Oh, wait…it’s me! 74 revolutions around the sun today.  Damn…that happened quick.

It’s been a fun ride. Some lives saved, some injuries prevented, some careers and futures I was privileged to have a part in rescuing in court.  (Check out the one in the current issue of American Handgunner magazine. I was honestly proud to be a part of that action.)

The age is showing, though. Gray hair and whiskers?  Hell, I’m just glad the skin hasn’t turned gray yet.  I get out of the shower, catch a glimpse in the mirror, and go “Aauugghh! My whole birthday suit is wrinkled!”  My gluteus maximus has turned into a gluteus minimus.  Nature has installed a speed governor on my body, which I didn’t need because I didn’t think I was ever that fast before.

Yet for all that, I’m happy that I can keep going. The Covid shutdown gave me a preview of retirement that made me shudder.  The closest I get to being retired is getting tired over and over again.  And I’m not complaining about that.

Two wonderful adult daughters of my own who continue to make me immensely proud, as do my stepdaughter and stepson.  Four terrific grandkids of my own and five on my wife’s side, plus two little great-grandsons from that side of the blended family. A wife I adore.  I’m happy.

And loyal readers whom I greatly appreciate. Thanks to all of you for being here. I always seem to be teaching on my birthday, which means there’s always a gun in my hand for part of those days. My birthday music will be gunfire on the training range…The Song of My People.

96 COMMENTS

  2. Wishing you a very happy birthday. Everyone who keeps and/or carries a gun for personal protection owes you a great debt of gratitude. The training and education of the before and after of a lethal force incident was groundbreaking years ago and is still unique today.

  4. Happy birthday and many more! Incidentally, 74 is the atomic number of Tungsten, which is a pretty cool element.

  6. Happy Birthday!!! I want to thank you for all of your wisdom and guidance through the years. I wish the best Birthday to you!!!!

  8. When you look back through the years, you will see a life lived well. So many positive accomplishments. You have been truly blessed with both your life’s calling and your family.

  10. Happy Birthday, Mas!! You beat me to it since I was going to send an email, but this works, too! I’m only a couple of years behind you in age, so I could really identify with this point: “The closest I get to being retired is getting tired over and over again. And I’m not complaining about that.” Amen, Brother!

  13. Family, friends and doing something you love. Don’t get no better than that.
    Happy Birthday Mas.
    Dano

  14. And ever grateful students who are thankful that you care enough about our lives and safety that you share your knowledge and experience with us.

    Happy Birthday!!

  17. Happy birthday, my brother has his tomorrow and mines right after his. We’re three years apart.

  18. Happy Birthday Mas…and many many more! Stay healthy and stay safe! I turned 76 three days ago…so far so good in the health department…Carl M. LFI-1 class of 84

  19. Amen! Bless you for being on this earth with us and all of us are blessed for having you with us!

  20. Happiest of Birthdays my friend and many, many more revolutions around the sun to come.
    As for teaching on your birthday? Well, your where you are supposed to be. Doing what you love and do best.
    Have a terrific day !!

  23. Yes, Mass it does creep up on us. Proof that the mind and the body do not age at the same rate. 45 years carrying badge in two Kansas agencies and retirement was timley in 2013 with the current world. Just keep that trigger finger well and we will be okay. Inviting you to GSSF at Trigger Guard Wellington, KS in October. [if we do not dry up and blow away]. RO

  26. Happy Birthday! Please keep on keeping on! In the immortal words of our Vice President, “It is time for us to do what we have been doing. And that time is every day.”

  27. Happy Birthday! I’m 3 years behind you and grateful for all you’ve written. You helped me become an unrepentant Berettaholic and an NRA Instructor, although nowadays it’s mostly Refuse to be a Victim due to health slowdowns. I have copies of two of your books at those seminars and recommend them highly.

  31. Happy Birthday! I have 3 ages…Physical, Mental, and chronological…the first two are subject to change at any given moment!?

  34. Happy Birthday, Mas! I have enjoyed your articles in the gun mags and have read most of your books. Your approach to teaching and advice is why I consider you as one of the best in the business. I wish you many more years of continuing what you do best.

  38. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MASSAD!

    Thanks for all you have given us! To paraphrase Rush Limbaugh, you were born to teach and we were born to learn. ; )

  39. Happy Birthday my friend !!!!

    Remember we are not as good as we once were but we are as good once as we ever were !!!!

    See yq next June !!

    Mike

  44. Happy Birthday Mas!

    May God continue to grant you long, productive life, smart wit, and deadly aim.

  50. Happy Birthday! Thanks for all that you do for the gun community. And remember: you’re only as old as you feel.

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