The men (and Stanley the wonder dog) of Rogue Corps on the final day of instructor training.
On any given day at the academy I have the distinct pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life and with greatly varying levels of firearms experience. Every once in a while I am taken off guard by one or two of them. This past week, knowing fully what I was getting into, I was still taken aback and once again honored and humbled by the men from Rogue Corps.
Rogue Corps is a therapeutic adventure group for combat wounded veterans and is based in San Diego, CA. Led by a highly motivated core group headed up by David Lyon, the Rogue Corps Warriors bring together combat wounded vets and give them a chance to return to normalcy and even grow a bit. In this case it was an event put together by Johnny Johnson, the Military Sales Representative from SIG SAUER. In conjunction with the SIG SAUER Academy led by Adam Painchaud and with financial assistance and support from the Boot Campaign, the Vuurwapen Blog and local favorite Goody Coles Barbecue the Rogue Corps event left us all with a feeling of true accomplishment.
Day 5 brought the rain from the tropical storm but not a single complaint from any of the men.
Each of the 15 Rogue Warriors left the SIG Academy with Rifle Instructor, Pistol Instructor, AR15/M4 Armorer and SIG SAUER 516 Armorer Certifications. Two of them were even able to stick around over the weekend and get certified as SIG SAUER Classic Line Armorers. They learned a lot, but I am quite certain we learned more from them. No matter what, they all left with marketable skills they can use to grow and become more independent.
The spirit and determination shown by these men is truly inspiring. Men such as Andrew that lost both legs and an arm while serving as an EOD technician who now shoots better than most non-challenged shooters and has actually developed a one hand reloading device for use with magazine fed pistols; or Mark, a Warrior left with only his little and ring fingers on his left hand who can nail a steel torso target at 800 yards using a .338 LM Tac 2 rifle that let you know just how well off we all have things. The list is long and full of the personal success stories of each of these warriors. Men who have overcome adversity, personal challenges and who have come out stronger and more committed than any of us could even hope to comprehend.
Each man left with instructor certifications for basic rifle and pistol as well as factory Certifications as AR15/M4/M400 and 516 Armorers.
Most obvious to us all this past week is the borhterhood and love these men have for each other. A depth of which I simply can not find words to describe. No questions asked these men will give up what they have to help one another or even a complete stranger for that matter. Each man looking out for the others as if they were back in combat. Each man knowing that a helping hand or a shoulder on which to steady himself is right there whenever it is needed. I have never witnessed a truer or stronger bond amongst brothers in arms.
No more powerful bond…No stronger brotherhood…no deeper love than what is shared by these Rogue Corps Warriors! Always there for each other whenever needed.
So, as you go throughout your days and continue to train, remember there are Rogue Corps Warriors out there training along with you. They will soon begin holding classes all over the country and we hope to see them on their own very soon. With the help of some very supportive sponsors, each of these men is fully capable of teaching you a thing or two. Not only about shooting, but about the determination and drive necessary to deal with the things life throws at us.
If you want to help out Rogue Corps, you can contact their President, David Lyon via their Facebook page.
Great read Scott,very inspiring to all of us that are in the field.good to know people can overcome and adapt to prevail through anything.let the bushi codebe with them.
Stay strong,stay low,reload.
Scott thanks for the email. Truly a remarkable event that will tear your heart away and at the same time deliver a great amount of respect for the human spirit. These warriors are America’s finest. As we embark upon a third year in 2014; I cannot wait to do this again. This is by far one of the highlights of my year. I want to personally thank you for your immeasurable amount of support and dedication in making this happen. The Rogue Corps is a brotherhood that will always remain in the forefront of our hearts and minds, and of course Stanley the wonder canine. I will sit in awe of these men for the remainder of my days on earth. I must thank the men of Rouge Corps for all the inspiration. Adam and his crew for their patience, understanding, trust and commitment. Semper Fidelis. Johnny
Just had to give you gentlemen a,, “thank you & Job Well Done” sorry i was not at Goodies / that’s home sweet home ,/next time you people are heading to Sig. please drop me a line. I want to to thank you all “Eye to eye” so be well & safe,,God Bless ya.