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

Springfield Armory Echelon Rifleman Review 1
Springfield Armory Echelon Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

CzechPoint Introduces New vz.58 Rifles & Pistols

CzechPoint USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Czech Small Arms, is now importing a number of new vz.58 rifles and pistols, including a matte "Military Black" version, as well as state-compliant models.

Handloads: A Quiet .308 Win. For Large-Format Pistols

Of the many commercial .308 Winchester loads, few, if any, are designed for barrels shorter than 16". The one that follows helps address this gap while remaining simple to suppress and light on the wrists.

Court Approves Watchtower Firearms DIP Financing

Watchtower Firearms was granted final approval for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas in late June.

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.