Taking the plunge to remember Dale

Christina Vaughn, WDAY, Published Monday, February 23, 2009
Hitterdal, Minn. (WDAY TV)

One month ago today, the small town of Hitterdal was shaken when 53-year-old Dale McDougall was killed by a drunk driver, but the people in town are keeping his memory alive today at the third annual Polar Fest. A group of daring people took a plunge, a handful of them doing it in honor of Dale.

As Dale McDougall's friends throw their bodies into the icy waters of Lake Flora, his daughters say he would have something to say about it.

“Oh he'd think these people were crazy, haha, he would. He would say it was goofy, but yeah, he'd think it was cool.”

In a word, Dale's daughters say he was fun. The stuff small towns are made of, but he wasn't a plunger.

“Yeah, he'd have a ball, he'd be their biggest supporter. He wouldn't jump in, but he'd probably be first in line to watch it all.”

The women know their dad would have loved to be a part of the fun today and they're touched by the kind hearts in Hitterdal, honoring their dad like this.

“I think it means a lot that they would go to such extremes for him, and put his name on it.”

“I don't think anybody wakes up in the morning and thinks they're going to jump into a lake today, or wants to do that really, so, it's kinda crazy.”

There wasn't a stranger to dale in this crowd of people. In some way or another, he knew every person standing out here today.

“He loved living here and everything about it. He was just friends with everyone here, so, it's fun to see everyone out here doing something like that for my dad.”

As these plungers pull themselves out of the icy waters of Lake Flora, it's a sight and a gesture Dale's family will always remember.

A scholarship fund in Dave's name is also being set up at the Ulen-Hitterdal school.

DS Armstrong in his DS hat and badge.

TJ is preparing to graduate March 12, 2009 from Drill Sergeant school at Fort Jackson, SC. I will be flying down to watch him hit yet another milestone in his Army career. As I sit here writing, thoughts of when I was in basic training enter my mind. I remember having so much respect and admiration for my drill sergeants. There were so determined and dedicated. I could only imagine how difficult their life was due to their long exhausting days. Now, here I am today starting a life with a drill sergeant! I guess I will know exactly what they go through now. I know our schedule will be hectic and busy for the first few years, but I wouldn't take this opportunity away from TJ for anything. He was determined to do anything and everything he could to get this opportunity to wear the hat and train Soldiers. In Qatar one morning, after I had been there a couple weeks, our command team went on a run. It had been awhile since I ran in formation and I was not too excited as it is hard to stay in step. Anyway, TJ got out there and started calling cadence. I remember looking back thinking....who was that?! I was so motivated and had a great run. I felt like I could have ran forever that morning. I hadn't even met TJ at this point, but I knew that he had in him what most in the Army lack: drive and motivation. A couple days later I told him what a good job he did...but he doesn't remember that. TJ has been an inspiration to me in many ways. We need more people in our forces like him. He gets up every morning and is proud. Now, I am sure your thinking...well, how proud can he be? He gets up and he is humming or singing Army songs. Army, Army, Army....I love the Army. In December, he took leave and after two days he missed putting on the uniform. He has truly found his passion in life. I am so proud of you baby!

Leaping lizards...

21 weeks already. The time seems to be going by faster than I thought. Baby Armstrong now weighs about 3/4 of a pound and is about 10 1/2 inches long. Our peanut is certainly growing and so is mommy. The only noticeable difference for me from last week is that the little one is moving quite a bit. Particularly at night I feel like my baby is pracicing karate in my stomach. Leaping Lizards! (Anyone guess what movie that quote is from...Annie. One of my favorites as a child) I don't know if this much movement is an indicator of anything...but if it is, we will have our hands full with this child! I just rub my belly to try and sooth him or her. That's right. We still don't know the sex. TJ and I find out in three weeks...March 16. We can't wait!

What does Valentine's Day mean to you?

Valentine's Day to me means love. Love is one of the greatest things you can give someone. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says it best:

Love is patient,love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,it is not proud
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,it is not easily angered,it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil,but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.

This Valentine's day I felt the love of many of my friends and family...especially from two men in my life..my dad and TJ. I received a dozen long stem roses from my daddy and a build a bear from TJ. Though I was alone this Valentine's Day, I felt their love across the miles. I love you!

Modern meets antique nursery

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I was excited to find out that I got the day off...only after I ran errands for 3 hours waiting for the building to get unlocked. So, this afternoon I bummed and looked for nursery items. We will be converting our extra bedroom into a nursery/guest room. The room isn't too large, so everything will have to fit just right. So far, these are my favorites. No changing table has been picked out because my father kept my changing table from when I was a baby. Also, when I was home in December, I accidentally saw my snoopy bear I had growing up that my mom is repairing. These items and other antiques left by my great grandmother "granny" are very special to me. I am very greatful that everyone has saved these items for me and my family.=)

Combat boots and pregnancy don't mix!!

Army, Army, Army...I love the Army (The cadence that TJ loves to sing)

As you all know, I am in the Army Reserves. Part of that obligation is that I have to attend drill every weekend and two weeks out of the year. Well, needless to say, last months drill was the end of my regular Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) and the beginning of maternity wear. You will notice from the picture that I was unable to button the top button...proof that my belly is growing. At first, I dreaded trying on maternity ACUs because I felt that they were going to be so uncomfortable. However, much to my surprise, they are really comfortable. Right now, I am performing my two week duties and am loving the maternity wear. I know that I will wear them as long as I possibly can. One problem that I am finding is that my feet swell during the day and by the time I take off my boots they are throbbing! On Tuesday's and Thursdays when I have class, I am in them for 14-15 hours...ouch!! Take a look at the pictures. It is pretty sad when you can tell exactly where the laces based on your leg imprints.

My hump...my lovely baby bump!

Week 12

Not quite yet ready for maternity clothes...but my waist is getting quite bigger. My jeans are getting a little snug but I am still able to wear them for a little bit longer. I am experiencing a lot of nausea but not enough to the point of getting sick. Although, sometimes I think that if I got sick I would feel better. Urg!! The baby is about 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs about half an ounce. We had our first ultrasound at week 10 and saw our peanut for the first time. TJ put his ultrasound pic in his car where his little peanut can be with him wherever he goes. He has also been very good to mommy and treating me well. I better not get too used to this as he will be gone for two months at drill sergeant school. Prenatal vitamins were started after my 10 week appointment. It is important that I'm getting enough vitamins and minerals. Especially, iron as it is used to make hemoglobin which my body needs more of to keep up with the expanding blood volume. The only problem with this is the constipation it causes. After a couple weeks of testing every over the counter medicine, fiber substitute, and stool softener out there I finally figured out the right mixture for me. This was probably the worst experience of pregnancy that I had experienced thus far...

Week 15

Our peanut is about 4 inches long and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces, which is about the size of an apple. If I remember correctly, I gained about five pounds thus far. As you can see the bump is more noticeable than at week 12. I am finding it more difficult to find into many of my clothes. I am definitely wearing my "fat" jeans that I had stashed in my closet. Also, I found that I needed to purchase new bras. I always thought that I wanted to a bigger bust, however, now after wearing them for a little while I have decided that I am perfectly content with mine just the way they are =) The nausea has curbed and I don't seem to be having any other problems...so far. I was back home in North Dakota around this time. I ended up catching a flu bug that left me at home on the couch for one full day. I was extremely cold and was unable to eat anything. I also got a bloody nose. I blame all of this on ND and its cold, dry weather instead of having anything to do with being pregnant.

Week 16

Went to my 16 week appointment without TJ =( I went through the usual routine of weighing in and a check of my protein levels. Everything looks good so far. The nurse didn't believe that I even looked pregnant and I laughed. I feel like I am busting out of all of my clothes that I own! I heard the heart beat but we didn't count the beats/minute yet. The nurse also took blood for a test that used to identify chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome. I got a call a couple days later with a report that everything is normal...wheew! I haven't felt the baby move yet but look forward to that in the future. Our peanut is about 4 1/2 inches long and weighs about 3 1/2 ounces, which is about the size of an avocado.

Week 19

Here is a little skin for you...don't blush it is only my lovely baby bump. A growing bump, I might add. I have gained about 8 pounds. Also, I have found that I needed to buy an extender that I wear with even my fat jeans. If I would hurry up and get a bump I could then I wear maternity clothes. Sad that I am looking forward to that elastic around my waist that I will need to continue to hike up after so many steps. However, I know that it has got more comfortable than what I am squeezing my fat butt into now. Peanut weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and is about 6 inches long. I believe that I felt the baby for the first time. It felt like a tapping feeling instead of gas. I don't think it was gas, but it very well could have been. Many say it is hard to distinguish between the two. I believe that once I start feeling them more regularly that I will be able to recognize the difference.

Week 20

Not much changes between week 19 and week 20. Peanut is now about 10 1/2 ounces and is about 10 inches long. I am half way...yeah! They say that the normal weight gain is about 10 pounds and I am pretty close to that. They say at this point that it will be hard to find a comfortable spot when sleeping, getting out of bed will begin to get difficult, leg craps develop and more. However, I have yet to experience any of these. The only thing recently is that I go to the bathroom more often than normal. Thank you little baby Armstrong for being nice to your mama =)

Hey you private!

Currently, TJ is training at Fort Jackson, SC to become a drill sergeant. today he was issued his drill sergeant hat. He is currently about half way through his training. They were issued the hat only for the purpose of wearing it to form to their head. It is only after they complete the course that they are able to wear the hat in public.

Drll sergeant school is approximately 10 weeks long which consists of an intense peiod of activities much like recruits in basic training endure: drill and ceremony, basic rifle markesmanship, confidence courses, physical training (PT), and field training exercises. It is here they they are developed into disciplined, physically and mentally fit soliders who are held to the highest standards. The Army considers its drill sergeants to be some of its best soldiers. Drill sergeants prospects are chosen for their leadership skills, technical expertise, and the ability to handle the power that they will inherit. It is important for the Army to get the best soldiers for this job because they are shaping today's Army. We want to have the strongest and best Army to protect our country. Therefore, only the strongest drill sergeant recruits will make it through.

A drill sergeants normal tour of duty is two years. TJ will serve his tour at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and will be assigned to a basic training unit. For nine weeks during basic training the drill sergeant is expected to be a model soldier, parent, and psychologist. He or she will bear the burden of responsibility for breaking down recruits sense of selfishness and focus on sefllessness and obedience. The recruits will be introduced to a strict schedule, responsibilities and duties, and be held to high expectations. The breaks between each basic training cycle are very short. Therefore, I will be greatful for the time that he gets to be at home with me and our little peanut. I am so proud of him for getting this far and can't wait to see him walk across that stage at his graduation. I love you baby!

DRILL SERGEANT CREED

I am a Drill Sergeant
I will assist each individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit Soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today’s modern battlefield.
I will instill pride in all I train, Pride in self, in the Army, and in country
I will insist that each Soldier meets and maintains the Army’s standards of military bearing and courtesy, consistent with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
I will lead by example, never requiring a Soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself.
But First, Last, and always, I am an American Soldier, sworn to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
I am a Drill Sergeant.

http://www.jackson.army.mil/units/drill/index.html