I have been asked to acknowledge a situation that occurred yesterday:
While leading a tactical training session, a creature approached me for physical affection. The creature then rolled over onto its back, exposing its abdomen toward me. I am unsure why it did this.
I was immediately overwhelmed with an unfamiliar sensation deep within my chest. I am not weak or vulnerable. I am a grown man and the Leader of the Celina Special Forces Unit.
Despite this, I retrieved the animal as it settled into my arms and began producing a self-soothing noise. I have named him “Captain Mittens” for reasons I’m not comfortable explaining. I am taking the day off to process the situation.
DeWayne Alexander
CSFU Tactical Leader
Despite the surprise, I picked up the animal. It settled calmly into my arms and began emitting a soft, self-soothing sound. In a moment I can only describe as inexplicably sincere, I found myself accepting — and even welcoming — the pause from the day’s intensity. For reasons I am not yet ready to explain, I have named him Captain Mittens.
I will be taking a personal day to reflect on this unexpected encounter and to process why a brief meeting with a creature can have such an effect. Training operations will resume as scheduled; this is simply a short, human interlude that I felt was worth sharing.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the CSFU and our mission. I remain committed to leadership, readiness, and — apparently — occasional encounters with very persuasive animals.
— DeWayne Alexander
Tactical Leader, Celina Special Forces Unit