What Does "Preparedness" Mean? - Escape Plans

     There are too many reasons why everyone needs escape plans and emergency response plans. With events natural disasters destroying homes and the land we love on a regular basis it is only logical that you should be ready for them. Pretending they don’t exist is stupid but so is not planning for them. Whether it is simply escaping your house during a fire or running for your life in tornado alley there is no reason not to have a plan. I’d like to go over a few different plans that I have in effect and how my family would escape if we needed too. Understand that each family will need different plans in place depending on where they live. Earthquakes may not be common where you live and so planning for those might not be top priority. What I would recommend however is that you still plan for the less likely events regardless but cater them to be specific to your family and what works for you. 

     FIRE - According to the US Fire Administration (USFA), there has been an annual estimated average of “2,495 civilian fire fatalities [resulting] from 360,900 residential building fires. Of the total residential building fires, 1,600 of them resulted in fatalities. The overall fatality rate was nearly six civilian fatalities per 1,000 residential fires.” That means there is always a chance of this happening no matter where you are. It might be something you’re very aware of and maybe even something that you practiced in elementary school when the Fire Marshall visited your school but it most likely is something that needs revising. Is this a plan that you’ve actually practiced with your family? Is it one that accounts for new additions to the family whether children or pets? Each house is different and some might require ladders and alternative exits. My apartment complex had one exit that we could walk out of if there were fire. We need a rope/chain ladder to escape if someone else’s apartment was on fire. I have a dog which makes getting him out more difficult if we have to exit via the ladder. These sorts of specific plans will get you out if you plan and practice them. I recommend at least doing it once a year, especially if you have children. 

     Remember that fire prevention is just as important as planning your escape. Keeping matches and other firestarting items in safe and properly stored locations could spare you these problems. Turning off unnecessary electronics when not in use and keeping an eye on gas and heating appliances will also assist you. 

     EARTHQUAKES/TORNADOES – I group these together because they arrive with little warning. Tornadoes can arrive with more warning then an earthquake but they are still very unpredictable. I’ve only been through three minor earthquakes and I’ve been extremely lucky to have never been through a tornado. These events are the hardest to plan for but what is necessary in planning for these events is how to deal with it as it happens and what to do following the event. Earthquakes and for the most part are a roller coaster ride that you can’t do anything about except ride it out. The concern following the event is where your loved ones are and are they safe? Having a meeting place is necessary when cellphones and even landlines are down. Plan beforehand two safe locations so that if one of those is destroyed or unreachable there is a second that can be used. Know the means of transportation following these events. Roads might be broken or littered with debris and driving to where you’re going could be dangerous. Know the best way to get to where you need to go without the convenience of your usual mode of transportation. 

     HURRICANES/FLOODS – These events normally happen hand in hand and although you might have a flood without a hurricane you almost always have flooding with a hurricane. These events usually allow for some measure of preparation if you are paying attention to your local and national weather services. They might not always get things right but they almost always overcast worse than it really is going to be. Use this as an indication of what is to come and prepare accordingly. Do you have window coverings to prevent broken glass? Ways to store your cars to protect them from flying debris? Do you have proper supplies to ride out the event well in advance of the rush that occurs prior? Many people wait till the last minute to gather candles, matches, water and food stores and if you are caught in this rush you end up with barely anything and a headache from the struggle. Preparation prior to these events will give you peace of mind and safe you an unnecessary trip to the store when you could be preparing your home. When the flooding arrives do you have a way to prevent it? Do you have a way to get sandbags or create a miniature levy around your home? 

Flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

     The hardest thing for many people in these situations is to leave. Katrina did not catch anybody off guard but it did catch people who just stayed. Many people said they had nowhere else to go. I do not wish to be insensitive to the struggles of these poor people who lost so much but my question is, why stay when your life is at risk? Weighing whether you should white-knuckle the storm or leave can be the hardest decision but if the storm is large enough, and you’ve prepared your home to the best of your ability then it might be best to just get up and leave. If you can’t go to family or friends then plan to meet at a hotel or motel somewhere out of the area. If you are low on funds and can’t do that then take a tent and find a nice spot off the side of the road. There are always options. Don’t risk your life for your home because your life and the life of your family are so much more precious than your home. 

     SNOW – Most people don’t think of this one because most people live in areas where the snow is manageable. If you live in Colorado, or New York or Minnesota the chances of getting snowed in are even worse. Are you prepared with a sufficient amount of food storage? That must include water, dry stores, a cooking stove, matches, candles and if you can afford it a small generator with some fuel. Be ready to stay a while because with these events you can never know. Lastly, be prepared for the possibility of financial repercussions. Unlike most, I get paid whether I’m at work or not because I’m military but many people work on an hourly basis and if the snow prevents you from working you’ve lost more than just some of your food storage. Having a savings both digital and as cash in hand is extremely when these sorts of events occur. 

     KIDNAPPING – Most people wouldn’t group this in with natural disasters but I believe that having a plan for this possibility is just as important as planning for a house fire. Children are targeted more and more and the pedophiles are becoming bolder. Preparing your children against attack and kidnapping is essential. Rather than speak much more on this I would refer you to a previous article titled “Protecting Your Family”. 

     TERRORISM – This one is similar to the earthquakes and tornadoes because there is little prediction. Law enforcement and intelligence services work tirelessly to prevent these but as we saw in the case of the 2013 Boston Bombing it still wasn’t enough. We can never fully prepare for these but I believe that the best way to deal with them is much like an earthquake. You need to have the same plan in effect but you need an extra step that doesn’t always accompany earthquakes or tornadoes and that is emotion and mental healing. I don’t proclaim to understand much about this because I’m no psychologist. I do see on a regular basis my friends with Post Traumatic Syndrome (PTSD) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and I understand how that can affect them. I know that getting shot at is different then something like the Boston Bombing but the affect can be the same and can do more damage than the physical scars. This is exactly why it’s called terrorism and why it is so deadly. 

Second plane striking the Twin Towers on Sept. 11th 2001

     Jack of All Spades was created not only on the basis of prepare and prevent but also of dealing with these events. The tragedy of Katrina wasn’t just the physical destruction is caused it was the emotional. People had lost more than just homes; they’d lost family, friends and entire lives. I worked with a wonderful lady who was about to retire to her home in New Orleans that year but had to return to work shortly after Katrina because she lost everything. It changed her life is so many ways. Understanding how to deal with whatever drama life throws at you is just as important as planning to avoid it. We don’t want these events to define us; we want to define these events. 

     The bottom line is that there can potentially be a plan for everything. The detail and level of dedication to these plans depends on you and your families but personalize it; make it your own. Each family has a responsibility to be prepared to act and not let these events act upon us. We can be stronger then Mother Nature and we can prevent these things from tearing our lives apart.

What Does "Preparedness" Mean? - Wilderness Survival

     I have many friends who have much more experience in the category of wilderness survival than I will ever have however I can say that there are definitely a few skills I’ve learned that have been absolutely invaluable to me whether I was camping in a state park campsite or hiking miles into the middle of nowhere on a survival trip. So despite what is likely to stir a heated debate I will submit my most cherished and important wilderness survival skills. I won’t go into all the different variations of how to do each of these things but I will mention them and discuss why they’re important. 

     Water: Being raised in Oregon’s Willamette Valley it was rare to find yourself somewhere in the wilderness without a short distance’s walk to water. Whether or not water is easily found water is an essential part of survival. Most scientists would agree that water is the first and most important substance to the body during a survival situation. Food can be found later since the body has an uncanny ability to survive for days without it. Water however is realistically a daily necessity. Knowing your terrain is the key to finding water. I know the Pacific Northwest well enough to pretty much find water no matter where they place me but I can guarantee that if you dropped me in Arizona I would experience a greater challenge. Each terrain is different and knowing the way water flows in your neck of the woods is important in finding water. 

     Water Purification: Once water is found it’s not always safe to drink. I’ve been lucky enough to go camping near a mountain spring where the water comes out pure and refreshing but not all locations have that purity. Some water has been infected with microbes and disease that cause serious diarrhea and stomach cramps. Stomach problems of this caliber could potentially be your undoing. Although there are many ways that you can purify water I couldn’t possibly select on as more important than another. Let’s face it survival is survival when it comes to this topic. The easy answer is to either have water purification tablets or a water purifier with you when you’re out in the woods. The thing is that if you’re caught in some cataclysmic disaster and you no longer have that option then you’ll need to find other solutions. Boiling water is one of the easiest if you can build a fire. At 212 F˚ or 99.98 C˚ water boils and even if it just reaches boiling it’ll kill giardia and many other nasty diseases. I will usually let it boil a little longer just to make sure. Some authorities will say four, five or even ten minutes but I’ll just say that is up to you. The minimum is to reach the boiling point.

Portable water filter made by Katadyn

     Fire: Boiling water is impossible without some sort of fire. When you’re trapped on a mountain you might not have planned to stay there that long and so you need to find a way to create fire. To a survivalist fire means the ability to block out the cold, ward off wild animals, purification of water, clean clothes and many other things. Each method is different with varying degrees of difficulty. My personal favorite is to use flint and steel but there are many other ways that are just as effective. 

     Food: This skill requires a little more work and reading then any of the others. I think most inexperienced people could bumble their way through the other items and survive to tell their tales however finding food can often be difficult. Just like finding water, knowing your terrain is the key to finding food. Trapping game is the ore difficult part of finding food. This skill is very important though because game of any kind brings in high protein and nutrients you can’t get from eating plants and berries. Know your weaknesses too. Catching larger game like deer, elk or moose is likely to be extremely difficult given your limited resources. If you find yourself with a bow or rifle then you might just be able to do that but remember that going after such big game is a serious endeavor and could take up valuable time in which you could be working on rescue. I would rather try to catch smaller game with snares and traps that require little time and just some simple know-how. Remember that even if they are typically bitter and still crawling bugs and other insects are very good for you. Know which kind of insects are poisonous but be ready to eat them if you’re stranded. They’re not that bad. The greatest thing about snares is that you set them and you can then go off to focus on other efforts to better your survival. Like shelter building… 

     Shelter: This might not be something you’ll need if you plan is to escape a situation. POWs and such are usually encouraged to keep moving and avoid leaving traces of their paths. For these situations shelter is not the best option however for the average citizen trapped on a mountain in dangerous weather this could mean life or death. Shelters should be small and compact to trap the greatest amount of warmth. Large shelters are more difficult to build and allow for heat to escape. Knowing your terrain and the available materials will also assist you. In the Pacific Northwest you can easily use downed trees or large boulders to make lean-too shelters. On tropical islands you’re less concerned with warmth and more concerned with protection from rain and sun so using palm leaves to block them both is a must. No matter the location, shelter can be made from anything around you and knowing which one for the terrain that you’re in is extremely important. 

     Orienteering: Every Marine and Soldier is taught this skill in boot camp and if you were a Boy Scout or even a Cub Scout you would have learned basic map and compass skills. If you have a compass or even a watch your ability to navigate is made easier. If you have neither then you are relegated to the tricks that nature has left for you. Know basic constellations and where they sit in the sky. North Star, Big Dipper and Cassiopeia should be well known to anyone that ventures out in the wilderness. For our Aussie friends the Southern Cross should be just as well known. Understand how to find where the sun is on a cloudy day because you might end up in the stormy Pacific Northwest where it takes more than just looking in the sky to see where the sun is. Understand land marks and how to read terrain so you can navigate them properly. These skills could become necessary if you’ve gone without being rescued for an extended amount of time. 

     Tool Making: I know that most people expect to only use these skills if something bad happens and they aren’t planning to be there for very long but what if you needed to know how to make a stone knife or a hammer or even a bow and some arrows? What if that were necessary to your survival? Would you know how to make them? A knife is potential the most important tool when surviving and without it your survival could be in jeopardy. Knowing how to make razor sharp knives could make everything easier on you. 

     In the movie “Castaway” with Tom Hanks we see him struggle through some terrible situations but in the last half of the movie we jump from the untrained, inexperienced castaway to the now tanned, hardened survivor throwing a fishing spear. That spear alone could save you in almost any survival situation that involves fish. The only difference between his and the one I use spear fishing is that mine is fiberglass with a metal tip rather than the wooden one he was using. This also applies to making fish hooks and lures because there are so many options. The natives of the Southern Pacific are famous for their bone hooks and lures. Knowing what techniques they utilized are very important to recreating similar tools. 

     Dangers: As important as it is to know what to seek out it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Animals, insects, terrain and other elements can significantly lower your chances if you’re not careful and knowledgeable. These dangers are real and deadly if you’re not careful. Eating the wrong plant or taking the wrong step is just as dangerous as accidently stepping between a mother bear and her cubs. Know your environment and understand the dangers.

     All together these simple skills can mean the difference between surviving and dying. Don’t be caught in a situation without the know-how. As Jack of All Spades we struggle to constantly prepare for dangers that might appear before us. Wilderness survival is much the same in that preparation is essential to life. Being ready for a survival situation before you’re placed into it could make all the difference.

What Does "Preparedness" Mean? - Physical Fitness

     I can’t speak for everyone when it comes to preparation. There are too many different purposes for their preparation, too many ways of preparing and too many levels of preparation. What I can say about preparation is that I feel that there are certain things that must be maintained in order for you to claim preparation. Having a first aid kit in your bathroom but lacking proper food storage isn’t what I would call prepared. You can’t be a Jack of All Spades if you’re not covering all your bases. The entire reason of adopting the title of Jack of All Spades is that you’re a Jack of All Trades! So the following series of articles are my opinion of what is required before you can claim “prepared”. Having worked on this topic for a while I’m going to start with physical fitness and move onto different topics and how they relate to being prepared. We’ll cover food storage, martial arts, weapons handling, emergency preparedness, and more. Without further ado we began with the essentials in physical fitness. 

     This subject has long been my enemy. I rarely enjoy working out and I have difficulty committing to a regulated exercise schedule. I do find physical activity extremely rewarding when it’s connected to a sport or an outdoor activity but if the requirement is to run on a treadmill for an hour I’d rather sit in front of the TV instead. Let’s face it, most of us are the same way when it comes to getting out and exercising. The issue really is that when something happens and you’ve got to run for 30 minutes non-stop what are you going to do? I cannot think of any incident off hand that might require you to run non-stop for such a long amount of time but the point is that you need to know where you stand physically. I’m not talking martial arts or defending yourself at this point I’m merely describing your ability to perform on a physical level. 

     How much can you lift? How far can you run? How many pull-ups can you perform? Could you lift and carry another person? These are the questions I think of when it comes to my own personal exercise routine. In the military there are differing requirements between men and women however I feel that it is just as necessary for a woman to know how to carry the weight of a person as much as it is for a man. Pull-ups, push-ups and other exercises might more naturally be suited to the male figure but that doesn’t mean that women could match them. Since I see some of these exercises as a set of survival tools I feel that both men and women should be able to execute them. I won’t preach numbers but will leave that up to you and your own abilities. What should be kept in mind when working on these exercises is “how will this help you survive if you need it?” 

     PULL-UPS: One of the most difficult exercises for the average person is pull-ups. Most everyone can execute a single pull-up yet getting a second or even third can prove to me almost impossible. I’ll admit that even my own numbers are small next to the ever-ready Marines that I work with but that doesn’t mean that I don’t try. From my point of view a pull-up is one of the most important because let’s say that you end up hanging from some precarious ledge and the only means of escape is your own strength. Will you be able to execute a single pull-up and pull yourself from the edge? If you can only do one pull-up is that going to be enough when you really need it? These situations will rarely occur but I’d rather be ready with a solid five or six pull-ups under my belt than nothing at all. 

     PUSH-UPS: This is one exercise that I do enjoy. It keeps me awake during long nightshifts at work standing watch and it stirs up endorphins with little effort on my part. The greatest example to how important these could be was depicted in the movie “Batman Begins” where Bruce Wayne, played by Christian Bale, was trapped underneath a burning log and his butler, played by Michael Caine says, “What’s the point of all those bloody push-ups if you can’t even lift a simple log?” Now, Christian Bale was in shape in the movie as we see when he wakes up and drops to the floor to do a handful of push-ups as if they were nothing. The point however is that if you are suddenly trapped by anything whether a burning log or even some rubble from a building, will you have the strength to push it off you? If you’re able to do multiple push-ups then your chances are better.

     SIT-UPS: Let’s all face it, the majority of Americans in general pay little attention to their stomachs. Sit-ups represent the worst in exercising at times because of how difficult it is to start. Your first few might feel great but by thirty or forty you start to feel the burn. I have noticed though that the great thing about sit-ups is that it literally is the easiest to see results with. You can start with thirty sit-ups one day and move up to thirty five the next. By the end of the month you’ve double your number and it gets easier. From the survival stand point it’s simple to understand why sit-ups are important; your core is essential to your movement.  

     Whether you’re simply sitting up or throwing a punch you’re ability to move is anchored by the strength at your core. Push-ups, Pull-ups, even running is easier with a solid core. Remember, this doesn’t mean that you need rock hard abs or even body-builder muscles. You only need the strength. Find what works for you and stick with it. I do sit-ups every day until it burns and then I come back and do it again later. When I was deployed on an Aircraft Carrier I set my watch to go off every hour and I did forty at a time. You decide what’s right for you! 

     RUNNING: My worst enemy; running. It is true that I despise running above all other exercises but I cannot ignore the validity of such a thing. I sincerely believe that at a minimum every person should be able to run a mile without stopping. I feel strongly that a mile is a distance that stretches beyond the average person but still doesn’t require too much work to achieve. No serious training is needed and no special equipment is required; just the desire to go the whole 5,280ft. 

     SWIMMING: I have little advice for swimming since it isn’t something I excel at however I feel that this is as necessary as any other ability. The ability to swim is literally a life or death situation. I don’t know the statistical proof behind it but I would guess that the likelihood of falling expectantly in to water is much more likely than finding yourself hanging for your life on the edge of a cliff. Swim backstroke, freestyle, butterfly or even a solid doggy-paddle but know it and do it well. Don’t be caught without this ability. 

     FLEXIBILTY: I have learned over my years of martial arts that one of the most understated physical feats is the ability to flex to positions that the average person can’t. Although I admire the heroic feats of Jean-Claude Van Damme I don’t think anyone needs to be able to do the splits. What I think is extremely important about this though is that stretching and using those muscles in this way reduces injuries and more importantly keep you primed for action if you need to. If you need to react your muscles are used to working in a way that responds quickly to action. Make an effort in your exercising to not only stretch for your work out to help your muscles but do it to increase flexibility. There are hundreds of websites available about the best ways to achieve Jean-Claude Van Damme status but find the one that’s right for you and work it into your routine. 

     HEALTHY FOOD: I am no an expert, neither do I claim to know more than the average person does about eating healthy so I’m going to leave this topic very simply at: eat healthy. Your body is a machine and the quality of fuel you put into it determines the performance. We all love a little junk food here and there but balancing it with proper nutrition is extremely important. I put nothing but the highest grade of fuel in my motorcycle so why would I do anything less for my body. 

     There are so many reasons and examples of why this sort of commitment is necessary but if I were to list them off I think that we’d be here a while. I’d rather move on to other topics discussing equally important topics. Never underestimate the power your body has. It is, in my honest opinion, the most complex and important machine on the earth and if we are careless in maintaining it the body will fail. Don’t be that guy that is caught unable to protect his family or friends because he has lacked foresight in preparing himself physically.

Honor

Ford's Theater, late 1890's

     On the night of April 14th, 1865 a simple bodyguard sat on the other side of a door from the man he was protecting. It was a day like any other for John F. Parker, a less than average member of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He arrived late, to duty as was his fashion, reeking of alcohol and cigar smoke from a long day of frivolities that would have made any proper lady cringe at the mention of such activities. In truth there wasn’t much required from an officer in his position but he still approached it with such a lack of respect that he failed to even reach the minimum requirements. Once he had finished escorting his man to the proper spot and had sat for about a half an hour he began to feel the effects of his earlier drinking subside and the craving for some more peaked his interest. 

     He left his post assuring himself that his man would be busy behind that door for another hour or two and that it couldn’t hurt to get a drink and return before it was time for them to leave. Grabbing the footman and coachman from out front they walked next door to the tavern for a drink. It is likely that the following events of that night held little importance to Mr. Parker neither does it show in the history books that he made any efforts to change what was about to take place but on that night the President of the United States of America was going to die. 

     Abraham Lincoln had been attending the play, “Our American Cousin” at the request of his wife and although he’d seen it before he obliged and was carted off to the state box in the Ford’s Theater on the evening of April 14th, 1865. John F. Parker was the officer assigned to watch over President Lincoln that night but due to his dereliction he was absent when John Wilkes Booth cowardly entered the state box and shot the President in the back of the head. 

     In reality the assassination cannot be blamed completely on one man for failing his job. There were so many more plans and secret doings that led up to the attack that even one more man might not have changed anything but could it have changed something? Would Mr. Parker in his disorderly state have been able to stop Booth? What if Mr. Parker had taken his job seriously, trained himself regularly and took pride and satisfaction for a job well done? Could he have made a difference? I submit that had Mr. Parker been more dedicated to his job by training, preparing and actively working towards protecting his assigned man then President Lincoln might have survived the attack to fill the rest of his last term as President. 

     This story is tragic for a lot of reasons but the one point that bothers me the most is that Mr. Parker was found in the arms of a prostitute at a well-known brothel the following day with little idea as to what happened to President Lincoln. His disinterest to the consequences of his actions is infuriating. With only some honor in his heart and a little more dedication to his job the life of one of the greatest Americans could have been spared.

     The nation was plunged into squabbling and in-fighting between the Vice-President turned President and other members of the administration but by the time Ulysses S. Grant is elected the country was coming to its senses and the United States had solidified the Union again. I admire greatly President Lincoln for everything he stood for, fought for and ached over. He remains my favorite president and continues to be a font of inspiration when times get tough. I find it almost ironic that a man of such honor and integrity would be failed but such an ignominious man. 

 

John Wilkes Booth moments before the fatal shot.

    I apply the example of John F. Parker to the Jack of All Spades regularly because it is such a vivid description of what happens when you fail to act. It’s a vivid example of what happens when you don’t hold honor in high regard. Everyday Jacks should hold honor as the greatest and most influential power in their lives. Honorable men are better fathers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, relatives and citizens. They are harder working, better trained and more reliable than their ignominious counterparts. In turn, an honorable man’s actions have drastic effects on the lives of those around them as seen by the lack of honor that Mr. Parker had on the night of April 14th, 1865. 

     As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces you often find yourself being tasked with things that are unappealing. Usually the lower ranks are tasked to “do their time” so that the other, more senior members can do other jobs and not have to worry about cleaning the bathrooms or taking out the trash. I spent nearly 3 years responsible for the cleanliness of the bathroom on the ship I was first assigned to. Between toilet overflows, careless sailors and a multitude of other unmentionable filth I had cleaned through nearly everything you could imagine and hated every minute of it but every time I was on my hands and knees cleaning toilets or clearing drains I thought back to some of the wisest advice I’ve ever been told. A good friend once told me that the secret to success is, “to do whatever job you’re assigned to do to the best of your ability. When given a job to clean toilets you scrub and clean those better than anyone else. That work ethic and that responsibility to duty is what will set you apart and open doors for you.” 

     What my friend said is what I hold as the definition of honor. To be assigned a task, responsibility, a duty and you do it with all your ability because you were given it. Don’t whine about the task, don’t shirk the responsibility and don’t neglect the duty, it was assigned to you. You never know what might happen if you fail in your duties. Work ethic is what keeps you going, loyalty is what keeps you there but honor is what holds everything together. We encourage all of our members to invoke that sense of honor and remember the people that they represent. Everyone represents a family name and most represent friends, churches and communities but the ones that really stand out are the honorable men and women that are held with such high esteem. These are those who do exactly the opposite of John F. Parker and are ready to act. 

     I don’t expect everyone to be in positions to protect important people but I do expect that you take pride in your work and live up to the expectations people have in you. Do not fail them no matter how menial the task might appear. Most of us are simple people with simple jobs but do we approach our daily jobs with the same dedication, with the same honor as we would in protecting the President of the United States?

Jack of All Spades

     Since organizing Jack of All Spades I’ve had to divide my spare time between writing articles and running the day to day operations of Jack of All Spades. I have recruiting, advertising, researching and other duties that most regularly occupy my time and it saddens me that I don’t write as many articles as I would like. The good news is that Jack of All Spades is well on its way and within the next year we hope to be fully up and running. By “up and running” I mean that we should be actively involved in our communities and attending regular fundraisers, conventions, public meetings and other important events. Senior officers have been called and we hope to fill other valuable spots within the organization soon. 

     The changes most likely to be new to you are that Andrew Barnes has been promoted to Master-At-Arms and Phillip Barnes to Vice-President. They are still acting presidents of their respective Units but they have the added responsibility of overseeing the entire organization. Congratulations to both of them on their promotions. 

     I also understand that the entire vision of Jack of All Spades might be a little unclear and so I would love to enlighten everyone on two very important parts of the puzzle: the Hierarchy and the vision of Jack of All Spades. Before I get into the details of how we’re organized I’d like to explain why we’re organized. 

     I grew up in a good neighborhood and was distanced from crime in general growing up. With the exception of the occasional bike being stolen or a house being toilet papered we understood nothing of the criminal world. Having spent some time in various places around the United States and the world, before and during my time in the military, I now understand better the living conditions of people less fortunate to have had what I had growing up. I ache at the news reports that talk of home invasions, rapes, kidnappings and theft. I hate to hear of active shooters, gang violence and racial attacks. The violence levels that we as American citizens seem to tolerate are astounding. I would never condone any of the items I just mentioned or any of their related criminal acts, so why would I not stand up and do something about it? 

     Jack of All Spades is designed to strengthen a community by being the cohesive glue that unites the law-abiding citizens against these dangers. The idea is to create a “super neighborhood watch” system. We’re not one or two people patrolling the neighborhood once a month or maybe even once a week. We are a community of people committed to always watching, always being ready for anything that might threaten us, our families or our communities. We see the commitment to protecting ourselves to be the most important thing we can do to deal with the terrible events that life might throw at us. 

     In many articles on the website I focus on “man-made” disasters such as active-shooters and kidnappings but in reality Jack of All Spades is really about being ready for all disasters whether man-made or natural. We want all people to be aware of what they can do to prepare for these events without breaking the bank, causing undue stress or affecting your life in any way other than positively. The basis of our vision is to act and not to be acted upon. When life gives us lemons, we’ve got the juicer ready! We don’t feel that most of us will deal with this life-threatening situations on a regular basis and there’s really no need to prepare but we believe that there’s no reason not to prepare. 

     With that vision we offer an organization that anyone can join. There is no commitment required beyond the dedication to protect your family and to prepare for danger. Below is an image of the Jack of All Spades organization. It is comprised of normal Everyday Jacks and Everyday Jills like you who have dedicated extra time to teaching, assisting and supporting other Jacks and Jills in their causes. 

     Jack of All Spades is organized on the national level covering all 50 states. Each state will eventually have their own sub group called a “Unit” with each Unit making up the entire organization. As of now the Jack of All Spades holds only one solid Unit in Oregon with three temporary Units in California, Florida and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Each of those units is structured the same as above with only a few changes in insignia and name. Red stars at the top of each insignia indicate a Jack of All Spades Senior Officer who presides over the national level while the regular insignia indicates a Unit Officer. Unit Officers are prefixed with “Unit” to differentiate from the Senior Officers. Unlike the Master-At-Arms at the national level, the security officer of a Unit it called a Sergeant-At-Arms and falls under the direction of the Master-At-Arms. The following is a quick rundown of what responsibilities each role has and how they relate to each other. 

     President of Jack of All Spades is responsible for maintaining the overall vision of the organization as a “knights of the people” security group. Overseeing the national level support of the organization he works closely with the Special Programs officer in planning events, fundraisers, charity programs and other organization gatherings. His most important responsibility is to assist the Senior and Unit Officers in maintaining the true vision. 

     Vice-President of Jack of All Spades is like the chief operations officer and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the group and supporting the members. Working with the Quartermaster he manages the advertising and marketing for Jack of All Spades. 

     Master-At-Arms is responsible for protection of the organization and their name, to ensure proper use of it and the insignia. He meets regularly with the Sergeant-At-Arms and initiates new members of the organization by overseeing their trial period. Recruitment, morale and general well-being of the members falls to the Master-At-Arms and is assisted by the Vice-President in his duties. 

     Secretary maintains the records and history of the organization. He attends all meetings and assists the President during events and gatherings. 

     Treasurer monitors the funds acquired Jack of All Spades and works closely with the Special Programs officer and the President during fundraisers and charity events. 

     Quartermaster is responsible for all merchandise, equipment, tools, etc. that the organization purchases. He maintains the supply locker and works closely with the Vice-President in advertising and marketing strategies. 

     Armorer runs the Jack of All Spades armory by cleaning, operating and maintaining all weapons and ammunition owned by the organization. 

     Special Programs manages the events, fundraisers, charity programs and other organization gatherings. This position is ultimately responsible for all gatherings of Everyday Jacks. 

     Ride Captain works with the Special Programs officer with all member gatherings but specializes in organizing motorcycle rides and meetings. Since many members enjoy motorcycling he organizes regular motorcycle rides and lunches for all members that ride. 

     Adopting the vision of Jack of All Spades will better secure a community against so many dangers that exist around them.  They will be better able to pull together during times of trouble or when Mother Nature rears her ugly face. Jack of All Spades will encourage those of the community to stop tolerating the actions of those that might be occurring in their neighborhood and by small and simple steps we can push out those of our community who refuse to abide by the rules.

So stand up today and forever more as a Jack of All Spades!

Everday Carry

     Growing up I ended up with certain items that I required myself to bring with me no matter where I was going or what I was doing. In a suit and tie or in blue jeans you could empty my pockets and always find certain items. With almost every item there was a reason and although most might have thought the reasons strange the items were utilized more than I would have expected.  Most of the items were tools for everyday use and some were “just because” or “just in case” but I can say that each item was used on more than one occasion and borrowed by more than just one person or many an occasion. I became known as the guy that my friends relied on when they forgot to bring a knife or a screwdriver or whatever it might be. The question that spurred this entire article is, “What does an Everyday Jack carry every day?”

     Over the years the items changed but the principles of having these items with me remained and eventually turned into personal law. I now have a list of items I refuse to leave the house without. When I was about 12 years old my list consisted of: Wallet, keys, lockpicks, folding knife, chapstick, lighter, sunglasses and a few quarters. The wallet and keys were more essential than optional but the other items came in handy often. The knife was used so often I ended up usually switching it out with a better one every year or so. Sometimes I even carried a folding knife and a sheath knife at the same time. I wasn’t a smoker and didn’t have any immediate need for a lighter but I felt cool having one and I used it to light a number of firecrackers and cherry bombs over the years. Realistically the lockpicks were over the top and only used once. The reason for carrying them was merely to practice my skills (which never really improved). Lastly, the quarters were for making phone calls before the cell phone craze.

     Now that I’m an adult I usually carry my gun (Taurus Slim PT709 9mm), an extra mag, wallet, keys, kubaton with handcuff key, lighter, folding knife, cell phone, small LED flashlight and cash. Each item is useful in a pinch and is specific to different situations. My wallet and keys are just as essential as when I was 12 but I would add my cellphone into the essential category now. The lighter, folding knife, flashlight and cash are really for emergency use while the gun, extra mag and kubaton are for defense purposes. The handcuff key is really more of a momento from when I worked with the US Navy Police.

     I don’t suggest that everyone follow my recommendations as what to carry everyday but there are a few things to look at when deciding what is right for you. Jack of All Spades recommends you think of these three questions when what to carry: What are you going to need? What might you need? How am I going to carry it? While thinking through these questions remember the purpose of the items; essential items, protection items, survival/emergency items.

     It also might be a good idea to take a look at some of the great websites out there surrounding the subject so you have a better idea of where to start. Here’s a quick list of them that might be useful: 

http://everyday-carry.com/

http://everydaycarryblog.com/

http://www.edcforums.com/

http://everydaycarry.net/ 

     Remember the first question, “What am I going to need?” when you’re planning. When I think of a typical day I know I’m going to use all of my items daily with the exception of my gun, kubaton, lighter and handcuff key. I have, without fail utilized every other item daily. You decide what is essential. If you can leave your house without your keys, wallet or cellphone then that is up to you to decide and no one else.

 

Duct tape keychain; always have it with you

    The unexpected emergencies are why we pose the second question “What might you need?”  Jack of All Spades recommends that everyone that can carry a gun, can obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons permit and most importantly feels comfortable to utilize and employ it should carry. Everyday Jacks are there to protect their neighbors and if you’re not equipped to do it then you’re failing as a Jack of All Spades. For those who would rather “dress down” rather than carry a gun, try carrying a kubaton or expanding baton.

     My last note on carrying a gun is that there are many people that have guns but lack either the confidence or judgment to use it. There are many classes offered by qualified instructors to assist people in finding the confidence to employ their guns. If you’d like to gain more confidence with a sidearm then seek out those willing to teach you. I know plenty of people who’d even take you out and teach you for free as long as you cover the price of ammo.

     Remember that these items are not always something you need to carry on you at all times. Just because I carry them all the time doesn’t mean that you couldn’t find alternative ways of doing it. Having a special bag in your car with these items is better than leaving them at home and there’s nothing wrong with stowing a first-aid kit, flashlights, knives and other items within reach if you decide not to carry. I understand that the bulk of a gun can be an issue and for some women it might be difficult to find the right holster for your gun because of the sexy dress you’re wearing. Understand that there are lots of alternatives to the traditional holsters (Flashbang bra holster).

     To answer the question posed above of what a Jack of All Spades carries you can be sure that no matter the list, he or she is ready for their day and that if called upon they are ready to defend to the best of their ability. No one’s list is the same however we encourage all Jacks and all Jills to be expect the worst and hope for the best because we are here to stop the worst from happening.

The Right To Bear Arms

     I never intended Jack of All Spades to become a gun-centric organization. I feel that the firearm is merely a tool with a purpose similar to my flint and steel or my emergency water. I don’t see them as harmful or inherently dangerous but I do treat them the same way I would my axe or hatchet. I believe that most people agree that any weapons can be dangerous in the wrong hands. The reason that I write this article though is not to persuade you to be a 2nd amendment supporter or to go out and buy a gun. I merely want to express my deepest concern for what the government is doing to stop the violence in America; they’re doing nothing. 

     For as long as I can remember, the political officers of the United States have regularly misused tragedy for their own causes. This is in reality just human nature to make the best of a situation but the real issue arises when that person takes a very serious situation and pushes through an agenda on the backs of small children. I deeply regret the tragic events involving recent active shooters and wish a speedy recovery to all involved. I wish that the communities worst hit by these events can move past these events with strength. Life gives us lemons every day; I just don’t expect them to come in the form of an active shooter. What I do expect is that no matter the lemon, we can find a way to make lemonade. 

     The patriotic duty of every citizen of this great nation is to be somewhat if not very active in the political structure around them. Politicians and government officials will tell their constituents, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it for you, Just relax.” When in reality you should never trust them to take care of anything without your monitoring. Being from Oregon I try my best to keep in the loop with state politics. I know that although Senator Ron Wyden (D) has many different political viewpoints than mine he has regularly shown that he cares for the people of Oregon and operated accordingly. That being said, I still watch to make sure he’s doing his job. I regularly write him and other political leaders about concerns I might have. 

Anti-gun protest in 2012 following the massacre at Sandy Hook

     This “anti-gun” craze that follows every active shooting event is misdirected anger. There is no real connection to your average gun owner and the mentally disturbed with a gun. They might both have purchased the gun legally but take away the weapon and you will more clearly see the difference. You will see that there are two serious issues at hand, and neither of those are the firearms. These issues are clearly are our harboring a culture of violence and a lack of awareness. 

     I don’t know of anyone who would disagree that Americans are naturally more outspoken than many other cultures. We honk our horns, flip people the bird, yell at each other and most even curse worse than sailors (I should know, I am a sailor). I enjoy my violent video games like most and even enjoy a great boxing match or MMA fight. The United States of America, the greatest country in the world is inundated daily with television, video games, movies, friends and other sources of violence. The worst culprit however are not these I’ve just listed but one that most people don’t think of; parents.  

     A child can learn so much of his identity from his parents. In the end, don’t we all end up just like them? I’m not a parent and even if I was one I would never see it as my job to tell you how to raise your child. What I do see as a problem though is children picking up on how their parents treat everyone. Does the father drive angry, yelling and honking his horn? Does the mother curse at all the stress in her life from house or professional work? Children pick up on this and they will exhibit so much of those traits over time. These habits can lead to more violent outbursts and even result in violence against others. 

     When I speak of awareness I speak of being aware of those around you. Not in a physical security sense like we speak of often here at Jack of All Spades but in more of a mental sense. Do you notice when your friend is showing signs of hurting himself? Does the father of a disturbed child notice that he is depressed? Does a mother recognize the starting signs of a more serious mental issue? Paying close attention to those we care about could give us ample time to help each other in the exact same way catching cancer early can save a life. Finding help for those who might need it is the first step in preventing them from hurting themselves and others. 

     I don’t claim to know the psychological reasons behind active shooters however I suspect that they are depressed enough to not care if they live or die and they’re angry enough to not care if others die. Whatever the cause for it all these things issues must be addressed before moving on to the tool used. There is no shame in seeking help for a loved one and no shame at all in reporting a possible threat to the proper people. There are hundreds of clinics and organizations to help you out. I am a very big fan of the Mayo Clinc’s website. They offer tons of info on everything from basic first aid to mental help. This link here is only a preliminary overview of more serious issues but it’s at least a start. 

     The very least you can do is help to identify the signs. If these signs are present then notify someone. Do it before they purchase a gun or find a weapon. This is the approach we desperately need in this country and even though I understand that you may never see it coming you can at least try. I think that there are more signs available to signal that there is a problem with someone. As medical professionals often say, “we need to treat the sickness no the symptom”. The symptom is gun control whereas the sickness is psychological. The second amendment was designed to protect ourselves in the event that we needed to. I recognize that there is less a need to defend ourselves physically from the government but there is still a very real need to defend ourselves against evil. 

     Shortly we will see a wave of government officers proposing gun bans and firearm restriction laws. I urge everyone to write and protest the bills so that we can move on to the real issue. Suggest that more action be taken to kill this sickness and not worry about the symptom. Let us kill this apathy within us and encourage others to focus on those around them. Look for opportunities to support one another. Together we can take back America from our self-serving politicians and enjoy the freedoms of a less violent United States!

A Better Way in Life

John Lennon, photo by Yoko Ono

     I used to laugh at the impractical “Peace, Love and Happiness” chant thrown around by the Hippies during the 60’s and 70’s. Although most of those Hippies have grown older, dressing different maybe even cleaned their hair they still live by these principles and even a lot of their children have embraced them. I am an active NRA member, I vote conservative and regularly joke with friends and family about the liberal media and the Progressive movement but I think that what I can agree on is that there should be more peace and more respect for your fellow man in the world. Agreeing on how to fulfill such an audacious goal might be difficult but this is something that must happen. We cannot continue to live our life in a world that is out to get each other. 

     My wife would be the first to tell you that I am an angry driver. I don’t enjoy being cut off, tail-gated and especially dislike rude and discourteous drivers. A significant portion of my distaste in driving with anybody else on the road is that most people take little to no thought of the other people on the road. The overtly rude drivers are not even my only issue, it's the unobservant drivers too. In the United States we drive at fast speeds and there’s no denying that our culture enjoys it. When a person is driving at the speed limit and sees a person driving faster than him racing up behind him I find is just as rude to not move out of the way as it is to slam on your brakes or cut someone off. The real issue with driving is the lack conscious thought to those around you; it's that lack of respect. The exact same factor that appears in driving is the same exact factor that appears in Black Friday shopping riots, disgruntled service at the coffee shop, people yelling at customer service (on the phone or off the phone) and any other interaction between one person and another. 

Road rage...does this happen to you?

     There is no direct connection between this topic of social ignorance and the recent shootings in Colorado, Oregon and Connecticut that inspired me to write this article but the overall culture of America is suffering from a detrimental lack of respect for their fellow man. The shooters in all these terrible acts had different reasons for their actions but the overarching theme is a lack of concern for anyone but themselves. I don’t intend to know the real reasons or even to dive headlong into a discussion about mental diseases and how they affect your actions. What is crucial to all of us is to know that our culture was not always this way. 

     It is very possible that the general population of all first world countries would see themselves living in an elevated social state and that their culture has risen above their animalistic qualities. I would submit that an average American in the 1920’s is socially superior to a modern American today. The reason I say that is there seems to be a current lack of respect between strangers. It’s easy to respect your brother, your friend or neighbor because you get to know them intimately over the time you’ve known them. You can explain quickly what kind of a person they are due to years of experiencing things together. Could you say that about a stranger today if you met him on the street? 

     There is no doubt that this question would be difficult to answer even in 1920 America but the difference would be that in general there would be the inherent social understanding that this person would do you now harm because he had no reason to. Having never lived in the 1920’s I’m left to the opinions of those I know that did and although it is an opinion worn through time and age it holds true that the American culture has changed from believing that “people are inherently good” to “I sure hope these people are good”. I truth you must live your life careful of what might happen when with a stranger because of people who are mental outsiders like the shooters in these recent events but there must also be a mutual respect for another person until there is some sort of proof to cause you concern. 

Motorcycle ride, London, 1920's

     I’m not calling for gun control or for everyone to sit together holding hands and singing songs but I am calling for an increase in respect and awareness of those around you. There are few greater things a person can do then to show kindness to their fellow man. I call for an end to the social suicide we’ve created and ask for all to find peace with their fellow man. Accept responsibility for your position in life and understand that you’re not the only one occupying this world. Teach others respect and encourage those around you to do the same. Stand up for those that are disrespected whether you know them or not. A Jack of All Spades will always respect his fellow man.