Category: Pre-Blast

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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  • QIC: NASA
  • When: 09/13/2025
  • Posted In: Pre-Blast

When: Saturday 9/13/2025, 06:00 – completion
Where: Nation Ford High School, Football Stadium
Q: NASA
Why: Do we need a reason?
9/11 is a day nobody will ever forget. Nobody should ever forget. Many lives were lost and America as we knew it was forever changed after that day.

What:
In honor of the 24th anniversary of that fateful, horrible day, we will be doing a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Each of the NYC Twin Towers had 110 stories and 2,070 steps. Looking at the football statdium bleachers at Nation Ford High School (aka Honey Badger, Ring of Fire, and Varsity), there are 6 rows (the larger two-way rows) of steps, each row with approx 34 steps. Going up then down each of the 6 rows gets you 204 steps. Repeat that 10 times +1 more row, you have 2074 steps. We would run all 6 rows 10 times, then add one row to make it 66 rows total. Granted we’d be going up 66 times, down 66 times, but we’d get the total step count in.

Whether you run or walk, it is up to you. Extra credit, modifying up – wear a weighted ruck to simulate the gear the first responders carried up all those steps.

Signup Genius:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA4AF2BA0F85-58001535-f3thefort

SYITG
-NASA

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🔥 Fireside Fellowship 🔥

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F3 isn’t just about beatdowns in the gloom—it’s about building something deeper. Brotherhood. Authentic connection. Shared purpose.

Do you like to eat? How about connecting with PAX beyond the gloom? Then circle your calendars for the first-ever Fireside Fellowship. This is a 2nd F opportunity hosted by Kaiser to promote engagement with fellow PAX through Food, Fun, and Fire. All PAX of the Fort are welcome. Whether you’re shield locked or still searching for your crew, this is a perfect chance to link arms with your fellow Fort PAX. Come as yourself and be ready to break bread with your brothers and enjoy a meal along with some backyard games and a fire.

When and Where?
Wednesday, September 10th (First Gathering)
1686 Kilburn Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29715 – Springfield Community (Kaisers House)
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM ish…

Who is welcome?
Any F3 Fort Pax or potential FNGs. This is a men’s only gathering, Ms and 2.0s are not invited.

What to bring?
A tailgate chair and anything you want to drink

Additional Details
Food will be provided and served by Kaiser’s M. The Fireside Fellowship gathering will be ongoing throughout the fall and be scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month. Backyard games include but not limited to; Cornhole, Badminton, Yard Golf, Volleyball, French Darts. September will be the kickoff gathering.

No Cost. No Agenda. Just Fellowship.
For more details or those interested, please reach out to Kaiser at 803-659-0647 or direct message via slack.

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Forged Fathers

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Forged Fathers: An Invitation to Connect and Grow

A Special Invitation for Fathers of Children with Special Needs

Are you a father navigating the unique, rewarding, and sometimes challenging journey of raising a child with special needs? If so, consider this your personal invitation to join a transformative new group, “Forged Fathers”.  This group is designed to create a welcoming space where fathers can connect, share experiences, and find support amongst others who truly understand their path.

About Forged Fathers

Forged Fathers is more than just a group; it’s a brotherhood. The mission is simple yet powerful: to bring together fathers who share the bond of raising children with special needs, offering them an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and grow stronger through shared experiences. Life’s challenges can feel lighter when carried as a community, and what better way to build that community than by coming together around the warmth and camaraderie of a bonfire?

Event Details

We’re thrilled to announce our first gathering, and we’d love for you to be a part of it:

– **Date**: Thursday, October 2nd

– **Time**: 7:00 PM

– **Location**: 2001 Driftwood Circle, Fort Mill, SC

This special evening will be centered around fellowship, conversation, and connection. The glow of the bonfire will provide the perfect setting to meet other fathers, share stories, and build meaningful bonds.

Why Join Us?

Raising a child with special needs is a journey filled with moments of joy, triumph, and resilience, but also moments of challenge. Forged Fathers offers a unique space to:

  • **Connect**: Meet other fathers who understand the highs and lows of your journey.
  • **Fellowship**: Share your experiences in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.
  • **Recharge**: Take a moment for yourself to reflect, laugh, and gain new perspectives.
  • **Grow**: Be inspired by the strength, wisdom, and stories of others walking a similar path.

What to Expect

This is a casual and welcoming gathering. No formal agenda, no pressure—just an evening dedicated to meaningful conversations, laughter, and the comforting presence of a community that truly gets it. Whether you’re looking to share your story, listen to others, or simply enjoy the company, Forged Fathers is the perfect place to start.

How to Join Us

No RSVP is necessary—just come as you are, ready to relax and connect. We understand the complexities of life and family schedules, so feel free to arrive as it suits you best. Bring a chair, an open heart, and, if you’d like, a friend who might benefit from this circle of fellowship.

Spread the Word

Know someone who might find value in this group? Please share this invitation. The more fathers we bring together, the stronger our community becomes. Together, we are forged by fire, united in purpose, and strengthened by the bonds we share.

We Look Forward to Seeing You There!

Mark your calendar for October 2nd at 7:00 PM. Let’s gather around the fire, celebrate the role of fatherhood, and build a community of understanding and support. At Forged Fathers, you’re not alone—let’s walk this journey together.

For any questions or additional details, feel free to contact us. We can’t wait to welcome you to our first gathering!

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Independence Day Convergence

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The “Everyday AI” Workshop is Back!

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Did you miss the first one? Did you attend the first one but want to attend again to absorb more? This is for you. But this time, it will be over Zoom. Two Zoom sessions, in fact. This time, we are asking that pax register to attend.

Zoom Session 1 – July 10 @ 2000 (register here)

This will cover most of the material from the first in-person workshop:

  • Brief 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
  • Time permitting, we’ll touch on using AI for image creation
  • Q&A

 

Zoom Session 2: – Date/time coming soon

This will be a deeper dive into using AI for creating images.

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East and West

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The Fort is big in number and small in geography. For the first time in our history, we have two 1st F Qs.

  • Bonsai on the West
  • Time Machine on the East

The mission of F3 is to plant, grow, and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. We’re doing such a good job on the plant & grow side, that we’re making this change to the Shared Leadership Team. Leading requires disruption. Its Foundation 1 in the Q-source. The SLT has been disrupted this morning (5/15/2025).

This isn’t a management change: the 1st F Q doesn’t “manage” anything. Their gig is to serve the AOs and invigorating the PAX’s leadership. Two tasks that need more than one man in a region with 34 AOs. Day-to-day operations for the PAX will be unchanged, but our Site Qs will now be supported more appropriate to our size.

This is The Fort. We work to be better everyday because the alternative is unacceptable.

What will change for the PAX? Very little. You show up to a workout, invest in the men around you and go home to be a better leader for your family, at work, in your church, etc.

What does this mean for our Region? We’ve got two proximate leaders pouring into our the AOs, the Site Qs, and the Region as a whole. Each side currently has 17 AOs.

  • Yes, Hwy 21 is roughly the dividing line.
  • Yes, #ao-training-ground looks like West Berlin inside East Germany.
  • Yes, your individual work of EHing men and giving away this thing we call F3 is still paramount.
F3 The Fort AOs East West
So, go be about the mission. Let’s build each other up to become the leaders our community needs.

East. West. The wind blows the same in both. You still have to keep accelerating.

—
Band Camp

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“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)

đź“Ť 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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Tortoise and Hare 2025

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Preblast: The Tortoise And The Hare
Date: 2025-June-07
Time: 08:00
Q: @Beaker

Register

Coupons:
30# Ruck
To celebrate their newfound friendship and the Tortoise and the Hare decided to organize an annual relay race for all the animals in the forest. This relay race would commemorate their initial rivalry and highlight the importance of both speed and persistence.The relay race became a beloved tradition. The friendship between the Tortoise and the Hare remained a symbol of unity and cooperation, reminding everyone that they could achieve great things by appreciating and supporting each other.
TEAM REGISTRATION:
The Tortoise and The Hare will be a relay CSAUP with equal amounts of Ruckers(Tortoises) and Runners (Hares). Teams can consist of 2 or 4 players.
No team? Show up and you’ll be added onto one!
RULES:
Each person runs a lap on a track as fast as possible, handing off to the next leg. Ruck weight has to be at least 30#. The distance covered will be 13 miles.2 man team – 6.5 miles (26 laps)/person
4 man team – 3.25 miles (13 laps)/person
THE TWIST:
Teams can mix and match who runs and who rucks, but it has to alternate between running slick and rucking.
E.g., Person 1 runs lap 1 slick. Person 2 rucks lap 2. Person 3 runs slick, person 4 rucks, etc. until all laps are complete.
REGISTRATION:Pick your team size, name, and members and register at the link below
:point_down::skin-tone-5:

Register

(why didn’t you just click the Register link at the top of the page? Come on! Get to it!!!)

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“The Luka” aka Fast 5 – The World’s Fastest 5K Relay April 12, 2025

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From the producers of famous CSAUPs such as:

The ClaveBoss 5k

The Sweati

The Barry & Sweati Barry

…. and because of the sheer awesomeness of bacon, The Fort presents – Fast 5, The World’s Fastest 5K: back from the archives to support our very own Vuvuzella and his family.

“Fast 5, The World’s Fastest 5K” is a far cry from your standard 5K. That’s Right, 5 Men (or Women, that’s right open to all) run a break-neck pace for 1 Kilometer each. Why you ask a 5K relay? Because it’s CSAUP…mostly S but this one does have PURPOSE. Think of this as a mini-Blue Ridge Relay, but instead of hauling butt in the mountains for 200 miles, we’re just running circles around Pleasant Knoll Middle School track and be done in 30mins.

Vuvu’s son needs a procedure and its in Mexico and its life changing. This costs a boatload, so we want to help fill the boat for Luka to have a life changing procedure. We are asking for $50/runner/$250 per team. Goal is 20 teams or 100 runners to get $5k in the boat.

Will the Sons of Ballantyne come and defend their title from years ago? Will Lake Wylie or Rock Hill send their Studs to claim glory? Will CSPAN run a lap short again? Will there be more bacon? Yes, there will be much much more!

When, Who, Why, How? Some of these questions are answered below:

Where
Pleasant Knoll Middle School Track
2320 Pleasant Road
Fort Mill, SC 29715

Date & Time
April 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM (starting on-time)

2ndF After
Print Shop for post race where fellowship and stories will commence as well as BBQ lunch from Wegmans

Rules: Each 5 man team must have at least 1 Clydesdale (200+ lbs) or 1 50+ F3 Man (RESPECT!) If you have a 60+ you will get a 30sec deduction from time

Awards: Bragging Rights for the 1st Place Team and Probably some cheesy trophy from Good Will

Start forming your teams now! Bring an FNG! This event will be bigger and better! More teams! More Regions!

Sign Up –> ( just fill the form out!!)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/106Ay60pelm5rUkj8f2HL5FYrSm80hWzteJrh5zIrl2U/edit

Venmo: @f3_thefort
PayPal: @f3thefort

Once signed up, Payment instructions via PayPal or directly to VUVU’s Go Fund Me will be sent to team

Here are some particulars about the event. This is a loose/non-regulated relay race.  Here are the semantics:

  • Each Team will be provided with a baton or bacon
  • Each Team Member will run 2.5 laps around the track (slightly longer than 1K each)
  • Exchange Zones will be marked on opposite sides of the track where batons are to be exchanged
  • Exchange Zones are 1st Come 1st Serve as it pertains to lanes (1st to Exchange Zone may exchange in lane 1, 2nd in lane 2, etc.). Will explain on race day!
  • We will be self regulating and timing.  I will communicate to the Team Captains the process.

Winners may or may not win a pound of Bacon but have exclusive bragging rights until next installment!

2.0 Race following the Fast 5. One Lap with all they got!

You are encouraged to invite your family and friends!  The more people who partake in this nonsense the better. The Postrace afterwards will be a great time of fellowship and regaling of the event that took only a few minutes to complete.

Update:

This just In! Since this is an “endurance” race, we thought we should open up a 2-Man Ultra Team option (no requirements). So if you think you’re good enough, put your team together and show us what you got! Use the link above.

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