Holli's Story

[elkmtngear]

Thanks Everyone for following along. Sounds like you have great kids Dan!

Military is really a great way to start your adult life, and with a sense of pride and appreciation for our Freedom that is missing these days in our young people.

Holli posted this on my Birthday...she references "Bertha"...which was a nickname for the mountain we had to climb packing out our spike camp on an elk hunting trip two years ago:

"Hey old man. You're the most badass dude I've ever met. In class today, they told us to raise our hands if our dads could outrun us... Shamefully, I held mine high. I'm a United States Marine now, and there is no way on earth that would've happened without you dad. You taught me to shoot high, and to keep climbing higher even after I've reached the top, because there's more that you couldn't see, it never ends (remember BERTHA!?) You taught me how to sing, how to shoot a bow, and how to never quit. My life is going to be one heck of an adventure, and I'm the luckiest girl on earth to be able to share it with a dad like you. I love you so much Dag-o!!! I can't wait to see you, and I'll never stop trying to make you proud, even when you think you are." —

Yeah, I may have shed a few tears when I read that

 

[PA 5-0]

Yeah, I may have shed a few tears when I read that

I know I just did. WOW!! Brought a smile to my face though. I lost my Pop suddenly 3 yrs ago. He was a 5yr Army guy. I remember in my late high school years when my nuts dropped and I thought I was a bad ass athlete, Pop was always available to take me on the road or the beach and run me to death. He didn't train a lot and I was, among other sports, a cross country runner. That said, he always dropped me late on long runs. I always was like "how the hell does he smoke me like that." I now know he was mentally stronger. The military does train your body but the conditioning of one's mind to handle anything is the true, long term benefit.

Again, best of luck to Holli.

 

[elkmtngear]

Thanks PA 5-0...so sorry for your loss, your Dad sounds like he was one helluva tough hombre!

 

[elkmtngear]

Another update:

Just got a phone call this AM...Holli finished the 15K!

She said it was tough, there were three different times when she was ready to break down, but she was able to mentally slap herself, and breathe through it.

3 1/2 weeks left to go. She said she thinks the 20K might be as early as next week. Then it's all live fire drills and such, all the stuff she absolutely loves.

I'm starting to think she's got this in the bag!

 

[gonhunting247]

Wow what a great story, thanks to Holli for serving. You have to be one proud Dad!
I have a daughter about the same age(in college though) and when I read your daughters texts and such it sounds just like her! There was a couple times I got a little misty eyed.
Anyway, tell Holli were all rootin for her! You must be bursting with pride. Thanks for the story.

 

[Rucker61]

Great news! Keep it up, Marine. Semper Fi.

 

[Beastmode]

Awesome news Jeff!

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

semper fi.

 

[elkmtngear]

Thanks everyone.

She is heading out to the field, gets to shoot the M27...she's really excited about it. She LOVES to shoot, and she is deadly accurate. Top female shooter in ITB so far.

20K is MONDAY!!!

 

[CA Karen]

Cool post! Hope she makes it!

 

[chevy_dog]

This is really cool for you to share with us! Come on Holly!!!!! You got this!!!!

 

[2rocky]

One of my College Fraternity brothers main area of research in the army is the new fitness standards for men and women in combat.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/united-states-army-tests-whether-women-can-make-the-cut-in-combat/

 

[elkmtngear]

One of my College Fraternity brothers main area of research in the army is the new fitness standards for men and women in combat.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/united-states-army-tests-whether-women-can-make-the-cut-in-combat/

Wondering if they will toughen the weight standards, or go the other direction? My feeling is, they should have them all go a little above and beyond to qualify, and it should be a single standard for both men and women.

But, it would be good if they would adapt the gear such as the packs to accomodate soldiers with smaller frames. Holli said she has to shim out the pack with a jacket to get a somewhat decent tight fit.

 

[elkmtngear]

Update:

Holli called me this morning (in tears)...she didn't make the 20K.

She has been nursing a groin injury for the last 5 weeks. Didn't want to tell them about it.
They kept trying to get her to quit, she refused. The Sgt behind her told her "If I pass you, I'm going to rip that pack off you"! She tried to stay ahead of him as long as she could, but the pain was too great and wore her down. She made 15K out of the 20K before they took her pack.

She refused to get into the ambulance, and limped her way to the end without the pack, encouraging others all the way. So she finished with class, she just failed the requirement to get the Infantry bars.

Up side is...she gets to come home on Recruiter Assistance until May 20th when she ships out to the Navy School of Music. This will give her time to hone down her chops, and get treatment for her broken body.

I want to thank all of you for your support in following Holli on this thread. Her adventures are just beginning, couldn't be more proud as a parent!

Best Wishes,
Jeff

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

You must be so proud. Tell her to keep her head up that's a rough one even without a broken body.

 

[Shrek]

Dang ! I hate to hear that but she certainly has nothing to be ashamed of. She obviously left nothing in the tank and if healthy she would probably have made it. She is probably crushed right now but she is one tough woman to make it that far and I'm sure she is a huge asset to our nation and the Marines. Thank her for her tremendous effort and continuing service.

 

[realunlucky]

Never any shame in giving 100 percent. It will be an experience she'll remember and build off her entire life. Her efforts will be rewarded some where down the line I'm sure

 

[elkmtngear]

Thanks Guys.
Here is the story as she told me by text:

"The other girls that fell out of the hike fell out before 10K, and they're walking fine now, and they rode in the van. They took my pack @15K but left me my weapon and flack jacket. They kept trying to get me to get in the van but I couldn't...I had to keep the rest of my platoon mates going. The Captain told me he was extremely impressed with me, and that I shouldn't feel down or sad at all, 'cause I made it. He said he couldn't believe how I was dragging my leg behind me.

I guess I can't do everything! But I'll be damned if I don't try..."