Four men gathered around the shovel flag on this beautiful, crisp morning at the Mandeville Lakefront, determined to honor Medal of Honor recipient Mike Monsoor. Petty Officer Monsoor gave everything for us in 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Providing early warning and stand-off protection to troopers during the Battle of Ramadi, Monsoor and two SEAL teammates were surprised when an insurgent grenade unexpectedly landed within their rooftop position. Without hesitation, Monsoor threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the impact with his body and saving his two teammates’ lives. With this vivid reminder of someone who lived not for himself but for others, the PAX set off to make themselves better.
Warmup COP around the shovel flag. All IC and 20-25 reps more or less: SSH, windmills, torso twists, butt kicks, lateral lunges, mountain climbers, IW, and seal jacks.
Mosey to the next COP with the PAX sharing the task of carrying a wounded teammate (40 lb sandbag). Merkin wave to 40 reps and squat thrusts IC 20 reps.
Lunge walk Indian run with teammates exchanging our wounded teammate as we rotated through the line. Arrive at a sidewalk where we performed a Tabata sets of lateral one footed hops back and forth over a crack in the sidewalk. 20 seconds hopping, 10 seconds rest. Alternate feet for 8 reps or 4 minutes total.
Mosey with our wounded teammate to the pavilion. Performed descending sets of freak nasties, incline/decline Merkins, and box jumps. 10x, 8x, 6x, 4x, and 2x.
Mosey to the fountain where three teammates planked up while the other ran a circle in each direction around the fountain, tagging and switching places with a teammate, for three total rotations. Back to work after a few ten counts with another Tabata set, this one with high knees around the fountain.
Mosey once again with our wounded teammate. Standing Mary with rotating sandbag handoffs down the line and back. 20 total rounds with 10 in each direction. Then some A-B-C-D abs to finish things off.
Count-o-rama, name-o-rama and a prayer for unity in our country. Let us all remember that, no matter our differing views, we are countrymen and owe one another respect and civility. Remember the ideals on which our country was founded and for which Mikey Monsoor willingly sacrificed his life.
