Category: 3rd f

“From Burpees to Bytes: An Intro to AI Workshop” Skynet Isn’t Coming, But You Should Be

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Men of The Fort,

Double down on leadership Friday, May 16th, with fitness for the body and fuel for the mind.

 

🕔 5:15 AM – Boot Camp Beatdown

Kick off your day with a pre-dawn workout, reinforcing that strength begins with discipline.

🕕 6:15 AM – 3rd F Session: Intro to AI Workshop (Beginner-Friendly)

Led by Old Bay (Tom Metz) and Cornerstone (Jeremy Holt)

📍 St. John’s United Methodist Church | 130 Tom Hall St, Fort Mill, SC 29715

 

Workshop Topic: Artificial Intelligence – Artificial Intelligence – Practical Uses for Everyday Use

This introductory, hands-on session covers:

  • Intro to AI: Understanding what AI is (and isn’t)
  • Practical, Everyday Uses: How AI can streamline your daily tasks
  • Security Considerations: Keeping your data safe (work and personal)
  • Getting Started: Setting up your ChatGPT account
  • Effective Prompting: Strategies for clear communication with AI
  • Real-life Applications: Enhancing productivity at home and work

 

Bring your laptop or tablet—we’ll be learning by doing.

This isn’t just tech talk. It’s about equipping men to lead effectively in an increasingly digital world.

#FaithInTheFuture #AIForImpact #F3TheFort #BuiltToLead

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F3 AMRAP 4 Autism 2025!

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B.L.U.F.

Saturday April 26th there will be a #BEATDOWN of epic proportions (AMRAP style) at Alcatraz.  This #SNOTWOGGLER is being delivered to support families with autism (like mine) get the resources they need.  The average cost for ABA therapy is $60,000 per year and can be much higher depending on the severity and need.  Autism Strong Foundation is a local non-profit that is “Founded on faith and led by inclusion, our mission is to provide the strongest support, community and hope for those touched by autism. All funds raised by Autism Strong are mindfully donated to our community in the way that will make the greatest impact; connecting families and children to the resources they desperately need.” Give HERE if you feel so lead.

THE WHY:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11

My son Noah was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in June of 2021.  The verse from Jeremiah is a truth that my M and I have hung on to ever since that day.  Admittedly there have been many days where we have doubted, more than I’d like to admit, as we’ve worked to learn and navigate this new world we were thrusted in to.  One of the most impactful things we have been able to do for Noah is getting him ABA therapy.  Through this focused therapy model, we have seen Noah grow in so many areas.  Today we are still in ABA as well as Speech, Occupational and Equine therapy but since we started Noah has become more expressive of his needs/wants, increased in his social skills, increased in his daily living skills and we can clearly see his confidence has grown.  We want all people affected with autism to have this same opportunity.

Through our journey we have found an amazing community and organization with a local nonprofit called Autism Strong Foundation.  The foundation was started to help families that cannot afford to help their children get the care they need for autism.  My M and I know firsthand, after battling with insurance for coverage, how difficult it can be to carry this burden on top of everything else.  We know many families are losing that fight or just cannot afford to help their children with the extremely high cost of therapy.  Some families must make a choice between paying the power bill or therapy for their special needs child, could you imagine that decision?

THE WHAT

F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM is taking over Alcatraz on Saturday April 26.

  • 0630 launch with brief warmup and explanation of the day’s event
  • 0645 Event Start. AMRAP below workout for 36 minutes with coupon
    • 54 man makers with block
    • 54 Frog Squats
    • 54 yard dairy carry (2 blocks)
    • 54 bent over rows
    • 54 BBS with block
  • 0721 Clock Stops
  • 0730 COT & Winners Announced
  • 0745 Coffeteria

  Other Details

  • Workout is open to ALL MEN – regardless of if you donate. #CorePrinciple and all…
  • We will be gathering as many coupons as we can. If you have a sandbag, kettlebell or cinderblock please bring it.  Recommend no more than 50 lbs.
  • AMRAP 4 AUTISM is an annual event started by Autism Strong Foundation in 2013. This year’s event will be in August and held in Charlotte.  YHC will share registration details as they come available.

How you can help

  • You can donate with your credit card by visiting the website linked below:
  • WEBSITE(https://secure.givelively.org/donate/autism-strong-foundation/f3-x-amrap-4-autism-2025)

 

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3rd F Monthly Theme – May: Humility, Power in Letting Go

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  • QIC: Cornerstone
  • When: 05/01/2025
  • Posted In: 3rd f

He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

Humility is the starting line of leadership.

In John 3:30, John the Baptist gives us one of the most powerful declarations of purpose and position: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In a world where everything tells us to climb higher, talk louder, and take credit, this verse calls us to something radically different—less of me, more of Him.

Humility doesn’t mean weakness. It’s not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s recognizing that strength doesn’t come from status but from service. In the Kingdom, the greatest leaders are the greatest servants.

In our families, workplaces, and communities, we’re called to lead with quiet strength—not for recognition, but for the good of others. When a man leads with humility, people around him thrive. His words carry weight because they’re backed by character, not ego.

In the Gloom, we sharpen one another not to be better than the man next to us, but to make all of us better. That requires humility—the willingness to be held accountable, to admit when we’re wrong, and to lift others above ourselves.

Not religious? No problem.
F3 welcomes men from all backgrounds. Humility is something every leader can practice, regardless of belief. It’s about putting others first, owning your actions, and showing up with integrity.

This May, let’s be men who lead from low ground. Let’s model the kind of strength that doesn’t need to be seen—just felt. Let Him increase. Let us decrease.

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3rd F Monthly Theme – April: Service 🤲

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  • QIC: Cornerstone
  • When: 04/01/2025
  • Posted In: 3rd f

“Faith without works is dead.” – James 2:17

This month, we turn our attention to Service — the outward evidence of an inward conviction.

You can talk about what you believe. You can post quotes, wear wristbands, and read devotionals. But unless you’re moving toward others with purpose, it’s just noise. Scripture is clear: faith without action is lifeless.

What does Service look like in F3?

It’s men who show up early and stay late.
It’s Shield Locks taking responsibility for the needs of others.
It’s PAX stepping into discomfort, filling gaps no one else wants to touch.

Whether you’re picking up trash along the highway, feeding those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, or leading your 2.0s by example — Service is leadership in motion.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26

Not a Christian? No problem.

You don’t have to believe in Jesus to believe in sacrifice. The principle is universal: when you serve others, you step into something greater than yourself. Service builds character, deepens relationships, and transforms communities. It’s not about religion. It’s about responsibility.

The Challenge for April:

  • Look around. Identify a need.

  • Step in before you’re asked.

  • Bring someone with you.

  • Do it again next week.

Let this be the month we stop talking about impact and start making it. We don’t need more spectators. We need servants who lead.

Let’s be the hands and feet — faithfully, boldly, and without hesitation.

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F3 Mental Battle WOD 2025

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For 2025, The F3 Mental Battle has a new WOD!  Huge T Claps to Short Circuit from F3 Alliance for submitting this workout of the day.

Any time in March is great for you to share this workout with the Pax.

If you are on X or Instagram, please share photos or videos of your WOD at @f3mentalbattle.

And away we go!

Welcome to F3! This morning we will be performing the Mental Battle BD for 2025. Our goals
this morning are to get 1% better physically and mentally.

The mission of F3 is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups, for men, for the invigoration
of male community leadership. At its core, our mission is to defeat sad clown syndrome in the
lives of all men.

F3 operates on 5 core principles…
1) We are open to ALL men.
2) We are free of charge.
3) We meet outside no matter the weather.
4) We are peer led in a rotating fashion, which means everyone takes a turn.
5) And we always end in a Circle of Trust.

I am not a professional. I am not aware of any of your injuries. Please push yourself but don’t
hurt yourself. Modify as necessary.

Warm-O-Rama
Abe Vigodas x 10 (in cadence)
Michael Phelps x 10 (in cadence)
Willie May Hays x 10 ( echo count, each side)
SSH x 20 (in cadence)

There are two statistics I want to share with you as we get started.
1) 40% of men polled for a Men’s Mental Health study said they had never spoken to
anyone about their mental health. 40% of men also said it would take thoughts of suicide
or self harm before they would seek professional help.
2) 77% of men have suffered with symptoms of negative mental health.

Let’s start by supporting the 77%.

PAX perform a 77 burpee BUY IN as a group with accumulative reps. Once 77 burpees are
reached, the group moves onto the THANG.

The THANG

Sticking with our NO OYO approach to the Mental Battle, this morning we are doing a Double
DORA . It’s similar to a DORA but because of NOYO (never on your own) you will always work
with a partner or travel with a partner.*

DOUBLE DORA – PAX partner up, and then each pair partners with another pair so four PAX
total. This is run as a traditional DORA with one partner working and the other traveling. The
only difference is that the PAX always has another guy working with him or traveling with him.
Reps still accumulate between the partnered PAX.

DOUBLE DORA Work
Lunges x 100 (2:1)
Merkins x 200
Side Straddle Hops x 300
Double DORA Travel
Sprint 40 yards and then mosey back.

The group of four will most likely finish all together. PAX who complete the work quickly should
encourage the brothers still working and maybe jump in with reps if they need the help.

MARY
If time allows…
Little Baby Crunches x 20 (In Cadence)
Box Cutters x 20 (In Cadence)
Flutter Kicks x 20 (In Cadence)
Big Boy Sit Ups x 77 accumulative as a group for BUY OUT*
*Perform BBS just as you did the burpees for BUY IN.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COT

*Please use this time to share your story of mental battle or allow the PAX to share freely. This is a great opportunity to break down barriers and be vulnerable. Some more statistics are below for your reference if you feel like sharing.

“The biggest cause of mental health issues in men’s lives are: work pressure (32%), financial issues (31%), and their health (23%).”

“Of the 40% of men who have never spoken about their mental health, 29% are “too embarrassed” to speak about it; 20% say there is a “negative stigma” on the issue.”

“Men in the United States die by suicide at a rate four times higher, than women.  Yet men are diagnosed with depression and mood disorders at far lower rates.”

“Studies found that during the pandemic, U.S. men reported slightly lower rates of anxiety than women, but had higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation than their female counterparts. The uncertainty of the pandemic, loneliness from social distancing, financial stresses, relationship challenges, and other contextual factors contributed to increased rates of men having difficulty sleeping, alcohol and substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms triggered by the experience of mechanical ventilation treatment and  hospitalization.”

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3rd F Monthly Theme: February – Love

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  • QIC: Conerstone
  • When: 02/01/2025
  • Posted In: 3rd f
  • Focus: God’s love, loving others, and selfless service.
  • Key Scripture: 1 John 4:7-8 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”
  • Discussion Points:
    • How can we reflect God’s love in our relationships and community?
    • What does it mean to show sacrificial love like Christ did?
    • How do we love those who are difficult to love?

(A Universal Perspective)
Focus: Love as a guiding principle in relationships, community, and self-growth.

Key Thought: Love is more than a feeling—it’s a choice and an action that strengthens connections and builds unity.

Discussion Points:

How can we show love in ways that build stronger relationships and communities?
What does selfless love look like in daily life?
How do we extend kindness and respect to those who are difficult to love?
Universal Principle: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (The Golden Rule)

Love isn’t limited by belief—it’s a powerful force that makes us better men, leaders, and brothers.

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Introducing 3F AO – Practicing The Way

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Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to live the life that God has called us to in the Bible?  Pray without ceasing.  Show mercy as Jesus showed mercy.  Don’t be anxious about anything.  Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.

These are very lofty goals that can seem out of reach or even unrealistic in our day-to-day life in this modern world.  Most of us settle for church attendance, scripture reading, an occasional bible study or small group and trying our best to be a moral person.  These things are good, but often we find ourselves still struggling to find the level of character change we are hoping for.  What if it was actually possible to pray without ceasing and still function in our day-to-day life?  What if it were totally within our grasp to be merciful instead of angry to those who have wronged us or better yet, to those we love most.

AO Practicing The Way is an 8-week temporary 3rdF AO intended to be a primer in spiritual formation in the ways of Jesus.  We will follow the teachings and do the exercises laid out in Practicing The Way – The Course (check out this LINK).

 

Who are you following?  Who, or what, are you being formed by?

The question is not are you following someone or something.  The question is not rather or not you are being formed by someone or something.  The question is who.  The question is what is forming you.

Each of us are being formed every day, every moment.  Our decisions, our environments, our habits, our relationships – they are all continuously forming us into the persons we are and the persons we are becoming.  This is an invitation into a lifelong journey of spiritual formation by following the way of Jesus Christ.  To be with Jesus. To be like Jesus.  To do what Jesus did.

The Course from Practicing The Way will consist of video teachings, discussion prompts and practices for each individual to try and report back to the group for everyone to learn and be sharpened.

Come join us and together let’s learn to be apprentices of Jesus and to go against the grain of our world in order to be who God has always meant for us to be.

Additional Details:

  • Divac and Gekko will be your co-q’s
  • Sessions will be each Tuesday at Gekko’s house from 0515-0615 starting Jan 14
  • Registration is required in order to have an accurate headcount for our host and to join the group on practicingtheway.org  where resources can be accessed for free.
  • DM or text Divac to register (847-544-8997)
  • The book is highly encouraged, as it tracks along with each session, but not required. Find it on Amazon here.

Disclaimer:  Your Q’s have no special training, nor have we figured out how to live perfectly this life we are seeking.  We are humble and hungry seekers of living life in the ways of Jesus and we know that we can’t do it alone.

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🚨 Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament 10/28/2024 At 1:30PM 🚨

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Ready to hit the greens and support an incredible cause? The Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament is happening at Fort Mill Golf Club on October 28th, and we want YOU to be part of it! All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship—two amazing organizations making a real difference in our community.

⏰ Don’t wait—team registration is $500, but after 10/21, fees go up to $600. Get your team locked in now!

🏌️‍♂️ Sponsorships Available (deadline 10/14):

  • Hole Sponsor: $150 – Custom sign at one of the holes.
  • Silver Sponsor: $300 – Custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition at the event.
  • Gold Sponsor: $600 – 1 golf team (4 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition.
  • Platinum Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 golf teams (8 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition + special recognition at the check presentation + social media shoutouts.

🎁 We need your help! We’re also looking for raffle prize donations—every contribution counts toward making this event a big success!

📅 Mark the date:
🗓 October 28th
📍 Fort Mill Golf Club

🔗 Register or sponsor today at https://givebutter.com/leadersonthelinks before spots fill up and prices increase!

🔗Looking to volunteer?  Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A4A72CA1FF2-51495425-f3golf#/

Don’t miss out—get involved, have some fun, and make a difference for Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship! 💥

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7 Day Function check

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PAX, a group of HIM did this two years ago and it’s a great way to reset your body, mind and spirit.

FUNCTIONS CHECK: 7 DAY CHALLENGE

In the military, a functions check is what you perform on your weapon to ensure it’s going to work when you need it. Doing this simple process increases safety, ensures operability, and gives you the knowledge that your weapon is functioning properly — and this knowledge also builds your confidence to focus on the larger mission. In this case, your life as a whole.

7-Day Function Check: If you’re looking for a reboot, to prove that you’re still functioning just fine, you GET TO try this

Pick any 7 days between now and the end of April to complete this challenge:
DETAILS – 7 DAY TOTALS
PHYSICAL – Ruck/run 25 miles total. NO junk food . NO alcohol
MENTAL – No TV, No Video Games, No Social Media. Read a book of your choosing instead. Slack is OK
SOCIAL – 4 Workouts (minimum 30 minutes each) with a partner, in the real world. Rucking/running with a partner counts as miles and as a workout.

There are three pillars to your HEALTH: Mental, Physical, and Social — your head, your heart, and your soul. Strong in all three means you’re living in accordance with your best self. They are very much interwoven into your life, so neglecting one aspect too much leads to imbalance. This Functions Check is structured to help reset all three pillars of health, together.

Why just 7 days? This will give you just enough time to suck and to break the routine, but not so long that it’s all encompassing. If you enjoy the challenge, you can do it for as long as you’d like.

Tinsel Out…

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F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – ROUND THREE!

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F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM – 3rd EDITION

B.L.U.F.

Saturday April 20th there will be a #BEATDOWN of epic proportions (AMRAP style) at Alcatraz.  This #SNOTWOGGLER is being delivered to support families with autism (like mine) get the resources they need.  The average cost for ABA therapy is $60,000 per year and can be much higher depending on the severity and need.  Autism Strong Foundation is a local non-profit that is “Founded on faith and led by inclusion, our mission is to provide the strongest support, community, and hope for those touched by autism. All funds raised by Autism Strong are mindfully donated to our community in the way that will make the greatest impact; connecting families and children to the resources they desperately need.” Give HERE if you feel so lead.  Also shirts are live on Mudgear HERE (First order ends March 27 for delivery by event day – second order will launch soon after this one closes)

THE WHY:

This fundraiser supports the Autism Strong Foundation, aiding families grappling with the financial strain of raising autistic children.  You may have heard me advocate for this fundraiser in years past, as this is the 3rd year my M and I have done this fundraiser.  However, this year feels different.  It feels different for two reasons.  First, the diagnosis rate has increased to 1 in 36 children diagnosed in the U.S. with ASD.  This is up from 1 in 54 just 10 years ago!  Secondly, this year feels more personal.  You see, last year we lost our insurance coverage for Noah’s ABA therapy.  After fighting with insurance for months to no avail we were left feeling discouraged and unsure of how we would continue to provide Noah with the therapy that he needed and that has been SO SIGNIFICANT.  Then, the Autism Strong Foundation stepped in, and I am very happy to say that Noah is a recipient of the Landon’s Hope Scholarship for 2023 which will cover the FULL YEAR of ABA therapy cost in 2024 for our family!  So, yea…this year feels a bit different.

Did you know that ABA therapy, a crucial intervention for autism, costs families on average $60,000 per year per the CDC?  The long-term commitment and limited availability exacerbate this burden. Families face additional expenses for education, medical care, and support services, leaving some faced with the unthinkable decision of paying the light bill or paying for their child’s therapy.  No parent should have to make this decision.

Through AMRAP 4 Autism, we aim to alleviate some of these challenges. Your support, whether through donations or spreading awareness, can make a real difference in the lives of these families.

I know that you have ample opportunity to “give to charity” throughout the year.  I’m asking you to seriously consider this opportunity this year.  My personal goal is to raise $25,000 during the month of April (Autism Awareness Month).

 THE WHAT

  • F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM is taking over Alcatraz on Saturday April 20.
  • 0630 launch with brief warmup and explanation of the day’s event
  • 0640 Event Start. AMRAP below workout for 45 minutes with coupon.  Partners recommended!
    • 54 Burpee Coupon Jump Overs
    • 54 Yard Murder Bunnies (down and back)
    • 54 Curls For The Girls
    • 54 Squat Thrusters
    • Run 1 lap around field – each partner
  • 0725 Clock Stops
  • 0730 COT & Winners Announced
  • 0745 Coffeteria

 Other Details

  • Workout is open to ALL MEN – regardless of if you donate. #CorePrinciple and all…
  • We will be gathering as many coupons as we can. If you have a sandbag, kettlebell or cinderblock please bring it. Recommend no more than 50 lbs.
  • AMRAP 4 AUTISM is an annual event started by Autism Strong Foundation in 2013. This year’s event will be in August and held in Charlotte.  YHC will share registration details as they come available.

 How you can help

  • You can donate with your credit card by visiting the website linked below:
  • WEBSITE(https://secure.givelively.org/donate/autism-strong-foundation/f3-x-amrap-4-autism-2024)
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