Mark

Chahta sia, Associate Professor, police officer, soldier, IM triathlete, BJJ, grand father. “It’s all mental, except for the physical part.” DOL

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@RossElderWrites Mission/terrain should dictate uniform choice. On full time SWAT I had 6 different uniform combinations. I spent about 60% of my time in standard blue patrol uniform. We used BDUs on training/work days from DRMO at no cost to city. All pre-dating GWOT.

[Amazing Page @womengrom]

The best example of not celebrating too early.

[AlphaFox @alphafox]

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best:

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@CaptRoho It’s all in how you write the memo.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

To protect and shred. Va Beach PD.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@JGood100 @skynet47397425 My wife was talking to Pastor Lyndsey this afternoon.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@DissidentWillie @moosebro45 Had you found I40 or US 70 it would be a nightmare, not a dream.

[Roy "Deacon" Qualls @RoyDeaconQualls]

One of the most important leadership lessons of my career came from Kevin Bassett—a Master Sergeant who outranked me in wisdom.

At the time, I was a Civil Engineer Squadron Commander—but still actively flying.

Upon taking command, I immediately tried to put my airmen at ease.

“Just call me, Deacon.

“Stop standing up when I enter the room.

“Knock it off with all the salutes.”

Not long after, we left for a two-week field exercise.

I left the flight suit at home and wore BDUs—the first time I’d worn them since…well, ever.

When I walked out of my tent, my troops began pointing.

My pants were bloused incorrectly.

My sleeves were rolled wrong.

Loose threads dangled from patches and nametape.

I looked like a fighter pilot playing dress-up.

Three junior NCOs surrounded me like a NASCAR pit crew and begin fixing my uniform.

Later that day, Kevin asked if he could speak with me privately.

"Sir," he said, "we're trying hard to be proud of you—but you’re making it difficult.”

He now had my undivided attention.

He continued. “I've read your resume. I know you’ve landed two burning airplanes. Five combat tours. You’re still flying fighter jets to this day. I bet not a day goes by that you’re not reminded you are serving your country.”

I nodded, but resisted the urge to respond.

“Crew chiefs see the jets every day. They feel the thunder in their chest when the afterburners light.

“The life support troops watch pilots step to the aircraft in gear they maintain.

“They all know exactly where they fit in the mission.

Another nod. Another stifled reply.

“But some of my airmen are building toilets in the woods. Some are pulling cable in the mud. Some are making water from a swamp. They may not see an airplane for weeks."

Then came the part that hit me hardest.

"You don't wear the uniform—OUR uniform—correctly.

"You tell us to call you 'Deacon.' You insist we don't stand up when you enter the room.”

He shook his head and leaned closer. “You think you're making us comfortable. What you're really doing is robbing us of the things that remind us we're in the military.”

He took a step back and folded his arms. “Sir, we need those things.”

I felt like I'd been kicked in the gut.

I thanked him for his honesty and considered what he said.

Within a few months, Kevin was diagnosed with colon cancer. Not long after, he was gone.

Before his funeral, two senior NCOs and I stood beside his casket and inspected his Dress Blues one final time.

Every ribbon aligned.

Every badge straight.

Every pleat perfect.

Every insignia exactly where it belonged.

We wanted it right because Kevin deserved nothing less.

Kevin has been gone for years now. But I’ve never forgotten him.

The most valuable feedback I ever received didn't come from a general officer, a wing commander, or a fighter weapons instructor.

It came from a Master Sergeant who cared enough to tell his commander an uncomfortable truth.

And I have been grateful for it ever since.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@PriusRunaway @dpolehn Concept 2 has been the workhorse for rowing clubs and gyms, but there are other models out there that work well too. I have a Nordic Tack that I’ve used since 2020, still working great.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@FXRegan @FairfaxCountyPD Agree

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@PriusRunaway @dpolehn Can you row? You usually lock your knees at full extension, but you don’t necessarily have to.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@FXRegan @FairfaxCountyPD That’s how all these HS boys refer to each other. One of the benefits of coaching my grandsons and their friends in the gym is learning their lingo.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@mikenelson586 The spandex rule: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

21st Century version.

https://t.co/qQKqYA6gBT

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@charlesmurray Look at the research on palmar cooling (or any surface with glabrous skin - no hair follicles).

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@TheBuddyCSM It’s been a while, but IIRC the Div Band is tasked with security for the Div TOC. I think I recall that from IOBC but I figured they were just joking.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@policelawnews What did the autopsy tox screen show? PCP?

[Mark @mudrmdb]

“he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed” was merely a suggestion I suppose.

[John Schindler @20committee]

"The 38-year-old scion of one of the country’s biggest home-building empires possesses zero experience whatsoever in intelligence or even national security. He makes Gabbard look well prepared by comparison. Pulte is wholly unqualified for the job."

https://t.co/GQUU8e0MGi

[Mark @mudrmdb]

@decktech1047 At least they weren’t the ones with Velcro straps instead of laces.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

Getting ready for 4th of July BBQs in the Villages.

[Mark @mudrmdb]

If you’re looking for a psychological hack to convince yourself that it’s OK to buy a self propelled mower, try mowing the day after leg day.