I’m 75 years old today. 

So far, the cardinal advantage of that landmark seems to be that I don’t have to take my shoes off when I go through airport security. Yay. Bending over to re-tie shoelaces isn’t as easy as it used to be.

The big advantage, of course, is that I’m still on the sunny side of the grass.  And still working.

More than seventy years pulling triggers (my dad started me at age four with a .22 rifle), more than half a century as a firearms/deadly force instructor (started teaching cops in 1972, law-abiding armed citizens in 1981), expert witness for the courts in related matters since 1979, a couple of years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, forty-some years as a fully-sworn part-time cop, nineteen years as chair of the Firearms/Deadly Force Training Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, a like period and counting on the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, and member of the Advisory Board of the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network since its inception. Decades on the Board of Trustees of the Second Amendment Foundation and a couple of years as president of that organization. And, oh yeah, some articles and books and training films and such.

On the personal side, two wonderful adult daughters, some great stepkids, and several grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, not to mention two wonderful wives who both made my life better.

People ask me when I’m going to retire, and I answer, “Why retire from something I love?”

It’s been a fun ride, and I’m glad to still be in motion … and I’m grateful to all of you readers for sharing that ride.

111 COMMENTS

  1. Good List Bill Jacobs.

    What events do you all remember exactly where you were when you heard about it.
    Mine are:
    Kennedys’ assassination.
    Thatcher resigning (most people in the uk can).
    Queen Mothers death.
    Michael Jacksons’ death (her ladyship is a big fan).
    Leaving European Union vote result.
    The queens’ death.

  2. Happy Birthday, Mas! I’ve been a disciple since I first read your works. My wish is for many happy and healthy years ahead for you and your family.

  3. Happy Birthday, youngster! I turned 76 in February, and I’m glad you’re still teaching the advanced end of pew-pew.

    I started out with a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun back in the 1950s. I’ve been running basic civilian classes (“This is the end the bullet comes out of.”) since 1983, and I just taught a Texas Hunter Education class last weekend. I agree with you. I’m still having way too much fun to retire.

  4. Happy Birthday from another old guy, 76 just about a week ago. Keep on doing the good work you have been placed here to do. In today’s world, we need authoritative old geezers who most people will listen to.

  5. The older you get the better you get, unless you’re a banana LOL…Happy Birthday Mas! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your humor and your formidable experience and talent with the world, I am eternally grateful.

  6. Happy Birthday Mas. 78 here and still shooting though not as much. Keep on kickin’

  7. Happy Birthday Old Man. We should all hope to be in as good a shape as you when we get there!

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