Hi everyone!
I was going to write this sooner, but thought I would wait until I had received a letter from Matt. That has not happened, no letters, but we did get to speak to him last night.
First of all - Last weekend we were in GA and did Family weekend with Matt, He was not allowed to leave base because he has been on profile with his stress fractures and had not completed all of his training. He was given a base pass however and we were allowed to spend both Sat. and Sunday with him on base. At first we had thought we would have a hard time finding things to do on base for 2 days, but this was not the case. The base is huge. The airborne school is there, and they just moved the school for tanks there also, a lot to see. We visited the large PX - which is like a Super Walmart or Target with clothes more like Kohls. We tried to find a pair of running shoes for Matt - he learned that he has high arches and needs a cushioned running shoe. Unfortunately the PX did not have his size, we were also able to pick up toiletries for him. An interesting fact - anything bought at the PX - NO SALES TAX. We saw a movie, and had dinner at a nice little Mexican restaurant on base. Matt called his sisters and grandparents while we were with him.
We drove around the base and through the base - the maps they give you are not great, but I figured this was a good way for Matt to work on his navigation skills, and we had time so all in all it worked out great. I had made Mother Mary's famous Oatmeal Chocolate chip cookies - so Saturday when we were riding around Matt ate as many cookies as he wanted and loved it.
Sunday we went back to the PX and then to the National Infantry Museum. Matt's graduation will be held at the Museum - outside - very impressive. We spent a couple of hours going through the museum and ate lunch at a very nice restaurant located in the museum. Matt was able to finally get a steak! It was not as good a steak as Shannon's, but he said it wasn't that bad. We also rained on Sunday - Matt said it hasn't rained like that since he started Basic Training, figures!
We took Matt back to Sand Hill (where his Company is located)at around 5:00. Picked up a couple of his friends and drove them to the base of their barracks. He left us around 5:45 to begin the walk up the hill for recall formation at 1800.
Matt had MRI done on his legs the Friday before we arrived and was suppose to find out on Monday the results. While we were with him, he said his legs felt fine, he had no more swelling and the knees did not hurt.
I did not receive a letter from Matt this week, I had heard from another mother, Jan Hughes, whose son Jon, also had stress fracture. Apparently Jon had said in a letter that Matt was returned to Active Duty. This was confirmed last night when we spoke to Matt. He did not get to see Dr. on Monday of last week, but did finally see the Dr. or PA Tuesday AM. He passed all the tests and was given his RTAD orders. He has been training with his platoon all last week - what is not known is if Matt will graduate on OCT. 1st. He has been trying to find out, but no one has made that decision yet or if they have, they have not shared this information with Matt. He is playing the waiting game. He also has not been given his orders - for where he will be stationed. We are not sure how Matt will get the training in he missed while on Profile - most of the training he missed was marching, hand to hand combat training, and some artillery training. His Drill Sargent's have said all along that he was in a strange place with his legs and no one was sure how it would all work out - I guess they were not kidding. So we shall wait and see - keep the letters coming for Matt. I will let you know what is happening once Matt knows and lets me know. Till then - as Matt would say
Embrace the Suck.
Diana
Monday, September 6, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back Early
Thursday, August 19th
Hey Everybody!
Technically this letter should be coming from the field, but it's not. Me and the other "broke-dicks", as we are referred to around here, came back this morning after 1 night in the field.
Last night was "Nick at Night" or better know as the night infiltration course. This is the one you always see in the movies where a person is crawling under barbwire while they fire machine guns overhead, but here, it's supposed to be much safer.... Anyway, I was not allowed to participate, so I guarded weapons all night until midnight. At 0100, I had fire guard for a hour. I slept from 0200 to 0330. So yeah.....2 1/2 hours of sleep....
We got up early and left the field at 0400 where Hughes and I started working staff duty. Staff Duty is basically where you take any battalion phone calls or radio transmission among the rest of 1/50 and relay it to the appropriate channel. It's not that bad, but you have to find ways to stay awake since this is where all the battalion cadre works. We're on 2 hour shifts today with a couple other groups so were not doing it throughout the day. Everyone is staying out in the field again tonight, but I'll be pulling staff duty (it's a 24 hour shift) for 2 hours at some point tonight.
Enough of that though, it's time for some early week recaps and I know I need to answer a few questions. So lets go!
I already told you about Monday, so....Tuesday was combat qualification. We shot behind barriers from a standing, kneeling and prone unsupported position. We were given 3 magazines each with one "dummy" round. Basically it loads into a magazine, but doesn't do anything. It's meant to replicate a malfunction. So each magazine has 10 rounds plus 1 dummy. You could start from any position, but once you had a malfunction, or your magazine was empty, you had to kneel behind the barrier. You then correct the malfunction or load a new magazine an then move into a new position. So if you were standing and had a malfunction, once you correct the problem, you move into either a kneeling or prone unsupported position. You do this because once you go behind the barrier, you lose your competitive advantage, and the enemy can focus on your last spot.
I only shot 9 out of 30 my first time. Partly because this involved the training from Monday that I missed, and I had my head at the wrong point on my rifle when I was firing, so my shots were missing high. So I made my correction for the next round and hit 22 or 23. Also of note here.....We're so used to only firing 1 shot per target. If you miss, you normally wait for the next target. For this event though, you shouldn't do that. You don't fire at targets when there is a malfunction, or magazine change, so those go unshot and you have extra round to use on targets you miss. Hence the large improvement HAHA!! So thankfully my shooting skills are still there and not lost. That seems to be my pattern though, I do terrible the first round then then tear it up in my next.....maybe I should work on that.......
Moving on..... I think I failed to relay the fact that I did go to the concert a couple weeks ago... my bad.....I'm not quite sure how I forgot, but to recap, we got off the bus and headed in. The band was a local cover band who was OK. They weren't great, but they also weren't terrible. They played music ranging from Breaking Ben, the Cranberries, Creed, Metallica, Katie Perry, and lady GAGA......different.....yes. So the first hour of being there was dedicated to eating Dominos, M & M Ice Cream Cookies, Funnel Cake, Pepsi and repeating this process. It was a great time because we finally were "away" from our DS's, and just got to hang out and be ourselves for once for more than 10 minutes. It's amazing how much you enjoy something that has been restricted from you for some time.
That is probably what I miss the most from being here is the freedom of choice to go out and have fun, drink beer, or eat a meal with family. But, don't think I forgot, and understand, what I've gotten myself into. Over these next few months and years, I will have to make sacrifices because of what I do and I've accepted that there will be events that I miss because I'm gone. The only thing I can hope for is that these sacrifices make a difference somehow or in someway and help me continue to grow as a person. The Army is my foundation for my future and with your continued support and encouragement, I know that I'll make it. When? Well....no one knows the answer to that question except God himself, so I figure I'll let him decide and I'll move forward from there. I saw a quote that I like last week while at Mass. it said, "Adversity does not breed character, it reveals it." I think it fits a lot for what I'm dealing with right now. There's a lot of uncertainty and obstacles that I'm facing, but I know that if I continue to put my right foot in front of the left, then I will be just fine, just keep the momentum moving forward. I know eventually one day it will all work out and I'll be a better man for it. Until then.......let's answer some more questions.
Q & A
1. We only fired automatic rifles that one day last week, and I was able to take part.
2. I did not take the APFT 2 because I was on duty squad. I think 96 people failed out of 223. We have APFT # 3 on Monday. If you don't pass, NO Family Day! But....as far as I know, I'm good. Plus I passed the APFT 1.
3. I don't know if they'll keep my scores. Part of be believes they will.
4. I may go Friday of next week to get X-Ray and see how my knees are fairing. If they're the same/worse, I may be put on another 30 day profile....
5. Mom and Dad, please bring a change of clothes! And plan on seeing at least one movie HAHA!
6. Right now, without PT'ing for the last 4 weeks, I can hit around 70 sit ups and 45 push ups which puts we well past the 60 % needed at the end of AIT and for graduation (Mostly because of the work I've done on the side)
Lyric Requests
All-Time Low
Vegas
Stella
Matchbox 20
3 am
Real World
Jason Aldean
Big Green Tractor
EMBRACE THE SUCK!
KEEP THE LETTERS COMING!!!!!
SPC Martin
Hey Everybody!
Technically this letter should be coming from the field, but it's not. Me and the other "broke-dicks", as we are referred to around here, came back this morning after 1 night in the field.
Last night was "Nick at Night" or better know as the night infiltration course. This is the one you always see in the movies where a person is crawling under barbwire while they fire machine guns overhead, but here, it's supposed to be much safer.... Anyway, I was not allowed to participate, so I guarded weapons all night until midnight. At 0100, I had fire guard for a hour. I slept from 0200 to 0330. So yeah.....2 1/2 hours of sleep....
We got up early and left the field at 0400 where Hughes and I started working staff duty. Staff Duty is basically where you take any battalion phone calls or radio transmission among the rest of 1/50 and relay it to the appropriate channel. It's not that bad, but you have to find ways to stay awake since this is where all the battalion cadre works. We're on 2 hour shifts today with a couple other groups so were not doing it throughout the day. Everyone is staying out in the field again tonight, but I'll be pulling staff duty (it's a 24 hour shift) for 2 hours at some point tonight.
Enough of that though, it's time for some early week recaps and I know I need to answer a few questions. So lets go!
I already told you about Monday, so....Tuesday was combat qualification. We shot behind barriers from a standing, kneeling and prone unsupported position. We were given 3 magazines each with one "dummy" round. Basically it loads into a magazine, but doesn't do anything. It's meant to replicate a malfunction. So each magazine has 10 rounds plus 1 dummy. You could start from any position, but once you had a malfunction, or your magazine was empty, you had to kneel behind the barrier. You then correct the malfunction or load a new magazine an then move into a new position. So if you were standing and had a malfunction, once you correct the problem, you move into either a kneeling or prone unsupported position. You do this because once you go behind the barrier, you lose your competitive advantage, and the enemy can focus on your last spot.
I only shot 9 out of 30 my first time. Partly because this involved the training from Monday that I missed, and I had my head at the wrong point on my rifle when I was firing, so my shots were missing high. So I made my correction for the next round and hit 22 or 23. Also of note here.....We're so used to only firing 1 shot per target. If you miss, you normally wait for the next target. For this event though, you shouldn't do that. You don't fire at targets when there is a malfunction, or magazine change, so those go unshot and you have extra round to use on targets you miss. Hence the large improvement HAHA!! So thankfully my shooting skills are still there and not lost. That seems to be my pattern though, I do terrible the first round then then tear it up in my next.....maybe I should work on that.......
Moving on..... I think I failed to relay the fact that I did go to the concert a couple weeks ago... my bad.....I'm not quite sure how I forgot, but to recap, we got off the bus and headed in. The band was a local cover band who was OK. They weren't great, but they also weren't terrible. They played music ranging from Breaking Ben, the Cranberries, Creed, Metallica, Katie Perry, and lady GAGA......different.....yes. So the first hour of being there was dedicated to eating Dominos, M & M Ice Cream Cookies, Funnel Cake, Pepsi and repeating this process. It was a great time because we finally were "away" from our DS's, and just got to hang out and be ourselves for once for more than 10 minutes. It's amazing how much you enjoy something that has been restricted from you for some time.
That is probably what I miss the most from being here is the freedom of choice to go out and have fun, drink beer, or eat a meal with family. But, don't think I forgot, and understand, what I've gotten myself into. Over these next few months and years, I will have to make sacrifices because of what I do and I've accepted that there will be events that I miss because I'm gone. The only thing I can hope for is that these sacrifices make a difference somehow or in someway and help me continue to grow as a person. The Army is my foundation for my future and with your continued support and encouragement, I know that I'll make it. When? Well....no one knows the answer to that question except God himself, so I figure I'll let him decide and I'll move forward from there. I saw a quote that I like last week while at Mass. it said, "Adversity does not breed character, it reveals it." I think it fits a lot for what I'm dealing with right now. There's a lot of uncertainty and obstacles that I'm facing, but I know that if I continue to put my right foot in front of the left, then I will be just fine, just keep the momentum moving forward. I know eventually one day it will all work out and I'll be a better man for it. Until then.......let's answer some more questions.
Q & A
1. We only fired automatic rifles that one day last week, and I was able to take part.
2. I did not take the APFT 2 because I was on duty squad. I think 96 people failed out of 223. We have APFT # 3 on Monday. If you don't pass, NO Family Day! But....as far as I know, I'm good. Plus I passed the APFT 1.
3. I don't know if they'll keep my scores. Part of be believes they will.
4. I may go Friday of next week to get X-Ray and see how my knees are fairing. If they're the same/worse, I may be put on another 30 day profile....
5. Mom and Dad, please bring a change of clothes! And plan on seeing at least one movie HAHA!
6. Right now, without PT'ing for the last 4 weeks, I can hit around 70 sit ups and 45 push ups which puts we well past the 60 % needed at the end of AIT and for graduation (Mostly because of the work I've done on the side)
Lyric Requests
All-Time Low
Vegas
Stella
Matchbox 20
3 am
Real World
Jason Aldean
Big Green Tractor
EMBRACE THE SUCK!
KEEP THE LETTERS COMING!!!!!
SPC Martin
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday Pass? Why Yes..... I Think I will
Sunday - August 15th & Monday August 16th
Let's recap shall we?
Saturday sucked until about 17:30. Why? Well because from 0900 till 17:30 I sat on my ass and did absolutely nothing while everyone else qualified for level 1 in Ground Fighting Tactics (GFT). That lasted until lunch chow. I literally wasn't allowed to do anything. Not even clean the bay...This is the typical Saturday for me now so yeah.......it got better though when GFT stopped.
I finally got to organize my locker. On Tuesday or Wednesday two DS's came through for a contraband check and tossed everything from our lockers....So I finally got around to that. I also was able to finish up my laundry and get all that folded up. At final formation we got Nutra-Grain Bars (aka Glorified Fig Newtons) which is always a good thing. We were then told that wake up was at 0600 and that those who shot expert would receive their pass. AWESOME!
So after my 8 1/2 hours of sleep (which I proudly brag of now....) I head out to formation, went to breakfast chow and left to go out on my 4 hour pass. So I called home for a hour which was great to finally talk for a while with Mom and Dad. We seemed to have some difficulty with the pay phone a couple of times, where we stay connected, but they couldn't hear me. Eventually my phone card ran out so I said my goodbyes.
I head inside to a snack shop that opens at 0900. I don't know what it is, but I immediately bought a Monster, some pizza and a Hostess Cupcake. It was genuinely amazing! I've forgotten how good those cupcakes are and what it feels like to have a legit sugar high going. Eventually I found the computer lab and of course got on Facebook HAHA! I got to catch up on messages, my wall, pictures and I got to chat with a few of you. If my chat ended abruptly with you (Joe and Whitney) it was because my time expired.......so my apologies.
After the computers I bought some Reeses and a Snickers which I ate on the walk back. Overall, a great time! It's amazing to think of how much I have been missing out on since I've been gone. Hopefully I'm not here too much longer, that that all depends on what the doctors and my company says. But, to once again feel apart of the Real World and not just the Army World was amazing and definitely made my week.
Monday - Well, it's Monday....
I didn't really do much today. We went to the range and I got to do dry-fire exercises with no ammunition. Everyone did this, but they also shot. Somehow I was left off the list to fire because I was cleaning up breakfast when they took a count. Either way, I spent the day sitting down which is good for my knees.
We headed back, ate chow and got mail, which is ALWAYS the best part of the day. Did I mention the 11 letters I got last Monday? That was an Epic mail day! People in my platoon always cover their heads now because the Ds's just throw it into the crowd and usually hit guys in the face which is hilarious! HAHA
Other than that, I'm going to try and get in as much training as possible these next 2 weeks. We spend two nights in the field this week, so I may only get out a couple letters this week.
Overall, I'm excited for Family Day! I can't wait to get off base and just hang out. Also, if I'm correct, Football season should be starting that weekend! Have a drink for me since I won't be allowed one.....
Embrace The Suck
SPC Martin
Let's recap shall we?
Saturday sucked until about 17:30. Why? Well because from 0900 till 17:30 I sat on my ass and did absolutely nothing while everyone else qualified for level 1 in Ground Fighting Tactics (GFT). That lasted until lunch chow. I literally wasn't allowed to do anything. Not even clean the bay...This is the typical Saturday for me now so yeah.......it got better though when GFT stopped.
I finally got to organize my locker. On Tuesday or Wednesday two DS's came through for a contraband check and tossed everything from our lockers....So I finally got around to that. I also was able to finish up my laundry and get all that folded up. At final formation we got Nutra-Grain Bars (aka Glorified Fig Newtons) which is always a good thing. We were then told that wake up was at 0600 and that those who shot expert would receive their pass. AWESOME!
So after my 8 1/2 hours of sleep (which I proudly brag of now....) I head out to formation, went to breakfast chow and left to go out on my 4 hour pass. So I called home for a hour which was great to finally talk for a while with Mom and Dad. We seemed to have some difficulty with the pay phone a couple of times, where we stay connected, but they couldn't hear me. Eventually my phone card ran out so I said my goodbyes.
I head inside to a snack shop that opens at 0900. I don't know what it is, but I immediately bought a Monster, some pizza and a Hostess Cupcake. It was genuinely amazing! I've forgotten how good those cupcakes are and what it feels like to have a legit sugar high going. Eventually I found the computer lab and of course got on Facebook HAHA! I got to catch up on messages, my wall, pictures and I got to chat with a few of you. If my chat ended abruptly with you (Joe and Whitney) it was because my time expired.......so my apologies.
After the computers I bought some Reeses and a Snickers which I ate on the walk back. Overall, a great time! It's amazing to think of how much I have been missing out on since I've been gone. Hopefully I'm not here too much longer, that that all depends on what the doctors and my company says. But, to once again feel apart of the Real World and not just the Army World was amazing and definitely made my week.
Monday - Well, it's Monday....
I didn't really do much today. We went to the range and I got to do dry-fire exercises with no ammunition. Everyone did this, but they also shot. Somehow I was left off the list to fire because I was cleaning up breakfast when they took a count. Either way, I spent the day sitting down which is good for my knees.
We headed back, ate chow and got mail, which is ALWAYS the best part of the day. Did I mention the 11 letters I got last Monday? That was an Epic mail day! People in my platoon always cover their heads now because the Ds's just throw it into the crowd and usually hit guys in the face which is hilarious! HAHA
Other than that, I'm going to try and get in as much training as possible these next 2 weeks. We spend two nights in the field this week, so I may only get out a couple letters this week.
Overall, I'm excited for Family Day! I can't wait to get off base and just hang out. Also, if I'm correct, Football season should be starting that weekend! Have a drink for me since I won't be allowed one.....
Embrace The Suck
SPC Martin
Monday, August 16, 2010
Has It Been Awhile?
Friday, August 13th
Hey Everybody!
I believe this may have been one of my longer writing droughts. It's not because I got lazy, but more because the past couple days have been hectic/fun/shitty/and badass all wrapped into one. So where do I begin? (it's not rhetorical, because I don't remember the last letter I sent....)
How about I guess.....This week in training has been focused on Advanced Rifle Marksmanship. I think the last letter talked bout the M-249 SAW and M-240 Bravo. We just fired them once this week. Everything else this week has been done with our M-4's. We had our first night fire which was cool. It really wasn't that dark yet, so the night Vision wasn't as effective.
Wednesday we did ready-ups. Basically what that entails is you face a target ranging from 5 - 25 meters. The DS tells you to shoot at a certain point/object on the target. Your weapon is facing the ground and you must bring it up and fire. In a nutshell, it's reaction based training exercise. I did this twice and it can be difficult. The hardest part is when they tell you to walk and shoot because obviously your balance changes. It's still fun though!
Thursday/Friday I'm just going to group together since we were continuously training. Thursday was our first night that we spend out in the field. So basically imagine a camping trip with a lot of weapons, no tents, and no alcohol....HAHA
We started the day working from barriers. What we do is fire from 3 different positions while covering our body behind a wooden barrier. We start at the top, so just our head is visible and our weapon rests on the top of the barrier. We then move to a knee and fire, and then into prone unsupported. The goal/purpose of these exercises is to train us on what will be common firing positions once we're deployed. Once everyone shot, we ate chow and waited for night......
Thursday night may have been on of the coolest/most "I feel like a badass? moments in my life. After a proper class on Night Vision Goggles we put them to the test with Infrared laser sights mounted on our M-4! We were also running low on time. Combine these 3 things, and you're about to have a good time! I get the helmet put on and pull down the NV (Night Vision), turn it on, and focus the lens. For all you video game "Call of Duty" people.... it's basically just like that, but REAL! When you start looking around, you see where the lasers are moving from target to target. it doesn't really even matter how you hold the rifle, just as long as the laser is on the target. Since we were low on time, the DS's just had us fire 40 rounds as fast as we could. So here I am popping off 50 & 100 meter targets left and right with NV and lasers! Awesome??? YES!
Once we finished, we cleaned up and headed for bed about 200 meters away. I got everything set up and hit the sack. I tied my rifle to my belt loop so that if a DS walked by while I was sleeping, he wouldn't be able to take my rifle. It worked! Other than that, it didn't rain (like it was suppose to) and I managed to get some decent sleep, only to be woken up to DS's screaming for us to get ready in 30 minutes, which meant, change, repack, shave, shower, bathroom, organize, etc. I made it, but not everyone else did....So 20 minute smoke session later an we finally got it all figured out (Don't worry, I didn't do anything to hurt my knees).
So after that, we loaded up ammo and shot at moving targets today. It seems like Blue phase is going to involve a lot of the actual Infantry training, which is a great change of pace. It's always nice when you start doing what you signed up for right??? After the range, we got haircuts and bought some things from the shop (mostly small items). and headed back to the barracks.
The goal is going to be to take it easy these next few days. The weekends are good since we don't do that much work normally.
I'm going to sound off with new random thoughts/answers/etc.
RANDOMNESS
1. I shot 36 out of 40 to qualify expert
2. Family Day in 2 weeks!
3. For now, you can stop sending lyrics. People have stepped up and I have plenty to read.
4. Paper books qualify as contraband
5. GO CARDINALS!
6. I will know within the next 2 weeks where I will be stationed.
7. We finally are able to eat the candy in our MRE's
8. Good Luck Mary
9. I have not been to Annie Gun's
10 But I am le' tired..........
Embrace the SUCK!
SPC Martin
Hey Everybody!
I believe this may have been one of my longer writing droughts. It's not because I got lazy, but more because the past couple days have been hectic/fun/shitty/and badass all wrapped into one. So where do I begin? (it's not rhetorical, because I don't remember the last letter I sent....)
How about I guess.....This week in training has been focused on Advanced Rifle Marksmanship. I think the last letter talked bout the M-249 SAW and M-240 Bravo. We just fired them once this week. Everything else this week has been done with our M-4's. We had our first night fire which was cool. It really wasn't that dark yet, so the night Vision wasn't as effective.
Wednesday we did ready-ups. Basically what that entails is you face a target ranging from 5 - 25 meters. The DS tells you to shoot at a certain point/object on the target. Your weapon is facing the ground and you must bring it up and fire. In a nutshell, it's reaction based training exercise. I did this twice and it can be difficult. The hardest part is when they tell you to walk and shoot because obviously your balance changes. It's still fun though!
Thursday/Friday I'm just going to group together since we were continuously training. Thursday was our first night that we spend out in the field. So basically imagine a camping trip with a lot of weapons, no tents, and no alcohol....HAHA
We started the day working from barriers. What we do is fire from 3 different positions while covering our body behind a wooden barrier. We start at the top, so just our head is visible and our weapon rests on the top of the barrier. We then move to a knee and fire, and then into prone unsupported. The goal/purpose of these exercises is to train us on what will be common firing positions once we're deployed. Once everyone shot, we ate chow and waited for night......
Thursday night may have been on of the coolest/most "I feel like a badass? moments in my life. After a proper class on Night Vision Goggles we put them to the test with Infrared laser sights mounted on our M-4! We were also running low on time. Combine these 3 things, and you're about to have a good time! I get the helmet put on and pull down the NV (Night Vision), turn it on, and focus the lens. For all you video game "Call of Duty" people.... it's basically just like that, but REAL! When you start looking around, you see where the lasers are moving from target to target. it doesn't really even matter how you hold the rifle, just as long as the laser is on the target. Since we were low on time, the DS's just had us fire 40 rounds as fast as we could. So here I am popping off 50 & 100 meter targets left and right with NV and lasers! Awesome??? YES!
Once we finished, we cleaned up and headed for bed about 200 meters away. I got everything set up and hit the sack. I tied my rifle to my belt loop so that if a DS walked by while I was sleeping, he wouldn't be able to take my rifle. It worked! Other than that, it didn't rain (like it was suppose to) and I managed to get some decent sleep, only to be woken up to DS's screaming for us to get ready in 30 minutes, which meant, change, repack, shave, shower, bathroom, organize, etc. I made it, but not everyone else did....So 20 minute smoke session later an we finally got it all figured out (Don't worry, I didn't do anything to hurt my knees).
So after that, we loaded up ammo and shot at moving targets today. It seems like Blue phase is going to involve a lot of the actual Infantry training, which is a great change of pace. It's always nice when you start doing what you signed up for right??? After the range, we got haircuts and bought some things from the shop (mostly small items). and headed back to the barracks.
The goal is going to be to take it easy these next few days. The weekends are good since we don't do that much work normally.
I'm going to sound off with new random thoughts/answers/etc.
RANDOMNESS
1. I shot 36 out of 40 to qualify expert
2. Family Day in 2 weeks!
3. For now, you can stop sending lyrics. People have stepped up and I have plenty to read.
4. Paper books qualify as contraband
5. GO CARDINALS!
6. I will know within the next 2 weeks where I will be stationed.
7. We finally are able to eat the candy in our MRE's
8. Good Luck Mary
9. I have not been to Annie Gun's
10 But I am le' tired..........
Embrace the SUCK!
SPC Martin
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Finally Some Solid Time to Write
Sunday, August 8 Th
Hey Everybody!
So today is Sunday and as usual (thankfully!) it has been pretty quiet and laid back. We should be getting our phones in about 30 minutes (so Mom & Dad, this letter will repeat a lot of things) which is good because I haven't talked to anyone in a couple weeks since before my stress fractures came into play. I'm sure there are at least a few questions to be asked......
I'll start off by saying that my knees have been holding up pretty well. I'm doing my best to get all the calcium into my body as possible. They have me taking calcium pills which, no offense to you older folk, makes me feel....well.....Old....
Either way, hopefully it helps. This past week made it really difficult to stay off of my feet. Weapons qualification requires a lot of movement throughout the day, and I have to wear extra weight such as my body armor. Technically, I'm not supposed to do any of that. At the same time it helps me not get restarted further back. Double- Edged Sword? Yes. I've heard some conflicting possibilities in the past week, but there is one that I believe more because of who it came from. 99% sure I will be restarted with no Con. leave. How fast I heal will determine when I get restarted. The company appears to be trying to get me the most training in, that they can, which lets me know that they are a least aware of my situation.
With that in mind, as you should know by now, I did shoot expert and received my Expert Badge for my Class A uniform Friday. You should be able to find a picture of it on google (Army Marksmanship Badge Expert). Overall, 17 people shot expert from the entire company, so 8 more shot expert on Friday. The Captain said this number was a little bit below the average, but everyone is qualified.
While everyone else was on the range, me and the 8 others from Thursday stayed back and worked with our supply guy all day. In other words we picked up our Automatic Weapons and Weapon Mounted Grenade Launchers, Night Vision, Laser Sights, and Thermal Sights. Just another day at the office....HAHA!!! Each platoon is given (4) 249 SAW's (Squad Automatic Weapon) and (1) 240-Bravo which weighs about 25 lbs and is like 4 ft. long. Google them as well.......
This week is a focus on our automatic weapons. We are in Blue Phase for as much as I know, but no one has really acknowledged the transition. Blue phase will get us working on squad firing teams and formations. This week is also our first night-time firing exercise and we will stay out in the field for a night. This week it will be interesting to see how much training I will get in or be allowed to take part in, so.....We'll see I guess.
To answer a few questions that some of you had....
- No, naps are not allowed (I wish they were)
- I did not get to throw grenades.....though I should have
- It can get pretty competitive between platoons and somewhat amongst each other
- White phase and OSUT overall have been easier than I anticipated, but then again, Red Phase broke me.....
That's all for now. We have an APFT tomorrow, which I can only do 2/3 of, so I get to watch everyone run 2 miles. Keep sending Cardinal Updates. A 1/2 game behind the Reds is not good! Good to hear that all of you are doing well!
Lyrics to send
Oldies , Country
Bands
All Time Low
We the Kings
Boys Like Girls
Take Care and Embrace the Suck!
SPC Martin
PS - Talked for 15 minutes tonight. Good to talk to Mom, Dad, and Mary, but NOT long enough!
Lyrics I (Mom) have sent to Matt:
Put me in Coach
Jeremiah was a bull frog
American Pie
Proud to be an American
Friends in low places by Garth Brooks
Where Were You (When the World stopped Turning
Beer for my horses
Damned I If I Do Ya (Damned IF I Don't) by All Time Low.
Hey Everybody!
So today is Sunday and as usual (thankfully!) it has been pretty quiet and laid back. We should be getting our phones in about 30 minutes (so Mom & Dad, this letter will repeat a lot of things) which is good because I haven't talked to anyone in a couple weeks since before my stress fractures came into play. I'm sure there are at least a few questions to be asked......
I'll start off by saying that my knees have been holding up pretty well. I'm doing my best to get all the calcium into my body as possible. They have me taking calcium pills which, no offense to you older folk, makes me feel....well.....Old....
Either way, hopefully it helps. This past week made it really difficult to stay off of my feet. Weapons qualification requires a lot of movement throughout the day, and I have to wear extra weight such as my body armor. Technically, I'm not supposed to do any of that. At the same time it helps me not get restarted further back. Double- Edged Sword? Yes. I've heard some conflicting possibilities in the past week, but there is one that I believe more because of who it came from. 99% sure I will be restarted with no Con. leave. How fast I heal will determine when I get restarted. The company appears to be trying to get me the most training in, that they can, which lets me know that they are a least aware of my situation.
With that in mind, as you should know by now, I did shoot expert and received my Expert Badge for my Class A uniform Friday. You should be able to find a picture of it on google (Army Marksmanship Badge Expert). Overall, 17 people shot expert from the entire company, so 8 more shot expert on Friday. The Captain said this number was a little bit below the average, but everyone is qualified.
While everyone else was on the range, me and the 8 others from Thursday stayed back and worked with our supply guy all day. In other words we picked up our Automatic Weapons and Weapon Mounted Grenade Launchers, Night Vision, Laser Sights, and Thermal Sights. Just another day at the office....HAHA!!! Each platoon is given (4) 249 SAW's (Squad Automatic Weapon) and (1) 240-Bravo which weighs about 25 lbs and is like 4 ft. long. Google them as well.......
This week is a focus on our automatic weapons. We are in Blue Phase for as much as I know, but no one has really acknowledged the transition. Blue phase will get us working on squad firing teams and formations. This week is also our first night-time firing exercise and we will stay out in the field for a night. This week it will be interesting to see how much training I will get in or be allowed to take part in, so.....We'll see I guess.
To answer a few questions that some of you had....
- No, naps are not allowed (I wish they were)
- I did not get to throw grenades.....though I should have
- It can get pretty competitive between platoons and somewhat amongst each other
- White phase and OSUT overall have been easier than I anticipated, but then again, Red Phase broke me.....
That's all for now. We have an APFT tomorrow, which I can only do 2/3 of, so I get to watch everyone run 2 miles. Keep sending Cardinal Updates. A 1/2 game behind the Reds is not good! Good to hear that all of you are doing well!
Lyrics to send
Oldies , Country
Bands
All Time Low
We the Kings
Boys Like Girls
Take Care and Embrace the Suck!
SPC Martin
PS - Talked for 15 minutes tonight. Good to talk to Mom, Dad, and Mary, but NOT long enough!
Lyrics I (Mom) have sent to Matt:
Put me in Coach
Jeremiah was a bull frog
American Pie
Proud to be an American
Friends in low places by Garth Brooks
Where Were You (When the World stopped Turning
Beer for my horses
Damned I If I Do Ya (Damned IF I Don't) by All Time Low.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Matt called Sunday evening
August 8th,
We received a call from Matt tonight. He sounded really good. His legs are improving - swelling is down, some pain, but not to bad - He has probably been doing more than he should, but he is determined to keep up with his platoon as much as possible.
If you watched the video and read his last letters, you know that Matt has been at the firing range. We found out tonight he did indeed qualify as "expert".
He was more excited about getting to go to a concert last night and eating pizza, funnel cake, soda, ice cream. The band was from Columbus, GA - couldn't tell you their name, but was so excited to get out and not be a soldier for a little while.
He also said that it didn't look like they were going to let him do convalescent leave - he will stay with his platoon and do as much as he possibly can - we will see how this affects his recovery
We are looking forward to driving to Ft. Benning for Family weekend and Matt is excited for us to come.
Diana
We received a call from Matt tonight. He sounded really good. His legs are improving - swelling is down, some pain, but not to bad - He has probably been doing more than he should, but he is determined to keep up with his platoon as much as possible.
If you watched the video and read his last letters, you know that Matt has been at the firing range. We found out tonight he did indeed qualify as "expert".
He was more excited about getting to go to a concert last night and eating pizza, funnel cake, soda, ice cream. The band was from Columbus, GA - couldn't tell you their name, but was so excited to get out and not be a soldier for a little while.
He also said that it didn't look like they were going to let him do convalescent leave - he will stay with his platoon and do as much as he possibly can - we will see how this affects his recovery
We are looking forward to driving to Ft. Benning for Family weekend and Matt is excited for us to come.
Diana
Today Is Something......Right?
Thursday, Aug. 5th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
TO ME!!! HAHAHA
Well as you know, today is my birthday. I think my present from the Army will be push ups. Today s weapon pre-qualification. Supposedly we're shooting 3 times today, each with 40 rounds. Also supposedly, if we shoot well enough, we can keep our score as our actual qualification. So if I shoot expert today (lets hope so) I won't have to shoot again tomorrow (again supposedly), There is also a rumor going around that they are handing out day passes for those who shoot expert. We've already been talking about going and seeing a movie if we get them. So wish me luck, even though you won't be reading this until after I've qualified.
Oh, figured I would explain some of the firing positions from my last letter. Prone supported means I have my rifle resting on sandbags while I fire. It offers the most steady firing position laying down. Prone unsupported involves me laying down, but nothing is in front of my rifle. This allows (potentially) more movement when I fire. Kneeling is just what it sounds like. You're on one knee while targets pop up and you shoot. This is the most unstable position to fire from.
Yesterday we were fitted for our Class A green uniforms. They look GOOD! We also got our Berets and a few other items. Someday, whenever I'm able to leave Ft. Benning, you will personally know just how ridiculously good looking I am...... HA HA HA ! Had to say it!
This Saturday there is a concert that we get to go to! I have no idea who's playing but either way we get to get away from the DS's, enjoy soda, energy drinks, pizza, and anything else that isn't "good" for us. However, this all depends on us not screwing up in the next few days, and hoping the DS's forget about the dumpster diving incident from Sunday. The story goes that two guys from my platoon were taking out the trash on Sunday. As they get down there, they look around the trash to "investigate". Well, during this search they come across unopened containers of Honey Nut Cheerios. So what's the best plan of action???? Yes, that's right, lets eat them! So while commencing in this disgusting act, another DS from another company catches them, gets all the information he needs, and reports them to our company. Needless to say, Monday we got smoked and threatened with Red Phase..... So we have to be good.....
The last thing I want to say is.....THANK YOU ALL for the cards and letters and pictures (Lindsay)!! You all constantly make everyone jealous and me proud to have you all as my family and friends!!!
I've opened a couple of cards so far, but I'm saving the rest for tonight when I get back from the range.
Love You All & Embrace the Suck
SPC Martin
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
TO ME!!! HAHAHA
Well as you know, today is my birthday. I think my present from the Army will be push ups. Today s weapon pre-qualification. Supposedly we're shooting 3 times today, each with 40 rounds. Also supposedly, if we shoot well enough, we can keep our score as our actual qualification. So if I shoot expert today (lets hope so) I won't have to shoot again tomorrow (again supposedly), There is also a rumor going around that they are handing out day passes for those who shoot expert. We've already been talking about going and seeing a movie if we get them. So wish me luck, even though you won't be reading this until after I've qualified.
Oh, figured I would explain some of the firing positions from my last letter. Prone supported means I have my rifle resting on sandbags while I fire. It offers the most steady firing position laying down. Prone unsupported involves me laying down, but nothing is in front of my rifle. This allows (potentially) more movement when I fire. Kneeling is just what it sounds like. You're on one knee while targets pop up and you shoot. This is the most unstable position to fire from.
Yesterday we were fitted for our Class A green uniforms. They look GOOD! We also got our Berets and a few other items. Someday, whenever I'm able to leave Ft. Benning, you will personally know just how ridiculously good looking I am...... HA HA HA ! Had to say it!
This Saturday there is a concert that we get to go to! I have no idea who's playing but either way we get to get away from the DS's, enjoy soda, energy drinks, pizza, and anything else that isn't "good" for us. However, this all depends on us not screwing up in the next few days, and hoping the DS's forget about the dumpster diving incident from Sunday. The story goes that two guys from my platoon were taking out the trash on Sunday. As they get down there, they look around the trash to "investigate". Well, during this search they come across unopened containers of Honey Nut Cheerios. So what's the best plan of action???? Yes, that's right, lets eat them! So while commencing in this disgusting act, another DS from another company catches them, gets all the information he needs, and reports them to our company. Needless to say, Monday we got smoked and threatened with Red Phase..... So we have to be good.....
The last thing I want to say is.....THANK YOU ALL for the cards and letters and pictures (Lindsay)!! You all constantly make everyone jealous and me proud to have you all as my family and friends!!!
I've opened a couple of cards so far, but I'm saving the rest for tonight when I get back from the range.
Love You All & Embrace the Suck
SPC Martin
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