Rancho Remembers 2014

Vladimir, this does not directly involve you, but I wanted to share my experience from today. I took part in the the 7th Annual Rancho Remembers event out at Rancho Cucamonga High School. I had actually participated in this event  last year as well. I was really excited to participate again because I had such a great time last year. My day began at 300am. I actually went to work for a few hours before I headed off to the school. A bag of M & Ms that your mom gave me for my birthday (Yes, that was my birthday gift from her) would serve as my breakfast. I drove another 23 miles out to the school and got out there around 815am. I was greeted by a young man who escorted me to the entrance. From there, a group of young ladies awaited and greeted all the Veterans with a good morning. One young lady led me inside and got me where I needed to be.

Once I got there, I met my first interviewer. The young man in the white shirt from the first group of kids. I got right into it and introduced myself. We began talking and getting to know each other. Soon after, the other two kids joined the group. The whole purpose of this event is to have Veterans from all eras share their experiences with the students. Today, I saw Veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and there were actually Pearl Harbor survivors as well. Amazing to see such a vast group of people.

I had a great time. I got a couple of Krispy Kreme donuts which made it sweet. The kids were fairly interactive with me. I think they opened up more once I shared more of my life experiences. I guess I was pretty popular because after the first group left, the second showed up and I had double the kids. That's right, I got to speak with 6 kids the second time around. I thought it was great. It just meant that I got to entertain a bigger group. It was a bigger challenge to keep everyone involved, but I think it went well.

With both groups, we talked about such subjects as my military experience, my childhood, work experience, and both you and your mother. So you did have a part in today's events. I told the kids how much you mean to me and how your mom and I have a tough road ahead of us trying to raise you. I also gave them some life advice and hoped that at least one thing stuck with them.

Overall, I had another great experience. I'm proud to be part of such an event and I look forward to participating again. I was really sincere in what I shared with these kids because I know one day I'll have to have such conversations with you.

dpgmarine

Basketball 2014

Hardcore

Today, we had quite the morning. We headed down to my ol' stomping grounds of Camp Pendleton. I participated in the Heart Break Ridge Half Marathon. Coming back to the base brought back quite a few memories. I was very excited to finally be able to take part in the run. However, thanks to a nasal infection at the beginning of the week, I wasn't feeling too well for the run. It probably didn't help that on yesterday I had an all carne asada burrito from King Taco and a Pepsi. That was followed by two conchas for dessert. This morning I had a chocolate chip muffin from Portos as well. I also didn't hydrate as much as I would have liked to.

So here's a rundown of the day's events. The weather was actually pretty good. Between mile 2 and 3 we hit the big incline. It kicked my butt right off the bat. The fact the my nose was running like a faucet wasn't too pleasant. Luckily, I had a pocket full of tissue to combat all that snot. I also knew that I would have to see that incline on the way back. The run was tougher than I thought, but I was able to pull through.

Once again, you found a way to steal the show. Just as I'm closing in on the final quarter mile or so, I see you and your mom at the top waiting for me. She was taking pictures and you're telling me hi as I pass you guys. The next thing I know, you I hear you say that I'm going to get you. I look back and there you are running after me. I thought it was funny and figured you'd stop. As you can see from the pictures above, you chased me all the way to the finish. I couldn't believe it. It must have looked funny to anyone watching. You're pretty fast for a little guy were skinny jeans and a vest sweater. You almost beat me, but you still have lots of work to go. I'm glad that you guys were able to see me finish.

Final Run Time: 1:56:24

I dedicated this run to my friend Michael Barnes! Rest in Peace.

dpgmarine