WOD 06JUL09

Posted by admin on July 3rd, 2009 filed in WOD

Please enjoy the 4th of July holiday, and be safe.  Although I am sure he will be pissed at me for posting this, I got ahold of this email written by ENS Radziwon.  Please take the time to read, it is both well written, and spot on.  To all those forward deployed, stay safe, and we salute you from home for your tireless service and dedication to your country!

Mom, Dad, Julie, and whoever this gets forwarded to,

I just wanted to take a minute and write you all and wish all of you a happy 4th of July.  It is a time to enjoy being around friends and family, go swimming, fireworks, over eating, and enjoying this nation and our values.  I know you all know but many have forgotten what it is all about.  I was reading an article today about our push in Afghanistan and in the third sentence it makes a comment about the forgotten war in Afghanistan.  I think people have gotten complacent about what goes on overseas, especially if they are not directly linked to it by actions or relations.

I just wanted to put out a reminder to everyone that on this forth of July, take a second to think of why we have it and how it is linked to what is going on today.  From Steven Decatur destroying a ship in the fight against the Barbary Pirates to our current Warships off the coast of Africa fighting the Somali Pirates.  From WWII when millions were killed in concentration camps and we were attacked by the Empire of Japan to todays current war in Afghanistan giving the tribal leaders the “big stick” to live a good life free of the Taliban and make those who were responsible for 9/11 accountable for their actions.

I am privy to information that CNN and the rest of the world don’t have.  We live in a VERY safe place in a VERY unsafe world.  I am not saying this because of my job or for recognition, but just to bring to reality of that if we blink, if we fail to stay ahead of the game and take the fight to whoever decides to challenge us, what was fought for in 1776, WWI, WWII and all actions in between and including today could be lost because others want what we have, or hate what we have.

I haven’t been in for long, and I still have a lot more experiences and learning to do.  One thing I do know and have learned is that the Officers in any service are not the ones to thank.  It is the 18 year old sailor, 22 year old Sergeant, 20 year old airman and enlisted personnel that need to be thanked.  Just from being on this ship I have seen these kids sacrifice more than most do in their lives.  They work harder to keep things going, to keep us ready for what potentially could come, and are ready to step up if anything should arise.  They leave their families for little to no pay 6-8 months at a time, work 48 hours without sleep, and work harder than anyone gives them credit for.  They are the smartest people I have ever met with a nack for thinking outside the box.  They have a will do attitude when the odds are stacked against them.  So if you see anyone in an enlisted uniform, thank them. They don’t ask for anything tangible, but a job well done is the motivator and reward that means the most to them.  They may be a little embarrassed and shy when told, but deep down they appreciate knowing the people who benefit from their work recognize what they do.

Again, enjoy the food and fireworks and family.  It is a time to celebrate and be happy and enjoy what we stand for and where we come from.  Have fun and have a hot dog for me.

Love,
Nick

Saturday Endurance:
Run 5 Miles
Every 6 Mins Rest Exactly 1 Min
Score Total Time

WOD:
7 Rounds For Time:
10 KB Swings (55#)
10 Ring Dips

Strength:
5 – 5 – 5
Front Squat

Inspiration: “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” -Ben Franklin