How the heck do Soldiers operate in places like Alaska?  After working for a few days in MN I’m really starting to wonder how you do things like jump out of airplanes, shoot rifles, land navigate, or road march in sub-zero weather.  I definitely have a new found respect for Soldiers assigned in cold weather climates, and appreciate being in Georgia and North Carolina for the majority of my career so far.

Yes, I do complain about the cold a lot, but I have enjoyed my time in the “great white north” so far.  The past two days I’ve been in Duluth, MN.  It is a larger city than I expected, and I swear has more hills than San Francisco, which makes for some tricky driving conditions.

Yesterday was pretty productive.  Did a radio interview and a school visit in the morning, followed by a visit with the Duluth superintendent, Keith Dixon.  I think the meeting with Mr. Dixon was a very positive one, discussing ways to help recruiters reach students who are potentially interested in the military, as well as ways to educate guidance counselors on current benefits and programs we can provide.  It was really an honor to meet him and talk about these things and discuss a little football as well.

Today I had the pleasure of giving Physical Education to classes at Duluth Central and Solon High Schools.  Had a lot of participation and definitely enjoyed making a few of these kids break a sweat while teaching them about the new PT that the Army is using, Physical Readiness Training (PRT).  A lot of the PE teachers enjoy it and learn a few tricks as well, which is always fun to know. 

Tomorrow I am doing a Future Soldier function with the Duluth Recruiting Station.  I’m a little excited because these kids are going to get a little more of the DS taste than they did at the schools.  I have met four or five of the Future Soldiers during visits, so they might have a little bit of a surprise coming for them… I will be sure to get pictures of any sweaty young ones, and I hope they get tired before me!

Keep fingers crossed for good weather for my drive back to Minneapolis!

Fitness Challenge winners in Solon, WI.  Cody Utyro and Haylee Garrison. GOOD JOB!