Army Strong...but Slow

I had a great weekend!

It was great visiting with friends on Friday.  We stuffed our faces with popcorn popped the old fashioned way and watched “Bucket List.”  Saturday was even greater:  my battle buddy and I visited a local farmers’ market.  I know I spent too much money, and some of the items were more than what I would pay at the local grocery.  –But oh what freshness!

On Sunday I woke up early –Actually, I usually wake up early. I think it’s an “Army thing.”  After slipping on a pair of new bike shorts and downing some “straight-up” cranberry juice, I navigated my way to and along one of the numerous bike trails in this area.  My guess is that I only biked about five or six miles, but it was a delightful way to start the week.  Whether or not I’m able to ride during the week I like to get in at least one ride on the weekends.

During the week I go for a brisk walk in the morning. Since I’m not part of a unit, organized physical training or “PT” is not part of my routine.  However, twice each year, I’m tested just the same.  Therefore, other than my own desire to keep moving, my motivation to get out for daily exercise is more than personal.

Sometimes during my walks I question whether or not I would be as diligent with fitness if I were retired.  I like to think the answer is “yes.”

As much as I loathe trudging up some of the steep hills weaved throughout this area, they provide an excellent workout.  Add a full water bottle that I use as a weight to stretch and strengthen my arms, and I get my heart pumping a bit.  I just wish I could speed things up.  Whether running, biking or walking, I’m slow.

After cleaning up (the Army folks call this “Personal Hygiene Time) and walking to work, I scan headlines from major news papers to look for military medicine related stories.  OK, I confess, I get sidetracked.

Today, while scanning, the New York Times, I sidetracked to a story written by Rachel L. Swarns. I read with excitement that Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody is heading for a Four-Star General.  She and I are the same age so I wondered where I turned down a different road.  The word “athleticism” was used to describe her may have played a part in our different paths.  Any other speculation on our differences I would view as self loathing and whining, so I’m not going there.  Regardless, I’m in awe of her accomplishments. 

Oh, just a note…I guess it’s my “Non-Commissioned Officer persona that pushes me to comment… The photo in the New York Times is somewhat dated.  She is wearing our old “Woodland Pattern” uniform and she has two stars on her beret.  Her current rank is a Three-Star General or “Lieutenant General.”  Usually people advance one rank at a time, no matter how athletic they are.  Someone call the editor! Her biography has an updated picture

Another story, or rather, an Opinion column that caught my eye in the Washington Post.  “Treating Wounds You Can't See,” by Linda Blum hit home, especially on the last page in the section, “All You Have To Do Is Stay Alive.” 

At my civilian job in Huntsville, two fellow veterans and I often talked about this very thing.  While in Iraq, we performed our tasks, took clothes to the laundry, tided up our living space and stayed alive.  That was it. We didn’t worry about getting the children to soccer practice or making sure mom took her blood pressure medicine. That was already delegated and we had let go of these sort of concerns, which we had no control.

Even if we didn’t stay alive, that was out of our control.  The bugger is, “What if we’re injured?” 

It’s my prayer that what I do on a daily basis here will provide the most positive answer possible to that question.