21st Anniversary

Twenty one years ago today I was on my way from our tiny town of Spur to Lubbock to attend a US Intec Brai demo. Then I had a private lesson scheduled that afternoon as I was preparing to test for 3rd degree back belt. Late that afternoon I had a Piper Archer rented of shoot some touch & goes for fun. At 9:30am my life changed forever, and very nearly ended. Statistically, it was supposed to have ended.

Because that day is also the birthday of one of my former students who went on to be a cop, he always remembers that day and sent me this note today which helps remind me that we touch people's lives in ways we cannot imagine and in which last for years, lo, decades:

Yay, we both made it another year. In an odd way today is almost like a birthday for you. Just a shame your life was nearly taken on my birthday but you survived. So while I celebrate my birthday I still think of what happened and I celebrate your strong will to survive and overcome. Since we first met I've considered you one of my heroes. The things you taught me back then have helped me tremendously throughout life and saved my butt while working law enforcement. I'll never forget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPrMHK72XqY

That's my story - had the physical ability but lacked the maturity to go after it, or to even want it. Nearly always the fastest runner in my grade, strong, swam like a fish, set the school record for pushups in junior high. Just lacked direction.

I did my best to keep my son out of the roofing business. He was on the Lubbock Fire Department for 6 years and saved a lot of lives. Alas, he succumbed to the call of the roof.:-)

Thanks Tim. Funny you say that....I've often said to several close to me (my boys included), one of the only regrets I have in life is getting out of the military without reaching my potential. At the time, I wanted to party, & such. Even though I had thoughts & aspirations to attempt it. I'd like to think I could've been an operator too. However, I wasn't mentally strong enough to make it happen.

I'll say this though. Like many things, I'm living it through my sons. Watching them grow into the men they are, gives me more pride, than if I had the tab on my shoulder. I had pride in my uniform. Hell, I still have it after all these years. But.... it pales in comparison to what it feels like seeing your son achieve greater heights than you did, & watching them in active pursuit of their potential. As athletic as I was, my boys were better. They all excelled at football, & were so much tougher than I was, especially the one at PI right now.

I've taken my fair share of deer. Was pretty pumped when I got a nice rack buck last year. Hell, was high on adrenalin for 30 minutes after I got an archery kill last weekend. However, it was nothing compared to sitting in a buddy stand a couple years ago with my son, & watching him hit a perfect shot, both lungs, & heart on a small buck for not only his first deer but, an archery kill to boot. I think I was more excited than he was...... that's not to say, he wasn't pumped.

Again, while at times, I look back & wonder what could've been..... I get over it quick, watching what my sons are becoming. I rarely talk about it publicly but, it does bring my immense pride. More so than anything I have, or could accomplish in life.

Andy, Special Forces? That's freaking awesome man!!!! I so admire those guys. I seek them out to train with. I took Craig "Sawman" Sawyer's Hard Targets class in Dallas a couple months ago - he's the Seal team 6 guy on Top Shot.

I train frequently with former SEAL Jason Pike in Midland. In fact he just started a new program called Special Operations Constitutional Rights (SOC-R) to train civilians using many of the same techniques they learned in the SEALs, to help out in the event of disasters. He named me Team Leader for the Lubbock Team (Charlie Team) recently. It's a blast, and it is so much like the martial arts in concept.

Andy, you probably could have been a Tier operator in your day, you're strong, smart and athletic. I like to think I could have as well - I only wish I'd had my head screwed on straight back then to try.

Your kids are fortunate to have great parents and the right DNA to do the things they are doing. They will be assets for our country.

Jason Pike's description of the SOC-R program (and yes, it could probably be said that it is a second chance for ol' farts like me to be wannabe SEALs haha):

SOC-R (Special Operations of Constitutional Rights) For those that responded to the training group. To be a bit more in depth of its purpose. The group is designed for law abiding citizens to step up, train, and if the time comes to protect our rights and those who protect us peacefully. Each member will receive advanced training in tactics, medical, communications, intelligence, threat escalation and de escalation methods, search and rescue, and more. The organization will be broken into active teams within your communities. In the event something happens within your community the teams will deploy to those areas. This could be anything from helping medical personnel, Churches, Schools, or help protect Law Enforcement during times of riot. Requirements: - Possess a valid driver's License - Concealed handgun License is preferred but not required. This is used to verify criminal background. If a CHL cannot be obtained a criminal background must be submitted from their local Law Enforcement agency upon request to join. - Must not be affiliated with any gangs, racism, or have any markings that would leave others to believe so. - Monthly blocks of training for your team. If you cannot make your team training you can schedule to train with another team at your convenience. - Yearly fee of $100.00. This will allow me to be available to train and travel to surrounding cities to train when the time comes. - I am in the process of speaking to a lawyer to get a bond setup for members similar to Texas law Shield. Members will be required to hold a membership through the law firm to ensure the protection of himself and the organization. Before a member can be deployed in a team this will be a requirement. From the looks of it, it will be a small monthly fee. Disclaimer: This will be a very long process and requires the up most professionalism. Once the group is out and members are known they will be temporary red flagged and investigated by The FBI. That I can assure you of. A red flag does not prevent you from getting anything or is it seen by anyone but the investigating office. I have been red flagged for the last 10 years due to my background. If a criminal in our area commits a crime that fits my skill level I will be a potential suspect. Same concept.

Cool stuff Tim. Specifically the part about your student. Obviously, not your accident. I remember when I first met you. I didn't then, & never have, thought of you as a person with a disability. Many people with injuries as significant as yours would've given up, or laid down the rest of their life. I see examples of it from time to time. Tip of the hat Tim.

I remember having a conversation with you 10yrs ago, we were talking about Tae Kwon Do. All 3 of my boys were learning it. I'm convinced it helped them tremendously in life so far. My oldest boy (22), finished 4yrs in the Marine Corps this summer.... man that went fast..lol. He is now switching branches, & enlisting in the Army. He's going to Special Forces qualifier after jump school this spring. He has mentioned how his martial arts time helped him tremendously through some of the training he's already been through.

My 2nd son(19 soon), is currently at Parris Island, SC going through Marine boot camp. I know he was about as prepared as one could be for the mind game involved. Again, I'm sure his time in TKD helped him.

Lastly, nothing like having an impact in someone's life through teaching. I never did martial arts but, was a football coach for nearly a decade. Brought me a lot of personal satisfaction. Once in awhile, I get a message from a former player. It warms your heart knowing you made a positive impact. I didn't realize at the time, how significant it was. Although, I think of my former players all the time.

Anyways..... cool story Tim. Spawned some cool memories/thoughts of my own this morning. Thanks for that. Keep on keeping on Tim.