Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving
November 11 – The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month . . .
President Harry S. Truman said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Our Republic owes our Veterans a debt we can never really repay, except by being citizens that live and act in ways that truly show respect for those Veteran’s, living and dead, that we deserve their sacrifices.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy
Gunsite now offers a 10% discount to all veterans in our regular classes. (Not for special, private , or off-site courses). It is a small way we can offer some thanks to those who served.
November started strong with 250 Defensive Pistol and the ever-popular Pistol Range Day. Next week we offer the Team Tactics for Two (TT42) with Freddie Blish and Dan Bilodeau. With your Marksman 250 Prerequisite, it is a great opportunity to train with your partner so you can better respond to that life event in your home, vehicle or on the street. (It was one of the best classes Shari and I have taken!) Also is the Advanced Precision Rifle with Walt Wilkinson for those who have successfully competed Precision Rifle.
The following week is a 150 Revolver (150 Basic Revolver – Gunsite Academy) preceding the Pat Rogers’ Memorial Revolver Round-Up. (Lew Gosnell, Freddie Blish and Dave Dolan instructing.) If you are attending the Revolver Round-Up, it is a great way to learn your Revolver and then fine-tune it at the various symposiums. Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Round-Up – Gunsite Academy This year’s instructor cadre will include the founders of the event Darryl Bolke and Wayne Dobbs. Additional instructors will be Mark Fricke, Dave Dolan, Lew Gosnell, Chuck Haggard, Cecil Burch, Greg Ellifritz, Bryan Eastridge, and Caleb Giddings. All of these instructors have decades of real-world experience running revolvers.
Gunsite is quiet the week of November 24 with the Offices closed November 27-29 in celebration of Thanksgiving. We return on November 30 with Day Zero for Pistols and a 250 Pistol Class.
We ring in the New Year with many special opportunities!
Have you learned of the Class and Carbine Combo being offered? 2026 Introduces Class and Carbine Combo – Gunsite Academy Enroll in one of the select dates (January 26, 2026 and December , 2026 for 223 and July 20, 2026 for AK) for a 223 Carbine or an AK Class and get a special deal on the class and class ready Carbine/AK.
We also are offering a “Train Together, Save Together Bring a Buddy BOGO Program. Train Together, Save Together… BRING A BUDDY BOGO Program – Gunsite Academy That is, one Gunsite Family Member brings a new student to a 5 day class. One full price tuition, one half-price tuition. (You two can sort out the economics!) Class are January, February, July, August, November and December. It is a grand opportunity to take a life-saving course and same a bit of money.
Finally, we are introducing the Gunsite Guild Reward Program. The Gunsite Guild Reward Program – Gunsite Academy As you rise through the ranks of the Gunsite Guild each milestone unlocks greater recognition and reward in the form of additional discounts off your tuition for 2,3 or 5 day classes:
- 5 Paid Classes – Initiate → 5% off tuition on your 6th through 10th class.
- 10 Paid Classes – Apprentice → 10% off tuition on your 11th through 15th classes.
- 15 Paid Classes – Journeyman → 15% off tuition on your 16th through 20th classes.
- 20 Paid Classes – Master → 20% off tuition on all your classes thereafter.
- Progression through the tiers is only achieved via 5-day PAID classes (comped classes are excluded). Discounts will apply to 2 and 3 day courses like our Gunsite Performance Center classes or our Team Tactics for Two. EXCLUDES: Armorers classes, Offsite classes, Range Days, Specialty Events & promotional classes. Other restrictions apply. Contact Gunsite for more details.
- Number of classes taken and discount tier will be verified by GUNSITE staff at time of class application.
VALID FOR CLASSES BEGINNING JANUARY2026
We offer some sad news for long-time Gunsite Family. Many of you may recall Rangemaster Jon Dial. Jon was a Vietnam era Marine and legend with Los Angeles Police Dept. Jon worked undercover for a lengthy time involving the Weather Underground with successful cases and then with the Special Investigations Section (SIS) and worked at Gunsite for many years. Unfortunately, kidney disease precluded his continuing service as a Rangemaster. Jon and his long-time bride (LAPD Capt. Ret.) Connie Dial visited us here just a few months ago. Jon unexpectedly passed away on October 30. Our thoughts and prayers to Connie and family. We are diminished.
Our world continues to be tumultuous, but no matter the circumstances, we can always find reasons to be thankful. The more the art of thankfulness is practiced, the more we have to be thankful for. Please remember our military, first responders, hospital staff, and other essential that work while we celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and family.
“Today let us take heart from the noble example of our first President. Let us pause from our many activities to give thanks to almighty God for our bountiful harvests and abundant freedoms. Let us call upon Him for continued guidance and assistance in all our endeavors.”
President Ronald Reagan, Oct. 13, 1986 Thanksgiving Day, 1986
Blessings to All,
Ken
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