Once oriented to camping and forest etiquette by Mr Ruzicka, cadets worked well in teams to set up several tents and berthing quarters. It was excellent to witness the communication efforts of cadets during this process. After a brief break, LTJG Yates presented Wilderness Survival instruction and delicious chow.
Entered in one of our division’s newest volunteer instructors, (RET) MCPO Wendy Crisafulli, USN, who stepped up to the plate and grilled all the burgers! Huge thanks to staff volunteers who assisted with chow, especially Mrs. Mary Keyser, who set up & managed all things tasty! Special thanks to INST Jim Head for booking our campsite, bringing cooking gear, chainsaw, mosquito repellent, hydration, and preparing his infamous calico beans dish!
Post-chow events included land navigation training led by Mr. Keyser. Cadets learned more about how to use their tools and land navigation skills. Our SASP team was able to join in after returning from the special firearms event in Aurora. Massive thanks to INST Alex Burkut for his support in making that unique opportunity happen.
Late afternoon, we saw team-building activities led by LTJG Brian Proa, who designed an adapted giant version of the unique Battleships game. Once again, cadets worked well in teams, sharpening their strategic skills and learning more about each other. Cadets enjoyed some well-earned Liberty followed by more delicious chow, chicken, corn, and beans. Cadets also baked their stick bread on the fire. Ask them to show you how it’s done!
Evening activities included a memorable flag retirement ceremony led by LTJG Yates. Afterward, cadets could choose between music and stories by the campfire or the moonlit outdoor movie ( The Incredible Mr. Limpet). Massive thanks to Mr. Moore and INST Burkut for their creative efforts amidst technical /power constraints. Once again, the chow crew and special volunteer Ethan Burkut outdid themselves with a S’mores table and fresh popcorn!
Cadets did an outstanding job of staying quiet all night until just after 0500. Chow prep began at 0600, and the fire building was around 0630. Some of our Petty Officers did a phenomenal job foraging and sawing firewood.
After building their breakfast burrito, cadets enjoyed some exciting PRT Prep instruction from another new 911 Division volunteer, (RET) Chief Will Stanford, USN.
The tent tear-down went smoother than expected, so HOOYAH to the cadets! Final team activities were led by Navy Chief (RET) Stanford. A special gathering followed with LTJG Yates, USNSCC, who announced his transfer to the Milwaukee Cruiser Division. Thanks to LTJG Yates, who has worked hard to meet the needs of the Nine One Division cadets and served as an SASP team leader. The latter role will continue for SASP cadets. Before pick-up, cadets participated in a group reflection & feedback session. We were highly impressed with their insightful comments and, moving forward, will include this feedback.
On a final note, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the following additional staff volunteers who provided tremendous support throughout the drill: INST Susan Emery, ENS Holly Ardman, USNSCC, AUX Sharon Folliard, Mrs Stanford, and Mr Rodney Moore.
Please remember that October is on the horizon, which means Navy Mile will be on October 5th and PRT. More info will follow.
Comments