The beauty of autumn can be found throughout this wonderful place we call home. The different shades of yellow, red and orange that adorn the trees and paint an October backdrop. The pumpkins, cornstalks and wreaths that provide contrast and welcome you into area homes and businesses. The perfectly groomed green of your favorite teams football field, lined in white and ready for action. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

One accent color can be found everywhere! From the pink cleats seen on Friday nights worn by area athletes, to the NFL games on Sunday and a wide variety of pink athletic gear. From small pink ribbons fastened to peoples clothing to larger versions painted on windows and walls of schools, businesses and healthcare facilities. Pink shirts, pink hats, pink socks, it’s a pink out!

Pink is truly the most beautiful color of October. It represents moms and wives, grandmothers, nieces, aunts, best friends, neighbors and co-workers. Pink is all about women and the importance of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to women. We will lose an estimated 40,000 loved ones this year alone to the dreaded disease.

Please, if you are not having an annual checkup and mammogram, if you’re not checking or are ignoring something you may have noticed get to your doctor. We need you, we love you!

Breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Like any cancer, the sooner it is found the better your chances. Because of the pink ribbons and the awareness created by the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen and so many others the survival rates are at an all-time high. So please remember what the pink is truly about.

Remind your loved ones not only in October but year round. I know it may be uncomfortable talking to your mom, sis or gram. But it may be more uncomfortable if you don’t.

Guns and Roses

I can’t tell you how happy I am by the number of women that took me up on learning to handle a firearm and exercising our Second Amendment right. I could not have a better partner than Mr. Tripoli and the folks at Tripoli’s Triggers. This has been about so much more than folks just learning to shoot. The camaraderie and togetherness of the ladies and the empowerment of those over 60 is truly amazing.

Because of this I don’t feel we should stop with the education and training. Let the husband watch the kids, get your lady friends and have a night out. If you are older and the kids are gone, what a great way to get out of the house and learn something that could save yourself or a loved one. Hopefully it never comes to that, but better safe than sorry.

So here’s my thought, anyone that has completed the beginners course I will chip in another 50 bucks toward the next level of training. Those who didn’t have the opportunity to attend the beginners course I will pay half which is also about $50. There are no strings attached, a couple younger ladies asked me “what’s the catch?” No catch-I just want people to be confident and not afraid of handguns. I want them to be able to protect themselves, loved ones and their property. If they enjoy shooting they can take it up as a past time, but that is not my intention.

I want people to understand guns don’t kill people; criminals kill people and they don’t need a gun to do so. That the unsafe handling of a firearm can result in tragedy. Education and understanding can remove the fear many associate with guns. The most important factor is the hand that holds the gun.

So learn to shoot, improve your shooting, I got your back. Gentlemen thank you for your participation but again ladies first, look for something in the near future.

A Matter of National Security

I was overwhelmed by the calls and support in reference to my article this past week. It was great to hear from so many.

I hate the term silent majority. Because this you can be assured of, a silent majority will become an insignificant minority.

The folks I spoke with were from all walks of the political landscape. Most importantly all are very concerned and love our country.

One thing I would like to make clear is I am a proud American. Not a proud Democrat, not a proud Republican. I am blessed to have been born and raised in this great land and would never put a political party ahead of God, Family and Country.

Those of you still battling the (R) versus (D) thing and putting your own personal good ahead of our country, you better wake up. You are destroying our nation. There are many conservative democrats and liberal republicans. Do not use the political crutch of a party to ignore the facts. Be strong in what is best for our country and is not partisan politics as usual.

God Bless America

Note: My cell number and email can be found weekly on page 4. I enjoy speaking with you. Story ideas, problems or maybe you see things differently, please give me a call. Thanks for reading!