Stern mountain

SURVIVAL

SPECIAL FORCES edition

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but

have divine power to destroy strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:4

Welcome to the SPECIAL FORCES EDITION OF STERN MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL! Guys, life is tough. Life is a battle. And a brief survey of history, the bible and everyday news headlines will demonstrate that life on this planet, on every level, is a fight for survival. Life is a continual battle against the entropic forces of nature that eventually break down everything you build. Life is occasionally a fight against evil men who seek to undermine and destroy governments that provide freedom to all men. And all too often we experience the most painful conflicts within our families, churches, and workplaces. But ultimately “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Ephesians 6:12. At the heart of all conflict is spiritual warfare. So, the purpose of the Stern Mountain Survival weekend it to prepare you and your band of brothers to engage as Special Forces in the battle against the kingdom of darkness. To accomplish this goal the event combines survival/tactical skills and MLE (Metaphorical Learning Experiences) that can be a source of inspiration, education, and motivation in the battles that surely lie ahead! This information packet is designed to give you just enough information to help you prepare for the experience while intentionally not giving everything away! Here are the essentials…

What? Survival and tactical training weekend with purpose

Who? You and your “Band of Brothers” (6 per team)

Where? Stern Farm and 600 acre environs @ 35°11'22.6"N 84°59'31.0"W

When? 10/7/16 @ 1400 – 10/9/16 @ 1200

Why? Because “Iron Sharpens Iron”

Provided? All meals and program specific equipment. See following list of what to bring.

Donation $50 minimum. Donate at www.blueprintformen.org. Donations tax-deductible.

Registration Complete and email consent and medical forms to blueprint4men@gmail.com.

Building Men,

Marty Miller President, Blueprint for Men Phone 423.322.8491 Email martydeanmiller@gmail.com

Blueprint for Men, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry that seeks to provide leadership and guidance for men who want to live the way God intended it to be. A life of true meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. Through a wide variety of resources and programs we seek to educate and encourage men who dare to step up and become the men God intended them to be… better husbands, better fathers, and better disciples of Christ!

BAND OF BROTHERS: Some of the most important aspects of the weekend will involve teambuilding, problem solving, and scenarios with your “Band of Brothers”. Your team will consist of 6 participants and one military cadre member. Your team will be called upon to meet challenges throughout the weekend and function as a tight-knit group especially during the Saturday night scenarios referred to as Operation Iron File! Your military cadre will provide oversight and guidance as necessary. You will be assigned to one of the following teams:

Team Cobra

Team Python

Team Anaconda

Team Mamba

PHYSICAL CHALLENGE DURING THIS EVENT YOU WILL BE SUBJECTED TO SIGNIFICANT PHYSICAL CHALLENGES NOT TO BE UNDERESTIMATED! If you take a look at the video from last year you will get an idea of what to expect. But expect the unexpected! If you are worried about breaking a sweat or breaking a nail you should stay home! But understand that all challenges are your choice to engage in… no coercion. Some of the things you should anticipate include the following:

team based physically challenging events

close quarters combat training and scenarios

designated marksman training and scenarios

force on force and live fire training scenarios

competition style shooting course

SURVIVAL SKILLS: You will receive basic instruction in the following survival skills.

First Aid

Land Navigation

Edible Plants/Animals

Fire Building/Cooking

Signaling OPERATION IRON FILE: Operation Iron File is a series of tactical scenarios designed to challenge your “Band of Brothers” physically, mentally, and emotionally. All scenarios will take place on Saturday night. Each team will have separate yet integrated assignments. Each team will be provided with all the materials and equipment necessary to accomplish their challenge. Some of the equipment and materials may include airsoft rifles, camouflage face paint, MREs, etc. Some teams may have access to the Polaris RZR and Ranger ATVs during the scenarios but expect to be on foot! FIRING RANGE: After Sunday morning breakfast you will have the option of firing weapons under the supervision of military RSO (Range Safety Officers). Feel free to bring your own firearms as listed in what to bring. You will be provided with an opportunity to fire automatic and large caliber weapons.

Stern Mountain Survival – Special Forces Edition Schedule A word about the schedule…

Rule #1 Schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the leaders. Rule #2 Punctuality is critical to the flow of the weekend. Please be on time! Rule #3 Wrist watches are OK to use for keeping track of time but no cell phones.

Friday 2:00 pm Check-in and camp set-up.

Each individual must have submitted the following: o Release Form (at end of this packet) o Medical Form (at end of the packet) o Donation of $50 to Blueprint for Men made online

Cell phones are checked in but are available to you in emergency.

A military supervisor is assigned to each team and provides directions

Each team is assigned to a campsite and quickly sets up camp

Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and maybe wet! 3:00 Introductions and Orientation 3:30 Survival and Tactical Skills Training 5:00 Team Challenge – a friendly yet intense competition that will push your team! 6:30 Haystack Supper 7:30 Evening Meeting – Jorge Torres 9:00 Evening Activities/MLEs 10:00 Hit the sack!

Saturday 7:30 am Breakfast 8:30 Morning Meeting – Jorge Torres 9:15 TAG (Time Alone with God) 10:00 Morning Activities/MLEs 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 Afternoon Activities/MLEs

Long Range

Close Quarters

Hand to Hand 5:30 Supper 6:30 Evening Meeting – Jorge Torres 8:00 Operation Iron File Begins 11:30 Operation Iron File Ends with Debrief 12:00 am Hit the Sack!

Sunday 8:00 am BreakFEAST 9:00 Morning Meeting – Jorge Torres 10:00 Circle of Men 10:30 Clean-up/Tear Down 11:30 Firing Range (OK to invite wife/significant others) 2:00 pm End of Stern Mountain Survival

What to Bring CLOTHING

3 shirts

2 pants

2 athletic shorts

Belt

Rain jacket

Sweater/fleece

Hiking shoes

Hat

Dirty Clothes Bag

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Backpack (40-70L)

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad or Hammock

Pillow

Headlamp

Water source (Nalgene, Camelbak, etc.)

FIRING RANGE

Clear and Tinted Eye protection (sunglasses ok)

Ear protection (muffs or foamies)

Thin work/motocross/shooting gloves

PERSONAL ITEMS

Sunscreen

Bug repellent

Wet wipes

Toiletries

Toilet Paper

Towel

Small Bible

Pen/pencil

Camp chair OPTIONAL

223, 5.56, and 9mm ammunition

Personal firearms (5.56 and 9mm platforms preferred)

Firearm slings

Firearm holsters (hip/drop leg)

Load bearing equipment (chest rigs, pistol belts, plate carriers)

First aid kit

Fire starting material

550 Paracord

Tubular nylon webbing (approx. 20ft)

Snacks

Good attitude PROVIDED

AR-15 magazine pouch

Training weapons systems

Simulation weapon systems

Ammunition for shooting drills

"Team building training aids"

Mandatory fun

Suffering

Hardship

Challenge

Grit

Nerve

Mettle

FAQ… Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register and pay for the event?

Step One Complete and email a PDF copy of registration paperwork (release and medical).

Registration deadline October 5, 2016

Step Two Make an online donation at www.blueprintformen.org. $50 minimum donation.

Step Three Your team leader should complete and email a PDF copy of the group form

What is included in the price?

All Meals

Programming

Group Equipment

Range ammo

Where does the event take place?

At the Stern Farm - 578 Mountain Rd, Cleveland, TN

What is the property like?

600+ acre (1 square mile) terrain is moderately hilly to very steep. Exposed ridgetop below.

Mostly forested, with fields around the house and barn (map below)

What are the accommodations?

Participant groups are encouraged to stay in the barn. Hammocks are a good option inside or outside.

Can we commute for the retreat since it’s so close?

No. Due to the immersive nature of this event you must stay on site for the duration of this event.

What about meals?

All meals are included from Friday supper till Sunday breakfast. Please inform of food allergies.

What are the plans for security and emergencies?

The property is gated so no one enters without permission. First responders on site.

Cell phone signal?

Cell phone signal is spotty at best!

Stern Farm

Event Leadership

Marty Miller Event Director

Marty is a lifelong disciple of Christ, the loving husband of his first wife, the father of two adult children, and the proud grandfather of his first grandchild! Marty’s career path has been primarily in the field of education having served in both public and private sectors from California to Tennessee. He has held positions that include elementary school principal, multi-grade teacher, middle school science teacher, high school science teacher, nature center director, outdoor school director, educational consultant, university education professor, student teacher supervisor, and outdoor leadership program director. He is a well-recognized outdoor professional with skills and certifications

that include WMI/NOLS Wilderness First Responder, ACA Swift Water Rescue, and AIARE Avalanche Safety. Marty is gifted at discovering and sharing spiritual lessons from nature, God’s second book, as modeled by Jesus Christ, the master educator. Now, after nearly 30 years in education, Marty has transitioned into full-time ministry by creating Blueprint for Men, a non-profit men’s ministry devoted to helping men discover and live out their God-given design in a secular world. Through outdoor retreats, small group support, leadership training, and curriculum development, Marty is helping men to step up and become the men God intended them to be, better husbands, better fathers, and better disciples of Christ!

Major Jorge L. Torres Event Chaplain

Jorge was born in San German, Puerto Rico, on January 27, 1973. He holds a

B.S. in Theology from Southern Adventist University, and a M. Div. from

Andrews University. He has pastored churches in Georgia, Tennessee,

Florida, and served as a missionary in Mexico and Taiwan.

Jorge Torres was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in the United States

Army Reserve on May 08, 2001. He was subsequently accessioned to Chaplain

on September 17, 2004.

He is a decorated veteran who has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom III and V-VI. He has ministered in several capacities in the Chaplain Corps while stationed at Fort Bragg, NC., Ansbach, Germany, Fort Benning, GA., and Fort Jackson, SC. He is a recent graduate from the Commanding General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), Fort Benning, GA. and is currently assigned to United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC as the Planning and Operations Chaplain.

Jorge Torres married 19 years ago to the former Evelyn Muriente and they have been blessed with four

wonderful children: Gabriel 17, Alexis 15, Emanuel 12, and Joshua 10.

Sampling of Your Cadre/Military Instructors

Eugene Smith* started his military career in 2011 in the TN National Guard graduating from Basic

Combat and Infantry training as the Soldier of the Cycle. He then participated in Airborne school and

was selected as a candidate for the elite U.S. Army Special Forces Regiment. After graduating the course

as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, he continues to serve actively in the Special Operations

community, training and advising foreign counterparts in undisclosed locations around the

globe. Eugene is a graduate of the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Military Mobile

Force Protection Course, Military Free Fall School, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Level

C High Risk, and has instructed the Special Forces Basic Combat Course.

Jacques Millar* enlisted as an Airborne Infantryman. He went to Fort Benning GA for basic training. After basic he earned the coveted airborne wings after completing 5 successful jumps from a C-130. From Benning he went to Fort Bragg, NC and joined SWC (Special Warfare Center) where he had the privilege of being trained by some of the finest in the Special Forces community. After 6 months he left SWC and went to Ft Polk Louisiana where he played OPFOR (opposing force) for the next year and a half. He worked alongside the 82nd, 101st, 1st Cav, and many more. During his career he was a 50 cal. gunner, grenadier, rifleman, and M249 (saw) gunner. Brian Brown* attended Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB in Feb. 2009. Graduated May 2009 with academic excellence and expert marksmen on M4/M9. Attended AF Pararescue Indoctrination May-July 2009, washed out due to injury. Retrained into 4N0, Aerospace Medical Technician (MEDIC), school at Shepard AFB in July 2009. Graduated with academic excellence October 2009. First duty station- 87thMedical Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. Worked in Flight Medicine as Flight/PHA physical technician and Base/community EMS. Deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan as combat medic for 7th/45th Sustainment Brigades running convoys for RC-south in 2011-2012. Awarded Army Commendation Medal by Brigade Commander at completion of deployment. Deployed to Bagram Afghanistan as AirEvac technician, transporting 200+ ill or injury military/civilian personnel out of country in Jan 2015. Honorably discharged July 2015. *All names are aliases for security purposes.

BLUEPRINT FOR MEN, INC Release Form

Participant Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date of Activity: ____________________________ to_______________________________, 20 _______ Please read Release Form Carefully I am aware that during my participation in Blueprint for Men sponsored adventure activities, certain risks and dangers may occur. These include, but are not limited to: the hazards of being in a wilderness or natural area, on a physical fitness course (i.e. increased heart rate, sudden pulse rate increase, general heart risk [especially for those with past heart conditions], and death), the forces of nature, and other dangers inherent in being in or near a pool, lake, river and other recreational areas. In consideration of my voluntary election to engage in activities sponsored by Blueprint for Men, I do hereby assume all risks and to the fullest extent permitted by law do hereby agree to defend and hold harmless Blueprint for Men, their representatives, officers, employees, agents, successors, or beneficiaries from and against any and all personal injury, causes of action, losses, cost, liability, actions, debts, claims, damages, expenses, and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever, including attorney fees and court costs, which I now have or which may arise from or in connection with my presence or participation in any activities arranged for me except for gross negligence or willful acts of Blueprint for Men, its employees, agents or contractors. Further, I agree to indemnify Blueprint for Men for any causes of action, losses, cost, attorney fees, liability, actions, debts, claims, damages, expenses, and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever which I now have or which may arise from or in connection with my presence or participation in any activities arranged for me except for losses caused by gross negligence or willful acts of Blueprint for Men, its employees, agents or contractors. This agreement shall be binding upon me, my heirs, executors and administrators. I have been informed of the risks of participating in any and all activities and my participation in these activities is completely voluntary and I assume all risks associated therewith. By signing below I agree to allow Blueprint for Men to use any pictures or video footage of this program for its promotional purposes. SIGNED, this _______________day of_____________________________________, 20_____________ (Minors [anyone under the age of 18] must have their parent or guardian sign on their behalf.) NAME: ________________________________SIGNATURE: ____________________________________

(Please print full name) (If minor, signature of parent or guardian)

COMPLETE HEALTH STATEMENT FORM ON REVERSE SIDE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

BLUEPRINT FOR MEN HEALTH STATEMENT FORM The proposed activity provided by Blueprint for Men requires participation in physical exercises which are, by their nature, physically demanding. Many of the activities will challenge you, and cause surges in blood pressure and pulse rates. It is imperative that you are free of any heart related or other diseases. Therefore, all participants must be free of medical or physical conditions which might create undue risks to themselves or any others in the group who depend on them. Good physical condition will increase your enjoyment of the outdoor activities. If there is any doubt about your ability to safely participate in this experience, you should consult with a physician. (NOTE: If you have had any heart related problems you will need to have a release form from a physician in order to participate in the program.) Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________ Age: __________ Gender: __________________________ Emergency Contact Person: __________________________________________ Relationship: _________________ Home Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ HEALTH HISTORY (circle appropriate response) Current General Health Condition: Excellent Good Fair Poor Have you had or do you currently have any heart problems? Yes No Do you frequently suffer from pains in your chest? Yes No Do you often feel faint or have spells of dizziness? Yes No Has a doctor ever told you that you have high blood pressure? Yes No Do you have arthritis, joint or back problems that are aggravated by exercise? Yes No Have you had any operations or serious injuries? Yes No Do you have any physical disabilities or chronic recurring illness? Yes No Do you have Epilepsy? Yes No Do you have Diabetes? Yes No Are you allergic to any medication, insects or pollen? Yes No Are you currently sick and/or using medication? Yes No Do you have any prescribed meal plan or dietary restrictions? Yes No Are there any activities to be limited/discouraged by physician’s advice? Yes No Please describe any “yes” answers above: ___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you carry health insurance? ____ Yes ____ No Carrier: ___________________________________________ Policy ______________________________________ REPRESENTATION AND EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION This health history is correct so far as I know, and I believe that my health is satisfactory to participate in adventure activities. I hereby give permission to the medical personnel selected by Blueprint for Men to order injection and/or anesthesia and/or surgery for me. Such authorization for emergency treatment shall also include but is not limited to, charges incurred for the providing of aid and arranging evacuation if Blueprint for Men or its agents determine that such evacuation is necessary and desirable. I further agree to assume responsibility for the costs of any specialized means of evacuation and of any medical care and acknowledge any restrictions placed on my activities. Signature of Participant ___________________________________________ Date_________________________ Signature of Witness ___________________________________________

Stern Mountain Survival – Special Forces Edition

Name Phone

1. Team Leader ______________________________________________ 2. Team Member ______________________________________________ 3. Team Member ______________________________________________ 4. Team Member ______________________________________________ 5. Team Member ______________________________________________

6. Team Member ______________________________________________