Valentines Day Pool Function

Hey everyone, yesterday was my Marines monthly pool function. As always we took our IST, Initial Strength Test. First we did our pull ups. I have been working a lot on them lately and was pumped to see where I was at from my last months 6. I was able to pull out 8, which was 2 under my goal of 10. Oh well, there is always next month. My recruiter gave me some tips on how to increase them. My goal by July is to pump out 20 of those bad boys, which is the MAX. Next came the crunches. We test on how many we can do in 2 min. Right when I joined I was only able to do 44. Yesterday I achieved an all time best of 100, which was my goal and is the MAX. Next came my favorite test, the 1.5 mile run. The last two pool functions I have gotten the best time out of everyone, and this was my goal for today. It was 25 degrees out which I thought was going to kill my run time, but I was able to post a 9:50 1.5 mile, which again was the best, and the best time I have posted. The minimum time that you need to post is 13:30. I had 2 new guys right behind me when we finished, but was able to beat them out at the end. After that we did some formation running and chanted our beautiful cadences. After the 1 mile cool down jog, we did some exercises. Side-Straddle-Hops, Marine Corps push-ups, flutter kicks, and hello dollies were some of them we did. After that we were free to go. All in all it was a very fun pool function. It is nice to have them monthly and be able to test how much you have improved. Next month, we are going to tear down M16s, M249's, 50 Cal's, rocket launchers, and all that fun stuff. Can't wait to blog about that! See you next month!

Wollmann

Skyforce Game

Hey everyone! The latest function that I have had with the Marines was the Sioux Falls Skyforce game on Feb. 6th. It was military appreciation night and every branch brought their poolees in for the halftime show. We all got in free and during the halftime show we marched out, Marines leading of course, and did a mock oath of enlistment. It was one of the most fun things that I have done with the Marines that didn't include physical fitness. So many people came up to us after and congratulated all of us for joining. I was able to throw some t-shirts in the crowed so that was fun. The best part was seeing how many people came up to our recruiters in their dress blues thanking them, just made me want mine even more. Next Poolee function is this coming Saturday the 13th, valentines day, looks like I will be with my one true love for valentines after all! :)

Family Night

Hey everyone! The poolee function for Jan. was cancelled due to the winter storm we had. With poolees travelling from as far as Mitchell and Pierre, it was a choice with regards to safety. But we defiantly had our share of fun during the month of Jan. We had a family night on Jan. 25th. This was a great time! Our recruiters were dressed in their blues, and every poolee there had family members. It was a great opportunity for families to mingle and discuss the Marines, and also a great time for parents to talk to Recruiters. They also had a great meal prepared for us. But the greatest part of the night was the D.I's. They flew in 3 Drill Instructors straight from MCRDSD, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot San Diego. We got into formation and called them in by yelling Drill Instructor 3 times at the top of our lungs. They came in, Drilled us for about 12 min. and put on a great show for our families. The first time I met the Drill Instructors I was very nervous and didn't want them by me. But now I understand that every second I can spend with them now, will make it easier when my day finally comes. After the drilling, we took our seats and parents were able to ask questions to the Drill Instructors. All in all it was a very very fun night! It is always a pleasure to see the Drill Instructors, my idols of the Marine Corps.