First Week

I hope everyone is enjoying the last day of the week before the weekend.  I know I am.  Thank you for being understanding about the schedule for the schedule this weekend.  Things are going good, the fish are starting to really pick up what we are teaching.  We still have a ways to go, but progress is being made.  fish Lopez really impressed the upperclassmen (mainly me) at chow this morning.  If that is your child, maybe mention to him that you heard he was standing up, sitting down and busing really well in Duncan this morning.  I already told him as well as the rest of the fish class that what he was demonstrating this morning was what we were looking for, but it might be cool if his parents mentioned it as well.  Keep encouraging your kids; they will make it and be better because of it.

In Relentless Pursuit,

Garrett

9/1 - 9/2

fish parents, this upcoming weekend will be an A-Co focus weekend for the freshmen.  This means that the freshmen cadets will remain in College Station.  A-Co will start off Saturday morning with a run followed by a recap of the skills learned during FOW (making bags, wiring uniforms, etc.) as well as learning a few new aspects of cadet life.  After training is over, upperclassmen will be available to answer specific questions about academic matters (how to study for certain profs, etc.).  This weekend will be run by the 1st SGT Patrick Casey and the PSG's (platoon sergeants).  Every other member is invited to attend, but not required.  This is not something I just came up with on the fly, but has been approved by the Combined Band Commander.  The cadets will be free around 12:30 on Saturday, but I would ask you not take them home for the remaining time.  Not only do they have to be back at 11:30 on Sunday morning, but we are just getting over being homesick and seeing everyone/thing again would set us back to square one.  It should be a very beneficial weekend to all involved.  We had these a lot at the end of last year and they were very well received by freshmen as well as upperclassmen.

First Run

For those of you keeping track of our mileage total, check off 2.5.  We lost a few fish, but they all joined back up after we turned around.  I was extremely happy with the results of the run today.  We ran at about a 7:50 min/mile pace with only a handful of fish fall out.  I told the fish that when we get to the level we want to be, this will just be a quick warm-up.  We are not there yet, but we will get there.

Don't forget to be in an attitude of relentless pursuit as you attack the day.  Don't let the day come and happen; go and pursue it.  Don't be passive, be active!  That is my challenge to you today.

Psalm 32:8
Garrett
 

Testing the waters

There is really no explanation to this post. I'm seeing if this will be acceptable. If it is fine expect a few more pictures over the next few days. Obviously this is the day your freshmen started looking like fish. I tried to choose group pics so maybe everyone could see their kid. If you can't don't worry there will be more pictures later. Enjoy and have a great day.
Garrett

First day of class

     Today is the day everyone has been waiting for... or maybe dreading.  At this time most of the freshmen have attended or are on the way to their first class.  It is definitely an eye opening experience.  I remember my first class as I sat down with more people than went to my entire high school.  In the span of about 4 classes I had been in the same room with more people than my town's population.  I know I'm from a very small town, but I don't think anybody is ready for a history class with 350+. 

     

     Just so you know, FOW is over, meaning that we will only be doing Corps activities from about 5:30 until 8:30ish am.  After that the rest of the day, barring evening formation, is personal/academic time.  I would be willing to bet that most of the stress in the next week will be from class and not the Corps.  

     As soon as we know for sure times for the Florida game on Sept 8th I will give everyone the BBQ times.  These BBQ's are not required by any means, but I would encourage you to attend a few.  The guys that cook for us do a great job.  Remember the goal is not to make a huge profit, so the prices will fluctuate between 6-10 dollars per person depending on what we are serving.  The first game prices will be on the low end of the scale, so please if you are in town join us for the BBQ.  Also keep in mind that College Station was not designed for game day traffic, so eating with the outfit saves a lot of time and traffic stress.  Not to mention every restaurant being extremely crowded.  I know I'm biased, but I think that outfit BBQs are the best option for food on gameday weekends.   

       I have informed the fish that although they made it through FOW, they have not made it yet.  They will have made it when they march 2nd pass of final review.  I gave them my word that I will be their commander until the very end, and in turn have their word that they will be fish until 2nd pass.  The moment we think we have made it, we tend to get complacent.  And I hate complacency!  That is why the outfit will be in Relentless Pursuit as long as I am in charge.  I refuse to let my people be ok with just settling.  We are striving for excellence. 

     We have a goal of running 100 miles as an outfit this semester.  We haven't been able to go on an outfit run yet... but that changes on Wednesday.  We will be running somewhere between 2.5-3 miles.  This is something that the outfit is really excited about, and something the freshmen will learn to be excited about.  I ended outfit meeting last night with this quote.  "Better get your running shoes tied tight, cause we're hitting it on Wednesday." - Garrett Williams

In Relentless Pursuit 

Garrett

 

Boom...

And just like that the "biggest secret on the Quad" was out.  At 10 o'clock Parson fired the canon and chaos ensued.  Well, at least for five minutes.  Last night your fish experienced one of the most memorable things in the Cadet Corps.  AIROUT.  Nobody breathes a word about airout until the night it happens.  The freshmen are put to bed thinking that the day is over only to be woken up to loud music and lots of yelling.  Believe it or not, but this is the one time that the upperclassmen really get to be loud when dealing with the fish.  Everybody looks forward to it, in fact, I would be willing to bet that your fish already has plans for next year.

Now that I have caused you to wonder why you thought the Corps was a good thing and why you entrusted your child to me let me explain some things.  Yes we were loud and yelled at your fish in the middle of the night.  Yes they didn't know what was going on and might have been scared.  But this event symbolizes the culmination of FOW.  They made it.  Aside from a few meetings today and the review tomorrow, your fish is now truly a cadet in the Corps.  Is there a lot of work still to be done? Yes, but they made it.

After the initial shock of being yelled at while sleeping wears off, the fish were taken to the end of the Quad where they had a fish yell practice and got to have a good time with their buddies.  Following the yell practice, the freshmen ate watermelon and cookies with the zips behind the dorm.  It was and always will be an extremely fun and vivid memory.

Talk to your fish about it... in fact, I would encourage you to talk to your fish about the experiences they are having , not the standard "how are you today? hope it's not to hard."  Ask them specifics about actually what is going on.  Don't waste your time with "is it hard?" because if I have my way it will be.  It will be tough, demanding, draining, and hard, but it will also be enriching, teaching, developing, and memorable.  

Remember, for me, it's about way more than the Corps.

1 Cor 9:24-27
Garrett

 

FRAGO

Your freshman will be free tomorrow from 5:00 pm or (whenever drill ends) until 9:45.  On Saturday, they will be free after the fish review.  There will not really be anytime before to hang out.  You might get to see your fish in passing, but we will be working hard to get the freshman ready for the review so no promises.  Have a great day.

Garrett