Includes the Wasp (FNG-1) not on the website.
One never knows what the day holds. We rise early in the gloom and darkness to meet our F3 Brothers. We challenge each other to be better and move the needle forward. We strive to create opportunities in the service of a greater cause. We try to have some fun along the way.
Today started no different. It has been 37 years since the release of Officer and a Gentleman and today is Richard Gere’s 70th birthday. Therefore, to honor Mayo-nnaise I planned a Navy AOCS inspired workout. I even called my brother whom is a graduated AOCS to get gain some knowledge outside of the movie.
We used 20lb PVC Pipes filled with stones to represent our M1 Garand and performed exercise. We also performed 70 Hop and Pops (Burpee with Side Straddle Hop) throughout the workout to honor Mayo’s 70th birthday.
We did a bunch of stuff and it was a hard workout. None of that matters though. 40 minutes into the workout, Bagboy quietly excused himself. Shortly after Jethro went to check on him. Bagboy was experiencing chest pain which is concerning for men of our age. Thankfully, Jethro was there to provide professional advice and that Bagboy is smart enough of to handle the situation and act decisively. They headed to the ER to get things checked out.
We finished the workout, gave thanks and prayed for Bagboy.
Bagboy is a man of few words. When he speaks listen, because what he says is impactful even when he is busting your balls. He does this with caring in the interest of improvement. I have benefited from this on many occasion to help me on my path. More important than what he says is how he conducts himself. No matter the issue, he works through it and takes care of the situation. Today was no different. I watched him interact with doctors, nurses, PAX and his M as we all circled around him. It was as if he was a Maestro. He orchestrated the situation relaying information concerning what was going on. He also looked after his flock that gathered around and made sure we were okay. In his time of need he still put others first. Truly awesome.
Until today, I did not understand the true meaning of NANTAN. You can read it on our Lexicon. “A cultural/spiritual Leader within a Starfish-modelled Organization who Influences through VAPE.”
Bagboy never tells you what to do. You can feel his guiding hand though. It is felt through everything we do and the Leaders we have throughout F3. I saw today when PAX acted decisively to the situation. Jethro sprang into action and handled the situation with Bagboy. Waffle House and Moses grabbed the extra equipment without thought. The remaining PAX looked out for their Brothers and made sure their Brothers were okay.
F3 does so much to fill our spirit with purpose. For that, I am thankful to Bagboy for inspiring us, to Dredd for creating this fellowship and to all my Brothers for lifting me up daily. Thank you to Jersey Boy for allowing me to lead this group today.
Please pray for Bagboy’s speedy recovery. Oh and Bagboy, you owe me 10 Hop and Pops when you return. You owe it to Mayo-nnaise.