Expat Ben

2012-02-11T15:21:00.000-06:00

Watch the end of this video to see how fast someone really is. He is running a demonstration of drawing, firing, reloading, and firing again in under 1.6 seconds, and says his normal time is around 1.5 seconds. Most law enforcement standards are draw and fire one shot in 1.5 seconds. It's pretty incredible to see how fast this guy is.

YES! Hit My 1st Physical Goal of the Year!

2012-02-09T18:36:00.002-06:00

305 lbs on the Bar

I dead-lifted 305 lbs. today! It's my first goal of the new year. My next goal for dead lifting is 325. Hopefully I hit that by the end of March!

Quote of the Day

2012-01-24T09:15:00.001-06:00

"Why in the name of John Moses Browning would you do that with a gun?" - Tom Gresham

Interview

2012-01-14T16:55:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to get interviewedby a great podcaster. Bob Mayne atthe Handgun World Show wanted to do aninterview of me about my experiences in the Marine Corps, specifically the gunfightsI was in.

Bob has an awesome show that I listen to and the interview went great. He asked great questions and was ableto keep me on topic (not an easy task, ask my wife).

If you would like to check out the interview you can find ithere.

If you like shooting handguns and/or carrying one forself-defense check out the Handgun WorldShow. You will learn some gookstuff and be introduced to a great guy.

Stay Safe,

Ben

P.S. Thanks to Bob for the interview and a great time on therange. We shot an IDPA matchtogether before the interview and had a blast!

Marine Humor

2012-01-12T12:03:00.001-06:00

Here is what Marines do when they are bored. It's kind of funny, but I wonder if it works?

Daily Commute

2012-01-06T11:41:00.001-06:00

My daily commute was crazy! I had a 2 your old driver!

Ah, Yester-Year

2011-12-31T07:03:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I had to dig a trench. The only thing I had in my truck was my issued (cerca 1999) e-tool.

The memories.

Daily Commute

2011-12-30T06:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I had a commute that wouldn't end. About half way there I found this.

Can anyone identify this thing.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:51:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all.

And for all that are reading this, thank you.

I'm honored that you take the time to read my blog.

Ben

Daily Commute

2011-12-23T12:18:00.001-06:00

I found this today in a little town without even a stop light.

Looks like a mall to me.

Great Quote

2011-12-12T18:55:00.001-06:00

"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."

-Thomas Jefferson

and another one, just in case his position on the power of the people wasn't specific enough.

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

Imagin if one our current politicians made a statement like these? Would the people support him, throw him out, or not believe him.

Ben

PS It would be funny to watch the new media go ape about a politician says one of these quotes.

Yesterday's Commute

2011-12-03T12:29:00.000-06:00

In the middle of nowhere, water takes over roads. This road wasn't too bad... Luckily.

Daily Commute

2011-12-03T08:25:00.001-06:00

If you thought your commute was bad, just check out these guys.

Yes, this road is so small that you have to pull off the road when a vehicle is coming the other way. And Yes, that truck is stuck in the ditch and these other guys are trying to pull it out.

Christmas Shopping

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

Tie the season for crime. Criminals have kidsand family too. For some reason, criminals think they are entitled to what youhave. While you are out shopping here are a couple things to think about:

Watch for anyone trying to get to close toyou or bumping into you. It may be a mistake or you may have just lost yourwallet.
Don't carry all your Christmas cash in onespot. Have some in each pocket so you aren't flashing a wad every time you payfor something. Women don't put everything in your purse. If someone takes yourpurse, can you even get home? Put a couple things in your pocket
Think about multiple trips so everythingyou bought at BestBuy is not sitting in the car while you go into target. That big screen TV you just bought looks as nice to a thief as it does toyou.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Modern Self Protection

Daily Commute

2011-11-29T21:27:00.000-06:00

I got stuck here for about an hour while I had to fix a trailer tire and then let my mini air compressor blow the tire back up.

Then I hung out and had lunch.

What's your commute look like?

Ben

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T08:18:00.000-06:00

That's what my Grandmother calls it.

I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm thankful for everyone out there.

Thanks,

Ben

Daily Commute

2011-11-23T13:47:00.001-06:00

Today my commute looked like everyone else's. Everyone is leaving for the holidays.

Daily Commute

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture from my daily commute. What's your commute look like.

Re: Free Lunch

2011-11-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

My free lunch didn’t go so well. I wanted to go to Texas Road House, but Iwent to lunch with my wife (A LittleSlice of Life) and kid. They openedat 11. We got there 15 minutes early,and so did everyone else. So I thoughtwe’d go to Best Buy for a router, which they didn’t have. We went across town to get one.

We stopped at another Texas Road House and the wait was anhour long. Across the street was a Chili’sthat was also doing free lunch for Vets. We had a great meal with good service and only had to wait about 10minutes.

It was nice to be around all these Veterans. The place had a great vibe, and at everytable there seemed to be people telling war stories. It was a lot of fun.

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns fell silent. November 11, 1918 become the end of the “Great War.” The world hoped it was the “War to End all Wars.” It didn’t take long for us to learn that war will continue.

May 13, 1938 by an act of congress November 11 became a national holiday called “Armistice Day.” After World War II and Korea, congress amended the 1938 act in 1954 changing the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans or all the wars.

At one point (1971-1975) congress tried to make Veterans Day a floating holiday to create a three day weekend. There was uproar from the people and Veterans Day was changed back to November 11.

Lately I think Veterans Day is fading. After September 11, 2001, everyone honored our veterans, now we are starting to forget.

Here is a different reason to thank our Veterans. When someone joins the American Military they lose all of their rights and freedoms. They do this willingly for the term of their contract plus a couple extra years.

I learned this the hard way when I joined the Marine Corps October 13, 1998 (no I didn’t have to look up this date; it’s the day I reported for boot camp). From the time I stepped off the bus the Marine Corps told me when I could eat, when I could sleep, if I could make phone calls, and even controlled what news and mail I got from the outside world.

Once out of boot camp this continued. I was told when and where to report, when I got off duty, and where I could go when I was off duty. They controlled my entire life while I was on active duty.

Just remember to thank a Veteran today, they willing gave up their freedom so you could have yours.

Stay Safe,

Ben Branam

Modern Self Protection

Free Lunch!

2011-11-10T22:42:00.001-06:00

My favorite Texas restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, is giving free lunches to Veterans on Veterans Day from 11am to 2pm. Your can bet I'll be there!BenModern Self Protection

2011-11-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

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.

2011-11-07T21:40:00.000-06:00

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

Youtube Driving

Gun Range Death

2011-10-25T22:17:00.001-05:00

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

2011-09-12T09:49:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

"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

2011-07-30T21:07:00.001-05:00

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

2011-07-15T16:16:00.001-05:00

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.

Finances Matter

2011-04-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

Staying safe is what I'm all about, and financial is one of those things everyone worries about. After years of study I found one thing that will keep you safe when it comes to financial matters. Just one little secret to live by...

LIVE ON LESS THEN YOU MAKE!

That's it. If you make $1,000, put away an easy 10% and live on $900. Don't even worry about what to do with the saved money (you could put it under a mattress), just don't spend it.

Stay safe, and get wealthy,

Ben

Government Shut Down!

2011-04-09T21:24:00.002-05:00

Can't believe it's come to this, or maybe I can? Our government is getting worst, but our people are getting better. Two days ago a friend of mine was scrambling to get back to work because the bank he works for, Broadway National Bank, is going to continue to pay all military members even if the government shuts down. I'm also hearing about other companies doing the same thing. Kudos to these companies! They really are taking care of things.

The good part about this is that people are helping each other and the government is helpless. For too many years people have looked to the government to take care of the people's needs, now we are starting to take care of each other.

I want to see the day when the local church becomes the way people help each other, and the government is only needed for the general defense and to regulate trade.

Stay safe,

Ben

Who Do You Hang With?

2011-02-11T09:58:00.002-06:00

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

Makes me want to reevaluate who I hang out with. I also want to be one of the great people that others hang out with.

Hey!

2010-12-23T19:45:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

News You Need to Know

2010-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

I watched one of the local SA news stations and they kept repeating "It's the news you need to know before you go to work.". I thought maybe I'd found something that would give me a quick overview of important things that was happening inthe world, nope. The story they repeated was about how 15 people "8 were college students" where arrested at the local senators office during a protest because they shut down the office last night. Why is that news "need to know.". Who gives a flip. No wonder why the news is dieing. Go to the Internet and read what is really going on in the world and decide what you need to know by the first sentence and headline.

Crazy Airport Security!

2010-11-15T19:07:00.000-06:00

I just got back from Atlanta on a business trip. I was limited in time so I had to fly…which means dealing with security. I was only going for 2 days and wanted to go light and fast. I only took a carry-on so I had to strip everything. Dropped my knife, fingernail clippers, and everything else that looked like a weapon. I also had to go through my first aid kit and drop the scissors and needle. I can still take my flashlight and suggest everyone always carry a small powerful light on them as a utility and a weapon.

The funny thing was my lighter. I didn’t know if I could take it with me, so I asked the first TSA agent I saw. He said we are not currently enforcing that regulation right now. What? I had to ask him twice because I didn’t understand. TSA needs a little better people skills.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Off Road Fun!

2010-10-22T14:56:00.002-05:00

I'm working for an oil company dropping off and picking up equipment to the oil fields and enjoying it. They pay me well and treat me better. I use one of their F250 trucks and love it. Just spent almost 15 miles on dirt roads. I enjoy the challenge of keeping the truck on the road at speed, and the fun of sliding around corners and through washouts.

Enjoy life whenever, and wherever you can!

Stay Safe,

Ben

Remington Under Fire?

2010-10-20T22:02:00.002-05:00

What kind of horrible reporting was that? CNBC claims that a Remington Model 700 is unsafe. That the rifle will fire when the safety is moved to the “on” position. They claimed that this was a major issue. That it happens a lot. I’ve been around firearms my entire adult life and fired many Remington 700s and never even heard of this happening.

My heart goes out to the family CNBC had on camera that lost their little boy due to an accident. The mother went to unload the rifle and the rifle fired, shooting the little boy. I’ve trained many people that claim they don’t put their finger on the trigger, but I see it happen all the time on the range. Not just civilians, but also soldiers, Marines, and police officers. I’ve seen top-level shooters have a negligent discharge during a competition. People do put their fingers on the trigger without realizing it.

The report found one firearms trainer that would talk about the “problem” and two lawyers. They also had two grainy videos with military dressed people in them showing the malfunction. They played these two videos multiple times, and let the lawyers talk. With a file and a couple hours I can make almost any firearm fire when it’s not suppose to. So the videos don’t hold much water.

No one from Remington, or any other major brand would talk about it. This is a smart move. No smart trainer or firearms industry person would talk on camera to a major news outlet. A really good media relations person taught me a long time ago, that you may win the argument, but will never win the auditing. The media will cut and past your comments to say what ever they want the public to here.

CNBC used this by only showing you that they bought one rifle and talked to 10 different stores, and only had footage from a couple. They couldn’t even get sales people to say anything bad about the rifles off camera. I’m sure they bought more then one rifle and if they could have made the rifle malfunction in any way it would have been on the report.

One of the lawyers talked about a rifle that malfunctioned in court, but they didn’t have the actual court documents, only the lawyer talking about it. Again if this happened all the time, there would be lots more proof. CNBC wouldn’t have to repeat things in their one-hour report.

This seems like one of those things that you shouldn’t believe everything you see on TV. I do not have any problem or concern with the safety of a Remington 700. I’ve operated and trained with many people using a Remington and not had any problems. After watching the report, I still don’t have any concerns with the rifle and wouldn’t be worried about anyone carrying one around me.

From the opening monolog I knew there was no one on staff at CNBC that knew anything about firearms. The report walked out with a rifle and his finger on the trigger (I hope they had enough sense to have the rifle unloaded).

Always follow the four firearms safety rules:

Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
Never point the weapons at anything you don't intend to destroy.
Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
Know your target and what lies beyond.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Surviving the Aftermath

2010-10-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

After being a victim of a crime or violent encounter, your immediate problems are over, but some long-term items are starting. Here are a couple things to think about.

- Right after the encounter a police officer will want to know what happened. As you explain it, it will all come back to you; sites, sounds, smells, feelings, but the details will be fuzzy.

- As time goes by the details will start coming back and you’ll remember more and more of the details.

- You may relive the worst moments when you’re alone or when you sleep. When you are stressed it may come more often.

- The worst is, you may relive the encounter with worse and worse things happening in your mind.

- Everyone will want to know what happened and hear about it. Unless someone was there with you, they probably won’t understand.

- Everyone has a way to solve your problem, but most will not work.

Time is the one thing that heals all wounds. With time you can get through anything. Just keep in mind, you can do anything with enough time.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Surviving the Aftermath

2010-10-13T14:37:00.000-05:00