One shot, One kill

A week or so ago, Delores and I were emailing, and DH had said something to her that finally pissed me off. I forget what it was, but I had had it to the point that I told her that I wish that he would try to physically confront me.

Of course, this was not something that she would want to happen. She mentioned that she felt that if that were to happen, that he may bring a weapon or two along; that he has some powerful firearms and is a pretty good shot.

I shut my mouth. I wanted to say a few things, but let it go instead.

On Saturday, she asked me several times what she doesn't know about me. I really couldn't come up with anything because I was just so excited to be looking at her and touching her.

Now....now I think I will kill the proverbial "Two birds with one stone"

Since the Marine Corps' inception on Nov 10, 1775, marksmanship has been the priority. We qualify with the M-16 at varying yardages and shooting positions:

• 200 yds; standing and sitting
• 300 yds; kneeling and sitting
• 500 yds; prone

The target at 200 and 300 is 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide and is silhouetted to look like the head and shoulders of a person.

At 500, it's 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Looks like the head and torso of a person.

We used only the factory "iron sights"...no scopes, no red dot lasers. Nothing but your wits and some quick math calculations based on conditions AT THE TIME OF THE SHOT.

The maximum effective range of the M-16 to a target: 550 yds

The wind and ground heat has some dramatic effects on the round as it travels those distances.

I shot expert every time...to the point that I didn't have to qualify my last year. I was asked to go to sniper school more than once. I kept turning it down because it didn't interest me. 80% of my hits were to the head...even at the 500 yd line.

I shot the "10" ring out of the the target on the pistol range. It's the size of a small coffee cup. I mean literally shot it out. There was just a hole the size of a child's fist in the center of the target.

This isn't done in a nice relaxed environment...some combat conditions are simulated.

I am well trained in CQB (close quarters battle) and unarmed combat vs. weapons (hand to hand)

I also have an uncanny ability to turn off my emotions. To separate my feelings from the situation...to feel nothing.

I am a killing machine of the first order. it's a side that I never wanted her to know about. I don't ever want her to see it. But if I am threatened, if those that I care about are threatened, I will defend myself and them. I will obey the rules of engagement that govern a "legal kill" (yes, there really are rules to combat), but I will NOT run and hide.

He pissed me off. Whether or not I have the right to be angry with him is not the point. But if he does want to come at me, I don't blame him...I really don't. But God help him if he threatens my life, because that's when bones are broken in pretty grotesque ways.

Delores, there's something I don't think you knew...and I kinda didn't want you to.