The Keefe Report: On The Range With An American Hero

by
posted on March 2, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

It’s not every day you get to go to the range with a true American hero. When I was offered the opportunity to sit down with Sgt. Omar “Crispy” Avila as part of the First Shot of the Industry Day at the Range, sponsored by Silencer Central, I did not hesitate. This is a man who grew up in a country that didn’t have a Second Amendment. This is a man who grew up in a country where the government decided how much freedom you were allowed, despite the words ignored in its constitution.

He decided to enlist in the U. S. Army back in 2004. He served in the infantry. On May 14, 2007, he was grievously injured by an IED while serving in Iraq. He had his right leg amputated below the knee, and he suffered burns to 75 percent of his body. Many, including some of his doctors, thought he wouldn’t survive. But they did not know “Crispy.” A man like this did not let that stop him.

Frankly, he works harder probably today than he did as a soldier. He started a consulting firm, and he became not only a world-record holder in the World Association of Bench and Deadlift in the Paralympics, but he became a voice for freedom, heart and grit. He helps other wounded warriors through the pain of their injuries, both physical and psychological, and he is an example to all of us when it comes to drive, character and fortitude.

>And as you can see in the accompanying video, this wounded warrior, despite all the pain he has and continued to fight through, values all the freedom our nation represents to the world. But he especially values the Second Amendment.

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.