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.
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