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The reason I haven't applied for one until now is because I've always felt that I would be able to avoid bad situations, and up until recently this train of thought has served me well.

What has changed?
Current events,
Getting older,
Disabled veteran.

Current events - I live near Fort Hood, so that needs no explination other then my wife was two buildings away when it happened. (yes I know I can't carry a weapon on Fort Hood)

Getting Older - I'm only 41 but I already feel more like a target then a preditor. I'm a pretty big guy and people have mostly just left me alone because I don't choose to look weak. But as the years are creeping in on me and call it what you will I am beginning to feel less able to defend myself or get out of situations on just my wits alone. It's hard to explain. I'm not a violent person but bad guys always looked twice before coming after me in the past just because of the way I look or walk.

Disabled Veteran - I sometimes have to walk with a cane and am certainly not able to move like I used to when I was "fit for duty" you could say. I have a wife, and two kids and it's my responsibility to do what ever I can to ensure they get fed, have a home to live in and keep the security. Basic, I know - but when you consider everday there are home invasions, brutal assaults on innocent people and bad guys becoming more violent as the years go by I feel I need to be able to keep up or have an equilizer. Granted a gun isn't always the answer. Most of the time, being aware of your surroundings, knowing escape routes, taking simple actions to secure your home so it looks and is more difficult to break into and being less of a target will do the job. But just in case - in a gun fight or assault where I have no choice but to use a weapon - I'd like to be the one walking away with my family intact.

Little deep, but you asked.