Aloha Team,
It’s now February in 2015 and before you know it, we’ll be approaching all kinds of new and exciting events here in the PNW. As most of you have set your targets for what you’d like to accomplish this year, I have been working behind the scenes on the future of TRVLSQD – The future meaning new events, and new families to help. I’ll never get away from this focus because this is the bloodline that makes this Team unique from any other group out there. As all of you progress towards your own goals, please don’t forget that your accomplishments pale in comparison to the ones you help others to achieve.
As I look back at what we’ve all accomplished, it makes me smile every time I see a post by Cadre Ed pushing everyone to be stronger, to be in better shape, to be a better person. I smile when I see a post by Cadre Rich reminding us to never forget those in harm’s way, knowing that he has been blessed by being with his family during the holidays when that status could change at any time. I smile when Team members are posting about upcoming workouts and about the passion for helping new folks starting down the road to firsts, Challenges, etc. The dynamic that all of you have built continues to strengthen with every life YOU make a difference in – so never stop!
As the Team has grown, I have been reminded by those that have been around from the inception of TRVLSQD, that I simply can’t do everything, I need to get better at asking for help, and so I have.
Late last year I had a conversation with Erwin Santiago about his desire and passion to help direct and lead. For those of you that know him, his dedication, drive and sense of humor (insert images of ranger panties dance here) are fundamental attributes needed to guide when you have a diverse group such as ours. After careful evaluation over the last few years, I decided to appoint Erwin as the Seattle Chapter Training Director. What does this mean? Erwin will continue to help manage the upcoming training Sessions (SS7’s and whatnot) moving forward – mostly for the North End. In the South End there are some OG’s (Original GRT’s) than will step forward to help lead Trainings down here. Overall, I want to make sure we are meeting the needs of those that desire help with Training, etc. If you’d like to help lead some training, please don’t hesitate to ask Erwin, myself, or any of the other highly qualified folks we have on the Team (John Maris, Team Doty, David Thomas, etc.)
As this is a write-up that everyone in the Chapters across the country will read, I ask of each Chapter Director reach out to me and let me know what you’d like to see of TRVLSQD. What would help all of you in your respective areas to grow? We are a tight family here in the PNW, and I’d like to help all of you to become stronger as well.
One of the most telling stories of where TRVLSQD continues to break grounds is through our desire to adopt our own local SF Group. We are blessed that 1st SFG is right here in our backyard, and through our desire to help them, and their desire to build a better connection with their local community, we have essentially become family! I had no idea that with the JBLM Light to help Team Hall, we would start a precedent that would keep us focused on 1st Group. From there we broke unbelievable barriers with the Arden Tough Range Day, and then closing out the year with our Brooklynn Tough effort. None of this could have been accomplished if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of all of you.
As I have mentioned our distinguished families, it’s only fitting to give all of you some updates on those families:
- Tanya (Ed’s wife) continues to show the medical world that she’ll beat whatever is thrown at her, and she’ll never EVER give up her fight. The bottom line is – Team Hall couldn’t be any stronger than it is right now! And their three boys? Probably eating them out of house and home, but what do you expect – have you seen Ed’s appetite?
- Arden just recently turned 1! (So did Rene) Folks this is a big milestone for him. This past week, for the first time EVER Arden had a normal blood count! The medical staff didn’t believe it, and had to verify. Although he still has his good & bad days, he continues to show the heart of warrior and fights every single day! Rene and Mike continue to thank all of us for the difference we have made in their lives. Mike is also itching to come play with us at a GRC! Look for that to happen this year!
- Brooklynn continues to make significant progress in her battle. She was told by her neurosurgeon that there is only ONE other case study in the world like her, and so they have asked for permission from her family if they could document her case. What does this really mean? Brooklynn may someday help to save the lives of other children around the world by her battle! (Sound familiar anyone? Helping others? Hmmmm….) Most of you have already seen the video of Ed and I presenting Brooklynn with gifts and donations from all of us, and I’d be remiss for not mentioning the one very special gift arranged by someone on this Team. Over the holidays, Brooklynn received a personally signed photo from Coach John Calipari – the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Kentucky. I was stunned when I heard of this, as Brooklynn is a huge University of Kentucky Fan! This photo is framed and hangs on the wall to remind Brooklynn to never give up, and to know she inspires more people than she knows. So to the warm-hearted individual in this Team that made this happen – a Tac-Hat tip in your direction – Team First, Family Always!
So much work to do, so many folks to help…..so off to work I go!
TRVLSQD ~ Can’t Help Everyone….So We’ll Just Help Everyone
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