S r. Master Martin would like to share the following news:
1. Alan /Carmen/Eddie Simone have moved to Idaho. Mrs. Simone had a job offer that she could not refuse. They are planning to start a school in the community that they are living in and will be in close contact with us. They plan on attending the Color belt testing in Sheridan on the 29th, so we should have a lot more updated information at that time. They also plan to be testing that day to 2nd Gup Red belt. The picture that was presented to them was a July summer camp picture where everyone was around the flag and tree, with the sun shining through the flag.
2. Black Belt Class of October 3 Master Dubbeld presented a hand painted oriental art picture to me. It was painted by a student and it represents 3 different pictures. Master Dubbeld had been working on getting this made for several months. He presented it to me this day.
3. Sereff Championships on Oct 16th: We had several students attending and several of our senior instructors helping to run the tournament. Thanks to all! Attending were Sr. Master Martin,Mr Johnson, Mr Sisco, Mr Giese, Ms Schulte, Mrs Kuhl, Mrs Connell, Mrs Willcox, Mrs Rosenof, Mrs McDill and Mr McDill. All helped in running the tournament. Competitors included Mr Friere and Sr Mr Friere, Mrs Robinson, Birch Robinson, Brody and Cole Gray, with Mrs Robinson getting the grand champion trophy for the adult color belt.
T
his is a tribute to Zach Munoz, a Marine, and, by extension, to all of his fellow servicemen, male or female, that are currently serving our country at home and
abroad. Many of you know his father, Tom Munoz. It has been my personal pleasure to know him for many years. As his son decided to join the Marines, then was deployed, we watched the toll it took on Tom and his family. The same is true for any mother, father, son, daughter, friend, what have you, that knows a young man or woman currently serving in the military. The following was written by Tom after he was able to greet Zach at 29 Palms on his return home from deployment...
Zach's Return from Deployment
"Zach is done with his 8 month deployment in Afghanistan. He made it back last Wednesday (6/1/11) afternoon to his home base in 29 Palms California.
"Thank you for all of your support and prayers. Zach is a true believer that it was everyone’s prayers that got him home safely, along with his training and his goal not to receive a Purple Heart (his sense of humor). He arrived mid afternoon last Wednesday. His original arrival was scheduled for Monday as part of the first Marines to come home. But, due to the flight crew of not having enough hours of rest, (explain that to group of Marines who just had 8 months of combat) and then mechanical issues with the plane, probably due to the Marines still laughing on the part the crews lack of rest, (again his sense of humor). So due to the change in his arrival, they were the last group of Marines to make it back to the states.
"Prior to his arrival from one of the 7 buses, among the 300+ Marines and with at least 1000 family members all ready to welcome their Marine home. I had the privilege to observe the children, wives, girlfriends, grandparents, parents, siblings and all others. It was a mind blowing experience, no words can truly explain… But, the children where the tear makers, such simple individuals…
"Ok, you're getting the picture, now remember I said at least 1000 family members waiting for their Marine…and now the first 100 Marines are walking forward to the greeting area…Yep, complete mob attack…not even the strongest man could hold back a child who has their daddy locked in (this is what its all about)… I thought each Marine looked alike, (each looking so big, with chiseled faces) how could I even find my son among the now full blown greeting…even the 300+ Marines were now looking and hoping to find someone who came to greet them… Well, the soon to be wife (Amanda) located Zach first, screamed and took off like a beam of light, saying on the way of a run I see Zach… I just told Carol to follow Amanda and don’t lose her…Such an awesome experience…and much sadness and tears for not everyone’s son made it back…we are blessed this time and very grateful.
"So many stories Zach had told me in the following nights, (some funny and others not)…I asked Zach a couple of questions that I will share…
1). What he hated the most while there? Lots of dislikes, but hated been shot at.
2). Were there good days if any? Yes lot’s …seeing/hearing the bullet that just missed you by 3 feet or even as close as a quarter of an inch…and knowing the direction it came from. Also finding IED’s before it found you or a Brother Marine, this is when you knew it was going to be a good day. Helping a Fagan child or family…Care packages and letters from the mail are all good too…
3). Best part of his ending of deployment? Leaving Hell…and eating a hot baked potato and ice cream… Hot showers and a real mattress to sleep on..
"God Bless our Troops…
"Thanks again for all of your support and prayers. Please continue to support and pray for our military and families…Tom Munoz"
Tom couldn't have said it any better...God Bless our Troops. Welcome Home, Zach!
Mrs. Linda Story 1st Dan
o n April 16th, Rock Springs TKD hosted the Spring Testing. Twenty nine Color Belts tested including seventeen from 10th gup to 8th gup. The youngest white belt was six, and the oldest was in their forties. What a great group!
Over all it was a good testing, every one was well prepared. Mr Spann, 1st gup from Rock Springs, called the testing and did an outstanding job. Especially considering it was his first time calling a test at a testing!
Top honors were awarded and the following students recieved:
- Best Pattern went to Krey Ramsey of Rock Springs
- Best Ho-Sin-Sul went to Riley Paris form Sr Master Mastins
- Best Break went to Chase Popp from Sr Master Martins.
Congratulations to all who promoted. We look forward to the testing in Casper on July 16th on Casper Mountain during Camp. This will be a Color and Black Belt testing. It promises to be a lot of fun. Mark your calendars to attend. See you all there!
o n December 25, 2010, the Casper Star Tribune published an article featuring Mrs. Amy Willcox from Sr. Master Martin's Taekwon-Do. At 29 years of age, Mrs. Willcox is a 4th Dan and one of the most talented female practitioners in the state of Wyoming. Below, please click on the link to read the article posted on line from the Tribune:
Congratulations to Mrs. Willcox for an outstanding performance.
o n Sept 18th, the Casper Rec Center had the honor of hosting the 11th Annual Wyoming Invitational USTF TKD Tournament. There were 86 competitors from four States , WY, CO, UT, and NM. There were a total of fifteen schools represented from the region. Competition was very good at all ranks, pee wee and junior green belts being the largest brackets of the day. The visiting Dignitaries were: Sr Master Neidig, Sr Master Martin, Master Steadman, Master Griffin, and Master Bosse, all of whom were gracious enough to step into the ring and help as Referee's. Mr Thompson, from Sheridan, and Mr Giese, from Casper were the Tournament Director and the Chief Referee respectively. They did a great job keeping things flowing.
The Grand Champion Winners were:
- Junior Color Belt: Riley Paris- Sr Master Martin
- Adult Color Belt: Cameron Smith- Casper Rec Center
- Black Belt: DeeDee Connell- Sheridan
Congratulations to all who competed, see you next year!
S heridan hosted the July testing this year on July 17th. There were 21
students testing from all around Wyoming. This is the largest summer testing
in a very long time. Sr. Master Martin, and Mr Sisco both had 1 Student each
test in class bringing the total for the testing to 23. The testing started
off with a demo from Mr Johnson's M & M class. There were 10 students from the
ages of 4-8 years old. The idea of the program is to get these pee wees to 9th
gup and into regular class by the time it has finished.
The testing followed the demo. Nine new white belts tested for 8th gup.
Eleven total for the State, how exciting is that? These M & M's and 8th gups are
the future of TKD. And to have that many in a time that is a historically small testing
is exciting.
The Test Board consisted of 3rd degrees from
around the State. Mrs. Connell from Sheridan called the test and did a wonderful
job of making everyone feel comfortable. The Test Board, as usual had a tough job
picking Best Test winners:
- "Best Break" Winner was Carmine Simon
- "Best Ho-Sin Sul" Winner Was Kayla Stibley
- "Best Pattern" Winner was Birch Robinson.
Congratulations to all the honors candidates, as well as everyone who trained hard and passed to a new level. Remember, "It's all about the Journey." For everyone who attended,it was a great journey.
O n January 23rd the Casper Rec Center hosted the Color Belt Testing for Wyoming. The Rec Center itself was committed to other events, so arrangements were made to have the testing at the Casper Senior Center next to the Rec Center. The Senior Center has a 2200 square foot dance floor in the dining hall. Since there were 41 students testing, this gave us a lot of room for the Testing Board and students, as well as spectators. Two test boards were set up side by side. White and Yellow Belts on the left, high Yellow and above on the right. Mr Jordan McDill, from the Casper Rec Center, called lower belts while Mr. Robin Johnson, Head Instructor from Sheridan, called the upper belts. Breaks had to be hand held, but everyone adapted very well. The High Test Winners were:
- Best Pattern: Nandy Crabb, Sheridan TaekwonDo
- Best Ho Sin Sul: Dalton Stack, Sr. Master Martins
- Best Break: Lisa Popp, Sr. Master Martins
O n January 3, 2010, Sr. Master Martin held the first Black Belt Class of 2010. Master K. Steadman from Denver, CO was also in attendance. The first half of the class was dedicated to informing the students of the restructuring of the USTF. Sr. Master Martin has been promoted to Vice President of the USTF. Master Steadman was promoted to Region 2 Director. Mr. Gerald Sisco replaced Mr. Johnson as the Wyoming State Director. Sr. Master Martin thanked Mr. Johnson for over nine years of dedicated service as State Director. Training followed with Sr. Master Martin conducting class in his usual outstanding fashion. Schools from Wyoming attending class were Casper, Sheridan, Laramie and Rock Springs. Laramie's students included a Blue belt who attended class with permission from Sr. Master Martin due to the loss of their permanent instructor. WELCOME LARAMIE! Class was concluded with a group picture and fond farewells. See you all next time.
USTF Organizational Changes:
There have been a few changes named in the organizational structure of the USTF. Please congratulate the following individuals:
Mr. Gerald Sisco
Mr. Robin Johnson is stepping down as the Wyoming State Director. His nine years of tireless enthusiasm and direction have been an inspiration to us all. Additional updates regarding some future policy changes will be forthcoming.
6th Dan, USTF 6-153
- News from Sr. Master Stan Martin - 10/22/11
- 6/10/11 - Tribute to Zach Munoz
- 4/16/11: Color Belt Testing, Rock Springs, WY
- 12/25/10: Women in TKD - Mrs. Amy Willcox, Casper Star Tribune Article
- 9/18/10: 11th Wyoming Invitational USTF Tournament, Casper, WY
- 7/17/10: Color Belt Test, Casper, WY
- 1/23/10: Color Belt Test, Casper, WY
- 1/3/10: Organizational Changes