Through A Different Lens

Through a Different Lens

F3 (www.f3nation.com) has been an integral part of me becoming the type of person, the type of man, I am today. This development process is a long journey, absent a finish line. This process can be frustrating as one never truly arrives at an end point. The journey is full of mistakes and learning opportunities we call waypoints, along the path of becoming the man you were created to become.

As of this past weekend in mid-May, there have been 28 GrowRuck Training Exercises, or GTE, executed during the 10-year existence of F3. These events are leadership training weekends where participants are taught virtuous leadership principles and then tested to put their learning into practice. I have participated in 3, Louisville, Myrtle Beach and this past weekend in Northwest Arkansas. All these events, both those I’ve participated in and those I have not, are uniquely their own. They have their own leadership team planning them, often times have different members of the Trainer and Cadre teams executing them and different men signing up to participate in the hopes they experience the same memory-making, life-changing moments they’ve heard about from events past. GTE’s are an excellent way to cement the development process for a man.

I’ve had those life-changing moments and often talk of the physical and mental challenges our teams have overcome. It is a fantastic way for men to learn life lessons as they’re expected to implement leadership teachings during frequent periods of high stress and limited visibility. What made NW Arkansas different?

First, I was flying in to participate in this event with my brother-in-law of 16+ years whom I’ve known for over 20. He is my wife’s brother and is also the leader of the regional F3 group hosting this GTE. In addition to the family connection, we were on the same team or as we say it, we were in the same Platoon. We often rucked side by side, each having some kind of heavy object hoisted onto our shoulders providing an additional challenge. Under such conditions, much didn’t have to be spoken. There is now a shared connection that just exists because of that experience. Sure, family vacations and Christmas dinners will now include inside jokes or “remember when” stories, but it’s the bond gained through shared adversity that grows the relationship.

Second, I was a Trainer alongside a great friend of mine, Frank. As a Trainer, you have a few primary functions during the weekend. In the beginning, Trainers rally the men and walk through the plan and expectations for the weekend. Trainers execute the Saturday morning workout consisting of leadership principles taught in F3. The major function of Trainers, requiring the most investment, is leading the 3-hour training session we call Grow School during which we teach these principles in a classroom setting and share personal experiences to support the content. This content comes from the book written by F3’s co-Founder, Dave Redding, Q Source (https://f3nation.com/q-source/). Trainers go “Under the Log” and participate like every other man. The difference here, however, is that Trainers cannot offer suggestions or advice, or serve in a leadership capacity during the event. They are to suffer and celebrate in all the same ways the rest of their team does. As I learned this weekend, this is where the magic happens.

The final element that made this weekend different was the connection made with several of the men in our Platoon. Those men know who they are as we pushed each other throughout the event, learned of very similar life experiences or, they presented an opportunity of personal investment. That’s one of the many special things about these events, it is about way more than “just” a 14-hour ruck event. Bonds are created through shared adversity.

While these and other experiences from this weekend stay with me, it is that role as a trainer I want to dig into a bit more. I’m 41 years old and have a history of surrounding myself, and in some cases, befriending, older men. I just tend to hang around guys that are a few years my senior. In doing so, I often pick up on their knowledge and listen to pieces of wisdom that stick with me. Rarely do I consider myself as a source of wisdom for other men. So, as a trainer, one is forced to be in the wisdom sharing role. Leading up to this unique opportunity, I studied and asked men whose opinion I value all sorts of questions about my preparation, what aspects I should dig in on and more broadly, their advice on how to present this material.

The training went well. While I went long on some points and rushed through others, I believe the material I presented was conveyed in a manner easily digested. I got vulnerable with the roughly 60 men in attendance in sharing how I’ve misaligned priorities, led selfishly and have eventually surrounded myself with men to hold me accountable. In the days since GTE28, I’ve had a few men contact me and thank me for sharing about my life and even talked about how it is causing them to think differently. That’s about as good as it gets.

Then, we went under the log. Frank talks about his passion of “unlocking” men for their true purpose. This isn’t a vocational unlocking but a true, life-meaning, unlocking and discovery of your purpose for living this life. Over the course of the event, under extreme physical duress, exhausted, hungry, frustrated, and possibly even regretting their choice to be there, I witnessed a few men become unlocked. They were transformed from deer staring into the headlights to men that assessed a situation and jumped into action. Their action threw their own personal comfort out the window because after all, they weren’t in this event for themselves. Sure, it’s nice to overcome something physically hard, but they kept pushing because that’s what they expected from other men in the Platoon, to keep pushing. In other words, they weren’t going to let you quit.

A man will quit on himself before he will quit on another man. We had plenty of time to ponder quitting. While carrying a ladder weighted down with fire hoses, sandbags, logs and our own ~40lb rucks, one could rationalize quitting in today’s world. But guess what? We weren’t living in today’s world this past weekend. The actions by men, most whom I’d not previously met, were inspiring. I witnessed a man in his 20’s take over the lead role and absolutely crush it. We completed every challenge with time to spare, knew the expectations and found ways to support the team. I witnessed a teenager lead men 2-3 times his age, including his own father. As soon as one becomes concerned about the generation behind you and its ability to engage, he put an end to that thought. It wasn’t perfect but you’d be hard pressed to find another 15-year-old with the courage and fortitude to take that on.

I witnessed a man puking on a field come back and excel during this event. I witnessed a man who’s never led even a small workout go on to lead us through a mock casualty exercise. I witnessed the silent courage of countless men focus on everything else but their own personal suck, just so that they could be a motivating force for others.

In the end, I had a few men come up to me, face to face, hug me and thank me for the role I played. You see, I’ve always found myself on the receiving end of other men giving of themselves. This time, I gave some of myself away because I was honored to be asked and I cared about these guys before I even knew their names. These men in Arkansas, from around the country, thanked me because I cared about them. I encouraged them to press on, physically, and in their lives back home.

Imagine if we could get every man to step into an experience like this, realizing it’s about way more than carrying a weighted ruck for a few hours. What if we all had the life-changing experience to recognize we get to invest in others and be invested into, while going through shared challenges? In 41 years, I’ve not found an environment better than a GTE where a man can fail then overcome, on his way to becoming a more unlocked man. It is a process, and a very rewarding one at that.

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Yeti: The Search is Over Til Next Year

  • QIC: Fishstix
  • When: 03/19/2022
  • Posted In: CSAUP

We had 51 Pax participate in the seventh annual Yeti CSAUP.   Pax from The Fort, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill joined in on the fun Saturday morning.  Various groups departed Model A visiting each of the Pain Stations listed below.

Pain Stations:

Yeti Route

The event wrapped up at Model A with the presentation of the checks to each of the charities.  It was a great event.  On Saturday, a woman asked me, “What are you guys training for?”  I explained our group and mission.  She smiled and said “That’s awesome!”  It’s amazing what we are able to accomplish with our group here in The Fort.    The best is yet to come.

 

 

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Yeti 2022: Let the Search Begin

The Fort will host its seventh annual CSAUP, “The Yeti”.  Like past years, we encourage all Pax to join this fun event.  This year, we will search the highest points of Tega Cay to find the elusive Yeti.  The full course will be approximately 14 miles, with four pain stations.  The Yeti will start and end at Model A Brewing so you’ll be able to enjoy a great 2nd F after completion.

Sign up Here for The Yeti so we can get an accurate count for the event

Start Times:

Ruck – 05:45 am

Runners – 06:45 am / Flex start based on pace

Extra miles available if you finish early.  Model A will be opening around 10:30 am.

Pain Stations:

Yeti Route

High Level Directions

  • Leave Model A, right on Stonecrest to 160
  • Right on 160 to Len Patterson Road
  • Right on Len Patterson Road into parking lot (Painstation #1)
  • Left on 160 to Gold Hill Road
  • Left on Gold Hill Road to Tega Cay Elementary
  • Take left first school entrance, follow road around the back of the school to the bus drop off (Painstation #2)
  • Exit left out of the Tega Cay Elementary parking lot
  • Follow sidewalk to traffic light
  • Turn left on Shoreline Parkway
  • Immediate right, follow crosswalk to Trailhead Park
  • Continue on paved pathway along Tega Cay Drive to Runde Park approximately two miles, Painstation #3 will be located near the fire station. Look for the pull-up bars.
  • Take paved trail back towards Tega Cay Elementary. After White Bluff Dr, take the next right
  • Follow the paved path and power lines above to the water tower
  • Beware of the Yeti
  • From the water tower, follow the path down to the parking lot (Painstation #4)
  • Follow the path up to Shoreline Parkway
  • Right on Shoreline Parkway, pass Beechwood Cove Dr
  • Take next right, paved pathway to Tega Cay Beach Club
  • Walk across street to gravel parking lot and continue left on paved trail
  • Trail ends at Hunter’s Run Drive
    • Option 1: Take right directly across the street “Trevor Ford Memorial Trail.” Take trail to the Shoreline Parkway near Memorial Gardens
    • Option 2: Take left and then right on Shoreline Parkway to Gold Hill Road
  • Right on Gold Hill Road to Hubert Graham Way
  • Left on Hubert Graham Way
  • Follow Crosswalk over to Model A

Shirts can be ordered at the following link:  Yeti Shirt

Deadline for shirt orders has been extended until March 7th.

 

Fishstix

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F3 The Fort – Adopt a Highway (#2)

****March 5th 2022- 7:45am – 8:00am****

Men,

We have officially signed up for the Adopt-A-Highway Litter pick-up program.  Our adopted Highway is US21 from Peachstand south to Sutton Rd. (2 miles). We will have a sign installed to promote this section of the highway.  We are encouraged to complete 4 pick-ups a year (once a quarter).  All supplies will be provided.  All we need to do is show up.  The SC DOT will come out and pick up our bags along the route after completion.

**Our NEXT Clean-up date is tentatively scheduled for March 5th. (start time )  7:45 am – 8:00am**. There is no time expectation for participation.  Stay as long as needed or head out early.  Modify as needed. Plan for 2 hours if you complete the 1-mile loop.  We split up into two groups last time and met at the halfway point.

We will begin at the Peachstand (rear of the building) and coordinate.  I have 30 vests and all supplies.

Fogerty will be the main contact for this event over the next two years.

Here are some of the logistics:

• Make sure your group knows that in case of bad weather the cleanup will be postponed. Litter collection should never be done in the dark or in bad weather.
• Notify local news media who may have an interest in publicizing your group’s activities. • Remind your group of the appropriate clothing. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes help avoid scratches and irritation from poisonous plants. Light or brightly colored clothing will make them easily visible to passing traffic.
• Be sure you have all the materials and supplies you’ll need beforehand, including first aid kits.
• Check with members of your group to be aware of any allergies that might be important (such as bee-stings, etc).
• Work out a plan for what you will do in the event of an emergency. Find out what the quickest route to the hospital is.
• Park vehicles at both ends of the adopted section.

• Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to participate in Adopt-A-Highway cleanups. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on all Adopt-A-Highway cleanups.

The state does provide adopt-a-highway orange and blue bags.  Orange bags are for trash and blue bags are for recyclables if you want to recycle.  Your group is also provided with orange safety vests.   We do require four pickups every year, usually once every quarter.  All that is needed to be done after trash is picked up is to call or email me and I will send one of our crews to pick up the bags.

It is volunteers like you who are going to make a difference by speaking up and doing what they can to help their community.  Please let me know If you have any questions, I will be glad to assist you.

Thank you,

Sherry J. Johnson
Administrative Specialist/
Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator
SC Department of Transportation
803-327-6186 O I 803-327-6184 F
JohnsonSJ@scdot.org

District Four Maintenance
338 Robertson Road West
Rock Hill, SC 29730

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F3TheFort Holiday Drop-In

The Forts annual holiday party will have a different feel this year.
With COVID still lingering we have decided to have a gathering but it will be a bit different.

We are encouraging The PAX to go to dinner with your M and either your Shieldlock, Whetstone, or small group of fellow PAX and their Ms. After dinner we will all gather for an hour or so of a social hour(s).
This will give our Ms the opportunity to meet the crazy fellas we spend the early mornings with but more importantly their M.

We are all fortunate to have this crazy group it is also just as important to try and let our Ms meet some other ladies in the community and possibly let them start great friendships as well.

Make it a day of F3. Start with the golf outing, go to dinner and then grab a couple beers, a bottle of J Lohr wine, a cocktail and let’s kick off the holiday season.

If COVID worries you or your M we will have an outdoor area to hang out at as well as indoor areas.

Where- Springfield Community Center- by the tennis courts/pool
420 Horton Grove, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Time- 7pm-9pmish

When- Dec 3rd, 2021

Contact- Backdraft with any concerns…

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2022 Dam to Dam for a Cause

  • QIC: Backdraft, Cornerstone, Cyclops, Stang, Gekko, Nasa, Gears, Reborn, Slash, Pusher
  • When: 02/26/2022
  • Posted In: 3rdF, CSAUP

10 teams from across the Fort/Rock Hill/Lake Wylie regions have committed to the 2022 Dam to Dam Relay from Lake Murray to Lake Greenwood. In addition to this effort, these HIMs have committed to continuing the mission of F3 by invigorating male community leadership in a partnership with local charities.

Over the past 2 years, HIMs from the Fort have contributed over $45k back into local charities. in 2019, we provided over $15k in school supplies to Classroom Ready for students in need. This has led to a continued partnership since that time. In 2020, we provided over $30 to Harlans Heroes to support families dealing with pediatric cancer.

In an effort to continue to build our legacy in our area, we will be raising funds to create (3) scholarships at all local schools in partnership with the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools. Your efforts and donations will lead to a 10 year commitment to identify those students who exemplify community leadership.

In addition, we will also support 809 Foundation, Hometown Heroes and the St. Jude Dream Home. As a group, we felt that our fundraising could and should impact as many locally as possible.

We have set a goal of raising $50k for 2022. We ask that you support us with a contribution to the following link Dam to Dam for a Cause. Thanks in advance for your consideration and contribution.

In addition to the F3 Foundation, we have several upcoming events. Please see information below and contact the QIC for additional details:

11/19/21 – Bourbon Tasting (Cyclops – QIC)

Early December 2021 – Fort Golf Tournament (Stang – QIC)

12/24/21 – Santa Clave 5k and 10k (Boss Hogg – QIC)

1/29/22 – Dam to Damn Bar 10k (Hardwood – QIC)

TBD – Grapevine Night

More events and details to follow. Thanks for making an impact in our community.

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Pumpkins Spice and NOT everything is NICE! – The Sweati Returns

  • What:     The Fort’s Hottest CSAUP = The Sweati (southern cousin of the Yeti)
  • When:     Saturday October 2nd
  • Time:     
    • Ruck – 0600 launch
    • Run/Relay/Bike – 0630 launch
    • Bootcamp at The Yard – 0700 launch
  • Where:    The Yard (for you redwoods out there) Fort Mill Middle School Springfield Parkway
  • How:         Your Choice: Run, Bike, Ruck, Relay, Solo, SpaceX vehicle
  • Requirements: Bright Clothing and lights for being on roads with vehicles. No bright clothes….we got a problem
  • Why:        Because were men!!!
  • BONUS:  Coffeeteria after and possibly a seasonal flavor libation 

Details: In Sweati Tradition, you show to know, however if you keep asking me I may drop some hints…..JUST BE THERE!

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F3 The Fort Anniversary Party

Get ready to celebrate the Anniversary of The Fort. Location will be next to The Springfield neighborhood pool under the pavilion. but the date is set Sept. 17th, 2021. 1830-2130 or 630pm- 930pm for anyone that dosn’t know how to do military time. Cant wait to see you all. It will be the same as last year and bring your own dinner and drinks. We will have a few people speaking.

Look forward to seeing everyone.

location- Springfield Neighborhood Pavilion, next to pool

time- 630pm- 930pm

what to bring- whatever you want to eat and drink.

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2021 Goggins 4X4X48 Challenge

“I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done.” David Goggins

Beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 17 and continuing to just after 6:00 AM on Sunday, September 19 F3 PAX are welcome to join in on the David Goggins 4X4X48 Challenge.

This is an endurance run that requires a 4-mile run every 4-hours for 48-hours total. That equals 48-miles in 48-hours.

The most important part of this endurance run is support. So, we ask that as many PAX that can join us for the entire time or only a run or two. We understand that we will not be running together each time but will do our best to meet up as much as possible. We are completely aware that all PAX have other responsibilities in our lives.

Below is the schedule (if you want addresses of any location reach out to any of us). At least one of us will be at each location mentioned below at the specified time.

Friday, September 17

10:00 AM – Allison Park, Ft. Mill (Trails)

2:00 PM – Maximus’ House

6:00 PM – Anne Springs Close Greenway from the Canteen (Trails)

10:00 PM – Maximus’ House

Saturday, September 18

2:00 AM – WorldWide Leader’s House

6:00 AM – 6 @ 6 Panera Kingsley (only running 4-miles)

10:00 AM – Allison Park, Ft. Mill (Trails)

2:00 PM – Sullivan Middle School/Cherry Park Side (Rock Hill)

6:00 PM – Anne Springs Close Greenway from the Canteen (Trails)

10:00 PM– Reborn’s House

Sunday, September 19

2:00 AM – WorldWide Leader’s House

6:00 AM – Riverwalk at Hills of Gloom AO

As stated above, we will not be together the entire time as we have other activities during those two days, but as much support that we can receive will be welcomed.

Aye!

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Fast5 – I’m BAAAAACK !!!!!

Who: YOU (plus 4 of your friends), women, kids, everyone.  Do I have to be part of F3 or FiA to participate?  No

What: Fast5 relay!!!  5 person team (1 team member must be over 200 lbs OR over 50 years of age).  This is a 5k (3.1 mile) 5 person relay – 2.5 laps/person around the track.  Kids fun run will be 1 lap after relay is complete, free.  Fast5 cost is $10/person ($50 per team).  Team captains can send $50, or more, to PayPal @f3theFort .  Please indicate your team name and captain so we have an idea for numbers.  (sign up link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/106Ay60pelm5rUkj8f2HL5FYrSm80hWzteJrh5zIrl2U/edit?usp=sharing )

When: July 31, arrival time for sign in is 9:30 am, warm-up at 10:00 moving in to relay.  Wrap up 11:00.

Where: Pleasant Knoll middle school, 2320 Pleasant Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708

Why: Bacon.  Yes, bacon will be served.  Second why, and more importantly (I suppose over bacon), community fund raising opportunity.  In coordination with other school organizations, we are raising money to fund an ongoing F3 scholarship fund (to be administered by The Foundation for Fort Mill Schools) for the 3 high schools we have in Fort Mill; Fort Mill, Nations Ford, and Catawba.  Depending on total dollars raised, funds will be distributed equally amongst the schools.

2ndF post race: TBD

Look for updates to pre-blast between now and July 30 especially regarding a 2ndF option for after the race or additional fundraising ideas.

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