**I want to apologize for the tardiness of this post, yesterday was extremely tiring, and I actually fell asleep writing this post, so I started over and wrote this on the bus, but did not have wi-fi until we got to the Hyatt in Tulsa this evening!
Whirlwind. That is the only way I
know how to express to you what we experienced yesterday. We started at 5:00
a.m. and ended with a Thunder WIN! Allow me to tell you about our day in pictures. Enjoy!
 |
| From the moment we stepped
onto Fort Sill, we were in training mode to become soldiers. |
 |
| After a nice round of
sprints, stretches, and pushups, the group was a wee bit winded. |
 |
| Everyone had the chance to
wash up and change in the barracks, followed by a, well, less than scrumptious
breakfast. Here they are marching to their next destination.
|
 |
Next, we drove to one of the
shooting ranges on the base. No, we didn't shoot real bullets, but we did get
to shoot with real guns that had been repurposed for virtual shooting range
practice (EST, or Engagement Skills Training).
|
|
 |
| Our last stop on the base
took us to Monti Hall, a brand new multi-million dollar facility solely
dedicated to virtual training. We were able to see how virtual worlds are
created on the computer, then we got to experience the plethora of technology
available. It was truly incredible and eye-opening how advanced our technology
has become! And to think, it's right here in Oklahoma...
|
 |
| After a round of sandwiches
from Atlanta Bread in Lawton, we headed two hours southeast to Ardmore, where
we had the opportunity to tour the Noble Foundation's campus and learn about
how they are bridging the gap between the laboratory and the field. Through the
Noble Foundation's research, Oklahoma is at the forefront of advancing
agriculture and solving some of today's most pressing issues.
|
 |
| Getting a glimpse of the
largest set of greenhouses in the nation, where extensive plant research is conducted. |
 |
| They even had a nice sign
made for us. THAT is special treatment my friends. |
 |
Our last stop on our tour of
the Noble Foundation was not for those with weak stomachs.
|
|
 |
| Your eyes don't deceive
you. This man's entire arm is submersed completely inside this cow's stomach.
At a young age, a minor surgery was performed which put a hole in the side of
this cow which is plugged with a large rubber stopper. When needed, the plug is
removed so that the contents of the cow's stomach can be observed for research
purposes. The cow doesn't feel anything.
|
 |
| Finally, we headed to
Paul's Valley where we at a delicious meal at Tio's Mexican restaurant. After
our meal, we made our way to the train depot in Pauls Valley, where we did a
mini photo shoot and laughed till we couldn't breathe. Trust me, there were
some very random moments while we waited! Here are the strapping young
gentlemen of YLOK Class XII.
|
 |
| And the beautiful ladies of
YLOK Class XII.
|
 |
| Two friends making a goofy
face.
|
 |
| Cyrus Reynolds, one of the Class XII students, serenaded us
with his AWESOME talents as we waited for the train, and he earned a couple of
bucks while he was at it!
|
 |
Finally, just before
boarding, a man with a parrot showed up... we have no explanation.
As you can see, our day kept going, and going, and
going, and going, yet these students stayed tuned in the entire time. We have
begun to develop several inside jokes, new friendships have been established,
and the group seems to have a true bond as a whole. The icing on the cake was
getting to see the Thunder beat the Heat in the lobby of the Embassy Suites in
Norman! We cheered and hugged and high fived until it was finally time to hit
the sack, and boy were we ever ready to sleep. I was so ready, in fact, that I
fell asleep on my couch writing this piece, so I apologize for the delay, once again!
Another blog post will soon be following, on time this time around! Have a wonderful evening.
-Bryce
|
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment