My Dad is a retired UDT Frogman and SEAL. My hero to be honest. The things he has done in his life leave me simply amazed and continually striving to be a better man and a better Dad. I came across this "Old Frog Toast" my Dad sent me that one of his buddies had written and thought I would share it. If you know San Diego and more specifically, "Gator Beach" on the Silver Strand which is a private military training beach for the SEALS (right next to the Hotel Del Coronado), then you have the background for this toast. I grew up on that beach running around the obstacle course and playing while my Dad was training. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do
Old Frog Toast
There once was a man who tested his zeal
To finish the program and be called a SEAL
It started out easy, the first foggy morn
However, by noon, a dozen had gone
We ran in the sea, and shivered with cold
We ran and we ran, and soon we were told
Look to the left and look to the right
Both will be gone no matter how bright
We carried those boats,
****in boats on our heads
We crashed through the waves
And were tossed at the crest
The log PT was certainly worse
Work as a team or suffer the curse
"Up" was the order and up did we go
Arms overhead, painful and slow
Hold it high to the sky
Don't be the fall guy
30 seconds, or more
Or they'll show you the door
"Down" yelled the caller
Work together or falter
Put aside the pain
And let's do it again
The weeks passed before us
And our numbers grew smaller
Those of us left
Stood proudly and taller
Obstacle coarse, diving and demo
Pick up the pace, quicken the tempo
Each evolution a test of man's might
Only the best have the finish in sight
Then came the mud
Head to toe in the crud
Full of stench and decay
So we stayed there all day
Rock portage was hell
And some rang the bell
Barnacle cuts to hands and face
Tadpoles dreaded that treacherous place
And then came the sand
From that menacing Strand
Chaffing and burning
More pain for the yearning
Hotel Del on the fore
We passed it once more
Many miles to go
Chests out for show
Final days on the rock
A few more in shock
Biggest surf yet
I'll never forget
But the real test of mettle
The king of all pain
That drove men to quit
And turn in their chit
T'was the menacing cold of the sea, you see
It crashed all your senses degree by degree
Cold to the bone, for hours on end
Not one man was spared, not even a friend
Summer or winter whichever class was at stake
All suffered the chills and none got a break
So we shivered away but answered the call
Cause we all had the guts to give it our all
Almost 50 years past so together we must
Toast one and to all, all brothers we trust
To those of us left who shared this great ride
Let camaraderie and laughter today be your guide
And to our brave brothers no longer here
Old frogs stand and toast?.
With a cold glass of ?beer
Hooyah!!
XXXX XXXXXX
Class 29 WC
Aug. 19, 2010
Old Frog Toast
There once was a man who tested his zeal
To finish the program and be called a SEAL
It started out easy, the first foggy morn
However, by noon, a dozen had gone
We ran in the sea, and shivered with cold
We ran and we ran, and soon we were told
Look to the left and look to the right
Both will be gone no matter how bright
We carried those boats,
****in boats on our heads
We crashed through the waves
And were tossed at the crest
The log PT was certainly worse
Work as a team or suffer the curse
"Up" was the order and up did we go
Arms overhead, painful and slow
Hold it high to the sky
Don't be the fall guy
30 seconds, or more
Or they'll show you the door
"Down" yelled the caller
Work together or falter
Put aside the pain
And let's do it again
The weeks passed before us
And our numbers grew smaller
Those of us left
Stood proudly and taller
Obstacle coarse, diving and demo
Pick up the pace, quicken the tempo
Each evolution a test of man's might
Only the best have the finish in sight
Then came the mud
Head to toe in the crud
Full of stench and decay
So we stayed there all day
Rock portage was hell
And some rang the bell
Barnacle cuts to hands and face
Tadpoles dreaded that treacherous place
And then came the sand
From that menacing Strand
Chaffing and burning
More pain for the yearning
Hotel Del on the fore
We passed it once more
Many miles to go
Chests out for show
Final days on the rock
A few more in shock
Biggest surf yet
I'll never forget
But the real test of mettle
The king of all pain
That drove men to quit
And turn in their chit
T'was the menacing cold of the sea, you see
It crashed all your senses degree by degree
Cold to the bone, for hours on end
Not one man was spared, not even a friend
Summer or winter whichever class was at stake
All suffered the chills and none got a break
So we shivered away but answered the call
Cause we all had the guts to give it our all
Almost 50 years past so together we must
Toast one and to all, all brothers we trust
To those of us left who shared this great ride
Let camaraderie and laughter today be your guide
And to our brave brothers no longer here
Old frogs stand and toast?.
With a cold glass of ?beer
Hooyah!!
XXXX XXXXXX
Class 29 WC
Aug. 19, 2010
