Dave, just became a friend on Facebook, I was an instructor for the Navy Seabees and as I stated on FB job well done. More so I just saw your web site this is worth its weight in gold you have taken it and made something ANY person can start to learn from no matter what skill they have. I had a few Questions #1- how do I go about getting an autograph the kids would freak out if they had one. (LOL) #2-is their ever a chance at being an instructor at your schools after the assorted course levels are done? After the navy I got cancer , screwed my body up etc and just found the drive to teach again , make my mark again helping others. Anyway Its great getting the chance to say HI and I hope you never loose the drive ! Proud to be American and have served .... Jeff
As a police officer here in Michigan, Eagle Scout, and former survival instructor myself I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to both you and your staff for keeping this vital survival information alive and bringing it to the forefront for the general public. Keep up the great work, and be safe!
Andy Ball
Dave,
I am just writing to say thanks for sharing. I found your You-tube channel and have enjoyed reviewing a lot of your materials. I'm an OIF/OEF veteran and out of the military now. A Combat Engineer by trade, it feels good to keep training. To keep adding tools to my toolbox of knowledge and stay prepared to answer the call. I have two young sons and in my quest to teach them about the warrior's spirit your lessons will be invaluable. I just want you to know what your doing matters. You've endowed Skill, Strength, and Motivation to those you've reached. I'll close this letter with hope that the grate creator look over your children during there time of service. I wish you the best of luck with the discovery channel.
Dave,
I had completed the Army's S.E.R.E course back in 1970 prior to deployment in Vietnam; however, I learned much more from watching Mr. Canterbury's videos. I am not necessary a survivalist, but the more a person knows and the better prepared that person is, the more likely he or she will react in beneficial ways when confronted with a life and death situation. Pathfinder System Saved My Life!
Story- glad to be alive I started on saturday morning walked 15 miles it was a beautiful day. Made camp that night and slept good in my hammock shelter. Second day its a nice morning. had breakfeast freeze dried eggs and bacon (it'll make a terd) 15 miles to go and plenty of water. at mile 22 on the trail the mud starts 12 inches deep. still got half a gallon of water. option to turn back is gone now, not enough water. 1.5 miles into mud started seeing abandoned gear. working hard and water is diminishing. 3 miles into mud no end in sight,out of water, heat exhaustion dehydration. been doing this for 20 years never thought of metal water bottle and sure fire not sure flame but sure fire. started small fire in patch 12 x 12 inch patch of wet sand with wet wood using flammable gel, crawled into cypress hammock to get water. filterd swamp water through bandana and boil in metal water bottle. rested and gained enough strength to make it to a buggy trail(everglades). got a cell signal out when i made it into the clearing still nothing but mud around me. got a new fire going on patch made signal fire. chopper spots it and i go home
"Hey Dave, Wanna say how greatful I am for the skills you've taught all of us. Last fall I was out backpack kayaking in high elevation. While out fishing the weather took a turn for the worst in a matter of 15 minutes it began hailing solid ice. Rushing back in my haste as I shored my kayak, I took a dunk into ice cold water. I immediately got out of my clothes and knew that if I didn't get to a fire I could possibly die. Using inner layers of redwood bark and a fire steel I was able to make a sustainable fire and warm myself before it became it potentially lethal situation. I was in a very remote area, it would have taken me 45 minutes to kayak back to the truck and another hour of 4 wheeling to get to any help. Thanks to you for instilling confidence in us by encouraging us to practice these firemaking skills in horrible situations (everything wet) before we actually need them. Because of that, I can honestly say that instead of panic, I was calm and knew what to do to preserve my own life. Also the skills of making a lean to with a tarp and keeping your wood dry proved useful in sustaining that fire and drying my clothes. So thanks for everything. Just wanted to let you know that you are helping people in big ways, and thought you would like to know how your knowledge and affected people like me. Your friend, Micah Tolentino"
