Onward...

For some reason this was never published in August: 


After two years in the Rakkasans, and 18 months as commander of Alpha Company, 626th Brigade Support Battalion (nine of which were in combat), it is time to move on.  Yesterday, I relinquished command of Alpha, and am about to move to my next assignment.  It is hard to put into words how it feels to pass on the mantle and burden of command to another after so long.  I was able to at least try to in my Change of Command speech.  Below is the text:

COL Vowell, CSM Barteky, LTC Downie, CSM Greene, distinguished guests, friends, and families of the Rakkasans, thank you for coming to today’s ceremony.  I want to start off by giving thanks and praise to God for blessing me not only through my command tour, but every day.  I also want to thank COL Lillibridge and LTC Crist for the honor of commanding a company in this storied regiment, and for the privilege of being part of the rich 95 year history of 626^th.  I am truly humbled to have had this experience.  Too often, changes of command are conducted and the focus is on the commander.  Today, I want the focus first and foremost to be where I believe it belongs:  the Soldiers represented on the field before us.  For the 18 months I have served as American 6, we asked a lot of these Soldiers, and they have not let us down.  Whether it was purifying water in the February cold, executing countless mission requests to move containers and deploy the brigade, spearheading the brigade’s retrograde effort in Afghanistan and moving out 80% of the equipment from AO Rakkasan, or crossing the icy mountains of the KG Pass in the winter (though pushing a trailer off the mountain in the process), I’ve seen the best these young men and women have to offer.  And for that, I say “thank you Alpha Company.”

During my tenure, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a talented group of officers and NCOs.  As a commander, many times you only have time to give a leader a task and purpose, and hope they can turn out the results you’re looking for.  Consistently, the officers and NCOs of Alpha Company did just that, and more.  I want to thank you all for your dedication, your loyalty, and your candor.  Your and desire to excel and openness to share new ideas and ways of operating helped make this company work.  To my LTs, thank you for your willingness to learn and stay engaged.  Despite my oftentimes hare-brained ideas for how to do things, and the unrealistic expectations and deadlines I’d generally give you, you always produced great results.  I’m proud to have had the opportunity to serve as your commander, and I look forward to seeing the great futures you all have ahead of you.   No unit can be successful without a solid NCO Corps.  Alpha Company truly has a solid backbone, and the NCOs I’ve had the chance to work with over the last 18 months exemplify that.  You’ve pushed your Soldiers as 1SG and I have pushed you, and you’ve always upheld the standards we’ve expected.  Thank you for your loyalty, your dedication to excellence, and for taking care of the Soldiers and Families of Alpha Company.

Growing up as a young officer, I’ve always been amazed at the relationship between a commander and 1SG.  Until I came to 626^th however, I never truly knew just how special it could be.  Since June 2011 when I assumed the duties as Assurgam 3, I’ve the the distinct privilege of working with one of the finest Non-Commissioned Officers I’ve come across in my combined 12 years  of service in the Army.  When I was told in the Fall of 2011 that I’d be taking command and 1SG Clark was moving out to be the Rear Detachment SGM, I told LTC Crist there was only one NCO I wanted to be my First Sergeant.  Thank God I got my wish.  1SG Yolanda Joseph is a leader who truly cares about her Soldiers.  She never coddles them, enforces one standard (the Army standard), and is always trying to make everyone around her better. Our leadership styles complement each other well, and 99.9 time out of 100 if I came to her with something I want to do or a direction I wanted to go with the Company, she already had the wheels in motion.  1SG, I thank you for being a battle buddy, a sounding board, a wise counsel, and a friend (and for keeping me sane and out of trouble!).  We can be proud of what we accomplished together.  We set out to deploy and bring all our Soldiers home safe, and we did. 

Lastly, I want to thank my family.   I’d be remiss to close this speech without thanking my parents, who made me who I am today.  My Dad was here at Fort Campbell in January 2012 to see me take the guidon, but was taken home too soon.  He truly loved this Nation and our military, and I know he’s watching down today with pride.  And of course, to my wife Melissa and daughter Caitlyn, thank you.  Thank you for going willingly wherever my crazy aspirations take us.  Thank you for standing steadfast through the last 18 months.  Without question, without condition, Melissa has been by my side, my biggest cheerleader, and the strongest supporter of Alpha Company and of 626^th.  I’ll never forget when I mistakenly referred to Alpha as “my Soldiers,” and you corrected me, reminding me they’re “our Soldiers.”  That’s just the type of selfless, caring Army wife you are.  You truly love our service to the Nation and to our Soldiers.  I couldn’t ask for a better partner through this adventure.  Through all the late nights, missed dinners, missed holidays, birthdays, recitals, bedtimes, and countless other events, you and Caitlyn always welcome me home with open arms, hugs, and smiles.  Thank you both for your unending and unconditional love and support.

To Brice, you’re taking command today of a great company.  I hope I’ve left it a little better than it was when I took command, and I wish nothing but the utmost success for you during your time as American 6.  

As it says in the Gospel of Luke, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  I can only hope that I lived up to what was asked of me. 

ASSURGAM!  RAKKASAN!  AIR ASSAULT!  This is American 6 signing off the net.

For Veteran's Day

They were at Bunker Hill, Antietam, The Marne, Bastogne, Normandy, Inchon, the Ia Drang Valley, Baghdad, Fallujah, the Shahikot Valley. They heeded the call, whenever needed, and
unflinchingly performed their duty time and again. For hours, days, weeks, and months on end, they marched through unfamiliar and
unfriendly territories with little food or sleep and the ever-present danger that the next step may be their last. Away from family, friends, and the comforts of home they stood their watch, faced their enemies, and protected the people, the way of life, and the Constitution of this United States. For nearly 250 years, our Veterans have stood in the gap to ensure our Nation
remains strong.

To me, there is no greater calling than to volunteer to serve in the greatest fighting force on
the face of the Earth. Regardless of reason, be it patriotism, benefits, adrenaline, or no other options, the men and women of our Armed Forces raise their hand and take a solemn oath to
support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Whether someone serves 20+ years and retires, or serves four and returns to civilian life, he or she makes a sacrifice to this
Nation of ours. Many young men and women sacrifice their youth, forgoing parties, hang-outs, and friendships to leave for Basic Training and learn the science of warfare. Or they decide the normal college experience is not for them, and instead go off to one of our service academies and
experience the regimented life of a cadet or midshipman while learning the art of leadership. Our Military personnel experience things as young men and women that many cannot comprehend, becoming mentally and emotionally well beyond their years. These days, many will leave home to go off to a remote mountain outpost, spending upwards of a year dodging roadside bombs,
rocket attacks, and sniper fire. Sadly, many may not return, or may come home broken physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In a challenging political and economic climate, we must not forget the promise made by our military, “This We’ll Defend.” With this promise is a certain level of reciprocation. This Veteran’s Day regardless of your political affiliation, I encourage you to ensure your representatives
in Washington understand the gravity of their partisan wrangling. Too many programs that support our current, former, and retired military personnel are hanging in the fiscal balance. It’s one thing to say to a Soldier, “Thank you for your service.” Our Nation must also back up the statement.

Once More Into the Breach

I'll start with my usual rambling about my running addiction. Today, I ran the Go Commando Half Marathon in Clarksville, TN. While many of the intricacies of the better races located in big cities were absent (ie: big, extravagent race expo, mile markers where they are supposed to be, extensive crowd support, etc), the course was absolutely great. This was heralded by the race website and organizers as a fast, flat course. My reconnaissance of the route the day prior led me to believe however, that this was going to be a race to simply complete, and I held no hopes of anything more. Boy was I wrong.

I ran the Commando with my longtime friend and former college classmate Marcus. This was his first official race, as he recently got into distance running after hearing my stories and addiction to racing. We trained together for the most part, and did several 13.1 mile training runs in preparation. All that training paid off, and despite the four mile stretch of hills and valleys in the middle of the course, I landed a personal best for the half marathon of 1:40:06, and Marcus came in 36 seconds ahead of me. It was a great run.

Beyond the great course and PR I set, it was another chance to get out and work for our wounded veterans. While at the race expo, we signed up to serve on Team Red White and Blue. Team RWB is a non-profit that works with our wounded to assist in their integration into normal life after suffering injuries in combat. One of the members of our team ran the race in a gas mask, setting a Guinness record for that feat. Running in the Team RWB t-shirt and working with the team was a huge motivator. It's also great to know we can do something, small as it may be, to help someone injured in Iraq or Afghanistan settle into normal life again.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/stevenfoster/stevenrunsforourwarriors

Back to the Drawing Board

So much has occurred in our lives since the last time I posted on this blog. I promise to get back to more regular writing for the one person that actually reads this. Career-wise, I have now proceeded on from my training at Fort Lee, and am now assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY. I am assigned to the most deployed brigade in the United States Army, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, the Rakkasans. This is a unit steeped in history, and let me tell you, they make sure you know that. It is, however, a great place to be and I am proud to be amongst the ranks of the Rakkasans.

We have moved back to small-town America as part of this move. I have to say, I actually really enjoy being back in a small town. Hopkinsville, and the neighborhood we live in, is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. We have moved into a home built in the early-1900's, and are absolutely in love with where we live. Caitlyn and Melissa play in the yard every day, we have neighbors we hang out with all the time, a church home, and life couldn't be any sweeter right now.

Shifting gears, I am back in my training routine again, and building up for my next race. Prior to leaving Virginia, I ran in the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg, VA, and finished in about 1:54. It was another great race and great experience running in a historic city. After that, I PR'd the 5K distance on a flat course near my hometown in Arkansas, and that ended my Spring racing season. Now, I'm back on the horse and running as fast as ever. I recently ran a two-miler in 14:35 (in pants mind you), and had a 13.1 mile training run come in at 1:54. I'm hoping to shave about 8 minutes off that time come race day in 5 weeks. Fall racing season looks like two half-marathons and a 5K, and in the Spring I've already signed up for a full marathon, the Little Rock Marathon on March 4th. It's all about the finisher's medal for that race. But seriously, all my running keeps things in perspective for me, because I'm still running to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. That charity is very near and dear to my heart, knowing that this time next year I'll be leading America's sons and daughters into combat in Afghanistan. God forbid I, or any of my Soldiers, become wounded and need the support of WWP, but if it happens it's nice to know they have support. http://www.wwpproudsupporter.kintera.org/stevenfoster

I Ran, I Ran So Far Away

Homage to Flock of Seagulls aside, on March 26, 2011, I participated in and completed the SunTrust National Marathon in Washington, DC.  This was my first full marathon, and I venture to guess at this point that it won't be my last (much to the chagrin of my wife).  I started training for this race shortly after my McDonald's Half-Marathon PR in November, and my training was as up and down as the marathon race course.  Given the extremely hectic schedule I've maintained over the past few months, I was pretty concerned going into the race, and had adjusted my goals from coming in under four hours for this race, to just being able to cross the finish line in the vertical position.  It was a constant struggle to find adequate time to put into training through most of January and February, as work obligations and poor weather kept me sidelined quite often.  I managed to get in several good long runs, but the key speedwork and shorter maintenance runs during the week left me rusty going into every weekend.  Nonetheless, I got in a couple of decent 19 milers, and my last long run was a solid three hours non-stop, so I felt confident I'd finish the 26.2 one way or another.

We drove up to DC the Friday before the race, accompanied my my in-laws, which was a great addition to my support team.  It was a stressful trip up, and I managed to get to the Expo for packet pickup with just less than an hour to spare.  Because the DC Transit Authority deemed it unnecessary to open the Metro early on Saturday, I was concerned about getting to the start line on time, but thankfully our hotel was running a shuttle to the race, five dollars well spent.  They also offered runner-friendly sack breakfasts to pick up on the way (bagel, OJ, banana, peanut butter, etc), another five dollars well spent.  The last thing you want to worry about is how you're going to fuel yourself from a hotel room.  That bag combined with a Clif bar meant I'd make it to the start with a full tank. 

It was an unseasonably cold (for late March) morning that day, and I opted to go out there overdressed and take advantage of the bag check option (which I normally try to avoid the hassle).  Thankfully they had the Armory near the start line open to hang out inside, so I did in order to take advantage of the warmth and abundant pre-race toilet options.  Just before 7am, I checked my bag and coat, headed out into the fray. 

Like all other big races, it started out in a mob, which I am thankful for because it prevented me from taking off too fast.  I'm thankful for that, especially as I recount miles 22-26.  Two reasons I picked DC for my first marathon:  the scenery, and iPods were allowed on the course (the Shamrock in VA Beach the previous weekend didn't allow them).  We left RFK Stadium and headed west toward the Mall.  It was a great morning for a run, 35 degrees and sunny.  We passed the Capitol, the Washington Memorial, the White House, and all the other great sites in central DC.  Keeping things realistic, I rocked a pretty easy pace through the first 10K, crossing at just about 1:00.  There was great crowd support along the way, but none better than when we ran through Howard University.  The students were out in force, and it was a great morale booster.  Even better, about two miles after that, I saw five familiar faces along the side of the road, as Melissa, Caitlyn, Roger, Pat, and Laura were there to cheer me along.  It was great to see they made it out.

I hit the 13.1 split at just over 2:00, and was feeling pretty decent.  This was a quite manageable pace for me, as I'd run the half marathon at over 1.5 minutes per mile faster than that, but I knew I had to do it all over again, so I kept the same shuffle going.  I got a text from a friend saying he was camped out at mile 19, so I knew I'd see another familiar face soon.  With the second passing of the Capitol and all the monuments behind me, I prepared myself for the barren lands along the Anacosita River that were to come.  I'd read the support was thin along that stage of the course, so I was dreading it.  There were some great sights to see along the way, as we passed Nationals Park, Fort Myer, and the shipyards along the way.  I ran into my good friend Gary at about 20 miles, and it was great to see a friendly face, as I was starting to feel the effects of what was becoming the longest run I'd ever run in my life.  I'd done a pretty good job of feuling along the way, but there were a lot of miles and hours on my body, and they were ready to attack. 

At mile 21, Gary had run ahead to meet me again, and I'm glad he did.  My body was in full revolt, as I had little gas left in the tank.  I had earlier told Gary I was starving, and it became his personal mission to help.  He showed up with what would become the best tasting apple I'd ever eaten.  That refueled me like you'd never believe, and I kept moving along.  Shortly after, I saw the family again at about 22 miles, and my motivation and mood spiked again, but my legs didn't want to play along.  Cramps were setting in hard, to the point each mile became .25 walking, .75 running.  I wasn't going to stop.  I kept pushing, and managed to get a lot of the lactic acid out of my legs, just in time for the day's biggest hill at 24 miles.  I knew if I could crest this one, it was in the bag.  I pushed myself over the top with the help of a couple of funny signs and a friendly DCPD officer cheering me on, and settled in for the last mile and a half.  I saw another friend and classmate at 25 miles, and I knew I was almost there.  I crossed the river one more time, tackled a headwind full on, and found the finish line.  After 4 hours, 26 minutes, 32 seconds of running to hell and back, I became a marathoner.

All In All We're Just Another Brick

Yesterday, I embarked upon a quest to again set a personal record for distance running.  I plotted out and departed for what I planned to be a 20-mile run.  I had a relatively easy and familiar course plotted, prepped, ate, hydrated, and dressed accordingly.  I told myself that if I finished 20 in 3 hours or so I'd be quite happy.  The first few miles clicked away with relative ease.  I was maintaining about an 8:30 pace average through the first 12-13 miles, and thought for sure I'd meet my goal time and distance.  By 15, I was slowing, but expected that and figured I'd be good to go if I backed off the pace and rode it in to the end.  Toward 17 miles or so, I was coming up on the last hill of my course, and it was a doozy.  I crested it, but not without backing off to near walking pace, and the cramps were making their way in.  I shuffled the downhill portion of this hill, and settled in for the last couple of miles.  By 18, things were tightening up.  I was sure I'd finish the course, then at about 18.75, my body begain to revolt.  This is "The Wall" that so many runners talk about.  I'd heard the stories, and thought for sure this morning I'd be able to cross 20 miles without experiencing its effects.  Not so much, I found it, and hit it hard.  My glycogen stores were depleted, my water and Powerade were gone, I'd ate all the Gu I brought, and just couldn't go any further.  However, I still finished 18.90 miles in 2:51 (a 9:03 pace), so I still feel good about this long run.  I can also attest to the benefits of the ice bath.  I think I'm a believer!

What A Difference A Year Makes

So, here's a summary of the progress I've made in running from the beginning of 2010 to today:
Weight:
Beginning:  218
End:  198

1 Mile:
Beginning:  9:30ish
End:  6:58

Army Physical Fitness Test 2 mile Run:
Beginning:  no test
End:  13:58

5K:
Beginning:  27:00 (and some change)
End:  22:00 (and some change)

10K:
Beginning:  1:00ish
End:  47:19 (ran that yesterday)

Half-Marathon:
Beginning:  2:13:28 (ran on 2/14/10)
End:  1:48:02 (ran on 11/13/10)

Average Training Run:
Beginning:  3 miles
End:  6-7 miles

Weekly Long Run:
Beginning:  6-7 miles
End:  16 miles

2011 Goals:
1 mile:  6:00
Army Physical Fitness Test 2mi Run:  13:30
5K:  sub-21:00
10K:  sub-45:00
Half-Marathon:  1:40
Marathon:  Complete (goal is sub-4:00 for first one)