Calling all troops, veterans, and patriots! Ranger Up®, the apparel company that stands for America first and foremost, is proud to announce the launch of its new line of American made jeans and a long-term sponsorship deal with none other than Mixed Martial Arts fighter “All American” Brian Stann.

The methodology behind the company hasn’t wavered since it formed seven years ago. Ranger Up stands for the greatness of America and those who serve it. Having begun as a T-shirt company in 2006, Ranger Up is proud to announce its first two styles of mens jeans, which are made one hundred percent in the good old USA right down to the buttons and zippers. Ranger Up jeans are created with the warriors of America in mind: durable, stylish, void of glitz, and as always unapologetic for what the company founders stand for.

“These are jeans for men in the oldest sense of the word,” says founder and CEO Nick Palmisciano stated. “They’re made for guys who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty or do an honest day's work. They’re created for the warriors who serve their nation in the military, in police departments, in fire departments, in the EMS community, or for the patriotic red-blooded Americans that support those who do. They’re designed for the stalwarts who are there for their friends in good times and bad because they know the true meaning of loyalty. They’re jeans that are manufactured for gentlemen who love our country and work to make it better through the only thing that matters: hard work.”

In addition to the launch of its new line, Ranger Up simultaneously announces the immediate and long-term sponsorship and partnership with MMA fighter Brian Stann. In addition to being a top MMA fighter, Stann, who played linebacker at the Naval Academy before he served as an officer in the Marine Corps, is an Iraq Veteran and recipient of the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor.

"Brian's service and heroism are well known facts and candidly, as an organization that represents the military and veteran community, that alone would inspire us to partner with him,” adds Palmisciano. “But the work he’s done since leaving the service is why we love him; founding Hire Heroes USA to help veterans find employment, donating his time to various troop functions and non-profits, and adhering to the high ideals of character of the Marine Corps officer long after his official service ended. He’s an inspirational example for all of us leaving the service and that’s something that our community needs. Who else could we ask to represent us other than Brian?”

Ranger Up's All-American jeans will be available in early April for $89. Ranger Up was formed as an apparel company in 2006 by Army veterans for the military and patriotic Americans who love and support the Armed Forces. Ranger Up stands for America, those that serve it, patriots, dogs, and hot chicks.

For more information and a complete product line visit http://www.rangerup.com. Ranger Up's blog, The Rhino Den, was awarded Military.com's Best Army Blog award for 2012. See it at http://www.rhinoden.com.

It's been awhile since I have written and its about time I pulled my head out of my fourth point of contact and start running my fingers again. Like my good friend over at Blackfive would say "Lay the Sermon down, Nunnya"

After being in Canada for what has equaled several months, and I mean CANADA, bush, snow and EH's after every F' Bomb CANADA and watching my Brother playing Hockey and getting buzzed in the beer garden aka stands and watching the kids get rowdy while dealing with the loss of our Father I drowned myself in the enlightened spirit of South by Southwest or as twitter refers to #SXSW. 

Imagine everyone but me wearing skinny jeans some with what I admit are cool sport coats but hipsters "Nunn the Less", while discussing how to slay the mighty start up dragons of the world. The week started with picking up the mighty and uber connected "Meet my Friend" Holly Mac (@HollyMac) and the networking and lessons began. I got the tag along invite to the world head quarters of Rack Space which has admittedly the coolest work space I have ever personally witnessed and saw millionaire leadership and innovators working from open cubicles watching their employees sliding down a slide versus taking an escalator to the lower food court level. Ya, when you can just buy an old shopping mall and turn it form the days of Tiffany and Robin Sparkle concerts to a giant playground for the forward thinker workspace. What touched me the most about this visit was from the  general assembly area that the CEO gives out straight jackets as a company award there is a Veteran wall of honor. This is something that immediately reminded me that I have a purpose and its shared.

While doing this impromptu tour we had the pleasure to be see the Start Up Bus project which takes strangers that are bright minds in different fields and putting them on a coach bus and given basic guidelines come up with an idea and run it to ground. The winning pitch was a Veteran endeavor!!!! Yes! Some skinny jean wearing, shortchanged on hygiene hipsters were backing our play. It was a neat moment to see the realization of what we are all part of. From cargo pockets and blouses to skinny jeans and eclectic t-shirts most of us want to work, honestly and make a difference, our motivations are different but on a primal level the same. 

HOWEVER, the most over used word at SXSW must be "Innovation" or "innovative" usually paired with new and fresh. With all these terrible ,I wish I could snap your neck, elevator pitches given by birth control glass wearing clowns trying to convince you that their brain fart is the next thing that will save the world from imminent doom or possibly be the great idea that people will compare to curing the great killers of the time to include the zombie flesh eating bacteria future we all will most likely face after comicon is over. I truly believe we can learn from true innovation and find within its beauty and not discount its true glory. By this I mean something that is worth more than an iPad pitch in a drunken 2:00pm "Happy Hour. True it didn't take me 2 years and my parents life savings to pretend this was my idea innovation. 

I'm proud to be part of the group of people that with a couple of "Privates" came up with the "Rhino" to defeat IED's and saved my life personally, or created a wiki system to document doors that needed to be hard knocked. Let me tip my 40 Creek Glass to those that deserve some love for forward in the foxhole thinking.

Lets look at some innovation that the military brought to the world......

Helicopters...

Text Messaging.....

Global Positioning Satellites....

...Internet..... WHAAAAA?!!!

Lets start solving problems, be it first world or third world. If one is to innovate do just that. We have the power! IT can even be generated in a soccer ball! Time to disrupt the skinny jeans and not to invent a new trick on a board.

New York Film Academy Supports the Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans

A great deal has been done in recent years to help our returning veterans transition back into civilian life following the time they’ve selflessly given in military service. There’s still a lot to do, of course, but every year more and more employers and education providers are joining the list of military friendly institutions.

The New York Film Academy is one such institution, and is honored to be recognized on militaryfriendly.com’s list of Top 100 Military Friendly Schools.

Prospective students will be pleased to hear that many of NYFA’s programs are approved for veterans education benefits, most notably the Post-9/11 GI Bill and via the Yellow Ribbon Program. As such, it’s the first port of call for veterans interested in a career in film.

The Post-9/11 GI-Bill and How it Benefits Veterans

The Post-9/11 Bill was introduced in 2008 as a revision to the long outdated previous bill which had been in effect, relatively unchanged, since WWII. As of last summer, around 750,000 Middle Eastern combat-era veterans have taken advantage of the new bill.


While some benefits of the GI Bill are open to those on active duty, it is mainly geared towards those who have received an honorary discharge and for the latter category most veterans who have been on active duty for 90 or more days (since September 10^th of 2001) will be eligible.

The main benefits of the bill include:

Up to 100% Coverage of Tuition Fees – This depends on the length of service (for instance, 100% coverage is generally only offered to those having served over 36 cumulative months since 9/11). However, most veterans can expect at least 40% coverage but see the caveat below regarding public versus private funding.

Monthly Living and Housing Allowance – A massive benefit to veterans studying full-time, the housing benefit stipend can be as much as $2,700 (and averages $1,368) per month.

Book Stipend – Useful for textbooks and other supplies, students may receive up to $1k a year (paid in installments at the beginning of each term).

Relocation Allowance – If you have to relocate at least 500 miles to attend the NYFA, or cannot get to the LA campus (the dedicated location for veteran studies) by any other means except by flying, you may be eligible to a one-off payment of $500.

It is important to note that the full 100% tuition fee coverage may only be available to those pursuing education in public schools. The New York Film Academy is a private school, the GI Bill may not entitle students to full tuition funding.

But fret not. That’s where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes in.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program goes hand in hand with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and is in fact a provision of the same law that lead to the bill’s creation.



As some private tuition expenses exceed the threshold limits some of the GI Bill benefits listed above, the Yellow Ribbon Program can cover the shortfall. However, it’s important to note that eligibility for funding under the GI Bill does not necessarily entitle students to additional funding under the Yellow Ribbon Program.

It’s also worth mentioning that not all schools are part of the program. It’s an opt-in system whereby the institution in question can contribute 50% of the remaining expenses and the State will match that figure. Between the two sources of funding, veterans often receive full funding for their tuition and other expenses.

Finding out Which Educational Benefits You’re Entitled To

As with many aspects of bureaucracy, it’s not always clear what funding and financial aid is available for prospective students (particularly for those coming from out-of-state or those seeking private education).

The New York Film Academy is committed to bucking this trend. Veterans can expect clear, concise information as to what funding they are eligible to as well as how to secure it. If a question is not answered on the site, the Office of Veterans Services will be happy to help and can be contacted on 1-818-295-2020 (or via email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Lately I have been spending a ton of time trying to find ways to assist returning Soldiers, Marines and Veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress. I never paid much attention to it until a close and dear friend Chris Lovero who was attached to the Tomahawks on the first Iraq trip came to visit us back up at Fort Lewis several months after the return Home. He was a Police Officer that was a reservist so when we returned home he was sent back to Berkley California his home alone without resources while the rest off us returned to our lives at Fort Lewis. We were with the very same guys we had been with for years, before, during and after. Doing the exact same things minus the ranges weren't two way live fires and when we returned to base it was an apartment filled with booze, guns and beautiful women. For us life was good and we had each other to help us through the dark days of survivor guilt and hyper vigilance. Chris sat on the couch Ranger Souci and I had in our living room and told us about his suffering, we were dumb founded. What was this thing he was speaking of? How could he possibly have that? He was dealing with it however in a very positive way by researching methods, seeking help and making a documentary about the time span of Post Traumatic Stress. He had the regular concerns about his current job as a SWAT officer in the Police force and hoping he would not lose his career and find himself unemployed with skills and qualifications he would no longer be allowed to use.

Not long after that I found myself a long ways away from the security blanket of the Tomahawks and realizing that I was not the same person either. Chris and I ended up living together while I went to school and he continued to be a police officer until getting medically retired for an injury sustained wrestling a kidnapper out of a moving vehicle in a daring rescue. Together we faced our challenges and shortly after this time I returned to Iraq for the Bad Voodoo Tour and learned more intense lessons in PTS after that return to the United States.

History has taught us about this phenomenon since the Greek Historian Herodotus referenced it following the War of Marathon, and since this time there have been more descriptive and telling mentions. Of course in the past decade we have learned  that Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress have shared some similar symptoms and the treatments separating these two has improved dramatically. Which brings me to this discussion. Treatment and responsibilities. 

Currently statistics indicate that we are losing 18 Veterans a day to Suicide, of course we cannot interview these individuals to find the exact cause of their decisions so we can address them better so it leaves the rest of us to try and figure it out and attempt to prevent future tragedies. These are real and scary places and emotions. I'll admit that there have been some rough patches myself and if not for the comfort of my brothers, children and my dog I've been able to press forward. Which although long winded is why I have a very strong opinion about this upcoming statement. I believe that those just mentioned factors helped and assisted me to press on but without my personal faith and willingness to fight and live these too would have failed. I'm the secret to my success! I'm that X factor that acts in my life that works, the others ever so complimenting would not work if deep down I didn't fight. There are many different ways to make it, Chad Robichaux drowned his PTS in success and his faith, Chris Lovero sought counseling at a Vet Center making films and helping others, too many others have sought assistance from medications. Colby Buzzell wrote a piece in Esquire Magazine talking about medical marijuana others drink heavily to numb down symptoms. Lately though there seems to be a big push on putting Dogs into the lives of these warriors so that they can provide comfort and therapy. Being a dog owner and big fan of my Golden Doodles awesomeness I totally think this is a good option HOWEVER whats the limit. Should dogs that are providing therapeutic comfort be designated as service dogs and all rights and privileges that go along with that moniker? I say they should not. 

Functioning survivors of Post Traumatic Stress should continue to function and work towards a fuller healthier life rather than adding another crutch. Where do we as a society draw the line and make sure that we assist, help and treat instead of enable regressive or reward unwarranted behaviors. Some guys and gals are not fully functioning and a Service Dog will affect their quality of life and assist them in survival but that is not the majority and how do you vet these. It seems like we are just trying to push some of these dogs on anyone that states they have Post Traumatic Stress. Would it be cool to have Sydney with me at work, in the grocery store, or while I travel?.....HELL YES! Does that make it right or fair to those around me who possibly not enjoy dogs?....HELL NO! Want versus Need should be the criteria, unless you need a Service Dog to ensure survival and function in public you can be like the rest of us and enjoy our PETS (Animal Family Members) where appropriate. If you want to survive Post Traumatic Stress you have to want to press on and if it so bad that you can't function let that be an indicator not just to you but those around you that you probably need to get more than a Dog. We got numbers we can call, we got Brothers that will always help, Lets TREAT the problem and then compliment symptoms with comfort items. You have to want to WIN!! Losing was not an option on the battlefield what makes you think its an option here. You're a member of the greatest force on earth forever...Remember and pull strength from that ALWAYS!

The other day while visiting the great USAA "Campus" in San Antonio and to talk with them about Soldiers' Angels and the affinity partnership that they've entered into I along with my two counterparts were given an awesome experience. We were asked to join the USAA leadership and employees as they welcomed Presidential Candidate and Republican Nominee, Governor Mitt Romney. Now this is not a political blog nor am I going to endorse anyone here at this time but I do want to share some take aways. I started my college path in the Political Science realm with International Relations and Global Terrorism and I have spent a large majority of my adult life as a student of those subjects both academically and in reality. So this has made me curious about the entire process and my desire to remain in America and become an American citizen is rooted in what I feel I earned with my service. I have been watching speeches and listening to the rhetoric from both sides of the isle and to be honest as frustrating as it can be there is a level of entertainment that goes with it. Regardless I was excited for the exposure of Soldiers' Angels and the chance to hear and see one of this level of campaign speech.

First of all the seats USAA provided were more than intimidating as we were front and center with their leadership and I immediately thought with all these camera's I hope everything looks good especially my facial expressions as I have been rumored to "emote" well through my face. (Tim Kennedy & Tim O'Donnell) once we were seated and I sat facing a Garrison sized flag and looked at the honor presented with the service colors and by looking to my right and seeing the collection of Tomahawk crests I felt very much at ease. My curiosity was killing me though, what would I hear? Would this be an Administration bashing, mudslinging, fire and brimestone speech? 

My questions were quickly answered, as "The General" introduced Governor Romney and he addressed the crowd. He seemed very relaxed, and ensured all could hear him etc. He openned his speech with the discussion of America and what he feels she is. That immediately had my attention as it was a discussion about a more than an ideal. The primary points of the speech were rooted in entrepreneurship and how that is what led to some retired Army officers coming together to create USAA and how service and enterprise sometimes are reflections of each other. I sat there applying the message to myself as if I was taking a sermon to heart. I was also impressed that he was able to discuss the nation finding her own path without needing to discuss the violent means it took but by the merits of the idea. Instead of slamming Obama or criticizing his policies or failures he basically stated that America is at a crucial point in time and history. Are we the same people that held these ideals back in 1776 or are we their opposites and in boils down to are we truly invested in our rights.

I sat there quickly running through my personal perspective and trying to figure out if I was at that moment an American at least by ideals and I'm so proud to report that it was clear to me I am. Nothing means more to me than Life, I cherish everyday I have as I have faced the alternative and the most dear have ensured I'm still here to enjoy another so it mist be worth their sacrifice. Liberty is truly only enjoyed by those that understand it. We are those people, I remember when we were in Iraq and they were celebrating their new found freedom but then quickly realized they didn't understand what that actually meant. Sure they figured out without an oppressive leader they could shop or talk without threat of being killed by secret police but Liberty is truly more than that. Most important of all is the right to enjoy the fruits of our labor and service. Like those brave men and women back in 1776 they knew why they had left the other reaches of the world to start fresh and that was because they could do it their way. This truly is America and Never have I believed more in "The Pursuit of Happiness"! 

There are people blessed on earth that are given a voice but that is pretty common what is uncommon that with it comes a venue where it can be heard. Often the people provided this venue suck or are undeserving and we here or witness shameful diatribes at pop culture award shows or watch their prime time interview talking about "tigers blood" and drug addictions that foreshadow their "tragic death". Of course my sympathy level for a talented junkie is limited as it seems that its a waste of talent once you add junkie. In the past couple years we have seen this with Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston, then people tuned in and bought tickets for Charlie Sheen discuss living with pornstars and not doing cocaine.

Since you are visiting this site you probably have an idea of who I typically try to represent so I feel grateful to have a venue as well. These venues are not limited to personal opinions but also the exploitation of celebrities for the purpose of brand marketing. I usually enjoy watching NASCAR interviews just to see if the sponsor recognized match the branding on the racing suit. This has also entered my favorite sport and not so secret passion Mixed Martial Arts. The marketing real estate on fighters has become quite valuable and so has the mic time after a fight with Joe Rogan or Pat Miletich. In several discussions with a wise man, Creed Ford IV, he and I have looked into the value of cause related marketing and I've enjoyed the creativity that can go along with it. So when brands like Ranger Up come along and keep their mission, representation and marketing entertainingly honest and focused it's refreshing. This however is not always the case, within my life of the past couple years I have seen how big business out weighs the cause it claims to be working for. We see entertainers like Toby Kieth and Gary Sinise among many building strong reputations for their support of the military and getting the accolades similar to those like Pat Tillman for making sacrifices but there is without doubt enterprise behind their philanthropy. I'm not making a statement about the two just mentioned personally but as high profile examples of charity enterprise. 

When Tim Kennedy wins a fight which is basically everytime minus a few bad decisions he always takes time to recognize those that have served as he holds a special fellowship and anyone who knows Tim will testify to his honesty and purity of character. So did it impress me when he stated he would fight a certain meat biscuit opponent for free and his prize money would go to charity? Not one bit! How many guys would truly put their money where their mouth is and stand straightly and without question besides their belief structure? Well since being in the military I am more than happy to report that number of people in my life holds a high ratio.

Last year I was asked to assist a Gold Star Father named Robert Stokely on a special request and mission. I will share more about this adventure in the coming months but this mission required me to return to Iraq and without the support of the military so I held some reservations and fears. I reached out to a man I hold a tremendous respect for and asked for some advice because of his specific understanding of operating without support and acting in covert means. In addition to providing some very sound advise he made a couple of road trips from his home and business in the Houston area to help me get ready for the trip. He worked me out, beat me up and counseled my soul preparing me for this trip. He was intense, honest and thorough and we shared a special fellowship that has become a friendship that will last through the years.Coincidentally I met this man ,Chad Robichaux ,after his Strikeforce fight that he was on the same card as Tim Kennedy. 

Chad has spoken to me about his desire to really make an impact on guys suffering and was looking for a venue that would suit his needs. I would say that this search led to what truly has become his calling. Within a short period of time Chad developed a plan and create Mighty Oaks Foundation , packed up his house in Houston and moved to the mountains of Colorado and with family in tow they started to work with some of the most needy guys I have met. He announced his retirement and jump headfirst into the program and has demonstrated an amazing amount of success. The MMA world was losing one of the top feather weights in the world. I was so happy for him and just wished that I could spend more time with him as it made such an impact on me and my Ju Jitsu has some serious holes in it. I never thought I would see my friend in the cage again and although this saddened me the pride of knowing he walked away from success so he could share his lessons with others so that they could survive was much stronger than I ever could of imagined. So all of a sudden Chad tells me he is coming out of retirement to fight again and I recklessly accused him of being an addict to the competition which he admitted was partially true but what price was high enough for him to come out of retirement I had too know! The price was simple, the only thing that would change his mind was if the venue was proper enough to support his voice. 

On the 11 of May in Houston Texas Chad Robichaux headlined the Legacy 11 card and fought UFC alumni Jose Sandoval. The build up to the fight was unlike any other I had experienced or remembered. There was no trash talking, no threats just excitement and instead of promoting himself he put the focus on the warriors that need help. Inside MMA on HDNet put together and aired an awesome piece that you can watch HERE. Chad also wanted the focus of the fight to be focused on what truly leads him into the ring and arrangements were made for a special honor guard of veterans each representing their respective service with their service's flag. The flags and veterans led him to the cage and while standing among them he was prepped for the fight but what people saw on the screens were the flags and video clips about Post Traumatic Stress. The fight was short lived as Chad closed the distance, hoisted Sandoval up like a turkey leg off a hot grill and slammed him down and submitted him with a Pillow choke. Mixed Martial Arts legend Pat Miletich entered the cage to interview Chad and immediately we heard the voice. The message from the voice was clear and to my absolute pleasure so well received. The voice had what it really needed, not just a 14-2 record against some of the worlds best but the payday was not being measure in dollars but in the value of the venue. Chad like Tim have found that with their name, and social media accounts they have a venue but when the voice has a honest and pure message that venue becomes a PLATFORM!