Chad is Amazing... second only to Chuck Norris

This is Chad's entry - well written by me, but narrated by him - I'm forcing him to be something other than his ever humble self this evening. He has done so many amazing things these last couple months!

At the start of the year, Chad was sent to Sergeants Course... in Hawaii... oh poor guy. The purpose of sergeants course is to provide USMC sergeants the tools to better lead and train the lower ranks and fellow sergeants. This class lasted a total of seven weeks and consisted of both daily classroom style lessons (including homework!) and grueling physical training. It wasn't a cake walk, a total of 7 people were dismissed from the course - but not Chad! No, in fact Chad graduated with the second highest gpa - a 95.57%!! This earned him recognition at the graduation ceremony, a book from the Commandant's reading list, and a note in his permanent record (which can help with promotions!)!

Chad's gradation - me cheering behind the camera!

 

To celebrate his graduation and his achievements, my grandparents, Tom & Bea, sent Chad a Non-Commissioned Officers Sword! This is a very special accessory available to Marine NCOs, who are the only NCOs in the US Military authorized to wear a sword. Its mostly a ceremonial item, used for the flashy events such as drills, balls and ceremonies. This gift was extra special, considering Tom retired from the Marines as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

30 inches of awesome!

On top of all this wonderful-ness, while Chad was at Sgts course, on his own time - after physical training AND class - Chad worked with the martial arts instructor to earn his Green Belt. Basically, 5 belts: tan, gray, green, brown and black. Everyone starts off with the tan belt, which is usually earned in boot camp, then over ones career each job has its own earned "belt" requirement. At his current unit the minimum is green belt - but Chad has plans to go all the way... to one day challenge Chuck Norris for his title.

Just this week, as though he hasn't been though enough recently, Chad was required to attend the pistol qualification. It consists of three days of waking up early, going over the basics and more advanced firing techniques, and actually shooting a 9mm Beretta. The goal: to shoot within the black of the target at 7, 15 and 25 yards. He qualified as Marksman! which.... is a feat in and of itself for him because when Chad shoots a pistol... the target usually resembles medium range shotgun blast...

It has been a busy couple of months for Chad - especially when you consider all the extra stuff he is involved in: Search and Rescue, Church, and all the volunteer events I drag him to. But, hey, he's a Marine, they're supposed to be tough!