U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

A requirement for every N.A. Session is to attend a privately guided tour of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Due to the size of our class we broke it up into 3 sessions. After morning classes, it was my turn. 100 of us were bused into D.C. not knowing how we felt about it. It was a very powerful and solemn event which made an impression on all who attended. Having the tour guide was amazing in itself. His name was Al, his father was imprisoned in a death camp. Although he was liberated from it, he died two months later due to his incarceration. His sisters 6 and 8 years old were both killed by death squads. He was reunited with his Mother after the war for which he was thankful. He has probably told that story a thousand times, but I doubt it ever gets easier. He speaks English, Dutch and German and serves as a translator of documents for the museum. Al was wealth of knowledge, but I believe he would give anything not to know a thing about any of it. This is absolutely a must visit for anyone coming to the area.

We must never forget what happened, so it never happens again.

An entire village murdered

Replica rail car used to transport to the camps

The old woman took the baby (even though it meant death for both), so her mother could live

Replica bunks for those lucky enough to live.

Replica gas chamber

Replica door to the gas chamber and poison gas canisters.

Told they were entering a shower.

Instructed to remove clothes and clean themselves.

Death Chamber.

Crematorium where they were burned after being pulled from the death chamber.

These are actual shoes of the victims from Auschwitz on loan to the museum, among them were many children's shoes.

Bags of human hair that was used as a commodity.

Replica crematorium doors.

The entire place was made to look similar to a prison or camp to add to the experience. You also cannot see any outside landmarks so you don't get distracted from the intense experience.

5.11 Steak Night!

After a long Monday full of class and PT we were treated to 1 pound steaks with all the trimmings from 5.11. For those of you who aren't familiar with 5.11, they make a wide range of tactical equipment ranging from flashlights to clothing. The FBI and several other government agencies have contracts with 5.11 for much of the clothing we wear, specifically the pants and polo shirts. After dinner and a short presentation they presented everyone with a tactical bag personalized with our class #267 on it and a folding knife. We were all very thankful for their generosity.

Thomas Davies, CEO of 5.11

The Globe and Laurel

On Friday night I was truly honored when the women of Session 267 invited me to accompany them to dinner at the Globe and Laurel. Everyone was eager to patronize this historic institution, but we had no idea how great it would be. In a private room myself and all the women of Session #267 counselors included, took in a wonderful evening of food and friendship. I was proud to share the evening with these lovely ladies and would gladly follow them through any door!

The Globe & Laurel and Major Rick Spooner

​     Major Richard Spooner opened the Globe and Laurel restaurant in 1968. When he retired, after more than 29 years of service in the Marines, his wife Gloria helped convince him to turn his passion for great food and service from a part-time hobby into a full-time job. The Spooners want their restaurant to honor the men and women who "strap on a sidearm or wear a uniform or badge" in service to this great country. The Globe & Laurel is dedicated to fine dining and the perpetuation of the proud history of our corps of Marines. Many consider Major Spooner the "living historian of the Marine Corps".

     The Globe features a large collection of military memorabilia, including an original Medal of Honor and Victoria Cross. The charm, atmosphere, and camaraderie of the Globe & Laurel have been mentioned in numerous books, periodicals, and television shows including but not limited to: The Washington Times, The Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, Fredericksburg.com, mystery novels by Patricia Cornwell, August Patriot by Leland Stevens, A Portrait of the Stars and Stripes by Bud Hanning, Navy/Marine Times, and Restaurant USA. The Spooners and The Globe and Laurel have also been featured on Fox News' "War Stories", the History Channel, and the Food Network.

     ​The Globe and Laurel was originally located on Broadway Street in the town of Quantico, but in 1973 a fire gutted the original building. The Globe and Laurel subsequently reopened in the town of Triangle, just outside the main gate of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Because of a Prince William County construction project that widened US 1, which ran in front of The Globe and Laurel, the building was closed and destroyed in May 2008. In 2008, The Globe & Laurel relocated to a bigger and better location in Stafford, Virginia, just a few miles south of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Presenting Major Spooner (ret) with my SPD patch

Fiona photo bombing..still

The beautiful ladies of Session 267 with Major Spooner (ret.)

Lots of patches

badges

more patches

distinguished people that have patronized the Globe and Laurel

 Iconic symbol

Kahla and I

Me and Debbie 

Karen, Fiona, me, Terri and Hina (counselor)

Trina, me and Marisa

Me and Cheryl

Gretchen, Aimee, Me and Kahla

Me, Stefani and Debbie

Gail, Me and Tracy

Christella, me and Melanie (Counselor)

National Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Each class during their NA experience gets to visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. The service was amazing and was very thankful for the opportunity to visit this sacred place. I immediately located Kerrie Orozco's name on the wall and thanked her for her service. I then made an etching to take home to remind myself and all law enforcement officers to stay aware. I was even granted the opportunity to say her name, department and EOW during the ceremony. This is a very important place to visit, hard yes, but necessary. Everyone made this an experience none of us will ever forget. I took many more photos, but due to the night ceremony many didn't turn out well. (This was last night, but it was a long day.)

Prince George County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard

Making an etching of Kerrie Orozco's name on the wall.

Words to live by

Me announcing Kerrie S. Orozco's name during roll call.