slmosf_pool_training_2014

 


 

felker_photo_300x150A testimonial from
the inspiration for SLMOSF
Captain Charlie Felker (Ret.)

My name is Captain Charlie Felker and I [was] an Executive Officer in the 3rd Ranger Battalion/75th Ranger Regiment based out of Fort Benning, GA. I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Hausher since my sophomore year at West Point and my personal development as an officer and leader has since improved dramatically. He taught me how to design, implement and monitor physical training programs. That aspect allowed me better prepare and connect with the cadets and soldiers under the umbrella of my responsibility. Mr. Hausher’s guidance helped me graduate from the grueling US Army Ranger Course. As an infantry platoon leader, physical fitness and marksmanship skills are absolutely essential to mission readiness, success and survival. Mr. Hausher helped physically and mentally prepared me for the demanding challenges that a 10-month long deployment to eastern Afghanistan presents and supported our efforts with weekly care packages. My platoon was positioned in a very remote area very close to the border of Pakistan and did not have phone or email capabilities. From time to time, we would make the four hour drive to our support base, frequently enduring ambushes or IED attacks, to resupply. One of the highlights of the trip was the “mountain” of boxes sent by Mr. Hausher and the supporters he organized. The food, supplies, entertainment and letters of support were enormous morale boosters. From the rifle and pistol ranges to the weight room, Mr. Hausher’s dedication, selfless service and examples of leadership have made me a better leader of our nation’s warriors. Captain Felker has completed three deployments to Afghanistan and has received two Bronze Stars as well as a nomination for the McArthur Award for exceptional leadership. He deployed for the fourth time and served as a Ranger Company Executive Officer. He is the original inspiration for our Foundation.