2014 "The Bulletproof Mind" seminar is a success, but too many educators stay away

On Saturday, October 11, over 350 people gathered to hear Lt. Col. Dave Grossman present his “The Bulletproof Mind” lecture. There were concealed carry license-holders, police, military and many educators (though not nearly enough of them).

We talked to many FASTER (Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response) graduates. Some told us about progress their school has made regarding safety and security, or that they have only been carrying a gun in school a couple months and are looking forward to taking the Level Two FASTER class next year. Some had brought administrators or board members to hear Lt. Col. Grossman talk. I commend those who took the time to learn.

Frustratingly, we also talked to FASTER graduates who have not been authorized to carry. When asked if they brought a board member or their superintendent, the answer was the same. “They wouldn’t come.”

How horrible that someone in charge of children’s lives does not take the time to learn the truth about violence and mass killings. They don’t read the books that are available or learn from the topic experts we have right here in Ohio. They are more concerned with protecting their fractured ideals than learning the truth and protecting your children. That is sad indeed.

Buckeye Firearms Foundation and John Benner will be presenting at the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Capital Conference next month. If your superintendent is still opposed to real security in your school, have him or her stop by our booth and talk to us. We will be presenting “Protecting our Children at School” on Tuesday, November 11th at 3:45 p.m. This is something that every district needs to understand.

One thing that stood out this year was how many couples there were. This is a great thing. We have long encouraged people to attend with a spouse, fiancé​ or partner. The talk is not just about “guns” but about life. It’s about our society and how to prepare yourself mentally for the reality of the world we live in.

Many people have told me, “My husband/wife is not interested.” I tell them to bring them anyway. Grossman is not just for those who carry guns, but also for the adults in their lives. With only one exception, every spouse who has reluctantly attended has told us they were glad they came. Many other people tell us, “You were right. My husband/wife/friend would have loved this. If you have Grossman back next year, I’m going to bring him/her.”

One point that Lt. Col. Grossman emphasized more this year was the roll of victim zones (what the anti-self-defense people call “gun free zones”). They are where active killers carry out their slaughter of innocent people, often children. Ironically these laws are often passed “for the safety of the children.” That misunderstanding might have been understandable 20 years ago, but not today.

We are fighting a war with Al Qaeda/ISIS/ISIL and radical Islam. There have been beheadings not only in Afghanistan, but on American soil. The violence of the Mexican drug lords is often more extreme than the terrorists, and we are inviting them across our southern border. Doctors with advances in medical treatment save many lives that would have been lost a few decades ago. That may keep the murder rate in check, but it gives a false understatement of the increasing violence of our world.

Maybe the best endorsement of Grossman is that close to half of the audience had seen him before, and wanted to hear him again. Many people enjoy hearing him every year. Grossman began the day by presenting John Farquahar of Mad Duck Training a jacket. This was the tenth time Farquahar has attended a Lt. Col. Grossman event.

It was an enjoyable day shared by those who want to understand violence, that they may never have their lives shattered by it. We are not paranoid, we are prepared. That preparation makes us less likely to be attacked. If we are attacked, we are better able to fight and defend ourselves. And if we are injured, we are able to heal, especially emotionally faster and more complete than those who fail to grasp the concepts presented by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. No wonder this is such a popular event.

We'll be having Lt. Col Grossman back to Ohio again, but in the mean-time, please visit Lt. Col Grossman's website at www.GrossmanAcademy.com, and check out his new "On Combat" training courses, offered 100% online. Courses are open to public safety professionals and civilians.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Foundation President, BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."

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