In this Part 1 episode of a two-part story, Doron speaks about his upbringing in the land of the Bible. He lived in the place where David killed Goliath, and the spirit of the living God was abundant. In these times, the Jewish state is more under attack than ever in my lifetime. The West has continued to support Israel through the years, but even some in the West are bucking the open-ended support. In Part 2 we will discuss the current day operations in Gaza and Doron's front line experience in the fighting.

JC Knight was born on September 4, 1976, in Charleston WV. He joined the Marine Corps on 1 September 1995 aboard Parris Island SC and graduated from recruit training on November 17, 1995. Following recruit training, He attended the School of Infantry East (SOI), graduated with the MOS of 0331 Machine Gunner, and was assigned to 1st Bn 2d Marines (1/2). During his time in 1/2, he served as a Team, Squad, and Section leader. He also deployed to provide security in Panama and as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). While deployed with the 22d MEU, he evacuated Americans from Sierra Leone. From 1999 to 2000, Sergeant Knight was assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion East (ITB). He held several billets, including squad leader, chief weapons instructor, and platoon commander. Following his tour at ITB he received orders to Parris Island for Drill Instructor Duty in January 2001. While aboard Parris Island, he molded Marines as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and as Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCWIS). He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in July of 2003 and received orders to 3rd Bn 6th Marines (3/6) in February of 2004. Upon arrival, he was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Platoon Kilo Company leading his platoon during combat operations in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan and Al Qaim Iraq. In 2006, he graduated from Scout Sniper School and subsequently led the Scout Sniper Platoon during combat operations in Habbiniyah, Iraq, and along the Fallujah Peninsula. In December 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Knight reported for duty with the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) Camp Lejeune NC. He was the resident subject matter expert (SME) on infantry weapons and tactics as a faculty member. In December 2009, he received orders and reported for duty with 3rd Bn 2d Marines (3/2) where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant and Executive Officer. Shortly after, he was selected for the Marine Gunner Program leaving 3/2 for commissioning as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) and attendance of The Basic School (TBS) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course (IWOC). Following graduation, he received orders back to 3/2 as the Battalion Gunner. From 2011 through 2014 Gunner Knight was responsible for the training and readiness of the battalion leading up to its deployment with the 26th MEU. Upon return from deployment, 3/2 set the standard for the Second Marine Division by winning the 2014 Super Squad Competition and having 50 Honor Graduates from 55 advanced infantry schools. (CWO3) Gunner Knight's next assignment was as the Battalion Gunner for the Second Reconnaissance Battalion from 2015- 2016. During this time, he developed and supervised countless weapons and sniper packages increasing the battalion’s combat readiness. He additionally began efforts to improve shoulder-fired weapon capabilities for the infantry. From 2016-2017 he served in his final assignment as the Battalion Gunner for Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2D LAR). While at LAR, he made several improvements to the small unit warfighting skills of the battalion and standardized training practices across its companies. The culmination of his service saw the adoption of a Multi-Purpose Anti-Armor Assault Weapon (MAAWS) and the development of countless Marine leaders across the Second Marine Division. Gunner Knight retired on 1 December 2017 after 22-plus years of service. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x2, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x4 w/Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x4 w/Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon x2, and he holds the rank of Centurion in the US Infantry Associations Order of St. Maurice.

Ron Holmes retired from Marine Special Operations Command after serving over 20 years in the U.S. Marines. During his time at MARSOC as the Communications Operations Chief he was the senior enlisted responsible for creating the first Marine Special Operations Communications School called MNOC (Marine Network Operators Course). Before this, he served with Force Reconnaissance commands for much of his time in service. His primary job was Reconnaissance Communications. Post retirement he worked in support of the Global War on Terror for the Joint Special Operations Command. Shortly thereafter serving as a Sensor Operator on an Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance platform. This led him to work as an Independent Diplomatic Security Consultant. In 2014 he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer deploy. As of today, he is cancer-free. For the last 15 years, He has run his own firearms training that has provided over 7000 hours of marksmanship instruction for all skill levels on multiple weapons platforms. RYKER USA was created in 2014. He holds a patent for the RYKER Grip that he invented. He is a principal owner of RYKER USA. He has a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with honors. The summer of 2023 he created the Life SKillZ Academy. A summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The camp works to create assets in the home and the community starting at the age of 6. Their motto is God-Family-Country. He is married to Tracey lynn Holmes together they have their son Ryker Jeffrey Holmes who the company and grip were named after. His son is also named after fallen Force Recon Communicator, Jeffrey “Corky” Starling. He lives by the 5 F’s and a B. Faith, Family, Fitness, Fighting, Firearms, and a BOW. The goal with their company, products and training is the same. Make a positive impact and leave you better than when you started. You can reach Ron Holmes at the following. ron.holmes@rykerusa.com www.rykerusa.com ron.holmes@lifeskillzusa.com www.lifeskillzusa.com Instagram @instructorone , @rykerusa , @lifeskillzusa Youtube @rykerusa , @lifeskillzus