In this issue:

• Honoring Our Past: Revolutionary War Veteran Edward Halstead

• Helping the Needy: 3rd Annual Danny Jones Memorial Turkey Giveaway

• Launching Men of Honor Ravenna: Our First Chapter Rises

• Father of Freedom: George Washington’s Monumental Step Down

• Forge Core Power: Plank Progressions

• Lock Down Survival: Building an Emergency Cache

Club Mission Statement

The Men of Honor Social Club's mission is to gather in fellowship, support our communities, and develop the next generation of men through mentoring and scholarship.

Supporting our Community

Guardians of the Hudson: Honoring Edward Halstead

The Hudson River was the Patriots’ lifeline, and men like Private Edward Halstead of the 3rd New York Regiment stood watch at its forts to keep it out of British hands. Their grit under General George Washington helped turn the tide toward independence.

Halstead later made his home in Willoughby, Ohio, passing in 1837. Today, his resting place in the Chardon Road Cemetery is at risk of fading from memory. With a $30,000 restoration goal by July 4, 2026, neighbors and veterans are rallying to preserve this hallowed ground for the nation’s 250th birthday.

Donate here.  

Win this $15,000 baddy!

The Enduring Legacy of the M240 Machine Gun

Born from Belgian ingenuity, the M240 traces its roots to the FN MAG-58, a revolutionary general-purpose machine gun designed in the 1950s by Ernest Vervier. This belt-fed, gas-operated beast fires the potent 7.62×51mm NATO round, blending the bolt-locking mechanism of the Browning M1918 with the MG42's efficient belt feed and quick-change barrel concept, common to guns like the Bren.

In the mid-1970s, the U.S. military sought a reliable coaxial gun to replace the finicky M73 and M219. After rigorous trials pitting it against the M60E2, the MAG emerged victorious. Adopted in 1977 as the M240—first by the Marine Corps for vehicles like the LAV-25—it swiftly became the Army's standard vehicle-mounted powerhouse, ousting older designs in the 1980s.

By the early 1990s, infantry variants like the M240G (Marines) and M240B (Army, selected in 1995, fielded later in the 1990’s) brought its relentless firepower to foot soldiers, mounted on bipods or tripods. Renowned for unflinching reliability—even in sandstorms or arctic chills—it's logged combat from the Gulf War's deserts to Afghanistan's mountains and Iraq's urban sprawls.

The civilian M240-SLR we’re raffling is a semi-automatic tribute to this legend, delivering the same iconic design and rugged performance in a legal, range-ready package. Today, lighter evolutions like the 22.3 lb. M240L keep it relevant, eyeing 6.8mm upgrades amid U.S. push for lethality. Nearly 50 years on, the M240 remains a testament to timeless engineering: tough, versatile, and utterly unforgiving to foes.

All proceeds from the M240-SLR raffle go straight to restoring Chardon Road Cemetery. With only 500 tickets up for grabs, you’ve got a legit chance to take home a piece of firepower history.

Buy tickets here.

3rd Annual Danny Jones Memorial Turkey Giveaway

Join the Men of Honor Social Club on Saturday, November 22, at Red Creek Bar & Grill in Painesville, OH. From 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, we’ll host a drive-thru turkey giveaway (200 turkeys, while supplies last), followed by a community celebration.
In loving memory of Danny, we feed families and strengthen community—together. Our Junior Cadets will be serving, learning honor through action.

Special thanks to United Way of Lake County and Red Creek for making this possible.

Growing our Community

Men of Honor Ravenna Launches

The Men of Honor Social Club proudly launches Men of Honor Ravenna, led by Robert Brian Schwenk Jr.

Born December 21, 1981, Robert is a man of honor, strength, and integrity. He served as NCOIC of the 2nd Marine Division Staff Judge Advocate’s Office, earned a JD from University of Dayton School of Law and a BBA from Lake Erie College. Now a substitute teacher in Ravenna Schools, he instills discipline and purpose in young minds.

His service continues as a Girl Scout troop leader, three-year local coordinator for Irreverent Warriors (building veteran-community bonds), and trained event coordinator for faith-based and nonprofit groups. He is a true “Man in the Arena.”

In Ravenna, Robert sees the need for male role models to mentor youth. As chapter leader, he’ll unite men in fellowship, service, and guidance.

A devoted father who defines manhood as always doing the right thing, Robert—with a dedicated team—aims to grow this chapter and leave a lasting legacy.

Join Men of Honor Ravenna: step up, stand firm, forge legacies.

Contact: [email protected]

Club Core Competencies

We expect Club members to add value to their families, their communities, and their club by being proficient in three pillars: knowledge of history, physical fitness, and emergency preparedness.

History: Human nature does not change, so history repeats. By studying the past, we predict the future and learn timeless lessons. The honorable men that came before us—the doers of deeds, the men in the arena who stepped up when called—provide inspiration to lead with courage.

Fitness: A man must maintain a baseline of physical fitness to carry the load, both literally and figuratively, in times of trouble, serving himself, his family, and his community.

Preparedness: Every man should heed the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” ensuring readiness for any calamity to protect those who depend on him.

Men of Honor in History

“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” – Winston Churchill

He Could Rule—He Chose to Lead

We honor George Washington, the Father of Our Country, whose greatest act of leadership was walking away from power after two terms as President—a decision that forged America’s democratic soul. Elected unanimously in 1789 and again in 1792, Washington commanded a fragile nation still healing from revolution. By 1796, at age 64, he could have ruled indefinitely; many urged a third term, even monarchy. Yet, in his Farewell Address published September 19, 1796, he chose to retire to Mount Vernon, warning against permanent rulers and foreign entanglements.

This was unprecedented. No modern leader had voluntarily relinquished supreme authority. European monarchs clung to thrones; Roman generals like Caesar seized them. Washington’s step down stunned the world—King George III called him “the greatest man alive” for it. His restraint cemented the two-term tradition, later enshrined in the 22nd Amendment (1951). Without it, America risked dictatorship; with it, peaceful transitions became our bedrock. Historian Gordon Wood notes Washington’s exit “set the standard for republican virtue,” ensuring power served the people, not the man.

Washington’s integrity wasn’t theoretical. He rejected a crown in 1783 after victory at Yorktown, disbanding his army to prevent military rule. As president, he navigated factions—Hamilton vs. Jefferson—without favoring permanence. His decision reflected Men of Honor values: strength in humility, honor in service over self. At Mount Vernon, he farmed, mentored nephews, and freed his slaves in his will, modeling civic duty. His example inspired Lincoln, Eisenhower, and every leader who followed the two-term norm until FDR.

For Men of Honor, Washington’s legacy demands we know when to lead—and when to let go. His refusal to grip power preserved liberty for generations. True strength yields the throne; true honor builds systems greater than oneself. In a nation tempted by strongmen, will you uphold his standard? Step down when your time comes, mentor the next, and defend the Republic.

Health and Wellness

“Our growing softness, our increasing lack of physical fitness, is a menace to our security.” – JFK

Forge Core Power with Plank Progressions

Core strength anchors every movement—lifting, fighting, enduring. Master planks to build unbreakable stability:

1. Start Solid: Hold a forearm plank (elbows under shoulders, body straight) for 20–30 seconds, 3 sets.

2. Progress Up: Increase to 60 seconds, then add side planks (30 seconds per side). A 2023 Journal of Sports Medicine study shows planks boost core endurance by 28%.

3. Level Up: Try plank jacks or shoulder taps for dynamic power.

4. Add Load: Use a weight vest once form is perfect.

5. Train Smart: 3–4 sessions weekly; rest 48 hours. A 2024 Physical Therapy study links strong cores to lower injury risk.

Build a foundation that never cracks.

Preparation

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Every man should heed the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared.” You owe it to yourself, your family, and your community to be ready for any calamity. In this section, we provide practical tips to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Lock Down Survival: Building an Emergency Cache

A hidden cache ensures survival when disaster strikes. Stock it smart:

1. Choose Location: Bury a waterproof tube 50 yards from home or in a secure shed.

2. Pack Essentials: Include MREs, water purifiers, ammo, and a multi-tool. A 2025 Survival Journal study shows caches boost 72-hour survival by 40%.

3. Secure It: Use a lock and camouflage. Mark discreetly on a map.

4. Add Documents: Store IDs, cash, and family contacts in a sealed bag.

5. Test Access: Practice retrieval quarterly.

Build your cache this month. Visit https://www.offgridweb.com/gear/buried-treasure-how-to-build-a-survival-cache/ for ideas and suggestions.

Men of Honor is Growing!

Stand Up. Step Forward. Shape the Future.

We’re expanding. Now. We need you—men of iron honor, raw strength, and unbreakable integrity—to plant flags and ignite chapters across the nation.

This isn’t a club. It’s a mission:

• Forge brotherhoods that turn boys into men.

• Fortify communities with action, not words.

• Defend values that others let fade.

Step forward. Lead. Build. Start a chapter. Mentor the next generation. Leave a legacy carved in sweat and steel.

If your blood runs hot for purpose, answer the call.

Final Words

Thank you for reading. We hope you found something of interest, and our newsletter becomes one of your go-to sources of inspiration, motivation, and tactical tips for being a man of honor, strength, and integrity. Walking this path can be lonely, but know that you are not alone. There are millions of men like you. Men who care. Men who want to leave a better world for their children and their children's children; men of honor, strength, and integrity.

If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to subscribe, please visit our website.

Welcome to the club.