Twenty Nine PAX and one FNG showed at the annual Memorial Day Murph at the Sandlot/Martha’s House on a steamy May morning.
Shovel flags were standing guard to greet the PAX upon arrival.
The Nantan (who had his Murph debut this morning) introduced YHC for a brief introduction to who and why we are honoring and the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
Michael P. Murphy’s Medal of Honor citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare task unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005.
While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy’s team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
We did nameorama first in case PAX needed to head out. We went over our five core principals with our FNG and gave a one minute countdown.
We started at the flags and ran around the park for the first mile and then entered the playground. Lots of PAX had staged various items in advance. Gloves, a speaker, and lots of bands out for pullup assists. #preparedness
Some bat flippers were done before most had started the second mile. It was great seeing a new face and a few others who haven’t been out in a while. We all got better together. YHC closed us in prayer.
Announcements: F3 Dads coming up on June 18th at Folsom at 0700. The PT test will be rescheduled so as not to conflict. Stay tuned.
Prayer requests. Turtleman, Huckleberry, Travelling PAX, graduating students, teachers, Sarlacc’s Daughter and Wirenut’s family.
Our FNG was named after the workout. He is a musician and moved to our region recently from Miami. When he stated he is a fourth degree blackbelt we decided to let him name himself. (Just kidding) Welcome Freedom Rock!
YHC hope’s everyone has a safe and happy holiday and enjoys our freedoms while we honor those that paid the price for us.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13