Start Me Up!

Who am I? I’m the guy who wasn’t the star athlete or whiz kid of high school.  I’m the guy who never got invited to the crazy parties but had the respect of his peers.  I’m the guy who had a losing record at wrestling but became captain of the quiz bowl team.  I’m the guy who was the nice guy, the guy anyone could talk to, the guy anyone could befriend.  I’m the guy who got told too many times "we should end this and just be friends".  I’m the guy who struggled in the weight room and struggled at running, even though I could do decent at both.  Call it skinny, call it scrawny, call it just plain weak, I was all three.  I’m the guy who was a bridge to the various high school cliches.  I’m the guy who was the back-up plan or afterthought for a prom or homecoming dance.  And I didn’t mind any of it….in fact I almost enjoyed it a little.  Waiting in the wings, being the fly on the wall, hearing everything that was spread, learning what made different people click, being the guy anyone could trust or rely on.  Those skills have served me well beyond high schools.  Now 7 years later….. I have BECOME.

I have become the guy who led Soldiers into combat and brought them back alive.  I have become the guy who won’t think twice about shooting an enemy combatant.  I have become the crazed gym nut who lifts 5 times or more a week and eats like a fiend to grow even more.  I have become the guy who can shoot expert at the rifle range, who can teach my Soldiers combatatives, who can engage targets with 25mm at over 2000 meters.  I have become a paratrooper, a lifeguard, a combat lifesaver, an Army Ranger, and a combat veteran.  I have become the guy can swim like a fish, ruck like an animal, run like a gazelle, and still complete the mission on the other side.  I have become the guy you want by your side in a barfight or in combat.

Who am I?  I’m the guy you forgot about.  I’m the one you kick yourself about.  I’m the guy you regret never knowing.  Remember me?  Of course not.  But I remember you.  I remember those high school days and it motivated me to become something more. 

There is still more to be done.  Watch, listen, and prepared to be amazed. — Viper

PS– To my Bodyspace fans, you guys are awesome!! Without your encouragement and support, I’d be wallowing in defeat. Stay strong together!