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Digging Holes and Cutting Trees

It seems a while since I last posted. I ended up taking a week off work (aka ‘real job’) and I’ve been up at the training site all week. I’m heading back out there tomorrow to do the final set-up for this weekends training.
I was just reading Mosby’s latest POST and grinning to myself. No doubt similar has been said about me: I was reflecting on the sheer amount of hard work I have been doing this week for the benefit of some good training. I have invested in some electronic pop-up targets, for a better training experience, and I was out today clearing trees and digging target holes for the jungle walk. 
I only brought one Gatorade on the four-wheeler and by lunchtime I thought I was going to die, but I was too lazy to go back and get more water to hydrate. There’s a lesson there – drink more water!
So for all those who question the prices that trainers like myself and Mosby charge, you have no idea of the graft that goes on to make it work. However, I don’t begrudge it, because I simply enjoy the opportunity to instruct and hope that it will save the lives of some ‘good folks’ one day.
The financial outlay in items such as targetry, ammunition and even loaner rifles is significant, and that is not to mention the sheer sweat and physical labor getting the place ready. And no, I’m not whining or looking for sympathy, because I still love doing it. Not only the training part but being out in the woods all day doing physical labor like digging holes and cutting timber. Beats sitting at a desk any day. So to those who will come and train with me, thank you for giving me the excuse to get out and dirty!
Live hard, die free.
MV

4 responses to “Digging Holes and Cutting Trees”

  1. Max – you and JM are just awesome guys. There is a real thrill in teaching something you know and something you have a passion for. Thanks for doing it. If you ever want to learn about sonar or nuclear power, we’ll have to sit down for a while. I’d be thrilled to talk it through and give some real-life examples. In the meantime…
    Good luck with your first sessions! I’m hoping to find free some time to come out this fall if you’re still at it. Maybe I’ll drag out another bubblehead if possible.
    Cheers!

  2. Max,
    I’ve read, or should state, devoured Patriot Dawn in four days. This while teaching and flying contract. Contact was the first one in my list until I realized that there was something missing. The knowledge, for lack of better description, for connecting the dots. Hence, purchasing Patriot Dawn for some kind of foundation. Currently I am in the process of re-reading and making notes for future reference. Rapid Fire shall be the next in the library of “informational reading”. Needless to say, when TSHTF it will be a combination of all stated in Pat/Dawn and undoubtedly more as evidenced already up in Boston.

    However, even with all of the “whiz-bang techno gadgets” Old School Tactics employed with conviction and determination should do just fine. I teach the basics in flight, so that when that whiz-bang stuff takes a dump, you’ve got back up.

    I will be looking at getting up in your neck of the woods hopefully this year for some training. At least we’re on the same side of the Mississippi! Thank GOD for your inspiration and desire to train those willing to learn. Between you and JM out west, we patriots should prevail,and if not at least go to GOD knowing we tried.

    Respectfully,

    Mark, CFI