Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the things in my life I’m thankful for.

I’m grateful for the path I have walked up to this point that led me here to Dubuque.  It didn’t take me long to really consider Dubuque, IA my home.  I almost immediately fell upon an amazing network of people, all from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, but all with a common interest–to be better human beings tomorrow than they were yesterday.  That’s a quality tough to come by, and one thing I’ve found is that the people I remain friends with are those who are never satisfied with becoming content, complacent, and stagnant in their life’s progressions and journeys.  We always are willing to work hard, learn from our mistakes, and grow with time and effort.  These qualities define all my lasting members at CFD.

I’m grateful for my health and my work ethic.

I’m grateful for the amazing people in my life–friends, and family.  I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong, supportive network.

I’m grateful to have served alongside some of the best men on the planet in one of the most elite fighting forces on the planet–1st Ranger Battalion.  Those years of training, losses, confrontations, and victories all shaped me to be the person I am today, for better or worse.  Many of those nights overseas haunt me to this day and probably always will, but I would never trade my experiences there for anything.  In the end, I am a much better and stronger person for enduring it all.

I’m grateful for the gunslingers around the world who are, as I write this, thousands of miles away from the people they love and miss.  It’s a really tough life to do what they do, and without people like that on our side, there would be nobody to protect the sheep from the wolves.  RLTW <1>

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by simply being born in this great country.  Many opportunities that are available to us should not be taken for granted and we have no control over.  Genetically, I’m healthy, happy and strong.  I was born into a 1st world country with nearly limitless possibility for growth.  I had the potential to do a lot of different things with my life, and I’m so happy doing what I do today.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I’m grateful for everyone responsible for making CFD a success in these last 2 years.  You are buying in to more than just a business, and more than just a fitness facility.  To me, it’s family, and I hope I’m not the only one who feels that way.  The logo is like a tribe–wear it proudly and know you’re representing an entire community.  I feel proud wearing the CFD logo and I certainly hope you all do as well.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

-Coach Phil