Concert follow-up

So the concert was amazing! Definitely one of the best I've ever been to. I missed Easton Corbin because we got there a little late, but I heard Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, and Brad Paisley! If I ever get the chance to go to any of their concerts again I'll jump on the opportunity. I brought my new camera along and got some cool pictures too. This first picture is of Sara Evans during her concert. It takes some great low-light photos and that was great since a lot of the concert was at sunset and after it was dark. The picture at the end of my post is of from Jason Aldean's show. After the show we headed up to New Hampshire to stay with some friends who graduated from the academy this past year. There's four of them that live in an amazing house in the woods. If that's what I have to look forward to as an Ensign then I'm pretty stoked. Hopefully we'll have something like that (whoever I get stationed with) down at flight school!

All in all it was a great wee

kend trip, and a

great way to start off the school year (which looks to be another tough semester).

-Storm

Country Music Fest!

Tomorrow I'm going to the Country Music Fest in Massachusetts and I must admit, I am completely stoked about this! Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Easton Corbin, Sarah Evans, Darius Rucker, and more will all be playing there. They don't always get so many big names together like that, plus I've never heard any of them in concert before. I'm going with a lot of friends too, probably close to 20 of my friends are going to be there, and many of us will be all be seated together.

In other news, I bought a camera a couple weeks ago and finally got it this week. It is a Sony NEX-5 camera, one of the new hybrid digital cameras that takes near-DSLR quality pictures but is half the size of a DSLR. I've been playing with it quite a bit and I really enjoy it. Many people don't realize that I actually love photography, until this past week all I've ever shot with was a point-and-shoot cannon, which, although it did it's job superbly for the past 5 years, doesn't take the quality pictures necessary to do some real photography. I'm looking forward to using this camera a lot in the future (one of my friends is getting engaged next semester, it'll be awesome to record that whole thing in HD and then take some awesome pics later!).

Also, school starts next Monday. I'm only taking 17.5 hours this semester (as compared with the usual 20 or more), but some of the classes will definitely be challenging. Thankfully, last semester I found a study buddy in my major that I do a lot of homework with. Together, we were able to solve pretty much all of the homework problems for the entire semester. Some classes, Dynamics in particular, often had problems that most people couldn't get the right answer to. We normally figured them out, and if we couldn't we would collaborate with some other super-smart people in our major and eventually figured them all out. This semester should be pretty fun, or, at least I'll learn a lot.

I'll let you know how the music fest goes!

-Storm

Finally done.

Yesterday marked the last day of swab summer for the incoming class of 2014, and they are now members of the respected corps of cadets, although they are not officially cadets until monday when they get their shoulder boards. I could probably fill 50 pages full with stories from being a cadre in their "boot camp" experience, but I won't at this time. Perhaps I'll put up stories from time to time. What I will say now, however, is that I learned much more going through it as a cadre than I did as a swab. Sure, going through it initially and being indoctrinated into the military is important, key, in fact, to surviving the military. But being on the other side was something completely different. It is up to us to mold these people into a motivated, high performing, teamwork-oriented, flawless group.

My classmates took this group of 35 kids fresh out of high school who didn't know each other at all and turned them into basically trained coast guard men and women in just over 6 weeks (with a week on a ship away from us). Finding the perfect balance of punishment and motivation each day is harder than I had ever imagined. If they messed up they had to be held accountable. And at the beginning of the summer we didn't worry about motivating them at all. That was the breaking down phase. But these last two weeks required us to mold them into a motivated, dedicated team. And if all we did was beat them to the ground they would never perform. In fact, I found that the tone we set when we woke them up had the largest effect on how they would perform for the rest of the day. One of my classmates, a great guy, has a tendency to be a hard ass in the morning, always yelling at them early in the morning when we do the morning cals, etc. So I tried to be the one to wake them up. I'd blast some rock at 0530, and as soon as they got up and counted off I'd say "4 minutes, head and water break, go". Nobody wants to do a lot of talking early in the morning, and even less people want to hear a lot of talking that early. As soon as they'd get back it would always be something like "Who's psyched for cals?! hoorah sir! It's going to be on the parade field, I want you all to fly out there like a bunch of badasses and freakin shake the earth with your pushups!! OOORAH!!! FOXTROT HUUUUUH!!" The pace we set in the morning normally set the tone for the rest of the day.

I learned lessons such as these almost every day about all sorts of things. Yesterday was sea trials. When I went through swab summer it was the worst day of my life. Not even kidding. To this day it was the worst day I've ever had. Going through it as a cadre it was still extremely hard, almost as hard as going through as a swab. We definitely make it a memorable culminating event for the swabs, they'll never forget yesterday. Ever. We ran from 0330 in the morning until around 1830, waking them up to the sound of an air raid siren (and me being in a rain suit with gas mask already in one of their rooms and yelling at them to push deck because their ship was sinking - yeah, it didn't make sense but they were so scared it didn't matter). It was so intense that morning that some compared it to reporting-in day, which as I'm sure you've all seen on TV or something, is super intense. We were yelling at them for everything, and if any one of them messed up on anything we made them push deck or do squats or something physical. We literally were killing them physically ALL DAY. Obviously there were times when they weren't doing physical things, but the majority of the day was spent doing something physical. Thankfully, we were able to instill a sense of pride and accomplishment by the end of the day that overruled the pain from the day and in some convoluted way, made everything we did that day worth it.

At one particular point, we had just finished making them run to an island, row huge inflatable rafts back to the Academy, carry them around the track, and form back up into a company. However, we heard one of the swabs tell another swab to "Shut the fuck up" while they were coming up with a plan on how to get everyone in the rafts and rowing. So for the next hour while we were taking them in twos to test them on sailing, we beat everything out of the swabs. It was literally and hour of intensive training in the dirt. If it hadn't have been for the fact that they had lunch right after that then I am positive they would have passed out on their run to the next event. Thankfully they got the message. You just don't talk to your classmates or teammates that way.

Like I said, I have so many stories and lessons that I could spend forever writing them. Perhaps I will, but for now that is all.

P.S. I've spent most of the day sleeping today!

-Storm

Talk with your Parents, it's worth it

I leave home again to return to the Academy tomorrow, but today I did something I don't usually do. I had lunch with my Dad and we talked for about 2 1/2 hours. Mainly, some things that I've been seeing the past few times I have been home have bothered me and I decided I needed to call him on them and see what he had to say.

For those of you who don't know my Dad or anything about my family, something like this is almost unheard of. This household has always been a totalitarian house, we were expected to do what we were told, when we were told, without question. So for me to go to lunch with Dad and start pointing out things that I didn't necessarily agree with or that I thought needed to be addressed was pretty tough for me. However, it went much better than I had ever hoped. Dad was a pretty decent listener, he actually listened to what I had to say in it's entirety before he started talking, and although he didn't agree with everything I said he didn't make it into something bad. We talked for a very long time about some of the big issues facing our family right now, plans to deal with those issues, and what he thought the future (at least the near future) holds for our family. It was an altogether fruitful venture!

Of course, after pointing out all these things I'd found that needed talking about I asked Dad what he had for me. What had he seen in me the past few weeks or even just from talking with me while I was at the Academy that concerned him or that he thought was an area I needed to look at in my life. After all, one-sided constructive feedback is only good for one of the sides. So we talked a little about a couple things and I'm glad we did that also - it gives me something to look at in the self-reflection mirror that I'll have time for as I fly back tomorrow!

This leave has been great and I'm really happy that it wrapped up the way it did. Sitting down with Dad and having a nice, long, open and honest talk turned out to be quite rewarding. I only hope it was as good an experience for him as it was for me!

-Storm

Double Identity

Every time I come home I realize just how different my two "lives" truly are. When I'm home, I can expect a very relaxed, comfortable, great-food, lose-track-of-time, civilian experience. And when I'm at the Academy I can often expect a rigid, stressful, micromanaged, eat-the-salad-because-nothing-else-tastes-quite-right, homework and responsibility intensive, military lifestyle. They are so far on either side of the spectrum from each other that I have begun to question if I am the same person on each side of the country.

Of course, I immediately jump to the answer of "Yes, you are the same person because being different would mean you are leading two different lives, and that is bad." Unfortunately, the closer I look the more I realize that perhaps I am not the same person at the Academy as I am at home. Indeed, I am for the most part a consistent person, I make no effort to hide the fact that I am a country boy from Texas who loves the outdoors, shooting, camping, and adventure in general when I am at school. In fact, I take ownership of it. And I don't try to hide the fact that I am a mechanical engineering student serving in the military when I am home. But macro personality traits aren't at all what I am worried about. That's where a closer examination is needed.

Now before I go on, it is important to realize that certain personality traits will flourish more in certain situations than others. Also, some situations require particular language usage and behaviors that would seem out of place in otherwise typical situations. My two-sided life is no exception. For example, when I'm home I will use Mr or Mrs, Sir or Ma'am for just about anyone older than me. In the military that just won't work. There may be a chief who is 50 years old with 30 years of service under his belt, but I still won't call him Sir (as much as I might instinctively try to) because not only would that be against military customs, there's a good chance he would be offended by it. Likewise, when I am performing Cadre duties (as I have been this summer) I will hardly ever smile. My "life is good" face there very similarly resembles a "I am having a terrible day" face here. Why? It imperative to not show emotion in certain aspects of the new recruits' training. My point in saying all this is that there will almost always be some situation-specific traits that will not be consistent across every environment one is subjected to. I have many of these and I realize their purpose so I won't mention them here because their irrelevance.

What bothers me are some things that shouldn't be different. At the Academy I tend to be completely upfront and transparent. I tell people what is on my mind, what is bothering me if something is, and I have no problem telling people the hard truth. In fact, many have come to expect that from me. Sadly, I find that at home I don't always feel as if I can be completely upfront with my parents. And it's not that I am trying to deceive them, by any means, but sometimes I feel like I must sugarcoat things and some things just aren't worth bringing up. I'm not saying that I should strive to always be like I am at the Academy, because some times there is a need for tact. Sometimes people need to hear things in a not-so-harsh way for them to actually listen. But what I do know is that I need to be consistent. I will always be learning but I must strive to follow the example that Christ led for us, and He was the same yesterday as He is today and will be tomorrow.

This and a few other problems that I have identified will definitely keep me busy for a while. The very last thing I need is to start forming a habit of leading two completely different lives. One day I'll graduate from the service and most likely start a family of my own - to lead a different life at work from that at home would be a tragic recipe for disaster.

So that's what has been on my mind lately; food for thought, thoughts for prayer. Strive to imitate Christ, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

-Storm

Stay Single? Sorry Paul, no can do...

So I was reading in my Bible tonight and, for no real reason in particular, decided to read 1 Corinthians 7. Now, in case you are unfamiliar with this particular chapter, Paul is basically giving guidance on marriage (you should really just read the chapter!). He talks about several things, most of which seem to be fairly common sense to me, probably because I was brought up with very Biblical parents. But in the second half of the chapter Paul springs an interesting idea on me. He says that if a person is unmarried and secure in their heart that they should not marry. At first this really struck me - I was under the impression that everyone was supposed to marry and "be fruitful and multiply". Of course, Paul gives a logical explanation. If a person is married then their efforts are split between trying to please God and trying to please their wife, as contrasted by an unmarried person who is able to fully devote themselves to God.

Interesting thought. However, he also goes on to say if a person cannot control themself and really feels the need to get married then that is completely fine. The whole celibacy thing is an added bonus though, and it makes sense because if we're truly living our lives for Jesus then the fewer "distractions" we have in our life the better.

As for me, I'm afraid I am not man enough to pull it off. Sorry Paul, one day I will be married and I am definitely looking forward to it! No hard feelings, nothing personal, but I think marriage is one of the best things God gave to us and I can't wait (well, I mean, I AM waiting, but figuratively...you know what I mean).

As a side note:

7 Days until R-Day when I take on the role of Drill Sergeant

14 Days until I fly out to Colorado (NOT my home state) to meet my family for whitewater rafting.

Somehow "excited" doesn't quite seem to accurately describe my feelings towards these two events!

-Storm

Cape May, New Joisey

Tomorrow I leave for Cape May, NJ to learn how to be a drill sergeant. Now, I won't actually be drill sergeant, because drill sergeants train enlisted and I am training an incoming class of freshman at the Academy. Nevertheless, several of my friends and myself are going down to the real boot camp to learn/practice being that intense teaching/leading person that both incoming enlisted folks and incoming freshman see for about 7 weeks. I'm a bit apprehensive because I know that this is something completely new to me. Sure, I've taught people things before, and sure, I've yelled at some people in my time so far on earth but this is completely on a whole new level. Two Mondays from now, when the Swabs (incoming freshmen) drive up in the bus and I stomp on to deliver their first encounter with the military world, I will officially be part of a 7 man person team responsible for the training and military indoctrination of some 30-odd freshly graduated high school seniors. The most bizarre part of this whole ordeal, at least to me, is the fact that I was in their shoes just two summers ago. Things sure have changed and the fact that the past two years have flown by is something I don't often forget.

I know there really is no time to be reflecting on questions such as "Am I really ready for this?" or "How am I going to perform when they're all counting on me?" but at the same time I think these are questions that I must ask myself in mental preparation for this next stage of my military development. Besides all that the Academy is doing to prepare me I have decided to take a few things upon myself in anticipation of the upcoming weeks. First, I've been working out - ALOT. Secondly, I am trying to go through things in my head as much as possible. Give myself random situations and think through solutions. Finally, I realize that I must pray as much as possible. God has never failed me and I know He'll help me through this. After all, I just want to give the Swabs the best, most intense summer possible. The boot camp of any military person has the potential to influence how their entire military career goes, and I want these people to have a solid foundation.

We'll see. I have a fantastic support group, all of my peers are truly great individuals and together I bet we'll make one heck of a killer team.

If anything of note happens at Boot Camp Cape May, I'll let you know! Until next time,

-Storm

Nav Rules, Prayers for Ms Sunderland

So, just a quick update because I'm bored: This week is the infamous ROTR week. Infamous among academy personnel, because during this week we must learn, memorize, and be able to apply the Coast Guard Navigation Rules handbook in it's entirety. This 200-odd page handbook is basically the same handbook you were told to memorize when you were learning to drive, except for shipdrivers, and it covers and contrasts rules for international waters as well as inland waters. So far it has gone well for me and I feel fairly confident that I will be able to pass the exam tomorrow. However, if I don't, I must find the time to take the exam again sometime this summer, and if I fail that one also then I am bumped to freshman liberty status, meaning I don't get to leave on Friday nights anymore, and I won't be able to wear my civilian clothes when I'm out in the city. Basically I really need to pass this exam tomorrow or else the rest of the summer goes downhill extremely fast.

But I'm pretty sure I'll pass - it's a 50 question exam and I must get a 90% or above to pass, so I should be alright.

And in other news, keep Abby Sunderland in your prayers. I never hope to find myself in a situation where I am stranded at sea, and I can only imagine what it must be like at the age of 16. But the mere fact that she is 2000 miles from land is enough to make even Spartacus tremble in his shackles. At that distance an air rescue is not even an option, and an emergency air drop of supplies isn't much better. The nearest ship is a private fishing vessel that was 40 hrs away from her position at the time when she popped her EPIRBs. At this point she is in God's hands, so pray that she has the presence of mind to stay focused on surviving. She should have all the tools she needs, and we know she has a strong will, so if she keeps her wits about her she'll make it out to spend time with her family again. Here's an article if you'd like read it: http://gizmodo.com/5560505/16%20year%20old-world%20circling-solo-sailor-lost-at-sea

-Storm

The BACON EXPLOSION

Spread the word, the Bacon Explosion is by far the most manly, awesome, bacon-intensive, satisfying log of pork I have ever had the privilege of preparing, cooking, and eating. Ok, story time.

This past weekend I went to a friend's home (they are like family to me) with a group of friends, and usually we feast on Italian food, as is customary when staying with Italian families. However, my friend's mom had just recently undergone surgery on her right wrist and as such was unable to prepare food for us. She told us that the meals would either be up to us to cook or up to us to pick up, and someone had the bright idea of making a Bacon Explosion (http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/). So we did. And I made fried skillet potatoes, and we had corn, and we had cole slaw, and we feasted on the best meal known to man. As I sit here trying to find the words to describe the bacon explosion, it is occurring to me that there really is no better way to explain it than an explosion of bacon. 4lbs of pork rolled into one log, with rub and barbecue sauce, it is literally an explosion of flavor in each bite. Add to that some awesome potatoes and corn, and as I mentioned above, it was by far the best meal I've had in a very long time. End of story.

So the next time you're in want of the most manly, satisfying meal, give the Bacon Explosion a shot. Use that bacon grease from cooking the crumbled inside bacon to prepare some good ol pan fries, roast some corn on the cob, and spend the meal enjoying life. Spread the word.

-Storm

Since last time

This summer has been quite busy so far. To start with, the first week after classes our graduating class (2012) had a week of cadre training, which basically consisted of getting yelled at and "taught" by a bunch of drill sergeants. Not as bad as I thought it would be, they're basically a bunch of big teddy bears.

Immediately following that week was graduation week, and during this week I was supposed to be doing range week (although I'm already qualified on pistol, they want everyone to qualify this summer in their respective range weeks). However, on Monday morning of that week the entire campus lost electricity. Now if you're like me this doesn't sound too bad. And indeed it wasn't, at least for the first day or so - it was like an adventure, camping, almost. But by day 2 it started to suck BIG TIME. In order to fully understand why, realize this: all our toilets are electrically operated, and the steam for hot water was dependent on one old generator that only ran for about a day. So for a few days there, we'd have to bring buckets of water into the heads and flush them "manually". For some reason, people wouldn't flush the toilets themselves, either. So when a few of us got selected to do it we'd have to suit up and go flush down a few people's worth of waste in each toilet. Eventually the academy command brought in a generator to power one of our annexes and we all moved to that annex until power was restored (about a week later).

The following week was CATP (Cadet Aviation Training Program). This was the best academy-related week I've had since reporting two years ago. A group of 16 of us travelled to Mobile, AL for a week of flying in our service's aircraft, and since they were super chill down there and let us leave just about whenever, it was basically a week of vacation with some flying thrown in (which was awesome), hanging out in the south with some of my best friends. I flew a helicopter for about half an hour, got hoisted into a helicopter out of the bay, went to the beach several times, went to New Orleans, it was a fantastic week.

This past week was TBoats week, where a group of 9 of us plus one officer took out 95ft tug boats into the river and learned about ship handling, taking the Conning officer position, taking charge of the deck, line handling, man over boards, anchoring, and mooring/unmooring. It was a pretty decent week, yesterday we were graded on our performance as a crew while doing a man overboard, anchoring, and mooring. To begin with, I love man-overboard drills. As soon as the man overboard is called we immediately throw the rudder over and gun the engines, and basically it's a race to get back to the person and get them out on the first run - a challenge, by any account. So for our graded exercise, we had my friend Hunter taking the Conn (he gave directions for me to steer), I was at the helm, and another friend Rick was in charge of the deck work. Our graded man-overboard drill was our best run of the week, as soon as the person was in the water I had the ship rockin to the side, engine blazing, rudder at 30 degrees right. We made one sweeping turn, lined up the dummy, shot the approach, and picked up the dummy. It was probably around 2-3 minutes, pretty respectable for a first timer crew like ourselves. All in all it was a pretty cool week and I learned a ton about shiphandling in general, which was the point.

Now it is the weekend and I'm probably going to spend it with some friends a few miles north of here. Also, it is now less than 1 month until R-day, when I assume the role of drill sergeant for the class of 2014. I am already getting ancy.

Until next time,

-Storm