I’m pleased to share the news that on August 4^th, Esso will take the Shovel Flag as Nantan of The Fort!  I hope you’ll join me at The Ballroom (Pleasant Knoll Middle School) at 0515 that morning for a convergence workout when we’ll honor this HIM as he steps forward to lead us on the next 43 Feet.

At this stage of The Fort’s history, as we approach our 11^th anniversary, we’re one of the “mature” regions in F3 Nation.  We reached the point several years ago where we “checked all the boxes” so to speak – numerous daily 1^st F activities, regular 2^nd F and 3^rd F activities, local CSAUPs, a prevalence of Shield Lock and Whetstone groups, an active commitment to community service, stable SLT structure, vibrant Comz platforms, etc.  This is a sign of riches, ones we might even take for granted at times.  In fact, this is a point where complacency could set in if we’re not careful.

Yet, even as a mature region, I’d suggest we’re just now entering the phase where we can really begin to bear fruit in a significant way.

Like a tree, The Fort experienced a period of vigorous growth in the early years.  Some of those early shoots withered amid hard freezes or arid periods.  Over the following  years, we saw many branches grow stronger and sturdier.  We’re able to sustainably withstand the impact of life’s storms on our pax, shifting participation and engagement patterns based on the seasons, and even a global pandemic.  Through all this, our region has continued to grow, often in ways we don’t easily recognize – deeper roots, broader canopy, thicker trunk.

As we often say, our mission is aimed at “invigorating Male Community Leadership.”  Male leaders impacting our community, that’s our fruit.  I’ve seen vivid examples of this fruit in the past few weeks from photos on Slack – a kitchen at Bethel Men’s Shelter overflowing with pax, Ms and 2.0s, a similar crowd at trash pick-up, and another group of pax and community leaders supporting Defend the Fatherless at a Pints & Padres cookout.  This certainly isn’t the first fruit from The Fort, nor or these the only avenues for bearing fruit.  But I believe these reflect a small sample of the abundant fruit that lies ahead for us.

As I think about our community and leadership, I’m thrilled by the prospect of Esso leading us at this moment.  We have huge potential to expand our profile in the local community and to elevate our development of leaders to impact the community.  Esso is a Fort Mill native, with long and deep community ties.  His story includes personal growth that’s been turbo-charged by his F3 journey.  Plus, he’s a sales and marketing leader with the expertise to amplify The Fort’s presence and to inspire the pax.

So, get your six over to The Ballroom on August 4^th and prepare to fuel up on inspiration!