Monthly Archives: July 2013

PTSD- A Marine’s Story

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I think for a lot of people it is hard to explain war and even more so perhaps what it is like to come home from it. Neither Phil or I have spoke much about the year that followed his return from Iraq, but I think it surprised us both how challenging it was.

He was certainly a different person and while he healed fairly quickly he never did return to the same carefree, light-hearted boy he was before.

My husband did not suffer this kind of distress and for us, the major issues were dealt with pretty much in a year or two, but this Marine’s story is powerful.

Extremely well written. I honestly believe it is worth your time to read.

He has a blog.

A New Shooter Update

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Our latest Giveaway recipient wrote an update to share with all of you. As I read her post, I realized two things.

1. We picked the right gal!!

2. I need new clothes. I think this is the 3rd picture of me in the last few months in this same outfit.

P.S. I have always known this, but it is much better to give than receive.

I thought it was time for a update from me on how my new found love for guns is going. After winning  this contest I realized I needed to be a worthy winner and do my part to make the most of these wonderful prizes I was given. Each donor gave because they cared about giving forward in something that they feel passionately about. So my personal conviction was to make sure I used each prize to the fullest.I am now a month out since I got to take the two day defensive handgun class donated by Kathy Jackson. The class was invaluable. Over the two days I kept thinking of all the people that I know that have guns and I thought everyone should take this class. I walked away from it feeling more informed and more confident about this new life that I have chosen to embrace.

I was able to meet “A Girl” in person. She came and brought me the prizes I had won. My husband did laugh at me later on when I was so excited to have gotten an extra prize from Old NFO, an ammo box.

I was able to email with one donor who had given a money gram for ammo and a holster belt. The kindness and willingness to help me to learn things that have been so foreign to me is just amazing.

Yesterday I got to meet up with George Lyons at the NRA range in Fairfax, Va. It is an amazing range. George was very patient with me and helped me learn some new things and also jogged my memory on some of the things I had forgotten I learned in Kathy’s class. One thing I realized after working with George is that when I go to the range I NEED to not only work on my shooting skills but practice all the things I have been taught, like drawing my gun, dropping my magazine and reloading. Those skills need to be so natural that I can do them in seconds when seconds count. THANK YOU George!

Six months ago I would’ve never even dreamed that I would be a lady joining a shooting league, “A Girl & A Gun,” going to the range at least twice a month, traveling to take classes, and stopping at every gun shop I see. My life has changed a lot but I know for the better.  I know that my life and my family’s lives are worth protecting. All the fears I personally had about guns have disappeared thanks to “AGirl” and the others who have been so kind to help me learn. Knowledge is power.

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