05/23/2026
This week we completed another Keep It Standing course through Forge & Fortify and once again I was reminded what an absolute privilege it is to work with dedicated first responders who willingly put themselves in difficult situations in service to other people.
These men and women showed up ready to learn, ready to work, and ready to challenge themselves. Not just physically, but mentally. That matters.
One of the biggest takeaways from this course was the success of the new format. By the end of the training it was obvious to everyone in the room that the practitioners had improved. Their timing improved. Their decision making improved. Their ability to solve problems under pressure improved. And maybe most importantly, the instructors themselves became better coaches and communicators throughout the process.
The room felt different by the end of the course. More confidence. More clarity. More understanding of how to apply these skills in a realistic and functional way.
That is always the goal.
I was also humbled by the gifts I received, which can be seen in the pictures attached to this post. Gestures like that genuinely mean a lot to me and are deeply appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who trusted the process, worked hard, and contributed to the environment this weekend. Proud of all of you.
– Forge & Fortify
