The arrested man's mother said: "This is not the first time they have been broken into.

"They have been robbed three or four times. One of them was quite nasty.

Related Articles

• Farm worker arrested after 'burglars' shot
  02 Sep 2012
• Man and children found dead in flats
  02 Sep 2012

"They have not been injured but property has been stolen."
Local farmers said the area has been increasingly targeted by car thieves.
One said: "We had three Land Rovers stolen. We had fitted one with a tracker and it was recovered in Birmingham."
A second man was later treated for gunshot injuries after arriving at Leicester Royal Infirmary, 10 miles from the scene of the shooting. Neither of the men is said to be seriously injured.
Yesterday the businessman and his wife were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Four men, understood to be the suspected burglars, were also arrested.
The case will reignite the debate over a householder’s right to defend his property, which began in the late 1990s after the farmer Tony Martin shot two burglars at his remote Norfolk home. In 1999, Martin fired at Brendan Fearon, 29, and Fred Barras, 16, after they broke into the house in Emneth Hungate.
Three shots were fired, Barras was hit in the back and despite escaping through a window died moments later. Martin was convicted of murder and jailed for life, which was reduced on appeal to manslaughter and five years’ jail.
In 2009, the millionaire businessman Munir Hussain fought back with a metal pole and a cricket bat against a knife-wielding burglar who tied up his family at their home in Buckinghamshire. Hussain was jailed for two and a half years, despite his attacker being spared prison.
Appeal judges reduced the sentence to a year’s jail, suspended.
The case prompted David Cameron to announce that home owners and shopkeepers would have the right to protect themselves against burglars and robbers.
Last year, Peter Flanagan, 59, who fatally stabbed a burglar armed with a machete at his home in Salford, Great Manchester, escaped prosecution after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled that he was acting in self defence.
Yesterday the Melton Mowbray cottage was sealed off by police. Welby Grange Farm is owned by John Hobill, 84, and his wife Evelyn, 76, and is the registered address for JT and RT Hobill, which lists itself as a farming business.
A woman who answered the phone said they were “not allowed” to talk about the incident. She said the cottage was privately rented and the incident was nothing to do with the family that owned the farm. She said the person living there was not a farmer.
A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “A 35-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman were arrested in Melton on suspicion of GBH and four men, aged 27, 23, 31 and 33, were arrested at Leicester Royal Infirmary on suspicion of aggravated burglary.” All remain in custody.

Another CC save...

Sorry for the re-posting on news, but the MSM isn't going to do it.

Armed concealed carrier stops a stabbing in front of school

Kevin Danielsen August 30, 2012 4:47 pm

There are folks who act on good impulses, and there are folks who act on bad impulses …knives and guns are merely tools.  In this case, the victim was a 38-year-old mother who was dropping off a child at school, running into an apparently disgruntled husband.  The husband was armed with a knife, who proceeded to use it on the mother.  The NBC affiliate out of San Antonio, TX, WOAI.com, has the story:

The attack happened around 10:00 a.m. Tuesday outside the Bonham Academy on St. Mary’s Street. Teresa Barron, 38, had just dropped off her child at the school when the child’s father showed up, and the two got into an argument. The child’s father, 38-year-old Roberto Barron allegedly then stabbed the woman several times in the upper body and neck area.”

The report states that the woman is alive, but in critical condition.  This, however, is not the end of the story.  Overall, the woman can thank an armed concealed carrier for saving her life:

Police say a bystander who happened to be a concealed handgun license holder pulled his weapon and ordered Barron to drop the knife. Barron surrendered and was taken into custody by the bystander and a school district officer.
The woman was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.
Barron was arrested for aggravated assault, and is in jail on a $150,000 bond.”

At the end of the day, all three people lived because a good person was carrying a gun, while the bad person was carrying a knife.


Y'all have a good 'un.