At the heart of responsible gun ownership is the commitment to defend oneself, one's family, and one's property from harm. As a gun owner, one of the things you think about is how you would defend your family and property if someone broke into your home. Unfortunately, this is not a theoretical question for many people. That's why we want to share this story of a U.S. Navy veteran who recently put his training to use in a striking home defense scenario.

At around 2:00 a.m., the U.S. Navy veteran noticed an intruder in his driveway. Recognizing the danger, he fired a warning shot, resulting in a shootout between himself and the intruders. He grabbed a more powerful rifle and left his house fully dressed and with his shoes on. The intruders then fled the scene, leaving shattered car windows from bullets fired during the firefight.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared for unanticipated threats, as well as the critical role that firearms can play in defending oneself and loved ones. As gun owners and veterans, we have a special responsibility to put our training and experience to good use.