WEEK 9 AND THE YELLOW BRICK

Week nine is over and we are deep into week 10 with VERY little left to do except graduation practice and graduation.  All “A”’ grades in classes with the car packed and facing west.

Our class completed the final challenge (The infamous Yellow Brick Road) on Wednesday (followed by plenty of recovery of Thursday and Friday).  I initially tried to keep a disposable camera with me but soon realized that it would be soaked most of the time. In hindsight I should have gotten a disposable “dive” camera that is waterproof.  Oh, well, I was able to salvage a few pics and obtain pictures from others.

The “Yellow Brick Road” is the U.S. Marines Endurance Course on Marine Base Quantico. The course is 6.2 miles long including a 3 mile run back to the academy (uphill all the way I might add).   It’s known as the “E” Course and is owned and maintained by the USMC.  The number of tombstones I saw along the way was my first clue. Nevertheless we only had a few minor injuries and everyone finished.

Rock wall climb

Preparing to take off !

The bear pit

The Brick after Fit Test

Spent Saturday the 10^th doing some final touring. Among the stops were Arlington National Cemetery. 

Midway to the Lee House facing east toward the U.S. Capital

Week 10 and graduation is upon us. The biggest enemy around here for the time being is boredom and homesickness for everyone.  I think we all got a boost on Sunday when we realized it was time to pack. Not sure how I will survive without the Tilapia and Veggies twice a day, but I am sure I will find a way.

We took the FBI fit test on Tuesday the 13^th . I was able to improve in every category and dropped about 16 along the way so I am happy.  Now the trick is to keep it up and stick with their program here.

That is all for now. The week is winding down toward graduation, my wife Rachel arrives on Wednesday and we will take a mini-vacation back to God’s Country in Oklahoma after graduation on Friday.  Hope to have a post after graduation with some pics.   Until then… it’s been good.

8 Weeks…..and the Journey to Oz

8 weeks through the window and everyone at MCB Quantico are ready for week 9, then a quick week 10 with few classes and lots of packing time. (Not to mention families arriving on the Wednesday)

Week 8 was among the longest since we have been here.  A full week of classes, a couple of early finals and the most challenging physical training to date.  The week made for some interesting times in the board room, and everyone is glad this week is over.

 

You can tell that tensions and anxiety are getting high as more and more of us are at the brink but thoughts of graduation around the corner has kept most of us “going” through the tough times.

Final test (comprehensive final) in Legal was this past week (I made a 97) with two more finals next week in Labor law, and a couple of presentations in Executive Leadership and Computer Crimes classes.  Final paper for Emotional Intelligence was submitted last week so I am 100% caught up and ready to roll out of here.  Right now, nothing sounds better than home.  Lots of graduate credits I can take home so I am not complaining.  Just glad this is coming to an end.

We had an interesting week in P.T. beginning with a tough workout on Tuesday.  This week’s PT Challenge was known as the “JOURNEY TO OZ”  which consisted of a timed 5.2 mile trail run through the Marine base in a driving rainstorm, in 40 degree weather, with Marine corps rifle fire in the distance…..The trails were flooded, some knee deep, and the hills were slick with mud and leaves but this 47 year old fat boy got’her done in 62 minutes.  Passing was 80 minutes or less therefore, I was very happy.  My shoes and PT gear did not fare so well, but the trail run was a lifetime event that I will never forget.

While we all limped around on Thursday after the trail run on Wednesday, our PT Instructor, John VanVorst (from the Great State of Ohio as he reminds us) took the opportunity for some “restorative motion” on Thursday.  My idea of restorative motion consists of lying in bed and breathing.  Apparently, John’s idea of restorative motion consisted of 28 minutes of high intensity aerobic circuit drills.  We did it…. It was not fun, but we did it.  The next day there was a suspicious wanted poster drawn on the classroom board saying “John VanVorst—Wanted for Attempted Murder of Section 6.”  He rewarded us for the poster with more “restorative motion”  J 

In John's defense, he is a great guy and one of the best PT instructors I have every met.

Next week is the infamous “Yellow Brick Road” known to law enforcement execs nationwide as a beast of a 6.1 miles endurance course with obstacles along the way. After last week’s performance, I am actually kinda pumped about it.  I will get a disposable camera this week and grab some photos of the course as we complete it.

Scenes from the 248th FBI NA Charity Auction for COPSkids

The 248th FBI NA Class held its charity auction this week and raise $18,000 for COPS Kids. An organization dedicated to the children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Among the items auctioned off were a weekend in Lake Tahoe, and a custom harley davidson fender painted with the FBINA Logo on the fender.  It was a nice event for a good cause held at a local establishment. Despite it being crowded, it was a great break from the academy.

Saturday was spent on an insider tour of the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  Due to national security regulations I cannot post interior pics, but I will tell you that the tour was among the best I have taken in many trips to the DC area.

Myself and Arman, a student from Kazackhstan National Police prior to the Pentagon Tour.  Arman is the director of the national police academy in his country.

The blessing for today lies in the knowledge that on this same day next week… I will be packing.  Great school, great time, great fellowship with law enforcement leaders from around the country but all 250+ of us are ready to roll home. 

Some of the students from the eastern parts of the US have asked the NA staff to offer the following course for future sessions.... just sayin'

I will post once more next week, then again after graduation.  Until then--- Take care my friends.

Week 7 in the Bank !

I missed any posting last week due to the long weekend and, well, I was just too busy finishing assignments before the long weekend.  Long weekend was great, spent it with Rachel and toured DC, Philadelphia and a little of Fredricksburg, Va.

Week 7 is now in the books and I think “Quantico Fever” has set in for many of us.  Everyone is gearing up to finish the PT challenges and get through the yellow brick road challenge, but everyone is also ready to graduate and go home.   The medical version of QF is making the rounds as well with many of us coughing and stuffy.

The good weather lately has not helped anyone with homesickness.  I think we are all missing home a good deal and its starting to show in our classes.

International night was held this week at the FBI Academy with all international students setting up presentations, hosting food and drink from their own country. It was a great opportunity to experience other cultures up-close and personal. It was a great time, and a great tradition at the FBI NA.

Antonis Antoniou from the Cypress National Police and myself.

John Ndunguste from Uganda and Orlando Toniono from Argentina

Around 300 students, staff, and visitors in attendance

Lets just say at least one of these saucers contained dehydrated grasshoppers.

Around 100 students made the academy trek to New York City on the weekend of the 11^th.  The stories are too many to tell, but photos are going to be available on photobucket sometime soon.

The 248^th was not immune to Super Bowl Weekend as we held our own tailgate in the grove behind the track just prior to the game. The academy then spent the evening in the atrium enjoying the Pats getting beat down.. (close, but a beating none the less)

Well, that is all for now.  This past week we finished the “winged monkey” circuit challenge, and this week will take on the 5.2 miler in preparation for the YBR the following week.  Hopefully, the weather will hold out..  Until next week….

HALFWAY HOME !!!!

Week 5- Halfway

The half-way point is upon the Academy and could not come at a better time.  We can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.   It is amazing how “the little things” can keep you going when things get tough.  Despite being only halfway, the Supervisory Agent of the Academy spent time during an enrichment assembly to cover the “graduation week schedule for week 10”.  My being a student of human behavior, I immediately noticed everyone smiling, talking and once again enjoying the academy.  He essentially “turned the light on” at the end of the tunnel.   Good management lesson for all of us.

 

Last weekend was cold and rainy in the DC area. Despite this, many students spent the weekend traveling, or touring the DC area.  Several students participated in “Polar Plunge” activities for Special Olympics.

I spent the weekend working on assignments, catching up on over 100 emails, and toured the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.  Great exhibits and a real hidden gem among the museums and places to see in the DC area.

Reading room from observation deck at Library of Congress

Library of Congress-  Thomas Jefferson's personal library is housed here and is on display

Monday, for some reason, was extremely tough on all students.  Several cases of “Quantico Flu” were appearing as we seen several students headed to the medical building with flu symptoms, plus some injuries.  So far my room has been lucky....loading large doses of vitamin C, D3 and garlic to try to ward it off.

Tuesday our section resumed medieval torture (in the form of physical training J ) which included some outside footwork drills, and inside for what our instructor calls “Energy System Development”, which is just a fancy term for “Jumping, running, punching, hopping, lunging and flopping on a mat until you are sucking air and light headed”….  Thus.. energy system development.  I am pleased to say that it does in fact work. While not losing any pounds, I have taken up several notches on the belt.  So more “emergency system development” is on the horizon.

Tuesday night all “State Trooper” students from the 248^th treated ourselves to a night at the “Globe and Laurel” steakhouse in Stafford, Virginia.  The restaurant is a historic place owned and operated by Major Richard T. Spooner (Ret.). of the U.S. Marine Corps.   Major Spooner is a WW2 veteran who has been referred to as a “walking history” of the USMC.  Major Spooner lost his wife of 62 years only the day before our dinner, but still took time to come and visit with us and have a cigar.  We passed on the thoughts and prayers of the academy.  Thanks to Danny Moore of the Tennessee Highway Patrol for the photo and to Brian Neiwind of the North Dakota Highway Patrol for setting up the evening. 

 The inside joke at the Academy is that we tried to get some Sheriff’s Department folks to drive us Troopers out for our dinner.  I would like to say that it is completely untrue.  We may have discussed it…. But it never happened J…. Just be sure to ask George DelNagro from the New York State Police about the bumper stickers that mysteriously appeared on his door the following morning that read “support your local Sheriff”…..I believe there were about 30 so I hear.

State Agency students from the 248th having a steak.

Wednesday the academy participated in the “Lions Leap” Challenge of 3.1 miles which quickly changed to around 3.4 miles when we discovered Marines were using the normal trails for training purposes.  The run was tough but everyone finished in 36 minutes or less despite the 38 degree temps.  Unfortunately, the entire run was on asphalt which was not kind to many of our knees, ankles and heels.  A little ice and a few Advil and we were back to class. A 4.2 run (run-walk for most of us) coming up next week.

Students doing an indoor warmup prior to the Challenge.

Wednesday afternoon the academy came together to hear Trooper Bobby Smith of the Louisiana State Police.  If you have never heard Trooper Smith tell his story, you should rush out and buy his book “Visions of Courage”.  This man was amazing and brought many of us to our knees, or at least to tears.  The longer he spoke, the more sniffles and face-wipes you could see across the room.  I noticed almost every student on the phone calling a family member after the presentation… I know I did.

Trooper Bobby Smith, Louisiana State Police

 This truly amazing soul has endured unnatural losses of two (2) children (car accident and drug overdose), been through two divorces, lost his job, was shot in the face while serving as a Trooper in Louisiana and is permanently and totally blind.  Yet he still professes his faith and lives to make law enforcement a truly honorable profession. Trooper Smith was medically retired after he was blinded in a gun fight, but was recently reinstated to the LSP as a Trooper and now travels the country as a motivational speaker. See an article on Bobby’s life at http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2011/10/louisiana_state_trooper_blinde.html

Trooper Bobby Smith, Louisiana State Police, circa 1980's

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Well, Friday the 10^th marks the end of the halfway point, and graduation is pending one-month from NEXT Friday.  So the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. 

Mine will get brighter this week as the best wife in the world is flying in from Oklahoma for next weekend.  The
 “bucket list”  includes going for a jog on the National Mall.  I hope that we can post some pics together from that adventure.  Until then…. Serve with pride and  keep your powder dry.



WEEK 4 Is in the bag !!!! …. Occupy Quantico!!!

Updating today (Friday) as I missed my two update “days” this week due to homework and other commitments here.

**Condolences to NA Student, Lt. Marvin Butler of the Charles County Sheriff’s Department in Maryland.   Marvin had a tragedy in his family and traveled home this weekend.  We are all hoping things work out and he can return after the weekend.  Prayers to you Marv..... the 7^th Floor Mafia has your back**

Week four is in the bag and we now begin the “halfway” week.  Everyone has really settled into the academy and got into the “routine” of breakfast, class, PT, lunch, class, homework, sleep and repeat.  I have found that getting into the routine really helps speed the week up.

The best part of the week was that we finally got our TV working in the room.... A little Oklahoma engineering with ducktape, a $10 antenna from wal-mart and the metal window frame got us about 10 local channels. All we need is a couple of lawn chairs on the porch, a Weber grill in the front yard, and a redwood deck on our room and we would be set!!

Last weekend I took some personal time to get away from the Marine Base and traveled up the Interstate to the Steven Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport in DC.  It is much larger and has a better collection than the A&S Museum in D.C.

Nose of the spaceshuttle "Enterprise" at Dulles Airport

The Enola Gay, preserved on display at Dulles

Once I left the museum I decided I would take a walk in D.C.,  Parked the car in Arlington and took the subway into D.C…. and just my luck the train gets stuck for 30 minutes under McPherson Square (Home of the Occupy DC Protest).  I tired of sitting on the train and bailed out taking the opportunity to photograph some of the zoo animals in D.C. Occupy.  The place is pretty nasty.

You could smell human waste for several blocks.

The 248^th had the opportunity on Tuesday to hear a presentation by General Hugh Shelton, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Presidents Clinton and Bush.   General Shelton was the Chair of the Joint Chiefs on 9/11 and told some fascinating stories.  Men of his character, approachability (and wit) are lacking in leadership positions across the country. I look forward to reading his book "Leading Without Hesitation".

Week 4 also included the “Cyclone Challenge” on Wednesday.  The challenge consisted of a 20-minute circuit training exercise with no break between stations except to move from point to point.  High impact stuff.  We made it through the challenge fine and followed the workout with ice, ibuprofen and lunch.  Next week’s challenge is the 3.1-mile “Lions Leap” on the road. My knees and shins are not looking forward to the asphalt. The trails were much better for running. Let us just hope for more good weather.

Deer outside one of the "tubes" that lead from building to building. (Known as "Gerbal" tubes)

More homework this weekend, maybe trip into DC or down to Fredericksburg, laundry, reading, boardroom for milk and cookies in the evening :).... (Kareoke pictures from the boardroom are forbidden by academy rules until graduation or until I get a cash offer from several students, whichever comes first) ... Until Monday,   Lets be careful out there!!

Week Three and Memorial Service

The 248^th Session of the FBI National Academy held a class service at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC on Wednesday January 25.  The event marked the first visit to the memorial site for many students, including those students from international agencies.

A special thanks to the Lieutenant James O’Sullivan (248^th, Section 6) for handling arrangements for the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard to present the colors. Trina Washington of Chesapeake SO also blessed us with the National Anthem. Two other students, Vincent Ayub and Colm Magnor assisted with Bagpipes along with the D.C. Police Pipe and Drum Corps.

Giving opening remarks and invocation

The event was an opportunity for students of the 248^th Session to pay respects to fallen friends and co-workers from our agencies. While the weather was indeed cold, the service was a great opportunity to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion.  During my turn at roll-call I called the name of our last fallen Trooper, Captain George Green, end of watch, Tuesday,October 26, 2010.

Many students have commented about the dignified service and discussed the possibility of coming back during National Police Week.  There were not many dry eyes at the event as any of you could only imagine. Many students took time to remember fallen co-workers, friends and even family members in some cases. The event has become an NA tradition that we all hope continues.

Academy life continues to move-on, we are now in the middle of the third week.  More rubber band torture (See earlier posts), mat drills and running on tap for this week.  

The academy finished this week’s challenge of a 2.6 mile trail run known here as the “Tin Man Trott”. I can tell you from personal experience that 2.6 miles on a trail, at a slow pace, is MUCH better than 1.8 miles up and down these Virginia hills at a fast run pace. Several deer grazed near the trails which circle Lake Lunga on MBQ (Marine Base Quantico)

The challenge next Wednesday is a 20 minute circuit drill known as “The Cyclone”. My PT class rehearsed it this morning and none of us lasted more than 13:30 without a break, so….. more training, ice packs, bio-freeze and Advil between now and next Wednesday.

Classes are still very good. The information is timely and well organized.  Labor Law and Legal Update classes may sound boring, but they are actually very informative and, at times, entertaining.

I have never been around a more accepting and professional group of students than here. The thing that sticks in my mind is that law enforcement problems are universal. Every agency thinks their problems are unique, but they are not.  All agencies, big, small or international seem to have the same problems. We have spent a lot of time sharing and comparing solutions and management tools for solving problems. (Enough deep thinking for the night)

Trying to decide where to venture this weekend…   Next blog is Monday the 30^th !!!! Until then…lets  be careful out there.

Week 3 and Going Strong...

Week 2 has come and gone, Week 3 is now upon us.

I see the weather reports from home (50’s and 60’s) and get a little homesick. We had a storm  move through this weekend bringing snow, ice, rain and 30 degree temperatures. Not my idea of good weather. 

The only thing that made the weather better this weekend is the few moments I got to spend each night on Skype with my most wonderful wife...  (Smile Sweetie)

Field trip to Annapolis (U.S. Naval Academy) was cancelled this weekend due to icy road conditions.  So a few of us went to a “back up plan” and, after a short drive to the Metro station, caught the subway into D.C. for some site seeing.  

Lieutenant Bryan Paulsen from Washburn, Wisconsin and myself made the trek to the Museum of American History, Ollie’s Trolley for a burger, then to the new museum at Ford’s Theatre.  We then returned to Quantico and took in a movie with several other students.

LT Bryan Paulsen,  Washburn, Wisconsin

The Annapolis trip has been postponed until later in the Academy when (and if) the weather improves.  I really want to see the retiring of the colors at sunset. We were told it is an amazing sight.

Annapolis trip being cancelled on Saturday

This week brings a full week of classes, 8 hours of classroom every day,  along with a 2.6 mile challenge run, and a memory service at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.  Yours truly will be giving the invocation and helping with the event.

It is an opportunity to for all academy students to remember our friends and partners who gave the last full measure of devotion.  Hopefully, I can post pictures of this event on Thursday.

P.T. is fun, but brutal. Due to the weather we cannot get outside as much for PT so cardio-stations in the gym, and hi-impact mat exercises are the norm for now. Knees hurt bad, but a little ibuprofen and a little ice each day has kept me going.

The academy itself has increased in population… the regular academy class, the national academy, an FBI analyst school, and a law enforcement executive development class are all in the same facility. Below are a few photos of the week..

Gen. George Washington's dress blues on display at the Museum of American History. Rescued from Mount Vernon in 1812.

My study group.  (L to R) Pat Dumais of the ATF, Timmy Springer of the Royal Barbados Police, Matt Harshberger of Pittsfield, MI, and Wayne Stewart of Kansas City, Missouri PD.

Other study groups working in the "crossroads" lounge

Outside Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C., Saturday January 21, 2012

Undersheriff (and resident entertainer) Herman T. Jones of Shawnee County, Kansas

   I will post some memorial photos on Thursday.. until then..  "Lets be careful out there"

Flag Night and First PT Challenge

Greetings and (ouch!) salutations from Marine Base Quantico and the 248th Session of the FBI National Academy..

The "ouch" stems from the first week of regular PT.  Many of us have discovered muscle groups long forgotten and rarely used.  Moreover, John, our PT instructor, seems to take some weird satisfaction in having us perform some very painful things with nothing more than a big rubber band.  I think its normally called a "fitness band" but somewhere in the back of my mind I can see this thing being used as some sort of medieval torture device.  Nevertheless, it IS PT and it IS good for us all so we will survive it.

The 248th performed its first challenge on Wednesday with an Academy wide run of 1.8 miles, other wise known at the "We're not in Kansas Anymore" challenge.    I have quickly discovered that 1.8 miles on flat smooth terrain in Oklahoma is much different than 1.8 miles up hills, down hills, and in a wind chill of 25 degrees in Virginia. None the less, we all finished. It was great to see everyone huddled around the finish line cheering their academy brothers and sisters at the finish. 

Next up is the 2.6 mile "Tin Man Trot" trail run challenge.  I will be posting pictures as we finish the challenges each Wednesday.

Week 2 is almost in the books but not quiet finished.  We had a great day in Labor Law and Legal courses today with a brief time-out in the middle for rubber-band torture and lunch. :)  The weekend will include a field trip to Annapolis, Maryland for a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy, homework and laundry.  Make no mistake about it... this is not a vacation.

Every FBI Academy session hosts a flag night. The event is an opportunity for the regular FBI Students and DEA students to "get to know" law enforcement leaders from the state they will be assigned when they graduate.

The event is also an opportunity for all students to trade patches, business cards, pens, etc..  Our flag night was a great event that turned into a party. Everyone had a great time trading gifts and stories....

The Oklahoma delegation at the Academy.  Blake Annis from Bixby PD, Michelle Robinette from Tulsa County, and myself at our "Oklahoma" table under the Oklahoma State Flag on flag night.  We sported patches, cards, pins, stickets, ice scrapers, key chains and an assortment of swag from the Great State of Oklahoma.

My roommate Mike Walker from Gardendale, Alabama (Where?) along with Kate from Hong Kong, and other NA Students on flag night.

Myself and a fellow NA Student from the Jordanian National Police Force with the Jordanian flag.

NA Students on flag night.

Looking forward to touring the USNA this weekend. I will be updating this post on Monday.... Until then, stay safe.