Lox and Loaded Polk County (Florida) Chapter Commences Operations

Above: Some of the participants and chapter officials pose on September 6, 2026. Instructor extraordinaire Dilia “Dee” Camacho is second from left. Tiffani Rahner, co-owner of Lewman Arms, is the third individual on the left. Dan Seiser (fourth from left) and Megan Lucas (third from right) are in the process of establishing a Lox and Loaded chapter on the Space Coast. Polk County Chapter Assistant Leader Francisco Ortiz is behind and to the right of Fred Berger (who is wearing the bright blue polo shirt), and Xiomara is behind Fred’s left shoulder. Marilyn is on the far left, and Pam is second from the right. Note that Chapter Founder and Interim Leader Yonatan Stemple is on the far right. Photo: Military Aviation Chronicles. All rights reserved.

September 6, 2026 (6:00 P.M.) | Winter Haven, Florida, and Dundee, Florida, USA | One vital but often overlooked piece of kit issued to military aviators is a handgun. At a local air base, which has been the training site of many military, including some Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, and civilian pilots, a retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) general still instructs a mixture of pilots. He sometimes relates stories of his years of piloting supersonic F-16 Fighting Falcons, a type also operated by the IDF/Air Force, and subsonic Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft. He has also been known to regale students and colleagues with fond memories of the semiautomatic sidearm issued to him and other U.S. Military pilots beginning in 1985: the Beretta M9.

Above: An F-16 Fighting Falcon maneuvers into a refueling position after an air-combat maneuvering sortie over Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex June 18, 2021, in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 21-2. (USAF photo by Airman 1st Class Mario Calabro) VIRIN: 210618-F-ET937-9355.

Above: A U-2 Dragon Lady flies over the Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco, California, Mar. 23, 2016. The U-2 is capable of flying at altitudes exceeding 70,000 ft. (USAF photo/Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo).

Above: A Sig Sauer M17

Above: A Sig Sauer M18

While the M9 has been largely replaced with Sig Sauer (a company which boasts former IDF artillery officer Ron Cohen as Chief Executive Officer and President) modular M17 and M18 pistols, the rugged, durable, and highly accurate Italian sidearm remains popular on the civilian market. A few examples, new and used, can usually be found at Lewman Arms and Range, JD’s Pawn Shop, and elsewhere.

Above: Note the holstered Beretta M9. Captain Phil Trahan, an A-10 Thunderbolt pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, walks to the crew bus at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation Southern Watch 1998. This U.S. National Archives and DVIDS is “a work prepared by an officer or employee” of the federal government “as part of that person’s official duties.” In general, under section 105 of the Copyright Act, such works are not entitled to domestic copyright protection under U.S. law and are therefore in the public domain.

Above: A Beretta M9. Photo: Beretta M9 via Wikipedia (Public Domain).

Other arms issued to military aviators and security personnel into the 1980s are .38-caiber Smith & Wesson “Victory” Model 10 and Model 15 revolvers. U.S. Army helicopter crew members were one grouping equipped with Victorys. Notably, these same handguns remained in use with Air National Guard aerial tanker and transport crews into Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Above: Legendary USAF fighter ace, Colonel Robin Olds, pre-flights his F-4C Phantom in 1967. On his right is a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver. (Photo: National Museum of the USAF) via Guns.com article Happy 75th USAF: Guns of the Air Force.

Above: USAF Sergeant Dave Gendron records the serial number on a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver as he mans an armory during Operation Desert Shield 1991. Photo National Archives via Guns.com article Happy 75th USAF: Guns of the Air Force.

Yet, as reported by TheFirearmBlog on April 4, 2019, and TWZ (June 23, 2020), as recently as 2020 USAF Security Forces “Military Working Dog” (MWD) training program dog handlers employed Smith & Wesson Model 15s.

Above: Staff Sergeant Carinae Samsel of the 31st Security Forces Squadron fires a Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 caliber revolver during Weapon Recognition Training with her partner Nico at Aviano Air Base, Italy, December 2004. Photo: USAF via Guns.com article Happy 75th USAF: Guns of the Air Force.

Polk County, Florida, has long been pro-gun, as evidenced by comments made by legendary Sheriff Grady Judd on a number of occasions. Continuing that propensity, on September 6, 2026, the Polk County Chapter of the Jewish-based self-defense nonprofit “Lox and Loaded” (LoxandLoaded.org) held its initial trainings and firing range sessions. The two events were first publicly announced at Temple Beth Shalom in Winter Haven.

JD’s Pawn Shop, located in K Building, Units B59 & B60 at the International Market World in Auburndale, notably provided valuable support. JD’s boasts a large inventory of new and used firearms, and has hundreds more in storage.

One need only look north of our border to see what is occurring in Canada and glimpse a scenario that American Jews could eventually have to confront. Canadian Jews are now under the gun because, in part, the country has draconian gun control laws. Last Sunday, a Fox News article quoted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as saying that “antisemitism in Canada had surged to levels not seen since the aftermath of World War II. More than two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes recorded in the previous year targeted Jewish Canadians, he said, despite Jews making up only about 1% of the country’s population.” Apparently the Canadian federal government and local municipalities are unable or unwilling to take adequate action. As a result, the report indicates that “more than 2,000 Jewish Canadians . . . have expressed interest in relocating” and the United States, according to President Trump, is tentatively preparing to accept them as refugees.

Lox and Loaded came about in part because in contemporary times antisemitism in North America is undeniably on the rise. A recently published Jewish Insider article reports the following: “Nearly two-thirds of 2025 religious hate crimes in the U.S. were antisemitic. . . .” Also, on October 15, 2025, The Washington Post reported that U.S. Jews are increasingly hiding their Jewish identity “in a country where they believe they continue to face significant antisemitism and where slightly fewer than 1 in 5 feel very safe. . . .” The survey also essentially indicates that antisemitism is significantly present in both major political parties.

Furthermore, the August 2026 Volunteers for Israel newsletter reported the following: “FBI data shows that most anti-Jewish hate crimes are committed outside Jewish institutions – on city streets, at schools and in private homes.” The situation is made worse by the knowledge that, “Nationally, Jews are targeted in 64% of religious based hate crimes – despite only being about 2% of America’s population.” To add insult to injury, on August 30, 2026, the Jewish attorney general of a large state spoke to members of a Jewish political caucus. The official reportedly referenced the story of Queen Esther to argue that Jews have a “moral imperative to place the needs of the world above even our own self-interest,” and urged the audience to consider sacrificing their “comfort, safety and security and even the very future of our own people in exchange for the opportunity to save the rest of humanity.”

To Jewish community leaders the preceding findings and comments are to say the least disturbing. One possibly prescient Polk County Chapter meeting attendee summed it all up by stating, “It’s 1938 again.”

Above: Emily Austin. Source: Instagram.

Under the above mentioned circumstances, increasing numbers of Jews are understandably expressing sentiments similar to those recently espoused by Jewish sports journalist Emily Austin. Ms. Austin is quoted by Breitbart News as bluntly stating on her X account, “If I have to be the last Jew in this country clutching onto my Glock 43X, I will be the last Jew in this country because our enemies will not win.”Ms. Austin added, “Is there a future for Jews in the US? Stupid question. Here’s my answer: I am not leaving this beautiful country. I will support from here and we are not going anywhere.”

According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finding, gun ownership and use is increasing, but historically, as the book The Armed Jew points out, Jews have been reluctant to take steps to counter threats. That is changing in America, and Lox and Loaded, with its corporate supporters, which include the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, National Rifle Association, Israel Weapons Industries, Charter Arms, and Iron Dome Coffee, is rapidly expanding and becoming a practical Jewish-based resource. As explained on the organization’s website, Lox & Loaded is a national, non-partisan, communal entity that promotes the goals of strengthening Jewish communities through responsible firearm ownership, safety education, and structured training.

Above: Aharon Davidi (circled) with Moshe Dayan, Ariel Sharon, and other IDF officers. Source: IDF Archives.

When asked about the ongoing War on Terrorism and anti-Semitism, Polk County Chapter Founder and Interim Chapter Leader Yonatan Stemple, who is also a licensed pilot, related that in late 2002 the legendary IDF תת-אלוף (Brigadier-General) Aharon Davidi gave a talk at a base to which he was assigned. The retired but still active officer told the audience of soldiers the following: “The War on Terrorism has begun. The West is slow to react. The West will win, but it will take 100 years.” Less than 90 days afterward, the September 11, 2001 attacks on America took place. Yonatan noted, “If Davidi is correct, we are only about 25 years into the conflict.”

Above: Yonatan (gunner’s station in front) departing in a Bell AH-1 Cobra gunship that has a direct tie to Israel and the IDF. Note the rapid-firing minigun – which is not recommended for defensive concealed carry – under the nose! Photo: Military Aviation Chronicles. All rights reserved.

Yonatan added, “We all want and pray for peace, but Jews must remain vigilant and Jewish communities must implement prudent precautionary defensive measures. Lox and Loaded has a provided us with a tool to teach us the skills of armed defense. Jews must make use of it.” He elaborated further, “I teach a state-approved security officer licensing course. During every class I ask the students this question: Who is ultimately responsible for your safety? The answer is that you are! The fact is law enforcement is often reactive in nature, so you personally need to be prepared to protect yourself until law enforcement arrives.” Yonatan then pointed out that, related to the chapter, local law enforcement was discretely being protectively attentive.

Findings from a March 2025 poll of Jewish Americans conducted by the Jewish Federations of North America, indicate that a large majority of (71%) feel emotionally attached to Israel, 60% say, in general, Israel makes them proud to be Jewish, and 88% believe Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state. Thus, many Jews believe by joining Lox and Loaded they are by default supporting Israel. Although founded and operated by Jews, non-Jewish individuals who cherish the American Jewish population are also welcome as members.

The Polk County Chapter morning gathering took place at Lewman Arms and Range in Winter Haven. Owner and NRA-certified Pistol Instructor Tiffani Rahner graciously hosted. Yonatan oversaw the recitation of verse 1 of Psalm 144. While the staff and other volunteers were busy preparing the parve bagels and cream cheese spread, and brewing certified kosher Iron Dome Coffee in the store area, experienced concealed handgun carriers and neophyte shooters alike benefited from the remarks and expert instruction provided by Dilia (Dee) Camacho. Dee, Chief Executive Officer of Load Aim Shoot Straight, LLC (L*A*S*S*), is a retired New York Police Department Investigator and former Firearms Examiner who brings her significant security law-enforcement experience, forensic knowledge, and practical instruction to every class. She is a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) and U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) instructor with credentials in Basic Pistol, Refuse to Be a Victim, multiple Range Safety Officer roles, Concealed Carry & Home Defense, Women’s Self-Defense, Children’s Safety, Emergency First-Aid, and Countering the Mass Shooter Threat. Dilia provides personalized firearms training, concealed-carry courses, group events, and risk assessments throughout Lake County, Tavares, Mount Dora, The Villages, and surrounding communities. She firmly believes that education builds confidence and responsible preparation can make a difference when it matters most.

While the classic Beretta and Smith & Wesson handguns were occupying spaces in glass display showcases, Lox and Loaded participants were loading and firing a number of other handguns that are more practical, ergonomically and financially, to roles including those of training, concealed carry, and home defense. Several Charter Arms, a sponsor of Lox and Loaded, Pathfinder revolvers were employed primarily for firearm introductory instruction. Yonatan, while taking a break from introducing a student to a Charter Arms Pathfinder .22LR pointed to the unloaded and cleared “wheel gun” and said, “I love revolvers. They are still relevant if you train with them regularly.”

Above: A Charter Arms Pathfinder.

One of Yonatan’s primary choices for concealed carry is a 9mm caliber Glock 48 which features an aftermarket slide rear cover plate containing the image of a Star of David. Although Glock is not currently a Lox and Loaded sponsor, Yonatan explained that Glocks are popular with Jews in America and Israel. He said, “When I trained as an armed security officer two decades ago the class was issued Glock 19s. The Glock 48 is a slimmer version of the G19 and it better fits my relatively small hands.” He added, ” I tell my students, as I was similarly instructed by a Special Forces service member, Phoenix Police Department officer, and private investigator two decades ago, to carry what fits your hand well and you can shoot proficiently.”

Above: A Glock 48.

Furthermore, Yonatan recalled, “During the fighting in and near Gaza in 2024, he was billeted with elite Golani Brigade soldiers who were tasked with base security; these young men were equipped with various models of Glocks to augment their Colt M4 carbines.”

Above: Note the Colt M4 carbines. In February 2024, the Golani Brigade deputy commander (רב סרן / major) of the base security services, with his faithful (רב-סמל ראשון / first master-sergeant) Bedouin aide, is seen while awarding a Golani veteran, a French national, a new brigade beret for his service during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Photo: Chapter Founder & Interim Leader ונתן שטמפל / Yonatan Stemple. All rights reserved.

Another frequent choice is a Ruger Security-380 in .380 ACP. “This is a good handgun for many individuals who have arthritis or neuropathy in their hands,'” stated Yonatan.

Not unexpectedly, some Lox and Loaded individuals were wielding Israeli-designed and manufactured products including one example of a venerable Israel Police surplus Israel Military Industries Jericho 941F. “In February 2024, I saw a Jericho 941F being worn by a first master-sergeant. They are great pistols,” remarked Yonatan. Also seen on September 6th were examples of Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) Masada and Masada Slim handguns. Two IWI Galil ACEs were additionally in use.

Above: Note the Sten gun beside the soldier’s left arm. Men of the British Army’s Durham Light Infantry operate a radio and keep watch for the enemy, near Bayeux, 11 June 1944. Laing (Sgt), No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit – http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//44/media-44947/large.jpg. This photograph (B 5378) comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Public Domain via Wikipedia.

Notably, Lewman Arms and Range gunsmiths maintain operable examples of the Sten submachine gun, which was made famous during the Second World War by British and Commonwealth troops and subsequently utilized by Jews and gentile supporters of Israel in the 1947–1949 War for Israel Independence and later during the Suez Crisis in 1956. Lewman Arms and Range additionally possesses one of the iconic Uzis, which Yonatan fondly recalls as still being in IDF standard usage by security and secondary units in late 2003. He commented, “The conscripted female IDF soldiers, who were gate guards, and commissioned officers had them, but by that time most of the male enlisted personnel were upgraded or upgrading to Colt M-16s. These and other automatic weapons may be rented and fired on the Lewman range.

Above: UZI Submachine Gun. Photo: U.S. Air Force Photo (Public Domain).

Above: An IDF סמל (sergeant) with an Uzi in Egypt during the Suez Crisis (1956). Photo: IDF Archives.

Above: Guard duty with an Uzi in the Negev 1956. National Photo Collection via Wikimedia (Public Domain).

Above: An Israel Defense Forces soldier armed with an Uzi submachine gun in 1965. Source: Postcard with special postmark of August 16, 1967 – the first day of “Six Days War” with a Victory stamp. Originally copyrighted by Palphot Herzlia made in Israel Card № 6977.

Above: גל גדות / Gal Gadot (Miss Israel 2004 and “Wonder Woman”) during her IDF service circa 2005-2007 holding an Uzi. Original source unknown. Postings of this image may be found on Instagram, Reddit, Flickr, and elsewhere.

IDF training with the Uzi ceased in December 2003.Yet, a few may still occasionally in service as the IDF in part selects small arms issuance based upon specific mission needs and requirements. As Yonatan remembered from his 2024 service, “I even saw a soldier wielding a Vietnam-era Colt M-16. The war was straining supplies; quartermasters and armorers were issuing whatever was available. As a result outdated uniform items were issued to many. Boots were an especially rare commodity.”

Later, after a lunch break, affiliates met at Wild Wild West Arms in Dundee for a meet and greet, and, for a few, to complete the USCCA “Concealed Carry and Home Defense” course, which was taught by Yonatan. John Phillips, the owner and a former law enforcement officer, welcomed all and spoke to the assemblage. Additionally, several individuals made use of the retailer’s relatively new range.

The Polk County Chapter of Lox and Loaded currently holds gatherings on the first Sunday of every other month, but Yonatan indicated that additional days, times, and meeting locations are under consideration. Further information about Lox and Loaded is available online at LoxandLoaded.org, and the Polk County Chapter may be contacted via the email address LandLPolk@Gmail.com.

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This article was prepared by Military Aviation Chronicles staff. We thank Lewman Arms and Range, Wild Wild West Arms, Dilia (Dee) Camacho of Load Aim Shoot Straight (L*A*S*S*), John Phillips of Wild, Wild West Arms, JD’s Pawn Shop, Lox and Loaded Polk County Chapter leadership in general, and Chapter Founder & Interim Leader ונתן שטמפל / Yonatan Stemple in particular for their cooperation during the preparation of this report.

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