Wicked Witch Hunt and Reflections on Captivity

Today was challenge day. The challenge for today was named, "Wicked Witch Hunt." It consisted of three events: a resistance band run (10 minutes), five floors of parking garage steps (10 minutes), and a steep hill run (10 minutes). There was a physical separation between the events and we jogged to each event. It was about 39 degrees outside, so we knew that we were alive. It was a blast. 

Our enrichment activity today was a seminar by two absolutely incredible American heroes. Fred Cherry (United States Air Force) and Porter Halyburton (United States Navy) were pilots and each was shot down, separately, during missions in Vietnam in 1965. Each were captured and remained Prisoners of War for seven and one-half years, each. They endured horrible conditions, abuse and outright torture throughout their captivity. They were joined together when the North Vietnamese mistakenly believed that Halyburton (a white pilot) and Cherry (a black senior ranking pilot) would not get along, due to racial tensions in the United States. The North Vietnamese were very wrong. Halyburton tended to and took care of Cherry, due to Cherry's extensive injuries sustained when he was shot down. Halyburton and Cherry formed a lifelong friendship and love for each other. They recounted their stories and talked about forgiveness and communication. Everyone of us were mesmerized and honored by their presence. It was impossible to leave that auditorium not being thankful for their sacrifice and for the lessons that they continue to provide to anyone who hears them. They were genuine, open and two of the most humble men that God has placed on this earth.

Value Who You Love

The experience here has been wonderful. The people I have had the opportunity to meet have been some of the most intelligent, honorable and hard-working people that I know. Their experiences and stories have, at times, let me know how lucky I that I am.  And at times, they let  me know that what I have materially and especially, those whom I hold dear to me are more than precious.

Since Session 251 has started, one man lost his mother, one man lost his dear cousin, and today, a woman lost her fiancé. I cannot imagine their loss and their sorrow.

As hard as we work on being the best that we can as law enforcement officers, regardless of our oaths, our allegiances to our countries, and our dedication to this calling, we cannot forget to constantly thank God for our loved ones and what they do to support us, on a daily basis.

Please keep my brothers and sister in your thoughts and prayers, as they mourn their losses.  

I love you and thank-you for all you do for me, Jackie.

What You Do Matters

Several us us went to Washington, D.C. for a day trip yesterday. Two of us stayed together and toured some museums. The first stop for us was the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This museum  was one of the most emotional and overwhelming places that I have ever visited. The displays are vivid, graphic and document the horrific events that took place. There were many actual artifacts that were salvaged and kept so that history does not repeat itself. Photography is not allowed, but that is understandable. This is a special place that is a must see for anyone visiting the district. There is a very good reason that the United States gets involved in stopping human rights violations. What we do matters...

We then visited two Smithsonian museums; the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of American History. Both were very cool.

The above image is of the Hope Diamond. I had my Discover card ready, but no go. Sorry honey.

The above image is of the Smithsonian Castle complex. It was across the street from the Natural History Museum. We did not stop there, but it sure is a neat building.

The above image is of an elephant in the Natural History Museum rotunda. I was disappointed that none of the animals came to life as they did in the movie, "A Night at the Museum."

The above image was a projected floor image at the Museum of American History. Clearly, they knew that I would be there. Thanks for the welcome.

The day was capped off with an excellent dinner of a 5 oz. filet topped with a blue cheese sauce and crisp french-fried potatoe strings on a bed of spinach with four fingerling sweet potatoes for $18.95. A couple of black and blues made it a great dinner.

The best thing, though, there are only eighteen days until our Thanksgiving break...

The Cyclone Challenge

Well, we got back to some semblance of order today. We had our challenge, after two days off with cancelled classes, courtesy of Hurricane Sandy. The challenge for today was named, "The Cyclone." The session met in the gym and we did a twenty minute circuit. It sounds easy and simple, but for some of us, it sure was a workout. There were six circuit stations set up. Each section started at a station and proceeded clockwork around the circuit. Each circuit stop lasted 40 seconds with a 15 second "rest" in between (In reality, the rest consisted of going to the next station and preparing to start; there was hardly anytime to 'rest.'). The stations were: (1) ten bodyweight speed squats/ten lunges/ten squat jumps, (2) mountain climbers or rotating hip floor touches, (3) T-pushups, (4) burps or squat thrusts, (5) tension band exercises (bent-over squat rows or chest expanders), and (6) skater hops. We did each circuit four times. That took twenty minutes to complete and trust me, most of us were fatigued when we finished. Twenty minutes never seemed so long. I keep telling myself what I know is true: I need this and it IS good for me...

In the afternoon, we elected a class speaker. Maj. Mark Bailey, USMC was elected and will represent us proudly on graduation day. Our enrichment speaker, Bobby Smith, Louisiana State Police was cancelled, due to Hurricane Sandy, but he was booked for a later night, so we will not lose out on his excellent story. 

Our regular schedule resumes tomorrow. That is a welcome thought.

Halloween and Hurricane Sandy?

Today is pretty much a study and rest day for most here. Both breakfast and lunch crowds in the Academy cafeteria were sparse. 

Washington dorm, floor three has the most creative and cool people for this session. Our best and brightest sent out, bought Halloween decorations and used the floor as their canvass. Very cool for them to take the time and energy to make the environment more homey for everyone. My thanks to all of them...

Hurricane Sandy is approaching this area and local radio and television stations are advising people to stock up on supplies, in the event that power is knocked out and access is restricted. The latest National Weather Service is showing the storm to be turning more towards the north of us, but there is still a chance for us to get some winds and rain. We'll just have to see...

Week Four is History

Today marks the final day of week four. It was a good and challenging week. Classes were awesome (Thanks to Dr. David Matsumoto for being so kind to come here and teach us his lessons on facial micro expressions, gestures and emblems) and the physical training was both great and challenging. For my section (shout out to section #3), we had three P.T. sessions with the incomparable  E.J. and he trained us well. He certainly knows his stuff and knows what we need.

This weekend was the New York City (New York City???) trip for this session. About 105 people went on the trip, but I decided not to go. But, there was a steady, stable, admirable group of us who stayed behind and ran the FBI's "Most Winded" 5k. It was a great run.

Above is an image of those of us in Session 251 who ran the FBI "Most Winded" 5k today. I did it in 28:15. I was shooting for 28:00 or less, but I am not disappointed. That computes to a 9:05 minute mile. There's more running ahead of me, and I know that I'll get faster. Below are the graphics from the nice performance style long-sleeve t-shirt for the participants. Pretty nice, if you ask me.

Reading, studying, laundry, paper writing and shopping lie ahead for the remainder of the weekend. 

In the words of my friend, Ice Cube, "Today was a good day."

A True American Hero and The Lion's Leap

Wow!!! Was last night an amazing experience and a fantastic treat! It was our first "enrichment" seminar. These are mandatory, schedule session meetings, where the NA staff brings in outside speakers to talk to us and provide encouragement to our journey. Last night was a great start...

The 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Hugh Shelton, (Ret.) spoke to us on leadership, our roles, and what is expected of us from those we work alongside. Gen. Shelton was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for two, two-year terms, one under President Clinton and one under President George W. Bush. He served in that capacity until he retired on 30 September 2001. He was the Chairman on 9-11. What an amazing story from a truly remarkable man, husband, father, military hero, leader and American. He spoke with confidence, conviction and intelligence. He received three standing ovations from everyone in the audience. 

He was very considerate to take the time to sign copies of his book, "Without Hesitation; The Odyssey of an American Warrior," for anyone who took the time to stand in line after his lesson. He was remarkably candid (professionally) and shook hands. Tell me, how amazing is it that I had the opportunity to listen to a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and talk with him (even briefly) one-on-one? The night will be etched in my memory for a very long time.

Now for today.

"In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion leaps this morning....."

Okay, so that's not exactly how the song was written, but that IS how it went today. Today was the third challenge of eight that we will be completing during this session. It was supposed to be a 5k run (3.1 miles), but those with GPS tracking devices placed it at closer to 3.35 miles. I'm certainly not complaining, because I NEED the physical training that this Academy provides and the accompanying challenges. They are a test of most of our physical capabilities and we are encouraged to "challenge" ourselves, instead of merely participating. I completed today's challenge in 30 minutes, 15 seconds. The curse (I meant to type course) started on the track and then took a layout via the roadways and parking lots of the FBI complex. There were slight hills and turns, but I have to say that I enjoyed the opportunity to participate and grow. Tomorrow, I will see if I can get out of bed...

Not exactly how it finished. Only water for us.