About

Why does this site exist?

I made this site as a resource for other airsoft enthusiasts that are passionate about all aspects of the sport: the experience, the people and places, the guns and gear…all of it! With that, I have two primary goals for the site:

1. Serve as a creative outlet. Over the past few years, I have failed miserably in keeping my new year’s resolution of doing something creative that isn’t part of my job. I love writing and I really enjoy taking pictures of all things airsoft. So, I am combining those things here with this site being the product of my creative pursuit. And I expect it to evolve as I get more skilled with other media (I am thinking audio and video).
2. Serve the airsoft community. I also want to help, amuse, entertain, collaborate with, and enrich the airsoft community. When I started playing, there were so many people that helped me to get off to a good start. Along the way, I have learned so much about the various aspects of the sport. And I am still learning. Likewise, one of my favorite things when I go to play each weekend is helping others with their guns and gear, their game play, and generally getting the most out of the experience. My hope is to do that at scale by having a digital presence.

Eventually, I would be happy to develop some kind of revenue stream through this venture. But that is a secondary goal and will not come at the sacrifice of my two primary goals.

Who is this site for?

I am taking three major audiences into to consideration:

1. Those who are completely new to the sport and want to learn more and get off to a good start, a really good start!
2. Experienced players that are open to learning, progressing, and sharing their own experiences to improve the sport for others.
3. Owners and operators of the often small and challenging business of providing us with our guns and gear and / or a place to play.

These are the people that I want to help without any concern for commercial gain. Later, as this site evolves and commercial opportunities emerge, I will consider brands, manufacturers, and other vendors / retailers. Again, the idea is to serve the airsofter first and foremost, but I look forward to promoting businesses that have a lot to offer to our sport and community as well. We need these folks!

Who is CALL SIGN BLONDIE?

CALL SIGN BLONDIE is the airsoft alter ego of Brad Reece (me!), a passionate airsoft enthusiast based in Long Beach, CA and the creator of this site. I started playing airsoft back in June of 2022 after seeing how much fun our kids had playing at a friend’s birthday party. I saw a bunch of dudes cruising around with their guns and gear and thought, “This looks dope. Let’s get into this!” And that was the start of an obsession and an adventure that has led me to some of the funnest times of my life with our kids and amazing new friends.

So, why BLONDIE? No, this is not the bombshell Debbie Harry kind of Blondie. Rather, it is the Clint Eastwood kind of Blondie: his character from The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly. Being a tall dark figure at 6’4” combined with my girlfriend thinking of me as being blonde in spite of my very dark hair, I found this call sign quite fitting. Admittedly, I have no idea why they were calling Clint Eastwood Blondie in that movie. I am sure there is a story, but I am going to save that for another day.

At this point, I have been playing for nearly two years and I have accumulated a lot of guns, gear, and experience. And I have developed a philosophy for the style of play that I prefer and, accordingly, the type of equipment I choose for myself. I am not a speedsofter, hardcore milsim guy, cosplayer, or gamer. I am not a current or former veteran and I have never served in law enforcement. I am also not using airsoft to train for the end times. While these are things I am not, I appreciate the influence these segments have on our sport and I will honor them here. In short, however, I like to play from a realistic standpoint. How would I actually engage the opposition if these were real fire arms? What gear would I really want to be carrying around with me? Do I want to look like military personnel or a well-equipped civilian…or do I want to pretend that I am Clay Spencer from SEAL Team?! With that, you can expect me to share my philosophy further in the content on this site. Context is important and I will be very honest and as objective as possible when setting it.

Outside of my airsoft obsession, I have worked for several large companies leading large scale and transformative technology initiatives. I have been in that space since 1997. Before finding airsoft, I became obsessed with riding and racing mountain bikes back in 2000. That obsession still burns! I am also into food, wine, fashion, music, yoga, fishing, stand up paddling, snowboarding, and hanging out with family and friends. These activities occupy most time that is not dedicated to sleep. I have an adult daughter and I am partnered with a wonderful woman who has three boys. Occasionally, we will all play airsoft together which is a great day in my book.

Finally, thank you if you read this far. I appreciate your interest in the site and I will do my best to provide content that is worth your time and attention.

Cheers,

CALL SIGN BLONDIE