Lowell — What better way to celebrate freedom than by spending time with someone who’s dedicated his life to protecting it?
At the Tri-Town Conservation Club, gunfire echoes as Dan Boelens calls out commands. He’s 75 and still coaching, still training—because for Dan, preparedness is a way of life.
A Vietnam veteran with a Purple Heart, Dan spent 25 years on the Kentwood Police force, 12 of those on SWAT. He served two tours in Iraq and two more in Afghanistan with Blackwater. He’s protected dignitaries, athletes, and other famous people. And in his spare time, he designs non-lethal self-defense tools through his company, Push Defense—and still takes time to train people who need it, like me.
We met over a decade ago as regulars at a local coffee shop. He was always tinkering with something sharp. Turns out, they were self-defense tools for joggers and women. When I realized I needed to take personal protection more seriously, Dan taught me how to shoot.
In Michigan, you need a Concealed Pistol License to carry concealed. And if you do carry, Dan says you have a duty to train: “Special forces guys train constantly. It has to be muscle memory. You get these guys who buy a gun and shoot it once thinking they’ll protect their families—it’s not going to happen. Like they say, you don’t rise to the occasion. You fall back on your training.”
Dan graduated in 1967 and couldn’t wait to enlist: “I just couldn’t wait to get to Vietnam. I would go home every night and watch it on the news. I was so excited to get there.”
It’s the kind of patriotism you don’t hear often—I’m pretty sure they don’t make ’em like Dan anymore.
In 2004, after four American contractors were killed in a violent ambush in Fallujah, Dan joined Blackwater. At a time when many were stepping back, Dan stepped in—completing two tours in Iraq and two more in Afghanistan.
That’s who Dan is—a man who runs toward danger. A life of endless service.
Husband. Father. Grandfather. And one of the most humble guys you’ll ever meet.
One way to honor the freedoms we enjoy? Use them.
Thank those who defended them. And if you’re lucky—learn from them.
Emily Richett is a mom of four, former news reporter, podcaster, and author of “Mama Bear Survival.”
