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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 12, 2014 - 05:53pm PT
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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.
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Gilroy
Social climber
Bolderado
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:04pm PT
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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.
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CClarke
climber
La Paz, Bolivia
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:08pm PT
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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.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:10pm PT
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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. :-)
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mrtropy
Trad climber
Nor Cal
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:11pm PT
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Very Nice!!!
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mtnyoung
Trad climber
Twain Harte, California
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:47pm PT
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Excellent post.
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yanqui
climber
Balcarce, Argentina
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:49pm PT
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Cool. But who's that guy in the beige slacks and the white button-down?
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:51pm PT
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AWESOME Mr Jim!
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Jun 12, 2014 - 06:59pm PT
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MR. Donini! I'm proud to see you back talking to Special Forces!
Congrats!
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Larry Nelson
Social climber
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:00pm PT
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I salute you Donini
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WBraun
climber
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:04pm PT
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Jim Donini the quintessential all American .......
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:08pm PT
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Never served myself, Jim, but you did and that is admirable.
Nice job talking to the younger pups!!!
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:12pm PT
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Great Jim! You look like you were really enjoying yourself too.
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:27pm PT
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That is too awesome!
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lostinshanghai
Social climber
someplace
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:44pm PT
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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.
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Jun 12, 2014 - 07:59pm PT
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Jim that is awesome. I bet they probably learned some things from you about perserveance.
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murcy
Gym climber
sanfrancisco
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Jun 12, 2014 - 09:02pm PT
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Great TR
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 09:50pm PT
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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.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jun 12, 2014 - 09:57pm PT
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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.
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