NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

 

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

A Nation United in Prayer – May 1st

By Del Albright

Every year, on the first Thursday of May, Americans from all walks of life take a moment to pause, reflect, and pray. This National Day of Prayer reminds me of the foundational values that built this country—faith, family, freedom, patriotism, and peace.

It’s more than a tradition. It’s a national reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we are stronger when we seek clarity, hope, and healing together.

As someone who has walked the path of military service, fought in combat, led outdoor adventures across this great land, and advocated for the responsible use of our public lands, I can tell you — the soul of this nation lies in the hearts of those who believe in something greater than themselves.

On this day, I pray for:

• Our Nation — to find unity in purpose, strength in diversity, and resolve in hard times.

• Our Families — to thrive in love, guided by values that last generations.

• Our Health — to continue the journey of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

• Our Land — that we continue to be good stewards of the beauty we’ve been blessed with.

• Our Peace — that we learn to listen, forgive, and support one another in meaningful ways.

Whether you're sitting quietly in the woods, driving a backroad trail with your family, or standing beside your neighbor at a community gathering — take a moment this May 1st. Say a prayer. Share a thought. Be still. And remember, we're all in this together.

Let’s keep the faith, cherish our freedoms, and stand tall for what we believe in.

God bless America.

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EXPLORING AND ENJOYING OUR FREEDOMS

THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE OUR GREAT COUNTRY

The Jeep Lifestyle and Off-Road Exploring for Fun

By Del Albright

Four-wheeling, Jeeping, off-roading- call it what you will- is all about freedom. It's about the freedom to explore the backcountry or wherever your tires take you. I treasure that freedom and hope that you do as well.

You just never know what you will find if you let your mind wander and follow interesting roads.

I love finding remnants of past mining days.  Sometimes I can figure out what things were used for, other times I just take a picture and enjoy thinking about our history in America.

Here are my tips for ensuring we can continue to enjoy the backcountry and our freedoms:

1. Always obey the rules and signs.

2. Stay on designated routes and roads.

3. Take emergency gear and food just in case...

4. Let others know where you are headed.

5. Leave as little trace as you can.

6. Tread Lightly.

7. Respect private property.

Just get out there and explore!

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)

PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)

 More land use and volunteerism help here:

• MEETINGS:
• RUN A BETTER MEETING
• LETTERS: 
• WRITE A LETTER
• SPEECHES:  
•  GIVE A SPEECH
• FACILITATE: 
• FACILITATE MEETINGS
• JOIN:
• JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
• LEAD:   
• LEAD VOLUNTEERS

#landuse #stewardship #conservation #motorizedrecreation #jeep #jeeplife #volunteerism #volunteers #leadvolunteers #delalbright #BuiltOnBFG #cloakedrepublic #savetrails #leadership

 

Off-Pavement Patriotism

It's all about access to our heritage of freedom

By Del  & Stacie Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocates

We have finally learned the secret to why backcountry motorsports enthusiasts love what we do so much. We can now wrap our arms around the magic that keeps us all working on our machines and hitting the trails, dunes, deserts, and mountains. It is merely about freedom. It is about access to the heritage of freedom that has been fought for so hard in our country and overseas. It is a fundamental component of patriotism.

As authors, we’ve struggled for some time trying to “label” the passion, devotion, and commitment many of us have to our motorized conveyances. We know now that was the wrong approach; it’s not the machine; it’s what it gives us. It’s about freedom.

Undoubtedly, the good old U.S. of A has some marvelous and spectacular scenery, coupled with a vast array of cool historical stuff to see. But the freedom we have to explore gives us the opportunity to enjoy all these things. Our machines take us to places that give each of us a sense of our own heritage and freedom.

We recently cruised in our Jeep, sharing some trails in a southwest desert with ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and dune buggies. We were all breathing the same dust, admiring the same blue skies, loving the volcanic tableland of the high desert, and just plain relishing the camaraderie that accompanies users of the great outdoors. It mattered not what someone was driving/riding; it was that we were all out to treasure our heritage and righteously enjoy the freedom we have fought for and earned.

Patriotism is best described as having a “devotion” to one’s country and supporting the cause of independence. Well, there you have it. That’s us.   We are patriots.

Yes, we do all these things responsibly. That goes without saying. But no matter how you cut it, it’s still about getting out there and doing it – the way you like it! It’s about access, and it is about freedom.

An essential part of the outdoor passion for freedom is having the ability to share these things with our friends and family. Passing on the heritage and history of our country and responsible outdoor recreation is a big part of what we do and why we do it. There is nothing like seeing a kid’s eyes light up after a gnarly hill climb or seeing a child give a big thumbs up while safely strapped in the back of a bouncing rig. It is also why we fight so hard to help keep what is left of our public land and trails open so that we can all get out there and enjoy ourselves.

We are about access, and we must never forget the freedom and liberty that have been fought for by so many when we are out there sharing the trails; sharing the dust, the scenery, and the off-pavement lifestyle. Just remember, it is all about independence.   Just picture John Wayne riding off into the sunset. It is a passion, our American way of life; it is how we express our off-pavement patriotism.

We are freedom fighters and by God, let no one stand in the way of our access to our heritage. So stay in the game with us, and keep up the fight.   Join those groups and clubs that make sense to you.  Make sure your voice is heard.  

At your service, Del & Stacie Albright

 LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)

PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)

 More land use and volunteerism help here:

• MEETINGS:
• RUN A BETTER MEETING
• NEPA: 
• LEARN MORE ABOUT NEPA
• LETTERS: 
• WRITE A LETTER
• SPEECHES:  
•  GIVE A SPEECH
• FACILITATE: 
• LEARN TO FACILITATE MEETINGS
• CLUBS:
• WHY JOIN A CLUB
• CONVOYS:
• ORGANIZE A CONVOY
• JOIN:
• JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
• TRAINING:
• GET VOLUNTEER TRAINING
• LEAD:   
• LEAD VOLUNTEERS
• JOBS:  
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

NIBBLING AWAY AT YOUR FREEDOMS

 THE TRUE STORY OF NIBBLERS

A Sad Commentary on California Land Use Groups and Efforts

By Del Albright

(a version of this first published by Calif. 4WDrive Association, In-Gear, Oct-Nov 2022)

The "nibblers" are after your freedoms. They want to nibble away at everything you hold precious – from guns, access, how your kids are educated, what bible you follow, how you recreate, and more. "They" have many names, but more importantly, they have influence and are instituting daily changes in your life.

Let's take landuse and access to our motorized trails as an example. If "they" don't like a trail we're doing, they will find an endangered species, an invasive species, or some archeological site to use against us. And they nibble.   One bite at a time is all it takes. 

Read entire article here.

BE PATIENT AS WE OPEN BACK UP

 

                                 BE HAPPY IT'S ALL OVER AND WE CAN BE FREE AGAIN

                                                                        By Del Albright

 

As we open back up to real life and less bs, let's remember to be patient with each other especially at places like boat ramps.  Not everyone stayed in practice with backing a trailer, so there will be some frustrating moments.  Also, campgrounds will be fun and most recreational facilities will be more than maxed out.

Be patient.  Enjoy yourself. Try to help others when appropriate. Be thankful we can move past this mess that has been used to lock us down, shut us out, and keep us restricted from our freedoms.

Del

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CELEBRATE FREEDOM IN AMERICA

FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE

CELEBRATE WHAT WE HAVE IN THE USA AND SAY THANK YOU TO A VET OR ACTIVE MILITARY

By Del Albright

Our country's independence was fought for and hard won.  We still fight for it.  A lot of Americans.  Never forget why we can celebrate.

Happy Fourth of July and Happy God Bless Independence Day.

America!

Ps. yea, that is me in an air assault helicopter about to make like my 100th combat assault in the 'Nam.

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STAND FOR THE FLAG; HONOR FREEDOM

I STAND FOR THE FLAG

I BELIEVE IN HONORING OUR FREEDOMS

By Del Albright

I have had too many bullets whiz by my head in combat, with patriotism flowing through my veins, to do anything but STAND for the flag, for the Anthem and for our country.  Respect. Period.

I will never support or condone anyone, sports team, advertisers, or entertainers who disrespect our flag.  Find some other way to protest; or find a country that better suits your lack of appreciation for freedom.  Period.
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Del

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DO IT OUTSIDE

GET OUTSIDE AND RE-CREATE YOURSELF

And Do the Right Thing

By Del Albright

Summer time is get outside time, and that also means being thankful for the freedoms we have in this great country.  I try to never take anything for granted; especially time I get to spend outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, taking pictures, hiking, biking, or just sitting on something besides my desk chair looking at something besides my computer screen or mobile device.

Teach your kids the same values.  They are the future.  And be SURE to join and support those groups and organizations that help keep your hobby alive and well, like BlueRibbon Coalition in my case, along with your state and regional associations.

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Del

• RUN A BETTER MEETING
• LEARN MORE ABOUT NEPA
• WRITE A LETTER
• GIVE A SPEECH
• LEARN TO FACILITATE MEETINGS
• WHY JOIN A CLUB
• ORGANIZE A CONVOY
• JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
• GET VOLUNTEER TRAINING
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THERE'S NO ROOM FOR (OFF-ROAD) COWBOYS ANYMORE

The Days of Running Free and Riding Off Into the Sunset Are Only For the Movies!

But Freedoms Still Exist and We Need to Keep Them.

By Del Albright

This story is about off-pavement motorized recreation and how the "cowboy" claim to fame of riding free is just not real anymore.  Not for us as people who put a motor rather than an horse under us.

Now please don't get me wrong, there is a ton of "freedom" built into what we do; but in today's world we cannot behave like riding and roping cowboys on public land and expect to have a "horse" under us much longer.  By that I simply mean we must follow the rules, obey the laws, be good stewards, and set the example for the younger folks behind us.

I also pray (literally) that we will always have real cowboys on ranches, doing real horse riding, roping and cattle driving.  I also fight for and work hard to help make sure cattle grazing on public lands continues to be a viable lifestyle.  But here I speak of motorized recreation and how the "cowboy" in us must be corralled.

While it would be hard for me to argue the point that we might have too much big government in some circumstances, there are just some rules we need to follow when you are on the throttle or gas pedal.  And if we follow them, and be part of developing them by getting involved, then we can keep our motors running and our "horses" fed.

It still boils down to all of us doing our part; joining organizations that make sense to us; being good stewards of the lands (and waters) we enjoy; obeying the rules; and setting the example for others who also want to enjoy our great backcountry by motor.

NOTE: for a good example of a recreation code of ethics, see what BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails has to offer: http://archive.sharetrails.org/node/14768

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Moab Easter Safari Underway

EASTER SAFARI MOAB, UT
It's About Freedom

By Del Albright

The 50th Annual Moab Easter Safari is underway this week and wow, is town hopping.  No matter what you wheel or drive, Moab and the surrounding incredible scenery represents a lot of what our motorized sport is about.

While the town itself and some of the businesses may be confused about who brings the money to this small town, four-wheelers are not!  We explode the local economy and bring more focus than any other activity to this Utah community.

And it's about freedom.  Taking a drive around the red rock country, or challenging your rig in some big rocks, Moab area has it all. And the freedom to do this adventuring is what we love.  Unfortunately that freedom is always under attack by, as Stacie my wife says, exclusionary elitists who would rather not have rubber tires anywhere on the red rocks.  I say let's tell them to pound sand!

There are several groups fighting to keep Moab motorized trails alive and well for us all.  BUT it takes all of us doing our part -- whatever your part is in this tangled web of politics, meetings, letters and fight back efforts, you MUST be doing your part if you love Moab for four-wheeling.

I recommend you realize that all fights for trails begin at the top -- Washington DC and national politicians.  So being a part of national groups like BlueRibbon Coalition and United Four Wheel Drive Associations is essential to saving our sport -- from the top down.  Then also join regional, state and local groups that make sense to you and that you see fighting for your freedoms.  WE MUST BELONG and be counted to make a difference.

JOIN and get your name on those rosters of enthusiasts who are really doing something and not just being virtual where your name (and voice) never really shows up.  Take another step and BUY only from businesses in our sport who are doing the same and are on the land use team.

It's about freedom; Easter Safari in Moab represents that freedom.  Go have fun; but BE part of the solution.
Del
BlueRibbon Coalition Ambassador, http://www.sharetrails.org

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New Year; New Country; New Hope

2015 - The Year of Better Times for All

by Del Albright

I consider myself a top shelf, full blown, get 'r done Patriot and love this country -- albeit a few times these past few years I've had to remind myself to stand proud in spite of the antics of some of our political leaders.  But no matter, I still wish all a Happy New Year and a new year of hope and better times. 

I've been shot at in three countries and will never surrender my love of our freedoms.  I hope you will stand with me in 2015 and make some change that really counts.

Cyber Monday -- Freedom For Sale?

Big Sale Today Only -- the American Dream

Are your freedoms being bought?

By Del Albright

This is not about the "sky is falling" or some presumptuous opinion I might have about how our government and economy works.  This is about some facts that will scare you and make you wonder just how much our freedoms are at stake, every day.

Your FREEDOM is for SALE!

RANGE Magazine is a fact-filled, well researched publication that I read from cover to cover every issue.  And the Winter Issue (on sale now) just slapped me upside the head -- again.  I'm reminded of an article I did many years ago called "The Vicious Green Circle" (http://www.delalbright.com/articles/vicious.htm) wherein I tied things together like The Wildlands Project, Wilderness Study Areas, Buffer Zones, Clean this and that Acts by Congress, Landscape Level Planning, ecosystem management, sound buffers, and on and on. RANGE just tied it all together even MORE!

This Winter issue explains and documents how enviro/eco groups are funded, so closely bound at the hips that you can hardly tell one from the other, in a great article by Dave Skinner titled, "Identify Your Enemies."  Then Michael S. Coffman, Ph.D, gives us the low-down on how rich left-wingers control the U.S. environmental policy in his piece called "Green Billionaires."  You can't imagine the terror these articles inflict on red-blooded, patriotic Americans like us.

If you love America and the freedoms we enjoy, you HAVE to get this magazine and read these articles. The way the basically, same big money supports all these "green" groups and their causes, through grant funding and interwoven boards of directors and funding sources, will shock you to the roots.  

You will recognize many of the "false fronts" and "front men" in the enviro/eco world that always seem so well funded and covered in the media, usually trying to close our roads or lock up our freedoms in some way.  Do you remember Tellico and Trout Unlimited (TU)?  Wait until you see the source of much of their funding and philosophy.  And wait until you see how just a few big rich funding sources grant money to a slug of pseudo-legitimate groups all dedicated to the same goals -- buying your freedoms and closing this country up to all but their own agenda. 

I know there is a lot going on in this world, and we all have a list of priorities; but I stand against this and I will fight to oppose the taking of my freedoms and the locking up of my country to an elite few.

Del

NOTE: these stories noted above will likely be featured on the magazine website within a few days of this blog.

Visit and subscribe to RANGE magazine here: http://www.rangemagazine.com
Or call: 1-800-RANGE-4-U

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VOTE Today; and Pass on Your Passion

VOTE TODAY; PASS ON YOUR PASSION!

Do it! Vote and pass on your passion today (June 3rd) -- whatever it may be; share it; and vote for those who support what you believe in. Don't let this happen without you; our voice counts but we gotta let it rip at the polls! Stacie and I believe in many forms of freedom, and we will always VOTE for those common sense candidates who will help us pass on OUR passions and keep them alive.  

For incumbents we will check their voting record and platform statements on their websites.  We will write letters to those we question and ASK where they stand.  And we will campaign for those who believe like we do and will help us pass on our passions for the outdoors and for freedom!

PLEASE VOTE.

OUTDOOR FREEDOM IS ABOUT CHOICES

HUNTING, FISHING, EXPLORING, CAMPING, OR WHATEVER YOU LIKE; IT'S ABOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE

By Del Albright

Being outdoors enjoying whatever it is you do, is one of the treasures we have in this country. It matters not what you do (outside), as long as you do it and respect others who might do something else. We all should embrace our freedom of choice.

I enjoy hunting.  I also enjoy photography and music.  And hey, give me a fishing pole and I'm ready to rock. It really is not important what you do outside that you love; it's that you DO it, and you respect the right of others to choose.  Heck, many of us and those before us have fought for that very right --- that freedom.  Hold it tight and let no one take it from us.


We should drag our kids outside for the same sports and outdoor activities that you enjoy...or that they might enjoy.  Please don't overly contribute to this generation of thumb-living-video-gamers.  Get them outside when you can.  Yes, I know; some of this video game world is just inevitable.  But when the opportunity is there; take a kid outside.

Go to a beach for a picnic; drag out the old boat and take it for a spin; go to a gun range and teach a kid to shoot; take pictures of the sunrise/sunset; or just drive the countryside enjoying the freedom of access we have to many areas of this great country.  And then figure out what MORE you can do to make sure we have these places in the future.

Be sure to keep up your memberships in your favorite organizations that are fighting for your access and your freedoms.  I suggest you start with the outfit that represents all trails; all sports -- BlueRibbon Coalition.
Visit here to join and donate:  http://www.blueribboncoalition.org

Del
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REMEMBERING ON MEMORIAL DAY

MEMORIAL DAY HONORS THOSE WHO HAVE DIED FOR OUR USA

It used to be called Decoration Day right after the Civil War.  Now we call it Memorial Day.  It's all about remembering and honoring those men and women who have died for this country of ours.

There is no greater sacrifice than dying for others and dying to preserve the freedoms we believe in. I honor them with all my heart and soul.

This pic shows my part in fighting for this country, but I am lucky enough to be alive to write about it, and honor those who have fallen.

I would hope that you have some piece of family history still alive in your household if you have members who have served.  Our country is based on taking up arms to preserve our freedoms.  When the time comes, we have shown that we are ready, willing and able.

Rest in peace, all my brothers and sisters who have fallen to keep the rest of us safe and free.
Del

Article: Off Pavement Patriotism

Our latest article: Off Pavement Patriotism; it's all about freedom.  Get our take on why motorsports folks love what we do and why we do it.  Get the inside scoop on what it means to be a "motorized" patriot.

Go here to read/download the article and share it with other patriots:
http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/off_pavement_patriotism.html