The Fisherman
"Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give ... Read More...
From Subject Matter Expert to Student
FROM SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT TO STUDENT In 2003, I was commissioned to develop a combative program for my Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha. The team was recently stood up and we were in the process... Read More...
Ep3 What is the Gunfighter Writer Wildman Monk?
We discuss some of the Spotterup Whole Man concept. GUNFIGHTER WRITER WILDMAN MONK: Man of Action, Man of Intellect, Man of Emotion, Man of Spirit. We describe what these archetypes are and how they make up... Read More...
Ep2 John Correia Active Self Protection
Listen as host John Valentine speaks with Active Self Protection founder John Correia. John founded Active Self Protection in 2011 to teach people in all walks of life to develop the attitude, skills, and p... Read More...
Ep1 Inaugural Podcast, What is Spotter Up?
Our inaugural podcast. We talk to former Scout/Sniper Marine Jordan Laird, Sheriff Bill Farmer, Martial Artist John Valentine and myself (founder of Spotterup) Learn who some of our contributors are and we ... Read More...
Arming School Staff Members – Let’s look at the facts
Ever since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and again since the shooting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, there has been a lot of talk about school safety and how to prevent these se... Read More...
Goldilocks of Giving
Once upon a time, I gave my all. I gave my all to everyone and everything in my life. My eagerness to drain my own well came from a place of deep insecurity. I’d been left before, abandoned by both family, frie... Read More...
Seven Things You Should Know About Your First Shooting Competition
Last week I attended my first shooting competition, a local 2-gun match. As shocking as I’m sure it is that every writer isn’t a frequent competitor, I wanted to share what I learned from the match to help anyo... Read More...
The Forever War, Living with a TBI: Part 2, Transitioning
“These two things fight together in me as the snakes fight in the spring. The water comes out of my eyes; yet I laugh while it falls. Why?”
― Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book How do I not take this home... Read More...
The Forever War, Living with a TBI: Part 1, Relationships
"Memories are just where you laid them
Drag the waters till the depths give up their dead
What did you expect to find
Was there something you left behind
Don't you remember
Anything I said when I said, ... Read More...