On November 10, 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress decreed:

That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.

So began the legend of the United States Marine Corps. In true Marine Corps fashion, the first Marine Commandant, Captain Samuel Nicholas, went to Tun Tavern, Virginia to recruit Marines.

Over the last 236 years the Marine Corps has fought in every clime and place, from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. They were America’s first to fight in the Battle of Nassau, March 3, 1776. Now they stand as America’s force in readiness.

The Marine Corps is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known, and may ever see. It has proven this time and time again, doing what was said to be impossible. Over the last 100 years the legend has grown more as Marines have done the impossible again and again. In WWI they earned the title “Teufel Hunden” or Devil Dogs during the Battle of Belleau Wood. The woods were said to be impossible to take, but the Marines fought with such ferocity the Germans couldn’t believe they were human and started calling them Teufel Hunden.

The Marines landed at Inchon, Korea in a battle that was designed to fail. The Marines surprised General MacArthur by taking the Port City and pushing inland. Like most modern day Marine forces they were only forced to stop advancing because they outran their supply chains.

During the first Gulf War Iraqi troops were told that a man had to kill and eat his family to become a Marine. The idea was to have the forces fight harder, but they were so terrified they ran when faced with Marines.

In Afghanistan, the Army said it was impossible to fly hundreds of miles over enemy territory and take Kabul Airport to gain a foothold to start the war.

And then in Iraq, 2003 the Marines were the diversionary force while the Army drove around to take Baghdad. The Marines turned it into a race and arrived at the same time as the Army. After Baghdad was taken and Saddam said he was still in charge in Tikrit, America sent the Marines, and in less than a day the city was taken.

These legends will grow as Marines continue to fight and win all over the globe.

So if you see any Marines today, tell them Happy Birthday. They will know what you are talking about and appreciate it.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Modern Self Protection

PS Ask a Marine about the Marine Corps and he or she will tell you a great story.

PSS Marines, Check out this year's Commandant's Birthday Message below.

Here is what my commute looks like most of the time.  What is your's like?

Youtube Driving

Gun Range Death

Someone was killed today at the Bullet Hole shooting range in San Antonio. It's weird to have someone died at the range. Shooting is one of the safest sports in the world. Believe it or not, more kids die playing football then in shooting sports.

The news says San Antonio PD is investigating and should know what happened in a week or two. My guess this was a horrible accident caused by mishandling of a firearm by the person that died. My prayers go out to the family and anyone involved.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Check out more stuff at Modern Self Protection

The first half of this video is sad. But it's probably the best senate hearing ever. Fast forward to 4:48 to see someone tell you what the Second Amendement is truly about. After that it's a news story, but fast forward again to 7:30 to someone actually explain the wording in simple terms.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Great Quote

"If you're going to waste time (and I hope you will) the least you can do is do it well," by Seth Godin.

The Passing of a Friend

A good man, good cop, and a good friend died today. Buena Park Police Officer Daniel Ackerman died today after going down during a physical training session Friday morning. No one knows why, or what happened to him yet. He was a SWAT officer and in exceptional shape.

I met Dan during high school when we were both police explores. We then went to the police academy together. He was hired as a cop and I was activated as a Marine. Over the years we stayed great friends. We spent endless hours in the gym and on the range training together.

The world is a lesser place for his passing. I ask that everyone say a little prayer for him and his family.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Change of Mind

Sunday morning I play bass in the Revolution Church band and have to arrive at 5 am. So I leave the house about 415. There is normally no one at the gas station that I stop at to get a drink and a donut. For some reason a couple Sundays ago there were four plus me. A couple that looked like they were just coming home from the club, a man that just came and went to pay for gas, and one more.

I went to the back freezer to get a Monster and a donut then started to come back when the last man walked into the store. White, medium build, medium hight, gang and prison tattoos all over, shorts falling down and a t-shirt three sizes to big. He entered the store and stood in the doorway for a couple seconds looking around. Not for something, but at the people in the store. He had that scared predatory look I have seen overseas on bad people right before they were going to do bad things.

He turned and walked to the counter and I followed behind him in line. I couldn’t see a gun or anything in his shorts but the right side was hanging further down then the rest and he was holding them up.

Oh CRAP! God please don’t let him do this, my silent preyer as I walked up behind him. And the Oh CRAP! my gun is in the truck. And then oh CRAP one more time, because there was no way out of the store without walking in front of him. Even the emergency exit was behind the counter.

I put my Monster down and prepared. I was going to draw my knife with my left hand and perry his gun hand with my right, rip the knife across his throat and then stab deep into the larynx just like I was taught in the Marine Corps.

He stood looking at the attendant for a good 5 seconds (that seemed longer). Then, something changed in his posture and demeanor. I could tell he changed his mind. He simply bought some smokes and left. I said a little thanks to the Lord and left glad that nothing happened.