I am SFC Michael G. “TrickyMisfit” Stahl, US Army (Ret.), a former Green Beret and veteran of two tours with special operations units in Vietnam. I have extensive experience with the two major missions of the Army’s Green Berets: force multiplication and intelligence collection. I have conducted educational discussions regarding my experiences, am involved with several MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) recon team reenactor groups, both in this country and overseas. I am also the military technical advisor for two war novelists.
I am currently looking for ‘group anchors’ for ad hoc hiking groups of any individuals who would like to spend some time hiking these beautiful mountains while, at the same time, having an opportunity to learn about America’s involvement in our most controversial war and the Top Secret special operations that were conducted. “War stories” will be told and questions answered.
HOW THIS WORKS: If you are interested in such an educational trek, contact me regarding the time and trail you (alone or with friends) would like to hike. Your hike can be designated private or public. “Private” for a small group of friends, or “public,” inviting others to join.
There are no other requirements. You do not need to play “dress up” nor be in exceptional physical shape. I will be mostly acting as an ‘advisor’ and story teller to the ‘mission.’
Open Interest Form PDF
Clicking on the above button should start the download of my interest form. Please fill it out and attach it to an email sent to me at trickymisfit@outlook.com. Should you have any problems with the .pdf form, simply get the information to me with an email.
Join or anchor a hike, today.
Or join an intellectual
Walk n Talk
I am organizing this group for folks who would like to combine ' nature walks' of varying degrees of difficulty with intellectual discussions' on various topics. My most rewarding mini-career was college professing. My academic credentials can be reviewed at on my old education page.
But, in brief, I have a B.S. in behavioral science (A holistic approach to an understanding of the human condition.) and a master’s degree in human communication. I have ‘taught’ public speaking, group dynamics, business communication, philosophy and English composition. I have lead seminars in communication skills and comparative religion. In my early 20's, I was a respected sport parachuting instructor. Some of my old letters of reference can be viewed on my PTSD page.
As a social animal, I am looking for others with whom to ‘brain storm.’ I seem to agree with myself a bit too readily. In a community as large and diverse as this, there must be a few people who would enjoy walks in the beautiful Colorado mountains (and foothills), which can be both inspiring and meditative in nature when done solo, interspersed with ‘intellectual’ discussion on the trail and during ‘discussion’ breaks. The exact nature of the hike (length, degree of difficulty, time and topic) will always be determined by the participants.
The ‘rules’ of the hike fall into two categories: The physical hike and the discussion. The first issue is easy and hiker safety will be paramount. Novice hikers will be mentored.
As to the discussion, a classroom/courtroom decorum will be expected. Although emotions sometimes run high, we will all attempt to discuss at the rational level. Problems should be approached using some form of logical thought. Not to be strictly followed the following ‘methods’ shall be our guide: the scientific method (a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.), and/or the Socratic method (a method of teaching or discussion, in which, by means of a series of questions and answers, the logical soundness of a definition is tested, the meaning of a concept examined, etc.), and/or the dialectic method (The process especially associated with Hegel of arriving at the truth by stating a thesis, developing a contradictory antithesis, and combining and resolving them into a coherent synthesis.) Even informal debate needs some structure to proceed with decorum. Critical thinking and creative problem solving shall be the greater guiding force.
As this is my first attempt to set up such a group, tweaking the guidelines will no doubt occur with member input. Once interest is confirmed for this activity, our first organizational meeting will be scheduled. This group is forming on Meetup.com.
One of the first topics I would suggest is an introduction to human communication, since there is no facet of our lives that is not touched by it. A better understanding of this complex process can help improve many areas of ones life. Read my Fundamental Principles and Best Practices of Human Communication here.
Disclaimer: Hiking can be a dangerous activity.
All hikers are responsible for their own safety.
$$COST$$?: Donations (based upon your evaluation) will be gratefully accepted (to finance this and other TrickyMisfit projects) but are NOT required. I go hiking, anyway, and enjoy the company. This is 100% optional!