Ride of the Lighting Mule Brigade

January 8, 2018

WHEN: 01/08/2018
QIC: Skynyrd
PAX: Rambler, Cold Call, Dueling Banjos, Yanni, Flenderson (FNG), Nitro, Bunyan, Sneaky Shoes, Grunge, Golden Pinky, ICE, Stickman, Horny Toad, Zook, RG3, Soylent, Marky Mark

Important Note: Play this while reading…

January 8, 2018

Dearest M,

I’m writing you this letter as there are some very strong indications that we shall see action very soon.  The troops are mustering as we speak.  The camp that the General choose is an old school, but the boys have taken to calling it “The Thicket.”  

My love, I had to step away, the cook (a jolly fellow by the name of Yanni) had made a fresh batch of hardtack and coffee.  Speaking of the boys, I had a chance to meet them over the last several days.  These are fine, strong men, and I hope that we all shall make it through.  If not, I write their names in this letter as a testament to their dedication to the cause.  Their dedication has truly been tested in these dark and cold days.

Rambler, Cold Call, Dueling Banjos, Yanni, Flenderson (FNG), Nitro, Bunyun, Sneaky Shoes, Grunge, Golden Pinky, ICE, Stickman, Horny Toad, Zook, RG3, Soylent, Marky Mark

Before I go, I want to relate to you the latest of our campaign.  

A few of the men sought extra credit and began scouting missions early in the morn.  This included doing a forced ruck march, and a variety of others pulling themselves up bars repeatedly.

We began the campaign with a vigorous warm up to fend off that dastardly cold.   This included Jumping with Jack (SSH), Circling our Arms fore and rear (Arm Circles), Making ourselves Men (8 count man makes), and practiced climbing mountains (Mountain Climbers)

The men then formed two ranks and dashed up the street at a delightful pace, the man at the rear would race to the front.  It was such a delight to be moving with the swiftness of a deer.  At the top of the hill, we proceed to do 5 Burpees, then mosey’d ourselves back to the camp.

After the aforementioned warmup the men quickly mustered into pairs.  Unfortunately, the Mules (Yes Mules!) we’ve been given to ride on our campaign into the enemy territory of North Alabama escaped and we had to quickly step off to find and corral these beasts. As a side note, we have decided to call ourselves “The Lightning Mule Brigade.” I think there is a bit of cleverness to the name. (One partner bear crawled and the other attempted to catch them while doing walking lunges.  Then switch, and the other partner bear crawled back to the starting point).

After a strenuous time, we finally captured our mounts and began the ride. (Buddy carry around the inner loop of parking lot, switch as needed).

Unfortunately, after a stopping for a rest, these beasts escaped again and we had to sally forth after to see if we could again corral them.  (One partner bear crawled and the other attempted to catch them while doing walking lunges.  Then switch, and the other partner bear crawled back to the starting point).

Once again mounted on these strong, yet stubborn steads we set off for glory (Buddy carry around the inner loop of parking lot, switch as needed).

Before I end this letter, I would be remissed to leave out a bit of news from the flighting in Mobile Bay.  Ole’ Admiral Farragut himself was victorious and even coined himself a very apropos saying, if not one a bit vulgar.  “Damn the Torpedoes!”  Please do not share this portion of the letter with little Jebediah, as I fear he would take to using that phrase and I believe the schoolmarm would frown at that behavior.  (Traveling merkins at the parking lot, Do a merkin at each line, flip after five.  When complete, do 10 air squats, standing jump to next parking line and do 10 squats.  Repeat until QIC could stand the moans and complaints no longer.)

I must go my love, the men are gathering.  There is talk of a cozy fire before we depart.  (Ring of Fire, followed by reverse sit-ups)

M, if we do not make it back from this arduous campaign, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

 

Announcements:

  • Rabbit convergence tomorrow with the Goat
  • Jag at North Chatham Elementary 530-615
  • Join Rambler on an epic 20 mile forced ruck march on 1/27 meeting at Woods

 

COT:

 

Today’s workout was inspired by the Lighting Mule Brigade.  A failed campaign during the Civil War. The Union cavalry, led by Colonel Abel Straight, rode into North Alabama using mules instead of horses as their mounts.  The assauultimatelyley failed, but it was interesting to note that one of the Cavalry Units in the campaign was the First Alabama Cavalry (US), comprised of Alabamians who fled their homes to fight for the Union.  This Unit was also part of the Sherman’s March to the Sea.  

Life is pretty complex and weird and so is history.  When looking at history or current events, it’s always worth taking a little extra time to look for the stories under the main headline.    

 

Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Mule-Brigade-Streights-Alabama/dp/1439219966

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streight%27s_Raid

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Alabama_Cavalry_Regiment_(Union)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Unionist

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sullivan_Ballou

 

State
White soldiers serving in the Union Army (other branches unlisted)
Alabama
3,000
Arkansas
10,000
Florida
3,500
Georgia
400
Louisiana
7,000
Mississippi
545
North Carolina
25,000
Tennessee
42,000
Texas
2,200
Virginia and West Virginia
22,000