Ok, so I've been holding out! I started a new page for my blog. I hope everyone likes it (I do!!!).
http://jcpierson.com
That's right folks, I've embraced the whole "get a website with your name in it" mentality... took me a while, but glad I'm there. So come on over and see the new page!
Until we meet again,
JCP
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Deck the Halls!
The holiday season has descended upon us! Christmas carols are being
sung, Christmas parties are in full-swing, cider is being poured by the
gallon-full, pants everywhere are feeling the strain of the extra
calories and cold weather! This past weekend was an excellent example
of how busy the season gets and that sometimes, just sometimes, even
those of us with the best of intentions forget what the season is
supposed to be about. I was halfway through attempting to do my
volunteer work, attend several Christmas parties, cook food and deal with a semi-panic stricken moment that my Christmas shopping and Christmas
cards had yet to be completed when I had to step back and say a small
prayer. I am so fortunate that I have the ability to help others. I am so very fortunate that I
have friends who think enough of me to invite me to their Christmas
celebrations. I am so very fortunate that I am able to cook food to share with others. And I am so very fortunate that I
have a job to be able to buy gifts and that I am blessed with people that I want to send cards
and gifts to.
As we enter the last few days before Christmas, I urge each of us to be thankful for all the things that drive us to the edge during the holidays.... the other crazy shoppers (think about it, at least you can say with some confidence that you aren't the only cat who is doing last-minute shopping), the other crazy drivers (seriously, those other drivers simply validate what you have always known- you are, in fact, an above average driver!), not having enough time to do everything (you are one popular person after all!) wrapping gifts (just remember my mantra this year and the year before to be honest - bags are just as fun!!!), Santa Claus (It takes a man who is seriously comfortable with himself to wear red velvet and fur, after all), and the fact that your pants seem a bit tighter than they did a month ago (How can any sane person pass up on the most yummy food all year - remember, that is what January is for, hitting the gym!).
I hope your Christmas season is wonderful and full of memories and joy!
Until we meet again,
JCP
As we enter the last few days before Christmas, I urge each of us to be thankful for all the things that drive us to the edge during the holidays.... the other crazy shoppers (think about it, at least you can say with some confidence that you aren't the only cat who is doing last-minute shopping), the other crazy drivers (seriously, those other drivers simply validate what you have always known- you are, in fact, an above average driver!), not having enough time to do everything (you are one popular person after all!) wrapping gifts (just remember my mantra this year and the year before to be honest - bags are just as fun!!!), Santa Claus (It takes a man who is seriously comfortable with himself to wear red velvet and fur, after all), and the fact that your pants seem a bit tighter than they did a month ago (How can any sane person pass up on the most yummy food all year - remember, that is what January is for, hitting the gym!).
I hope your Christmas season is wonderful and full of memories and joy!
Until we meet again,
JCP
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
December 7, 1941 - A date which will live in infamy
Today marks the 70'th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and various other locations by the Empire of Japan. Today marks the official entry of the United States into World War II. This was a war which changed our world like nothing before it, and I daresay nothing since. Young men from across the country raced to the recruiting stations so that they could help fight, women stepped into the factories to build the weapons that our soldiers needed, the American war machine started churning and every American citizen made sacrifices so that we could stand the line and defend our nation.
This generation has become known as the greatest generation, a generation willing to sacrifice so much, willing to dedicate themselves to a single moral cause and willing to give their last full measure. What is so surprising, to me, about this generation is that most of them were raised in poverty, in the most dire financial straights our country has ever seen. These men and women were not all college graduates, in fact many barely finished formal schooling, but when their country needed them, they stood up and said "we will carry the fight to our enemies, we will protect what is ours". They did not shirk their duty, they earned honor for themselves and their families. And then, after they had fought so hard and so long and lost so many of their friends and family on foreign soil, they came home with one mission... to start life.
Many people I have spoken with who lived through this time will not discuss it, they want no glory and honestly many wish to forget many of the horrors they survived. I cannot blame them. While they might not want glory and honors, they will forever have my gratitude and respect.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." Sir Winston Churchill, June 1940
"Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have
fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious
apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the
end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans,
we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air,
we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and
in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender,
and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part
of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas,
armed and guarded by the British Fleet,
would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the new world,
with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the
liberation of the old." Sir Winston Churchill, August 1940
"Sure, we want to go home. We want
this war over with. The quickest way to get it over with is
to go get the bastards who started it. The quicker they are
whipped, the quicker we can go home. The shortest way home is
through Berlin and Tokyo. And when we get to Berlin, I am personally
going to shoot that paper hanging son-of-a-bitch Hitler. Just
like I'd shoot a snake!" General George S. Patton addressing to his troops before Operation
Overlord - 5th June 1944
"Your task will not be an easy one.
Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened.
He will fight savagely" General Dwight Eisenhower - 6th June 1944
"Among the men who fought
on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz - 16th March 1945
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Lessons learned..
Yesterday evening I learned that one of the women who I worked with while I lived in Atlanta passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Saturday. She was neither old, nor was she in ill health. It was simply her time. I was very upset yesterday regarding this. I remember her from the first day that I started at my former company. I was fresh-eyed out of college, so very young, and so very new to the workworld and here I go and I am told that she works for me. I didn't know what to do really, but she took the time to show me around, get me acquainted with where everything was, get me up to speed on the office expectations and etiquette since every office is different. She took the time over the next few weeks to remind me several times (when I forgot) how to use the copier or the fax machine. She helped me navigate my way into corporate America. More importantly than that, she was a friend and an ally when I felt overwhelmed with my new job and the responsibilities it entailed. She taught me many things about people and circumstances. And yesterday she taught me her last lesson, life is too short.
Not to preach, but life is very short, this we all know, but I think we often forget that. We only have a set amount of time to be here. We should take joy when we find it, deal with sadness as it comes, but we should strive to find that which makes us happy and complete. We should embrace it and live a life that is full and joyful. I think, actually, I know, that I often times get bogged down in the "small things", the things that in a month, a year, ten years will not matter. I need to spend more time doing the things that make me smile, spending more time with those that make me happy and more time loving.
I hope those of you who read this will find what makes you happy and embrace it. God Bless.
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Not to preach, but life is very short, this we all know, but I think we often forget that. We only have a set amount of time to be here. We should take joy when we find it, deal with sadness as it comes, but we should strive to find that which makes us happy and complete. We should embrace it and live a life that is full and joyful. I think, actually, I know, that I often times get bogged down in the "small things", the things that in a month, a year, ten years will not matter. I need to spend more time doing the things that make me smile, spending more time with those that make me happy and more time loving.
I hope those of you who read this will find what makes you happy and embrace it. God Bless.
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Friday, December 2, 2011
Christmas Cards & Love Actually...
One of my dear friends who lives in the same city as I do, Emily, and I have a Christmas tradition. We started it a few years back and because it was so much fun, we have continued it. We are both fans of the movie "Love Actually". Before I go any farther, if you have not had a chance to watch this film, I would highly recommend it. Some of the actors are Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Bill Nighy, and many many more. This is one of my all-time favorite movies and I believe it captures the modern-day Christmas spirit fairly well. Anyway, during the Christmas season, we always get together, have some wine, bring our Christmas Cards and sit down to have a girls night, watch the movie, enjoy a glass of wine and prepare our Christmas cards.
Well, we did this recently this year, and we had a blast! It was great catching up after Thanksgiving and seeing what each other had been up to. As we sat there, watching the movie, addressing cards, we started realizing that this was one of our favorite holiday traditions. Especially since Christmas cards can oftentimes be tedious work, by doing them together, and enjoying a movie, preparing the Christmas Cards actually became fun.
I started reflecting at that point about some of my favorite holiday traditions and some of my friends' favorite holiday traditions... We all have some that are unique to us and some that are unique to our culture. In the coming weeks, I will comment on some of my favorite traditions and some of my friends' favorite traditions. But, for now, I am off to enjoy a holiday celebration!
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Well, we did this recently this year, and we had a blast! It was great catching up after Thanksgiving and seeing what each other had been up to. As we sat there, watching the movie, addressing cards, we started realizing that this was one of our favorite holiday traditions. Especially since Christmas cards can oftentimes be tedious work, by doing them together, and enjoying a movie, preparing the Christmas Cards actually became fun.
I started reflecting at that point about some of my favorite holiday traditions and some of my friends' favorite holiday traditions... We all have some that are unique to us and some that are unique to our culture. In the coming weeks, I will comment on some of my favorite traditions and some of my friends' favorite traditions. But, for now, I am off to enjoy a holiday celebration!
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
True Thankfulness and Blessings...
Well, yesterday I wrote about my Thanksgiving adventure. However, I left out one key part. As we were walking to dinner on Thanksgiving evening last week, as we
were about to cross the street, a gentlemen who appeared to be homeless,
walked by us and with genuine warmth in his voice, a smile on his lips and pep in his step, wished us a happy and
blessed Thanksgiving. The lady next to me who was very well dressed,
turned to me and said, "He is so thankful, and yet he has nothing."...
It hit me at that moment that, I, who have so much, am rarely if ever
thankful enough for what I have been blessed with. So, today I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon what I am thankful for. Too often we breeze through life assuming that things are guaranteed and that bad stuff can never or will never happen to us. It is a shame that we only have one day a year dedicated to the sole purpose of being thankful for our blessings. I hope to be more thankful and appreciative throughout the year.
I am thankful for my amazing family, my wonderful friends, my faith that guides me, my health, my sweet four-legged family members, the organizations that I am involved in and the good they allow me to do, all the things and events that didn't turn out the way I had hoped because they have led me to where I am now, our military who continue to stand between us and harm, my job, laughter, laffy taffy jokes, and the fact that I still get a kick out of silly putty and paddle balls... I can go on and on, but you get the drift. Too often I forget to stop and just say a quick prayer of thanks, or to "pay-it-forward" and help someone who needs it. Not trying to sound "preachy", but I hope that I can be more like that gentlemen I met briefly in Charleston. He had nothing that I could see, yet his joy at Thanksgiving far exceeded mine. Humbling, isn't it?
Have a great day!
Until We Meet Again.
JCP
I am thankful for my amazing family, my wonderful friends, my faith that guides me, my health, my sweet four-legged family members, the organizations that I am involved in and the good they allow me to do, all the things and events that didn't turn out the way I had hoped because they have led me to where I am now, our military who continue to stand between us and harm, my job, laughter, laffy taffy jokes, and the fact that I still get a kick out of silly putty and paddle balls... I can go on and on, but you get the drift. Too often I forget to stop and just say a quick prayer of thanks, or to "pay-it-forward" and help someone who needs it. Not trying to sound "preachy", but I hope that I can be more like that gentlemen I met briefly in Charleston. He had nothing that I could see, yet his joy at Thanksgiving far exceeded mine. Humbling, isn't it?
Have a great day!
Until We Meet Again.
JCP
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving and the Gobble Wobble...
Well, since I am a few days behind in posting I will now get to my Thanksgiving adventure! Why a Thanksgiving adventure you ask? Well, because just a Thanksgiving story would be trite and I wouldn't have anything to talk about! haha!
Ok, so I got up at the crack of dawn (not really...more like 5 AM) and I was on the road to Charleston, SC. After several hours of singing along to Christmas music, and enjoying my red bull and peanut butter M&M's I rolled into Charleston. I was pretty proud of myself that I navigated my way to the hotel without directions or an address (not that I'm bragging at all... would I ever do that! haha). Anyway, upon arrival we went to S.N.O.B. (Slightly North of Broad) for lunch and it was yummy (as always!). After lunch we browsed the marketplace and local stores. We found some *amazing* candied apples - see below for a pic and purchased some praline pecans... yum! Soon, I found myself in a food coma. I'm not going to lie, it was amazing! I woke up completely refreshed and ready to go... EAT MORE FOOD! haha...
Anyway, we wanted a low-key dinner so we went to a place called the Griffon (voted the best fish & chips in Charleston for a few years in a row) which was just down the road from the hotel. It was excellent. I'm sorry, there is just nothing better than fish and chips, a cold pint of beer and family. We had a wonderful dinner and then headed back to the hotel.
The next morning I ran in the Gobble Wobble 5K. A couple of things on this... a 5K was the shortest run I've done in quite some time... it was a mental change for me to only run 3 miles and not 15+. Moreover, nobody paid attention to the directions and the also "unspoken" rules of running... I will do a post on that later... Anyway, it was a pretty little run. We started at Marion Square, ran up Meeting Street until we reached the Battery and then proceeded along the Battery until King Street and finished up King until we reached Marion Square again. After meeting back up with the family, we proceeded back to the hotel, cleaned up and walked to lunch at Blossom... YUM! We proceeded to spend the rest of the day relaxing and hanging around Charleston. Early Friday morning we headed on out since we all had things to do back in Tennessee. I hope everyone else's Thanksgiving was as happy as mine was. God Bless.
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
Ok, so I got up at the crack of dawn (not really...more like 5 AM) and I was on the road to Charleston, SC. After several hours of singing along to Christmas music, and enjoying my red bull and peanut butter M&M's I rolled into Charleston. I was pretty proud of myself that I navigated my way to the hotel without directions or an address (not that I'm bragging at all... would I ever do that! haha). Anyway, upon arrival we went to S.N.O.B. (Slightly North of Broad) for lunch and it was yummy (as always!). After lunch we browsed the marketplace and local stores. We found some *amazing* candied apples - see below for a pic and purchased some praline pecans... yum! Soon, I found myself in a food coma. I'm not going to lie, it was amazing! I woke up completely refreshed and ready to go... EAT MORE FOOD! haha...
Anyway, we wanted a low-key dinner so we went to a place called the Griffon (voted the best fish & chips in Charleston for a few years in a row) which was just down the road from the hotel. It was excellent. I'm sorry, there is just nothing better than fish and chips, a cold pint of beer and family. We had a wonderful dinner and then headed back to the hotel.
The next morning I ran in the Gobble Wobble 5K. A couple of things on this... a 5K was the shortest run I've done in quite some time... it was a mental change for me to only run 3 miles and not 15+. Moreover, nobody paid attention to the directions and the also "unspoken" rules of running... I will do a post on that later... Anyway, it was a pretty little run. We started at Marion Square, ran up Meeting Street until we reached the Battery and then proceeded along the Battery until King Street and finished up King until we reached Marion Square again. After meeting back up with the family, we proceeded back to the hotel, cleaned up and walked to lunch at Blossom... YUM! We proceeded to spend the rest of the day relaxing and hanging around Charleston. Early Friday morning we headed on out since we all had things to do back in Tennessee. I hope everyone else's Thanksgiving was as happy as mine was. God Bless.
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
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| The most amazing candy apples. Ever. |
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| The Griffon, a hole-in-the-wall pub in the historic district of Charleston. Great place to go for fish and chips and a cold pint! |
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| Me after the Gobble Wobble 5K! |
Operation One Voice SOF Run - Day 5 - Mission Completed
The last day of our run dawned with beautiful weather! We had such amazing weather this year's run, sunshine, warm weather, perfect weather almost!
As we all got our stuff together and met up in the lobby for our last run as a group into Busch Gardens we all were hugging, exchanging contact information, etc. As we formed up to run in, it hit us like it does every year... this year's run was over. It is always a little bittersweet those last few miles into Busch Gardens. Each year we make amazing friends, renew old friendships and it is always sad to have to say "goodbye" until next year. Especially for some of my friends, their job is to stand between danger and us, so it is always sad for me to say goodbye knowing the danger that they willingly go into.
When we arrived in Busch Gardens, Laird with Eagle Rock gave a short, heartfelt speech. Then, General Clark stood up to give his speech. However, he did something unusual, he folded his speech and gave a heartfelt speech as well. I saw many people openly touched by what he had to say, I know I was.
After the speeches, we formed up for a last photo op and then we all dispersed. A group of us went back to the hotel to change and we headed back to the park for a few rides! For all of the years that I have run into Busch Gardens, I had never ridden any of the rides... Well that changed! We had a fun group that rode several of the rides before I had to do the 100 meter dash to the airport to make my flight! Thanks to my awesome ride for getting me there!
As always, this run shows the SOF community that their sacrifices and their dedication are not forgotten and are appreciated. It also helps to educate people about what the SOF community does and why we help. I am honored each year to be asked to run and each year I walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, dedication and pride. Purpose to guide my path. Dedication to Operation One Voice and the families and children that it helps. Pride in our Nation and in those who put themselves in harm's way so that we can continue to live a life of freedom. God Bless America.
If you are interested in learning more about Operation One Voice, click here.
Until we meet again,
JCP
As we all got our stuff together and met up in the lobby for our last run as a group into Busch Gardens we all were hugging, exchanging contact information, etc. As we formed up to run in, it hit us like it does every year... this year's run was over. It is always a little bittersweet those last few miles into Busch Gardens. Each year we make amazing friends, renew old friendships and it is always sad to have to say "goodbye" until next year. Especially for some of my friends, their job is to stand between danger and us, so it is always sad for me to say goodbye knowing the danger that they willingly go into.
When we arrived in Busch Gardens, Laird with Eagle Rock gave a short, heartfelt speech. Then, General Clark stood up to give his speech. However, he did something unusual, he folded his speech and gave a heartfelt speech as well. I saw many people openly touched by what he had to say, I know I was.
After the speeches, we formed up for a last photo op and then we all dispersed. A group of us went back to the hotel to change and we headed back to the park for a few rides! For all of the years that I have run into Busch Gardens, I had never ridden any of the rides... Well that changed! We had a fun group that rode several of the rides before I had to do the 100 meter dash to the airport to make my flight! Thanks to my awesome ride for getting me there!
As always, this run shows the SOF community that their sacrifices and their dedication are not forgotten and are appreciated. It also helps to educate people about what the SOF community does and why we help. I am honored each year to be asked to run and each year I walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, dedication and pride. Purpose to guide my path. Dedication to Operation One Voice and the families and children that it helps. Pride in our Nation and in those who put themselves in harm's way so that we can continue to live a life of freedom. God Bless America.
If you are interested in learning more about Operation One Voice, click here.
Until we meet again,
JCP
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| Running our last run as a team into Busch Gardens! |
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| Operation One Voice Special Operations Forces Run 7 - Mission Complete |
Operation One Voice SOF Run - Day 4 - Tampa, MacDill AFB, Yuengling & the Tiki Hut
Happy cyber Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! This post is picture heavy, so be forewarned!
Thursday ( 11/10) dawned and it was a beautiful, sunny day! We all hopped on the bus and rode into Tampa and we formed up near MacDill AFB. It was the first time since we began our trek on 11/7 that we had formed up as an entire team (Day Team and Night Team). It was great to see everyone again and to catch up! We formed up and then ran onto Base. Every year, this is one of the most amazing experiences. When we arrived at the SOF Memorial we found our seats and the ceremony began. I personally was seated behind a gentleman who had had a significant portion of his body burned. In fact, his guest was holding an umbrella over him as I daresay the sunlight was not healthy for his burns. The head of the SOF Veterans group came to the podium, started the ceremony, and asked all who were able to stand for the National Anthem. Many of the guests at this event were seriously wounded, for many walking was a task that seemed too difficult, but, I tell you this... every SINGLE person there stood for the National Anthem. All of the injured military then saluted as the National Anthem was played. Even thinking about this now, many weeks after seeing it makes me emotional. Please remember the next time someone plays the National Anthem, men and women who have given their time and their body for this Nation still fight today to be able to stand when asked to honor it.
After the National Anthem and the prayer, General Clark gave a very moving speech regarding Veteran's Day. These men and women (and their families) have given and dedicated so much for our continuing freedom. Please remember to thank a Veteran when you see one, trust me, the power of a simple thank you is amazingly profound. After a moving ceremony we then went for a team picture and a presentation for Bill and Laird. The team at USSOCOM had created this caricature of the OOV team running. It was truly amazing... Bill and Laird were very moved and touched by it.
We then headed to the hotel to change and then head to the Yuengling Brewery for a social! We were able to walk over from our hotel (convenient, yes?). When we arrived, as they had before, the folks at Yuengling had gone all out for us! We were able to enjoy all the varieties of their beer, enjoy each other's company, and have some great food! Next, we celebrated the birthday of the Marine Corps with all the Marines present. For me as an outsider, that is always humbling. After enjoying some cake and some more time as a team, we had a tour of the brewery (pretty cool, not going to lie!) and then we headed back to the hotel and the Tiki Hut! For those of you who haven't read my posts from last year, the Tiki Hut is the customary event on the night of 11/10 for us every year. We gather as a group, share stories of the run, of family, of whatever is important to us. We toast those we have lost from the year past and we remember the reason that we run. For us, this evening is just as important as the miles logged. This evening is our chance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice as a group. We honor them all week individually, but doing it as a group is different. After we honor and remember, we then enjoy the fellowship of our fellow runners. This year, we were all quite exhausted after the run, so I think by 10:30 we were all out for the count! I will try to post this afternoon about Day 5! See below for pics of Day 4! God Bless our Military for the freedoms they continue to fight for!
Until We Meet Again.
JCP
Thursday ( 11/10) dawned and it was a beautiful, sunny day! We all hopped on the bus and rode into Tampa and we formed up near MacDill AFB. It was the first time since we began our trek on 11/7 that we had formed up as an entire team (Day Team and Night Team). It was great to see everyone again and to catch up! We formed up and then ran onto Base. Every year, this is one of the most amazing experiences. When we arrived at the SOF Memorial we found our seats and the ceremony began. I personally was seated behind a gentleman who had had a significant portion of his body burned. In fact, his guest was holding an umbrella over him as I daresay the sunlight was not healthy for his burns. The head of the SOF Veterans group came to the podium, started the ceremony, and asked all who were able to stand for the National Anthem. Many of the guests at this event were seriously wounded, for many walking was a task that seemed too difficult, but, I tell you this... every SINGLE person there stood for the National Anthem. All of the injured military then saluted as the National Anthem was played. Even thinking about this now, many weeks after seeing it makes me emotional. Please remember the next time someone plays the National Anthem, men and women who have given their time and their body for this Nation still fight today to be able to stand when asked to honor it.
After the National Anthem and the prayer, General Clark gave a very moving speech regarding Veteran's Day. These men and women (and their families) have given and dedicated so much for our continuing freedom. Please remember to thank a Veteran when you see one, trust me, the power of a simple thank you is amazingly profound. After a moving ceremony we then went for a team picture and a presentation for Bill and Laird. The team at USSOCOM had created this caricature of the OOV team running. It was truly amazing... Bill and Laird were very moved and touched by it.
We then headed to the hotel to change and then head to the Yuengling Brewery for a social! We were able to walk over from our hotel (convenient, yes?). When we arrived, as they had before, the folks at Yuengling had gone all out for us! We were able to enjoy all the varieties of their beer, enjoy each other's company, and have some great food! Next, we celebrated the birthday of the Marine Corps with all the Marines present. For me as an outsider, that is always humbling. After enjoying some cake and some more time as a team, we had a tour of the brewery (pretty cool, not going to lie!) and then we headed back to the hotel and the Tiki Hut! For those of you who haven't read my posts from last year, the Tiki Hut is the customary event on the night of 11/10 for us every year. We gather as a group, share stories of the run, of family, of whatever is important to us. We toast those we have lost from the year past and we remember the reason that we run. For us, this evening is just as important as the miles logged. This evening is our chance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice as a group. We honor them all week individually, but doing it as a group is different. After we honor and remember, we then enjoy the fellowship of our fellow runners. This year, we were all quite exhausted after the run, so I think by 10:30 we were all out for the count! I will try to post this afternoon about Day 5! See below for pics of Day 4! God Bless our Military for the freedoms they continue to fight for!
Until We Meet Again.
JCP
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| The Team at SOCOM after the run. |
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| Marines at Yuengling celebrating their birthday! Oorah! |
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| Tiki Hut! Yes, we make T-Shirts! You don't make a T-shirt to go to your bar? |
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| Me and my friend Gavin! He just loves pics... wait, come to think of it, most of the guys aren't big on having their picture taken... apparently they are too nice to tell me no. |
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| Tiki Hut! |
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| Night Team - Tiki Hut! |
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| Sgt. Daniels. He and the other police officers drove to Florida at 6 MPH and kept us safe, so THANK YOU STEVE!!! |
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| Laird and I at the Tiki Hut! Laird is the Gentle Giant of the group! |
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| Ben and Keith from Eagle Rock! They have one of the hardest jobs, driving the bus from Atlanta to Tampa! Thanks guys! |
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| Me & Joe Kap! We started running the OOV run the same year (2007) and have been friends since. Great guy and awesome Ranger! |
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| Me & Matt at the Tiki Hut! He and the other police officers drove to Florida at 6 MPH and kept us safe, so THANK YOU MATT!!! |
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| Me and Fields at the Tiki Hut! Poor guy got stuck carrying the Guide On every time we did a PR run... great sport and awesome runner though! |
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| Me and Tom at the Tiki Hut! This guy was a running MACHINE! |
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| Joe Kap, me, Copeland, Steve and Randy Kap at the Tiki Hut! Fun guys! |
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| Poor Lil T was kidnapped and strapped to the fan! Where he will end up next is anyone's guess. |
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| The group at the Tiki Hut... every year I try for a group pic and am told no... one year... :-) |
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| Tiki Hut |
Monday, November 21, 2011
Operation One Voice SOF Run - Day 3 - Tallahassee to Chiefland
Well, Day 3 (11/9) dawned and again, we were blessed with a beautiful day! Not only were we given a beautiful day, we had time to have breakfast... a real breakfast, not just a snack bar or a beer (what, that isn't breakfast food? kidding...sort of). Anyway, it was quite nice that we got to sit down, as a team, enjoy food, laughs and each other's company before we formed up to run to the Florida Capitol.
We were joined by our fellow Operation One Voice Member and former team-member Mike Terhune (can't wait until he joins us again next year!). We had an amazing escort of police (thanks Gavin & Jordan) and fire (thanks Mike & Bob). We met up in a parking lot a bit away from the Capitol and had a chance to stretch and kill some time... Well, you know me... Last year, Mike arranged for me to be able to slide down the firepole at the station... this year, they let me push the button to turn on the lights and siren (I know, they also let first graders do that, but to me it was a BIG deal). And then... I was allowed to climb up into the basket... um, yes, if you are asking yourself "How awesome was that?" the answer is *AWESOME!!!!* (the pic is below). My year was totally made! Way to go TFD.
We then ran into the Florida Capitol which is apparently known for being a unique shape...don't ask... anyway, members of the team were asked for interviews, which were gladly given and then we all hopped on the Budweiser / Eagle Rock 1 Bus and headed to Walmart, because what else are you going to do when you are riding on a Budweiser bus with Special Operations Forces? My thoughts exactly... thus we all went inside, utilized the facilities (Thank you Walmart!) and got the stuff for the shrimp boil that night (OOV tradition!). Of course, being the planners that we are... we sort of forgot about the time and then realized that we had to be up the road... in a hurry! This happens every year and every year we are shocked by it! Anyway, the plan was to do a group run with selected persons for a bit... well, we realized that we also needed someone to drive the minivan while Bill, Laird, Tom, Steve, Chris and Joe were running... thus, I rode with JR, Matt and Steve D. in the Duluth PD truck! I'm not going to lie, while we were driving (aka hurrying) down the road, we had a karaoke dance party in the Police truck... if that is a sentence you never thought you would hear, trust me that is one I never thought I would say! But we had a blast singing, laughing and just goofing off!
Thus, we all had our chance to run that day (the heat by then had started taking a toll). After running, we started congregating at the hotel we were to spend the night at. Laird, Keith and Ben started firing up the pan and we started cutting bread, having some beers, gossiping and having a good old time. The shrimp went in with some garlic, olive oil, butter and lemon juice! Were they delicious! Thank you Laird, Keith & Ben! Well, we were all enjoying some (several) beers, some Jack Daniels, and some shrimp when someone started doing the math (don't you hate when that happens?). Well, we had one runner out on the road and we were about 30 minutes away from him stopping and we were out of "fresh legs on the ground"... thus I volunteered myself (in retrospect, not my smartest decision) to run again for a bit... If ever you are wondering what the wonder food of running is, I can't tell you that, but I can tell you what it is not... beer (lots of it), shrimp and whiskey. Thus, I hitched a ride out to Randy who was running and the police truck, told them my *brilliant plan*, they laughed, asked if I was kidding (at this point I'm still thinking it was a good idea), and I stretched and started running... Well, according to my Garmin watch I did another 13.5 miles that night on beer, shrimp and whiskey. While it didn't feel very good, I had great support from Steve D. & Matt B. in the Police truck! They kept me hydrated and pumped up with some awesome tunes! It was also really nice to just "Forrest Gump" it...outside... at night and have time to really reflect on why we were running.
When my run was finished I headed back to the hotel, found my room, showered and rested up for the next day! Stay tuned for Day 4 - MacDill AFB, Happy Birthday Marine Corps, Yuengling Brewery, and Tiki Hut!
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
We were joined by our fellow Operation One Voice Member and former team-member Mike Terhune (can't wait until he joins us again next year!). We had an amazing escort of police (thanks Gavin & Jordan) and fire (thanks Mike & Bob). We met up in a parking lot a bit away from the Capitol and had a chance to stretch and kill some time... Well, you know me... Last year, Mike arranged for me to be able to slide down the firepole at the station... this year, they let me push the button to turn on the lights and siren (I know, they also let first graders do that, but to me it was a BIG deal). And then... I was allowed to climb up into the basket... um, yes, if you are asking yourself "How awesome was that?" the answer is *AWESOME!!!!* (the pic is below). My year was totally made! Way to go TFD.
We then ran into the Florida Capitol which is apparently known for being a unique shape...don't ask... anyway, members of the team were asked for interviews, which were gladly given and then we all hopped on the Budweiser / Eagle Rock 1 Bus and headed to Walmart, because what else are you going to do when you are riding on a Budweiser bus with Special Operations Forces? My thoughts exactly... thus we all went inside, utilized the facilities (Thank you Walmart!) and got the stuff for the shrimp boil that night (OOV tradition!). Of course, being the planners that we are... we sort of forgot about the time and then realized that we had to be up the road... in a hurry! This happens every year and every year we are shocked by it! Anyway, the plan was to do a group run with selected persons for a bit... well, we realized that we also needed someone to drive the minivan while Bill, Laird, Tom, Steve, Chris and Joe were running... thus, I rode with JR, Matt and Steve D. in the Duluth PD truck! I'm not going to lie, while we were driving (aka hurrying) down the road, we had a karaoke dance party in the Police truck... if that is a sentence you never thought you would hear, trust me that is one I never thought I would say! But we had a blast singing, laughing and just goofing off!
Thus, we all had our chance to run that day (the heat by then had started taking a toll). After running, we started congregating at the hotel we were to spend the night at. Laird, Keith and Ben started firing up the pan and we started cutting bread, having some beers, gossiping and having a good old time. The shrimp went in with some garlic, olive oil, butter and lemon juice! Were they delicious! Thank you Laird, Keith & Ben! Well, we were all enjoying some (several) beers, some Jack Daniels, and some shrimp when someone started doing the math (don't you hate when that happens?). Well, we had one runner out on the road and we were about 30 minutes away from him stopping and we were out of "fresh legs on the ground"... thus I volunteered myself (in retrospect, not my smartest decision) to run again for a bit... If ever you are wondering what the wonder food of running is, I can't tell you that, but I can tell you what it is not... beer (lots of it), shrimp and whiskey. Thus, I hitched a ride out to Randy who was running and the police truck, told them my *brilliant plan*, they laughed, asked if I was kidding (at this point I'm still thinking it was a good idea), and I stretched and started running... Well, according to my Garmin watch I did another 13.5 miles that night on beer, shrimp and whiskey. While it didn't feel very good, I had great support from Steve D. & Matt B. in the Police truck! They kept me hydrated and pumped up with some awesome tunes! It was also really nice to just "Forrest Gump" it...outside... at night and have time to really reflect on why we were running.
When my run was finished I headed back to the hotel, found my room, showered and rested up for the next day! Stay tuned for Day 4 - MacDill AFB, Happy Birthday Marine Corps, Yuengling Brewery, and Tiki Hut!
Until We Meet Again,
JCP
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| Our amazing support team in Tallahassee! Thanks, guys! |
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| Yes... that is me... in a Fire Engine Basket.... who's excited oh that would be me!!! |
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| Group Run - Tom, Bill, Chris, Steve, Joe and Laird |
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| Group Run |
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| More running... it was at the gas station that we were chilling at that we saw ridiculous amounts of camo... I saw a 2 month old in camo... seriously, a 2 month old? Come on now... |
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| Laird and his "spill proof cup"... don't ask... |
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| Laird & Keith hard at work... I think that is a jar of garlic... we had no worries about vampires that night! |
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| When Laird said the magic words, "Chow's ready!"... hey, we had been running all week! |
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| Beer, shrimp and friends... some new friends, some old friends, but at the end of the day, friends. What could be better? |
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| Second Helping? Don't mind if I do! |
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