Okay, so as you can tell mom, I made a new purchase. I bought a sweet new Army trapper-keeper. It's Awesome! And, it included a new pad for me to write on which I am very excited about!
Besides all that, I have some great news! I am finally heading to Basic Combat Training starting 09:00 (9:00AM) Friday morning! When we all heard the news, no one could contain themselves. We are finally leaving this hell hole for some Sand Hill action! We knew we should be shipping this week, but it wasn't really ever official until today. Most everyone is leaving except for about 20 guys. The look on their faces, as they watched all of us set up our bags and get in line, is something I am so glad I did not have to do. They will be in Reception for at least another week. That sucks......What sucks even more, is what happened to this guy......
So the DS had already called out the platoon and the people's numbers within their platoon to line up and organise our bags and the order in which we would leave. So everyone is lined up and the DS starts going over every one's roster number again, just to double check. So everything is going great, he's even added a couple of people who didn't hear their number called earlier. Then he gets to my platoon and the #10.... When the DS gets to this number, he kicks the guy out of the line. His pretty exact words for crushing this guy, "#10 that sucks, but get the f**k out of my line." Damn...Now the guy who replaced # 10 is a good guy in my platoon, I wish sometimes the DSs would have a little more tact. But considering it was DS "Duck", I'm not surprised. The guy is an ass. I knew DS's aren't supposed to be my friend or anything, but this guy just seems to love being a dick, and extremely unhelpful. Oh well....at least it wasn't me.
That pretty much wraps it up for me right now. I'm excited as hell to finally get my training started. With that in mind, there is one thing I would like to ask from all of you, and that is, when you think of me and have about 5 minutes, recite Psalm 91 for me. It's known as the protection psalm and has a large following who recite it among soldiers It is as follows.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
For it is He who delivers you
from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge:
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra
The young lion and the serpent
you will trample down.
"Because he has Loved Me,
therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high,
Because he has known My name.
"He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
"With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him behold My salvation."
I should have my address Soon! Love you all.
SPC Martin
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Note from Matt's Mom 6/25/10
I know Matt has been writing a lot lately, I think it's good for him, but once he actually starts Boot Camp - he probably will not be writing as much. This is when he is going to need the letters from family and friends even more - to keep him positive and motivated. He sounds so positive now, but the goal is to break these boys down and build them into "ARMY STRONG" - I'm not sure what all that involves, but I know when Ben joined the Coast Guard - we did not get that many letters from him, maybe 1 a week. He was exhausted when he finally had some free time and sleep would win out over letter writing. I wish we had facebook; Blogs when Ben enlisted in the Coast Guard.
Anyway - here's Mom's SHOUT OUT - write to Matt.
I am hoping to have Matt's address next week - I will get it posted as soon as I get it.
Anyway - here's Mom's SHOUT OUT - write to Matt.
I am hoping to have Matt's address next week - I will get it posted as soon as I get it.
Tuesday, June 22nd -
Hello Everybody!!!
So we're getting close to finally getting out of reception and actually start training!!! I finally got my boots and it only took 4 times before I finally received the 3 pairs they hand out. We get 2 pairs for warm weather, and 1 cold weather pair. Today we also received our Dob Tags and wait for it ............
my glasses!!! If there was a way to describe these things it would be EPIC! I am now a cross between Erkle and Revenge of the Nerds. Seriously, these are the goofiest looking things. Hand me a pocket protector and I'll go teach middle school science, because these glasses qualify me for that position on principal alone.
I'm very excited to head down range and so is everyone else in the company. We're just bored now and want to get things started. The first 3 weeks are going to be hell, especially considering that the DS's will separate all the platoons we're in now and put us together with new people, So I won't be training with a lot of the people that I got to know over this past week. Not knowing who you're going to be with is frustrating because you just spent the last week learning people's strengths and weaknesses, who you can and cannot count on, and who are the one's most likely to get you into trouble. Now we'll have to do that again, and this time DS's will be on our ass for every mistake, running us into the ground. But for as crazy as it may sound, I can't wait for it because it will end the monotony of reception and I'll be that much closer towards graduation!
That's it for now, I don't think -----wait--- 1 more thing. DS's love to have fun with last names and our company is no different. We have some great last names. For example, Early, Yess, Stiffler, Sergent, Gno (pronounced "NO"). If I'm right, I think Stiffler's name is Ryan Stiffler in American Pie, and so is this kid. Anyway, I think you can imagine how the DS utilizes guys whoses last names are pronounced "Yes" and "No"
Until Next Time,
SPC Martin
So we're getting close to finally getting out of reception and actually start training!!! I finally got my boots and it only took 4 times before I finally received the 3 pairs they hand out. We get 2 pairs for warm weather, and 1 cold weather pair. Today we also received our Dob Tags and wait for it ............
my glasses!!! If there was a way to describe these things it would be EPIC! I am now a cross between Erkle and Revenge of the Nerds. Seriously, these are the goofiest looking things. Hand me a pocket protector and I'll go teach middle school science, because these glasses qualify me for that position on principal alone.
I'm very excited to head down range and so is everyone else in the company. We're just bored now and want to get things started. The first 3 weeks are going to be hell, especially considering that the DS's will separate all the platoons we're in now and put us together with new people, So I won't be training with a lot of the people that I got to know over this past week. Not knowing who you're going to be with is frustrating because you just spent the last week learning people's strengths and weaknesses, who you can and cannot count on, and who are the one's most likely to get you into trouble. Now we'll have to do that again, and this time DS's will be on our ass for every mistake, running us into the ground. But for as crazy as it may sound, I can't wait for it because it will end the monotony of reception and I'll be that much closer towards graduation!
That's it for now, I don't think -----wait--- 1 more thing. DS's love to have fun with last names and our company is no different. We have some great last names. For example, Early, Yess, Stiffler, Sergent, Gno (pronounced "NO"). If I'm right, I think Stiffler's name is Ryan Stiffler in American Pie, and so is this kid. Anyway, I think you can imagine how the DS utilizes guys whoses last names are pronounced "Yes" and "No"
Until Next Time,
SPC Martin
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Matt venting - AWOL's - Monday June 21st
Okay everyone, I guess I wanted to write this letter to bitch/vent/discuss. So here I go. I can't stand people who go AWOL. Seriously, they are the biggest jackasses, not to mention the fact that they represent just how stupid people can be. Honestly, I can't believe people panic that much to actually try and run, in an Army base, surrounded by woods. Where the heat index hits 100 almost everyday, without food or water. No mode of transportation except their legs. They have limited sources for cash and their name is automatically entered into the FBI & US Marshall national database. When caught, you go to Federal Prison for 5 years, will never get a job due to your dishonorable discharge. In times of war, it could be punishable by death. All this trouble because you can't handle 3 months!!! Unbelievable!!!
So you may be wondering where this rant is coming from? Well, I'll tell you. Sunday night I'm asleep. I have Fire Watch for the Third night in a row, this time at 2 AM. So I went to sleep right? Well, it just wasn't meant to be. Because at 00:30 (12:30 AM) "Pvt. W" comes screaming hell and high water that the DS wants all of us up now and lined up in formation in 5 minutes. Well ......Shit!!!! Turns out our DS just chased some guy who he saw outside. Obviously the guy got away, but needless to say we spent the next 20 minutes trying to figure out if the guy was from Reception or if he was downrange at Basic. Turns out the guy was in Basic.
Here's where I have a problem, and I hope someday this shit head reads this and realizes that I'm talking about him. Hopefully he's still in prison, asshole. So back to my problem with all of this. Even at night it is still hot outside and sweating occurs from just standing outside. I had just showered and I'm sure probably about 7 - 800 soldiers besides me did as well. The DS's would have made everyone fall in formation and do accountability check to find out who went AWOL. Sleep is a hard commodity to come by and both sides have been working their asses off for what they signed up to do. So this 1 person has just turned the base upside down as they try to figure out who it is and he ends up pissing off about 800 soldiers.
For those who go AWOL all you need to know is that you are an inconsiderate piece of shit. You're selfish and self-centered which is why you couldn't handle it in the first place. You obviously didn't think very hard about your "commitment" to the Army. You could have puss ed out anytime before you left for Ft. Benning, but instead you made the worst possible decision you could have made, and have most certainly ruined your life. I'll get over the inconvenience you made me go through, knowing that soon you will be rotting in a prison cell. I'll assume foresight is not your best quality. Enjoy you 8X10.
On another note.... There is a pretty cool guy I get along with since he's not a dumb ass. Hughes sent his mom the blog address to read. And if she is reading this, well, consider this your SHOUT OUT from your son! I hope (me personally) that it helps you stay in touch with John a little bit more. So enjoy.
To everyone else, I Love you.
Make sure you have those letters ready when I finally get you my address.
PS. Updated Random List Totals.
2 - AWOL
4 - Longest consecutive streak of Fire Watch duty
SPC Martin
So you may be wondering where this rant is coming from? Well, I'll tell you. Sunday night I'm asleep. I have Fire Watch for the Third night in a row, this time at 2 AM. So I went to sleep right? Well, it just wasn't meant to be. Because at 00:30 (12:30 AM) "Pvt. W" comes screaming hell and high water that the DS wants all of us up now and lined up in formation in 5 minutes. Well ......Shit!!!! Turns out our DS just chased some guy who he saw outside. Obviously the guy got away, but needless to say we spent the next 20 minutes trying to figure out if the guy was from Reception or if he was downrange at Basic. Turns out the guy was in Basic.
Here's where I have a problem, and I hope someday this shit head reads this and realizes that I'm talking about him. Hopefully he's still in prison, asshole. So back to my problem with all of this. Even at night it is still hot outside and sweating occurs from just standing outside. I had just showered and I'm sure probably about 7 - 800 soldiers besides me did as well. The DS's would have made everyone fall in formation and do accountability check to find out who went AWOL. Sleep is a hard commodity to come by and both sides have been working their asses off for what they signed up to do. So this 1 person has just turned the base upside down as they try to figure out who it is and he ends up pissing off about 800 soldiers.
For those who go AWOL all you need to know is that you are an inconsiderate piece of shit. You're selfish and self-centered which is why you couldn't handle it in the first place. You obviously didn't think very hard about your "commitment" to the Army. You could have puss ed out anytime before you left for Ft. Benning, but instead you made the worst possible decision you could have made, and have most certainly ruined your life. I'll get over the inconvenience you made me go through, knowing that soon you will be rotting in a prison cell. I'll assume foresight is not your best quality. Enjoy you 8X10.
On another note.... There is a pretty cool guy I get along with since he's not a dumb ass. Hughes sent his mom the blog address to read. And if she is reading this, well, consider this your SHOUT OUT from your son! I hope (me personally) that it helps you stay in touch with John a little bit more. So enjoy.
To everyone else, I Love you.
Make sure you have those letters ready when I finally get you my address.
PS. Updated Random List Totals.
2 - AWOL
4 - Longest consecutive streak of Fire Watch duty
SPC Martin
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
RANDOM PIECES OF INORMATION -Sunday, June 20th
I thought I'd try a random information thing for the blog. This may just be a list of stupid/funny/interesting things for you all to enjoy. So far ........
5 - Number of people who have passed out from the heat (This is all without working out/running .......just walking)
7 - People who have thrown up after breakfast
120 - Discharges of soldiers who either can't/don't make it so far
1 - AWOL - Supposedly this kid took off for the woods in the middle of the night and got lost. Was found, but haven't heard anything. DS made sure to point out what road to take if we really wanted to bail.
2 - Number of true assholes I have met so far
3 - Times I went to get boots.
0 - Pairs of boots I have .....maybe the 4th time ??????
5 - Number of people who have passed out from the heat (This is all without working out/running .......just walking)
7 - People who have thrown up after breakfast
120 - Discharges of soldiers who either can't/don't make it so far
1 - AWOL - Supposedly this kid took off for the woods in the middle of the night and got lost. Was found, but haven't heard anything. DS made sure to point out what road to take if we really wanted to bail.
2 - Number of true assholes I have met so far
3 - Times I went to get boots.
0 - Pairs of boots I have .....maybe the 4th time ??????
WORST/BEST OF RECEPTION SATURDAY 6/19
Alright so reception has been very slow considering it is the weekend. We got an extra hour of sleep so we woke up at 0515 (5:15 AM) !! Very Exciting! Fire Watch was a complete failure last night. I had the 0300 to 0400 shift, but was woken up 3 times before my shift because one person put down a fake name to avoid duty (more to come) and twice people couldn't find those to wake up for the next shift. Needless to say I was confused when the light came on and I looked at my watch that read "00:04". Overall the day was kinda annoying. Our Drill Sgt. assigned my platoon to clean out another platoons barracks until we were told that we were relieved. Well I guess Drill Sgt. forgot about us because 3 hours later we were sweeping the floor, cleaning the bathroom, etc. for the third time. Half the platoon quit cleaning and were just screwing around, while I led the other half to keep cleaning. Eventually I found out the Drill Sgt. had left. I found this out when I asked for more to clean. I reach out for more the DS isn't even there..... I would think normally they would drool for the opportunity.
Anyway, we then hit the rain as we headed to chow (dinner). This is where the night started to improve. So we line up in formation as a way to organize almost 500 people who are in reception right now to get chow and eat as quickly as possible. So while it's raining and we're in formation Sgt. "G" asks for someone who can sing. So we get this guy up there and the Sgt. whispers the song to sing into his ear. Turns out to be the the Nation Anthem. So to visualize this, imagine ^ 200 soldiers, some in ponchos, some covered by the roof of the walkway leading to chow, singing the National Anthem at the top of their lungs in the pouring rain while waiting to eat. Needless to say this has been by far my most memorable and favorite part of being here so far. You already have friendships forming and you can see how other people are looking out for those in their platoon.
But for as great as that was, we still have a lot of 18-19 year olds' who just don't know when to shut up. Dinner chow always ends our day. We file into a final accountability check. Well the Drill Sgts. have no problem waiting until we're completely quiet. Well, 30 minutes later .....an people still won't shut the F**K UP!!!! It's so simple to do! Just shut up, stand in formation, and have some patience! It also fails to show that when people are yelling for everyone to "Shut the f**k up" then for everyone who yells that, two more people then yell the same thing and then four people yell it and it snowballs until half the room is yelling " Shut the F**K up to get people, to put it plainly, to shut the F**k up. They all fail to realize just how counter productive their yelling is. (Sorry for the language, but it's a word use frequently here) NOTE FROM MOM - I edited this a bit just couldn't type the word all the way out -
Well once that was over with (we finally got quiet) we called out our platoon. Basically the Drill Sgt. calls out your platoon number (ours is Charlie Oscar 662) we all come to attention and yell "HERE DRILL SGT. !!!!" and then count off our roster number until the last man who then says "Charlie Oscar 662 all present and accounted for Drill Sgt.!! HOOAH!!! Well, one group I guess is still struggling to do this: DISCLAIMER: These are words my DS used, not my opinion, just forwarding the information. If you are offended by the word retard, STOP READING.
So the DS goes into reaming the platoon by calling them retarded "Band of Brothers!!? More like Band of Retards. How F**king difficult is this? F***** retard Deja Vu. Lets try this again. Ready......???? 1...2...3... " (They Fail
AGAIN) I'll let you guess at the rest of what he said. Once that DS was done, then we had the other DS take over. And that was entertaining to say the least. He called out two people who were complaining about Fire Watch and made them explain why in front of 250 soldiers of whom everyone of them as done fire watch. The the DS pointed out that their refusal/fake name were just a giant "F**k You DS" which he returned by calling them "pussies" and definitely came back with his own version of "F**K You" which had it been the "Old Army" would have involved getting "physical".
So an annoying day turned into a pretty fun and entertaining night. I just finished my fire watch detail (23:00) and am heading to bed.
PS - I'm starting to enjoy my shaved head, and also took my picture which should all be ready at graduation.
Love You All,
Matt.
Anyway, we then hit the rain as we headed to chow (dinner). This is where the night started to improve. So we line up in formation as a way to organize almost 500 people who are in reception right now to get chow and eat as quickly as possible. So while it's raining and we're in formation Sgt. "G" asks for someone who can sing. So we get this guy up there and the Sgt. whispers the song to sing into his ear. Turns out to be the the Nation Anthem. So to visualize this, imagine ^ 200 soldiers, some in ponchos, some covered by the roof of the walkway leading to chow, singing the National Anthem at the top of their lungs in the pouring rain while waiting to eat. Needless to say this has been by far my most memorable and favorite part of being here so far. You already have friendships forming and you can see how other people are looking out for those in their platoon.
But for as great as that was, we still have a lot of 18-19 year olds' who just don't know when to shut up. Dinner chow always ends our day. We file into a final accountability check. Well the Drill Sgts. have no problem waiting until we're completely quiet. Well, 30 minutes later .....an people still won't shut the F**K UP!!!! It's so simple to do! Just shut up, stand in formation, and have some patience! It also fails to show that when people are yelling for everyone to "Shut the f**k up" then for everyone who yells that, two more people then yell the same thing and then four people yell it and it snowballs until half the room is yelling " Shut the F**K up to get people, to put it plainly, to shut the F**k up. They all fail to realize just how counter productive their yelling is. (Sorry for the language, but it's a word use frequently here) NOTE FROM MOM - I edited this a bit just couldn't type the word all the way out -
Well once that was over with (we finally got quiet) we called out our platoon. Basically the Drill Sgt. calls out your platoon number (ours is Charlie Oscar 662) we all come to attention and yell "HERE DRILL SGT. !!!!" and then count off our roster number until the last man who then says "Charlie Oscar 662 all present and accounted for Drill Sgt.!! HOOAH!!! Well, one group I guess is still struggling to do this: DISCLAIMER: These are words my DS used, not my opinion, just forwarding the information. If you are offended by the word retard, STOP READING.
So the DS goes into reaming the platoon by calling them retarded "Band of Brothers!!? More like Band of Retards. How F**king difficult is this? F***** retard Deja Vu. Lets try this again. Ready......???? 1...2...3... " (They Fail
AGAIN) I'll let you guess at the rest of what he said. Once that DS was done, then we had the other DS take over. And that was entertaining to say the least. He called out two people who were complaining about Fire Watch and made them explain why in front of 250 soldiers of whom everyone of them as done fire watch. The the DS pointed out that their refusal/fake name were just a giant "F**k You DS" which he returned by calling them "pussies" and definitely came back with his own version of "F**K You" which had it been the "Old Army" would have involved getting "physical".
So an annoying day turned into a pretty fun and entertaining night. I just finished my fire watch detail (23:00) and am heading to bed.
PS - I'm starting to enjoy my shaved head, and also took my picture which should all be ready at graduation.
Love You All,
Matt.
SATURDAY 6/19
Well I'm pretty sure I didn't answer some questions some of you may be thinking. So I'll do my best to read your mind and answer these questions.
So, I'm not the oldest person here. The oldest I have found so far is 27. I've met at least 3 - 18 year olds who are either married or engaged. In some cases to girls who are 16...... a little weird in my book. For the most part, I think my group of guys work well together. Everyone seems to get along with one another. Yes, there are a couple of people who were beaten with the stupid stick, and will get us run into the ground. Hopefully they don't stick with us past this next week, but we'll see.
The first few days have been somewhat of a culture shock. It's not easy right off the bat to have all your freedoms stripped. The mind games have seemed to Begin. There is one Sgt. who we will refer to as " Sgt. Z" who makes every single action you make feel wrong. You can never move "Frackin" Fast enough. He loves using the word "Frackin" For the most part though, the rest of the Sgts. relax a little around us and will joke with us.
When I get my address, I'll let you guys know. Then please send letters/pictures whenever you can!!!!
Love you All,
Spc. Martin
So, I'm not the oldest person here. The oldest I have found so far is 27. I've met at least 3 - 18 year olds who are either married or engaged. In some cases to girls who are 16...... a little weird in my book. For the most part, I think my group of guys work well together. Everyone seems to get along with one another. Yes, there are a couple of people who were beaten with the stupid stick, and will get us run into the ground. Hopefully they don't stick with us past this next week, but we'll see.
The first few days have been somewhat of a culture shock. It's not easy right off the bat to have all your freedoms stripped. The mind games have seemed to Begin. There is one Sgt. who we will refer to as " Sgt. Z" who makes every single action you make feel wrong. You can never move "Frackin" Fast enough. He loves using the word "Frackin" For the most part though, the rest of the Sgts. relax a little around us and will joke with us.
When I get my address, I'll let you guys know. Then please send letters/pictures whenever you can!!!!
Love you All,
Spc. Martin
RECEPTION BATALLION
Friday, June 18th
Hello everybody! This is my first letter home and I guess I'll just go into details about what's been going on down here in Georgia. As some of you know, my flight from St. Louis to Atlanta was delayed in Memphis due to weather. We left St. Louis at 3:30 PM and left the Atlanta airport at 10:30 PM to head down to Fort Benning. We got to Ft. Benning at around 12:30 AM and then started filling out some more paperwork, turning in our phones, etc. By the time we got to our Barracks and were ready for bed it was around 3:30 AM. At 4:10 AM we were woken up and had to get read for the day. Basically, Reception Battalion comes down to listening, patience, and knowing that it will be over eventually. Until it's over, you deal with the shit, and on a fairly regular basis, getting yelled at. You hope to keep moving so you don't fall asleep while you wait to get fitted for uniforms, shoes, or medical screenings of some sort.
Here's kinda a typical day.
4:10 AM wake-up. 4:45 AM fall into formation and sound off. 5:15 - 5:30 AM march to chow (breakfast), 6:30 AM fall into formation again, fill our camel packs with water and follow the Sgt. to wherever we need to be. Around 12:00 PM we head to Chow (lunch). Around 1 to 1:30 PM fall into formation again, and follow the Sgt. to our next destination. Around 5:00 PM we head to Chow(dinner) and around 6:30 - 7:00 PM head back to our bunks for the final formation and checks. Depending on how well the different Companies come together, and if we all can keep our mouths shut ....... the Drill Sgt. will release us for the night. Which then leads to the fiasco of Fire Watch.
Our first night, no one told us anything about Fire Watch. Knowing that other barracks have been doing it I head down (with a buddy) to get a debriefing (So the Drill Sgts. have assigned those waiting or finished with BCT to positions of Authority). Well, it's supposed to be lights out at 2100 (9PM). Some people are still up, some are dead asleep. We got back at 8:45 this night.... So these guys come up and wake everyone up except for this one guy. Everyone is yelling at him and nothing. So they start to flip his bed, and he finally wakes up with the most confused look on his face. It's almost like he has no idea where he is. So everyone is telling him to get off his bed and he doesn't. He just sits there refusing to move, or speak. So everyone starts yelling even more now. Finally it seems to sink in with the kid and he finally gets out of bed, this was seriously like a 5 minute debacia. We finally get our fire watch debrief, Basically we just stand guard for 1 hour during the night. There are shifts to cover from the time we go to sleep, which seems to be the most precious commodity right now.
OK, so that's pretty much all that's been going on lately. This has really been my first personal time to do anything. Since I'm a Specialist ( 1 of maybe 3 in 700 soldiers) a lot of people come to me looking for answers that sometimes I have and other times I have no clue. Either way, there's always people asking for an answer instead of finding one! Time to Go ........Sgt. just walked in, be back later tonight.....hopefully.
_______________________________________________________
Okay, so we just had to pack up all our gear and bring it down to the classroom we use. Mind you, I had just organized everything the way I wanted. So I load up all my stuff an we are supposed to be assigned a new barracks. Well would it surprise you as to what came next ????? Oh that's right, we moved back into the EXACT same barracks, back to the exact same bed. Foxtrot Mike Lima (Army Code)
In more general news, about 120 people so far have either Quit/"injured" and are leaving the Army. I saw a guy crying to a Drill Sgt. today that he wanted to leave. The thing about Reception is that you have to just deal with Shit! Yes it can be boring, standing in formation for probably close to 3/4 hours a day. It sucks....but as I said earlier "Embrace the Suck". Better days are ahead. Speaking of better days, I should actually be starting BCT on June 25th because reception sucks and takes a lot of time to process. Either way, Plan Accordingly.
LOVE YOU ALL,
Matt
PS: I won't have an address for at least another week. I'll keep you posted.
Hello everybody! This is my first letter home and I guess I'll just go into details about what's been going on down here in Georgia. As some of you know, my flight from St. Louis to Atlanta was delayed in Memphis due to weather. We left St. Louis at 3:30 PM and left the Atlanta airport at 10:30 PM to head down to Fort Benning. We got to Ft. Benning at around 12:30 AM and then started filling out some more paperwork, turning in our phones, etc. By the time we got to our Barracks and were ready for bed it was around 3:30 AM. At 4:10 AM we were woken up and had to get read for the day. Basically, Reception Battalion comes down to listening, patience, and knowing that it will be over eventually. Until it's over, you deal with the shit, and on a fairly regular basis, getting yelled at. You hope to keep moving so you don't fall asleep while you wait to get fitted for uniforms, shoes, or medical screenings of some sort.
Here's kinda a typical day.
4:10 AM wake-up. 4:45 AM fall into formation and sound off. 5:15 - 5:30 AM march to chow (breakfast), 6:30 AM fall into formation again, fill our camel packs with water and follow the Sgt. to wherever we need to be. Around 12:00 PM we head to Chow (lunch). Around 1 to 1:30 PM fall into formation again, and follow the Sgt. to our next destination. Around 5:00 PM we head to Chow(dinner) and around 6:30 - 7:00 PM head back to our bunks for the final formation and checks. Depending on how well the different Companies come together, and if we all can keep our mouths shut ....... the Drill Sgt. will release us for the night. Which then leads to the fiasco of Fire Watch.
Our first night, no one told us anything about Fire Watch. Knowing that other barracks have been doing it I head down (with a buddy) to get a debriefing (So the Drill Sgts. have assigned those waiting or finished with BCT to positions of Authority). Well, it's supposed to be lights out at 2100 (9PM). Some people are still up, some are dead asleep. We got back at 8:45 this night.... So these guys come up and wake everyone up except for this one guy. Everyone is yelling at him and nothing. So they start to flip his bed, and he finally wakes up with the most confused look on his face. It's almost like he has no idea where he is. So everyone is telling him to get off his bed and he doesn't. He just sits there refusing to move, or speak. So everyone starts yelling even more now. Finally it seems to sink in with the kid and he finally gets out of bed, this was seriously like a 5 minute debacia. We finally get our fire watch debrief, Basically we just stand guard for 1 hour during the night. There are shifts to cover from the time we go to sleep, which seems to be the most precious commodity right now.
OK, so that's pretty much all that's been going on lately. This has really been my first personal time to do anything. Since I'm a Specialist ( 1 of maybe 3 in 700 soldiers) a lot of people come to me looking for answers that sometimes I have and other times I have no clue. Either way, there's always people asking for an answer instead of finding one! Time to Go ........Sgt. just walked in, be back later tonight.....hopefully.
_______________________________________________________
Okay, so we just had to pack up all our gear and bring it down to the classroom we use. Mind you, I had just organized everything the way I wanted. So I load up all my stuff an we are supposed to be assigned a new barracks. Well would it surprise you as to what came next ????? Oh that's right, we moved back into the EXACT same barracks, back to the exact same bed. Foxtrot Mike Lima (Army Code)
In more general news, about 120 people so far have either Quit/"injured" and are leaving the Army. I saw a guy crying to a Drill Sgt. today that he wanted to leave. The thing about Reception is that you have to just deal with Shit! Yes it can be boring, standing in formation for probably close to 3/4 hours a day. It sucks....but as I said earlier "Embrace the Suck". Better days are ahead. Speaking of better days, I should actually be starting BCT on June 25th because reception sucks and takes a lot of time to process. Either way, Plan Accordingly.
LOVE YOU ALL,
Matt
PS: I won't have an address for at least another week. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Matt's First Offical Day in the Army
Jim and I were at Smitty's Wednesday night having dinner - I thought I heard my phone ring, when I looked it showed I had missed a call from Matt. I called back - no answer - he called back - he had 5 minutes to talk - they were told if they had cell phones they could make a call. He sounded good - here's what he told me - they arrived at Ft. Benning at 12:30 AM, were up until 3:30 AM getting settled, he was awakened at 4:00 AM and has been up since then, he will be in the recruitment brigade until next Friday and then they will be split up into their battalions and actually start basic training - he also said there are about 200 recruits to be processed now and that they are in a huge room - no air and space is tight. He also said they had 3 different Sargent's giving them 3 different sets of orders. He said this was challenging to figure out what to do first and how. Oh the life of the Army. That was about the gist of the conversation. 5 minutes goes really fast - I think I'm going to start writing questions I have down on paper, so that if I do hear from him again, I can actually ask him questions. I was just so surprised to hear from him, I'm glad he decided to take his cell phone, although he didn't take the charger and I'm not sure how long the battery will last on his phone - we will see.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Swearing in
OK, So as Matt's mom I am letting everyone know that Matt has taken his oath and is now officially in the Army. He is in the process of catching a flight to Georgia.
We arrived at the Federal Building downtown at 7:15 A.M. Matt was able to check in with us a couple of times before the actual swearing in Ceremony at around 9:30. A commander from the Air force spoke to the boys before they were sworn in - expressed the necessity for orders to be followed exactly. Her example - we are going to tell you how to fold your underwear - do it the way we tell you - if you can't follow simple orders on how to fold your underwear - how are you going to follow orders that are so much more important and life threatening. It will be interesting to see how Matt folds his underwear when we see him again.
My suggestion - start writing your letters now as things are happening in your life. When I do have an address for Matt - you can get your letters in the mail to him right then. I know from Ben being in the Coast Guard - these letters are very important and the more the better - so start writing now.
Thanks to everyone for your support of Matt and prayers - these are greatly appreciated by Matt and his entire family.
I will do another post as soon as I hear from Matt.
UPDATE: Matt's flight out of STL was delayed 30 minutes because of rain. I received a text from him around 3:50 saying they were deverted to Memphis because of storms and he was sitting in the plane on the runway waiting for the weather to clear.
I received a text at 9:26 EST he landed in Atlanta, still had a 2 hour bus ride to Ft. Benning. I will not hear from him again until the army decides to let him call.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Final Hours....
Well everyone, this should be my last post until I have completed Basic. It's crazy that this day is finally here. I'm leaving in about a hour to check into the hotel downtown for all the recruits. Hopefully I have a cool roommate for the night like I did last time when I was at MEPS, but we'll see....
With that in mind, I just wanted to take the opportunity to THANK EVERYONE who has reached out to me over the past few months. All of your support and prayers means so much to me. I don't really know if I could put such an intangible blessing into words. It's just there, and know that I love you all for it! So Thank You once again!!
So I showed Mom how to access and post new blog entries while I'm gone. She will be my means of communicating to all you who wish to follow while I'm gone. Within my first 2 weeks there, I should have an address so that you can send me tons and tons of letters!! Everyone says that it's the letters that help them push through. So PLEASE write, and write often. Cardinal updates would be much appreciated. Oz, make sure you throw in how my fantasy team is performing, especially after my epic collapse this past week....but that's neither here nor there....Just write about anything you think is interesting/funny/in the news/etc.
I will miss you all greatly, but there are reasons as to why I chose to do what I'm doing. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers while I'm gone and soon enough I'll see you all again.
Love you all,
Matt
With that in mind, I just wanted to take the opportunity to THANK EVERYONE who has reached out to me over the past few months. All of your support and prayers means so much to me. I don't really know if I could put such an intangible blessing into words. It's just there, and know that I love you all for it! So Thank You once again!!
So I showed Mom how to access and post new blog entries while I'm gone. She will be my means of communicating to all you who wish to follow while I'm gone. Within my first 2 weeks there, I should have an address so that you can send me tons and tons of letters!! Everyone says that it's the letters that help them push through. So PLEASE write, and write often. Cardinal updates would be much appreciated. Oz, make sure you throw in how my fantasy team is performing, especially after my epic collapse this past week....but that's neither here nor there....Just write about anything you think is interesting/funny/in the news/etc.
I will miss you all greatly, but there are reasons as to why I chose to do what I'm doing. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers while I'm gone and soon enough I'll see you all again.
Love you all,
Matt
Friday, June 11, 2010
To the Recruiting Office...
Ok so yesterday (Thursday) I went up the the recruiting center to finalize some paperwork with my recruiter and for some good old PT (physical training). Normally, every Thursday the recruits go up to the office to get in some work. They make us do push-ups/sit-ups and all that jazz. They'll ask us questions about ranks or if we know the Warrior Ethos (I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit, I will never leave a fallen comrade). They do this to prepare us. From what I've heard, there are a lot of recruits that head down to Basic with no knowledge of anything that they will have to know eventually. A lot of recruits also head down very out of shape which is why we always do some form of PT when I stop by the recruiting office.
Note to self, chocolate milk even an hour before you work out is not a good idea. I read an article on Yahoo! that discussed the advantages of chocolate milk as something that helps you hydrate and helps with muscle recovery. I will never do this again.
So on this occasion they decided it would be good to get out in the heat and work us in to the ground. Basically it was just a little taste of what I'll have to do when I leave Tuesday. So we run to this park as a warm up, probably around 3/4 mile. Then we form up and commence in PT. Push-ups, Sit-ups, Scissor kicks, Flutter kicks, Wide armed push-ups, Close grip push-ups, and then sprints of about 1/4 mile and then 1/2 mile up a hill. Another thing the Army loves about PT is that just going up and down does not constitute 1 repetition. Everything is a 4 count. So down, up, down, up = 1. So a count to 10 is actually 20. You do this for every exercise, then they have us do it on our own for 30 seconds. Needless to say you get pretty tired, especially when you're lying on the ground with your legs stretched out 6 inches above the ground for what seems like forever, but is probably around 2 minutes when its all said and done. It's miserable.
Before we started our sprints, I had to take myself off to the side and "release some fluids from my mouth" It wasn't pleasant. There were also about 4 or 5 guys that fell-out. Basically they were lightheaded and dizzy from dehydration. So we do the first sprint and I go "release" some more fluids and then we do the sprint up the hill and around the field which is probably close to 1/2 mile. About half of the guys in the group even attempted this one. Then I did more push-ups because the no one came back to help the last guy in the group when he was finishing. I was cheering him on and clapping, but since I didn't go back and actually run with him it didn't mean anything. It's all apart of the Warrior Ethos "never leave a fallen comrade". Then we ran back to the recruiting office. All said and done, about 1 hour 30 minutes of PT with some breaks for water.
It was a rough afternoon, but I did everything. For as much as it sucked, it felt good to go through all of that and finish. I know I have many, many days of this ahead of me, and it will probably be worse, but there's a sense of pride when you accomplish something difficult. When it's all said and done, I know I will have accomplished the most difficult thing I have faced in my life so far, and it will be well worth it.
I have one weekend left and half a Monday. Time to embrace what little freedom I have left.
Note to self, chocolate milk even an hour before you work out is not a good idea. I read an article on Yahoo! that discussed the advantages of chocolate milk as something that helps you hydrate and helps with muscle recovery. I will never do this again.
So on this occasion they decided it would be good to get out in the heat and work us in to the ground. Basically it was just a little taste of what I'll have to do when I leave Tuesday. So we run to this park as a warm up, probably around 3/4 mile. Then we form up and commence in PT. Push-ups, Sit-ups, Scissor kicks, Flutter kicks, Wide armed push-ups, Close grip push-ups, and then sprints of about 1/4 mile and then 1/2 mile up a hill. Another thing the Army loves about PT is that just going up and down does not constitute 1 repetition. Everything is a 4 count. So down, up, down, up = 1. So a count to 10 is actually 20. You do this for every exercise, then they have us do it on our own for 30 seconds. Needless to say you get pretty tired, especially when you're lying on the ground with your legs stretched out 6 inches above the ground for what seems like forever, but is probably around 2 minutes when its all said and done. It's miserable.
Before we started our sprints, I had to take myself off to the side and "release some fluids from my mouth" It wasn't pleasant. There were also about 4 or 5 guys that fell-out. Basically they were lightheaded and dizzy from dehydration. So we do the first sprint and I go "release" some more fluids and then we do the sprint up the hill and around the field which is probably close to 1/2 mile. About half of the guys in the group even attempted this one. Then I did more push-ups because the no one came back to help the last guy in the group when he was finishing. I was cheering him on and clapping, but since I didn't go back and actually run with him it didn't mean anything. It's all apart of the Warrior Ethos "never leave a fallen comrade". Then we ran back to the recruiting office. All said and done, about 1 hour 30 minutes of PT with some breaks for water.
It was a rough afternoon, but I did everything. For as much as it sucked, it felt good to go through all of that and finish. I know I have many, many days of this ahead of me, and it will probably be worse, but there's a sense of pride when you accomplish something difficult. When it's all said and done, I know I will have accomplished the most difficult thing I have faced in my life so far, and it will be well worth it.
I have one weekend left and half a Monday. Time to embrace what little freedom I have left.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Afghanistan- A War Worth Fighting
Okay, so I guess I wanted to write this because I'm extremely disappointed in the public's opinion on how the war in Afghanistan is going right now. Public opinion is at an all time low, and I ponder to myself, WHY?
Obviously, it has been a long and arduous effort with little to show as of right now. Recently the US had an influential official resign his position because to him, "I have lost understanding of and confidence in the strategic purposes of the United States' presence in Afghanistan. I have doubts and reservations about our current strategy and planned future strategy, but my resignation is based not upon how we are pursuing this war, but why and to what end."
CNNArticle: http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/10/28/rollins.war.resignations/index.html
This war is about the destruction of the "government" aka Taliban who allowed Al-Qaeda terrorists to plan their murderous activities against the United States and its citizens. The Taliban harbored the terrorists that attacked OUR country on 9/11/2001 in case you forgot. So to ask the question why, I answer, because they attacked us. It really is that simple.
Once toppled, the Taliban went into hiding mostly in the mountainous region on the Afghan/Pakistani border where they waged and continue to wage guerilla warfare. This type of fighting has proven to be extremely successful in the past because it does not concentrate on large battles, but on the strategy of indefinite timing, precision, and wear. This war has been waging for the past 8 years, and so far, we have little to show. However, it doesn't mean we should give up. That's exactly what they want us to do, but in order to succeed, we must keep pushing forward, no matter how slow or difficult.
To get directly to the point
- The Taliban are an evil force who gave safe haven to those responsible for 9/11
- They deny basic human rights in ruthless and unforgiving manners. Why should we be so forgiving? Why should the fact that this war has been waging for 8 years change our stance?
- When you are attacked, you fight back. Crimes of this nature deserve justice and a righteous response.
- This was never a war that was going to be "easy"
- There needs to be a comprehensive change in strategy
- Just because this has taken longer than expected does not mean it's not worth fighting
- If you really support our troops, then you should also support the mission they are fighting for. Our opinion really does mean something to them. The moral among troops increases and falls with public opinion in regards to the battles they fight.
- Remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you first heard of what happened on 9/11
- Remember how you felt that day
- If you love our country you know that you never want to feel that way ever again
- If you disagree with what I'm saying, then please answer this 1 question for me. Why was this war so popular to begin with but now we can't stomach it?
"An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men." - Thomas Fuller
Lets help give our troops this determination
This is a "note" I made on facebook well before I decided to enlist. Maybe it will help some of you understand my thought process and why I believe in our mission.
Obviously, it has been a long and arduous effort with little to show as of right now. Recently the US had an influential official resign his position because to him, "I have lost understanding of and confidence in the strategic purposes of the United States' presence in Afghanistan. I have doubts and reservations about our current strategy and planned future strategy, but my resignation is based not upon how we are pursuing this war, but why and to what end."
CNNArticle: http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/10/28/rollins.war.resignations/index.html
This war is about the destruction of the "government" aka Taliban who allowed Al-Qaeda terrorists to plan their murderous activities against the United States and its citizens. The Taliban harbored the terrorists that attacked OUR country on 9/11/2001 in case you forgot. So to ask the question why, I answer, because they attacked us. It really is that simple.
Once toppled, the Taliban went into hiding mostly in the mountainous region on the Afghan/Pakistani border where they waged and continue to wage guerilla warfare. This type of fighting has proven to be extremely successful in the past because it does not concentrate on large battles, but on the strategy of indefinite timing, precision, and wear. This war has been waging for the past 8 years, and so far, we have little to show. However, it doesn't mean we should give up. That's exactly what they want us to do, but in order to succeed, we must keep pushing forward, no matter how slow or difficult.
To get directly to the point
- The Taliban are an evil force who gave safe haven to those responsible for 9/11
- They deny basic human rights in ruthless and unforgiving manners. Why should we be so forgiving? Why should the fact that this war has been waging for 8 years change our stance?
- When you are attacked, you fight back. Crimes of this nature deserve justice and a righteous response.
- This was never a war that was going to be "easy"
- There needs to be a comprehensive change in strategy
- Just because this has taken longer than expected does not mean it's not worth fighting
- If you really support our troops, then you should also support the mission they are fighting for. Our opinion really does mean something to them. The moral among troops increases and falls with public opinion in regards to the battles they fight.
- Remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you first heard of what happened on 9/11
- Remember how you felt that day
- If you love our country you know that you never want to feel that way ever again
- If you disagree with what I'm saying, then please answer this 1 question for me. Why was this war so popular to begin with but now we can't stomach it?
"An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men." - Thomas Fuller
Lets help give our troops this determination
This is a "note" I made on facebook well before I decided to enlist. Maybe it will help some of you understand my thought process and why I believe in our mission.
Something I've always believed....
I just read through 598 posts on a discussion board based on pictures of Soldiers serving over in Afghanistan. It’s amazing how pictures can bring out both the best and worst in people not just from the US but from around the world.
Iraq just held elections and elected their government freely. Coalition Soldiers there have taken a back seat and continuously train new Iraqi soldiers and police, so that eventually they may take the fate of their country in their own hands. American deaths have dropped dramatically since the surge, which showed a force capable of adapting to a new war environment.
Because a lot of attention was placed on Iraq, Afghanistan was somewhat forgotten about. However, Obama has left in place the military’s strategic leadership and Republican Secretary of Defense. Which has shown to be a smart, strategic decision.
In Afghanistan, because of NATO’s determination, we have a completely different strategy in place to defeat the Taliban and the foreign fighters waging their “jihad.” Americans and NATO soldiers are not bombing wedding receptions. We do not seek out to kill innocent civilians. The mission has changed to provide basic reconstruction projects and to support the Afghan civilians, even if it means the troops fight with “one arm tied behind their back.” Comparing Afghanistan to Vietnam or the Soviet invasion is a gross mistake.
Casualties in Vietnam were obviously much higher. Today’s technology is saving lives, and we have learned lessons and strategy from the battlefield that still carry over. The Soviets had absolutely no way to win because they didn’t offer anything in return for their victory. They made it loud and clear they didn’t care for anyone. All they wanted was to invade and conquer by any means necessary.
Today, NATO troops are trying to free the oppressed. The war started with the hunt for Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda, but has transformed into something much greater. A very large percentage of the Afghan population does NOT support the Taliban. They are ruthless oppressors who deny even the most basic human rights to the people they wish to rule.
For those of you who say “leave, the war is pointless and can’t be won,” or “they’ve been fighting for thousands of years, nothing will ever change” I disagree. One, with a defeatist attitude in life, nothing will ever be won. Change your mindset and you will see that there is a lot of good coming from this country and we’re trying to give them this chance. Two, Afghanistan has been in a constant state of war for quite some time, however it used to be a model of a modern Middle East nation with a quality infrastructure and technology.
Maybe I’m naïve. Maybe I’m “brainwashed.” Maybe I see how this stirs up people’s emotions so much that they must resort to calling others “stupid” or “morons” or any other kind of name in order to make themselves feel superior in their intelligence. I’m not like that. I’ve read enough of what people think about these wars to learn how people feel on either side of the fence. I’ve read enough to understand how all this discussion makes me feel, and that’s one of the reasons why I decided to enlist in the Army.
There is a moral code that should be followed around the world. Most basic, to treat others with respect and dignity. Another, consisting of freedoms to live your life as you choose. We as United States citizens expect these freedoms everyday. We have paid a price for them long ago and continue to pay for them till this day and for as many days ahead.
After WWII, the United States was faced with a situation that no country before it had ever seen. We became the world’s most powerful nation, capable of striking any nation in the world that wished ill upon us. With this power came great responsibility, a responsibility that many people today believe we have overstepped. Some call us imperialist. Others call us the “World Police” or factions of the “New World Order, ” hell bent on one government to rule the world. Even some of our own citizens call us war criminals.
To these people I would say you misinterpret what our goal, as a nation, is to do. WWII taught us that appeasement in the face of a dangerous enemy would never work. It taught us, along with Pearl Harbor and 9/11, that we must be proactive in our search for enemies foreign and domestic. We must be vigilant because there will always be people out there that wish ill upon our great nation.
We as a country face great trials ahead and we must be steadfast in our mission. While other countries and people wish to turn a blind eye to the injustices around the world, the United States stands ready to defend the simple rights given to each man, woman and child. We will stand up to the face of injustice and fight back, no matter the cost. It is what makes our nation unique and great. We have soldiers willing to defend these rights across the world, a task very few ever consider.
Our men and women know exactly what they signed up for. For those of you who wish to hide behind your computers and bash us for our goals I say shame on you. What do you do to make a difference? What does your job do for society? What do you do that gives you the right to call others stupid, pointless or brainwashed, who believe in something much greater than themselves, much greater than you could ever possibly comprehend?
The United States of America, while far from perfect, is a giving nation. We are lucky to have such men and women fight for our freedoms and the freedom of others who are incapable of defending themselves. We are willing to make that sacrifice, while the rest of the world wallows in self-pity because they do not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what is truly the obligation of the world. If we all want peace, then we must stand for peace and not allow rogue leadership and dictators to oppress their citizen’s freedoms.
Maybe there is a reason as to why only about 1% of the US population will ever serve their country. Maybe those who serve are blessed with a special understanding of the sacrifices of those well before them, and they don’t ever want those lessons to be forgotten.
This post/response all came from me reading the responses of people from across the world based upon pictures of US soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Iraq just held elections and elected their government freely. Coalition Soldiers there have taken a back seat and continuously train new Iraqi soldiers and police, so that eventually they may take the fate of their country in their own hands. American deaths have dropped dramatically since the surge, which showed a force capable of adapting to a new war environment.
Because a lot of attention was placed on Iraq, Afghanistan was somewhat forgotten about. However, Obama has left in place the military’s strategic leadership and Republican Secretary of Defense. Which has shown to be a smart, strategic decision.
In Afghanistan, because of NATO’s determination, we have a completely different strategy in place to defeat the Taliban and the foreign fighters waging their “jihad.” Americans and NATO soldiers are not bombing wedding receptions. We do not seek out to kill innocent civilians. The mission has changed to provide basic reconstruction projects and to support the Afghan civilians, even if it means the troops fight with “one arm tied behind their back.” Comparing Afghanistan to Vietnam or the Soviet invasion is a gross mistake.
Casualties in Vietnam were obviously much higher. Today’s technology is saving lives, and we have learned lessons and strategy from the battlefield that still carry over. The Soviets had absolutely no way to win because they didn’t offer anything in return for their victory. They made it loud and clear they didn’t care for anyone. All they wanted was to invade and conquer by any means necessary.
Today, NATO troops are trying to free the oppressed. The war started with the hunt for Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda, but has transformed into something much greater. A very large percentage of the Afghan population does NOT support the Taliban. They are ruthless oppressors who deny even the most basic human rights to the people they wish to rule.
For those of you who say “leave, the war is pointless and can’t be won,” or “they’ve been fighting for thousands of years, nothing will ever change” I disagree. One, with a defeatist attitude in life, nothing will ever be won. Change your mindset and you will see that there is a lot of good coming from this country and we’re trying to give them this chance. Two, Afghanistan has been in a constant state of war for quite some time, however it used to be a model of a modern Middle East nation with a quality infrastructure and technology.
Maybe I’m naïve. Maybe I’m “brainwashed.” Maybe I see how this stirs up people’s emotions so much that they must resort to calling others “stupid” or “morons” or any other kind of name in order to make themselves feel superior in their intelligence. I’m not like that. I’ve read enough of what people think about these wars to learn how people feel on either side of the fence. I’ve read enough to understand how all this discussion makes me feel, and that’s one of the reasons why I decided to enlist in the Army.
There is a moral code that should be followed around the world. Most basic, to treat others with respect and dignity. Another, consisting of freedoms to live your life as you choose. We as United States citizens expect these freedoms everyday. We have paid a price for them long ago and continue to pay for them till this day and for as many days ahead.
After WWII, the United States was faced with a situation that no country before it had ever seen. We became the world’s most powerful nation, capable of striking any nation in the world that wished ill upon us. With this power came great responsibility, a responsibility that many people today believe we have overstepped. Some call us imperialist. Others call us the “World Police” or factions of the “New World Order, ” hell bent on one government to rule the world. Even some of our own citizens call us war criminals.
To these people I would say you misinterpret what our goal, as a nation, is to do. WWII taught us that appeasement in the face of a dangerous enemy would never work. It taught us, along with Pearl Harbor and 9/11, that we must be proactive in our search for enemies foreign and domestic. We must be vigilant because there will always be people out there that wish ill upon our great nation.
We as a country face great trials ahead and we must be steadfast in our mission. While other countries and people wish to turn a blind eye to the injustices around the world, the United States stands ready to defend the simple rights given to each man, woman and child. We will stand up to the face of injustice and fight back, no matter the cost. It is what makes our nation unique and great. We have soldiers willing to defend these rights across the world, a task very few ever consider.
Our men and women know exactly what they signed up for. For those of you who wish to hide behind your computers and bash us for our goals I say shame on you. What do you do to make a difference? What does your job do for society? What do you do that gives you the right to call others stupid, pointless or brainwashed, who believe in something much greater than themselves, much greater than you could ever possibly comprehend?
The United States of America, while far from perfect, is a giving nation. We are lucky to have such men and women fight for our freedoms and the freedom of others who are incapable of defending themselves. We are willing to make that sacrifice, while the rest of the world wallows in self-pity because they do not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what is truly the obligation of the world. If we all want peace, then we must stand for peace and not allow rogue leadership and dictators to oppress their citizen’s freedoms.
Maybe there is a reason as to why only about 1% of the US population will ever serve their country. Maybe those who serve are blessed with a special understanding of the sacrifices of those well before them, and they don’t ever want those lessons to be forgotten.
This post/response all came from me reading the responses of people from across the world based upon pictures of US soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tying up some loose ends....
Ok so I've realized that in my last post I left out some important information like am I enlisted or going in as an officer with my degree? Or you know like....where am I going???
So....I am going in as an enlisted soldier, not an officer. There are a couple of reasons for this.
1) For me to get a spot in OCS (officer candidate school) I would have to wait around a year. This was way too long for me
2) Since I am going into the Infantry and I have absolutely ZERO combat experience, I didn't want my inexperience being the reason why someone's Son didn't come home. I don't think I could live with that decision for the rest of my life. The best example that I have is a restaurant. Would you want a GM or Manager that had no restaurant experience coming in and telling you what to do? Or would you prefer a GM or Manager that started out as a busboy and moved their way up?
3) I'm a big believer that in order to do a job to the best of your ability, you need to understand all the components/knowledge of what you do. So starting off low and moving my way up I think is the best way.
Since I have a college degree I am going in as an Enlisted E-4(pay grade). My rank will be Specialist, which puts me one promotion away from Sergeant and being a NCO (non-commissioned officer).
So where am I going?
Ft. Benning, Georgia for 14 weeks. 9 weeks of Basic and then about 5 weeks of AIT (advanced individual training). Normally you go to Basic and then move on to another base where you do AIT which ranges in duration based upon your job. At Ft. Benning they combine my Basic and AIT into OSUT (one station unit training). I think a couple weeks before graduation or that week leading up, I will be told where I will be stationed. I'm not going to graduate and then have them ship me out to Iraq or Afghanistan. I will at least be stationed at another base where I will conduct more training before I'm sent overseas.
If I've done the math right and nothing happens to me(sick/injured/knock on wood please) I should graduate around September 24th. This is just a rough estimate though.
I will get my address within the first 2 weeks of Basic. So if you're wondering what's going on, it may be a little before you hear from me.
Here's a list of what you can send
-Letters(and send lots of them)
-Cards
-Pictures(I need to double-check this)
Here's a list of what NOT to send
-Care packages of any sort. No cookies/brownies/etc.
The Army has a motto that goes something like this...."If we wanted you to have it, we would have issued it to you."
However, care packages CAN be sent once I am DONE with Basic Training.
Hope this cleared some things up. If you have any more questions, just ask
So....I am going in as an enlisted soldier, not an officer. There are a couple of reasons for this.
1) For me to get a spot in OCS (officer candidate school) I would have to wait around a year. This was way too long for me
2) Since I am going into the Infantry and I have absolutely ZERO combat experience, I didn't want my inexperience being the reason why someone's Son didn't come home. I don't think I could live with that decision for the rest of my life. The best example that I have is a restaurant. Would you want a GM or Manager that had no restaurant experience coming in and telling you what to do? Or would you prefer a GM or Manager that started out as a busboy and moved their way up?
3) I'm a big believer that in order to do a job to the best of your ability, you need to understand all the components/knowledge of what you do. So starting off low and moving my way up I think is the best way.
Since I have a college degree I am going in as an Enlisted E-4(pay grade). My rank will be Specialist, which puts me one promotion away from Sergeant and being a NCO (non-commissioned officer).
So where am I going?
Ft. Benning, Georgia for 14 weeks. 9 weeks of Basic and then about 5 weeks of AIT (advanced individual training). Normally you go to Basic and then move on to another base where you do AIT which ranges in duration based upon your job. At Ft. Benning they combine my Basic and AIT into OSUT (one station unit training). I think a couple weeks before graduation or that week leading up, I will be told where I will be stationed. I'm not going to graduate and then have them ship me out to Iraq or Afghanistan. I will at least be stationed at another base where I will conduct more training before I'm sent overseas.
If I've done the math right and nothing happens to me(sick/injured/knock on wood please) I should graduate around September 24th. This is just a rough estimate though.
I will get my address within the first 2 weeks of Basic. So if you're wondering what's going on, it may be a little before you hear from me.
Here's a list of what you can send
-Letters(and send lots of them)
-Cards
-Pictures(I need to double-check this)
Here's a list of what NOT to send
-Care packages of any sort. No cookies/brownies/etc.
The Army has a motto that goes something like this...."If we wanted you to have it, we would have issued it to you."
However, care packages CAN be sent once I am DONE with Basic Training.
Hope this cleared some things up. If you have any more questions, just ask
7 Days....Time to Reflect
Alright, well this should be one of just a few posts that I actually make. The rest will be up to Mom to post on here everything that I write home while I'm away. With that being said, I figured I start out this blog with some reflections of the past weekend and of what the future holds.
Just a heads up....This will be pretty long...
First off I just want to thank EVERYONE who was able to make it to the MITCH MARTIN FREEDOM FESTIVAL this past weekend. Having almost all the old college friends in town and hanging out for the first time in what seems like forever will always be a cherished memory. I'm truly blessed to have friends who came in from such places (Nebraska, Iowa, Chicago, Indiana, Kansas City) to celebrate the weekend and me(which just seems weird) but it truly was an amazing weekend!!
What kind of person would I be if I also didn't thank my family??? The support and well-wishes is just typical of my family. Although a few couldn't make it (you obviously missed one hell of time) I know that you wished you could have been there. I did manage to snag a few gifts from you and just have to give a shout out to Aunt Molly for the prayer card. I couldn't believe it at first when I saw the one you gave me, then I saw the entire stack of them.... The amount of time and effort that you put forth to make those for me...well....lets just say I never expected anything like that and that I am so grateful for those. It's nice to know that somewhere, at sometime, someone will have that card and will be praying for me. Lord knows I'll need that over the next 15 weeks!!
Also, to my Mom. Best one in the world if you ask me! Who without all of her help and effort, the party would have never have happened. Plus, she held herself together pretty well if you ask me, and that is no easy task especially knowing what I'm about to embark upon. I love you! I'll also have more to say to you, but not on here.
To Dad, well what can I say really?? You've have always been supportive of my decisions as long as I've had an answer for why. The amount of help you have given me over this entire process was instrumental in my ability to pick the right path. You have always been a voice of reason, common sense, and corny jokes (all of you now know where that comes from haha) But overall, the way you support your family and how you conduct yourself on a personal level sets a high bar and one I hope I can reach someday or come close to.
To the rest of the immediate family...I know it wasn't easy for all of you to make it, but you did. The effort that all of you made to be there to support me is just one of the reasons I love you all.
Okay....so with all the lovey-duvy out of the way, I will move on to the more pressing issues.
I leave for Basic Training in exactly 1 week. And what could I have possibly done to screw myself already??? Oh you know...injure myself moving a pool table. Seriously!?!?!? 1 week before I leave and I strain my back moving a F'in pool table!!! Sign from God? Who knows....but I feel like a dumbass. It's not as bad as it was yesterday, but I still had to push back my PT Test (physical training) with my recruiter from Wednesday to TBA depending on how fast it heals. At least I can breath comfortably today....unbelievable.....
With that being said, I can't believe I leave in 1 week! It's crazy to think that just about 3 months ago I made this pledge and I am just this close to living it. Ever since I was a senior in high school I thought about possibly joining some branch of the military. I even went as far as taking the ASVAB (basically the ACT/SAT for the military). However, I decided that college and the University of Missouri was a better idea at the time and never looked back. Personally, I don't think there is any way in hell I would have been able to handle the commitment they ask of you when I was 18. It took a 6 year detour, but here I am back to square one. I like to think I took the scenic route.
So with all this coming up, some of you may still wonder why now? What's next? Why the infantry? How long?
Well a lot of this decision making came after graduation. When I was thinking about my degree and if I really enjoy what I was doing, I realized that A) it didn't make me all that happy B) I didn't feel like it meant that much to me C) I didn't see how I was making a difference. I guess this was all the post-graduation questions having not been able to find a full-time job 8 months after graduating.
Since I was a little kid I had always love police officers. Blame it all on Erik Estrada and the Awesomeness that was CHIPs. Either way, when it came down to college choices, I couldn't pull the trigger (no pun intended). So after looking for jobs, I made the decision that hey I'm young and if there's going to be a change, might as well make it now. So I moved home to apply for law enforcement jobs.
Little did I know at the time, but it's amazing how the economy can really screw with you. I mean seriously, when you're in college you can read about it all on the news and it doesn't really effect you. In some ways it does, maybe through your family in some way, but on an individual level, you naive to the curses of the Bear market (see, those econ. classes do pay off). In college you still have that sense that you are invincible. Well ladies and gentlemen...God has a sense of humor that smacks you right upside the head the moment you graduate and then move home.
So I applied for a law enforcement job. While doing some temp work, I read an article in the newspaper at lunch that discussed how the number of applications law enforcement agencies across the city have seen a large influx. Literally to the point where there are hundreds of applications for extremely limited spots. Basically, I realized that I had about a 5% chance of being hired. I read this article about a month after I turned in my application. FML. So what was the best way to distinguish myself for a future in law enforcement??? That's right, the military!!
So I go and talk to an Army recruiter after doing research and rooting out the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard(no offense Ben...) I weeded out the Marines after talking with the Army and never visited with them. The Army could guarantee me a job as long as I was qualified for it. So I go through the process and get everything turned in. Head down to MEPS(the day long physical) and come back with a list of jobs which varied in availability. They ranged from artillery, truck driver, PATRIOT system, telecommunications, construction, and a few others. I sat down and researched every job and eliminated them based on my personal characteristics and with the knowledge of what I wanted for my future. I also went over them with Mom and Dad. Mom said "no" to all of them and Dad said it was up to me but to remember that "this is a shooting war."
I came to the decision of Infantry for a few reasons.
1. It would provide me the best training to stay alive. Non-combat MOS(mos=your job) are being engaged in battles just as the infantry, but they really only have the basic skills and no advanced training like the infantry does. Plus the Army has been taking the non-combat MOS and basically using them as infantry either way. Truck drivers are becoming turret gunners, etc.
2. It would teach me extremely useful skills sets to have as a law enforcement officer
3. For me, there is just a sense of pride and honor involved with the infantry. Infantry soldiers define history. They bear the brunt for the greater good. Maybe it doesn't explain it all, and it's not meant to offend anyone, it's just what I think.
So I made the decision, signed my contract, and started getting back into shape.
-----------------------
So how do I feel about all of this with only a week to go? Well, I'm.....nervous, excited, restless, anxious, confident, scared of the unknown, and proud.
Many of you know that I have supported what our military is doing since day 1. I remember exactly where I was sitting and what I was doing when I heard about 9/11 as I'm sure many of you do to. I guess a part of me has always felt the need to be a part of something greater and this is my opportunity. What happened that day should never happen again. We as a country should not have to live in fear on a daily basis or be concerned that terrorists want to kill us on our soil. They fight like cowards hiding behind women, children, their mosques, and blow themselves up in the name of their "God" who will reward them for their murder with virgins in heaven. Their extreme ideology is a threat not only to the US but to the world itself as we have seen in the UK, Spain, Somalia, Yemen, Philippines and many others places around the world. They wish to spread their evil across this Earth and I'll be damned if I let that happen. We have seen what happens when the world takes a back seat to tyrants, dictators, and terrorists before and for once we've finally learned that we cannot allow it to continue.
And so we fight. We will fight long and hard until the job is done and we can bring our troops home, and I hope to be a part of this.
Just a heads up....This will be pretty long...
First off I just want to thank EVERYONE who was able to make it to the MITCH MARTIN FREEDOM FESTIVAL this past weekend. Having almost all the old college friends in town and hanging out for the first time in what seems like forever will always be a cherished memory. I'm truly blessed to have friends who came in from such places (Nebraska, Iowa, Chicago, Indiana, Kansas City) to celebrate the weekend and me(which just seems weird) but it truly was an amazing weekend!!
What kind of person would I be if I also didn't thank my family??? The support and well-wishes is just typical of my family. Although a few couldn't make it (you obviously missed one hell of time) I know that you wished you could have been there. I did manage to snag a few gifts from you and just have to give a shout out to Aunt Molly for the prayer card. I couldn't believe it at first when I saw the one you gave me, then I saw the entire stack of them.... The amount of time and effort that you put forth to make those for me...well....lets just say I never expected anything like that and that I am so grateful for those. It's nice to know that somewhere, at sometime, someone will have that card and will be praying for me. Lord knows I'll need that over the next 15 weeks!!
Also, to my Mom. Best one in the world if you ask me! Who without all of her help and effort, the party would have never have happened. Plus, she held herself together pretty well if you ask me, and that is no easy task especially knowing what I'm about to embark upon. I love you! I'll also have more to say to you, but not on here.
To Dad, well what can I say really?? You've have always been supportive of my decisions as long as I've had an answer for why. The amount of help you have given me over this entire process was instrumental in my ability to pick the right path. You have always been a voice of reason, common sense, and corny jokes (all of you now know where that comes from haha) But overall, the way you support your family and how you conduct yourself on a personal level sets a high bar and one I hope I can reach someday or come close to.
To the rest of the immediate family...I know it wasn't easy for all of you to make it, but you did. The effort that all of you made to be there to support me is just one of the reasons I love you all.
Okay....so with all the lovey-duvy out of the way, I will move on to the more pressing issues.
I leave for Basic Training in exactly 1 week. And what could I have possibly done to screw myself already??? Oh you know...injure myself moving a pool table. Seriously!?!?!? 1 week before I leave and I strain my back moving a F'in pool table!!! Sign from God? Who knows....but I feel like a dumbass. It's not as bad as it was yesterday, but I still had to push back my PT Test (physical training) with my recruiter from Wednesday to TBA depending on how fast it heals. At least I can breath comfortably today....unbelievable.....
With that being said, I can't believe I leave in 1 week! It's crazy to think that just about 3 months ago I made this pledge and I am just this close to living it. Ever since I was a senior in high school I thought about possibly joining some branch of the military. I even went as far as taking the ASVAB (basically the ACT/SAT for the military). However, I decided that college and the University of Missouri was a better idea at the time and never looked back. Personally, I don't think there is any way in hell I would have been able to handle the commitment they ask of you when I was 18. It took a 6 year detour, but here I am back to square one. I like to think I took the scenic route.
So with all this coming up, some of you may still wonder why now? What's next? Why the infantry? How long?
Well a lot of this decision making came after graduation. When I was thinking about my degree and if I really enjoy what I was doing, I realized that A) it didn't make me all that happy B) I didn't feel like it meant that much to me C) I didn't see how I was making a difference. I guess this was all the post-graduation questions having not been able to find a full-time job 8 months after graduating.
Since I was a little kid I had always love police officers. Blame it all on Erik Estrada and the Awesomeness that was CHIPs. Either way, when it came down to college choices, I couldn't pull the trigger (no pun intended). So after looking for jobs, I made the decision that hey I'm young and if there's going to be a change, might as well make it now. So I moved home to apply for law enforcement jobs.
Little did I know at the time, but it's amazing how the economy can really screw with you. I mean seriously, when you're in college you can read about it all on the news and it doesn't really effect you. In some ways it does, maybe through your family in some way, but on an individual level, you naive to the curses of the Bear market (see, those econ. classes do pay off). In college you still have that sense that you are invincible. Well ladies and gentlemen...God has a sense of humor that smacks you right upside the head the moment you graduate and then move home.
So I applied for a law enforcement job. While doing some temp work, I read an article in the newspaper at lunch that discussed how the number of applications law enforcement agencies across the city have seen a large influx. Literally to the point where there are hundreds of applications for extremely limited spots. Basically, I realized that I had about a 5% chance of being hired. I read this article about a month after I turned in my application. FML. So what was the best way to distinguish myself for a future in law enforcement??? That's right, the military!!
So I go and talk to an Army recruiter after doing research and rooting out the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard(no offense Ben...) I weeded out the Marines after talking with the Army and never visited with them. The Army could guarantee me a job as long as I was qualified for it. So I go through the process and get everything turned in. Head down to MEPS(the day long physical) and come back with a list of jobs which varied in availability. They ranged from artillery, truck driver, PATRIOT system, telecommunications, construction, and a few others. I sat down and researched every job and eliminated them based on my personal characteristics and with the knowledge of what I wanted for my future. I also went over them with Mom and Dad. Mom said "no" to all of them and Dad said it was up to me but to remember that "this is a shooting war."
I came to the decision of Infantry for a few reasons.
1. It would provide me the best training to stay alive. Non-combat MOS(mos=your job) are being engaged in battles just as the infantry, but they really only have the basic skills and no advanced training like the infantry does. Plus the Army has been taking the non-combat MOS and basically using them as infantry either way. Truck drivers are becoming turret gunners, etc.
2. It would teach me extremely useful skills sets to have as a law enforcement officer
3. For me, there is just a sense of pride and honor involved with the infantry. Infantry soldiers define history. They bear the brunt for the greater good. Maybe it doesn't explain it all, and it's not meant to offend anyone, it's just what I think.
So I made the decision, signed my contract, and started getting back into shape.
-----------------------
So how do I feel about all of this with only a week to go? Well, I'm.....nervous, excited, restless, anxious, confident, scared of the unknown, and proud.
Many of you know that I have supported what our military is doing since day 1. I remember exactly where I was sitting and what I was doing when I heard about 9/11 as I'm sure many of you do to. I guess a part of me has always felt the need to be a part of something greater and this is my opportunity. What happened that day should never happen again. We as a country should not have to live in fear on a daily basis or be concerned that terrorists want to kill us on our soil. They fight like cowards hiding behind women, children, their mosques, and blow themselves up in the name of their "God" who will reward them for their murder with virgins in heaven. Their extreme ideology is a threat not only to the US but to the world itself as we have seen in the UK, Spain, Somalia, Yemen, Philippines and many others places around the world. They wish to spread their evil across this Earth and I'll be damned if I let that happen. We have seen what happens when the world takes a back seat to tyrants, dictators, and terrorists before and for once we've finally learned that we cannot allow it to continue.
And so we fight. We will fight long and hard until the job is done and we can bring our troops home, and I hope to be a part of this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
