tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53183088392954788382024-03-06T14:02:54.146-06:00Former Action GuyWar Stories and Random Thoughtsmikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-41836112034897049482022-12-31T14:19:00.002-06:002023-01-03T20:24:09.010-06:002022 By The Numbers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzhRLlWcjxosupHr9dSrxPX1_PB1zJKIlbke6ux3ur4CcQ3HWikHgyvf6FocZMI7CfcnKOLPgrGiRYHVzLrufWzfkMDl_hEy8Qqy_TBTf-Juhnk19T6Q5h65SVUqhsmCq_X5dfWlJfwrNnfBcJjsVAMOPIxL9JofulKFgF0bKotKnfh5NQx4jOTtE4Q/s209/index.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="209" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzhRLlWcjxosupHr9dSrxPX1_PB1zJKIlbke6ux3ur4CcQ3HWikHgyvf6FocZMI7CfcnKOLPgrGiRYHVzLrufWzfkMDl_hEy8Qqy_TBTf-Juhnk19T6Q5h65SVUqhsmCq_X5dfWlJfwrNnfBcJjsVAMOPIxL9JofulKFgF0bKotKnfh5NQx4jOTtE4Q/w400-h234/index.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The blog has been pretty silent this year. I hope to do more writing next year and maybe use this space to preview a few projects. However I can't miss this yearly post as it was my Mothers favorite. Anyway my past year by the numbers:<p></p><p><br /></p><p><u><b> Shoot</b></u></p><p>I don't just use this section for shooting but more for training in general . </p><p>I attended a Closed Guard BJJ Seminar at Pella BJJ.</p><p>I attended and passed a 2 day National Outdoor Leadership School Wilderness EMT recertification course.</p><p>I attended Shivwork's Extreme Close Quarters Concepts for the 3rd or 4th time. Tons of takeaways as usual.</p><p>I attended The Personal Defense Network's Home Defense Tactics.</p><p>I attended and passed Tom Given's Rangemaster 3 day Instructor Development Course.</p><p>I attended Resilience Developments Practical Shotgun Course </p><p></p><p>I was lead instructor for :</p><p>3 Casualty Care Medical Classes</p><p>18 Permit to Carry Weapons Courses</p><p>3 Introduction to Defensive Pistol Courses</p><p>1 Intuitive Defensive Carbine Course</p><p>1 Knife Control Concepts Course</p><p>5 Intuitive Defensive Shooting Courses</p><p>15 Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Pediatric Life Support Courses</p><p><u><b>Move</b></u></p><p>I hiked,walked and biked a little over 300 miles this year. I am mostly constrained to those activities due to my left knee injury rearing its ugly head again this year. Just trying to lessen the impact.</p><p>I trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Defensive Tactics a little over 159 hours this year. I helped coach the kids program for the 4th or 5th year. I received my Purple belt after 6 years of training this past summer. I am starting to teach my own adult class at our Academy in 2023. As most people do I wish I would have started training earlier in life. But as they say the best time to start training is when you are young and the second best time is now.</p><p>I maintained a pretty consistent workout schedule of 2-3 times per week. Mostly hiking,stationary bike and BJJ for cardio. I used Kettlebells and Sandbags for strength training. My weight ballooned up to the high end at 223 lbs earlier this year. My weight is directly tied to my love of food. As my discipline in that regards waned my weight increased. I started being a little more disciplined a few months ago and am back down to around 207 lbs with a goal of 190 lbs in 2023. <br /></p><p><b><u>Communicate</u></b></p><p>As I mentioned I have been light on the writing this year. I did write a few blogposts but my big accomplishment was getting published in a real live book. I contributed to a Public Safety Anthology entitled <b>Perspectives, </b>help a brother out and buy it on Amazon .</p><p>I taught hundreds of hours this year. I taught as an adjunct at the University of Iowa Emergency Medical Services Learning Center and accepted a full time position there as of 2023.I also taught at Kirkwood Community College as an adjunct. I quit my FT job as a Paramedic to start teaching more and start that glide path to retirement. I plan on still working PT as a medic in the years to come or perhaps as a volunteer. </p><p><b><u>Miscellaneous </u></b></p><p>222 EMS calls ran</p><p>200 odd hours as a reserve police officer</p><p>40 years since joining the US Army</p><p>35 years married</p><p>34 years since Ranger School Graduation</p><p>32 years since SFQC Graduation</p><p> 28 books read this year</p><p>18 years since Army retirement</p><p>16 years since starting EMS</p><p>9 Audiobooks finished <br /></p><p>8 years as a Paramedic</p><p>This blog is 12 years old</p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p>Be an asset not a liability. See ya next year</p><p><br /></p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-54083249757451312502022-11-15T21:55:00.001-06:002022-11-15T21:55:21.489-06:00Be An Asset<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3PAvZAHAo0GM01tlgAa2cen-vrv-cbdmfPgOHQcam-vlPIr7Iw7qD-_3D_cMg7eW5c_Z5QgXd3KY8TXPu6s85CBT261H40XqDuGM-t-jjn19qEx28HDQbIVuIW4jagQDjN6BWaj4JO1gsMxD9aTdehTKVmdiwdjtzOIClgHSvxH8S499fvHftPq75dA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3PAvZAHAo0GM01tlgAa2cen-vrv-cbdmfPgOHQcam-vlPIr7Iw7qD-_3D_cMg7eW5c_Z5QgXd3KY8TXPu6s85CBT261H40XqDuGM-t-jjn19qEx28HDQbIVuIW4jagQDjN6BWaj4JO1gsMxD9aTdehTKVmdiwdjtzOIClgHSvxH8S499fvHftPq75dA" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>When I teach any kind of skill, I often tell folks it needs to become automated. We start off any skill development cycle with unconscious incompetence , we don’t know what we don’t know. Eventually we realize that we need to acquire a particular skill that we don’t currently possess. This is conscious incompetence. After some expenditure of time, effort and energy we acquire the skill but it talks all our focus to perform it correctly. This is conscious competence. After much reputation and practice we become unconsciously competent. The skill is performed effortlessly with seemingly no thought. It merely happens as if by magic. Think of all the skills in your life you perform to this degree. Now think of all the skills you want to and practice. #holisticselfdefense #beanassetnotaliability </p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-19371833965022267722022-04-14T17:11:00.005-05:002022-04-14T17:11:55.774-05:00The Mighty Mighty Buck Knife<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHlpFdaLUAelsN3mCVy07rNU-cyuGJjPKhsmv7cCD_jFQpG96s73uKnHshQNyMCkvin3OvrO4uYSYmnyasZ8LaPupAwRGQM8ASLTMgUSysRDTz8m_Zq9O03VYNsRYj4X_Elh46mh97Xtml1NND9ZUGMD_5UWkhQdLU4LHdlLtVPRkBJbImn0KnRWVMA/s500/86ca64c2-0897-4587-84bf-43a2cb636309_1.7be75bc3fbd2716f775f35ef4fedc568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHlpFdaLUAelsN3mCVy07rNU-cyuGJjPKhsmv7cCD_jFQpG96s73uKnHshQNyMCkvin3OvrO4uYSYmnyasZ8LaPupAwRGQM8ASLTMgUSysRDTz8m_Zq9O03VYNsRYj4X_Elh46mh97Xtml1NND9ZUGMD_5UWkhQdLU4LHdlLtVPRkBJbImn0KnRWVMA/w400-h400/86ca64c2-0897-4587-84bf-43a2cb636309_1.7be75bc3fbd2716f775f35ef4fedc568.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From 1995 to 1998 I was a Military Freefall Instructor in Company B, 2nd Battalion 1st SWTG(A). More commonly known as the "HALO" Committee. At the time this was a joint service school and we had students from every part of the Special Operations Community. Army Green Berets and Rangers, Navy SEALS, Air Force PJ,CCT,SOW, Marine Force Reconnaissance, and Foreign Allies. It was a great environment and probably one of the best if not the best job I ever had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I managed to teach in all 3 courses during my time there. I was a Basic Course instructor teaching the new generation of Military Freefall Parachutists how to do the thing. I was a Jumpmaster Course instructor teaching experienced parachutists how to successfully plan and execute HALO/HAHO infiltrations and sending them back to their units as subject matter experts. Finally I finished up my tour as an Advance Course Instructor, training and evaluating the next generation of MFF Instructors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like all good things my time eventually came to an end and I got orders to do a permanent change of station move to 1st Battalion 10th Special Forces Group (A) in Germany. One day, as I was out processing in the company headquarters a friend of mine Jeff pulled me aside. Jeff was a senior instructor and one of my mentors. He was originally from 1st Group and I think this was his second time on the HALO committee. Jeff said " Hey I want to give you something." He handed me a small box. I opened it up and inside the box was a small little folding knife. It was worn and scratched. It looked like it had just came out of your Grandpa's pocket and been placed in the box. The only thing on it was the word "Buck" engraved along the spine of the blade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeff said" When I was a junior weapons NCO my Team Sergeant gave me that knife. He gave it to me because he thought someday I would be a good Team Sergeant. He said the only rule was I had to pass it along someday. Well I'm giving it to you. You have done good things here. I know you will do good things for the Regiment. There is only one rule, when the time comes you have to pass it along."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't know what to say. It was a heartfelt gesture between warriors and co workers. I thanked Jeff and shook his hand. I left with the little box containing the Mighty Mighty Buck Knife in my hand. I never saw Jeff again after that. That's how it is in the military sometimes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I moved to Germany and rotated through many assignments within 1st Battalion. Senior Weapons Sergeant, Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant, Battalion Operations NCO and Interim Team Sergeant for a Deployment. I always had the buck knife in my ruck. I became promotable to Master Sergeant about the same time I was due to rotate back to 10th Group Main at Fort Carson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I showed up to Fort Carson I was assigned as the Team Sergeant of the 3rd Battalion Military Freefall ODA. That was in September of 2001. As you can imagine the years and months after my arrival were busy. Multiple deployments both real world and for training. My career culminated with a behind the lines combat infiltration into Northern Iraq in 2003. My team conducted many missions during our time in Iraq and everywhere we went the Mighty Mighty Buck Knife was with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upon our return I dropped my retirement paperwork and started to get ready to transition out of the military after 22 years. Another MSG took over my team and they allowed me to take some college and basically ghost while the rest of the unit was preparing to go back overseas. But I had one more thing to do before I left for civilian life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One day I caught Ian, my junior communications NCO, in the hallway. I said "Ian, come on back to the loading dock I have something for you." We walked behind the company to the loading dock and I handed him the little box. He opened it up and looked at me puzzled. I told him the story of the Mighty Mighty Buck Knife. I said" You are the youngest guy on the team. You kept a level head and did a good job in Iraq. I think someday you will make a good Team Sergeant. The only rule is you have to pass it along" He nodded and we shook hands. He went back to the team room and I got in my car and went home. I never saw Ian again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Its been almost 18 years since that conversation. I hope somewhere the Mighty Mighty Buck Knife is still out there kicking ass.</div><br /> <p></p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-68661470528701269332021-12-27T14:02:00.006-06:002021-12-27T14:02:59.102-06:002021 By The Numbers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZMsdHmDCyyBDG12u05AMmLMdBvBdJOWQS0OSHwy3pidOogAXyeZoapi0RAjzsF5Baf3TMqv8LpraZA5vpKw-0v5rv5sRtANZVYMiJI6zxGx15xnIGi-DBX5VWD7CeeIehxTrvX4YwNjs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="310" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZMsdHmDCyyBDG12u05AMmLMdBvBdJOWQS0OSHwy3pidOogAXyeZoapi0RAjzsF5Baf3TMqv8LpraZA5vpKw-0v5rv5sRtANZVYMiJI6zxGx15xnIGi-DBX5VWD7CeeIehxTrvX4YwNjs/" width="320" /></a></div>I almost didn't do this post this year. I have generally neglected the blog in favor of sites like Instagram, Facebook etc... but I lost my Mother this past July and she always asked about and enjoyed my yearly numerical recount. So this is for you Mom<p></p><p><br /></p><p><u><b>Shoot Move and Communicate</b>- </u> Fitness was a general failure this year. There were some high points like consistent BJJ training but otherwise I need to do better in 2022</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Goal</b> 700 miles run,bike or hike- Actual just over 320 miles. Not the best I have ever done. I just lost interest this year. </p><p><b>Goal</b> 36 30 minute dryfire or range sessions- Actual 36. I met this goal so that's good. But this is also counting some 8 hour classes.</p><p><b>Goal</b> 208 workouts of over 30 minutes- Actual 210. Just barely made it</p><p><b>Goal</b> 104 yoga sessions- Actual 5. LOL not even close. My doctor says I need to do this to help my sore back. So I need to do this.</p><p><b>Goal</b> 2500 PU,10000SU,10000PU- Actual unsure the amount as I lost the total sometime around September in an app crash. But I was well under the goal. Also lost interest</p><p><b>Goal </b>104 hours BJJ and 24 Hours No Gi BJJ- Actual 134 hours total with 26 hours of No Gi. Yes met my goal.</p><p><b>Classes attended</b>- 10 pretty eclectic mix of medical, survival, shooting and fighting</p><p>Knife Control Concepts ID-Aaron Janetti</p><p>EWO- Craig Douglas</p><p>EMS Instructor Update</p><p>GST1 Recertification- Gracie University</p><p>ECQC-Craig Douglas</p><p>Webinar Grappling in a Weapons' Based Environment- Cecil Burch</p><p>Two Person Armed Defense-Rob Pincus</p><p>Pathfinder School Basic Survival Course- Dave Canterbury</p><p>Glock Armorer- Glock Staff</p><p>Next Level Pistol- Mike Anderson</p><p><b><u>Work-</u></b></p><p><b>266</b> EMS calls</p><p><b>170</b> hours Reserve PD</p><p><b>68 </b>individual courses taught- Subjects ranging from 2 hours seminars on how to clean a firearm to 16 weeks Emergency Medical Technician curriculum. Including Pistol, Rifle, Medical, Knife defense, Grappling, Managing Unknown Contacts and Permit to Carry</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Leisure-</u></b></p><p><b>Goal-</b> Read 20 books. Only managed to finish 15 this year</p><p><b>Goal- </b>Listen to 10 audiobooks. Crushed this one with 14</p><p><b>Goal- </b>Write 12 blogposts and/or 2 articles. Although I have well over 12 blogposts. I didn't really "write" any. Mostly pictures posted with a few lines. Definitely not as prolific as I was a few years ago. Ill try to put pen to paper this year. </p><p><br /></p><p>That's a wrap I guess. I lost a lot of my statistics in that app crash. I downloaded a new one to keep track of things in 2022. Love you Mom hope you enjoyed it. </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><br /></h3>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-82560210850110868572021-09-11T09:17:00.002-05:002021-09-11T09:17:15.008-05:00To Be or To Do<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JhvQRWt8-lKAtGWQBegQxGxKtYgbCLJpKGLMPF6QBi_IgGl4bC1xlgxar4b0c-skDX8UC7I1bKP2Pf8YIGfQNc-f7U7pbjI-2IHb74pHpunUhc5xeRnmYUsBG3dYoVRHH7MmBkGinJHR/s256/to+be+or+to+do.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="256" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JhvQRWt8-lKAtGWQBegQxGxKtYgbCLJpKGLMPF6QBi_IgGl4bC1xlgxar4b0c-skDX8UC7I1bKP2Pf8YIGfQNc-f7U7pbjI-2IHb74pHpunUhc5xeRnmYUsBG3dYoVRHH7MmBkGinJHR/w400-h267/to+be+or+to+do.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Colonel John Boyd was famous for being a legendary fighter pilot and for popularizing his famous OODA loop theory of human cognition. Colonel Boyd was also famous for other things, like his questioning of authority and the fact he never made General. He once challenged us to <a href="https://dnipogo.org/john-r-boyd/to-be-or-to-do/" target="_blank">Be or to Do</a>. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Boyd said "To be somebody or to do something. In life there is often a roll call. That's when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What did he mean by this? Boyd was trying to say that we can be somebody, gain recognition and be a big shot or we can do something and make positive change. They are not mutually exclusive but they are not the same thing. Many of us, myself included, will fall into a trap of trying to chase that next promotion or the next best thing. we will worry about what others think of us and try to impress them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The famous Roman Emperor and Stoic Marcus Aurelius' said " It never ceases to amaze me: we love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than our own." We often agonize over what people think of us when really they are not thinking of us at all. We can continue to try and impress those that barely notice or we can do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We can<b> do</b> by effecting positive change. The US Army Special Forces call themselves "The Quiet Professionals." USASF conducts hundreds of missions globally in support of the National Command Authority objectives and they consider it mission success if no one even knows they were there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So are we to be about impressing others or are we to devote our life to leaving things better than we found them? Are we to spend our time accumulating wealth and accolades or strengthening our bodies, minds and families?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On this, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks choose to do, be a quiet professional.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-42124729065645615542021-07-30T16:24:00.005-05:002021-07-30T16:30:24.978-05:00Sharron McElmeel Great Grand-Grandmother, Grand-Mother, Mother, Wife, and Literary Warrior 13 Sep 1942- 26 July 2021<p> Buried my Mother today. Here is the Eulogy I read. So many nice things were said. I can't even begin to encapsulate what she meant to me. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagEaO0PNxGsjuWqfkWVa69m7zp3Ljghd_VrxniGNQ6fxrXL-Rs6smOVQkP4PQAc_wixIJ_rDO18_GZAJv94ubjO5B-bzzRc17Zu-ml89KE2oRArrk8FR97GrmgO5yhqvPKzJe5UkPvCO1/s2040/IMG_4912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagEaO0PNxGsjuWqfkWVa69m7zp3Ljghd_VrxniGNQ6fxrXL-Rs6smOVQkP4PQAc_wixIJ_rDO18_GZAJv94ubjO5B-bzzRc17Zu-ml89KE2oRArrk8FR97GrmgO5yhqvPKzJe5UkPvCO1/s320/IMG_4912.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFWzSW2hIPeFHBkMmAZ5z6P1ep0F4IrHZYk0YThzjFc7R-8MpQWltvvxtWfxMfruBAOjw74-HhgU_5xpSsHtYBgLcJqd0nmnp2HZ6AO1i7LQq4fHhr2cSXQGxf84e3oFvwDMrZHsztqZ9/s960/IMG_4915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="960" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFWzSW2hIPeFHBkMmAZ5z6P1ep0F4IrHZYk0YThzjFc7R-8MpQWltvvxtWfxMfruBAOjw74-HhgU_5xpSsHtYBgLcJqd0nmnp2HZ6AO1i7LQq4fHhr2cSXQGxf84e3oFvwDMrZHsztqZ9/s320/IMG_4915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UMF3sjnrPcxGFEl67Cc_rBL6DeS6-r0Gl7iYLXXWWc7bvBaPojh-we08Xktd1puo_fZTFiM3eVGhBrZyh7bime6H_jtcAqb0ayX4LsXghUselx0SUK8YdKO8IwoesZCeu-2ytdy_08V_/s333/IMG_4821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="333" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UMF3sjnrPcxGFEl67Cc_rBL6DeS6-r0Gl7iYLXXWWc7bvBaPojh-we08Xktd1puo_fZTFiM3eVGhBrZyh7bime6H_jtcAqb0ayX4LsXghUselx0SUK8YdKO8IwoesZCeu-2ytdy_08V_/s320/IMG_4821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6RASgw5GEb75Jq4qxeqs-JJ3tmH3phnuXQzdKmiWycvf_n0r3mLKfpA7GboxVKEYe-B5Rc_Eh0-cw64FpDg6T1AQhnT832SLQ7o-GOqeQYpURSs2rdncin0p6q4FmRJpfyigbq6xEhg/s960/IMG_4826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6RASgw5GEb75Jq4qxeqs-JJ3tmH3phnuXQzdKmiWycvf_n0r3mLKfpA7GboxVKEYe-B5Rc_Eh0-cw64FpDg6T1AQhnT832SLQ7o-GOqeQYpURSs2rdncin0p6q4FmRJpfyigbq6xEhg/s320/IMG_4826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nJa5kACXxkJzdkkspKGI7FGnjoPJomezDZySNFKCg5SIeKM7ZTPpSSHV2CXWrF3wP5u89jbzxV8Hb3LwVbArFAhUkAbuLJNV-JmNChgnjrEIFTdtFE0DvkdiJL3E4uUmGF-rDE1BrHNM/s960/IMG_4781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nJa5kACXxkJzdkkspKGI7FGnjoPJomezDZySNFKCg5SIeKM7ZTPpSSHV2CXWrF3wP5u89jbzxV8Hb3LwVbArFAhUkAbuLJNV-JmNChgnjrEIFTdtFE0DvkdiJL3E4uUmGF-rDE1BrHNM/s320/IMG_4781.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><br /><p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a7e52058-7fff-89dc-cbcd-6c4f2828736f" style="font-weight: normal;"></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-a7e52058-7fff-89dc-cbcd-6c4f2828736f" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eulogy</span></b></p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a7e52058-7fff-89dc-cbcd-6c4f2828736f" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“You will give yourself relief, if you do every act of your life </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as if it was your last-”Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book II</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">My Mother lived a life worth living. She touched so many lives </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">you would be hard pressed to find them all. Through her many activities </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as an Educator, Literacy advocate, Champion of those that couldn’t </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">champion for themselves,Wife, Mother, Grand-Mother and Great-Grandmother. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She was always trying to gently nudge people to be a better </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">version of themselves. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember when I was 4 or 5 years old and she brought home </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">discarded Dick and Jane Books and started teaching me to read.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember when I was in elementary school and she took </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">me to Pizza Hut to get my very own personal pan pizza for finishing </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the Book It Summer reading challenge. I was so excited!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember not being able to get away with anything in </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">High School because she was the head Media Specialist </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">at that High School.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her showing me the albums in that same library. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The music I listened to then has colored my musical tastes to this day. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember how angry she was when I joined the Army. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">We argued. She wanted me to get an education and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">she thought I was making a mistake.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I also remember how proud she was of my career </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and all the questions she had about places I lived. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember how proud she was of me when I finally got that education. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">When I received my Masters Degree she had my diplomas, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">all my diplomas matted in a huge display at what must have </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">been a significant expense. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her constantly helping my children navigate through life’s issues. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">They would regularly call Grandma for help often before calling me. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her refusing to give any of those same children any </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Christmas or Birthday present other than a book. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“Readers are leaders Michael..she would say”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her turning every conversation back to children's literature.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> “Hey did you know XYZ author wrote a book about this? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">No Mother but why don't you tell me</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember many political discussions. My mother and I were </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">opposed to many things politically and sometimes it got heated </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">but never disrespectful and she always listened to my side </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">sometimes even changing her mind.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her talking about her trip to Switzerland for years afterward.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">For a small town girl from Iowa it must have been an exciting experience. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember people asking her “ How can you have 6 only children” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It was obvious she treated us all with her full attention every time. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember her excitedly talking about her Grand-children and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Great Grand-Child. It was another chance for her to personally </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">influence young lives. It was her mission for them to not </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">accept the boundaries they set for themselves. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember talking to her 2 weeks ago. The last time I talked to her </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">she was in the basement because of a tornado warning. I had called </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to see if she was ok. She assured me she was fine, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I told her to stay safe and we hung up. It was a short conversation. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I wish it would have been longer. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I remember this past Wednesday. I was hiking with my dog and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I thought of her every time I saw a butterfly or purple flowers.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Your Mother is always with you! ©</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">By: Deborah R Culver</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the fragrance of life itself.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s your breath in the air on a cold winters’ day.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She is Christmas morning.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Your mother lives inside your laughter.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s the place you come from, your first home.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s the map you follow with every step you take.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">She’s your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But nothing on Earth can separate you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Not time.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 14pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Not space.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Not even death.</span></p></b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><p></p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-72787869365319100562021-06-13T13:18:00.002-05:002021-06-13T13:25:31.898-05:00Ego<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1thMt6vDutBOewIM9Mf5t7P9L4i67vTYin91wMqGiWsPhIuIz_HJ98xseyp8-MPSyjN0w9ZXOyVxYmKS7aAgWAK56VS7cDQgZoF-eYy_7sytBe1o6EUI6k9EqQ1zWoKzQgTOZq4PaPSw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1thMt6vDutBOewIM9Mf5t7P9L4i67vTYin91wMqGiWsPhIuIz_HJ98xseyp8-MPSyjN0w9ZXOyVxYmKS7aAgWAK56VS7cDQgZoF-eYy_7sytBe1o6EUI6k9EqQ1zWoKzQgTOZq4PaPSw/w317-h400/image.png" width="317" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>A few weeks ago I was in a very dark place. I don't often let life get to me and outwardly people would say I appear to have my shit together. But internally I allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the totality of my perceived failures. </p><p><br /></p><p>What are those failures? I felt like I wasn't progressing professionally, intellectually or athletically. I have attended some training classes in the last 6 months where I perceived I didn't met my own standards. I am doing a job I love but maybe there is no where to go from there? My workouts are no less intense, however the volume is waning, as recovery is not only essential but mandatory to maintain the status quo. I have essentially quit running, an activity I used to be obsessed with. Ultimately I felt that at 57 years old I have peaked and things will never progress farther. After a literal lifetime of setting and conquering goals I am struggling to keep from sliding back down the hill. This is very hard to accept. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>"The more we value things out of our control the less control we have-Marcus Aurelius"</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>I became acquainted with Stoic philosophy a few years ago and have read most of the famous texts. I try to apply the tenets to my life the best I can. As happens to all of us while seeking self improvement I tend to do this imperfectly. After moping about for a few days I realized my descent into depression was all due to EGO. I was feeling down because of what I perceived others thought of me and my failings. What I realized is that I cannot control others perceptions of me. Quite honestly the majority of people are too worried about their own life and problems to think about me at all. Those friends and family that reached out to me were kind and uplifting. My entire focus was wrong. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>"We suffer more in imagination than reality-Seneca"</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>Making a conscious effort to control the EGO has been liberating the last few weeks. Trying very hard to no longer care what others think about me but to continue down the path as best I can has lightened my mood and increased my enjoyment of the day to day. A small example, I have always had body image issues. I have not been gifted with the most natural physique or most athletic skills. I have worked hard over the years to maintain fitness and develop skills. But genetics being what they are age and time have blessed me with what most would call a "Dad Bod". Recently I mowed my yard with my shirt off because it was hot. No big deal right? To me that was huge. I can count on my fingers the times in my life when I have been in public without a shirt on after the age of 10. I decided to not care what others thought. I quit worrying about what I couldn't control ( their thoughts) and worried about what I could control ( my comfort). Its a small step further down the path. </p><p>I will continue to fail going forward but as Ryan Holiday said in his book <u>Ego is the Enemy, </u>the work is enough. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifat_usR1E33aiu3LjZEnAsmLceKhxgwPbe-ZcMd1y8G8j-40wPM86NU96txJznWdF-TXMXUmhsZtFm-nkVQYfEUxvMCjI44THQ8KCzN26G7g4WMMleZV7LEq1dJeCWUC64-UdWXAiiu34/s1200/IMG_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifat_usR1E33aiu3LjZEnAsmLceKhxgwPbe-ZcMd1y8G8j-40wPM86NU96txJznWdF-TXMXUmhsZtFm-nkVQYfEUxvMCjI44THQ8KCzN26G7g4WMMleZV7LEq1dJeCWUC64-UdWXAiiu34/w224-h640/IMG_3100.JPG" width="224" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Lato; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></p><p><br /></p><p><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Lato; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-76299824489909410602021-01-17T17:15:00.002-06:002021-01-17T17:15:52.846-06:00Blog update<p> In an attempt to contextualize and revitalize my literary output I will be stopping the mission creep here at the Former Action Guy Blog. Going forward this blog will only contain "War Stories and Random Thoughts"</p><p><br /></p><p>To follow my instructional posts go to <a href="http://www.eighteenzulu.blogspot.com" target="_blank">www.eighteenzulu.blogspot.com</a></p><p> </p><p> To see posts on my personal training go to <a href="https://formeractionguytraining.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://formeractionguytraining.blogspot.com/</a></p><p> </p><p>Ciao <br /></p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-23653885805667307392020-12-31T19:12:00.001-06:002020-12-31T19:30:44.618-06:002020 By the Numbers<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <img alt="2020: Scam alert over how we write the year in France" src="https://www.connexionfrance.com/var/connexion/storage/images/_aliases/articleimage/media/images/2020-jpeg/962791-1-eng-GB/2020-jpeg.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> Seventh annual yearly numbers recap</div>
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<b><u>Physical activity</u></b></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <b>500.00 </b>miles ran,rucked or walked. Did not hit my goal of 1000 miles.That's about 238 less miles than last year. My movement suffered this year for a lot of reasons. None of them that are good excuses. Making my goal 700 miles for next year with a pie in the sky goal of 1000.</div>
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<b>192 </b>workouts that's an average of 3.69 a week, Did not hit my goal of 4 workouts per week. Going to keep this goal the same, I think it is attainable.<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>5330 </b>push-ups,<b>5335</b> sit-ups,<b>2320</b> burpees and <b>1127 pullups </b>for the year. None of these hit my goals. The Derecho we had really put a cabash on things due to the loss of my Garage gym. Still no excuse I was just lazy. The original goal was 10,000 pushups and situps , 5000 Burpees and 2500 Pullups. I hit those goals in 2019 so I will keep this goal for next year . </div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>113 </b>BJJ sessions and <b>210.50</b> hours of training. That's an
average of 2.17 sessions/4.04 hours per week. Hit my goal of at least 2
session per week. My unbroken attendance streak was stopped at 137 weeks due to COVID shutdown. I
will keep this goal at 2 times per week.</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>21 </b>No Gi BJJ training sessions for the year. My original goal was
2 session per month. I averaged 1.75 times. I will keep this goal the
same.</div>
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</div>No BJJ Competitions or Go Ruck events this year. I am probably done with both of those. No races either due to COVID cancellations<br /><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<b><u>Mental Activity and Personal Training</u></b></div>
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<b>13</b> books read. My goal was 20. I will keep this goal the same. </div>
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<br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>11 </b>Audiobooks listened to. My goal was 10. I'll keep this goal the same.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>BJJ Seminar conducted by 7 time World Champion Xande Ribiero <br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Shivworks Edged Weapons Overview Class</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Land the Plane class ( my 11th time attending this curriculum)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Minnesota CCW Class (renewal)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Wilderness Upgrade for the Medical Professional ( Certified as a Wilderness EMT)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Shivworks Vehicle Combatives and Tactics Course</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Flight Medic Course ( Not complete yet)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I didn't get a pure shooting course in this year due to COVID. Hopefully next year. Plan to continue the Flight PM class, attend ECQC and EWO again as well take a basic survival class as a refresher. <br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<b><u>Teaching Activity and classes taught</u></b></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Community Stop the Bleed class</div>
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<br /><b>2</b> CPR classes</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>2</b> Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support Course</div>
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<b>1</b> Advanced Medical Life Support Course</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>2 </b>Emergency Medical Technician Courses</div>
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<b>1 </b>Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Course</div>
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<b>1 </b>Paramedic Course</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1</b> Active Shooter Response Course</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>3</b> Casualty Care 1 Courses</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>3 </b>Casualty Care 2 Course</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>5 </b>Introduction to Defensive Pistol classes</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>2 </b>Fundamentals of Home Defense Handgun Classes <br /></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>3 </b>Intuitive Defensive Shooting classes</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Managing Unknown Contacts Class </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Co taught an ICE Training Defensive FireArms Coach Instructor Development Course<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Seminars spoken at- Benton County EMS Day</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>Episode as a Podcast guest<br /></div>
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<u>Writing and Podcasts</u></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>7 </b>Podcasts episodes produced</div>
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<b>10 </b>Personal blog entries</div>
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<b>11 </b>Professional blog entries</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>1 </b>published article on self defense tactics<br /></div>
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<u>EMS and PD</u></div>
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<b>256</b> EMS calls attended.This year was the reverse of 2019. I left my full time teaching gig and went back to being a full time Paramedic about 3/4 through the year. I also quit my PT Medic/Service Director job and went down to just one EMS job. <br /></div>
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<b>106 </b>hours worked as a Reserve Police Officer. </div>
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<u>Random Numbers</u></div>
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<b>38</b> years since Army enlistment</div>
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<b>16</b> years since Army retirement</div>
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<b>32 </b>years since Ranger School graduation</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>30 </b>years since Special Forces Qualification Course Graduation</div>
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<b>14</b> years since becoming an EMT</div>
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<b>6 </b>years since becoming a Paramedic</div>
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<b>33 </b>years since marriage</div>
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That's it. Another great year</div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-66020496034781344772020-10-30T14:53:00.004-05:002020-10-30T14:53:36.147-05:00Vehicle Combatives and Shooting Tactics (VCAST) 10.9-10.12 2020<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="id_643e_1b78_cc5c_87fc" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Yh7lm_QZXtljKdJG16nX9GsRYSGhLFHMebIvYCz6Z62GJX86PgOfKeghJEyLhH0=w300-h400" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" tooltip="" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Earlier this month I traveled to the Council Bluffs area to participate in a Shivworks Alumni only class hosted by LGHK and taught by one of the nation's foremost experts on entangled weapons fighting, Craig Douglas of Shivworks. I have attended Craig's Extreme Close Quarters Combatives and Edged Weapons Overview courses multiple times and he is one of my favorite instructors and favorite people quite honestly. His classes are a mixture of good humor, good information and good ass kickings. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Day One was a short Friday evening session of approximately 2 hours. We spent those two hours learning the proper way to "debus" from our vehicles. As is usual with Craig's coursework I gained a depth of knowledge I didn't even know I needed to know. We exited our vehicles starting belted and un belted, drivers side and passenger side. Passenger side from the drivers side and vice versa. We exited with weapon in hand and without. Time well spent on a subject that seems pretty straightforward. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_79fe_50dd_5b7f_f28f" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QX632fobDIURZZgfiZd86PnWrkEjNH5TQTgL76E29X81WMpeSS9UXU_HH7nKIhE" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Day Two was Saturday. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Day Two is primarily a range day. We spent the majority of the day engaging targets from inside our vehicles ( using your personal vehicle sure heightens the attention to detail). Both passenger side and drivers side, side and front facing. With a passenger and without. On your side and acrossed to the other side. After working on engagements from the inside we moved outside and used the car as cover to engage targets and each other using simunitions and Tguns. Finally we wrapped up the day with a scenario using Tguns and vehicles. This scenario tested your MUC skills and your decision making, as well as your markmanship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="id_5f20_aaa0_fa8d_5884" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/O1zbMuKOVI2zoin5i3HcOtIRCqmITnsUfqBrjgJKRTZTy39V0FQmFTt0OgvwW3c=w300-h400" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" tooltip="" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img height="200" id="id_28dd_f1ca_5c50_dde6" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/xNLsOXZfknG8jnxO59Kh56CHV6e8PM7yqAWRKx45a2sokycEAIIA8BNDQS42v-U=w150-h200" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" tooltip="" width="150" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Day 3 was Sunday</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Day 3 was the most physically demanding day. Day 3 started with 4 hours of in car grappling. Craig and his Assistant Instructor Scott Oates compared this block to "BJJ and Rock Climbing in a vehicle" We explored many options both as passenger and driver. With the agressor inside the car and out. This culminated in another 1 on 1 EVO between students in the car. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_8d3c_63fe_9f5_b38d" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1_qBgKLvA5nkDGMVwzDsfyZ0pPFc4A3XXWNc6w-JV6OeLqofGwZD-N4KZIAnECg" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_96f1_2eee_1cbe_ed78" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1A5if2Bo7_9CVRmG8HgCPjuiANtltHA6LMKXCyAqsu-EhisVDO2mUMnbBPhb5b0" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The afternoon of Day 3 was more of an experiment as we shot various rounds of various calibers and from varios platforms into some vehicles to see the effects. Day 3 ended about 1600. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_d5b0_2bf2_d87b_97b2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/t4OZpXUIUkishOlcSkMZP6vKbKgaFTqWcRArfg8q5gDlHQPrbHCUMvyi-djSfNo" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_4639_a60_f94d_1615" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2rfSSW_qooLsIwyL0eTGyrVu8jQ-wR6k0n1ZQjzD6PoqK5zBEPOp1oEbcxa8cU8" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_640_8ff4_20cc_8445" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BL-yLF9qKgCzBrO4IvxyioG_4y9-njlE7ETEgg1q6DyuVUwzqiO7R1-BrTms_KI" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As usual this Shivworks offering was fantastic. I learned alot that I was able to apply immediately. I also gained knowledge that will allow me to articulate my reactions if I get caught in a situation similiar to the ones in class. Thanks to Craig and Scott for the time and instruction</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_9eab_95cc_c291_c9d6" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/AuLQLKSOZR1ueURhHEshAf8tSXNNZbJlIgcFE0njn9f1k-xG4DMP9RGv5xF1pPE" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> </div>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-600516090952500382020-10-30T14:53:00.003-05:002020-10-30T14:53:25.853-05:00NOLS Wilderness EMT<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The final scenario on the night of day 4 was one of the most realistic and well-guarded secrets I have experienced in my time as an EMS student, practitioner, and educator. Day 5 was final testing, both written and practical. Leaving as a certified WEMT is a highlight of an otherwise crappy year. <br /><br /><img height="300" id="id_ad6d_e2d8_293d_98f5" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/q-3q9b15t3sHoD5s3j1jjQ_e8j0l3Z7ZPwcvG3zXfO3U_c3mAh4LoRMM3UZOxQI=w400-h300" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" tooltip="" width="400" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_ff9b_539_153c_5e16" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gHZL3pCKSFwC7amsWESObJLNZRrEbjFKUtcYYwLNibhiHqFqHoNCLYdwFG2HpgA" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /> </div></div><img alt="" id="id_6b67_ba28_84a0_c33c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3NcILEymv9jGejA26ncnJ5WhrxuSE-g98ruFHU8YUntmaJxktlmK1HxeXGooTUU" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><div><br /></div><div>In Early August I traveled to Western North Carolina to attend a Wlderness EMT course. I had been trying to take this course for almost 2 years and was finally getting the chance. The course was held in Cullowhee NC at the Landmark Learning Campus. LL has a great Campus and the instructors are top notch. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_e97a_edd0_f3e9_7a9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3vSYxPSJ0NWWS4WREKpwNvHqjUcHp21CRZ27zujYZozSTdBULWismSBkA_67TgI" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I spent the week attending what was essentially an accelerated EMT course with a wilderness slant. The course was limited to medical professionals so the learning curve was sharp. I was housed in my 2 man tent surrounded by the woods at night. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_41d4_f4da_8d0_8464" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BxS_VxS-mDs-Qk7gMqQ7LtTZEB1JjyA5cF3xHaQ6NTMgqCGS0QsNIf36zyT1mAY" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_bd5d_2dba_d3c1_9b48" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/reX9GvFGXwH6w3Wb1_1995RW1yBMniVuFpFO_lAC9nwy3C8y9jF5DEv2MCwRfAs" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" id="id_cc0e_89a5_a83_3014" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/byQGpY032OfRfrVvj4g7njRl3qhqk8JtjAmkZeVuukw0LYdYOB4mpkQ5Vqd3dNQ" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Every day followed a pattern of scenario and lecture as we covered all aspects of EMT scope of practice. We delved deep into consideration for remote medicine and how to make do with what you have. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_aaac_3fed_580e_e91b" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/q2XLM1YXqqX2Gv-X203X7lcHrI56K_VzM7fcp_U30L9q2uj4QijrBFXw9w8tRyg" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_9762_4115_a523_6d4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/bOv5jKTYE5OxWa2ziD4kVQ5VaF1rvyiOiyOZOpnhR6dhP44JeovL156YX-2-pXw" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_521e_7013_10a7_81f0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/EjG0KMSUdA7Cgyg1ccZbJbS7eYcx2T7QGT1Fc2CQd1kZvTkyAD02XSBwOr2iOzE" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><br /></div>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-17058977910777439302020-07-09T19:31:00.002-05:002020-07-09T19:42:41.497-05:00Yellow River Forest and Backbone July 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My Labrador and hiking companion Mel went with me on a short overnight hiking trip this past week.<br />
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We took off on Tuesday about 0800 for the 2 hour drive to Yellow River State Forest in Northeast Iowa. Once we showed up we geared up signed in and headed out. This is the same place we did some hiking last year so I was familiar with the area. We decided to do some exploring and go a different route from last year. That lead to our first tactical error. The first mile on the trail we selected was super steep. It took us about 45 minutes and Mel was blowing pretty hard. Being a black Lab she gets overheated quickly and its was over 90 degrees. We rested, ate and I took her pack off for awhile. We drank about half our water so my next plan was to make towards the camp we had stayed at last year be because I knew there was a creek there. So we hiked that way drinking the rest of our water enroute. When we got there I refilled water and let Mel drink her fill. I also got her soaked down from the creek. We then made our way a short distance to the camp site. To take a break. When we got there we ate again and this was about 3:30 in the afternoon. I decided to take a small nap and let us both cool down. After about 15 minutes I heard what appeared to be thunder and the wind picked up. I decided to set up the tent "just in case." Lucky I did because right after I got the tent up and everything inside it started a torrential downpour. Mel and I stayed in the tent for about 90 minutes before it stopped. At that point neither of us felt like going farther so we decided to spend the night. Day one mileage 5 miles.<br />
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The next morning we got up about 0545, ate and filled our water up at the stream. We were back on the trail about 0715. I planned on hiking back to the vehicle and then heading south to our next park. Cooler temperatures and easy terrain made the morning hike enjoyable. We basically followed the backpacker loop except when we veered off to climb a bluff and come back down for the views. Getting back to the vehicle about 1045 we had knocked out another 4.2 miles. </div>
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We then headed south to Backbone State Park. It was about an hour drive to the campsite I had reserved. We laid out our gear to dry from the previous days rain storm. We decided to wait on setting up the tent which turned out to be a good move. I took a day pack and Mel had her pack with a small amount of food. We decided to hike the West and East Lake trail loop. We started about 1200. The first few miles were shady and easy going. But then the terrain changed and Mel was getting noticeably hot. I stopped multiple times during the loop to get her water and dunk her in the lake or streams. She continued to overheat and was getting exhausted. When we got back to the truck I decided to call it a trip. I needed to get her cooled off as I thought she was close to heat exhaustion. This loop was 6.8 miles. Total for the day was 11 miles. When we got home she was sore and very lethargic. I got a little concerned but today she was perked back up after food and water. All and all a great trip and shakeout.<br />
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-69243694342019017212020-07-01T22:17:00.000-05:002020-07-01T22:17:03.830-05:00What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By now you have all probably seen and read about the St Louis couple that confronted a large group of protestors with armed resistance as the protestors moved an around their property. I am not going to argue the legality of the situation as we don't have all the facts. What I want to talk about is how they could have potentially handled the situation better. </div>
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Ultimately it appears this couple reacted out of fear. Fear causes people to improvise. Improvisation is what you saw on display. People improvise when they have no plan. </div>
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An important concept to understand before coming up with a plan is<u> Should vs Could</u>. Just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should. Pointing guns at people and displaying atrocious weapons handling skills is something you probably shouldn't do even if you can. </div>
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Here is a simple plan anyone can and should follow when they plan the defense of their home and property.</div>
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<b>The Five Fundamentals of Home Defense</b></div>
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1. <b>Evade</b>- Put yourself in a position where the threat cannot hurt you. Simply put seek a position of advantage. This is tactics 101. Seek the high ground. Abandoning your home to confront a mob on your lawn is a mistake. </div>
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2. <b>Barricade</b>- Make it harder for the threat to get to you. Build a defense in depth. Primary, alternate, contingency and emergency fighting positions. Strengthen your perimeter externally and internally. Have a barricade spot prepared and designated. </div>
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3. <b>Arm</b>- Obtain a tool that can increase your ability to disable a threat ( and prepare it for use). Obviously this couple did that. However part of preparing a lethal force tool for use is knowing basic manual of arms and safety procedures with that tool. This appears to have been lacking. </div>
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4. <b>Communicate</b>- Communicate with the 911 operator. Tell them where you are, what is happening, who is armed and with what. Description of the threat and description of you. This couple claims they called 911, Police dispatch disputes that assertion. Call 911 and stay on the line. </div>
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5. <b>Respond</b>- Respond appropriately of you need to. Know what constitutes a lethal threat and be able to articulate why you believed so. Did the threat have the ability to hurt you? Did they possess the power to kill or cause great bodily harm. Did the threat have the opportunity? Did they have the capability to immediately employ deadly force or cause great bodily harm? <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Did the threat put you in jeopardy? Did they show manifest intent to kill or cause great bodily harm?</span>This is referred to as the AOJ triangle. It is important if you respond you be able to articulate why you felt it was justified. </div>
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When preparing to defend your home and property you need to have a plan. Its not as simple as walking outside barefoot with your AR to confront the threat. </div>
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-24856839800693435572020-05-02T12:53:00.003-05:002020-05-02T12:53:53.121-05:00Blog is Ten Years Old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This blog just turned ten. I realized that as I was answering some comments on previous posts. The anniversary had kinda slipped by me as I haven't been posting here as much as I used to. Are blogs even a thing anymore? I find myself posting more often with short posts on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. I originally started this blog to have a centralized location to place my recollections and thoughts on my military service before I forgot them. Eventually as my military service faded into the less recent past this blog became a place to archive my activities and review training. Now it is a place where I throw down a random thought or two as they pop up. I'm not quite sure how much longer I will keep it active. I really like the idea of having a place to archive my thoughts so for now it stays active albeit nominally so.<br />
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A lot has changed since I started this blog. The actual day I wrote my first post I was working as a Semi Truck dispatcher on the night and weekend shift and I was 5 years retired from the military. I am now close to 16 years retired and I have moved on from that job. In the last 10 years I have worked as a Security Officer, Security Manager, Small Business Owner, EMT, Paramedic and currently I am working as Faculty at a Community College and managing a small rural ambulance service.<br />
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10 years ago I ran my first Ultramarathon. It was a local 50K. Over the next 6 years I ran 37 races of marathon distance (26.2 miles) or longer to include finishing a 100 mile trail race in under 30 hours.I sustain a nagging injury that curtailed my long distance running but introduced me to the rucking community. Since my injury I have completed 6 GoRuck Light, 1 GoRuck Tough and a GoRuck Star course.<br />
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I started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu five years ago and while I might never make it to black belt I consistently train and have even competed on 6 occasions. Currently I am a one stripe Blue Belt and I continue on the path.<br />
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5 years ago I started my own training company and make a decent side hustle training people in defensive pistol and rifle use,medical training, active shooter response plans and general defensive tactics. I enjoy it and can make my own schedule. Its good to get in front of folks and make them better.<br />
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When I started this blog I had one child graduated and working,one in high school and one in junior high. Currently all my kids are graduated and working. One is married and living in another state. My wife was managing a fast food kitchen and now she is retired.<br />
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I set a goal to try and post twice amonth onthis blog in 2020. I am a little behind right now so I need to step it up.A lot has changed in the last 10 years here is to ten more</div>
mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-22761150529192753602020-03-25T16:24:00.002-05:002020-03-25T16:24:26.757-05:00Landing the Plane 3.22.2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I attended Landing the Plane presented by My friend Mike Anderson this last weekend. With all the COVID nonsense going on it was great to be able to actually train a little. Since the entire focus of the class is managing space and distance with unknown persons it was a perfect context. I have been to this class over a dozen times and I always learn something. When people ask me what the need to learn to defend themselves I tell them the top 3 are CPR, Stop the Bleed and Managing Unknown Contacts. This class is all about MUC. One percent better.<br />
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-5932526843152341502020-02-09T17:00:00.001-06:002020-02-09T17:00:44.697-06:00The Carl Principle<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AynXoLjYrKc" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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This scene from the movie Sling Blade caused me to formulate a principle that I have tried to stick to over the years. I call it the Carl Principle. The Carl Principle is simple. It states " Always check the obvious problem first." Utilizing the Carl Principle has saved me countless issues and wasted time over the years. Remote not working..check the batteries. Phone/computer not synching..turn it off then on again. <br /><br />
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The Carl Principle is especially relevant to my job as a Paramedic. Patient not oxygenating? Make sure to Oxygen is actually on. ECG looking funky..make sure the patches are connected.<br /><br />
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Always check the easiest thing first and go from there. Give it a trymikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-82377757563933055512020-01-01T14:15:00.001-06:002020-01-01T14:15:37.545-06:00Moving Forward<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been reading about and listening to a lot of podcasts on stoicism the last few years. The stoic philosophy appeals to me. Primarily it has helped me mitigate my temper as it teaches you not to worry about what you can't control. The other thing it has helped me with is living a life worth living. I have come to the realization that if you are not happy you are wasting the limited time you have on this earth. I am not sure if that is actually the stoicism or just maturity.<br />
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In Meditations Marcus Aurelius reminds us that once we die eventually we will be forgotten. Unfortunately this is true. So living as if you will live forever is folly. You can't live without a care in the world but you need to do things now because if you don't you may not ever get a chance.<br />
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About 5 years ago I was working a job that paid me well but I was miserable. I hated going to work everyday. I was working part time as a Paramedic and a full time opportunity opened up. I decided to take the leap even though I would take a significant pay cut. Fast forward and I am happier doing a job I enjoy and I am actually making more money with better opportunities than I was before.<br />
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I am determined to actually take time off during my time off this year. Enjoy life </div>
mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-73421749897947650202020-01-01T13:57:00.000-06:002020-01-01T13:57:00.869-06:002020 Power list<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Workout 30 minutes 4X per week including:<br />
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10,000 Push ups<br />
10,000 Sit ups<br />
5000 Burpees<br />
2500 Pull ups<br />
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Lift weights 2 X per week <br />
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Run/ Hike 3 X per week<br />
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Run/Hike/Walk 1000 miles<br />
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2 BJJ sessions per week<br />
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2 No Gi BJJ Session per month<br />
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Attend at least 2 professional classes<br />
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Read 20 books<br />
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Listen to 10 books<br />
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2 athletic events ( race, GoRuck, BJJ)<br />
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Study Cardiology 1 hour per month<br />
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Study Respiratory issues 1 hour per month<br />
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Certification as a Tactical Paramedic<br />
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Shoot or dry fire 30 minutes per week<br />
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Influence change<br />
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-24267170300260681162019-12-30T15:11:00.000-06:002019-12-30T15:15:09.999-06:00By the Numbers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sixth annual yearly numbers recap</div>
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<u>Physical activity</u></div>
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<b>738.04 </b>miles ran,rucked or walked. Hit my goal of 700 miles. That's about 300 more miles than last year. Next year I hope to hit 1000 miles for the first time in about 5 years.</div>
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<b>165 </b>workouts that's an average of 3.17 a week, Hit my goal of 3 workouts per week. Next year will raise the goal to 4. </div>
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<b>10,000 </b>push-ups and sit-ups and <b>5000</b> burpees for the year. Hit my goal on this. I will keep this goal for next year and add 2500 pull ups. </div>
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<b>69 </b>BJJ sessions and <b>156</b> hours of training. That's an average of 1.32 sessions/3 hours per week. Hit my goal of at least 1 session per week. Currently on a 125 week unbroken attendance streak. I will set my new goal at 2 times per week.</div>
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<b>18</b> No Gi BJJ training sessions for the year. My original goal was 2 session per month. I averaged 1.5 times. I will keep this goal the same.</div>
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<b>2 </b>BJJ competitions. Got a <b>1</b> gold and <b>2 </b>silvers. I am probably on hiatus from competition for awhile. </div>
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<b>4 </b>GoRuck events 3 Lights, 1 Tough and a 26.2 mile Star Course</div>
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<b>1 </b>25K Race. I rucked it with 30 lbs </div>
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<u>Mental Activity and Personal Training</u></div>
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<b>13</b> books read. My goal was 20. I will keep this goal the same. </div>
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<b>1 </b>BJJ<b> </b>Seminar. Week long seminar and got certified as a Gracie Survival Tactics Instructor </div>
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<b>1 </b>Home Defense Tactics Class</div>
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<b>1</b> K9 TCCC course</div>
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<b>1</b> Land the Plane session. I have probably attended this curriculum at least 10 times. Still the best bang for the buck in the self defense realm. </div>
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My own training suffered a bit this year, since I took a full time teaching position. Ill try to do better. However teaching is a form of training so there is that. </div>
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<u>Teaching Activity and classes taught</u></div>
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<b>3 </b>Community Stop the Bleed classes </div>
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<u> </u></div>
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<b>3 </b>CPR classes</div>
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<b>1 </b>Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support Course</div>
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<b>1</b> Advanced Medical Life Support Course</div>
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<b>1 </b>Emergency Medical Responder Course </div>
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<b>2 </b>Emergency Medical Technician Courses</div>
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<b>1 </b>Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Course</div>
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<b>1 </b>Paramedic Course</div>
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<b>3 </b>Active Shooter Response Courses</div>
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<b>6 </b>Casualty Care 1 Courses</div>
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<b>1 </b>Casualty Care 2 Course</div>
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<b>3 </b>Introduction to Defensive Pistol classes</div>
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<b>3 </b>Intuitive Defensive Shooting classes</div>
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<b>1</b> Intuitive Defensive Carbine classes</div>
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<b>3 </b>Seminars spoken at- Hiawatha EMS Day, Jones County EMS Day and Critical Care Paramedic Refresher</div>
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<u>Writing and Podcasts</u></div>
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<b>2 </b>Podcasts episodes produced</div>
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<u> </u></div>
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<b>14 </b>Personal blog entries</div>
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<u></u><br /></div>
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<b>19 </b>Professional blog entries</div>
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Slow year on the writing front. No published articles for the first time in a few years. Will get back up to speed in 2020. My personal blog will hit 10 years in 2020. Are blogs still a thing?</div>
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<u>EMS and PD</u></div>
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<b>246</b> EMS calls. I took a full time job as an EMS instructor at a local Community College and quit my full time Paramedic job. This caused my personal call volume to drop some. I also took over as Service Director of a rural ambulance service. Still working about 24 hours a week as a Medic.</div>
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<b>116.5 </b>hours worked as a Reserve Police Officer. </div>
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<u>Random Numbers</u></div>
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<b>37</b> years since Army enlistment</div>
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<u> </u></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<b>15</b> years since Army retirement</div>
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<b>31 </b>years since Ranger School graduation</div>
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<b>29 </b>years since Special Forces Qualification Course Graduation</div>
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<b>13</b> years since becoming an EMT</div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<b>5</b> years since becoming a Paramedic</div>
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<b>32</b> years since marriage</div>
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That's it. Another great year</div>
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<u> </u></div>
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<u> </u></div>
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-66502370521414828772019-12-25T19:50:00.000-06:002019-12-25T19:50:40.787-06:0012 Months 12 Pictures 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I started this last year. This will be the second annual<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGhL8_cBH4OaXCjKrtFeW2vdFlgf8TGRzD63s2Nq4gB0EDYdLTJpVl2jGErw0fLsnwUWvBhizx-NmICKg8WwfHlsRAz-24ReLb1czFFctP-snYfU8DgElJgGf0zneHqaCZ9gSE5Ymf1x-/s1600/IMG_6719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="561" height="320" id="id_c49_2dde_8f5e_daf7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGhL8_cBH4OaXCjKrtFeW2vdFlgf8TGRzD63s2Nq4gB0EDYdLTJpVl2jGErw0fLsnwUWvBhizx-NmICKg8WwfHlsRAz-24ReLb1czFFctP-snYfU8DgElJgGf0zneHqaCZ9gSE5Ymf1x-/s320/IMG_6719.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoznQiiXleq9MznFMKucld_ZFQ04OKojz1RD4We3jXlba8RmG727vZ9tGGNn4xRYRiW7P-TctJX57Qdu49NunRrjRcNW6qPJXCRoDhTSlM1WOqo5oh3TaKpYwHkKG3TZDk_i7jzzHPIUsL/s1600/IMG_6874+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" id="id_af8e_1444_f8f_2ca7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoznQiiXleq9MznFMKucld_ZFQ04OKojz1RD4We3jXlba8RmG727vZ9tGGNn4xRYRiW7P-TctJX57Qdu49NunRrjRcNW6qPJXCRoDhTSlM1WOqo5oh3TaKpYwHkKG3TZDk_i7jzzHPIUsL/s320/IMG_6874+%25281%2529.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN5YzwgRBm45cYzK41ey4i-FL1f_Wxemv9Pqz6hlfj_pbU8Y2-TO87GttQVtZU3i38wRmkkcEUM_FBYGhOAYTyvUNIGZTLuXbgElYBudowtNEpIIDzV_r2SAAHikLfN57zMSsyNStRT2q/s1600/Fuji+BJJ+Iowa+City+Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="960" height="275" id="id_166a_7180_a5a8_9b5d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPN5YzwgRBm45cYzK41ey4i-FL1f_Wxemv9Pqz6hlfj_pbU8Y2-TO87GttQVtZU3i38wRmkkcEUM_FBYGhOAYTyvUNIGZTLuXbgElYBudowtNEpIIDzV_r2SAAHikLfN57zMSsyNStRT2q/s320/Fuji+BJJ+Iowa+City+Open.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">March</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="240" id="id_acce_8e07_9e4f_7513" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/NEeCxHPyMXjo_ZEG3aUxqZQk8QKSIkSOjQab5K90OvNlfzVk8tm_Q_PsO3U" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="240" id="id_10bf_6c3b_a573_2c7c" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BpFdtfZm_RISAtKRLUXkJNlO94KaIWxFGdLlnQ9cs6ZSUv0T4F0YXIAS82E" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="320" id="id_5629_c9fd_4ded_2082" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9FTcDH9RFHGnm2v89UQj8fmuHsomSbL-KM5ye0yN76PIJyuGmaERBtDi3pI" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="238" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="179" id="id_1f7b_619f_8fa8_8c69" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/g-cKBAv3WlQSbm4_POGoaipBTNPbh2oKUdb4p_PmvzkNXz_MTGfLXNl8_iM" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="320" id="id_c7c2_851b_1389_cad5" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LCnLLPm2DeoE9AzESQrCYJT_hHDSzLZ1hGJ1u3898ZeitQlTSLCurzkWXws" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="239" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="320" id="id_68e8_82d9_1c42_81d0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/suVaNlO4dg06G6dCHUDcfF58z8MgGWwVYOSncu7wsELwEjsk6w2o0y3j7L8" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="320" id="id_1787_c01c_e7e1_12b4" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8bNZJcil02qi8Blh8WyaEH6FWl8KTW4VSf36MGo04_TIoZ018nZe9nsiIck" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December</td></tr>
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-40112534160341132402019-12-07T18:38:00.001-06:002019-12-07T18:38:15.607-06:00I love GoRuck I hate GoRuck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
GoRuck is a gear company that has events. GoRuck is a event company that sells gear. Its the age old chicken and egg controversy. GoRuck was originally a company making high end backpacks( rucks) that started using events to market their product. The events took off and then so did the gear and so on and so on. From the Goruck website <a href="https://www.goruck.com/goruck-origins/" target="_blank">https://www.goruck.com/goruck-origins/</a> . I originally heard about GoRuck around 2014 and looked at their original "Radio Ruck" as a everyday carry bag. I didn't buy one quite honestly because it was pretty pricy. Fast forward 6 years and I own 4 GoRuck backpacks of different sizes, A GoRuck Kitbag, a GoRuck gymbag, 2 pairs of GoRuck boots, and a GoRuck pullover. They saw me coming a mile away. I have almost $1000 in GoRuck gear in my house yet I don't consider myself a GoRuck fanboy. That is the dichotomy that is GoRuck.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xw6_gXZ7FkVFTGIixLm4u670maUZ31QodOUIV_xU93W-qtzCwkdJSRnNPtyZ74Z_YV3BzHF1btVAfATVj7NpFZWW42nbfKIz40LqLZuvKf8HQiRMuEgFyRdvVfO5-ItHQDjxu2ouakYG/s1600/IMG_8860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xw6_gXZ7FkVFTGIixLm4u670maUZ31QodOUIV_xU93W-qtzCwkdJSRnNPtyZ74Z_YV3BzHF1btVAfATVj7NpFZWW42nbfKIz40LqLZuvKf8HQiRMuEgFyRdvVfO5-ItHQDjxu2ouakYG/s400/IMG_8860.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first GoRuck Event in 2016 GoRuck Light 1264</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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One of my issues with GoRuck is the gear. And really its not the gear. Its me and the gear. GoRuck brilliantly markets their gear and events to the GoRuck community. They have built up a community of "GRT" around their events and gear that is vocal and loyal. Its built on a feeling of exclusivity that I will talk about later. However lets be honest GoRucks gear while very durable isn't really the best thing for the actual task at hand. I also own an actual OSPREY backpack for hiking and it is infinitely more comfortable and utilitarian than my GoRuck bags. GoRuck uses a frame sheet rather than an actual frame which provides
some support but essentially you are just carrying a large bookbag. However when I am hiking for training it is my GoRuck bag I use. Why? Because they make it so easy to just throw some weight in it and go. Its simple.<br />
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I own 2 pairs of GoRuck Macv-1 boots. I don't use them to ruck in even though GoRuck claims they are the best for that activity. Why they are very comfortable, the soles are flat much like sneakers. The lack of aggressive tread keeps them out of my rucking rotation. I prefer to ruck in trail shoes. I wear the boots everyday to work however. So why if the gear is pricey and not really the absolute best do I own so much. In a word..Sales. GoRuck a few times a year launches incredible deals where you can get their $300-$400 items at 30-40% off. That is about $100 on most items. They also offer a year round 25% discount for active,retired military, and first responders. That's how they get me. They allow you to stack discounts and it makes you feel like you are getting quite the bargain. So even though you know that they are treating you like a 17 year old Private buying from a used car salesman you buy anyway. It makes you feel kinda dirty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihF3-Mw-HrbrKZahkDCSVnqQxOpEoa3-Z1Owh92hMu3X6Z1bo1XAM3OIDhhugQMyLu6S706nfDyYc9EL9h6ImEGAPVjkbwpMsQAPUBzCwaXgmz5t62XWnOBEVGA9VSI0nfWTKUWEE7dUD/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihF3-Mw-HrbrKZahkDCSVnqQxOpEoa3-Z1Owh92hMu3X6Z1bo1XAM3OIDhhugQMyLu6S706nfDyYc9EL9h6ImEGAPVjkbwpMsQAPUBzCwaXgmz5t62XWnOBEVGA9VSI0nfWTKUWEE7dUD/s400/IMG_0730.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second GoRuck Event in 2017 GoRuck Light Class 1487</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Lets talk about GoRuck events. GoRuck says their events are modeled on Special Forces Assessment and Selection. All events are led by Cadre that have served or are serving in US Military Special Operations. Green Berets, Navy SEALS, Air Force PJ, Marine Force Recon/Raiders and many other "Special T shirt" units are represented. Some true American Heros. The founder of the company himself spent 2 years in 10th Special Forces Group my old unit. However this is my problem with the events. The events are definitely "modeled" on SFAS but it is not SFAS and that is the rub. I get irritated when a "GRT" that has drank the koolaid ( many out there) acts as if they have completed selection when for the most part they have completed the equivalent of a hard workout. They main difference is that there are no real consequences, You quit or fail at a GoRuck event you hang you head and go home. You quit or fail at SFAS and your military career takes a 180 degree turn never to be the same. GoRuck is not real life and it definitely is not living and working as a special operator which I did for 14 years. As I always say "Everyday is a selection event."<br />
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What those events are very good at, if you keep them in perspective, is building teamwork and getting folks from different demographics to work together. The mainstay of most events is the equivalent of activities I did during "team week" of selection. Carrying lots of heavy shit, never taking your ruck off. Paying attention to detail, solving leadership issues, completing seeming insurmountable team tasks and staying awake. I recently completed an event where through out the wee hours of the morning four of us carried a 400 lb log for 5 miles. As the log was crushing my soul I looked up at the moon and started smiling. This moment frozen in time reminded me of other similar moments in my life. I was totally happy in that moment. Total teamwork and happiness is something missing from most of our everyday lives. With less than 1% of the US population serving in the all volunteer military its something people crave but may never have experienced prior to GoRuck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhcHK0QATXPmwJj0nV1IMz0Gl5pOkOuyFiKoO0uuB8n0-T9MMf4cF7TlulX-c0s2Q4PGDi85IVak-xT21I8wncUzsMyPjO5aIgNW2Xo55gBWMrb1s0HeFPiRSD3cOudFLT1Sj_RFcvu5B/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhcHK0QATXPmwJj0nV1IMz0Gl5pOkOuyFiKoO0uuB8n0-T9MMf4cF7TlulX-c0s2Q4PGDi85IVak-xT21I8wncUzsMyPjO5aIgNW2Xo55gBWMrb1s0HeFPiRSD3cOudFLT1Sj_RFcvu5B/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GoRuck Light 2496</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU8kG-HDSwdDnRtjhMBZcVisuphw_SJ-oNmSfUhq0Qn6eGqfCbtFmmXW2VU1vQsO8IiqaE-LoRHBuliYHlSaagCsRe9cGOJiNSw0GN9nnPDklMQYhe6rwTypXPzzcf5oDZ4VXaVffpDKP/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU8kG-HDSwdDnRtjhMBZcVisuphw_SJ-oNmSfUhq0Qn6eGqfCbtFmmXW2VU1vQsO8IiqaE-LoRHBuliYHlSaagCsRe9cGOJiNSw0GN9nnPDklMQYhe6rwTypXPzzcf5oDZ4VXaVffpDKP/s400/IMG_7195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GoRuck Light 3038</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ9wHLb5Dv5fODi8glaimJMkVCozokecC7aUoWGyUMIFc7VH5MOLaBZ2STm4aVsWFsi1JIidBKpFMMYPbxJWuAIMVrAKNJ1JOU2vNghSGJrWG-hB_RYbE-auOwDknzT0fdY0vKOY2H8Uo/s1600/IMG_20190728_110418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ9wHLb5Dv5fODi8glaimJMkVCozokecC7aUoWGyUMIFc7VH5MOLaBZ2STm4aVsWFsi1JIidBKpFMMYPbxJWuAIMVrAKNJ1JOU2vNghSGJrWG-hB_RYbE-auOwDknzT0fdY0vKOY2H8Uo/s400/IMG_20190728_110418.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naperville 630 Ruck Club Custom Light</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQF0exh9vttwS2wdjoI_doGsJdAfo1BPszoH9XaihErsMG8uT-HKiYc7VkCpF6VHmLokuVcnMFA_0h2Py4Khx3e-GQOB_uUJ6q4-8uN1YlwSx_5VqEQwcHiP8c7JQD00U1OmmFzyGQVYv/s1600/IMG_8332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQF0exh9vttwS2wdjoI_doGsJdAfo1BPszoH9XaihErsMG8uT-HKiYc7VkCpF6VHmLokuVcnMFA_0h2Py4Khx3e-GQOB_uUJ6q4-8uN1YlwSx_5VqEQwcHiP8c7JQD00U1OmmFzyGQVYv/s400/IMG_8332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minneapolis 26.2 mile GoRuck Star Course </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5wUv4zCddLfqPOdkAR1UiUKxdH0NLZM0u-g_asA7ggJDsznqdKgiRl_QwjLfPjM2Z0UCU1SP_raVRqvLqKyG1qzEjVGvFKJ0ykgDyIuXU5Q_Y8tg1equoiMNKZgLGg8bepOaAHj_-j-k/s1600/IMG_8964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5wUv4zCddLfqPOdkAR1UiUKxdH0NLZM0u-g_asA7ggJDsznqdKgiRl_QwjLfPjM2Z0UCU1SP_raVRqvLqKyG1qzEjVGvFKJ0ykgDyIuXU5Q_Y8tg1equoiMNKZgLGg8bepOaAHj_-j-k/s400/IMG_8964.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GoRuck Tough 3258</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrljmqvT3dkRZoVEnTVPeQFTTs3PYqdnX-G2o0IZ-16qqm2DeXGER2SNj_2tFCT-m3rpzYREC6rC1i5GuqRIfHut2Bqa-YOY5muhvq3zFmPz-U5bj0BkbF7_fMGHnZUePIxbqPjEeNwvg/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrljmqvT3dkRZoVEnTVPeQFTTs3PYqdnX-G2o0IZ-16qqm2DeXGER2SNj_2tFCT-m3rpzYREC6rC1i5GuqRIfHut2Bqa-YOY5muhvq3zFmPz-U5bj0BkbF7_fMGHnZUePIxbqPjEeNwvg/s400/IMG_8967.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GoRuck Light 3320</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I joke with my friends that I have "retired" from GoRuck. However I ruck all the time and my entire workout program is based on sandbag and ruck workouts, bear crawls, burpees, pushups, and other stupid shit that they make you do at events. Recently in silent protest I bought nothing on the most recent sale. I didn't register for any events in 2020. But I have my eye on one this summer none the less. It is what it is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6HO3xlTgfOw4ZriSGrZXorulpLdYQg6QDI69_3CFDEuZ70lGJgj70c9DRYHF8H4rsJry8Xc5BAfGdIsocXVYXcC4T36_hP7BPTZLdv-3JeQJq5vKzu8yNTYOW_nEKEuVM1I4rZNwIsZr/s1600/IMG_8017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6HO3xlTgfOw4ZriSGrZXorulpLdYQg6QDI69_3CFDEuZ70lGJgj70c9DRYHF8H4rsJry8Xc5BAfGdIsocXVYXcC4T36_hP7BPTZLdv-3JeQJq5vKzu8yNTYOW_nEKEuVM1I4rZNwIsZr/s320/IMG_8017.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQjK8u0jqnF2zT4gJwLnTZNzIf-sBrPxetpsgBitVw0bejuDoAzCp2LDBPbbmZ5HeD14Pg7jN_E2FIzfy3_KUYUCTmbNK6hNNKI4IddORkWuq3I8R-CMQIeJMIB7M72Pg0H1CK8TqyZ9A/s1600/IMG_7981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQjK8u0jqnF2zT4gJwLnTZNzIf-sBrPxetpsgBitVw0bejuDoAzCp2LDBPbbmZ5HeD14Pg7jN_E2FIzfy3_KUYUCTmbNK6hNNKI4IddORkWuq3I8R-CMQIeJMIB7M72Pg0H1CK8TqyZ9A/s320/IMG_7981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSaEI5gstFj8yoL7NOi60_oXYcJ6_BP5x_Ys7Fh7AaV6iRw57UwyXM2W4VmN6pkPH0zlxsVgQtDoq72dOyh7SzLlSkSsqUneEgBvEFJzSBhQCMC093ud_qlVZDlSvswThlwEYte23mqV0/s1600/IMG_7950.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSaEI5gstFj8yoL7NOi60_oXYcJ6_BP5x_Ys7Fh7AaV6iRw57UwyXM2W4VmN6pkPH0zlxsVgQtDoq72dOyh7SzLlSkSsqUneEgBvEFJzSBhQCMC093ud_qlVZDlSvswThlwEYte23mqV0/s320/IMG_7950.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-9299841875307370962019-08-31T19:54:00.001-05:002019-08-31T19:54:57.677-05:0015 years15 years ago today I officially retired from the US Army. Left a job I had been doing since I was 19. Poof done! <div><img id="id_69a6_4c30_5513_aa2b" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/dRgD677ab6lXLGXRRd-x2iChQopJguN6EcTZjKqWHZgwOL1WiBa8goWGGaw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_1ea2_9c3e_609e_d38b" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/kj5OQCHDgjAwsI90015rXO8_opdXUm1NVuIZqbTwItaUNW4rMQ7f4v6obKQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div><div>I was lost for a few years after. Did some jobs I didn’t like but I fed my family while finding my passion. Fast forward to today I am a totally different guy. In fact I almost forgot what day it was. I am now an EMS educator and EMS Service Director. I am a leader in several volunteer organizations. I serve on a city commission . I am a reserve law enforcement officer. I am a college graduate with a Masters degree. I am a martial artist and a published author. The list goes on. I was none of these prior to my retirement. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_911f_ea3e_cf79_15b4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/m5HGlYFoLOa4A2qtlhmIqVosq1BBdLNR1hORCySnuJRbB3yca9B7WHLDba0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_2469_c275_cec2_5db0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8Mo2uoZlrn-FnC3cYxmUhqRbsWGNVnqX9Q4lgOv4lmq2zkYi9GqSlC7QDsU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7c7_27f1_414c_ac23" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fqUtjgFMlCOm_DGS1D9at8i_PpeQia1ECFNCgr-VyW5LVaOIbvE8uu4IPP8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_85d1_9795_5f9a_375a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Bl5va8yi-dCrSmgfDXR868DMZ1VKzpJBKeaAxJbtixabxe4tBFjqmJVQsoM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8ced_ffcc_f5bc_93e0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QkjshzBBIMkeDht4DqT4-qVAlgo-m8sX_YNA0_LVpH3ZrGCWMrrxvzjkNlw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_42fb_31d7_370b_a665" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GFsKOH2gRC2JtMe0c0JqetCLtIQgI4ofPGNZlDAM74RXkBn9CbWdCz_apWI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_6934_f603_1d0f_2d8a" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2pGie4GcfsbHzdWGdugUETHUJ3Ys9y6xhqN8CIUz5TIFDdUJwVCbK1AkDYM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>I spent today teaching some new shooters how to use their handguns and teaching them what to buy. I played frisbee with my dog and watched some college football. My military service will always be a huge part of me but it doesn’t define me. I have made a new equally as successful life. The saga continues.</div></div>mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-74059878501739016862019-07-21T20:41:00.000-05:002019-07-21T20:41:47.463-05:00International Metal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everyone who knows me knows I love Metal!! Here are some of my international favorites<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jM8dCGIm6yc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5kwIkF6LFDc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i4FqGPRQWFM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NeQM1c-XCDc" width="560"></iframe></div>
mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-14322298895208470102019-07-04T11:29:00.002-05:002019-07-04T11:30:50.713-05:00Happy Treason Day!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">N</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> CONGRESS, J</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ULY 4, 1776</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The unanimous Declaration</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">of the thirteen United</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">States of America</span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<img align="left" alt="W" src="https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/images/w.gif" height="90" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="125"><span style="background-color: white;">hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: times, serif; font-size: 26.6667px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 98%; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Hampshire:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/bartlett.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Josiah Bartlett</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/whipple.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Whipple</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/thornton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Matthew Thornton</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Massachusetts:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hancock.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Hancock</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/adams_s.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Samuel Adams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/adams_j.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Adams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/paine.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Robert Treat Paine</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/gerry.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Elbridge Gerry</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rhode Island:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hopkins.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Stephen Hopkins</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/ellery.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Ellery</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Connecticut:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/sherman.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Roger Sherman</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/huntington.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Samuel Huntington</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/williams.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Williams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wolcott.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Oliver Wolcott</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New York:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/floyd.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Floyd</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/livingston_p.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Philip Livingston</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/lewis.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Francis Lewis</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morris_l.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Lewis Morris</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">New Jersey:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/stockton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Richard Stockton</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/witherspoon.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Witherspoon</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hopkinson.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Francis Hopkinson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hart.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Hart</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/clark.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Abraham Clark</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pennsylvania:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morris_r.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Robert Morris</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rush.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Benjamin Rush</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/franklin.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Benjamin Franklin</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Morton</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/clymer.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">George Clymer</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/smith.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">James Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/taylor.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">George Taylor</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wilson.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">James Wilson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/ross.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">George Ross</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Delaware:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rodney.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Caesar Rodney</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/read.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">George Read</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/mckean.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas McKean</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maryland:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/chase.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Samuel Chase</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/paca.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Paca</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/stone.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas Stone</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/carroll.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Charles Carroll of Carrollton</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Virginia:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wythe.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">George Wythe</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rhlee.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Richard Henry Lee</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/jefferson.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas Jefferson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/harrison.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Benjamin Harrison</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/nelson.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas Nelson, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/fllee.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Francis Lightfoot Lee</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/braxton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Carter Braxton</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">North Carolina:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hooper.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">William Hooper</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hewes.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Joseph Hewes</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/penn.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">John Penn</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Carolina:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rutledge.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Edward Rutledge</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/heyward.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas Heyward, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/lynch.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Thomas Lynch, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/middleton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Arthur Middleton</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Georgia:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/gwinnett.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Button Gwinnett</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hall.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">Lyman Hall</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/walton.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: blue; margin: 0px; outline-offset: -2px; outline: -webkit-focus-ring-color auto 5px; padding: 0px;">George Walton</a></span></div>
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mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5318308839295478838.post-16811829948133287222019-06-16T15:34:00.002-05:002019-06-16T15:34:54.448-05:00Toxic Heroism <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Many have heard the oft overused phrase "toxic masculinity". We could argue the merits of that phrase ad nauseum but that is not what this post is about. I want to talk about the culture of "toxic heroism" that has found its way into certain parts of the military, emergency medical services, law enforcement and fire services among others. First I want to start out by making it clear I am not disparaging the work done by these entities. I want to make that very clear. This is not a bashing of our public servants who often go in harms way for no other benefit than a meager paycheck or sense of accomplishment. <br />
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What I do want to talk about are those that make sure we know that is what they are doing. The humble braggers, the "thank me for my service" folks. I spent 22 years in the military in a unit many consider "elite". I thought of myself as such and treated others accordingly. While there was certainly justifiable pride in my accomplishments as I matured and particularly after I retired, I realized that I was but a small cog in the great machine and truthfully my contribution was no better than anyone else's. This became painfully clear as my career came to an end and I felt myself being brushed aside as the operational pace kept moving forward without me. <br />
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I have spent the last 13 or so years involved in public safety both as a EMT/Paramedic, private Security Manager and a reserve Law Enforcement Officer. In those capacities I occasionally come in contact with the " We do everything a Doctor does but at 80 MPH" crowd or the " You will respect my authoritah!" folks. So what do all these groups have in common?<br />
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First there is a large dose of the Dunning Kruger effect at play here. In a nutshell Dunning Kruger is a cognitive bias where people mistakenly assess their abilities as greater than they actually are. Unfortunately those that seek the most attention normally deserve it the least. Secondly due to this cognitive bias these individuals look down on or discount the contributions of others as part of the whole team concept or chain of events. Thirdly and most importantly the news media and present culture have co opted the word hero and applied it inappropriately so often, its very meaning has changed. Webster's defines Hero as "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities" By applying the word hero to every service member who completes an enlistment or every EMS provider who transports a sick/injured person to the hospital the word has been cheapened. And this very cheapening has encouraged further abuse of the term.<br />
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Is every individual who finished basic training and spent the rest of their enlistment training stateside a hero? Is every volunteer firefighter a hero just because he responds? I would suggest that these folks are just doing their job and doing your job does not make you a hero. And by suggesting they are it simultaneously cheapens the word and fosters an aggressive culture of "look at me."<br />
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We need to do better</div>
mikemac356http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300311594752092809noreply@blogger.com0