Like A Kid In A Candy Store

It is weeks like this that make me realize just how good life is and all I have to be grateful for. I finished my cleanse, I got a new job at work AND I got to hang out in a sling with about 14 (but who is counting) hot men in combat gear. I mean literally hang. On the side of a building. And shoot guns (four different ones) AND take part in 3 hostage situations (I can see my film credit now “Blindfolded Hostage #2 – Robert Mitchell) AND try on a bomb suit AND watch an attack dog demo AND shoot a tazer gun AND, did I mention the hot men?

My work had a silent auction to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes and the 12 highest bidders got to spend a day with a SWAT team. It was AMAZING!!!! The pictures do more justice to the day than my words ever could. I was on such a high the entire day and for those who know me, that is a lot of Robert to take.

We were picked up at 7:30 in the morning and whisked off to an undisclosed location where we were greeted by four men on ropes hanging from the side of the building. Someone up top, tossed a noise maker that made a bang before hitting the ground. Man, were we awake at that point.

The good stuff started as one of the SWAT team ran around the corner of the building being chased by a German Sheppard. He had on a protective sleeve and good thing too. That dog was on him like a tick on a June bug. It had eyes for no one but the guy running. So cool.

Trying on the bomb suit came next. We weren’t allowed to try on the helmet though as last time we (I am an official member of SWAT, so I can say “we”) did a community function and let people try on the helmet, we all came down with a cold. Just as well then that we stuck to the jacket and pants. I wouldn’t want to fall in a pool in that sucker. It would be game over.

Then there was the makeshift house where we got to play hostage. We were all taken into a room with a terrorist and then wham bam thank you ma'me, 6 guys burst in and shot the crap out of him. Shot him with these wax paint ball things that left welts, but shot no the less. Awesome! That was followed by more hostage playing in cars. First I was in a car that got cut off (for real here, we were in moving cars) by three black vans and was told (after the driver) to “get out, hands up, turn around, walk backwards and kneel on the ground”. Yes sir! Then I got to ride in one of the vans. Wicked!

I am quite the marksman apparently and had “nice groupings” and “good aim” according to my shooting coach John! 4 guns, me and a good lookin’ man in a shooting stall. First was a hand gun (and no I don’t remember what kind. It was a 45 of some sort) then an M16 (I haven’t fired one of those suckers since air cadets) followed by some other tactical machine gun and we finished off with my personal fave – shot gun, pump action, 12 gauge. Made me weak in the knees it did. I really need to get out more.

Not thinking the day could get any better, we hit the rooftop and rappelled down the side. My first go I didn’t look over the edge, just step in my harness, got tied off, plopped my legs over the side and went. The second time I actually played a little. Pushed off, jumped down the wall, waved at people in the windows and had a blast.

What a day! I am so in the wrong line or work. I need to get that laser thing on my eyes and try out! “Freeze! I said freeze! Get on the ground. Now!” Wicked awesome day!