Category: Pre-Blast

Christmas Eve 2025

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Christmas Eve Convergence

Santa has to stay fit enough to travel the world tonight. Let’s GO!!

Details
Location: “Ring of Fire”
Timeline:
0600 – Pre-run 5k (trail and road options)
0630 – Bootcamp
0715 – Message and Coffeteria
0745 – Close

Dark Helmet F3 Nation Nant’an on Q

Deez DOAH Notes:
I don’t get serious very often—pretty much ever—but this convergence has been heavy on my heart as Nant’an of F3 Nation. You usually just see me as the jackwagon you work out with, but this one’s different.

It would mean a lot if you showed up. Bring a guy—FNG or Kotter. We’re going to talk honestly about the state of manliness in our world and what we need to do to accelerate our impact.

Coffeeteria afterward provided by Poppins

A note from Santa traveling in his Time Machine:
Click Here to See the Hype

 

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The Grandaddy of all CSAUPs – BRR 2026

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Over the course of 13 years in the Fort there have been many Completely Stupid and Utterly Pointless (CSAUP) activities including the Tortoise and Hare, the Sweati Barry, D2D, Hog and Coyote, Palmetto 200 and the Jaeger just to name a few. All of which serve to challenge your pain threshold while also building trust and teamwork amongst men. As stated in Q Source, “completing it together tells the participants something about themselves and each other–that they are men upon whom others may safely rely.”

But the Grandaddy of all CSAUPs that the Fort has participated in is the Blue Ridge Relay. BRR is a 208 mile relay of 36 legs that begins at Grayson Highlands State, VA and finishes in Asheville, NC. Ask anyone who has participated in the past and they will almost always list this as one of the best and most challenging events that have completed. Below are a few additional details:

* Race starts on a Friday morning, September 11th (starting times are staggered and vary from 7am-11am) and ends on Saturday afternoon, September 12th.
* Race is split into 36 predetermined legs of varying distances (2 to 10 miles) and difficulty levels (Easy to Mountain Goat Hard).
* Teams can be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 people. Price for teams of 7-12 runners is $1498.60 and for teams of 4-6 runners is $757
* For a 12-person team, the average total distance is 16.6 miles spread over 3 legs (it’s like running three 10Ks in a day). You can do the math for the average mileage for the other teams sizes. Average is just average though – some legs are longer and some are shorter.
* Teams travel along the race course in vans, picking up and dropping off runners at the beginning and end of each leg. You get to know, and smell, your van-mates very well.

How I participate?

To enhance the fellowship, bring along some newer guys and bond through the training, this year we will be doing a “blind draw” for teams to participate. You are asked to HC and submit your information using this form BRR the Fort. We will accept submissions through 2/1/26. Below are the additional timelines:

* February – Captains are chosen based on the number of HCs received; Payment will be expected based on # of runners and price
* March – training begins
* March – August – training continues with special events including Trout to Trout, mountain runs and trips to Crowders Mountain (more details to follow)
* July 11th – Blind Draw for teams; location TBD
* July 27th – Estimated pace submitted to BRR
* September 11-12 – race occurs

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via Slack.

This will be one of the best and most challenging events you will do in 2026 so I challenge to you sign up. Lets go!

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Thanksgiving Food Drive

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Local food banks are facing increased demand in our community. The women of FiA have thrown out a challenge to the men of The Fort. Who can collect the most (by weight) from the Fort Mill Care Center’s list of November Wish List.

FM Care Center Nov Wish LIst

We are a big region and are also collecting turkeys for Operation Love the week of 11/16. The Fort is confident its men can rally and serve those in need.

All other items can be brought to any AO 11/10-11/24. The Site Qs will take items at ALL our AOs!! Encourage your neighborhoods to participate as well. The final weigh-in for competition will be 11/24. Let’s support those in need and enjoy a little competitive spirit with FiA.

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Operation Love Returns

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This Thanksgiving Operation Love Returns to the Fort! Y’all might remember from a few years ago. He moved back to Wisconsin but his legacy lives on through Operation Love.

WHAT: The plan is to provide Thanksgiving dinner to under resourced families in and around the Fort Mill and surrounding areas. We are partnering with members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Lifepointe Church to provide boxes on November 23rd.
These boxes will be filled with all the ingredients to make a thanksgiving dinner. It will be a mobile pickup on the 23rd at St. Paul’s Church 501 Pine St., Fort mill
What WE will be doing as the PAX of the Fort is collecting TURKEYS 8-10lb birds, goal will be 30! Suplex and YHC will be collecting them the week of 11/16 at various AOs throughout the week – Stay tuned for those details.

We will also ask for a couple volunteers in the afternoon of 11/23 from 2-5pm at St. Paul’s to assist with packing and distributing the boxes to the families. Signup genius for volunteering TBD

This will work in conjunction with a fundraiser through the Fort Mill Care Center and a friendly competition with FIA. Those details are being shared by Band Camp.

WHY: because thanksgiving is a meal no one should go without! And because we are HIM’s and this is what we do. WE GET TO
Contact or YHC (Poppins) for questions.

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13 year Convergence

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  • QIC: Backdraft, Assassian, Boogie Nights
  • When: 09/29/2025
  • Posted In: Pre-Blast

The Fort turning 13. Come celebrate as our Region becomes a teenager!!!

NaFo – 9/29/2025
0515
Run/Ruck: Assassin on Q
Bootcamp: Backdraft on Q
Kettlebell: Boogie Nights on Q

Let’s be the accelerating men our community needs.

Slightly different parking location from the usual AOs that meet there. NaFo has some construction happening and the football team has been arriving at 0555. We’ll keep COT out of their way.

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AI Workshop – Beyond the Basics

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It’s time to build on your basic AI skills with this Zoom workshop. AI is quickly becoming a disruptive technology in our schools, work, and even our homes. Whether it’s with this workshop, or by some other means, do not miss opportunities to learn and leverage this technology. Once again, we are asking pax to please register to attend.

If you missed the intro workshop for “Everyday AI”, just let Old Bay know and he’ll send you a link to the recorded video.

Date and Time: 9/9/25 @ 8pm via Zoom

In this “Beyond the Basic” workshop, we’ll learn how to use  AI to:

  • analyze documents (medical, legal, photos)
  • help with spreadsheets (analysis and cell formulas)
  • build resumes and cover letters
  • help think through big decisions
  • automate tasks
  • create highly customized “custom instructions” for the best responses

We will focus mainly on the new ChatGPT 5, but will talk a bit about a few other AI models and tools.

Hope to see you there!

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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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