We’re always so grateful when we receive feedback from parents and Triumph graduates. This is an e-mail we recently received from a father of one of our Triumph boys who went on the Alaska expedition this summer.
Hello Sterling,
I received the 50 lbs. of fresh filets of Alaskan salmon as planned. Justin’s siblings, mom and I couldn’t be more excited about eating the delicious salmon that Justin helped catch. With the taste still fresh in my mind, I want to take a moment to thank you for a fabulous week exploring and fishing in Alaska with your team, the boys and your family.
I have to say, I was reluctant to take 10 contiguous days off from work; something I haven’t done in 2 years. Reconnecting with Justin, however, was certainly worth the effort. Almost every evening, Justin and I would just go for a long walk after an exciting day and talk as the Alaskan sun ever so slightly dimmed. These walks with Justin were some of the best times for me. I knew I would have a blast seeing Justin but I didn’t anticipate how much I would learn from your staff and family.
Traveling, hiking, fishing and living with Bob, Gary, Ricky, Dallin and Brenda with all the boys was a lesson in patience and professionalism. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the staff and their calm, professional demeanor as they navigated the boys through all those fishing trips in Steward, Homer, the Russian River and the Pacific. I especially enjoyed hearing each of their life stories, although some tragic, and how they came to Triumph. When I think of Ricky staying awake the first night to monitor the boys – just in case, or Dallin, Bob and Gary with their easy, confident air of authority as they rounded up the boys for a trip, I can see why Triumph has been so successful with boys like mine.
One fabulous memory that is planted in my mind permanently is you and Gary calmly tying on new fly’s to the boys fishing rods and untangling their lines (including mine) while 10 boys enthusiastically chase and catch salmon all around us. The other memory that I still can’t stop laughing about is seeing Ricky frantically run through the water with the net – like his life depended on it – to help each boy individually pull in his fish.
That last feast at your house with ribeye, salmon, and king crab, prepared by your staff and family was a very classy way to complete the journey. Char, and your daughter were wonderful hosts and all made us feel welcomed and comfortable. I felt like I was on an exciting family trip with my brothers, sisters and cousins.
In short, I had a blast and have learned to be more patient by just watching your staff and family in action. Catching salmon for the boys is sort of a metaphor for catching and embracing the 7 successful habits that Triumph subscribes. I can see why Triumph has been so successful in preparing these boys for life.
Thanks again and my warm regards to your staff and family
