Ian Michael
Ian served four years in the Marine Corps as a fire support man, deploying twice to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While pursuing higher education, Ian joined the California Army National Guard as a public affairs specialist. In late 2015, he deployed again, this time with a combat aviation regiment with an operational footprint in multiple countries across the Middle East. After returning home, Ian decided to broaden his horizons. In the world of firearms, Ian earned his certification as an NRA basic pistol instructor. He is a co-founder of Distributed Security Quad Cities, a firearms handling and safety training program. Ian’s passions include writing and photography. He is a prolific journalist with articles, photos, and documentaries that have been shared across the country and abroad. His most recent venture is into the world of speculative fiction. He’s published one volume of his work with several more on the way.
Honoring WWII Heroes is Racist!
Woke cancel culture has claimed more victims; this time, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Yes, you read that correctly. Celebrating WWII woman veterans is racist. Last week a proposed WNBA shirt celebrating the WASP legacy hit the airwaves, and the news eventually dripped into the victimhood echo chamber known as Twitter.
Intrigue in Belarus and What it Means for Ukraine
The plot thickens. Russian authorities claim to have foiled a planned assassination attempt against the Belorussian president, Alexander Lukashenko. Two men were allegedly in Moscow to meet with disloyal Belorussian generals to discuss murdering Lukashenko on May 9, Victory Day. Lukashenko also alleges a kidnapping conspiracy against his family.
While significant in itself, assassinating Lukashenko correlates with the standoff simmering in Ukraine. The Black Sea Fleet currently maintains total superiority and could effortlessly sink the entire Ukrainian navy within minutes of hostilities breaking out. Russia has combined arms units assembled in Crimea, along the Eastern border of Ukraine, and in Belarus, creating a three-sided “cauldron” that could potentially end a shooting war almost before it started.
Ultra Violence #2: Landfall
As stocky 18-year-old cursed with premature baldness and a dull mind, Hanson didn’t have much going for him before he was drafted. With little education to speak of and no family connections, the boy seemed destined to disappear down a mineshaft, probably die in one like his father did. The Venusian Defense Corps changed all that. Hanson liked the black uniform and the Spartan aesthetics of military life didn’t bother him. Now he was part of something special and bigger than himself. He was part of something important.
Encased in body armor, packed like sardines with the rest of his platoon, all hurtling to the ground in a black coffin, military life doesn’t seem like so much fun anymore. But this doesn’t bother Hanson much either. Nothing really does. A simple mind has its benefits.