In the last few days, a lot has been accomplished. Good things happen but it takes time. Time to really figure out what you want and what is going to fit best for your purpose.
Recently I had the chance to meet with a pretty big company's corporate office about possible partnership/sponsorship for Philco's Freedom Team & Project New Hope. A meeting that lasted about a half hour, maybe a little longer, where a lot was explained and figured out between myself and one employee from this company. I felt good going into the meeting, and even better coming out of it. When you need to find the right people or in this case, person...you have to go out and do it. I know this doesn't just come to me, so I had to make some calls, send some messages and let the pieces fall where they may. The right message to the right guy brought the right piece of the puzzle I was looking for.
A meeting like this helps to open your mind to other possibilities for the future too. It was definitely a great experience, and I'm glad I made the seventy-some mile trip to do just that.
Another long trip I had this weekend was to Bismarck, ND once again. No, not to search for the eagle that used to be at the top of my flag pole I use during each run (although that would have been nice)...but to meet and interview some soldiers recently back from a deployment to Iraq. Eight hours on the road to chat with these heroes - a worthwhile trip to me. I've heard friends tell me about a long trip like this where they have to pay to get into a concert, where they most likely won't get a chance to actually meet the entertainer they're going to see. And to think, does that person/people on stage actually care about you being there?
Shaking the hands of these guys that I interviewed - talking regular conversation about their experiences, what they went through and how it feels to be back home...felt great. Especially knowing they actually appreciated me being there. Not only do these guys care about me, but you too. They risked their lives for you. Yet I was still questioned about "Why would you drive that far to just interview 'some people'." I told the person who asked me that I'd answer that question, but first they have to ask a soldier why they took time away from family and friends to serve them. He didn't say anything more, in fact he walked away. I didn't realize it was so tough to talk to a soldier for some. I found it pretty enjoyable. Especially talking to JR - because he was a Chiefs fan!

You'll be able to see these interviews very soon online. They'll be posted through a website called www.talkingwithheroes.com - Bob Calvert who usually hosts that program couldn't make it this past weekend to Bismarck, so I got to take his place. It's an online talk show program dedicated to our troops. If you haven't seen it already, check it out. There's more good happening over seas that you see on TV and on the news.

There's more information to come on everything that is going on. It seems like I haven't done much when it comes to helping out this organization and what they stand for. Someday I will do more, and it will hopefully benefit someone you know that takes part in a retreat put on by Project New Hope!