Nicole “Goldilocks” Hackler—KIA Faithful and Marine Corps wife to retired husband, Warren—has added the title of “Authoress” to her many accomplishments. Congratulations, Goldilocks!

Nicole’s poem, A Knock on the Door, is included in the 2017 edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families, 101 Stories about the Force Behind the Forces.

Lovely as always, and with her contagious effervescent personality, as always, Goldilocks poses with the book that has put her on the map of published authors. Her poem, A Knock on the Door, is featured on pages 116/117. It is a poignant poetic description of the fear that every military wife or spouse dreads—a knock on the door, a knock which can change one’s life in the blink of an eye, a knock whose potential message makes one’s heart stop cold. Her poem skillfully captures the haunting and frightening feeling that explodes when one hears that “knock.”

Sadly, this week’s feature reveals the power of one punch, one cowardly sucker punch which ended the life of a forty-five year old father of five children, Louie Campos.

The original story, written by Melissa MacBride:

http://abc7.com/news/sucker-punch-in-las-vegas-kills-victorville-father-of-5/1960092/

A follow-up story by ABC News reports that the murderer, an ex-felon, has been arrested and awaits trial:

http://abc7.com/news/man-arrested-for-fatal-sucker-punch-on-socal-father-of-5-in-las-vegas/1966683/

Two major lessons can be learned from this tragedy:

1. A single punch can be lethal.
2. Constant vigilance is critical, especially in today’s world. One can never drop his/her guard, ever. Each of us must live in a constant state of awareness. This has always been the philosophy of the KIA and the tragic murder of Louie Campos reiterates its sad but undeniable truth.

The Karate Institute of America sends its deepest sympathies to Mrs. Campos, their five children and the entire Campos family. RIP - Louie Campos. Be well, Campos family.

Black Belt vs. Pimp (Knowledge vs. Stupidity)

Movies are filled with fight scenes that go on forever and ever, giving people the illusion that such extended engagements are the reality of street fights. Not so when a well-trained Black Belt is involved.

The following four-part screen cap reveals how knowledge triumphs in many situations, and in this case it is “one and done.” As the narration of the video states, the black dude is a pimp who assaults a Black Belt named Jay Lee, who, upon assault from the pimp, preempts the attacker and knocks the dude out with one blow, in what appears to be a lead armbar to the head/neck area.

Margaret Thatcher served Great Britain as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. The first woman to have held the PM position, she was not only a great lady but a great leader—tough, smart, and uncompromising, qualities which garnered her the appellation of “The Iron Lady.”

Today’s world could definitely benefit from more of Thatcher’s leadership, strength and courage. The Karate Institute of America applauds her, especially in her belief of self-responsibility and personal ownership—qualities any KIA student understands.

Perseverance and Spirit have done Wonders in all ages.

These words inspire us all to be better, to do better, to never quit and to remember the Spirit within us.

Isn’t it interesting how all truly great leaders inspire and encourage those to whom they have been given the mantel of leadership, as opposed to those so-called leaders who try to divide men and weaken their spirits in order to control and subjugate them.

Great Britain’s Sir Winston Churchill is, arguably, one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century. The following quote contains eight of the most powerful words when any of us is going through hard times, sort of like climbing up the ladder from white belt to black belt. Basically, the tongue-in-cheek translation of these powerful eight words is, “Don’t stop here!”