Warrior Camp as seen through a Diamond I came to WC with the Spiritual facet of my life fragmented and shattered. Doubting my worthiness in God’s eyes for killing his children. Questioning where I stood with my Savior or whether he even cared about me anymore. Why had my desire to know them, as I had once before, gone away? Since day one of WC I realize God and Christ do care, to prove it to me, they sent angels to help me believe again. Angels who wear labels like Staff member, Chef or Therapist or even just Horse. One Angel who, I won’t name, because of the client/therapist relations rules but her name rhymes with Smeleny helped me to know my earthly dad misses me as much as I miss him. Through her, he expressed how proud he is of his baby boy. She also reminded me of the key and final step in making Christ’s Atoning sacrifice real, Is to forgive myself and now his Healing power can free me from the cage I held myself in. Words can’t express my thanks Smeleny. I came to WC with the Physical facet of my life in ruins, 3 knee surgeries make kneeling a seriously painful burden. 21 years in combat boots has turned my once limber, athletic frame into a creaky, sore bag-of bones that I am reminded of every morning with the first few steps out of bed feeling like I’m walking on a floor of broken glass. But things have changed this week at Warrior Camp. With the daily engaging Yoga, I have felt a spark. It has relit the fire I once had to build and tone this Container, I own! My Prana is now breathing life back into me by giving me the strength to handle those days when the Pucker Factor reaches a 10. But now I know how to control the Pucker Factor by regulating my Gluts, Perinium, Rectum, and Anal Sphincter Thanks Angel Jenn. My Mental/Educational Facet of my life has been a mess. Since 2008 I’ve made little to no progress toward finishing my degree. But hey a lot of people go to school for 10 years. Yes, I know, they’re called Doctors. But thanks to OFP Angel Jen, my writing tank has been refilled and I am ready to go finish the last lap of my race to get my BS Degree. Sunday night I enrolled at Excelsior college to finish the last 12 credits I need for a degree in BS. Really No BS. Thanks OFP Angel Jen. Socially I came to WC as a frustrated father and husband. Frustrated because I had given three years of my life to the War on Terror. All for What? My once beautiful, sweet “Daddy’s Girl” was now a lazy, brat child, who didn’t care to keep her room IED free. Who showed no respect for my Rank and caused nothing but contention and stress in our home. I am now a Father who sees the Diamond my Daughter is and how much she shines when I give her my all. Thanks to Angels Andy and Eva I now know Ayjia loves me for who I am and not where I have been. She needs me to leave the War on Terror where it belongs, not hiding under her clothes on her floor. As a frustrated husband I came to WC wondering where I had lost my queen of 23 years. I used to be her Knight in Shinning Armor but somewhere on the GWOT battlefield I lost my now dented and tarnished Armor and my white stallion lay slain somewhere in the deserts of Iraq or the Mountains of Afghanistan. But again thanks to my angel therapists I now have a new set of shining Armor and I can now whisper with Horses like a Professional. I now have a new set of tools and am ready to fight a battle worth really fighting for. The love of my queen, The praise of my children this is the Kingdom I care to build. I won’t shatter-I’m not made of glass These trials have refined me, God Uniquely designed me, Therefore nothing can dull my light –not even the darkest night, I choose to shine bright like a Diamond.

Visit the Official Atlas Shrugged Movie Web Site!

01012011

"Jack"

Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:
115 pound Push press, 10 reps
10 KB Swings, 1.5 pood
10 Box jumps, 24 inch box

Happy New Year!!!

It is about 10 minutes from New Years here in Iraq. So let me be the first to wish you all a Happy New Year.
Today we did "Murph" following the main page and I got a new PR of 48:42. I shaved 16 minutes off the last time I did this WOD back in March of this year
Again, I hope you all have a very Happy New Year!!!

"Murph"

For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run


http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html
Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29, from Patchogue, NY. Murphy was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Redwing, June 28, 2005. Murphy lead a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

30DEC2010

I think doing these two WOD's on the same day was a lot harder than we thought it would be. I was smoked, but that is usually how I feel at the end of every Crossfit workout.

Nate"

Complete as many rounds in twenty minutes as you can of:
2 Muscle-ups (Scaled with 10 dips, Where are your rings Zane?)
4 Handstand Push-ups
8 2-Pood Kettlebell swings
Post rounds completed to comments.

and since we took yesterday off we did this WOD too.

Seven rounds for time of:
185 pound Front squat, 3 reps
7 L-pull-ups
Post time to comments.

Good WODs today TAC-E We are the BEST!!!

Rest Day

Today was planned as a normal WOD day for us, but by unanimous vote we made it a rest day. Hence, we will be doing two WOD's tomorrow. I hope we made the right decision.

Split Jerks

Split Jerk 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 reps

This was a progressive WOD. Meaning each rep should have been an increase in weight. I was amazed at the DEMO on the Crossfit main page. The girl did 200# So I had to at least get that. Just say'in!

HERO WOD "Bull"

"Bull"


U.S. Marine Corps Captain Brandon "Bull" Barrett, 27, of Marion, Indiana, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was killed on May 5, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents Cindy and Brett Barrett, his sisters Ashley and Taylor Barrett, his brother Brock Barrett, and his grandmother Carmen Johnson.

Two rounds for time of:
200 Double-unders
135 pound Overhead squat, 50 reps
50 Pull-ups
Run 1 mile

Post time to comments

Rest Day #2

Paul Diamond, Chief Wiggles and Lt. Thomas enjoying the spirit of the season at a Christmas program. All things considered this was a fun Christmas weekend. I had a lot of fun taking stockings around the base and giving them to people we know as well as some complete strangers. It was so fun to see their faces light up as we gave them such a small gift of kindness. A special thanks to all the Utahan's that provided the stockings through Operation Give. You are the BEST!!!
This morning after church, I decided to make some scones with honey butter and a Mountain-man breakfast in my Dutch oven. I shouldn't brag but it turned out pretty darn good. I really enjoy sharing good food with my friends, feeding people is such an amazing way to bring folks closer together. I still think the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" needs a chapter added to it called "The Art of Dutch oven cooking and making Friends".
I guess I'll have to add that to my list of things I need to do somewhere down the road.
Well the sleep monster is pulling on my eyelids too hard to fight any longer so I will say so long for now.
Have a Great Night.

Rest Day

Good morning, afternoon or evening! Whatever time of day it is when you read this I hope you are, have had or are having a Wonderful Christmas. It is 5:00p.m. Christmas day here in Iraq and I just woke up from a “long Winter nap” having come back to my room after eating my share and more of the amazing Christmas dinner the Military Dining facility had prepared for us. At around 12:30p.m. I sat down to read some of the many Christmas cards and letters I’ve received from people from every corner of the United States. I didn’t get through too many before I was fast asleep. I am very thankful for so many people wishing me and my family the best during this time of year as we are so far apart, It is humbling to have so many fans and such an amazing “cheer squad”. There really is none finer then the good Ole’ fashioned, red-blooded American Citizen. A heartfelt thanks to you all from a Soldier that can truly say, “I’ve been there, done that”. As I awoke from my nap I just stared at the ceiling of my room, reflecting on where I find myself at this point in my 40th year of life. I thought about my Wonderful wife and eternal companion, Ginger and how much she is the cause of everything good there is in me. I thought about my amazing kids Brayden and Ayjia and how proud they make me as the father. I thought about my awesome family, my mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers that live life to the fullest and are great examples to me. I reflected on all the places I have been as an American Soldier. I have often heard people say, “What is it that makes a man or woman want to become or stay a Soldier?” Believe me, I’ve asked myself that question many times, but as I reflect upon my own answer, I would simply say. “Because I get to witness Miracles.” I could go on for hours, telling story after story of miracles that I have witnessed over these last 17 years. More often than not, I was on the receiving end of many of them, as I am today. Why? You may ask would I consider today a miracle. After all, how can sitting in Iraq on Christmas day, alone, apart from all my family be considered a miracle? Well without the gospel knowledge I have been blessed with I would never consider today a miracle. But because of the things I know to be true I can enjoy this moment and place in time and see how blessed I am, to be where I am here and now. I “Skyped” with my family for over an hour this morning, what a miracle today’s technology is? I was virtually there at the family Christmas party from 7415 miles away. Many people only know the Iraq they get to see on TV. But last night I got to see a miracle in Iraq where Iraqis, Americans, Turks, Ugandans and many other nationalities gathered in a tent the size of a football field to celebrate the birth of Jesus, The Christ. We all sang Christmas hymns, heard the narration of his birth from the book of Luke. Each of us received a small candle as we entered the tent and at the end of the program a few people came through the center isle lighting our candles. We were then instructed if our candle was lit to find others that needed theirs lit. This continued on until everyone held a lit candle, then we sang Joy to the world as we exited the tent row by row. The light of Christ was felt last night in a country that has been in the throws of war for the last 7 years. All who attended, though they may not know it, witnessed a miracle. As I write this Christmas message, I can’t help but reflect on the history and many miracles that have occurred within miles of where I sit. This land was once the center of civilization. Abraham showed miraculous faith not far from here. Jonah and many of the noble and great ones spoken of in the scriptures have been near right where I sit typing. In fact I may never find myself closer to the birthplace of our Savior than I do today. In closing, I bear you my testimony that I know Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, mother, Mary and raised by a loving, earthly father Joseph, obeyed Our Heavenly Father’s will in every instance. Sweat blood for us in Gethsemane, hung bleeding, dying on the cross for us at Calvary. Rose from the tomb three days later to complete his earthly mission and become our Miracle of Miracles, becoming the only one that can act as our advocate to the Father. Every time I take a moment to study or ponder his life and ministry my personal testimony of his Atonement is strengthened. I know he can change each of our lives for the better is we will seek him and let his spirit be a part of our daily lives. This is my testimony I share with you on this Miraculous Christmas day, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Merry Christmas.

Friday 101224

"DT"

Five rounds for time of:
155 pound Deadlift, 12 reps
155 pound Hang power clean, 9 reps
155 pound Push jerk, 6 reps




This WOD was a beast and Zane and I had to scale down to 135#. He is pictured here in his 1st round, doing 155# before he decided to scale down to 135# for the next 4 rounds.
Our rest day tomorrow is going to be a welcomed day.
Merry Christmas Eve!

23 December 2010

Tabata "Bottom to Bottom" Squat
Run 1 mile

Clock starts for run on rising from last squat.

The Tabata Bottom to Bottom Squat is a Tabata Squat but each rep begins at the bottom and ends at the bottom. The turn around at the top is immediate - no pause. The ten-second rest for each interval is also held at the bottom of the squat as opposed to the top. Interestingly, this squat, in contrast to the "normal" Tabata squat, motivates full hip extension. Also, the ten second rests don't seem as short with this protocol!

"Randy"

It has been said, or at least I have heard that if you do something for 30 days straight you can turn it into a habit. Over the next 30 days I will post my Crossfit Work Out of the Day"(WOD) results.
Feel free to hold me accountable on this if you feel the urge.
Today's WOD was named after Randy Simmons, 51, a 27 year LAPD veteran and SWAT team member who was killed February 6 in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Simmons' wife and two children.
Here is the WOD:
75 pound Power snatch, 75 reps for time.
Post time to comments.

My Practical Man Essay for my English class.

The Practical Man
by Paul Diamond


What is the proper role of government? What does it mean to have a government for the people and of the people? What annoys me is that these two simple questions are so important and yet many Americans can’t even give an intelligent, non-partisan answer if they were asked. I know someone who wants to fix this issue. I have known him my entire life and I have a great amount of love and respect for this very practical man. His name is Steven C. Diamond and he is my older brother. He has seen enough wrongdoing in our country and has decided it is time to make a stand. He has decided to start at the city level of government by campaigning for a seat on the Orem City Council. In this paper I will share with you some of the issues Steve wants to fix that are ailing our city. I will also cover some of his practical, common sense answers for these issues. I am very proud of my brother and his willingness to serve our country. I am a Soldier in the United States Army and as such, I feel proud to stand with Americans like Steve that are truly willing to stand up and protect our Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic.
The Reason for Running
My brother Steve is running for city council as a practical man with practical solutions. The current council is taking the city in a direction completely opposite of what Orem is known for, “Family City USA”, Steve wants this to become the official motto of the city. Orem has been slowly losing its flavor as the sweetest city to raise a family and Steve wants that to change. As an Orem native and resident for over 30 years Steve has a passion about the city he calls home. Steve’s passion for success is what drives him in life. He is the only candidate running for Orem city council that has expressed his intentions to the public through his website, www.stevencdiamond.com. When you read his plans on his site you can tell he has a sincere concern for the success and future of the city. He has real ideas that can solve issues with practical solutions, not just the “pie in the sky” type answers we hear from so many of today’s politicians.
Failing Businesses
Steve’s first focus as a member of the Orem City Council will be on business. He understands and knows what it takes to successfully operate a business. He started his first business at age 14 landscaping and maintaining residential and commercial properties. His years of business experience have helped him appreciate the value created in a community by active business community involvement. If Orem continues to lose businesses at the rate it has over the last ten years the city stands to lose more tax base then it can afford, which will result in job loss among citizens and city employees. Steve intends to work with the business sector and create a positive win/win environment where the businesses know they are appreciated for the value they bring to the city. The current city council has just stood by and watched very strong businesses leave the city limits for benefits offered by neighboring cities just a few miles away. The council seems to feel that they have no cause and effect on what the businesses choose to do. But having been in business for so long, Steve knows exactly what drives the business owners and currently they are not finding what they want in Orem. So the Practical Man will change that.
Steve brought an issue to light last year that has made members of the council very uneasy in their plans for reelection. A multimillion-dollar project in Midtown Orem has come to a halt due to lack of investment capital. This project was started without having a bond placed on it. The bond would have ensured the completion if the investors backed out allowing the contractor to finish the project and still be paid. When the investors left the contractor followed suit and now the Midtown project is only “Midway complete”. How did this happen? The truth is someone was scratching the back of someone else and now they have decided they don’t want to scratch anymore. So now what can fix it? In comes Steve Diamond the Practical Man with a practical answer. Orem City wants to build a 4 million dollar Music and Arts Center near the city center, which happens to be one block north of the Midtown project. Instead of spending the 4 million on a new building, why not contact the bank holding the loan on the Midtown project and make them an offer? I am sure they would be delighted to move that property for pennies on the dollar. The Practical Man Strikes again!
Focus on the Family
Steve has some great ideas for solving the issues of gangs, domestic disputes and drug usage that seem to be creeping into all cities across America. Orem is no exception. The following idea from his website demonstrates his practical manner of thinking, on a complex issue. “I will make places in Orem where the whole family can enjoy recreation activities together. We could use several of Orem’s empty buildings to promote dances, shows and other forms of recreation. For example, there are currently no major dance halls in all of Utah County. The old Home Base building is currently an empty waste of space. We would not need funds from the city. There are plenty of people who would lease it if the city would give approval. Why not use it as a community culture center? We could invite all of Utah Valley to participate. All ages would be welcome and it would build a sense of community and become a gathering place. It would bring families together by offering them a great time with dancing and floorshows. It could bring back the great band era of the past. It would be a great time for all age groups. A year-round dance hall would be a venue filled with people to utilize University Parkway’s many restaurants and shops—all with minimal impact on the city’s infrastructure because it is all ready (with a few minor improvements).” (Diamond 2009)

Conclusion
I know some readers may feel I have a bias toward my brother and I would agree, he has earned it. He is a practical man with practical answers and isn’t that what we need? When asked if Orem has a drug problem, Steve responded saying [“Candy cigarettes were the things when I was a kid. But proper education is key to helping youth.”] He continued by quoting a principle taught by Joseph Smith, "Teach correct principles and let them govern themselves." Isn’t our government supposed to provide for the common welfare and defense? The role of the government was designed to end there, where it could focus on those two key dimensions of our Republic without intruding into our lives, our liberties and our pursuit of happiness. In this short paper I have briefly discussed the plans of a practical man. It would be a good use of your time to visit Steve’s website and learn more in detail how a practical man comes up with common sense answers. If you live in the city of Orem, Utah and care about your neighborhood, your community and most important your own family, take the time to get to know the Steve Diamond I do. Once you have come to know Steve I am sure you will want to do the only practical thing and that would be to vote for Steven C. Diamond on November 3, 2009. Make your vote count.

References

(2009). Steven C Diamond. Retrieved from http://stevencdiamond.com/

(2009). Daily Herald. Retrieved from http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_ac660111-b4e2-5b6c-9518-cfb98fb19a29.html

July 2009

We went to Texas this summer for a military school I needed to attend. This photo is us on the shore of the Concho River in San Angelo, Texas.








This is Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert and me at the Stadium of Fire on the 4th of July in Provo, Utah.
We had a very busy summer and put a lot of miles on our van driving to and from Texas.
It was a lot of fun.

Landscape Pictures from Malekshay

So many have asked for pictures of Afghanistan so here are a few for you. I will post more as time allows.

This is my friend and fellow Cook Doc Eberly receiving his HeroBand. He got it on August 30, 2008 and the cool thing about his HeroBand is that it was number 2008.

Today was a great Sunday. SFC Kluse and I had our own Sacrament meeting “High on the mountaintop” here at COP Malekshay (8200 Ft. elevation)
I opened with prayer and then we sang Redeemer of Israel and proceeded with the blessing and taking of the sacrament. For our lesson we went over the items that were emailed to us from Brother Wikle this week and then listened to a talk by John Bytheway entitled “Righteous Warriors” In this fireside Brother Bytheway does a great job in bringing out some key reasons of why the “War chapters” of the book of Alma are so important to our generation. Below are some of the key points that he touched on in his talk. I wanted to share them with you because of how this touched me because of where I currently find myself, here in the middle of a war zone. As I followed Brother Bytheway through these chapters I could relate to Moroni, Helaman, Teancum, Pahoran, and the 2000 Stripling Warriors. Their words describe well the pains and sacrifice that a warrior goes through as he works to defend life and liberty. These men were all men of God and what separated them from their enemy the Lamanites was their willingness to seek, understand and live God’s will at all times and in all things. We can learn so much from these amazing military men. The lessons we can learn through these chapters will help us all in our fight against Satan and the evils of today’s world.
Nephites vs. Lamanites
(See the “War Chapters” in Alma 43-62)
Here is a list that describes why the Nephites were successful in the war against the Lamanites
1.Preparation (Spiritual and Temporal)
2.Remembrance (Reminders of Covenants)
3.Hard Workers (Building fortifications)
4.Accepted responsibility for failures and gave gratitude to God for successes
5.Discernment (being aware of poisons i.e. Internet, movies, music, TV etc.)
6.Respect for life on both sides (for themselves as well as the lives of the Lamanites)
The Lamanites on the other hand are described as follows:
1.Distracted
2.Decoyed
3.Lured
4.Snared
5.Ambitious for power
6.Blood Thirsty (their leaders were)
7.They gave away their agency
8.Compromised one thing to get another and ended up getting nothing.

All of the “War Chapters” verify the promise of the Book of Mormon: “keep the commandments and ye will prosper in the land”. I want to close with an invitation that all of us may live each day “As the Army of Helaman” for we too “have been taught in our youth” to quote the primary song. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and know that we are blessed daily by our Father in Heaven when we obey his commandments and live by our covenants. Our Savior lives and taught us the only way back to our Father. May we all be strong in following his perfect example, is my prayer in his sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Adopting a Soldier

I would love to thank all of you that have made an effort to make my life a little nicer out here in Afghanistan. You are the best. I can't describe with words what just a little care package from the states can mean to us out here, it can make our month to just get one little package with a letter that says someone back home cares. Several of you have asked how you might be able to help out and get more involved with either your ward or even just as a family. I found this website that has been one of the best sites for getting stuff to soldiers http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/
I think it would be awesome to have you all join the site and adopt a soldier or two. It will make you feel like you are doing your part to fight this war on terrorism and will give you the satifaction that can only come when we are in the service of our fellow man. I have heard some awesome stories of Soldiers becoming life-long friends with some of the people that adopted them and not to mention this is a great opportunity to share the Book of Mormon and the Gospel. Hope you all know how much I love you and may the Lord bless and keep you.

Paul

test

Ten Steps for Forming a Successful Team

Teamwork is the ability
To work together
Toward a common vision.
The ability to direct individual
Accomplishments toward
Organizational objectives.
It is the fuel that allows
Common people to obtain
Uncommon results.

Ten Steps for Forming a Successful Team

1. Share Center Point Values
Without shared values peak performance isn’t possible.
2. Put Team First
The team success must be the focus 24/7.
3. Walk the Talk
Successful leaders embrace the Power of Teamwork by tapping into the innate strengths each person brings to the table.
4. Maintain Peak Performance
Peak Performance requires we take time to rest, reflect and recharge our batteries.
5. Communicate Vertically + Horizontally
Every member on the team requires clear and effective communication to accomplish their job.
At this level of performance, there can be no questions or doubt concerning communication.
6. Prepare to Win
Visualize yourself accomplishing the task at hand.
7. Capitalize on Synergy
Synergy happens when qualified people align on a common objective.
8. Clarify Procedures
Each member must know procedures and follow a detailed script.
Every situation requires a proper response.
9. Foster Positive Attitudes
A can-do attitude makes the impossible, possible.
10. Strive for Perfection
When each member accepts full responsibility and strives for excellence trust and performance increase exponentially and the team is ready to take off.
IS YOUR TEAM READY TO TAKE OFF?
ARE YOU?