Special Forces Redux...

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Messages 1 - 20 of total 60 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 12, 2014 - 05:53pm PT
I have long said that my service with the Seventh Special Forces Group from 1962 to 1965 was instrumental in my development as an alpine climber. I was not only introduced to climbing then but I learned valuable lessons that have served me well thru the rest of my life.
I learned:
How to suffer....a valuable trait for any alpinist.

How to access an objective and then strategize and develop tactics to accomplish the objective.

The value of good teammates (partners). Perhaps the most important factor in alpinisim.

So I was pleased to be asked to address the graduating class of the Special Forces Mountain School conducted in Fort Carson, Co. by the Tenth Special Forces Group.
The course was six weeks long. The participants were from the various Special Forces Groups. They will now be able to instruct other service men and women.
It took me 49 years to be able to "give back" a little for the training I received.
The plaque that they presented to me and my wife Angela for our participation will find prominent display space in my home.

Keep in mind, these words are coming from an ST poster who has always been on the very liberal
side of the political spectrum. You don't have to be a flag waving gun nut to want to serve your nation.
Gilroy

Social climber
Bolderado
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:04pm PT
Might as well.... Hell, it's nearly Flag Day. Great post, Jim, because so many think of you as an OT topic kinda' guy. :)

It's amazing how a little military service can make you feel so beholden to your country. I was never a flag-waver but feel very patriotic since "wearing the green" during wartime. I began to understand how much I was taking for granted. You know, as a white middle-class male.

Thanks for 'giving back." In so many ways.
CClarke

climber
La Paz, Bolivia
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:08pm PT
Thanks for posting that Jim.

My son just got his ranger tab and is stationed at Fort Carson where he is leading a Stryker platoon.
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:10pm PT
A proud day for you, Jim. You earned it and deserve it. Congrats!
You cleaned up pretty darn good, too. Maybe not Navy clean but we'll overlook that. :-)
mrtropy

Trad climber
Nor Cal
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:11pm PT
Very Nice!!!
mtnyoung

Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:47pm PT
Excellent post.
yanqui

climber
Balcarce, Argentina
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:49pm PT
Cool. But who's that guy in the beige slacks and the white button-down?
guido

Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:51pm PT
AWESOME Mr Jim!
Fritz

Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
Jun 12, 2014 - 06:59pm PT
MR. Donini! I'm proud to see you back talking to Special Forces!

Congrats!
Larry Nelson

Social climber
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:00pm PT
I salute you Donini
WBraun

climber
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:04pm PT
Jim Donini the quintessential all American .......
bluering

Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:08pm PT
Never served myself, Jim, but you did and that is admirable.

Nice job talking to the younger pups!!!
Peter Haan

Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:12pm PT
Great Jim! You look like you were really enjoying yourself too.
Michelle

Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:27pm PT
That is too awesome!
lostinshanghai

Social climber
someplace
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:44pm PT
Great Donini,

Thought for sure in an earlier post you had served with the 7th.
Just wondering did you get down south and play at Fort Gulick.

mike m

Trad climber
black hills
Jun 12, 2014 - 07:59pm PT
Jim that is awesome. I bet they probably learned some things from you about perserveance.
murcy

Gym climber
sanfrancisco
Jun 12, 2014 - 09:02pm PT
Great TR
Stewart Johnson

climber
lake forest
Jun 12, 2014 - 09:44pm PT
Excellent !
Flip Flop

Trad climber
Truckee, CA
Jun 12, 2014 - 09:50pm PT
Thank you for serving and sharing. I'm a pro-draft ( or civil service) lefty progressive. Your social consciousness is evident and admirable. Thanks again.
Chaz

Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
Jun 12, 2014 - 09:57pm PT
I had to scroll down to the second and third pic to figure out which one was Mr Donini.

He looks like he could suit up with these guys today, even though he probably dated some of their grandmothers.
Messages 1 - 20 of total 60 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
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