Now that's one tough mudder!

Yes, I meant to say “MUDDER” and not mother.

Pictured right is Eddie Wright. He lost both his arms to a RPG hit while serving in Fallujah.

He returned home and now participates in “Tough Mudder” events to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project . He is NOT alone!

A “Tough Mudder” event is a 9-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to
test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. These events are NOT for everyone … they are more than the average marathon or obsticle course.

An excerpt from their info page states  “Tough Mudder is also about experiencing a true sense of camaraderie that, sadly, is rarely seen outside of the military these days. To get over some of our obstacles you will need the help of others- they are simply too much for one man to tackle alone. Tough Mudders, unlike some other types of endurance runners, are team players; they help out other Tough Mudders. We want everyone to compete, but being a Tough Mudder is also about make sure no man is left behind, not worrying about your finish time.”  

Despite the focus on teamwork and course completion vs. individual times etc, it is reported that just 78% of all participants complete these events. IT’S NO CAKE WALK!

I used the word “teamwork” but it’s more or less “Brotherhood” that they are talking about (or a sense of it anyway). I guess that’s why you shouldn’t be shocked to learn that firefighters are regular participants in the event.

Click HERE to visit and learn more about  “Tough Mudder”  from their web site.

On October 22nd and 23rd, several of my Brothers ( and past members of the “Melrose Misfit” crew ) will participate in a Tough Mudder event at the Wintergreen Ski Resort in beautiful Wintergreen, Va.

Click HERE for the complete VA TOUGH MUDDER course map

 It’s 24 total obstacles including an Ice bath, electric shock therapy, firewalker, kiss of mud, and a huge slip’n’slide. All participants must pledge: “As a Tough Mudder I pledge that, I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge, I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time, I do not whine – kids whine, I help my fellow Mudders complete the course, I overcome all fears.”

Our team will consist of 12 members …Lt. Rob “Bugg” Reid, Travis Meador,  Bryan Allen, Chase Thurman, Lt. Dan “Goodo” Goodwin, Dave Killeen, James Williamson, Jayson Anuszkiewicz, Jeffery Oliver, Kyle Inman,Captain  Matt Dewhirst and Pete Matthiessen.

The team will participate in honor and memory of Captain Chris Brown.

The event’s date will mark the 2 year anniversary of Chris’ death and the men couldn’t think of a better way to honor his memory. Chris possessed many of the qualities needed to complete such an event.

Captain Brown was known for (among other things) promoting brotherhood, teamwork and for building strong companies. His final assignment was at Station #1-C  “The Big Show” .

Read more on the passing of Captain Chris Brown from Roanoke Fire.com

As I mentioned above, funds raised from these events will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project . OUR TEAM NEEDS SPONSORS !! 

You can donate to this great cause in an individual or team’s name by clicking HERE !

Search for the team “ROANOKE FIREFIGHTERS” to donate on our behalf. While you’re at it, purchase a spectator pass  and head up to cheer our boys on! You’d better hurry though … the event is almost SOLD OUT !

I had no idea how popular these event are … their Face Book Fan Page has over 1.1 MILLION  “likes” !!!

They have had hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators alike. Male, female, young or old, it doesnt matter …. PARTICIPATE!

Previous engaugements have me scheduled out of town for the next 3 weekends in a row but I’m gonna do all I can to alter my schedule and attend (of course if I’m there, I’d want to participate rather than watch). I’m not sure if I will be able to work it out or not.

If I don’t make it, I’m sure I will receive a full report and pics from our members and will get them to you here as soon as I do.

Either way, I’d like to say “SOLID WORK” to our and all members participating in this event. WELL DONE!

 

I think participation in events such as this and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs brings “The Brotherhood” that much closer to where it should be!

As a matter of fact, I’m not the only one who thinks that way.

HERO RUSH is launching VERY soon.  Hero Rush was designed BY firefighters FOR firefighters. You can get all the pre-launch info, like them on Face Book and get their “Hydrant” newsletter by visiting  the Hero Rush Web Site …. check it out, it looks GREAT!

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines