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...