Patriot Express Newsletter Edition #309
- Butch Erskine
- Jul 1
- 9 min read
Greetings and welcome to the Patriot Express Newsletter Edition #309 for July 2026.
Many folks are doing great things in the preparedness arena so don't miss out. The clock is ticking. Just look around you and ask yourself, "what am I doing to better prepare myself, family, and community for all the changes we are witnessing before our eyes?"
If someone paid $1 million dollars to write the craziest script you could imagine about what would be happening one month from now, what would you write? It has to be crazier than what we are living through. I believe the World Cup tourist visiting America was a complete validation to what we have been saying for a while, that is, the national and global media are lying to the people around the world. As they say, the proof is in the pudding and the pudding has spoken.
Well, whoever prayed for rain certainly must have the Lord's ear because we had our share of rain in June. Can you believe June is gone. Why is it a big deal? Because we will never live another day in June 2026. The odd thing is, even with all the rain over the course of a month, the ground remains hard as a rock and within a couple days of rain the garden vegetables appear dehydrated. I am typically already picking vegetables from our garden but this year we are just now seeing signs of life in most our plants. It seems things changed since Covid and the sun is a more direct heat. Like, 85 degrees now feels hotter than 95 degrees in 2020. Odd? Certain plants just refuse to grow like before 2020. I know it's not just me because I have talked to many others facing the same issues.
On the other hand, this year our apples are bigger and healthier so far. Our pear trees are loaded and healthy again. Our blackberry and blueberry bushes are loaded with large juicy berries. I've been picking both since late May and still picking them now. The odd thing on the berries is the birds are not touching them this year. Another oddity is I've planted green beans for the fourth time. Typically, by this time we are picking our first run of beans and canning them.
Since we are soon celebrating our Independence over the July 4th holiday weekend, let's close out this portion of the newsletter with a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem sung by country artiest Chris Stapleton. I love this arrangement.
Let us move along.
HFS YouTube. - Four new videos posted for your viewing. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. If you have not, please consider subscribing to the HFS YouTube channel by hitting like and then subscribe. Connect and give me a shout. Again, hit subscribe and share with family and friends.
Guest and Newcomers
If you are a guest or newcomer to the HFS journey, please check out this link for additional.
information offered through HFS. https://www.hopeforsurvival.com/post/guest-and-newcomers-information-page
Hope for Survival books and HFS Thumb Drive for Emergency Documents -: You can obtain information on the two HFS books at this link: Survival, Preparedness, Disaster Management for individuals or family (hopeforsurvival.com)
Hope for Survival - How Food, Water, Shelter, and Security Could Save Your Life (Book 1)
Hope for Survival - The Mindset (Book 2)
HFS Thumb Drive for Emergency Documents - We just restocked the HFS Thumb drive and have them available now. Follow this link and you will see the add at the top of the page. Blog | Survival (hopeforsurvival.com)
We must make this brief public announcement to protect the innocent.
Ding, Ding, Ding....Attention HFS readers..... Opinions shared in this newsletter are just that, opinions, and nothing more. Read at your own risk. The owner and author of this site is not responsible for hurt feelings or thin-skinned readers. I do my best to show restraint and respect to the best extent possible. I take as many precautions as possible and try to remain as nonpolitical as possible, however, there are times when I just can't help but point certain things out. Occasionally I use words only Patriots recognize and understand. It's not personal against any non-Patriot. It's just the truth. Sometimes we must pull up our spenders and suck it up. Just saying. Stay the course, read what you want, and avoid the rest. Avoid fear porn as much as possible and the day will be okay. When all else fails… Keep the faith and always have Hope.
Thoughts for the month - Ol' Glory, our red, white, and blue
Shortly our nation begins the celebration of 250 years of freedom and independence. In reality we should be celebrating daily, especially in the world we are living in. Yes, this is just another chapter in the book of life. It hasn't always been easy for America. Wars, struggles, the great depression, slavery, Presidential assassinations, economic struggles, racism, and more. Can it be said this is what makes us who we are today? My grandfather always told me, "Times like these separates boys from men." Years ago, maybe so. Today, I'm not so sure. So often America now seems like a nation of confused people who lost their "mojo" and belief in what we the people once stood for.
I spend hours per week staring through my office window to watch old glory hanging from the flagpole, surrounded by trees and nature here in the East Tennessee hills. She is beautiful but her beauty doesn't come without pain and scars of her past. She never talks about it or makes a point of how disrespected her life has been at times. She stays the course and continues to be recognized around the world as the symbol of the USA. Lately, her reputation has been smeared around the world by the US and International media. "My goodness don't go to America; you may get robbed or shot." Yes, America is not perfect and crime does happen. It always has. But, in general, the people in America remain caring and giving people who sticks out a hand to help others. We are good people in general. Every here and there we come across one or two who's biscuits aren't completely cooked. It was so uplifting to hear so many of the tourist visiting America during the World Cup Soccer events sharing uplifting stories about their experience here in America and how the media had lied to the people of their country before coming. Many stated they didn't want to leave.
For me, I enjoy reflecting over the many years of my life and how old Glory has been a part. As a youngster I loved parades and hearing the marching bands and cheer of the people lining the streets. Whistles blowing and people clapping. I also remember how each parade started with the American flag being carried by an honor guard or local organization carrying Old Glory, the POW./MIA flag, and state flags. The beat of the drums and a salute would often follow the group stopping at identified points of the parade route. I was a band geek my entire school years and this meant playing the national anthem before sporting events. It was beautiful each and every time.
Many years later I still get weepy and teary eyed each time I hear the anthem performed. While serving in the military, our law enforcement unit would march in local July 4th celebration parades. From Guam to the United Kingdom, we proudly followed Old Glory down the parade route. From the flagged draped coffins returning POW bodies home from Vietnam to the military jets taking off and landing in the middle of the night flying to someplace in the world while others slept. We used to remain silent to hear the roar of the engines getting louder to launch for takeoff. One of our voices would mumble, "boys, that's the sound of freedom." Indeed. She always flew, from nation to nation, often as a protector, and other times unwanted. I remember locations in the Middle East and Africa where we could walk or drive down embassy lane and see all the embassies of nations from around the world. Then like a shining star in the clear night, Old Glory stood strong. Unlike the other embassies, the American embassy would be surrounded by barriers, gates, barbed wire, and often road blocks preventing vehicles from getting close. At every single American embassy location, US Marines stood guard day and night. Protecting Old Glory and the Americans at the site.
To many, the flag is a multi-colored piece of material that is identified as the American flag. Little to know knowledge of the history and sacrifices made for 250 years to keep we the people free. I believe it's a crying shame that our taxpayer funded public schools fails to teach our youth the correct history of our nation. Instead of promoting Hollywood, athletes, and music stars, maybe teach the heroes who founded, built, and kept America great. Think about this. Now, yes, it is a 90-year separation in dollar differences and value, but, when the Golden Gate Bridge was built in the 1930s it cost $35 million dollars, imagine today roughly 38 NBA players make this salary per year to play the game of basketball. As they say "they go to war on the hard wood court." Children look up to the players as role models. Really? If drafted most of the players would likely flee America or not be draftable because of criminal records. I'm not picking on professional basketball players. It's across the board. Our nations priorities are messed up. Seriously, think about this, do you realize it is a crime to fly the American flag in certain towns in America? Even some HOAs restrict the flying of the flag. You know what, I would refuse to live in any town or community that puts in writing or enforces a no American flag rule. Isn't that a crock of crap? I am Toby Keith, red, white, and blue, kind of guy.
While I'm silently watching and appreciating Ol Glory out my window, I often ask, as the Patriots die off, who is going to protect her in the future. Who is willing to lay down their life to keep her standing and flying? I did and will. How about you?
Have you ever heard the full story behind the Star-Spangled Banner? Check this out.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday with those you love.
Have a blessed month.
Let us move along.
Preparing News: It's garden time and a great time to learn and share to others all the important lessons to growing things. Let's call this the "learn, baby, learn" season.
Brad and Christina - Easy made sourdough bread - https://youtu.be/2D3MjzZnYqk?si=aeMYbbcakdhHbZm9
Yard to table with John Ward - Appalachia Channel - Fridge pickles & Peppers made easy https://youtu.be/F7N9tvzjQWc?si=xY_7jVhQ0ohwQCzX
Clay Hayes - 20 Camping, Survival and Bushcraft tricks - https://youtu.be/WJaQMfrWyCc?si=7s8Wzpsy4dBI_jkB
Pemberly Farm Homestead - https://youtu.be/g72snVcBFRk?si=kVoSZGAIYYotACMW
Adapt 2030 - Gas Taxes, Rationing and the 9 Month Window
Joel Salatin - Beyond Labels - The misleading truth behind "expiration" and Best Buy Date" https://youtu.be/4tHD_phOtvY?si=5qifBabq6FaJaATE
Other News -
Ironclad with Chase Hughes - Pysop expert: This video will make you quetion everything - https://youtu.be/RxqAFTfp8IQ?si=199hKowkZarCn3um
Shawn Ryan With John Duhamel - Survival Tips, Off-Grid Living, AI Robots, Billionaire Bunkers https://youtu.be/izBvPdO3o6g?si=so8oiYnFFWB_NpDk
Coffee and a Mike (Michael Farris) with Matt Bracken - Apache Helicopter Crash, Iran, Ireland, and More https://youtu.be/RN0y0qa-pTs?si=iO-TD-nZ9xybxFBA
Miles Franklin Media with Catherine Austin Fitts - Why they need total control of your money - https://youtu.be/VMzPU7Bp9B0?si=Et0MkGcdFBwtA3mO
Dr. Miriam Francois - Civial War is Coming - When the left meets the right. Sheesh. https://youtu.be/9S3k8gUjxsw?si=hD5jVMoRsmdMDWxY
Just for fun.... Take a load off and relax. Forget the problems of the world and travel to places most will never see. You may just like it.
Lost Lakes - Join John on this 11-day trip hopping islands on the 6th Great Lake, Lake Champlain. Beautiful scenery and appreciation for God's creations. https://youtu.be/5r4HKXSleyY?si=-EEzywSblX7_kbhk
Ovens Rocky Mountain Bushcraft - 2 Day Foraging Catch and Cook, No Food No Water Survival https://youtu.be/Jbag4RtBYiE?si=LDQP6Ohwq0jUNyT0
Alaskan Cabin Adventures - https://youtu.be/wfNvEaiUo7I?si=xtqJLhYoj7JuWRoP
Homesteady - Watch a family of nine purchase their dream Alaskan off-grid home and start from scratch to put in water, solar, a cook stove, and more. https://youtu.be/soJuVe0A1AQ?si=iMMbpejwkiHPIXGa
Let us move along...
Prayers - Please keep our great nation, our elected leaders, military and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. We pray for good health and wisdom. Please pray for our leadership to find answers and guidance to the problems facing our great nation. May your faith remain strong and answers to the unknown provided. God is good and may our prayers blanket and protect you and your circumstances. I pray for each, and every one of our Patriots.
Our HFS family has many prayers needs for health and positive uplifting. We love you all and continue praying for each of you.
May we pray for all the blessings and things in life to be thankful about and continued hope for revival around the world. We must continually pray for the unsaved, our family and friends who live each day without the protection for eternal life and salvation.
As Patriots we must stay strong and never give up. Our home, community, and nation need us now more than ever. Stay focused on your local community and things that will impact you around the nation. Don't allow the events around you to create fear in your life. Build your own self-reliance and focus on faith and hope. Remember we are a blessed nation, and we must continue to be great people today and make a better tomorrow. Keep charging.
Blessings,
Mình thường canh sát giờ quay để ngó qua soi cầu XSMB với soi cầu MB cho đỡ sốt ruột, kiểu cập nhật nhanh rồi mới yên tâm. Thói quen của mình là xem thống kê lô gan, lô xiên trước, sau đó đối chiếu lại mấy kỳ trước để đo nhịp ra số xem có gì trùng khớp không. Giữa chừng mình cũng liếc thêm dự đoán xsmb như nguồn tham khảo phụ thôi, chứ không đặt nặng chuyện đúng sai. Trong nhóm thì nhiều bạn hay dùng quay thử XSMB, Rồng Bạch Kim với mấy bảng lịch sử để soi tần suất cho kỹ hơn. Mình nghĩ XSMB không hẳn chỉ dựa may mắn, vẫn cần ghép cầu…
Mình chơi xổ số kiểu cho vui là chính, chủ yếu mở kết quả lên xem cho đỡ buồn chứ không đặt nặng chuyện đổi đời. Trước đây nghe người ta bàn tán về “cầu” đủ kiểu, mình cũng thử để ý xem có gì hay không, rồi lâu lâu lại thấy vài dạng số lặp lại nên cũng tò mò hơn chút. Mỗi lần đọc mấy bài nhận định, mình hay ghi lại vài gạch đầu dòng, vài bữa sau đem ra so lại để xem có phải mình đang tự tưởng tượng ra quy luật không. Có ngày trúng lặt vặt thì vui, nhưng cũng nhiều hôm lệch hết nên mình luôn nhắc bản thân đừng tin tuyệt…