I notice that a lot of the younger crowd on here, is out to prove themselves or trying to pull some kind of bravado act to impress someone from NavSpecWar or wherever.  Now I am not trying to put anyone down, with this blog but there are some things that I think should be said.

For those who aspire to be SEALs or members of any special operations community you need to remember;

-they are professionals

-they are warriors, warriors are servants, and servants are humble.

-Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis (all things change, and we must change with them)

That is from SEAL Team 7 Commanding Officer's philosophy; have it hanging over my desk.

I'm not about to tell anyone how to be as a person, but on this site your blogs and messages are mixed with the professionalism of this site.  This site is for communication amongst those who serve, and a way for those who aspire to get connected.

Let's try to keep this from becoming another myspace.

Someone out there is cold, wet, and hungry so that you do not have to be.  Count your blessings before you discredit them.

If getting to BUD/s, or in my case getting an officer slot (I'm a senior midshipman) were that easy--everyone would be doing it. 

Hang tight boys--As they say--Earn your trident everyday.  If you really want something, no matter what happens; you'll find a way to get it.  It may take time, but you'll find a way if there is that fire.

~Joe~

This weekend, me and a number of compatriots departed Jacksonville Florida to Fort Pierce Florida.  We left on a Friday, and came back Sunday different people.

This is because of the SEALs new and retired and really the people and the feeling in the air for SEAL Muster XXIII.  I started Saturday morning with a nice run on the beach, that earned me a handshake from a SEAL captain and a challenge coin.  Then I spent the rest of the day reliving the lives of these men, through their stories and their eyes.

I was surrounded by photographs, random explosions, and words that moved me.  Basically, this weekend was pretty badass.

Driving from Jacksonville was full of excitement, we were all excited--even got to see the space shuttle launch and thrust into space--but driving back from Ft. Pierce was quiet 90% of the time.

I think in each of us was instilled the honor of being around people that were part of something bigger than themselves, and being around a monument that stands testament to those who give the ultimate sacrifice and do so unflinching.  We were humbled into silence and reflection.

My words really do no justice to what I was subjected to, so the only real words I have left are:  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and those who did not go, missed out.

I would like to give a shoutout to Shar36 and Frogman80(Amir), Shar for introducing me to Amir--and Amir for taking the time to talk to me and tell me about his life and about the event beforehand.

To all those who read this, take the time to support the men of Naval Special Warfare through the UDT museum, or atleast learn about the men they are--special.

http://www.navysealmuseum.com/

--Joe