Author: Braxton Taylor

On Sept. 4, 1944, Capt. Matt Urban (born Matty Urbanowitz) was carried off a battlefield near Philippeville, Belgium. He’d been given his last rites and was not expected to survive the machine gun rounds that hit him in the neck. But not only did he survive, he returned to duty, his neck wounds unique only in that they kept him from a combat command. The truth was that they were just the latest in a long line of wounds.Urban had been fighting World War II for as long as the United States was in the war. A graduate of Cornell…

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Bonuses for enlisting and reenlisting in the military would be tax exempt under a bill introduced in the House on Tuesday.The bill, from Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., would afford all service members the same tax benefits as troops deployed to combat zones, who don’t have to pay taxes on bonuses or other income they receive while deployed.”Military service members raise their right hands to defend our country and, in return, they deserve to keep every cent of the bonus they earn,” Mast, an Army veteran who lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, said in a statement. “This…

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If you’re reading this article, you’re no doubt interested in do it yourself (DIY) hunting trips. Regardless of which species you want to pursue, planning a DIY hunt can be a very rewarding or frustrating experience. If you put the effort into your research and planning and manage to fill your tag, it truly is an exceptional feeling. But if you approach it half-heartedly or are unprepared, it can make you wonder why you even started in the first place. Wild sheep hunting is similar in many ways. If your DIY sheep hunting trip goes well, you will check a…

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As you exit the military, and begin (or resume) your civilian career, you’re likely hearing about the importance of networking. Having a vibrant and deep network of contacts who know you, understand what you offer and see you as credible is critical to finding a job and growing your career. These are the contacts you will intentionally pursue professional relationships with to share resources, support each other, curate mutual career opportunities and sponsor each other in career growth.One of the most important parts of networking is building and maintaining trust. As a verb, the Oxford Dictionary defines trust as to…

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If you’re like most hunters in the lower 48, the allure of hunting in Alaska has probably always been on your mind. There’s something about that rugged and beautiful state that just captures our imaginations. And when you think of Alaska, it is hard not to dream of all the big game hunting opportunities there are. If you’re looking for a true wilderness adventure and have the DIY hunting spirit, you need to seriously think about DIY caribou hunting. Due to the rough terrain and remote locations that caribou tend to inhabit, you’re in for a real adventure should you decide to pursue this species.…

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The body of the fourth U.S. soldier who vanished along with three others last week in Lithuania was recovered Tuesday, the Army announced, bringing to a close an exhaustive search following the sinking of a 70-ton M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle into a quagmire of mud and water.The Army has not released the names of the soldiers pending notification of the next of kin. The bodies of the other three soldiers were recovered Monday.The four, all members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, had been participating in a relatively routine training exercise…

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Are You Ready to Tackle DIY Moose Hunting? If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s no shortage of adventures you can pursue in North America. From backpacking to rock climbing to hunting, there is something that will always intrigue us, challenge us, and push us to new heights. DIY moose hunting has to rank near the top of one or all of those lists. It combines backpacking/hiking in very remote areas, wilderness survival skills, battling the harsh elements, and going toe-to-toe with the world’s largest member of the deer family. If you like the idea of planning a DIY hunt for yourself and maybe a hunting buddy, here’s a rundown of how…

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President Donald Trump’s choice to be his top military adviser and the nation’s top general vowed Tuesday to serve in the role apolitically, denying a tale Trump has told repeatedly that suggested he is a loyal political supporter of the president.At his confirmation hearing to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine denied that he has ever worn a “Make America Great Again” hat, despite the president repeatedly claiming he did so when they met during Trump’s first term.”For 34 years, I’ve upheld my oath of office and my commitment to my commission, and…

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Scout Your Hunt From Home Before Making the Trip Live the Dream  For many hunters, pursuing game on a western hunt is a dream, aspiration, and lofty goal. Putting in the time and resources for a chance at a hunt on a western mountain range aloft a high peak, or deep into desert country can be taxing. Every year hunters filled with a passion for the outdoors, for wilderness, and for adventure set out to make their dreams a reality.     With limited resources and budgets, it’s easy to get discouraged when planning a western hunt. The cost of tags, time…

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