Category: Week 6

It seems like everyone is getting sick this week. There is a lot of sniffling and coughing going on. I have managed to avoid it the whole time I have been here. I have been taking airborne, drinking water, and using my elbow to open doors. I am hoping to ride this out unscathed.

This afternoon we are listening to a lecture on cyber security. Dr. Eric Cole from Secure Anchor. I feel like I’m listening to my buddy Linnie talking about how unsecured our information really is on our phones and computers.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

We had physical training second period today. Courtney stuck it to us with more lunges, air squats, resistance bands and the “Leg Cranker”. I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to walk tomorrow morning. Stairs are already giving me some issues but we made it through and. Won’t see her until next week. During our workout we had a low pass from a military helicopter.

Went to the cafeteria today for breakfast and lunch and they did a little decorating for Valentines.

This afternoon we are listening to Lt Brian Murphy from Wisconsin. He was shot 15 times at the Sikh Temple shooting in 2012 when a white supremest army veteran came in and started shooting. 6 were killed, 4 were wounded and many lives were saved.

We decided to go and do some work tonight before the weekend. We got a good couple hours in and then I think we had enough. Martin decided to disguise me with Snapchat while I was diligently working. I think it’s time for bed.

We woke up to clear skies with a slight breeze today. The temperature was about 40 so it wasn’t too bad. Today is Wednesday so that means a fitness challenge. Today we did the “Wicked Witch Hunt”.

This consisted of pushing sandbags for 5 minutes and then immediately taking off on a 2 mile run. This was no ordinary run. It incorporated stairs, lunges, pull ups, pushups and stair climbers.

After class we left the base and went to the Globe and Laurel for a little birthday dinner and cigars. The special was the 48 ounce tomahawk steak. I had to order that since I turned 48. Had a great evening with some great guys.

We woke up to another rainy day here. It’s not quite cold enough to snow. Section 2 started with physical training and Courtney kicked our butt. I had no energy this morning but I made it through. Before we began my roommate thought it would funny to snap a photo of me. I know it looks like I’m goofing around drinking coffee but I’m actually rolling out the muscles in my back with a small ball on the wall.

We have a guest speaker today In my second class. I am looking forward to her presentation.

Very interesting discussion on cumulative trauma and how it impacts an employee over a career.

After class we went off base for a haircut at Kim’s. They were happy to see us again. I’m not gonna lie, straight shave, hot towel and massage is nice.

Had a great weekend in New York but reality set in when the alarm went off this morning. We woke up to a cloudy rainy morning but we got a little extra sleep because the base delayed opening until 9am. This resulted in no class first period and allowed us to easy into Monday.

I got a text during class from my roommate advising that I had a package. I went to the section 2 mail section and found a package from my parents. That was a nice surprise. The box contained some chocolate and other See’s candy for valentines. Thanks Mom and Dad!

This afternoon we have the last of two international panels. Today we have students answering questions from Greece, Austria, Hong Kong, Pakistan, West Africa, and Canada

Afghanistan, Dubai, Belgium, Phillppines, Jamaica, and Bangladesh

After class I was lucky enough to get another package from the family. It was a happy birthday surprise since I’m gone for my birthday. Got some Girl Scout cookies and sweet tarts with a nice card. Thank you for making my day!!

Up at 730 this morning. Today will be another long day. Got my Starbucks and I’m ready to head to the harbor for a boat trip with NYPD and NYFD and a visit to marine operations. After our boat trip we will head to the freedom tower and the 911 memorial. Our long bus ride home will commence at 5pm. Should be a quiet ride home tonight.

Boat trip was an awesome experience. Not too often you get this kind of opportunity. I am very appreciative for the once in a lifetime opportunity.

We ended the day with a tour of the 911 memorial and a view from the 81st floor of the freedom tower.

While we were up in the Freedom Tower, Tim Brown joined us and talked about his experiences during 9/11. He was a FDNY firefighter that was in both towers on that day. He was able to take shelter near a support pillar when the buildings collapsed. He was lucky to survive that day and lost many friends trying to help people. He was also a guest speaker at our academy.

What a great weekend. Thank you to Charles, Tony and Lito from NYPD and class 275, for planning a great trip. Thank you to NYPD for their hospitality and professionalism. I put together a little recap of the weekend. I don’t think the weekend could have been any better.