Last night in his congressional address, President Trump made DJ McDaniel, a 13-year-old with cancer, an honorary Secret Service agent. This touching moment took DJ by surprise.

This recognition not only highlights DJ’s bravery but also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience shown by children fighting life-threatening illnesses. Such moments motivate others to rally behind young heroes, showcasing the importance of community support during tough times.

The journey that DJ has faced since his diagnosis is both harrowing and inspiring. His courage resonates with many, especially those in similar situations. DJ’s father has been his steadfast supporter, often sharing insights into their experiences with cancer treatment, hospital visits, and the emotional toll it takes on families. This father-son duo demonstrates profound strength as they navigate through the challenges, inspiring countless others along the way.

DJ’s story illustrates the power of hope and determination. His involvement with law enforcement agencies is not just a dream come true; it emphasizes the bond between those who protect us and the communities they serve. Each honorary title he received reflects the gratitude and respect these agencies have for him, and it reinforces the message that every child’s dream is worth pursuing, regardless of their circumstances.

In addition, the media coverage surrounding DJ’s honorary appointment serves to educate the public about childhood cancer. Through interviews and articles, more people are learning about the challenges faced by young cancer patients, leading to increased donations and volunteer efforts for cancer research and support organizations.

Furthermore, DJ’s story has sparked conversations about the importance of mental health support for children with serious illnesses. Organizations are beginning to recognize how crucial it is to provide not only medical care but also emotional and psychological support. This holistic approach to treating childhood cancer can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

As Curran presented the badge, there was a palpable sense of joy and achievement in the room. This event was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of life, courage, and the spirit of giving back. The badge symbolizes DJ’s bravery and the hope he represents for many children battling cancer. Such acknowledgments can pave the way for greater awareness and support for pediatric cancer research, enabling more children to join the fight against this disease.

DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and given a prognosis of five months to live. Alongside his father, he has visited multiple law enforcement agencies, earning honorary recognition from several police departments.

Over the past six years, he has been honored multiple times as an honorary police officer by various law enforcement agencies. Trump’s announcement elevated Daniel’s long-standing dream of serving in law enforcement.

Curran handed the badge to Daniel, making him an official part of the Secret Service in an honorary capacity.

There are three reasons why it is important to get firearms & medical training. The first reason is safety, the second is education, and the third is learning the fundamentals. Every day, we are inundated with misinformation that is both intentional and unintentional. For the average person, it’s hard to discern what the real facts are coming from the news, television, movies and social media. It’s almost impossible to see through the myriad of misinformation.

Aren’t Safety and Education the Same?

Some may argue that safety and education are the same when talking about firearms training. However, we see it a bit differently. We can tell a student everything they need to know about a firearm, but as soon as they are asked to pick up a firearm, the majority of the time, they usually break any number of firearm safety rules immediately. From muzzling people, to not verifying the condition of the firearm , to unconsciously putting their finger on the trigger. This happens almost instinctively, which is why we contend that safety is distinguishable and separate from education.

So why is it so natural for people to pick up a gun and instantly think they can just point and shoot? By having a firearm in your hand, you have a powerful position of responsibility. don’t fall into a false sense of security thinking you are ready to hit the range and fling some brass. Most violations of firearms safety are natural reactions when picking up an gun that is related to reflexes and ergonomics. Or it could be learned behavior from what they see on television, social media or other social influencing factors. Everything we see in media might subconsciously influence us. But this is just my opinion, and there are many other factors. This leads us to the second reason why it’s important to get firearms training.

Education, Education, Education …

The second reason is education. Firearms training is 70% education, students need to learn about the operation, functions and all of the different parts of their firearms. During this phase, we will dispel any myths or misconceptions that people may have about firearms. What is important to know is that every gun is different. So learning the operation and functions of their specific weapon will help the student safely use their firearm.

In this phase we like to address their expectations of the use and capabilities of firearms. This is VERY important as every person has a different set of expectations. We will help students choose the right firearm to fit their needs whether it is self protection, shooting sports or hunting. Like they always say: “You don’t know… what you don’t know… until you know it.”

Learning Fundamentals …

The third reason that it is imperative to receive firearms training is to learn the fundamentals of handling firearms. Learning the fundamentals of shooting any firearm will improve accuracy as students advance their firearms training. Relearning fundamentals will also help to reset and undo bad habits and training scars helping them to get back on the right path.

When you practice and begin to consistently make accurate shots. this increases safety; remember that every bullet is the shooter’s responsibility. Stray shots or ricochets are extremely dangerous and can cause property damage and loss of life. It is imperative that firearms training students know their target and what’s beyond it. Taking a firearms training course will help you bring all of this together and show you exactly how Safety, Education, and Fundamentals go hand in hand. Safety governs Education and Fundamentals. Safety and Education help with learning the Fundamentals. Fundamentals are the foundation of the bio-mechanics of shooting and operating a firearm.

For additional information on our agency or training, visit: ——–>https://atstactical.net

Introduction:

Welcome to the heart of North Georgia, where the lush landscapes of Ellijay provide more than just scenic beauty—they offer a haven for firearm enthusiasts. As responsible gun owners in this vibrant community, understanding the critical importance of firearm safety training cannot be overstated. This article delves into the top five reasons why anyone owning a firearm in Georgia, especially in the North Georgia region, needs to prioritize safety training. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer, these insights will underscore why safety training is not just a choice, but a necessity.

Reason 1: Legal Awareness and Compliance

Discuss Georgia’s firearm laws and the importance of training for legal compliance.
Include local examples and scenarios.

Reason 2: Personal and Public Safety

Stress the role of training in preventing accidents.
Highlight real-life incidents where lack of training led to mishaps.

Reason 3: Building Confidence and Proficiency

Explain how training enhances skill and confidence in handling firearms.
Incorporate testimonials or stories from local residents.

Reason 4: Understanding Firearm Maintenance

Detail how safety training includes the upkeep and maintenance of firearms.
Provide tips relevant to the local climate and conditions of North Georgia.

Reason 5: Community and Family Protection

Emphasize the role of training in ensuring the safety of family and community.
Discuss community-oriented training programs and initiatives in North Georgia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, firearm safety training in Georgia, particularly in the North Georgia region, is indispensable. By embracing these five reasons, firearm owners in Ellijay and beyond can ensure a safer, more responsible gun-owning community. Remember, safety training is not just a personal choice; it’s a community responsibility.

Deep in the heart of North Georgia, where rolling hills meet rugged landscapes, residents understand the importance of responsible firearm ownership. In 2024, Advanced Tactical Solutions in Ellijay, GA, emerges as the premier choice for comprehensive firearms training. Since 2016, ATS has provided outstanding personal and corporate training. Our top five reasons to enroll are tailored to the unique challenges of North Georgia living.

Firstly, our expert instructors provide personalized coaching, ensuring participants develop crucial skills for home defense and rural scenarios. Secondly, our emphasis on situational awareness prepares individuals for unexpected situations that may arise in the picturesque yet unpredictable terrain. Thirdly, we prioritize safety, instilling confidence through hands-on training. Moreover, our state-of-the-art facility and cutting-edge equipment enhance the learning experience. Lastly, Advanced Tactical Solutions is rooted in community, fostering a supportive environment for individuals seeking to enhance their firearm proficiency. Elevate your skills and safeguard your community with the unmatched training offered by Advanced Tactical Solutions in Ellijay.

Is having a sub one-second accurate draw with an accurate shot a worthwhile drill or is it just something you do to be Tacticool!

If you are doing it, are you doing it for the right reasons?

There is something to be said about “instinctive shooting” and “flash sight picture” alignment.

Speed and Accuracy are relevant terms, and usually never go together, especially in firearm shooting, unless your an Olympian. HOWEVER, when practiced enough and often, your “instinctive shooting” will play a very key role to your self-defense and overall reactive mindset when put in a threatening firearm defensive situation.

What do we mean by instinctive shooting? Sim[ply put, Instinctive shooting is shooting without aiming and concentrating on the target. WHAT !?! Yes, without aiming and concentrating on the target. In other words, forming a habit of drawing your pistol over and over, hundreds, if not thousands of times using your correct holster and arm draw with sight picture and alignment to your eyes that it becomes muscle memory or shooting INSTINCTIVELY. This is what can get you a sub-second shot, or shots, if your really quick!

However, in up-close, life threatening DEFENSIVE SHOOTING situations, of less than 10 yards, where there are very rapid violent attacks, there is no time for perfect, precise, aligned shots, and a quick response with center mass hits is critical. So a shooting technique called “Flash Sight Picture” (FSP) can be used here. Jeff Cooper invented the FSP as part of his Modern Technique to pistol shooting and it has been refined over the years. Cooper’s basic FSP technique is a way to get your sights immediately on target with a lot of hits on target, not necessarily bullseye hits.

As I described above, the FSP is a method of allowing the cognitive, innate muscle-memory responses of the shooter to align the target and the sights without the delay involved in the conscious alignment of sights. In Point Shooting (PS), by contrast, the pistol is drawn from the holster and fired from the hip, or forward of the hip, without bringing the gun to eye level and without the sights being aligned at all.

This is the method I used in the video. It may seem like I brought my pistol up to my eyes and shot, BUT, my shot was well on its way, before my pistol reached my extended arm length or my eyes. If the video was slowed down, you will be able to see that my shot is gone LITERALLY, a split-second before it even gets close to my normal shooting position.

In closing, range time shooting live rounds and hundreds of hours spent on “dry-fire” practice is the key to building cognitive muscle memory alignment between your arms, eyes and draw pattern, will give you the results of speed and accuracy so you can one day have a sub-second accurate shot and be Tacticool as well!

Visit ATS on Social Media https://www.facebook.com/goatstactical/

There are no right answers in a defensive shooting situation; with an infinite number of possible situations, there is an infinite number of responses. Know your laws, use good judgment and mentally prepare yourself for something to go wrong.

In no particular order, let’s go over three important topics that you may want to consider before it comes time to unholster your pistol:

• Have a plan
• Use common sense
• Know your rights

All three of these topics combined should take only a few minutes out of your daily routine to review. Join ATS for a CCW Defensive Class and get all the details and learn much much more!

This diagram is a visual depiction of a use of force model. Remember, a critical event can start or stop at any point on the continuum: don’t feel locked into following all of the steps if the situation has escalated quickly.