NavyDads Co-Admin, Calvin's Posts - Navy Dads2024-03-28T16:01:31ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2334020433?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://navydads.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3o6wfn2ivd96g&xn_auth=no50th Anniv. East Coast Naval Special Warfare logotag:navydads.com,2012-01-21:2150375:BlogPost:2414222012-01-21T15:27:14.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
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<p>120113-N-ZZ999-001 WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2011) The official U.S. Navy logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy SEALs. (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)</p>
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<p>120113-N-ZZ999-001 WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2011) The official U.S. Navy logo commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy SEALs. (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)</p>Welcome Home Troops, enjoy your R&Rtag:navydads.com,2010-12-29:2150375:BlogPost:1155612010-12-29T00:12:57.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
<p>Everyday of the week at DFW Airport a flight bring in Soldiers on for 2 weeks of R&R. Each flight is greeted by not only passengers waiting for flights but local Businesses, Groups, Classes from local Schools and anyone who would like to spend time greeting the guys and gals home. Parking in the Airport is free and there are Flags available to everyone. Many bring Banners and as they walk through the sea of people you will see cell phones offers to them to make their "I'm Home…</p>
<p>Everyday of the week at DFW Airport a flight bring in Soldiers on for 2 weeks of R&R. Each flight is greeted by not only passengers waiting for flights but local Businesses, Groups, Classes from local Schools and anyone who would like to spend time greeting the guys and gals home. Parking in the Airport is free and there are Flags available to everyone. Many bring Banners and as they walk through the sea of people you will see cell phones offers to them to make their "I'm Home Call".</p>
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<p>Todays Welcome included The SMU and Army Football players, cheerleaders and mascots welcomed soldiers arriving for R&R at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport today. The teams will face off in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 30. BIG thanks to all who came out to greet the troops this morning!</p>Christmas Memoriestag:navydads.com,2010-12-02:2150375:BlogPost:1114922010-12-02T21:35:32.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">To All NavyDads members, I wrote this several years ago and I have read it each year since. I wanted to share it with you this year. I am amazed at how much I have received each Christmas, I have pictures of my sister and her doll and me with my cast iron race car under a Christmas Tree not more than 3 foot tall, sitting on a coffee table, which was a great Christmas concering it was taken in the mid-50’s. The story below…</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">To All NavyDads members, I wrote this several years ago and I have read it each year since. I wanted to share it with you this year. I am amazed at how much I have received each Christmas, I have pictures of my sister and her doll and me with my cast iron race car under a Christmas Tree not more than 3 foot tall, sitting on a coffee table, which was a great Christmas concering it was taken in the mid-50’s. The story below happened not to long ago and it was a Great Christmas, I can not imagine it every getting better each year. Hope you enjoy this.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Well it is the day after Christmas, the house is quit, family has returned to their homes and it is time to reflect on how the day went and what lead up to this years Christmas.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Feb. 2008 GS joined the Navy. I was happy and concerned but it is what he wanted. He made it through BC and was off to Coronado. I joined NSC, N4M, and Navy Dads and met so many people and got questions answered about what was going to happen and why. I read Blogs from frogman80, I wrote Question on the Forums, I received answers and help on what I did not understand. Watched others take interest in what GS was doing and got explanations of why he was doing things. I guess that is the reason I began getting interested in others with Loved Ones in the Military.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">I watched my daughter help round up someone to help out a Sailor who was stuck in a strange town and need help. I meet 2 Sailors at DFW airport as they had a lay-over enroute to their next school. My daughter adopted a Sailor in school in Ft. Worth and would not get to go home to the Northeast for Thanksgiving, the first one he would not have with his family. Christmas Holiday came and he was not going to get to go home for Christmas so he went back to my daughter’s home to stay and got off base. Christmas Eve Day her adopted Son got a call from his Mom who told him she had just received confirmation that his package had just been delivered to my daughters house and he should go get it now so she could be on the phone with him as he received it. He went to the front door and nothing was there, he looked around and then he saw him Mom standing in the driveway, a surprise. Christmas Eve night Jan had me cleaning and helping turn 15 pounds of ground beef in to Spaghetti sauce for lunch the next day.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Christmas has arrived; we were ready for what ever was to come. Jan's family drove down from Oklahoma (last time she saw her brother was last Christmas), our daughter and her crew arrived including Mom and Son. Mom and Son sat in the den and visited, they really did not know anyone. Then second daughter and crew came in followed by Grandkids and Great Grandkids. The party had started. Mom and Son met each one there and shook hand with everyone and returned to visiting each other. Next thing I know Son hijacked by Grandkids playing games, on the computer and in the yard with the dog he was having a good time. I looked for Mom. She was hijacked to the kitchen exchanging stories of their Christmas Traditions. Everyone including Mom had suggestion on how Jan should fix this, where to put that, this would be nice and of course Jan was not listening. Then everyone starting doing things getting salad ready, Jan making salad dressing, cooking the Spaghetti and setting the table. Everyone had something to do. The men will we were solving all the world problems, discussing the books we read, talked sports and talked about BUDs. Now Lunch is served and it got quite. That didn't last long, the kids wanted to open presents.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Santa had come and the little ones started opening presents, moms and dads made sure they opened the right ones, got the cards to know who got what from whom and kept the kids as calm as possible. Time for the adults. We drew names and had a small limit on the amount we would spend. Gifts were handed out and each person had to unwrap their gift and show it to everyone (model it, explain it and comment on it). Santa knew Mom and Son were there and not at home and they were included. I explained to Mom that I had hoped she didn't expect a nice, quite Christmas afternoon; I did this while everyone was quit and checking out their gifts.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Now it is time to say Goodbye. The first 7 left to get back to Oklahoma then one by one the Grand and Great Grand Kids left. Some adult visiting and everyone else was ready to leave. I remembered the hand shakes when Mom and Son arrived and noticed it had change to Hugs on the way out. I was ready to shake Moms hand but instead got a Big Hug, a small tear and a Thank You from her, she was now apart of our Family.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">This was my 64th Christmas. I have seen pictures of the early ones and each seemed better than the one before. I remember most of the rest and each year was the best ever. After 64 of these events could they ever be better than the one before. The last Hug I got made me think next year cannot be any better that this, I guess we will have to wait and see.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">I want to Thank all of the Great People I have meet this year for opening up a new world to me. I thought sending a card to a Sailor, supporting the Military and just being there for someone was enough, I was wrong. I have learned that I have a Family much larger than I ever knew out there and it is very easy for you to get really close to that family.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 9pt">Hope your family has a Great Christmas and the Memories will last Forever. Now I can't wait for the next one.</span></p>Navy SEALs Killed in Helo Crash in Afg.tag:navydads.com,2010-09-23:2150375:BlogPost:1017252010-09-23T04:01:00.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
<p class="message-body" style="MARGIN: auto 0in 4.8pt; BACKGROUND: #e9e9e9"><span lang="EN" style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" xml:lang="EN"><font size="4">U.S. Navy SEALs and Coalition Personnel killed during Helicopter Crash in Afghanistanby Naval Special Warfare Command on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 7:13pm <br></br><br></br>CORONADO, Calif. – Nine military personnel were killed and three others were injured when the helicopter in which they were…</font></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: auto 0in 4.8pt; BACKGROUND: #e9e9e9" class="message-body"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><font size="4">U.S. Navy SEALs and Coalition Personnel killed during Helicopter Crash in Afghanistanby Naval Special Warfare Command on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 7:13pm <br/><br/>CORONADO, Calif. – Nine military personnel were killed and three others were injured when the helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in Zabul province in Southern Afghanistan, Sept. 21. Personnel on board were supporting a special operations mission. <br/><br/>Three Navy SEALs and one Naval Special Warfare support technician are among the dead. Five U.S. Army air crew members also perished in the crash and three other coalition personnel are in critical condition at a U.S. medical facility in Afghanistan. <br/><br/>The names of the deceased Navy members are Lt. Brendan Looney, 29, of Owings, Md., Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician David McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, Ga., Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Adam Smith, 26, of Hurland, Mo., and Special Warfare Operator 3rd Class Denis Miranda, 24, of Toms River, N.J. <br/><br/>"On behalf of the entire Naval Special Warfare community -- we extend our sincerest condolences to all the families of our fallen brothers, our Navy SEALs and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">support</b> tech, Army air crewmen, and coalition personnel," said Rear Adm. Edward Winters, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. "Our prayers are with these families during this very difficult time." <br/><br/>Looney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004 where he was an all-American for the Navy lacrosse team. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Naval intelligence officer and accepted a tour with Commander Naval Forces Korea, Detachment Chinhae. In May 2006, he accepted an assignment with an east coast Naval Special Warfare unit, after which he was assigned to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in March 2007. <br/><br/>Upon graduation from BUD/S, Looney was assigned to a west coast based SEAL team, where he participated in numerous joint exercises and developed his skills as a special warfare operator. Fellow SEALs described Looney as a skilled SEAL operator who led and motivated the people around him.</font></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: auto 0in 4.8pt; BACKGROUND: #e9e9e9" class="message-body"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">McClendon is survived by his wife and parents. <br/><br/>Smith entered the Navy in October 2004 and attended aviation technical training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. In March of 2005, Smith was accepted to BUD/S. After SEAL qualification training, Smith was assigned to an east coast SEAL Team, where he excelled as a special warfare operator, making numerous deployments in support of overseas contingency operations. Smith is described by fellow SEALs as a highly decorated combat veteran and dedicated teammate.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break"/><br style="mso-special-character: line-break"/></font></font></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: auto 0in 4.8pt; BACKGROUND: #e9e9e9" class="message-body"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">Smith is survived by his mother and father. <br/><br/>Miranda entered the Navy in September 2003 and attended aviation technical training at NAS Pensacola, Fla. After technical school, Miranda was assigned to Patrol Squadron 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. where he worked as a maintenance technician until November, 2006. He was accepted to BUD/S in early 2007, and after SEAL qualification training, he was assigned to an east coast SEAL team. Teammates described him as a budding superstar with promise of a successful career as a Navy SEAL. <br/><br/>Miranda is survived by his mother and father. <br/><br/>All four Sailors were highly accomplished service members and three were decorated combat veterans. They were recipients of numerous awards and citations. <br/><br/>“These men bravely and unselfishly answered the nation's call to defend freedom and protect the nation and its allies from terrorism,” said Rear Adm. Winters. “The loss of these brave warriors will only strengthen our resolve in the fight against extremism and terror.” <br/><br/>Per request from the families, all media queries should be forwarded to a Naval Special Warfare public affairs representative. The families request that media outlets do not attempt to call or visit their residences during this time of grieving. <br/><br/>Naval Special Warfare Command is the Navy component of the U.S. Special Operations Command and the special operations component of the U.S. Navy. The command supports, trains, equips, and deploys maritime special operations forces to meet the operational commitments of combatant commanders. The Naval Special Warfare community is made up of approximately 2,500 SEALs, 750 Special Warfare Boat Operators (SWCC), 3,500 military support personnel, nearly 700 Reservists and 1,000 civilians. <br/><br/>Lt Brendan Looney <br/><br/>Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician David McLendon <br/><br/>SO3 Denis Miranda <br/><br/>SO2 Adam Smith</font></font></span></p>SQT Graduation Triptag:navydads.com,2009-11-10:2150375:BlogPost:649282009-11-10T04:30:00.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="font-size-7" style="color: #0000ff; font-family: times new roman,times;"><b>SEAL Qualification Training<br></br> Graduation Trip<br></br> A major Milestone for our Family</b></span><br></br> <br></br> <br></br> <span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: times new roman,times;">mile stone (mil’ ston’) n a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, career of a person, nation, etc.: turning point.…</span><br></br> <br></br></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-7"><b>SEAL Qualification Training<br/> Graduation Trip<br/> A major Milestone for our Family</b></span><br/> <br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">mile stone (mil’ ston’) n a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, career of a person, nation, etc.: turning point.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">There are major milestones in everyone's life; marriage, birth of your first child /</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">grandchild / great-grandchild, High School and College graduations, etc. but very few families have the opportunity to celebrate the event we were about to attend. From the beginning of Boot Camp, February 2008, and through each phase of training when we were unable to talk to our Grandson the days were long and nights even longer. October 2009 felt a lifetime away. Now it seems as though only a few days have passed since he began this journey. Jan and I have encountered every emotion possible during the last 20 months. There were restless nights when we focused on the tough training with each Phase and periods where no one could remove our smiles with each new accomplishment. Now the end of training was drawing near and we were beginning a new phase. I'm not sure we're prepared, but we can look back and remember we lived through the pain of worry with each and every challenge and know we made it this far. So we must go forward.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">The alarm went off very early on a special Thursday morning and it only took about 5 seconds to be up and turn on all the lights. Two things were about to happen, later in the day; it would begin raining in DFW and by Sunday the predictions were for a total of 4 to 6 inches, and I wanted to get out-of-town. More importantly my Wife and I were catching a flight to San Diego, Ca. to watch our Grandson’s SQT graduation. The flight must have been uneventful because I caught up on the sleep I missed. I was awakened by words I don’t like to hear, “Attendants prepare for our Final Approach”. Did I sleep through the first few and was this really the final attempt? Was there a problem on the previous attempts? We did land safely and my worries were over. After arrival at the rental car lot, and while my wife was talking to the agent about the car, I took Barbaric’s wise advice, installed the GPS and converted it to IWS (Ignore Wife System). With my wife settled in the passenger seat I entered the hotel address into the GPS, turned up the radio, and ignored my wife while she argued with the female voice on the GPS. (I do love a good cat fight.) We made it safely to the hotel and took off to explore Coronado. It had been a year and we were excited to return.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">It was a short drive and our first stop was pre-planned; “BULLSHIRTS”. We had the list of things we’d forgotten last trip and wanted to explore new items. Of course we stocked up on shirts, decals, pins, challenge coins and some things we just couldn’t live without. Needless to say, they were happy to see us return. The next stop was “Muhl Jewelers”, my wife’s idea. On the way we noticed a sign in front of Beach-n-Diner for “All You Can Eat Crab Legs beginning at 16:00. Since it was too early we decided to do our shopping before eating dinner. After trying on every size of the charms 10 or more times she finally made a decision and had one added to her necklace. Since it was less than 24 hours till Graduation she wasn’t worried about bad luck. We popped into the Book Store for a browse and then it was time to eat. We consumed enough crab to last for the next two weeks. They were wonderful! Bad idea, but we enjoyed each and every bite. We made it an early evening and returned to the hotel to check email and all the Social Networking sites to ensure everyone made it safely to Coronado. Finely we’d personally meet parents, family members, and friends of SQT Class 273.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Friday we were dressed and ready to head to NAB Coronado. It was the moment we’d waited for the last 20 months. When we arrived at the Main Gate we were directed to a special parking area where shuttles would take us to the Naval Special Warfare Center and the Grinder for Graduation. We saw several groups standing around, joined one, and then things became very confusing. I have a suggestion for the Navy. Give special nametags to everyone attending Graduation with a special space for Social Networking Screen names. The conversations went like this:</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Good morning I am Calvin and this is my wife Jan.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“It’s nice to meet you. I am AAA and this is my wife BBB.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Is your Son Graduating today?”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Yes/No my Grandson, Brother, Uncle, Boyfriend, Etc.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">”We are from Texas where are y'all from?”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“We live in CCCCCC.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“My Grandson is DDD and we can’t wait to see him.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Our (one of the above) is EEE and this is a great day.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“That’s odd. I don’t remember DDD talking abut EEE do you honey?</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“No”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“I don’t remember EEE mentioning DDD.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Well there’ve been lots of guys mentioned. Some have gone, but I’m sure I know him.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Then I remembered, our Grandson’s last name is FFF.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“Oh I know him. GGG and he were swim buddies.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“That’s right! I remember him talking about FFF. I am Grandpa273 on HHH.com.”</span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">“I am III. We’ve talked several times. It’s nice to finally meet you.”</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">It was funny and there were lots of laughs in the parking lot while everyone began using last names of their Loved Ones.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">The shuttles arrived and we proceeded to NSW and into the Grinder. Everyone explored the area while images of our guys went through our minds; some good and some terrifying. There was a lot of meet and greet and a room where you could view a film of our guys during BUD/S and SQT. They had several showings so everyone had the opportunity to view the trials and training. That’s when you realize the last 20 months you considered so difficult was nothing compared to what our guys faced.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Then the most important moment arrived!</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">The time had come for the Graduates of SQT 273 to take their place on the Grinder. I wondered how I would react to seeing my Grandson. I could tell by the program he would march in 5th from the last. As they came onto the Grinder and turned to walk down their row, I found it hard to take my eyes from one to the next. The Pride of each of the Fine Young Men was almost more than I could handle. I watched every guy as if he were my Loved One. I was so Proud of each and every one. With my eyes glued to each of the guys I almost missed my Grandson. I as well as others have seen movies about the Navy but I can tell you being there, seeing them enter, and the way they marched in is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever witnessed. As the Official Party arrived a Bell rang and each was announced and Piped aboard the stage. The Color Guard presented the Colors and a small Navy Band played the National Anthem. I still get chills remembering those moments. After the Invocation the Commanding Office, NSW Basic Training Command made some remarks and introduced the Principal Speaker, Commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Graduation take a recorder. I would give anything to have a transcript or recording of Capt. Krongard’s remarks. He spoke to two different groups; first to the parents and loved ones. He explained to everyone how these Fine Young Men made it this far. Their passion and will to become a US Navy SEAL and serve their Country played a very large part in their accomplishment but there’s an underling reason. It is called Family. He explained that what he was taught growing up and the morals and goals his parents instilled in him made a big difference in his future. Each Graduate’s mother and dad were raised according to their individual parent’s values. The graduates were raised with a combination of their own parent’s upbringing. What our Ancestors taught their children, and as the world changed, each generation combined what they had been taught and passed it down to the next generation. What I got from this is: it took hundreds of fathers and mothers combining what their parents taught them to culminate in what each of us teach our own children. It takes good and bad times, truth and lies, success and failures, and many other life lessons to raise our children. Then he spoke to the Class. He talked of Trust and Respect for each other. How the Class had become a Family and each had learned that Teamwork is essential for them to accomplish their Goal. No one person can do everything alone. It takes a Team.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">As the Graduate’s name was called he marched to the front and a Trident was pinned on his chest then he received a diploma. The aisle was full of excided parents and loved ones taking pictures. Most were taking photos of multiple members of the class. It felt as though each was a member of our family and it was important to have a picture to retain the memory. After the reading of the SEAL Ethos, presentation of the Honorman Award, the SQT 273 Gift to NSW (a Black Trident from the God of the Seas), Benediction and the Retirement of the Colors it was time to congratulate each of the New SEALs. Everyone treated each Graduate as a member of their own family. I told as many guys as possible how proud I was of them and how I had no doubt during the last 20 months each would be there that day. Now we were all Family and we all talked and enjoyed the reception.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Graduation was over, what to do now? Back to Bullshirts and downtown Coronado. Of course the shops were glad to see us again and it seemed like everyone in Coronado could tell where we had been and congratulated us. Yes we bough more at Bullshirts and ate more at Beach-n-Diner.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">I would like to thank Scott for the excellent directions he gave me on how to get the next place on our list of must things to do when in San Diego; eat at Devine Pastabilities. If you haven’t been there you must go. I had a Fettuccini Alfredo with Broccoli Torpasta and Jan had a Carbonara over Fettuccini Torpasta. I couldn’t find a way to bring some home onboard the plane. Again Scott thanks for the directions. I did check my GPS. Is it is only 1148 miles to get another one. With a GPS it seems hard for people to understand how I got lost going from the restaurant to the hotel but we did, so we stopped to get directions. The people at the Viejas Casino were very helpful in giving us direction but they seemed to be happy that we heeded their suggestion to put money into those machines in the building. We had less spending money but we did make it back safely.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Overall I would say this was the Best trip my wife and I have ever taken. We meet face to face with friends we met via the internet, the food was great, sightseeing was wonderful, seeing our Grandson Graduate was the most amazing event we’ve ever attended and the nice people who gave us directions back to the hotel even said the hopped we would come back to see them again.</span></p>Let's say THANKStag:navydads.com,2009-07-03:2150375:BlogPost:507862009-07-03T17:49:44.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.<br />
<br />
The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message…
The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.<br />
<br />
The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox iGen3® Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.<br />
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Each of us have so much to be Thankful for due to the effort of our Fine Young Men and Women of the U. S. Armed Services. The least we can to is say Thank You for what you do.<br />
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Please check out this Web Site and use it often.<br />
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http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html<br />
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HooYah U. S. Armed Services.Everyone should go to this Challengetag:navydads.com,2009-05-27:2150375:BlogPost:441912009-05-27T11:30:05.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge<br />
Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas 05/09/2009<br />
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On Saturday May 9, 2009 the Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge visited the Dallas – Ft. Worth Metroplex and was held at the Keller School District Natatorium. (I live about 5 miles from the location.) It was their biggest event by a long shot with 590 people competing. They competed in a 500 yd. swim, push-ups, sit-ups, pull ups and a 1.5 mile run. The event was free and open to anyone over 13 years old. Since both males and females are…
Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge<br />
Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas 05/09/2009<br />
<br />
On Saturday May 9, 2009 the Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge visited the Dallas – Ft. Worth Metroplex and was held at the Keller School District Natatorium. (I live about 5 miles from the location.) It was their biggest event by a long shot with 590 people competing. They competed in a 500 yd. swim, push-ups, sit-ups, pull ups and a 1.5 mile run. The event was free and open to anyone over 13 years old. Since both males and females are allowed to compete there is no difference in the set standards. Everyone who completed the five rounds received a White Shirt, those with scores that would qualify for SEAL Training received a Brown Shirt and the ones who scored the minimum or higher SEAL Competitive Standard of 500 yard Swim in under 10 minutes, 80 push-ups in 2 minutes, 80 sit-ups in 2 minutes, 11 push-ups with no time limit and 1.5 mile run in under 10 minutes received a Blue Shirt. In each Group the best for each event received a Silver Medal and at the end of the day the Best of the Best for each of the five events received a Gold Medal. The first Group started at 0700 (I arrived at 0650) and the last Medal was Awarded at about 1630 (I left at 1700). While I had a long day I was really amazed at the way each person put out their all to Win. I as well as others had a scratchy voice from yelling “Come on you can do one more!!” and it did help some do more than they imagined. There were several Sailors with bullhorns heckling the guys and gals to make them do more. I remember during the swim all I heard for about 5 minutes was a bullhorn screaming “Get Off My Wall”, and when they would swim to the other side of the pool and rest someone on that side would scream the same thing. One Gentleman destroyed the SEAL Fitness Standard and earned a Blue Shirt and 2 medals; not bad if you consider he was 41 years old, a special education teacher and 13 years too old to join the SEALs. Another Gentleman smoked everyone in his heat of the 500 yard swim in a time of 8 minutes flat and he was using his worst stroke, the breaststroke. Did I mention he was 48 years old? Everyone (participants and spectators) had things to do at the event. I watched a 3 year old girl do a count down at the start of one group’s sit-up competition through a bullhorn, a girl about 5 show the right and wrong way to do a pull-up (she did have help from the instructor) and both times they got as loud or louder HooYah! than the guys and gals doing all the work. I really enjoyed meeting all the people. I had the opportunity to speak with a retired Navy Frogman from Class 3 and one from Class 30. What an honor! The pride they showed and the stories they told were priceless and I could have gone home after that, but there was so much more to watch. The Leap Frogs attempted a jump about 0900 but the ceiling was too low. They tried again about 1300. It took about 4 passes before the ceiling opened so they could see the ground and proceed. One of the guys told me when they jumped that the top of the plane was in the clouds, it was a quick and short jump since they were at 2000 feet.<br />
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Enough about the Challenge in general, the reason I am writing this is because I have a Grandson who is in SQT and I expect him to get his Trident in a few month. I also have a Grandson who along with his girlfriend took the Challenge. Remember when I said the standards are the same for both male and female? He decided about 3 days earlier to enter and had not been doing any extra workouts; he just Graduated HS and is working. His girlfriend plays soccer. Do you see where this is going? I am really, really proud of both my Grandsons and scores do not tell the whole story. Just attempting the challenge and completing it is an accomplishment in itself. With that said, I am going to list their scores as they appear on the SEAL Fitness Challenge Web Site.<br />
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Grandson age 19:<br />
Run Time 20:00<br />
Swim Time 15:29<br />
Pullups 7<br />
Pushups 30<br />
Situps 87<br />
PST 1970<br />
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Girlfriend age (ask her):<br />
Run Time 11:38<br />
Swim Time 14:00<br />
Pullups 6<br />
Pushups 30<br />
Situps 45<br />
PST 1427<br />
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Enough said on that subject.<br />
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The next Challenge will be August 8, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. If you live in the area, will be visiting the area, or can make a trip to the area at that time it is worth going. Just in case the Captain I met is reading this you may see me there, I have relatives in that area and may feel the need to schedule a visit.<br />
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That Saturday was a Great Day for me and our family! I have said that same thing so many times as I go through this process of having a Grandson join the Navy, complete Bootcamp, finish Pre-BUD’s, ship to Coronado and conclude each of the 3 phases of BUD’s while still with his original class. It’s equally as rewarding as he completes the different phases of SQT. Pride, joy, amazement…. There are not enough words to describe the emotions. I cannot imagine what is around the corner. When I think I have seen the most amazing thing to date something new comes along and I have to make my list of incredible things even longer.<br />
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To see Photos, Videos and Scores from past Events you can visit.<br />
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http://www.sealfitnesschallenge.com/index.htmlMy Trip to Coronadotag:navydads.com,2008-10-31:2150375:BlogPost:132892008-10-31T19:00:00.000ZNavyDads Co-Admin, Calvinhttps://navydads.com/profile/273
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: times new roman,times;">On Saturday Oct. 25.my wife and I flew to San Diego to visit our Grandson. We drove to Coronado, checked into the Navy Lodge, and got settled. Everyone at the Lodge and on the Base were great. They greeted you as they walked by and helped if you looked like you were lost. If you get a chance to stay at the Lodge try to get Oceanside and 5th floor or above for a great view of the BUD’s Training area. Be prepared for…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">On Saturday Oct. 25.my wife and I flew to San Diego to visit our Grandson. We drove to Coronado, checked into the Navy Lodge, and got settled. Everyone at the Lodge and on the Base were great. They greeted you as they walked by and helped if you looked like you were lost. If you get a chance to stay at the Lodge try to get Oceanside and 5th floor or above for a great view of the BUD’s Training area. Be prepared for Reveille and the National Anthem each morning played on the PA system plus early morning yelling coming from the Grinder and Beach area. You’d think the Instructors would go deaf with all that noise. We were across the Strand with one window open and could hear not only what the guys were yelling but also the Bell when it rang 3 times. That makes you sad.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">After checking into the Lodge my Grandson took us to North Island to get a pass for the car so we could leave and enter the Base without when he couldn’t be there. It also gave us a chance to drive around and see where everything was located and get an idea of where he went for meals and other things he’d mentioned. I walked around the Base quit a bit and it was interesting to see all the building and where the different commands were located.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Then it was down to Imperial Beach to visit our Grandson. It was a short distance to go but on the first drive I though we were never going to get there, we wanted the drive to be about 30 seconds not the long, long, long 10 minutes. He, his Girlfriend and the dog seemed very happy to see us. Everyone was in good spirits. He had some rest and was ready to visit and show us around. We returned to the Base to get ready for dinner and also called frogman80 to let him know we made it safe and sound. He told us to stay put and he would be at the Lodge in 20 minutes to visit and show us around the base. After driving to a few places of interest he crossed the Highway and we were in the BUD/S Training area. First stop, the Grinder. We meet everyone on the Quarterdeck were issued badges and off to the Grinder. We saw the painted outline of Flippers where the guys line up and of course the Famous Bell. Then it was back toward the beach area where the boats were stacked and we spotted the Smurff boat first. The Conference room was interesting with incredible pictures and plaques on the wall. Next was the O-course, some of the guys were out practicing and frogman80 told us what they were doing wrong and right as they learned the form to master one of the obstacles. Driving by the SEAL Team Building was interesting and I wish I had pictures. Next was to the Barracks. Along the way we saw several guys walking around and frogman80 stopped to ask each one what Class they were in and the main question he asked everyone “Why do you want to be a SEAL”. Their answers varied and were interesting. We crossed the Coronado Bridge to San Diego, drove through different military areas, Point Loma and the old Naval Base area. He spoke to his wife and decided we were all meeting for dinner with his family. I called my Grandson to ask if he’d like to join us. Frogman80 wanted the phone to give him direction and said he wanted to meet him. The best I could tell most of the answers most of the answers from the other end were “Yes Sir”. It took about 20 minutes for him to get to the restaurant and we began about a 2 hour eat and greet. I didn’t understand most of what frogman80 was talking about but my Grandson knew and they talked non-stop. If you go to the area you have to go to Devine Pastabilities for a meal, it was great and quite unique. The restaurant had to tell us we were the only table they had not cleaned (it was past closing time) so we had to leave. It was a great time and my Grandson has talked about it every since.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Then it was off to bed (early because our bodies were on a different time zone) and before we knew it we heard Reveille and the National Anthem over the speaker systemso another day had begun. My Grandson took me to The Diner in Coronado for Breakfast. Wow what a plate full of food. It was large enough to last my body all day. He went for a haircut and we prowled the stores in Coronado. We looked mainly at the bicycles used all over the island. The only way to describe them is to say they remind me of the one I had as a kid. No souped up 20 gear racing models, just plain bicycles like those back in the 60’s. Then back to Imperial Beach for a visit until he went to the base to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 barracks, get some equipment, and a new blue Helmet. On his way back from the Base he’d stopped to pick up a Pizza. It is hard to explain the Pizza so I have a picture. Check the size. That’s a 2 liter soda bottle. It’s somewhere around 36” wide and barely fit through the front door.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4"><img width="300" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540902422?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" height="185"/></span><br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">After eating (and trust me, we came nowhere close to finishing the whole thing) he unpacked all the equipment and cleaned it for several more hours to make sure everything was in good order. I am not sure how exact the Numbers and Name have to be positioned on the Helmet but I watched him put the decals on and take them off for about an hour and a half until he was satisfied with the way it looked. Then came lots of homework. We headed back to base for some R & R.</span><br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Monday he had to be at the Base at 0330, I did not get up to see him before class. When we finally got up it was off to Imperial Beach for some shopping and a visit. Then back to the Base where a friend stopped by. We visited with him and went to the NEX to pick up a few things. After he was off duty we all went to dinner at The Coronado Brewing Company. When we returned to Imperial Beach it was time for more homework and we left so he could finish and get some sleep. (He had to leave for the Base at 0400 Tuesday.) Back to bed for us and again we were greeted by Reveille and the National Anthem the next morning.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">We spent most of the Tuesday at the Viet Nam Memorial and driving around the Base. After he finished duty we went for a quick Sushi dinner. He was tired and had more homework so we left early so he could concentrate. We headed back to the Lodge and off to bed to wait for Reveille and the National Anthem.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">Wednesday we packed our bags and headed for the Airport. Had a nice flight home and arrive back at DFW about 1800.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">We had a Great Time, met some wonderful people and had a special visits with our Grandson. If you have a chance to go to Coronado anytime your Loved One is there GO! You will enjoy your visit and your Loved One will be thrilled to see someone from Home. In our 44 years of marriage we have been blessed with the ability to travel to a lot and see the sites of interest and history around the world but this was absolutely the best 4 day trip we have ever taken. It ranks 100 times higher than driving 2 weeks through Europe.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">I would like to take a minute to say a special thanks to frogman80 for the tour and the support he has given us and our Grandson. Also I would like thank those of you on this site for helping us get through Boot Camp, Pre-BUD/S and now BUD/S. This community helps all of us understand a little of what the guys are going through how important their work is to this country. Lastly, I would like to Thank all the Past, Present and Future Classes for their desire and commitment to join the Navy in whatever position they choose. While some areas of the Navy get more attention than others every single sailor is important. Their positions support everyone in the Military. No job is small or unimportant. America could not be what it is today without each and every individual in the Armed Services. The success of those jobs ensure our freedom to go where we want, say what we want, and write messages like this when we want.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">If anyone has question about going to Coronado please contact me and if I can answer them I would be glad to help in any way.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-4">God bless our Troops and God Bless the United States of America.</span></p>