Message from Derrick to all our valued Accuracy Speaks Customers. 21 April, 2006.
Many of you are no doubt concerned about the health and future of Accuracy Speaks. I hope that this update will ease your concerns.
On 7 DEC 2003, a National Guard Maintenance Company was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was transferred laterally into a Ground Support Equipment Supervisor’s position. My Section repaired generators, heating / air conditioning, pumps and heavy construction equipment. I had 23 soldiers working for me. We were stationed on the north edge of Baghdad at a former Iraqi base called Al Taji. Our shops were in old warehouses and work went well, if not always smoothly. Insurgent attacks were almost non-existent and truly it did not feel very warlike. I also managed the Machine Shop, as the assigned machinist injured his knee and never rejoined the Company. I worked on many interesting firearms, as the Civilian Security Contractors had no weapon support and were forced to pick up whatever Iraqi castoffs they might find. I now know much more about Russian guns than I ever wanted or hoped. What CRAP!!
When I received the Mobilization Notice, my assistant Jake Kempton quit and took a position with JP Enterprises in Minnesota. I was forced to hire the first person that responded to the vacancy notice. This was Charles Heaton, many of you may have spoken to him while trying to contact me. He was left in a difficult situation, as there was really no time to brief him on anything more than,” Here’s the Keys, Goodbye”. I am disappointed in his performance and interaction with customers. If he offended any of you in my absence, I apologize. His employment was terminated when I returned to Arizona.
I returned to Arizona in late October for my 2 week mid-tour leave. My wife Cheryl, and I, went to California for a small vacation. While we were in California, I injured my neck. We returned home to seek medical attention, as any care would need to be completed before my return date the following week. The injury was extremely painful and was eventually diagnosed as a herniated disc in my neck. I do not have time or patience to list the problems encountered while seeking care thru the military system. Eventually, I received surgery and the offending disc was removed and the adjacent vertebrae were fused. Since then, I have been trapped again, in the military health care system. I have spent 4 months at Ft. Bliss, TX in a MEDHOLD Company while recovering. Some of you may have been able to contact me, as I was often home on weekends.
I am now in a Community Based Health Care Organization (CBHCO) living at home. I work for the National Guard as my job, and I am home at Accuracy Speaks evenings and weekends. I am receiving Physical Therapy, as there is some nerve damage in my right shoulder and arm. I do not have full strength or endurance in my hand and arm and my thumb is still numb. I am told that I might recover, or the damage could be permanent. We shall see.
Accuracy Speaks is very much in business and accepting work. I have hired a new gunsmith, Martin Kolodziej (pronounced ka wah jee. It’s Polish). He has just graduated from Yavapai Community College in Prescott,AZ and I am very impressed with both his abilities and attitude. He will do well here at Accuracy Speaks. I am available and able to work evenings and most weekends. You can contact me at (480) 373-9499 or thru the website at www.accuracyspeaks.com. We still offer our full line of services, parts and accessories. The current backlog is only 4-6 weeks. We would welcome your patronage.
Thank you for your concern
Derrick J. Martin
President, Accuracy Speaks, Inc.
PS We are also working on our web site and hope to have the update completed soon. Thanks for your patience.