Carlton 'plunges' into role as SAL national commander

SAL National Commander Christopher Carlton’s first thought when he ran into the water for his first polar plunge: “This isn’t bad.”

Then reality set in.

“My brain told me, ‘Hey, crazy, it’s cold!’ That’s when I decided to run back out from the water,” Carlton recalled.

Carlton’s chilly experience came Feb. 3 as part of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge during the commander’s visit to the Detachment of Maryland. The polar plunge is a fundraiser for Special Olympics that annually raises more than $3 million for the charity.

SAL PNC Joe Gladden noted on his Facebook page that the temperature was 33 degrees with the water temperature 43 degrees and wind speed of 20 knots.

Carlton said “it felt amazing” to participate in the polar plunge with Department Commander Ron Holcombe, Detachment Commander Larry Ford and Department Auxiliary President Carmin Brittain.

“Every detachment that I have visited has been a wonderful experience,” Carlton said. “I have felt included not just as a participant but more like part of their family — helping where I can, laughing with them and knowing I was a part of what they are doing.

“No matter where I am, I am always reminded that just because I might be a member of Squadron 495 in Indianapolis, I’m a member of the Detachment of Indiana, which is part of a national organization. No matter where you are at, no matter what post you walk into, you can walk in knowing everyone there believes and feels the same way about our nation’s veterans, their families, and the future of our great nation.”