AO: The Silo
When: 09/11/2025
Number of Pax: 19
DR Names:
Number of FNGS: 0
FNG Names:
QIC: Jellystone
Introduction
Q’ing in general comes with a sense of responsibility that can make it hard to find sleep the night before. This often resides once you get a few under your belt, but last night I feel like I slept with my eyes open. I have yet to FULLY fartsack a Q, and did not want to on an event of this size. My alarm was set for 0250, but I was up and dressed by 0230 watching the clock excited to get this thing started! The morning was warmer than earlier in the week, which was much appreciated. I was a bit concerned about dumping water on guys in 48 degree, but I’m sure I would have gotten over it real quick – smirk.
Warm-O-Rama
0400 Early Bird Start:
YHC gave Disclaimer, Reminded PAX of our core principles, and stated our mission and credo before we got going
Fairly standard issue Jellystone WoR including:
- SSH x 20IC
- Tappy Taps x10IC
- Mountain Climbers x10IC
- Hairy Rockeets x10IC
- Willy Mayes Hayes x10IC
- Thai Fighter x10IC Forward w/ Right Foot Forward
- Thai Fighter x10IC Reverse w/ Right Foot Forward
Site Q’s took count, identified CPR certified PAX, cell phones, location of AO and IED. We then brook into (2) Platoons RED and BLUE. I led RED Platoon w/ Broomstick as my SQ, and Mr Kotter led BLUE Platoon w/ Foghorn as his. PAX were asked to line up in their Platoons in front of a few buckets filled with water. One by one each PAX submerged their feet as they passed the buckets and we haven’t even started Thang 1 yet.
The Thang
Thang 1: The Heavy Evolution – Around 1-mile trail
Each platoon was issued the following gear:
- (1) 6’ Long I-Beam
- (1) 120# Sand Bag
- (1) 80# Sand Bag
- (4) 60# Sand Bag
- (2) 5-Gallon Buckets filled with water
PAX worked together to transport gear while each taking turns with each item. To keep trail from being too conjected, BLUE Platoon went counter clockwise while RED Platoon went clockwise around the trail.
Once back at flags, PAX dressed the gear and we promptly moved into Thang 2
Thang 2: Water Wings – At the flags
- PAX were asked to stay with their platoons facing their platoon leader while on knees with ruck in their hands. Each platoon leader lead curls in cadence while their respective SQ dumped 5-Gallons of cold water on each PAX.
- Total curl count exceeded 40 curls IC
Thang 3: Tortoise and the Hare – Clockwise around 1-mile trail
- PAX were asked to team up
- One PAX Farmer Carries (2) Rucks and moved counter clockwise around trail with purpose
- 2nd PAX was asked to do 10 Merkins and catch up
- Rinse and repeat until we get back to flags
Thang 4: Sitting down on the job – At Barn
- Once all PAX returned from Thang 3, we lined back up into our platoons. SQ’s took silent count and reported back that all were present. Platoon leaders lead their platoons to the barn for our next Thang.
- Once at barn, BLUE platoon took south side while RED platoon took north. PAX once again found their partners from earlier, but this time one PAX held a wall sit, with ruck overhead, while their partner ruffled around barn.
- Rinse and repeat until 0458 were we got back into our platoons and double timed it back to the flags.
Thang 5: Flutter kicks – In parking lot
- In order to honor our normal 0500 Black Diamond start time, the 0400 Early Birds waited patiently while doing flutter kick IC in our normal flag spot. Once we made it to 40 Flutter Kicks IC, it was clear that no PAX had the balls to show up late to this party and we promptly moved to Thang 6 in our platoons.
Thang 6: Elevens – In northeast field
- When the platoon arrived to the field, there was already 4-prelite cones in place, marking a distance of about 25 yard between stations.
- YHC demonstrated the 10-count Man-Makers and got BLUE Platoon going with 11’s starting with (10) Man-Makers and (1) No Surrender
- RED Platoon proceeded to Thang 7 and left BLUE platoon direction to come get us if they finished. They did not finish…
Thang 7: The Beach – At volleyball court
- RED Platoon was first to the beach. Here we did a few Jellystone specials.
- First we started with a little Tunnel of Love where PAX crossed the court the long way
- Once at the other end, we bear crawled back while dragging ruck with us. We rinsed and repeated the bear crawl / ruck drag until our 15 minutes of fun was over and went to relieve the BLUE Platoon
- RED and BLUE platoons swapped station, and we put work in for another 15 or so minutes when RED Platoon was then relived by BLUE platoon
Thang 8: Indian Ruck w/ a twist – Counter clockwise around 1-mile trail
- PAX are all now wet, properly covered with sand, yet were still ready for more, so YHC got us back into our platoons. BLUE Platoon was asked to stay back and do 10 burpees to make room on the trail for all of us, while RED platoon started with the Indian Ruck. As we got going, PAX were asked to ruffle while rifle carrying and to keep their ruck overhead until they were the 4th PAX in the column. They then could rest until it was their turn to ruffle. PAX rinsed and repeated this for 0.75-Miles, where the RED Platoon stopped and did 10 burpees and the cut across to allow BLUE Platoon to catch up. We then crossed the mid-point of the loop doing a regular Indian Ruck while racing BLUE Platoon back to the flags
Mary: Back at the flags
- Merkin Ruck Pull Thru. PAX circled up with ruck grounded to their right side. YHC called on two PAX, on opposite sides of the circle to do a Merkin then pull ruck under plank with left arm, do Merkin and pull ruck back with right arm. The next PAX with get their turn.
- This ring of fire continues until 0600
Circle of Trust
This morning we honor the memory of September 11, 2001. This day changed our world. 24-Years ago, nearly 3,000 people, including 491 First Responders, lost their lives when terrorists executed a coordinated attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and had a foiled attempt on the White House or Capitol Building that ended a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. During these attacks mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends— all gone, but never forgotten. Their loss should help remind us of the fragility of life and not to take any moment for granted.
That morning, we saw the best of humanity rise from the worst of tragedies. Firefighters, police officers, and other first responders charged into burning towers, knowing the risk, to save strangers. Passengers of Flight 93 fought back, sacrificing themselves to protect others. These were ordinary men and women who became extraordinary leaders in a moment of crisis. Reflecting on this, I know that anyone of you, standing here in this circle, would have done the same thing. Why? Why do I know this? Its cause we, the MEN of F3, are action takers. We have taught ourselves to lead, to serve, and to live second. We may or may not have known a single person lost that day, but we all know the type of people that were lost. They all bore the heart of F3.
So today, let’s honor 9/11 by living with purpose. Be the man who runs toward the challenge, who serves his family, his community, his brothers. We started this day with a physical challenge, now lets finish it with a personal one. Commit to a small act of service—whether it’s volunteering your time, taking a task from your wife, or simply being there for someone who needs you. Go out today and lead with courage and leave no man where you find him. Aye?
Naked Man Moleskin
MAN what a way to start the day! This ruck was inspired by a Two Hand Touch Q at the Colosseum here about a month ago. His Q brought back fond memories of my own experience with GTE and I wanted to do something extra hard to tap back into that as I cannot participate in Naperville’s GTE 65. With that thought, I put out a few feelers, not thinking Id have any takers, but quickly saw that my stupid little idea had really had some support. The rest as they say is history.
Thank you Mr. Kotter, for being a CoQ and leading a platoon. Being able to break into two platoon was key as the HC’s kept coming in. I also have to thank our SQ’s Broomstick and Foghorn. You guy kept us safe, grouped up, and made sure no one was left behind. Hatchet! I know you really wanted to be with us this morning, but you were where you needed to be! Thanks so much for those I-Beams! They really fit the 911 theme for this morning.
Finally, a BIG thanks to all of the PAX who offered their gear, helped setup, and showed up to pay tribute to that tragic day 24 years ago.