People Petraeus Backing Gun Control with Veteran Group Recoil Staff June 10, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More We will soon be seeing messages and lobbying from a new gun control group: the Veterans Coalition for Common Sense (VCCS). The driving force behind it? Gen. David Petraeus (US Army, Ret) and retired astronaut (and former Navy captain) Mark Kelly. Petraeus is perhaps the most storied general officer of the Iraq war and a former director of the CIA. Kelly is husband to former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and co-founder of another gun control organization called Americans for Responsible Gun Solutions. Apparently other flag level officers, including Adm. Thad Allen, and at least one former general turned NSA director–Michael Hayden. Additional reports, including this one from The Guardian, say Gen. Stanley McChrystal will be in the organization as well. According to numerous sources the new organization will be focusing on the topic of veteran suicide; 22 veterans reportedly kill themselves every day, some 70% of them (according to the VCCS, and in keeping with statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs) with a firearm. Said Kelly, “As service members, each of us swore an oath to protect our Constitution and the homeland. Now we're asking our leaders to do more to protect our rights and save lives.” The exact rights he was referring to, since he is obviously not referring to the Second Amendment, are unclear. Perhaps more information will be forthcoming. Former Navy R Adm Jamie Barnett and retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney are apparently involved. Said the former, “I saw first-hand the incredible power of firearms [while serving in the Navy], and I know the precautions we taught to keep people safe. But I also know the dangers guns pose when they are in the hands of dangerous people.” Said the latter, “Our laws don't support responsible gun ownership and far too often guns fall into the hands of dangerous, irresponsible people.” News of this organization of high ranking military officers comes hard on the heels of a recent anti-gun ruling from the 9th circuit. We'll report more as it becomes available. Explore RECOILweb:Red BloodsTaurus GX4 Pistol Safety Notice: Is Your Pistol Drop Safe?Carrying a Knife - Cosiderations & Protocols Part II: SMEs Weigh InThe American Battle Monuments Commission Honors Them All NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.