Kevin Owens Talks with Charles Van Bidder About Vietnam War [PODCAST]
For this episode of Fieldcraft, Kevin Owens talks with Charles Van Bidder about the Vietnam War. RELATED: The History Behind Memorial Day Kevin Owens Talks with Charles Van Bidder About Vietnam War Kevin Owens sits down with Chuck Van Bibber, a Vietnam War Veteran from 1968-1969 to talk about lessons learned from Vietnam as well as […]
Kubotan | How to Use a Kubotan in 3 Easy Steps
Master the art of self-defense using a Kubotan! This small weapon could stop even the biggest attacker in its tracks. How? Check this out. RELATED: 6 Self Defense Tools Every Prepper Should Have Killer Tips That Will Make You A Kubotan Master How to Use a Kubotan Step 1: Grip Knowing how to hold the […]
Preparedness Notes for Friday — October 15, 2021
On October 15, 1529, Ottoman armies under Suleiman ended their siege of Vienna and turned back to Belgrade. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 97 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a […]
Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — October 13, 2021
October 13, 2021 is the 80th birthday of singer-songwriter Paul Simon. (Born, 1941.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 97 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending […]
Pistol Crossbow Reviews | What’s the Best Pistol Crossbow in 2021?
A refreshing way of hunting small game can be done using a pistol crossbow. This small weapon guarantees you commendable damage enough to injure or stop any target at half the effort with self-cocking models. Check out this roundup of the top self-cocking pistol crossbows in the market today. RELATED: DIY Survival: How To Make A […]
You Know You Need an Emergency Radio… But Which One?
You’ve received a few emails from me in the past about emergency weather radios. The purpose was to tell you how important it is to have one handy. That’s why these radios are included in just about every bug-out bag list you’ve ever seen.
Based on how many of you have purchased the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio, I assume you don’t need any more convincing.
You realize that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more violent. And you know weather forecasters are predicting more hurricanes and more tornados this year than usual.
So, I’m not going to waste your time trying to convince you to add one to your survival stockpile. But if you haven’t done so yet, I do want to provide some tips on what to look for in an emergency radio. Because there are many choices out there.
Say yes to NOAA
The first thing you should do when it comes time to selecting an emergency radio is make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. With a NOAA weather radio, you’re certain to receive timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes and other breaking news.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7. If you program your county’s six-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.
Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which particular alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.
Plenty of charging options
OK, now you’re set with weather alerts. Is there anything else you need in an emergency radio? Yes, plenty.
Let’s start with how to keep it charged. A dead emergency radio is useless, so don’t choose one that gives you only one or two options.
You want a radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it.
Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun and cranking it up by hand.
Power bank with a flashlight
Any of those options will keep your emergency radio charged. But you also want to have a radio that can “share the wealth.”
You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan or another item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.
There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life.
You may need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.
Light, compact and durable… with extras
Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. It would be a burden to carry in your hand or in a bag.
You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?
Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.
Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.
My recommendation is…
The emergency radio I’m recommending will not be a surprise. I let the cat out of the bag back in the second paragraph.
And it might be difficult to believe, but every feature I mentioned as being important in an emergency radio is included in one radio – the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio.
Of course, this is not a coincidence. We started with the end in mind with this product. We made sure this tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts, with seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.
We insisted it include an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.
We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll knock a small amount off the price of each unit, provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and a free $25 gift certificate.
Turning a Hero’s Hardship Into a Home
Soon after his 18th birthday, U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge followed his lifelong dream. He enlisted in the Army. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan during five years of service.
In May 2012, Ethan arrived at Fort Campbell. He was placed in the storied unit of 1st battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. During a combat mission, his life was forever changed.
Ethan’s platoon was leaving a meeting with a local official in Afghanistan. That’s when a civilian detonated a suicide vest 10 feet from his group. The blast resulted in two deaths and multiple casualties. Ethan was left in critical condition.
He suffered a concussion, broken bones and head-to-toe shrapnel wounds. Ethan still battles post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. He has undergone 11 surgeries. And still struggles with memory loss, intense pain and cognitive challenges.
For his service, Ethan was awarded a Purple Heart. Plus a Combat Infantry Badge, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and more.
Ethan and Arin Have a New Home
The challenges Ethan and his wife, Arin – also an Army veteran – will face for the rest of their lives are obvious. And this is why Operation Finally Home was established.
The organization is based in New Braunfels, Texas. Late last year they informed Ethan and Arin they would be recipients of a brand new, mortgage-free home in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Ethan and Arin were surprised with the news on Veterans Day 2020 at the Grand Ole Opry.
In August 2021, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the couple and their two children moved into the home. It was a dream come true for the LaBerges. Thanks to Beazer Homes, Ashlar Development and Operation Finally Home.
Grateful Family Excited About the Future
“When we first found out about receiving the free house, I was shocked,” Ethan said. “Immediately my mind began racing with everything we needed to accomplish before moving.
“And that was quickly followed by the possibilities this opened up for my kids. My excitement quickly grew when Arin and I began talking about everything this means for our family.”
“When we were able to see our home completely finished,” Arin said, “I was so excited. This home is where our kids will grow up and play. Our safe place.
“Picturing family meals, holidays, birthdays… I couldn’t help but feel overwhelming gratitude. We can’t thank everyone involved enough.”
Mt. Juliet Community Responds
Rusty Carroll has been executive director of Operation Finally Home since 2013.
Here’s what he told the Nashville CBS-TV affiliate following the ceremony.
“We just felt like they were a model for the type of veterans and families that the community wants to come together, support and provide them the foundation so they can continue to move forward.”
Rusty said what stood out to him regarding the event was how enthusiastic the community was.
“From the city manager to police officers to the fire department. They were all there to honor Ethan and Arin with their presence and flag presentations. That was what was unique.”
4Patriots Donates Preparedness Bundle
4Patriots also wanted to help Ethan and Arin get started in their new home. Employees attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. And presented the family with an emergency preparedness bundle.
The items included a 4-Week Survival Food Kit and a Survival Sweets Kit. Plus two Solar Sentry Security Lights and three Blackout Beacon Emergency Lights. As well as two HaloXT Tactical Flashlights and a Patriot Power Sidekick solar generator. And an Ultimate Water Filtration System and a USB Rechargeable Battery Kit.
Lori Naylor is an account payment specialist at 4Patriots. Arin and Ethan are her daughter and son-in-law.
“I want to thank 4Patriots and my co-workers who came to the ceremony and showed tremendous support for my family and other veterans,” Lori said. “I have never been so proud to work for a company than I am 4Patriots. Thank you again.”
Lifting a Financial Burden
Operation Finally Home is a national nonprofit organization. They bring together homebuilders, remodelers and others to provide custom-built, free homes and home modifications. Recipients are America’s wounded and ill and injured veterans. Plus first responders, spouses and families.
It was founded in 2005 by Dan Wallrath, a longtime builder. He had responded to a request to remodel the home of a wounded Marine. At no cost to the Marine’s family.
When Operation Finally Home provides a home or home modifications, it removes a huge financial burden from these soldiers. It allows them to focus on healing and preparing for their family’s futures.
“For many of these veterans, we’re meeting them at the worst or lowest point of their lives,” Rusty said. “With housing being a big part of it.”
“When they learn they’re getting a new or remodeled home free of charge, you really see a physical weight lifted off their shoulders. And a hope in their eyes that wasn’t there before.”
Home Where They Belong
Operation Finally Home has more than 350 homes in 30 states that have been completed, are under construction or are in the planning stage.
For some time now, Ethan and Arin have enjoyed going to the zoo and the park with their children. Now, when they return from those ventures, they walk into a brand new home. And it’s all theirs.
Anyone interested in making a financial donation to Operation Finally Home may visit OperationFinallyHome.org and click on “Donate.”
Rusty also recommends following the organization on social media channels, including Facebook (facebook.com/OperationFINALLYHOME).
Writing Contest Prize Winners Announced: Round 96
We’ve complete the judging for Round 96 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prize winners are: First Prize: Mike V., for Combating Sheep Flock Parasites Part 1, and Part 2, by Mike V., posted on August 14-15, 2021. His prizes will include: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a store-wide […]
Wrapping Up National Preparedness Month
Have the last two years seemed like a horror movie come-to-life to you? My first reaction to that question would be “Yes.”
But then I stop to think and realize the answer is really “No.” Horror movies usually focus on one villain. Over the last couple of years it’s been one disaster after another.
And even if we limited our scope to the last month or so, we’d have to say there have been plenty of villains to go around.
A pandemic that continues to infect, sicken and kill. A deadly hurricane that ravaged many states. Wildfires consuming millions of acres of land and destroying homes.
Political upheaval affecting the economy.
And earlier this year it was a shocking deep freeze that left 4.5 million homes and businesses without power in Texas alone. And cost hundreds of lives.
The Need for Self-Reliance
As all of you know, we just completed National Preparedness Month. Once FEMA understood that disasters were far too frequent and devastating for the government to handle, they established this annual designation.
Encouraging self-sufficiency was a good idea. It brought additional awareness to being prepared. But it’s also something we’ve learned can’t be limited to one month.
There are just too many problems. And every time one occurs, we see the consequences of being unprepared. Such as empty grocery store shelves. No way to purify contaminated water. No safe backup power.
Below is a brief recap of some of the stuff we’ve dealt with in 2021. If this doesn’t convince us to be prepared, I don’t know what will.
Ida Delivers a Knockout Punch
Hurricane Ida was the fifth strongest hurricane in recorded history to strike the U.S. mainland. The Category 4 storm made landfall at Port Fourchon, Louisiana on August 29. Exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Bayou State.
After slamming the town of Grand Isle with 136-mile-per-hour winds, officials described their city as “uninhabitable.” In Jefferson Parrish, nearly every home had damaged or missing roofs.
At least 31 people in Louisiana died due to Ida. More than 1 million customers lost power in the state. Plus another 113,000 in Mississippi. More than 80 million Americans faced flood risks along the storm’s path.
After pulverizing Louisiana, Ida moved to the Northeast. That’s where flooding was responsible for more than 50 deaths. Including 27 in New Jersey. The storm started numerous fires and spawned tornadoes. And left hundreds of thousands without power.
Powerless to Counter Punch
Louisiana residents who rode out the storm were told to boil their water. That’s because water systems in many areas were either limited or knocked out of service.
The storm disabled 216 substations and 207 transmission lines in Louisiana. Entergy officials estimated that those living in southeastern Louisiana might be without power for weeks or more.
All this meant many of the state’s residents would be left sweltering in the heat for the foreseeable future.
As of this writing, there have been 17 named storms in 2021. And hurricane season still has two months to go.
Wildfires Ravage the Landscape
Wildfires have once again been a huge problem in the U.S. this year. As of this writing, the National Interagency Fire Center reports that 44,647 wildfires have burned more than 5.6 million acres.
Most of these wildfires occurred in the West. Especially hard hit have been California, Oregon and Washington. As well as Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Arizona.
Conditions bringing out this onslaught of wildfires include severe drought, high temperatures and high winds.
Prior to the 2021 wildfire season, 75 percent of the western U.S. experienced drought conditions. And 21 percent of those conditions were labeled “exceptional drought.”
Unprecedented Uri Unleashes Fury
Historic Winter Storm Uri packed a big punch back in February. At least 31 people died and many were hospitalized. More than 5 million homes and businesses lost electrical power.
All due to record-breaking frigid temperatures. And a killer storm featuring snow and ice. On February 15, it was colder in Houston, Texas than in Houston, Alaska. And Oklahoma City experienced its coldest morning since 1899.
As the storm moved east, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama were also hit hard. More than 109,000 lost power in Louisiana. Over 60,000 in Mississippi suffered blackouts.
Other states were struck hard as well. Officials in Oklahoma said unprecedented demand for electricity strained the state’s electrical grid and natural gas infrastructure.
The storm even caused damage and injuries in Georgia and Florida. Overall, power outages were reported in 15 states.
Preparedness = Peace of Mind
National Preparedness Month ended at midnight last night. But after what we’ve been through lately, preparedness is going to be on many people’s minds for a long time.
And that’s as it should be. Emergencies are scary. Crises are scary. Disasters are scary. But preparedness isn’t scary. It’s just plain common sense. And once you get prepared, it’s the opposite of scary. Preparedness brings peace of mind.
Thanks for reading our National Preparedness Month emails over the last few weeks. I hope they were informative.
As you know, 4Patriots offers many preparedness products. Each has its own website page. But to make things simpler, we’ve placed the most popular items in one spot.
Go here for our National Preparedness Month collection of Survival Food Kits, solar-powered generators and more preparedness gear. Plus our emergency radios, tactical flashlights and much more.
Let’s not limit preparedness to one month. It should be an ongoing process.
Preparedness Notes for Sunday — September 26, 2021
On September 26, 1908 an ad for the Edison Phonograph first appeared in The Saturday Evening Post. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC are providing a store-wide […]
