Workout of the Week

An old National Guard buddy of mine, I met in an Army Combative Course, called me up and said, "Let's go on a road march." I was thinking that I definitely needed to go on one especially with those 20 mph winds, hahaha. "It's good training," that's what I always say. We went out to Fort De Soto on the Pinellas County side by Tierra Verde. Man was it windy. Halfway down the beach and the other half on the trail head.
Things you'll need:

1. Ruck sack/Good hikers backpack.
2. Some good shoes/boots.
3. Water.
4. Motivation.

All in all, it was a beautiful afternoon out at Fort De Soto. The temperature was perfect and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore kept a sort of cadence in your mind. Set the timer for one hour, which ended up being one hour and fifteen minutes but who's counting. We estimated it was about five-six miles do to some jogging in there too. Grab your Ruck and enjoy.



I am Sorry

I am sorry for all the military families who have lost love ones to fighting for our freedom overseas. I too have lost fellow soldiers in my unit from terrorist attacks. I am sorry. Words cannot express the loss that no one in this world can feel. I'm sorry to the kids who have lost fathers or mothers do to combatants overseas. They will never have that parental figure there to take them to ball games or attend PTA meetings. I am sorry to the parents who have lost their children do to combatants. They too will not know if they would've ever had grand kids. I am sorry. I wonder why some soldiers make it back from overseas and others do not? Who decides these soldier's fate anyways? It's just not fair. Being deployed on three different occasions, I have been in some bad areas, sticky situations and my soldiers and I have made it home safe. What did I or they do different? I am sincerely sorry and know my apology cannot bring our troops back, may they all rest in peace...



Guard Units Getting Deployed

This year we have been tremendously lucky from mother nature but to end this hurricane season with the East Coast getting hammered is like no other. Hurricane Sandy, one of the nastiest storms to crash onto the East Coast, closing down transportation and forcing people to evacuate. It is also affecting the elections with President Obama cancelling trips to Florida as well as candidate Mitt Romney cancelling Monday and Tuesday.

With the storm coming in at full-speed ahead, there is another force closing in from the opposite way, more than 1,900 National Guardsman. I was watching the news and surfing the web and came across this story, "Troops mobilized for Hurricane Sandy."

The National Guard and Air Guard has deployed more than a half-dozen states' troops including one from California according to the National Guard Bureau. I was definitely standing by my phone just in case I got the "call." I have to be aware that I could be called up at any notice to assist other states in natural disasters, not just in Florida. I also have to make sure my home is disaster ready, not just for my family's safety but if I have to help other states out, I cannot be in two places at once and the Guard takes precedence.

From fighting fires in the Midwest, training exercises with soldiers in Mongolia, to rescuing and evacuating flood victims all over the United States, the National Guard has done immeasurable things home and across the globe. I have found myself doing many humanitarian missions with the Guard and it has been an eye-opening experience. At first, I will admit, I was annoyed to leave my home for this duty but since realized the people out there need help. It's been very rewarding over the years to have helped out hurricane victims and help people across the world to see the look on their faces. It was just "priceless."

To sum it up, the National Guard does not just do stateside missions; they do international missions too. They are there wherever you need them. Not supermen or superwomen but doctors, lawyers, carpenters and students like myself. I want to let people know, ordinary people, citizen soldiers are making huge impacts, not just in the U.S., but all around the globe.

Reinforcing key areas awaiting the devastation from Hurricane Sandy.



Veterans Seeking Employment

Attention to all Veterans and current service members. Raymond James Stadium will be hosting the Central Florida Military Resource Fair. This will be a great event for Veterans seeking employment, learn about VA benefits, health care and much more.

On Sunday Nov. 4th, from 12-4pm at Raymond James Stadium, this exclusive event to military members only and will be held in the East Club. The added bonus to being a part of this event is that it's FREE. Yep, FREE for you and your guest with a free food voucher too.

The Resource Fair will include:

• Career Fair with Federal, State and local employers
• Interview skills development and resume assistance
• On-site VA benefits and health care enrollment
• Flu shots and medical screening
• Opportunities to meet Tampa Bay Buccaneers Alumni and Cheerleaders
• Complimentary food vouchers for you and one guest

Another added bonus other than free entry and free food, Raymond James Stadium will be televising the Buccaneer vs. Oakland game immediately following the Resource Fair.

You will need to enter through Lot B off Himes Avenue and have your Military ID or your DD214. It would also be a great idea to have several copies of your resume. So remember, this is a FREE event, Nov. 4th, 12-4pm at Raymond James Stadium, East Club. For more information contact Kevin Farrell, at Kevin.Farrell1@va.gov. Thanks to the Tampa Bay Bucs and VA Medical Center for putting on this wonderful event. This couldn't come at a better time for Veterans seeking employment with Veterans Day around the corner. Thanks to all Veterans and God Bless America!

3rd Annual Veterans Week

As we all hopefully know, Veterans Day is Monday, November, 12th. Since it's on a Monday, the week prior to that USF Veterans Student Association will be holding the 3rd Annual USF Veterans Week. I want to put out some important information about the festivities that will be taking place during the week of Nov. 6th - 8th.
On Tuesday, November 6th at 10:45am in the MSC Amphitheater, will be the Veterans Day Ceremony. All are welcome to attend the ceremony honoring our women and men of all those who served in the Armed Forces. U.S. Army Ranger Maj. Jeff Struecker, retired, will be giving a speech at the ceremony too. He was the convoy leader in the Battle of Mogadishu, portrayed in the movie Black Hawk Down. The Major will also be doing a book signing after the ceremony.

On Wednesday, November 7th from Noon- 2:00pm in the MSC Amphitheater, this will be for all those who want to participate , eat or just love chili. It's the Chili Cook-Off and should be an exciting event. If you want to be in the running for the best chili you need to sign up by November 1st.
If you do not want to cook up a batch of chili, just do what I'm going to do, taste all the competitors chili, hahaha.

Lastly, On Thursday, November 8th, the Veterans Outreach Expo will take place from 10:00am-2:00pm ALN Courtyard which is outside the Office of Veterans Services. To all Veterans, active duty or reserve components, dependents, they will be going over veterans' benefits during this Expo. Also, you will be able to find out about military friendly employment, health care and much more. Don't forget before the holidays so your not sick as a dog, they are giving free flu shots for veterans too. I just had mine so no thank you. I hope to see you all out at any one of these events supporting our Vets especially the Chili Cook-Off, I know I'll be there.

Workout of the Week

It's that time again to carb-up a day prior and find some stored energy for this one. I had some amazing pasta with a spicy sauce and plenty of broccoli with a couple beers too, ah haha...
First thing first, You need to head to your gym, your buddies home gym or have your own set up for this:

1. Power Cleans- 4 sets of 10 @ 115 lbs.
2. Kettle bell swings- 4 sets @ 10 ea. arm 35 lbs.
3. Lunges- 4 sets @ 5 per leg with 25 lbs in ea. arm.

After I did four rounds of that ^, I did a mild chest workout involving only flat bench and incline dumbbell press. Workout follows:

1. Flat bench- 4 sets, 135lbs.-12reps, 185lbs.-10, 205lbs.-6, 225lbs.-4.
2. Incline dumbbell press- 3 sets, 65lbs.-12reps, 70lbs.-10, 85lbs.-8.

Just when I thought I was finished, I got back to my house and realized how beautiful it was outside Saturday. So, I decided to go out on my paddleboard for 45 mins and made that my last, but fun, workout of the day. Not only was I catching some rays, looking at crabs and fish in the flats but I was getting in my last workout on the water. What a way to take your mind off the pain. I just wish I had the time to get in a workout last week then I probably wouldn't have to do so much in one day, eh maybe. Until the next painful event...



Natural Disaster Ready?

Have you ever been out of food, water or power for any given amount of time? As hours go by and still no power, your supplies are lacking and panic begins to sink in. Being in the National Guard, I am always being reminded to be prepared for natural disasters in my home and for my family. It helps out tremendously to be prepared so that if you find yourself in a natural disaster, you won't get caught with your pants down.
If your in the National Guard, then you know it pays to be prepared since we normally get activated to pull hurricane duty which could take you away from your home of record. Luckily, I was ready in 2004, I had to help out in the small city of Destin, Fl which was devastated by hurricane Ivan.

I was reading my GX mag (the guard experience) and with still having over 30 days left of hurricane season, I thought it would be a great idea to share this article about 7 items you need to be disaster ready. Every house should be disaster ready especially living in the Tampa Bay area. We have had our share of flooding, tropical storms and hurricanes throughout our area.

1. Thirty? You should have enough water for at least three days. Make sure you have no less than a gallon of water per person per day. Purchased water is best but you can fill empty containers up with tap water too. It's still water and won't kill you.
2. Hungry? Have plenty of nonperishable foods for three days. These include canned foods, dry mixes and food that's not refrigerated. Examples are beef jerky, trail mixes, granola bars and maybe some MREs (Meals-Ready-to Eat) if your lucky like me. I saved some from training and they will last forever.
3. Crank Radio/Battery operated tunes. To have contact with the outside world and updated news, you will need a radio. The best case scenario is to have a hand crank radio. If not, a battery operated one is fine just as long as you have replacement batteries in case the ones in it are dead. I still have an old school alarm clock radio and never check the back-up battery. It's imperative to check and have back-ups. That reminds me...
4. Afraid of the dark? I hope not. You better have at least a couple flashlights on hand. And that being said, I will reemphasize checking the batteries and having spares on hand. They even have ones you can precharge by solar power or the ever trusty hand crank flashlight.
5. Cut yourself in the storm? A First-Aid Kit is a must. Make sure to have some gauze, medical tape, disposable gloves, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, adhesive bandages, eye wash solution, scissors and some pain relievers such as aleve or aspirin. If you have any prescription medication it would be a good idea to put some spare pills in this kit too.
6. Tools. You never know. A simple pair of pliers could help in the event you had to shut off a water pipe or a natural gas leak. Many explosions and fires happen after natural disasters. So gather up some pliers, vise grips, a couple different screwdrivers and possibly a hammer. You never know.
7. Some Miscellaneous gear. Some other key things that might be helpful are: Cleaning supplies, waterless shampoo, toilet paper, garbage bags and zip ties for sanitation, dust mask, and of course duct tape.

Now remember this is for a preparation for a natural disaster not a zombie apocalypse. In the case when a natural disaster strikes, be smart and go to the middle of your house away from windows or down to your basement. If you have family, you need to make sure everyone is on the same sheet of music as well as an evacuation plan in place and possible meet up location pre-determined. I know there is only some 40 days left of hurricane season but it is Florida and shit happens. Don't get caught with your pants down, be prepared for your sake and your family. For more insight, visit Ready.gov to help in your planning.

Not Another Drill Weekend

Yes, it is that time for drill weekend. It seems like it was last weekend, time flies when your having fun.  Sometimes it seems as if there is something exciting going on that one weekend of the month, that is the weekend I have drill. I'll get over it when the weekend is finished cause the benefits do pay off in the long-run.

Our first formation was just before the sun crested above the horizon on Saturday morning, it was an eye opener especially since I only got four hours of sleep the night before. My drive up to central Florida was about two hours but the traffic isn't bad that early in the morning probably from to peoples partying on Friday night.

Immediately following O' dark thirty formation, we had our record Army physical fitness test (APFT) for the new fiscal year. After four hours of sleep and my ass hurting from a two hour car ride, I was hoping these factors wouldn't affect my score or to use them as an excuse. Our APFT consist of push-ups, sit-ups and a two mile run. The push-up and sit-up portion are timed events in which you have two minutes to complete as many as you can do accurately. Not a big deal. The two mile run test your ability to complete the two miles after both preceding events in your best time possible. The Army has a score table with your age and gender which is where you get your points calculation. You must score at least 60 points in each event and can get a total of 300 points. I scored 284 out of the 300 so I need to improve my score a little bit more for a perfect APFT.

After the APFT followed by a hot shower and rewarding Burger King breakfast, I knew was a long day of "death by power point" slides. Our Saturday was going to consist of mandatory Suicide Prevention Training. You might ask yourself why we would need this training? There has actually been an increase in suicides over the past years in the military, especially the Army. The chart below will show this:

 

The Army, and military in general, does have a program; however, it just doesn't seem to be working. I believe some of the video and reenactments are good but think some soldiers don't take it seriously. If leaders preach to their soldiers the importance of suicide prevention, it will promote a healthy relationship with their soldiers and make them more open if a situation may arouse. To be more open, it will be easier for soldiers to ask for help when they are at an all time low. Also, this may help lower enlisted soldiers become better leaders relaying the information thus making the chain of suicides decrease. If soldiers are able to be open and honest with each other without a feeling of backlash, soldiers will have less fear when crying out for help.

 

On to the next set of task, Sunday was a busy day as well prepping for November's drill conducting defensive operations training. I was able to sit down with my soldiers and go over what we will be implementing in November. After going over some Ops, I was taking part in a Soldier of the Year board in the later afternoon. A selected amount of soldiers were notified the previous month that they were going to this board. The board consist of questions ranging from uniforms, fitness, weapons and military history for example. Overall, it went alright but you could tell a few who only studied the night before.

 

Well, with APFT, Suicide Prevention, defensive ops, and Soldier of the Year board we barely had enough time to clean up and get out of there at a decent time Sunday. I still had to take a soldier home which would add a half hour to my 2 hour trip. I made it home safe around 7:30 pm as did my soldiers; mission complete.



Workout of the Week

OK, you might be wondering why I like to post a workout of the week? Well, along with a couple of my workout partners help, my intent is to give people innovative ways to change things in their own routine to keep your muscles guessing. Another great reason, I usually put myself out for a day or two after one of these workouts. So if I know I am going to be busy for any next up coming days, I will do one of these "workout of the week" routines because they will torment you and make you extremely sore.

Here we go again, I started this Sunday early morning approximately 9:05 with a basic chest workout follows:

1. Flat Bench- 135lbs, 20 reps- 185,12- 205,10- 225,8
2. Incline Dumbbell Press- 70lbs,10 reps- 80,10- 90,8 
3. Cable Flys- 40lbs, 15 reps- 50,12- 50,12

I completed this in about 20 minutes. Now, on to the next routine for three rounds.

1. Pull-up burpees- @ 5 reps
2. Dead lifts- 185lbs, 10 reps
3. Kettle bell swings alt. arms 10 reps ea. arm

Remember you can do the above for a set time or a certain amount of rounds. I did three rounds of it. There are little to no breaks in between just enough for a sip of water or to catch your breath. Oh, I also did ten minutes of Abs after. Here are a couple of videos for some demonstrations.

Kettle bell swing demonstration.

Burpee pull-up for those who don't know.



Killers Trial Postponed do to Facial Hair

Come on, seriously. Do you remember the Fort Hood shooting November of 2009? I do but if you do not let me refresh your memory. 13 deaths and 32 people wounded. Maj. Nidal Hasan went on a shooting rampage in Fort Hood, Texas. One of the main reasons I remember this so well, I was in and around the building in Fort Hood, Texas where this tragic event took place a month and a half later. I was processing into Fort Hood with my Guard unit from Florida getting ready for a deployment. The security was quite stiff but I don't blame them at all.

Maj. Nidal Hasan, a military psychiatrist, opened up firing on innocent soldiers at the processing center on the Army base in Texas. This was a complete and utter tragedy. I thought this guy was already put away as I'm sure you folks did too. Well, that's not the case at all. His trial has been put on hold until further notice. You may ask why? Hasan tells the judge, "Your honor, in the name of almighty Allah, I am a muslim. I believe that my religion requires me to wear a beard. The problem with this is Army regulations prevent soldiers from wearing beards while in uniforms; Hasan is still considered a soldier, unfortunately. The Army courts says it will be delayed until they can figure a way to forcibly shave his beard off.

I believe the small technicality of his beard should not be an issue compared to the innocent soldiers he shot and killed. I'm sure about four to five military police can figure out a way to shave his face. He wasn't playing by any rules of the U.S. military so why should they when it comes to his trial? This guy is just trying to postpone the inevitable, his death.

CNN news stated that Hasan was a U.S.- born citizen of Palestinian descent and joined the Army as a psychiatrist in 1997. They also stated that he has been taunted since the September 11th attack in 2001 and was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan before the killings. Hasan was paralyzed was from the waist down after the horrific event.

This poor excuse for a human, regardless of his race or religion, should be convicted and sentenced to death for killing and injuring innocent people. Beard or not? Relevant, you be the judge.

To beard or Not to Beard? It shouldn't matter.

Get Off the Couch

I'm tired of people complaining about the elections and not getting out of their homes to utilize the rights we have earned. Get off your Couch and do something, yeah, I said it. Too many people have such negative comments about either party but actually don't get out and vote. Regardless of which party you are voting for, it is always good to go see a rally especially before the coming election for the presidency.

I had the opportunity after class Friday to see Mitt Romney's rally in St. Petersburg. I was standing there in the middle of the crowd, people waving the American flag, just thinking about the freedom we have to be able to attend such event. I was amazed by the diversity of the crowd and everyone seeming to have the same thing on their minds. I was also proud when Romney asked for all the Veterans or current military to raise their hand and it seemed like it was 30 percent of the crowd. It probably was only 1-2 percent but it looked like more. Being in the military myself and attending an event like this, it takes me back in time. I was just thinking about all of our U.S. soldiers in the past who fought for our freedoms we have today.

Romney mentioned a story of a lady who lost her son that was a soldier fighting in Afghanistan. They were attending his funeral to celebrate his life but there was something not right going on outside. This church organization was protesting outside at this soldier's funeral. Are you serious? That can't be. Romney asked this lady, "What was your take on the protesters outside." The lady said, "My son fought for their freedom to be able to protest." This lady is very true but a little bit more reserved than what I would've said. I would've given them a peace of my mind, anyways...

Even though many would say the church's actions are wrong, they were exercising within their rights of freedom of speech. In contrast, whether you are going to see a presidential rally or engaging in a protest, you need to get off your couch to do so. How can you comment or make an argument on aything if you don't get out to try and make a change. Next time you think it's just some lame rally or boring political event, you should think about the men and women who had to fight till death for us to be able to partake in these events. After all, that's what this nation was built on, democracy and Freedom. Think about it...

Sacrifice

"Without fear there is no courage."

A tattoo on the back of U.S. Army Sgt James Wilkes of Rochester, NY. It is seen through his torn army combat shirt after a foot patrol on Saturday, May 8, 2010, Afghanistan's Kandahar province, claimed by Alan Lessig with military times. (AP photo/Julie Jacobson)

 

How would you get rid of your friend's hiccups?

...Would you have them drink water upside down? Would you tell them to hold their breath for as long as they can?, that usually works...How about having them do jumping jacks? Or maybe try to scare them by pretending to shoot them in the face? Whoa, sounds a little absurd or extreme? Well, if we could ask Private first class Isaac Lawrence Young, we would...

Carroll Smith from the Texas police department stated, "Pfc Myers did try to scare his fellow comrade with a gun, pointed in his face, pulled the trigger to scare him, eventually to get rid of hiccups." The very tragedy of this action is that the gun was loaded and he killed his comrade. Yes, that is correct; Myers killed his fellow comrade. Pfc Myers is being charged with manslaughter for his deathly action.

Pfc Myers, Pfc Young and a third soldier were hanging out, drinking alcohol and watching Sunday night football, reported by CNN. This is when Myers tried to scare the hiccups out of Pfc Young. If Myers was trying to cure his comrade's hiccups, he did and in doing so a young soldier is dead.

Anyone who has been following my blog will remember my report on, "Don't Be That Guy." Well, if you have not, it states, "when everything is going well there is bound to be one soldier that makes an idiotic mistake." This is where "Don't Be That Guy" comes from. You do not want to be that guy who makes a serious mistake. We know that Pfc Myers is "that guy."

Pfc Young has only been in the Army for 16 months and at Fort Hood, TX since October 2011, stated by the Army. He was 22 years old, from Missouri, and a motor transport operator. Young's name said it all. He was too young to die and this tragedy never should have happened. I have said it before; we already lose too many soldiers overseas fighting terrorist than to lose them in the states to stupid actions.

I wish that before the few soldiers, who make stupid mistakes, would read a couple of my blogs thus save some costly mistakes and soldier's lives.

Workout of the Week

Get your Boots on...ok, if you don't have any then put on your new balance minimus shoes. Don't have any then you better go get a pair, one of the few shoes I know that are Made in America and great for all types of training.

1. 4 Mile Ruck-Run, Grab your rucksack or a nice hiking pack that can handle at least 30 lbs. Walking not authorized.
2. Get up your Rope- 6 rope climbs, if you do not have a rope you can order one here.

I recommend at least 18' that way you have 2-3' for use of tying up a tree approx. 15' high will be sufficient enough. If you do not want to wait for your rope you can wrap a towel around a pull-up bar. This will work but you have to do 6 of the towel pull-ups to equal 1 one climb, you do the math...

Review on Bobby Thompson's true identity

I was reading an article by Kris Hundley and John Martin of the Tampa Bay Times and came across this disturbing headline. It read, "Navy Veteran Scam." I thought to myself, I have got to read this. Turns out that a man going by the name of Bobby Thompson, or Mr. X, was running a Navy Veterans charity organization based out of Tampa. The problem is that he said he was a Navy veteran but never was. I don't know about you but I have a problem with this. Veterans go through a lot and to have someone claim they are a veteran is an absolute shame.

The man by the name of John Donald Cody, using the alias of Bobby Thompson or Mr. X, was a University of Virginia and Harvard grad. He has swindled over $100 million dollars from people that thought he was helping out veterans and their families. In fact, a very little bit of the money was going to any veteran's fund. He was funding special GOP dinner parties and hanging out with political bigwigs, in addition taken photos with political leaders like Sen. John McCain, President George W. Bush, and Ohio Rep. John Boehner.

John Donald Cody with George W. Bush.

This low-life con-man has been wanted since 1987 for various reasons like fraud, espionage and stealing 99,000 from two of his clients in Arizona. U.S. Marshall Pete Elliot states,"We always knew there was a reason Thompson signed his name as Mr. X and did not want to be identified, now we know why." Through persistence and dedication, Mr. Elliot helped get this scumbag off the streets putting him in prison where he belongs.

John Donald Cody where he belongs.

 

An ABC news ad stated, "Cody modeled his life from the blockbuster hit Catch Me if You Can," and found a personal copy of it with his belongings when he was captured. I guess he was not that smart after all. Cody is currently being held in custody at Cleveland, Ohio where he awaits trial.

Cody is a disgrace. I believe for ripping off millions of dollars from innocent people he should be put in prison for the rest of his life. Also, a person like this man does not respect our country nor the young men and women who protect our freedom. I really wish I could give this guy a piece of my mind.

9/11 Memorial

This weekend I had the pleasure to take a trip up to Manhattan. I had no idea or plan of attack for sightseeing but I did know I would not leave without seeing the 9/11 Memorial.

It was not the easiest thing to navigate through this hectic city and streets/buildings under construction; however, I would never give up. I followed signs from Staten Island Ferry and had to walk passed the entrance up four blocks where the give you a free ticket. The one thing people did not tell me is that you get a reservation time. We picked up our tickets at 1:30pm and had a reservation time of 4:00pm. Well, I decided to take a trip up at the opposite end of Manhattan and go to FAO Schwarz along with Central Park.

The time has come and it was 3:30pm, I was feeling like a New Yorker with my hand out at the side of the road catching a cab. Holy crap this place is a mad house but if you need a ride the cabs are everywhere. I had the cabby drop us off in front of the entrance and I made it with 5 minutes to spare. The place is surrounded with security and police officers at every point and do believe they ask for my ticket at least 3 times. I was pretty amazed with the level of security; it was like going through airport security. It's very understandable considering the fact of what happened in 2001 and why I was there in the first place; to honor those families and fallen individuals from a terrorist attack.

When I walked in and first heard the water falls of the memorial, I stopped and was taken back. It felt as if time stood still and very hard to explain. Anyone who has been deployed before will understand where I am coming from. I slowly walked up to the first plaque of names I saw and touched it. Staring into the falls, it was just breathtaking. As I walked down the line touching the engraved names on every plaque, I got to a corner of the falls. At that moment, I broke down. It kind of hit me in my heart, being a soldier and deployed many times, what this site was all about. There are sometimes where you cannot control your emotions and I realized then it was my time.

Do to what happened that dreadful day of September 11, 2001, I was deployed to Afghanistan in support for Operation Enduring Freedom. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to visit this memorial and pay my respects to the innocent who lost their lives that day and thereafter because of terrorist attacks. I did pay my respects not just in donations but in tears that day.

I recommend anyone who has not been to the 9/11 Memorial site to go. It was so peaceful and relaxing and will take your breath away as it did mine...