Today marks the half way point of my great adventure... It is interesting how the main theme from my classmates this week is we all are a bit weary of being away from home. The atmosphere is good and people are still working hard but there is only so much cafeteria food you can have before...well before you start repeating the menu to each other on the way to chow every day.. . or joke about the new food.. will it be chicken and fish? or fish and chicken? Can't complain, the food isn't horrible and the salad bar is pretty good....
I am still learning something every day and meeting new friends... Some of you may know this story... So here I sit in my room, typing my research papers and one of the guys next door, Hossom from Egypt asks if I could take him into town to an Egyptian restaurant where he is planning on buying food for International Night... To set the scene you have picture 27 students from all over the world that speak varying degrees of English, don't get to see their families and have limited contact with them... and most importantly don't have a car to escape... I feel bad for them.. All of them I have met are good people...
So I'm thinking Hossom needs to pick up some food for the group event so I tell him no problem.. "tell me when you want to go"... and I ask him how far away the restaurant is. He tells me it's like 10 minutes which was good because it was pouring rain.... So Hossom asks me a few minutes later if his friend from Iraq, MahMooud can come with us so I said sure no problem... A few minutes later he sticks his head back in my room with a big smile and asks if Alec from the Ukraine can come too... I laughed because I suddenly realized these poor guys never get off the base so I was the international tour guide for the night....
Hossom gives me the name of the restaurant and I plug it into the GPS and off we go... well its not 5 minutes away.. its in Fredricksburg about 25 miles away. This area of the country is beautiful but the biggest drawback is the traffic... its horrendous... 25 miles in the rain and traffic and I find Al Adin....
It was an Egyptian Restaurant alright.. at least during the day.. at night its a Hookah Bar.... Ya I know, whats Hookah? Well it is flavored tobacco smoked through a three foot water pipe... by all kinds of different people.. Hossom is a connoisseur of Hookah and that was his real motive... MahMooud, Alec and I don't smoke so we had soft drinks and tea while Hossom had nothing but a big smile and smoke coming out of his nose :)
Alec asks the the waiter for something but because this is a bar the noise level is pretty high and I cant hear but can tell that that something is up because the waiter has the "trout look" on his face... Turns out that Alec was asking for a "serviette"... It took me about 5 minutes and Google to figure out he wanted a napkin... Serviette is French for Napkin... funny stuff..
So as the night goes on and we are talking to each other about the differences in our countries, police work and generally having a good time laughing at ourselves for our communication issues I suddenly realize the crowd is changing.. the music gets much more modern and the tables start filling up with young American men wearing dark sunglasses and lotsa bling...
Without judgment but years of police work causing my instinctual hair on the back of my neck to rise I realize its filling up with gang types... Well, I made Hossom smoke faster as I saw where this heading.. once the international incident calmed down I'm sure I would get the blame as I "should have known better." ;) We left without a hitch and made the trek back to Quantico... with a guy from Egypt and the Ukraine trying to give me directions... Finally I told them to let the American take lead :) and got us to the dorm....
That was a fun night despite having to wash the smoke out of my clothes... I met three guys who truly are just like me only they live in other parts of the world... They have families and children, work too may hours for low pay and miss their families terribly... It is really neat to make life long friends from other places.. Who knows maybe future vacations could be to Egypt or Iraq or the Ukraine, or to Greece to visit Chris.. or to Barbatos for Ian, or Argentina, or Jordan or Finland or Germany or to the many other places represented here by other police officers.. just like me...
Well its late and I am running a 5K in the morning so it's time to sign off for now.... I hope all of you get a chance if you haven't had it already, to meet people from all over the world.. people who seek freedom, justice, safety and an honorable life....just like us... God Bless...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
We The People
Well here it is, starting Week 4 already. It is an interesting place the FBI Academy. They keep us ona busy schedule of studying and running which for most of us old bones creates great sleep as we are exhausted by the end of the day. Last week was an interesting week as I met even more of my classmates. Spent some time talking to a Lieutenant on the Greece National Police Tactical Team. A very nice family man entrenched in a political system and socialistic environment. There is a completely different way of policing and living in other Countries, not all good. Bit the peopel have the same hopes, dreams and problems we have.
I also spent a lot of time in three different classes talking about diferent aspects of American Government. In partiular discussions of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independance, The Federalists Papers... I found that for most part my collegaues in the FBI take seriously their duty to protect the people of the United States based off of the those documents. Most I have met speak freely of God and Country and the importance of paying attention to the words and not letting those words disintegrate in our lives and jobs.
It is clear that there are many who are trying to limit the influence of the principles our Government was found on..
"We the People of the United States, inOrder tofor a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure doemstic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promte the General wekfare,a nd secure the Blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ardain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
These words have taken a new meaning for me lately. I don't know why that is but it is. I encourage of all of you to really sit down and read all of our forfathers establishment of this country. Give some thought as to why they wrote what they wrote. Words are important!. Read the Constiutuion, The Declaration of Indpeendance the Bill of Rights and absord their meaning.
I am reflecting a lot on these documents. In some cases I have toi write papers on them. I would appreciate all of your views on these documents. Get as many peopel as you can to repsond to this Blog for me.
God Bless,
Mark
I also spent a lot of time in three different classes talking about diferent aspects of American Government. In partiular discussions of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independance, The Federalists Papers... I found that for most part my collegaues in the FBI take seriously their duty to protect the people of the United States based off of the those documents. Most I have met speak freely of God and Country and the importance of paying attention to the words and not letting those words disintegrate in our lives and jobs.
It is clear that there are many who are trying to limit the influence of the principles our Government was found on..
"We the People of the United States, inOrder tofor a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure doemstic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promte the General wekfare,a nd secure the Blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ardain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
These words have taken a new meaning for me lately. I don't know why that is but it is. I encourage of all of you to really sit down and read all of our forfathers establishment of this country. Give some thought as to why they wrote what they wrote. Words are important!. Read the Constiutuion, The Declaration of Indpeendance the Bill of Rights and absord their meaning.
I am reflecting a lot on these documents. In some cases I have toi write papers on them. I would appreciate all of your views on these documents. Get as many peopel as you can to repsond to this Blog for me.
God Bless,
Mark
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Perspective
At the risk of sounding philosophical... which really is not me... I am learning something about perspective. I have met even more police professionals from around the world and have opportunities to listen and talk with them. In a professional sense they are truly impressive some are subject matter experts in terrorism, narcotics investigations, criminal investigations, forensics, internal affairs... you name a discipline in the Law Enforcement Community and there is probably someone here who is considered an expert in it. I feel honored to be here and rub shoulders with these professionals.
Once the day ends they all go different ways... some head for the door and go wherever it is they go and do whatever it is they do :)... Some got to the "boardroom" to unwind and relax. Some hit the swimming pool, some hit the gym, some lock themselves in their rooms to study some seek quiet time and some wander around.
Regardless of who they are, what their position is, how smart they are or how they spend their free time there is one thing we all share... I'm not sure I would have said this before I came here but I really sense we all share an attitude of service to others. Those of you outside Law Enforcement be glad there are opportunities for your police managers to come here, it is truly a chance to grow professionally and personally. Sure they are all human and like the rest of us have struggles.. but they sacrifice a lot; time, energy, ridicule, judgment by others, Monday morning quarterbacking, etc... yet these old dogs on this campus keep trudging through the mud... be thankful for them and pray for them. This is truly a calling to be in this profession and I have a renewed perspective about my chosen profession. The safety, security and future of our communities are represented here. I am proud to be a part of this community and thank God to have met so many committed individuals.... Remember.. Pray for your leaders...
Once the day ends they all go different ways... some head for the door and go wherever it is they go and do whatever it is they do :)... Some got to the "boardroom" to unwind and relax. Some hit the swimming pool, some hit the gym, some lock themselves in their rooms to study some seek quiet time and some wander around.
Regardless of who they are, what their position is, how smart they are or how they spend their free time there is one thing we all share... I'm not sure I would have said this before I came here but I really sense we all share an attitude of service to others. Those of you outside Law Enforcement be glad there are opportunities for your police managers to come here, it is truly a chance to grow professionally and personally. Sure they are all human and like the rest of us have struggles.. but they sacrifice a lot; time, energy, ridicule, judgment by others, Monday morning quarterbacking, etc... yet these old dogs on this campus keep trudging through the mud... be thankful for them and pray for them. This is truly a calling to be in this profession and I have a renewed perspective about my chosen profession. The safety, security and future of our communities are represented here. I am proud to be a part of this community and thank God to have met so many committed individuals.... Remember.. Pray for your leaders...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
God is Good
Okay, so another week has started here at the Academy. We are starting to get to know each other more and more. There a lot of good people here and it is a little overwhelming to me to think about the fact there are 266 police leaders from all over the World. There is a lot of potential influence here. So it got me thinking, what if God influenced this class and they could take that influence back to their homes, work and friends... That would be something.
So I saw a note on the Board for my section that anyone interested there would be a meeting for christian police officers on Tuesday at 7:00PM. I have been looking forward to that all weekend. I just got back from the meeting and there were about 7-8 of us. Bucky from Texas, Jeff from Arkansas, Alphan from Liberia, Alphonse from East Timor, Ira a Sheriff... and a fee others. We shared some testimonies and talked about what we saw our group doing. Through all the discussion it all came back to service. I have already met a couple guys who are having serious marital issues, I'm sure there are other issues out there we know nothing about. So we we will continue to meet, pray for ways to serve others... hope to be used by God... run some more and study hard :).....
So I saw a note on the Board for my section that anyone interested there would be a meeting for christian police officers on Tuesday at 7:00PM. I have been looking forward to that all weekend. I just got back from the meeting and there were about 7-8 of us. Bucky from Texas, Jeff from Arkansas, Alphan from Liberia, Alphonse from East Timor, Ira a Sheriff... and a fee others. We shared some testimonies and talked about what we saw our group doing. Through all the discussion it all came back to service. I have already met a couple guys who are having serious marital issues, I'm sure there are other issues out there we know nothing about. So we we will continue to meet, pray for ways to serve others... hope to be used by God... run some more and study hard :).....
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Week 1
Week One at the FBI National Academy - Here and gone... Despite badly missing my wife and children I am enjoying this opportunity. I have a good roommate who is easy to get along with and puts up with my sense of humor. I have worked out each and every day in an amazing facility in the middle of a marine corp base in Virginia. There are deer literally everywhere, I mean everywhere. They are almost tame as you can walk right past them and they don't even move.
This week there was a lot of administrative tasks to take care of. The FBI definitely has their act together at the Academy. I know some of my classmates are frustrated by the red tape but I see why they do what they do. I have had the chance to meet people from all over the world, speak to Special Agents in training and enjoying some quiet time.
I would say my favorite class will likely be Spirituality, Wellness and Vitality in Police Work. The instructor is an FBI agent that in one meeting I would describe as Spirit filled. This is only the fourth class the FBI has put on with this topic. The class is focusing on the importance of Spirituality in law enforcement and how that plays into recruiting, retention and retirement. There are other people who see the importance of Faith in my line of work and want to make something that is intentional and helpful to police officers. It's not religion specific but seems to be going the direction of embracing this part of a person's life and the benefit to Faith in coping with the stresses of Police Work.
There is one person in my class who was raised as an Atheist from childhood and was aaved at age 47... He is a Christian police officer who I look forward to talkign with more.
I am very excited about the class....
I spent the day in Washington D.C. to day with some guys from my section and we toured the Mall. There is a lot to see there and not enough time to see it all... I definately will be going back...
Still excited about what God is doing here in Virginia...
This week there was a lot of administrative tasks to take care of. The FBI definitely has their act together at the Academy. I know some of my classmates are frustrated by the red tape but I see why they do what they do. I have had the chance to meet people from all over the world, speak to Special Agents in training and enjoying some quiet time.
I would say my favorite class will likely be Spirituality, Wellness and Vitality in Police Work. The instructor is an FBI agent that in one meeting I would describe as Spirit filled. This is only the fourth class the FBI has put on with this topic. The class is focusing on the importance of Spirituality in law enforcement and how that plays into recruiting, retention and retirement. There are other people who see the importance of Faith in my line of work and want to make something that is intentional and helpful to police officers. It's not religion specific but seems to be going the direction of embracing this part of a person's life and the benefit to Faith in coping with the stresses of Police Work.
There is one person in my class who was raised as an Atheist from childhood and was aaved at age 47... He is a Christian police officer who I look forward to talkign with more.
I am very excited about the class....
I spent the day in Washington D.C. to day with some guys from my section and we toured the Mall. There is a lot to see there and not enough time to see it all... I definately will be going back...
Still excited about what God is doing here in Virginia...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back in School
Well it's time to clear out the cobwebs... I have research papers, homework and classes all day long. I guess they are serious when they say this is actual college credit... But that's okay I need the challenge. I have some really good classes that will be interesting and challenging... I look forward to see what lies ahead...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Days 2 - 5
Now I'm not sure I will be able to Blog every day... I have a feeling I will either be in class or taking leisurely jogs through the Marine Corp Base. :) So lets update the last few days.
After my short delay in New Mexico with Tracy (thank you Lord) I started back at it driving through Texas. So here I am driving east with the cruise control on at 75 mph in a 70 mph on I-40 thinking I'm okay at that speed. (Now Mark the speed limit is 70). Suddenly I see a Texas State Trooper coming west light up and take off across the median towards me. Well I'm thinking he can't be after me? He was :). Ya got like Texas State Troopers, cowboy hat, mirrored sunglasses and a Texas drawl... He was kind enough to let me with a warning... His parting words were "need you to slow down for me sir." At first I though c'mon 5 over are you serious? But I kindly acknowledged his request.
As I continued on his request to slow down really got me thinking.. First of all he was right I was speeding..not by much and not by most wordly standards. However, it did get me thinking about how God's word works. There are principles and there are absolutes. Have I ever pushed an absolute a little to far...because it wasn't a big deal... everyone else does it.... I would have to say yes...
Slowing down also got me to pay attention to the world's largest Cross.... in Groom Texas. Now that was cool....I stopped, took some photos and was amazed at the statues and peacefulness of this stop. I slowed down just like the Trooper asked me too.. it paid off... Night number 2 in Arkansas..nothing much to report there.
Let's see Friday I took off early and stopped in Memphis Tennesse... That's right at Graceland to see Elvis Presley's estate. I know there are some who dont think much of Elvis but for some reason I always liked his music and felt sorry for him. Elvis was bigger than Michael Jackson... like Michael Jackson Elvis couldn't have a normal life he was mobbed every time he went out.. It was interesting to see all his rooms and how he lived... Elvis was very generous... he would by cars for random people he didnt know, gave thousands (that was a lot then) to charities..and took care of his mother... He also sang a lot of Gospel songs... Elvis had his flaws that's for sure... but who doesn't?
So the next day I leave from Nashville and basically it rains all day in Virginia. I made my destination and have started another journey at the FBI Academy... Intersing stuff... I am with 265 other police managers from around the world getting some of the best training in the world, nearing the end of a career... At the same time there are eight new agent classes with 100's of new agents starting their careers... They are so respectful..."yes sir" as I pass and pretty nervous too... Pray for them, all of them... they are starting during a difficult time...
My roommate is Ralph from Indiana and he is a good guy with two young children at home. I'm glad I got a good roommate... I have met officers from all over the place in two days and it has been a good experience... (I do miss Deb and the boys alot... God, I love them..) I finished up the night watching the Cardinals vs. the Colts with another Lieutenant from Indiana.. a Colts fan... not a good night for the Cards... but I met another good Cop with two small childrenat at home...
Tommorrow starts more adeventure.... God Bless...
After my short delay in New Mexico with Tracy (thank you Lord) I started back at it driving through Texas. So here I am driving east with the cruise control on at 75 mph in a 70 mph on I-40 thinking I'm okay at that speed. (Now Mark the speed limit is 70). Suddenly I see a Texas State Trooper coming west light up and take off across the median towards me. Well I'm thinking he can't be after me? He was :). Ya got like Texas State Troopers, cowboy hat, mirrored sunglasses and a Texas drawl... He was kind enough to let me with a warning... His parting words were "need you to slow down for me sir." At first I though c'mon 5 over are you serious? But I kindly acknowledged his request.
As I continued on his request to slow down really got me thinking.. First of all he was right I was speeding..not by much and not by most wordly standards. However, it did get me thinking about how God's word works. There are principles and there are absolutes. Have I ever pushed an absolute a little to far...because it wasn't a big deal... everyone else does it.... I would have to say yes...
Slowing down also got me to pay attention to the world's largest Cross.... in Groom Texas. Now that was cool....I stopped, took some photos and was amazed at the statues and peacefulness of this stop. I slowed down just like the Trooper asked me too.. it paid off... Night number 2 in Arkansas..nothing much to report there.
Let's see Friday I took off early and stopped in Memphis Tennesse... That's right at Graceland to see Elvis Presley's estate. I know there are some who dont think much of Elvis but for some reason I always liked his music and felt sorry for him. Elvis was bigger than Michael Jackson... like Michael Jackson Elvis couldn't have a normal life he was mobbed every time he went out.. It was interesting to see all his rooms and how he lived... Elvis was very generous... he would by cars for random people he didnt know, gave thousands (that was a lot then) to charities..and took care of his mother... He also sang a lot of Gospel songs... Elvis had his flaws that's for sure... but who doesn't?
So the next day I leave from Nashville and basically it rains all day in Virginia. I made my destination and have started another journey at the FBI Academy... Intersing stuff... I am with 265 other police managers from around the world getting some of the best training in the world, nearing the end of a career... At the same time there are eight new agent classes with 100's of new agents starting their careers... They are so respectful..."yes sir" as I pass and pretty nervous too... Pray for them, all of them... they are starting during a difficult time...
My roommate is Ralph from Indiana and he is a good guy with two young children at home. I'm glad I got a good roommate... I have met officers from all over the place in two days and it has been a good experience... (I do miss Deb and the boys alot... God, I love them..) I finished up the night watching the Cardinals vs. the Colts with another Lieutenant from Indiana.. a Colts fan... not a good night for the Cards... but I met another good Cop with two small childrenat at home...
Tommorrow starts more adeventure.... God Bless...
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