• Post Type: Backblast
  • When: 12/12/2023
  • AO: Midoriyama
  • QIC: Slaw
  • FNG's:
  • PAX: Montross, Happy Trees, Freight, Chili, Radar, Defib, Purple Haze, Def Leppard

I picked up the Q for 12/12 because this date has a certain significance for me. It was 30 years ago (12/12/93) that I left for bootcamp in sunny Naval Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Florida. I will admit that the Lord’s hand protected and guided me during my 4 year enlistment in the Navy. Looking back, I’m glad I enlisted and served in our nation’s military. I’m no longer the shy introvert that I used to be before the Navy. I also learned not to take our country and freedoms for granted. It’s a sobering sight to see another country’s flag flying instead of the stars and stripes. There were a lot of tough times but a lot of great times as well.

I attempted to keep the “30” number incorporated into the workout. I planned 30 different exercises, 30 reps a piece. I knew the guys would mutiny/ quit/ cry if I called 30 Burpees or 30 Mike Tysons, so I decided to break it up into smaller chunks. We would perform 6 exercises, 15 reps a piece, at 5 light poles. We would then rinse and repeat the whole circuit to get the 30 reps in for each exercise. Well, 15 isn’t divisible by 2, so the $h!t hit the fan and I lost control once we got to an exercise that requires and even number (lunges, for instance). Even Defib stood in utter confusion and disbelief as I attempted to explain my plan for the workout.  Here’s how it went:

Warmup

PLEDGE

Mosey to 1st light pole for: Merkins, Plank Jacks (IC), SSH (IC), LBC’s (IC), Lunges (where things went south) 8 right leg, 7 left leg, Imperial Walkers (IC)

Mosey to 2nd light pole for: Flying Squirrels, Dips, Mountain Climbers, Goofballs, Squats, Big Boys

Mosey to 3rd light pole for: Werkins, American Hammers (IC), Flutter Kicks (IC), Derkins, Jump Squats, Cork Screws

Mosey to 4th light pole for: CDD’s, WW2s, Mike Tysons, Dying Cockroaches, Diamond Merkins, Reverse Crunches

Mosey to 5th light pole for: Peter Parkers (IC), Pretzel Crunches, Shoulder Taps, Sumo Squats, Nolan Ryans (15 each arm), Burpees

The plan was to rinse and repeat that whole circuit to get 30 reps of 30 exercises, but we ran out of time. We completed the 4 of the 5 light poles worth of exercises on the way back.

Mumblechatter was quite lively as the 1st place mumblechatter king posted after a long fight with plantar fasciitis and crappy work schedule.  Radar learned the benefit of being “upwind” of the Q when the Q has excessive amounts of gas. Chili, Haze, Defib were pushing hard the whole time. Leppard attempted to drag Montross into the valley, but T-Ron persevered and pushed through. Great work by the guys who supported the Weak Sauce Q tonight!

Announcements:

  • 2nd F lunch on 12/20 at Hickory Tavern (South Gastonia)
  • Beer Mile on 12/30 Sargento has the lead

Prayer Requests:

  • Purple Haze’s M and his Mother
  • Jackson Hall and Family
  • Turtleman
  • Bess Family
  • Tesla (his sister passed)

YHC took us out in prayer.

NMM:

During the COT, I showed the guys some pictures we had taken on that fateful day 30 years ago. I often wonder where I would be if I would’ve made a career in the Navy. Maybe I’d be dead. Maybe I’d be divorced. One thing’s for sure – I wouldn’t have F3 and the brotherhood in my life. I thank God for every one of my F3 brothers. Every one of you guys have been an influence in my life. Thank you for putting up with a half-wit Navy veteran who tells way too many sea stories! I’m proud to be a part of the Gashouse brotherhood!

Fair Winds and Following Seas,

Slaw