Dec 19
Sgt. Hack, US Wings

Tips to Build your Mindfulness Practice

As we enter into 2019, more and more people understand the importance of having a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is the act of slowing down and noticing your thoughts and actions. It encourages you to stay present and enjoy the moment, no matter what is happening. The following are some proven tips for building your mindfulness practice:

Create a Morning Routine

A good morning routine is a perfect start to a mindful day. By starting out your day with mindfulness practice, you will approach the rest of the day with that mindset. Incorporate mindfulness into your morning routine in whatever way makes sense for you. For some people, sitting in meditation for a half an hour each morning is the best way to get their mindfulness practice going. For others, you may find it easier to connect to yourself by going on a run.

Ongoing Check-Ins

If you are serious about your mindfulness practice, you are going to have to check in on it throughout the day. There are many aspects to check in on including your posture, your breath, and your thoughts. The more frequently you check in, the better you will get at assessing your mindfulness practice. While you’re checking in, you may notice that your breathing is shallow or short. Come back to your breathe and focus in on that. Breathing will empower your mindfulness practice.

Clear your Mind with Chores

Typically, people approach chores with the mindset that it’s an unwanted task that they must get through. This causes stress for you and causes you not to tackle the chores fully. Rather than taking this approach, try looking at chores as a way to clear your mind. As you go about washing dishes, be mindful. Notice the dishes, their shape, and their feel. Feel the water as it runs and notice the temperature. Noticing all of these sensations are part of being mindful.

Mindfulness has proven to be a positive and effective way to manage stress and lead a genuine life. When you are engaged in mindfulness, you are able to notice your thoughts without judging them. You are able to notice your actions without judgment as well. This simple act causes you to become more present in all areas of your life. There are a few tips to help you build your mindfulness practice. They include creating a morning routine, checking in daily and clearing your mind with chores.

Filed Under: Sgt. Hack, US Wings
Oct 29
Sgt. Hack, US Wings

Four Tips for Incorporating Philanthropy into your Estate Planning

Some people are motivated to give or participate in philanthropic activities by different factors such as personal fulfillment, minimizing taxable amount, and sometimes giving for a legacy point of view. Charity activities are discussed at length during estate planning. Here are some of the tips that can help individuals taking part in estate planning to engage in philanthropic activities.

 

Working with Charitable Trusts

 

Charitable trusts provide individuals engaging in planning for their real estate to minimize taxes while at the same time participating in philanthropic activities. Contributing an asset with sufficient market value gives an opportunity for individuals to get income during their lifetime after which the asset will be transferred to the organization after their death. However, it is important to screen a charitable organization before donating the property as some of trusts are not reliable.

 

Preparing a Will

 

Carrie, who is an experienced real estate planner, encourages individuals to include philanthropic giving in their real estate plans by formulating a will. The only problem of using a will is that it will not reduce income taxes but will be very useful in reducing the liability for estate tax purposes. This strategy will play a vital role in maximizing the value of the real estate property that the heirs will receive.

 

Consulting an Expert

 

Incorporating charitable giving in a real estate plan is a complex undertaking, especially when an individual wants to minimize taxes. Therefore, working with a professional real estate planner, who has vast skills and knowledge about philanthropic giving will help in calculating the complex numbers that are involved. He or she will also help a person to build a real estate plan that will optimize an individual’s tax impacts.

 

Donating Retirement Accounts

 

People planning to participate in philanthropic giving when planning their real estate can consider giving their retirement accounts to a charity organization of their choice. This strategy involves designating a particular charitable entity as the beneficiary of the retirement account. This strategy allows the charity to receive 100% of the retirement account’s value after liquidation because it is exempt from paying both estate and income taxes. The policy will also allow an individual to leave their heirs with non-retirement assets, some of which will not attract the same tax burden.

Filed Under: Sgt. Hack, US Wings
Dec 22
Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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Who won the 2015 Best Leather Jacket Award?

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Who won the 2015 Best leather Jacket Award?  US Wings!   Best Leather.org reviews leather products from all over the world.  On December 17th, 2015, Best Leather.org announced  the winner for  the Best Leather Jacket Award, the US Wings Signature Series™ Vintage Cowhide Indy-style Jacket

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The Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer Jacket is constructed from a very special pre-distressed cowhide leather. The Vintage Cowhide is handmade of grade A top grain leather, vegetable drum dyed, and hand inspected by American Craftsmen. The leather is from the same tannery that supplied the leather to the studio to create the on-screen jackets worn by the star of the 2008 movie featuring that famous fedora-wearing archaeologist. This leather, which duplicates the look of the movie leather, is a very soft chocolate brown cowhide and features a variety of graining, scuffs, range marks and distressing to give it an authentic “vintage” look. The Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer Jacket are not churned out on an assembly line, but are handcrafted from handpicked hides to ensure the utmost quality. This is a jacket that any adventure-seeking archaeologist would be proud to wear and one that is truly rugged enough to handle your real-life adventures! A US Wings exclusive. Made in the USA.

The Indy-style jacket was an integral and significant part of the makeup of the INDIANA JONES character.  Neil Cooper originally conceived the first pattern for the INDIANA JONES movies by combining features of the Air Force A2 and the Navy G1.  Eliminating the cuffs and waist band from the A2 and then adding the Bi-Swing back, small side gaps & side adjustment straps with rectangular sliders, the RAIDERS jacket was born. There have been multiple jacket manufacturers who have contributed to the four INDIANA JONES movies but it has been verified that the pedigree originated with Neil Cooper and He in fact supplied 8 jackets for the TEMPLE OF DOOM.  There are subtle changes to each jacket as the series evolved and the Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer jacket is based upon the specs of one of the original movie jackets from three decades ago.  Whether produced in Featherweight Antique Lambskin, Texas SteerhIde  or Kangaroo, these aren’t mere “Fashion” jackets and are tough and rugged enough to stand-up to your real-life adventures.

Filed Under: Sgt. Hack, US Wings Tagged With: , , ,
Aug 05
Military Technology, Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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Life of a Warrior Pt. 3 – Photos and Documents

http://sgthack.net/wp-content/uploads/hack-net/sites/827/Life-of-a-Warrior-photos-and-documents.pdf

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Jul 28
Military Technology, Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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Life of a Warrior Pt. 2 – US Wings and Beyond

http://sgthack.net/wp-content/uploads/hack-net/sites/827/Life-of-a-Warrior-Pt-2-US-Wings.pdf

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Jun 10
Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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Let US Wings Repair Your Historic Leather!

sgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangerssgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangersThere are few things in this world that have as many memories and as much sentimentality as clothes do. Frequently passed down from generation to generation, clothes can be so much more than just something to stop you from being naked. That old flannel shirt might clothe you, but it also very well might remind you of all the times you used to outside playing in the Autumn with your grandfather. Yes, those pants are long enough to stop you from being cold. But those patches might also remind you of all the hard work your mother put into making sure you were clothed and warm, safe and happy.

Leather jackets and other goods hold as much sentimentality as any other article of clothing, if not more. These beautiful jackets are frequently handmade and are usually passed-down through more than one generation. A well-kept leather jacket can last for decades and keep grandfathers, fathers, and sons warm throughout the winter. The memories and feelings these beautiful articles of clothing can have are enough to make keeping them in perfect condition a must for those who love their leather. With that in mind, let Sgt. David Hack and his team at US Wings in Hudson, Ohio keep your jacket in perfect working condition! As an authorized repair facility for the US Military, you can be sure that your jacket will be treated and repaired with the utmost care and respect it deserves. Prices are below and the repair form can be downloaded here.

sgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangerssgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangersProfessional Leather Jacket Repair Service Options:

Cuff Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
Waistband Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
Zipper Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown & Black; Style: A-2 & G-1
G-1 Collar Replacement – $90: Color: Dark Brown
Lining Replacement – $90: Standard Brown/Black Lining (Note: if your jacket does not have an existing lining, there will be an additional $50 charge for adding a jacket lining)
Escape Map Lining Replacement – $110: Colors: Egg Shell (as seen in Avirex jackets) and Gold
No Lining Charge – $50 (Charged if your jacket DOES NOT have a lining)
Patches – $10 per patch: Please take a photo/draw a diagram of where you would like them sewn.
Centennial/Navy Flyer’s Creed – $69.95 (Note: Only adding this item to existing lining. If you need the lining replaced, also select Lining Replacement. Banner: approx. 17.75″ x 13″)
Shorten Sleeves – $70.00 (Final Sale – Please indicate, with white chalk, the desired length to be shortened.)
*Any special requests may result in additional cost. Please contact our Customer Service at (800)650-0659 for questions.

Please allow 3-4 weeks for repairs and 4-5 weeks for lining repairs so that you can receive the best possible service. If you’d like to read more, the link is here.sgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangerssgt. hack, sgt. david hack, david hack, us wings, hudson, ohio, us army, us military, rangers

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Apr 08
Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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New on US Wings: General MacArthur Sunglasses

US Wings has just announced a new addition to their already impressive lineup of authentic military apparel: authentic General MacArthur aviator sunglasses. While many people probably think of the Tom Cruise and the movie Top Gun when they think of aviator sunglasses, they originally became popular much earlier in history. America’s love affair with aviator sunglasses began when General Douglas MacArthur landed on the beaches of the Philippines during World War 2 after American troops took the islands back from the Japanese. When he stepped on the beach, he was wearing his trademark aviator sunglasses and the images that were captured by photographers helped ignite the popularity of this now-iconic eyewear.

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One of the original General MacArthur photos with his signature sunglasses.

Since then, aviator sunglasses have never left the popular minds of people who were looking to promote an air of ruggedness and manliness. Called aviators due to their original intent of protecting the eyes of fighter pilots, the sunglasses have a lense that’s about 2-3 times larger than your standard pair sunglasses. They have very thin frames and a double/triple bridge (also called “bullet hole”) that go into either bayonet earpieces or flexible cable temples that can be hooked behind the ears. The original design also featured G-15 tempered glass lenses in neutral grey that only transmitted 15% of incoming light, allowing people to see much better in bright environments. The lenses are also slightly convex, not flat, so as to cover as much of the range of the eye and prevent as much light as possible from entering.

While the original glasses were tinted in grey, the famous MacArthur glasses were tinted in green and this can be seen in the faithful US Wings reconstruction. US Wings also offers two styles of “General” sunglasses. The first is the “Welcome Home” pair and is the perfect as a gift for a returning soldier or veteran. The glasses are handmade by American Optical and feature a gold frame, 52mm or 58mm lens sizes, AO’s impact resistant True Color® green lenses, and 98% UVA & 100% UVB protection. They also have the words “WELCOME HOME” on the right earpiece and “US WINGS” on the left earpiece. They come with a leather case that has “WELCOME HOME” and the US Wings logo stamped on them too. The second style is the same but simply without “WELCOME HOME” on the right earpiece; the case can also be purchased separately.

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US Wings Welcome Home aviators with case.

If you’d like to read more, the link is here.

If you’d like to see the glasses in the US Wings Store, the link is here.

Filed Under: Sgt. Hack, US Wings Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
Mar 09
Military Technology, Sgt. Hack
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China’s Military Weaknesses Revealed

China has been quickly expanding the amount of money that goes into its military every year. The constant jump in GDP has been a cause for concern for most of the countries surrounding China as well as their allies in the west, specifically the United States of America. China has been butting heads particularly with countries like Japan and Taiwan over various islands and territories that all the countries claim are theirs throughout history and the sudden jumps in military spending are adding more tensions to a region already fraught with it. Even with US support and all countries in the region working together against it, China’s military has grown enough that it would still be a force to be reckoned with.sgt_hack_pla

However, a new report by a congressional study that was released to Congress’ U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has shed light on a number of issues still plaguing the PLA (People’s Liberation Army). While none of these are meant to take away from the growing force, abilities, and threat of the Chinese armed forces, they do show that the country still has a fair amount to work on if it wants to ever match up to the forces of the US and its allies. The report was written by 7 experts in China at the Rand Corporation and is meant to give the US military valuable information that could help defeat China in future wars. While many of the weaknesses listed were already known to the US and its allies, some newer ones were found that could lead to further planning if a war every breaks out.

Among the weaknesses found were many that were known and expected. Problems such as quality issues within the ranks of foot soldiers were brought up again, as were issues with poor command structure meant to deploy those troops. Other issues include corruption from the top of the hierarchy all the way to the bottom that could seriously impede strategy and deployments as well as equipment and logistics. One of the major issues found is the PLA’s inability to conduct joint operations between the different military wings (naval, air, and ground). This inability, coupled with the fact that there is an issues with the training, care for, and integration of advanced weapons, means that the PLA is further hampered in it’s abilities to react quickly in encounters off of mainland China. China also has weaknesses in its cybersecurity, allowing the possibility for electronic sabotage and cyber warfare aimed at its technologically advanced machines and equipment. While this all points to weaknesses, there is no denying that China is still a force to be reckoned with and that probably won’t change anytime soon.

If you’d like to read more, the link is here.

Filed Under: Military Technology, Sgt. Hack Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb 09
Military Technology, Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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Agent Orange Veteran Payment Program

Since it’s inception, the Agent Orange Veteran Payment Program has been helping veterans deal with the ramifications and illnesses that come from being exposed to agent orange, a defoliant used in the Vietnam war that has had massive ramifications for people who’ve come into contact. Sgt. David Hack has volunteered his forms and certificates to show that he is receiving benefits and to help inspire those who haven’t come forward yet to do so and receive the help they so truly deserve. No one should suffer alone.

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Filed Under: Military Technology, Sgt. Hack, US Wings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jan 07
Military Technology, Sgt. Hack, US Wings
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US Army Begins Developing Robotic Insects

One of the most common trope in science-fiction is robots and using robots as ways to maintain surveillance and learn new information about both friends and enemies. While many ideas and technologies in science-fiction are too improbable or too advanced for what we have at the moment, the idea of robotics has been steadily gaining traction and there is current research into developing a number of robotic technologies that could be used by our military and security forces for a number of different reasons ranging from fire-support and shielding during combat to stealthy reconnaissance on enemies.

As the future continues to become the present, the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has announced that they are getting closer and closer to having developed a working robotic insect that could be used for surveillance and stealth. The recent completion of a pair of tiny robotic wings that measure only 3-5 centimeters means that the the likelihood of robotic insects being used for defense purposes has increased dramatically. While actual flight still hasn’t been tested, the researchers were able to create lift using the tiny wings and that’s the first step towards a working prototype. The wings are made of lead zirconium titanate (also known as PZT) which can create motion when under an electrical field or an applied voltage for a specific purpose.

The researchers who created the wings have also designed functioning motors that measure only 2-3 millimeters and a series of robotic legs for a robot that would look like a millipede. While the fact that there are wings and a motor are huge steps towards the creation of a fully functioning robotic insect, the researchers at ARL still say they are 10-15 years away from creating one that will fully work. The algorithms needed to get the robot to fly and act like a true insect are still ways away and there are a number of other aspects that need creating and fine-tuning. That being said, with a number of other organization working towards the same end goal (including Harvard University), there is a chance that the groups will work together to have this ready for use sooner than expected. Either way, this sort of technology will revolutionize intelligence gathering in warfare.

If you’d like to read more, the link is here.

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