So... For the first time since February I am updating this blog personally. (Thanks for all the hard work mom) I finally graduated from basic training on friday 20 April 2007. HOOAH! It is so nice to be done with the hardest part. (well maybe not the hardest, but at least the worst) My parents... all four of them, my sister, and my girlfriend came up to see me graduate, and take me out to dinner. It was great. I loved seeing my family after having spent so much time wondering what was going on their lives. I missed them all so much. Friday night they had to drop me back off at the barracks, and I had to sleep there so that I could ship to AIT on Saturday morning. Luckily my AIT is at Fort Jackson so all I had to do was go across base. After I did my inprocessing at AIT I actually got a pass for the weekend!!! My parents left town, but my girlfriend stayed around, and we spent the night in a hotel in downtown Columbia. We went out to eat and have a few beers last night, which was freakin great, especially because I found Shiner Bock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Shiner Bock in SC. Yeah boy! It's now about 0900 and I'm getting ready to go eat a greasy breakfast at the Waffle House. (By the way there are a lot of Waffle Houses here in Columbia) Anywho, just a quick note to wrap up my basic training Blog.
John
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tidbits From John
This was likely written last Thursday:
It is now 10 hours until I leave for Victory Forge. I will wake up at 0400 and march 9 miles to our forward operating base. From then until the following Friday, we will be operating 24 hours a day. I expect maybe 16 hours of sleep throughout the week.I was on a detail today that went out to the site and set up. It will be quite an operation with two large tents (really large...they could easily sleep 60) set up for briefing and chow. There is also another base set up for opposing forces (a few people were selected for this).
It is now 10 hours until I leave for Victory Forge. I will wake up at 0400 and march 9 miles to our forward operating base. From then until the following Friday, we will be operating 24 hours a day. I expect maybe 16 hours of sleep throughout the week.I was on a detail today that went out to the site and set up. It will be quite an operation with two large tents (really large...they could easily sleep 60) set up for briefing and chow. There is also another base set up for opposing forces (a few people were selected for this).
Monday, April 9, 2007
Letter mailed April 6th
Dear Mom, (and blog)
This will be my last chance to write before I leave for Victory Forge. I am so looking forward to getting out of here. I figured it out today...we are treated like dogs. We get kicked and then petted. I swear this is how the drill sergeants treat us. Today we got yelled at all day, and then tonight we had an ice cream and cake party, played a trivia game and had an impromptu "talent show." Then we got yelled at some more. Great.
Victory Forge should be alright. I'm still recovering from Tonsilitus so I'm taking my Tylenol, Ibuprophen, throat drops, etc. Hopefully all those drugs will get me through.
Honestly, I don't even care any more. I just want to be done. I guess you could call it a case of "senioritus." Oh well, I will be done in 2 weeks. 13 days and a wake up.
Sorry this is so short, just a not to touch base before I go. Oh, and no more letters mailed out to me after the 12th of April.
Thanks for all your love and support.
Love,
John
This will be my last chance to write before I leave for Victory Forge. I am so looking forward to getting out of here. I figured it out today...we are treated like dogs. We get kicked and then petted. I swear this is how the drill sergeants treat us. Today we got yelled at all day, and then tonight we had an ice cream and cake party, played a trivia game and had an impromptu "talent show." Then we got yelled at some more. Great.
Victory Forge should be alright. I'm still recovering from Tonsilitus so I'm taking my Tylenol, Ibuprophen, throat drops, etc. Hopefully all those drugs will get me through.
Honestly, I don't even care any more. I just want to be done. I guess you could call it a case of "senioritus." Oh well, I will be done in 2 weeks. 13 days and a wake up.
Sorry this is so short, just a not to touch base before I go. Oh, and no more letters mailed out to me after the 12th of April.
Thanks for all your love and support.
Love,
John
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Letter From John
Dear Mom/Blog,
I have a lot to catch you up on... so I just got back from my 3 day FTX (Field Training Exercise). It was mostly a good time. We went on Tuesday morning and set up our tents, which consists of two ponchos buttoned together, two poles, and somebungee cords. All day Tuesday we practiced kicking in doors and storming and clearing a building. Pretty neat stuff I hope I never have to use.
Later that night, we were all issued blanks for M16s and we went on night patrol. We were wandering throught the woods. As we were wandering, we saw another platoon walking down a trail. We all laid down, got very quiet, and ambushed the other platoon. They all freaked out and all got "killed." We did a couple other day and night operations out there and learned how to run a traffic check point. On the night before I got back from the FTX I started to feel a little sick. I stuck it out through the next day until we got back from the field, but when we arrived at the barracks I told the Drill Sergeant I needed to go to the doctor. He told me to wait until the next day. I said, "Negative Drill Sergeant. I need to go tonight." He took my temperature and it was 102! He took me to the hospital and I spent the night there. Turns out I had severe Tonsilitus. My throat hurt! For medicine they gave me two bags, (2000cc) of IV fluids, two shots in the butt (one antibioitic, one for pain), 800mg Ibuprophen (one every six hours), 325mg Tylenol (one every four hours), Robitussin (as needed for cough), and throat lozenges (as needed for pain). I feel much better today. when I checked in to the hospital, my pulse was 110 and my blood pressure was high. Today my pulse is 56 with a blood pressure of 114/66. Much better. Now I'm out of the hospital in medical quarters and should return to duty tomorrow.
I did miss one mandatory event while I was in the hospital so I will have to make it up. I missed Remagen, which is the grenade range. I should make that up during graduation week.
Monday we went to Kasserine Pass which is a large weapons range. We got to shoot the M203 grenade launcher, the M249 machine gun, and the M136 also known as the AT4 antitank weapon system. That was lots of fun. The AT4 is crazy. It's like a modern day bazooka. When the round hits, it makes the ground shake and you can feel it in your chest.
Well, I need to get my rest so I can get out of Med quarters. I love you and miss you.
Love,
John
I have a lot to catch you up on... so I just got back from my 3 day FTX (Field Training Exercise). It was mostly a good time. We went on Tuesday morning and set up our tents, which consists of two ponchos buttoned together, two poles, and somebungee cords. All day Tuesday we practiced kicking in doors and storming and clearing a building. Pretty neat stuff I hope I never have to use.
Later that night, we were all issued blanks for M16s and we went on night patrol. We were wandering throught the woods. As we were wandering, we saw another platoon walking down a trail. We all laid down, got very quiet, and ambushed the other platoon. They all freaked out and all got "killed." We did a couple other day and night operations out there and learned how to run a traffic check point. On the night before I got back from the FTX I started to feel a little sick. I stuck it out through the next day until we got back from the field, but when we arrived at the barracks I told the Drill Sergeant I needed to go to the doctor. He told me to wait until the next day. I said, "Negative Drill Sergeant. I need to go tonight." He took my temperature and it was 102! He took me to the hospital and I spent the night there. Turns out I had severe Tonsilitus. My throat hurt! For medicine they gave me two bags, (2000cc) of IV fluids, two shots in the butt (one antibioitic, one for pain), 800mg Ibuprophen (one every six hours), 325mg Tylenol (one every four hours), Robitussin (as needed for cough), and throat lozenges (as needed for pain). I feel much better today. when I checked in to the hospital, my pulse was 110 and my blood pressure was high. Today my pulse is 56 with a blood pressure of 114/66. Much better. Now I'm out of the hospital in medical quarters and should return to duty tomorrow.
I did miss one mandatory event while I was in the hospital so I will have to make it up. I missed Remagen, which is the grenade range. I should make that up during graduation week.
Monday we went to Kasserine Pass which is a large weapons range. We got to shoot the M203 grenade launcher, the M249 machine gun, and the M136 also known as the AT4 antitank weapon system. That was lots of fun. The AT4 is crazy. It's like a modern day bazooka. When the round hits, it makes the ground shake and you can feel it in your chest.
Well, I need to get my rest so I can get out of Med quarters. I love you and miss you.
Love,
John
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Hey Everybody, Phone call from John
Hello Everyone,
I got a phone call from John this afternoon. He sounded good. Kinda hoarse. He said last week he had a field training exercise Monday through Friday then he was sick on Thursday and Friday with Tonsilitus. He got a shot of antibiotics and one for pain. He's definitely feeling better though. He also said that he passed his final PT tests in order to graduate. Passing is a 50%. He scored a 69% on pushups at 47, a 68% on sittups at 53 and a 90% for the 2 mile run at 13:56. In fact, the whole company scored the hightest PT score ever since the master drill sergeant has been at Fort Jackson so they all won a phone call! That's about all he had time for. Can't wait to see him at graduation.
Lucy (Mom)
I got a phone call from John this afternoon. He sounded good. Kinda hoarse. He said last week he had a field training exercise Monday through Friday then he was sick on Thursday and Friday with Tonsilitus. He got a shot of antibiotics and one for pain. He's definitely feeling better though. He also said that he passed his final PT tests in order to graduate. Passing is a 50%. He scored a 69% on pushups at 47, a 68% on sittups at 53 and a 90% for the 2 mile run at 13:56. In fact, the whole company scored the hightest PT score ever since the master drill sergeant has been at Fort Jackson so they all won a phone call! That's about all he had time for. Can't wait to see him at graduation.
Lucy (Mom)
Monday, March 26, 2007
March 22 Letter from John
Dear Mom/Blog,
Time to update everyone on the craziness that has been the last week of basic. So...last week, some soldiers in my bay decided to do something extremely mean to a soldier that is just a little strange. They gave him a "blanket party." This involves placing a blanket over the soldier while he is laying down to hold him down. Then they proceed to beat the crud out of him. Well, needless to say the drill sergeants found out and the next day we got smoked for almost two hours straight. We also lost all of our personal time all week. AND we lost all of our shower privileges. This meant that instead of the usual unlimited shower time (not really unlimited, but I take 10 minutes) we had literally 30 second showers, supervised by a drill sergeant. It went something like this..."Get in, rinse off, wash your face, armpits, genitals, your butt, your toes, your feet, get out!...GET THE HECK OUT! Let me tell you, that was fun. The next day we found out that because of the mistakes of four people, the entire company was sent back to the red phase. CRAP. We only had about three good days of white phase before the idiots screwed up, and surprise, surprise it's the same people who screw up all the time.
Over the next four days we continued the 30 second showers and no personal time. On the fifth day we had shown a little discipline through the week so we got our showers back. If all goes well we should be back to the white phase soon and then on to blue phase.
In other news, today was a laid back day. We had uniform issue today. We went to get our "high speed" PT uniform. (The same uniform the drill sergeants wear!) and our class A uniforms. You know, the fancy uniform. It is custom tailored, and let me tell you... I look good in that sucker.
Tomorrow night is the live fire night infiltration exercise. AKA "Nick at Night". We crawl along the ground while live rounds are fired over our heads. Dangerous, but necessary training for a soldier. Knowing that I only have four more weeks of Basic is encouraging. And really we only have two more weeks of actual training. Then comes Victory Forge, where we put everything we have learned into action for 7 days non-stop. And then graduation week we just clean and turn in equipment, and have a pizza party...I am so looking forward to having a Dr. Pepper and a slice of pizza.
Well, off to bed. Hope all is well with the real world. What's this I hear about fat kids being taken from their parents in England???
Love you!
John
Time to update everyone on the craziness that has been the last week of basic. So...last week, some soldiers in my bay decided to do something extremely mean to a soldier that is just a little strange. They gave him a "blanket party." This involves placing a blanket over the soldier while he is laying down to hold him down. Then they proceed to beat the crud out of him. Well, needless to say the drill sergeants found out and the next day we got smoked for almost two hours straight. We also lost all of our personal time all week. AND we lost all of our shower privileges. This meant that instead of the usual unlimited shower time (not really unlimited, but I take 10 minutes) we had literally 30 second showers, supervised by a drill sergeant. It went something like this..."Get in, rinse off, wash your face, armpits, genitals, your butt, your toes, your feet, get out!...GET THE HECK OUT! Let me tell you, that was fun. The next day we found out that because of the mistakes of four people, the entire company was sent back to the red phase. CRAP. We only had about three good days of white phase before the idiots screwed up, and surprise, surprise it's the same people who screw up all the time.
Over the next four days we continued the 30 second showers and no personal time. On the fifth day we had shown a little discipline through the week so we got our showers back. If all goes well we should be back to the white phase soon and then on to blue phase.
In other news, today was a laid back day. We had uniform issue today. We went to get our "high speed" PT uniform. (The same uniform the drill sergeants wear!) and our class A uniforms. You know, the fancy uniform. It is custom tailored, and let me tell you... I look good in that sucker.
Tomorrow night is the live fire night infiltration exercise. AKA "Nick at Night". We crawl along the ground while live rounds are fired over our heads. Dangerous, but necessary training for a soldier. Knowing that I only have four more weeks of Basic is encouraging. And really we only have two more weeks of actual training. Then comes Victory Forge, where we put everything we have learned into action for 7 days non-stop. And then graduation week we just clean and turn in equipment, and have a pizza party...I am so looking forward to having a Dr. Pepper and a slice of pizza.
Well, off to bed. Hope all is well with the real world. What's this I hear about fat kids being taken from their parents in England???
Love you!
John
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Letter to Dad dated Feb. 19, 2007
The following came to me on Feb. 22nd which obviously a while back but I just found out how to post on a blog!
Dear Dad:
Hey Dad! Hope all is well on the home front. Things are pretty good here (well, relatively). It sure sucks though. It's hard getting yelled at constantly for doing things that seem perfectly normal. I even got pushups for trying to stop an arguement. Actually, the pushups were for falling out of formation, but I was just trying to keep a fight from breaking out. Especially because it happened on the way to church. Gotta love the Army.
For the Army, the food is absurdly good. Don't get me wrong, its not gourmet, but its way better than I expected.
Right now, I am at "sick call". I have a cough, cold and sore throat. I was going to try to tough it out but the Dril Sargeants said today was a good day to go because there is not graduation requirement training today. I wrote Mom a letter last night, and asked her to show it to you so that I didn't have to write the same stuff all over again. Let Mom know that my graduation date is supposed to be April 20th and family day is shortly before that, but I don't know that exact date. That means I have two months to go. Yikes!
We were issued our M16A2 rifles two days ago. We have to carry them with us everywhere all the time and we even sleep with them in our sleeping bay. (locked up of course). We haven't gotten to fire them yet. The darn thing weights about 10 lbs. so carrying it in front of tyou for long distances gets tiring. I'm going to name my rifle "Sandy". Why? Just the first name I thought of, and I decided to go with my gut.
My battle buddy is a guy named Morrison. He is nice enough but not too intelligent. No one here is all that smart. It's tough not being able to have a conversation that consists anything more than "farts, poop, females (their private parts) or any number of stupid comments".
I got in trouble for laughing the other day. The drill sargeants aren't too keen on it when they say something and you laugh.... even if they say something funny. When they caought me laughing he asked me, "What's so funny, Private?" I responded, " Nothing, Drill Sargeant." He said, "Then why are you laughing?" I responded, "Because DS Neely said something funny, Drill Sargeant." He said, "So you lied when you said 'nothing'?" I said, "Yes, DS." He made me write "I am a liar" 1000 times. I wrote it 608 times before the guys in my bay helped out and each wrote it 50 times for me. (About 8 guys helped my out.)
Well, that's all the news I have from the "sick call" front. I miss you guys. Write me soon.
I Love You,
PFC John Owens Jr.
Dear Dad:
Hey Dad! Hope all is well on the home front. Things are pretty good here (well, relatively). It sure sucks though. It's hard getting yelled at constantly for doing things that seem perfectly normal. I even got pushups for trying to stop an arguement. Actually, the pushups were for falling out of formation, but I was just trying to keep a fight from breaking out. Especially because it happened on the way to church. Gotta love the Army.
For the Army, the food is absurdly good. Don't get me wrong, its not gourmet, but its way better than I expected.
Right now, I am at "sick call". I have a cough, cold and sore throat. I was going to try to tough it out but the Dril Sargeants said today was a good day to go because there is not graduation requirement training today. I wrote Mom a letter last night, and asked her to show it to you so that I didn't have to write the same stuff all over again. Let Mom know that my graduation date is supposed to be April 20th and family day is shortly before that, but I don't know that exact date. That means I have two months to go. Yikes!
We were issued our M16A2 rifles two days ago. We have to carry them with us everywhere all the time and we even sleep with them in our sleeping bay. (locked up of course). We haven't gotten to fire them yet. The darn thing weights about 10 lbs. so carrying it in front of tyou for long distances gets tiring. I'm going to name my rifle "Sandy". Why? Just the first name I thought of, and I decided to go with my gut.
My battle buddy is a guy named Morrison. He is nice enough but not too intelligent. No one here is all that smart. It's tough not being able to have a conversation that consists anything more than "farts, poop, females (their private parts) or any number of stupid comments".
I got in trouble for laughing the other day. The drill sargeants aren't too keen on it when they say something and you laugh.... even if they say something funny. When they caought me laughing he asked me, "What's so funny, Private?" I responded, " Nothing, Drill Sargeant." He said, "Then why are you laughing?" I responded, "Because DS Neely said something funny, Drill Sargeant." He said, "So you lied when you said 'nothing'?" I said, "Yes, DS." He made me write "I am a liar" 1000 times. I wrote it 608 times before the guys in my bay helped out and each wrote it 50 times for me. (About 8 guys helped my out.)
Well, that's all the news I have from the "sick call" front. I miss you guys. Write me soon.
I Love You,
PFC John Owens Jr.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Letter from John
Hello everyone,
Here's the latest letter from John. It's not dated but it was mailed on March 21st.
Dear Mom and Bloggers,
I can officially say white phase is better than red phase. Today, guess what I did from 5:30 until 9:00pm? Whatever I wanted to do. No drill sergeant breathing down my neck. No one yelling at me. It was great. I wasn't however allowed to leave the batallion area. (An area of about 500 acres). There isn't much to do in this area so you know what I did...I ran two miles on the track, and I did 110 push-ups. I can't help but laugh at myself. Now I am doing what the drill sergeants want, and they don't have to be there. Actually, I just want to pass my PT test so I can get out of Basic. After running my two miles (in 14:58) I went back to the barracks and spent some time reading my bible and some time writing letters.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone for graduation, and family day. You know family day is the day before graduation right? Also, I'd thought I'd tell you some of the strange things that have entered my vocabulary since coming to basic...First and foremost, I say "scouts out" about 1000 times a day. This phrase means just about everything. It means yes, I'm sorry, thanks, woohoo! etc. It is our batallion (2/60th) motto. Next is "negative", a phrase used humorously to tell someone they are just plain wrong. It's funny to yell when the drill sergeant is wrong. (Even though drill sergeants are never wrong) When someone messes up we like to say "beat your face", meaning "do push-ups." I also say "Yeah Boy," a phrase we say when the last person at chow sits down, ex. "last cold steel seated"...everyone yells "Yeah Boy."
One drill sergeant calls everyone who messes up "Mr. Wizard." Ok, just now everyone in the bay just broke into a disco party. People are beatboxing and flashing their red and blue flash lights. It's funny, but we are going to get the hell smoked out of us when drill sergeant notices. Oh well. That was crazy. Alright, off to bed when the disco stops.
I love you,
John
P.S. After writing this letter I was unable to send it because we were put back in the red phase. GAH!
Here's the latest letter from John. It's not dated but it was mailed on March 21st.
Dear Mom and Bloggers,
I can officially say white phase is better than red phase. Today, guess what I did from 5:30 until 9:00pm? Whatever I wanted to do. No drill sergeant breathing down my neck. No one yelling at me. It was great. I wasn't however allowed to leave the batallion area. (An area of about 500 acres). There isn't much to do in this area so you know what I did...I ran two miles on the track, and I did 110 push-ups. I can't help but laugh at myself. Now I am doing what the drill sergeants want, and they don't have to be there. Actually, I just want to pass my PT test so I can get out of Basic. After running my two miles (in 14:58) I went back to the barracks and spent some time reading my bible and some time writing letters.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone for graduation, and family day. You know family day is the day before graduation right? Also, I'd thought I'd tell you some of the strange things that have entered my vocabulary since coming to basic...First and foremost, I say "scouts out" about 1000 times a day. This phrase means just about everything. It means yes, I'm sorry, thanks, woohoo! etc. It is our batallion (2/60th) motto. Next is "negative", a phrase used humorously to tell someone they are just plain wrong. It's funny to yell when the drill sergeant is wrong. (Even though drill sergeants are never wrong) When someone messes up we like to say "beat your face", meaning "do push-ups." I also say "Yeah Boy," a phrase we say when the last person at chow sits down, ex. "last cold steel seated"...everyone yells "Yeah Boy."
One drill sergeant calls everyone who messes up "Mr. Wizard." Ok, just now everyone in the bay just broke into a disco party. People are beatboxing and flashing their red and blue flash lights. It's funny, but we are going to get the hell smoked out of us when drill sergeant notices. Oh well. That was crazy. Alright, off to bed when the disco stops.
I love you,
John
P.S. After writing this letter I was unable to send it because we were put back in the red phase. GAH!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Call From John 3-20-07
Hi Everyone,
I got a call from John yesterday around 7:00pm. He only had a couple of minutes to talk but he was doing pretty well. He sounded a little hoarse and he said his platoon had been doing their cadences really loud in order to be able to phase. Last time we heard, they had moved into the white phase after many delays because of people messing up. Well now they have just moved back into the red phase because of some people messing up again. Anyway, he said he qualified with his rifle as a sharpshooter. I guess that's good. Don't really understand it all. He also said he had passed some of the PT tests he has to pass in order to graduate. He also said he was glad he only has four more weeks of basic. It was a really quick call. He always has to get off the phone all of a sudden. But overall, he sounded pretty good.
Keep praying,
Mom
I got a call from John yesterday around 7:00pm. He only had a couple of minutes to talk but he was doing pretty well. He sounded a little hoarse and he said his platoon had been doing their cadences really loud in order to be able to phase. Last time we heard, they had moved into the white phase after many delays because of people messing up. Well now they have just moved back into the red phase because of some people messing up again. Anyway, he said he qualified with his rifle as a sharpshooter. I guess that's good. Don't really understand it all. He also said he had passed some of the PT tests he has to pass in order to graduate. He also said he was glad he only has four more weeks of basic. It was a really quick call. He always has to get off the phone all of a sudden. But overall, he sounded pretty good.
Keep praying,
Mom
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Letter from John to Catherine
13 Mar 2007
Dear Catherine,
This army life is not my style. They got me lookin like Gomer Pyle. They stuck me in a barbers chair, spun me round I had no hair. This army life has brought me pain. They got me lookin like GI Jane. Ha-ha. This is actually part of one of the cadences we sing while marching.
How are you? Thanks so much for the pictures, they are great. I laughed for about 5 minutes straight when I saw you making them do push-ups. They are hanging in my wall locker.
I am adapting well to Army life. Don't get me wrong, I still think it sucks that I have to do everything some jerk tell me no questions asked, I am just used to it now.
I can't wait to be able to have my cell phone back, wear civilian clothes, and drink Dr. Pepper. Only 5 more weeks!
Time is actually going by pretty quickly here. They keep us so busy that you don't even have time to dwell on how much you miss home. Right now it is almost midnight and I am on fire-guard. This involves sitting at a desk for two hours in the middle of the night. I really hate it. I have a shift about once a week.
How did your tests go? Do you have to retake any of them? I hope all went well. Has Louie been offered his residency position yet? If so, where? If not, when? Let me know, I'll be praying for you. I'm going to write a letter to your class, I think. Not to sure what to write though. Guess I'll just tell them about being a soldier. Well, I wish you could come to my graduation, but I know how life can be. You have a class to teach. Just know that I will miss you.
Talk to you soon,
John
Dear Catherine,
This army life is not my style. They got me lookin like Gomer Pyle. They stuck me in a barbers chair, spun me round I had no hair. This army life has brought me pain. They got me lookin like GI Jane. Ha-ha. This is actually part of one of the cadences we sing while marching.
How are you? Thanks so much for the pictures, they are great. I laughed for about 5 minutes straight when I saw you making them do push-ups. They are hanging in my wall locker.
I am adapting well to Army life. Don't get me wrong, I still think it sucks that I have to do everything some jerk tell me no questions asked, I am just used to it now.
I can't wait to be able to have my cell phone back, wear civilian clothes, and drink Dr. Pepper. Only 5 more weeks!
Time is actually going by pretty quickly here. They keep us so busy that you don't even have time to dwell on how much you miss home. Right now it is almost midnight and I am on fire-guard. This involves sitting at a desk for two hours in the middle of the night. I really hate it. I have a shift about once a week.
How did your tests go? Do you have to retake any of them? I hope all went well. Has Louie been offered his residency position yet? If so, where? If not, when? Let me know, I'll be praying for you. I'm going to write a letter to your class, I think. Not to sure what to write though. Guess I'll just tell them about being a soldier. Well, I wish you could come to my graduation, but I know how life can be. You have a class to teach. Just know that I will miss you.
Talk to you soon,
John
Monday, March 19, 2007
Here's a Postcard From John
Dear Mom,
Thought I'd write you a quick note. This week we finally phased into the white phase. We also started and finished Basic Rifle Marksmanship. I qualified with my weapon yesterday. I shot 30 out of 40 meaning I qualified as a sharpshooter. I also lost my job as squad leader today. Not because I did a bad job, but because drill sergeant wanted to give someone else a chance. It is actually quite a relief. Now I don't have all sorts of extra duties and I don't have to keep up with 12 soldiers and tell people what to do. Well, out of space so I'll write you more later.
Love you,
John
Thought I'd write you a quick note. This week we finally phased into the white phase. We also started and finished Basic Rifle Marksmanship. I qualified with my weapon yesterday. I shot 30 out of 40 meaning I qualified as a sharpshooter. I also lost my job as squad leader today. Not because I did a bad job, but because drill sergeant wanted to give someone else a chance. It is actually quite a relief. Now I don't have all sorts of extra duties and I don't have to keep up with 12 soldiers and tell people what to do. Well, out of space so I'll write you more later.
Love you,
John
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Latest
Hello all you John Fans,
Here's the latest.
Dear Mom and everyone else who checks the blog,
Let me start by telling you how frustrated I am. We were supposed to switch to white phase early (last Saturday), but another platoon in the company couldn't get their act together so First Sergeant, the sergeant in charge of the whole company, said no. Then we were supposed to switch over on Wednesday, but the night before two people decided to get into a fight. This again caused us not to phase. Then we were supposed to phase on Thursday but two soldiers (a male and a female) were caught kissing in the stairwell. I figured we would all get smoked for this but instead, drill sergeants took away about 1 hour of personal time. Not just once, but every single day. This sucks because this is my time to wind down. We now have only about 20 minutes of personal time a day. Lame! If we can get our act together things will get better, if not, First Sergeant has promised that we will be in Red Phase the entire cycle. AAAAHH! (LOL)
In other news, this week we started BRM, Basic Rifle Marksmanship. I finally got to do something with my M16 other than carry it around. This weapon is pretty freakin' cool. Let me tell you... when the bullet leaves the barrel it is traveling at about 2/3 of a mile per second! I can hit a target from 300 meters 8 out of 10 times. Usually pretty close to dead center. If I can improve by 5 targets out of 40, I'll be an expert! (That's the best marksman rank in the army)
Well I had to write this whole thing after lights out since we lost our personal time so I'm going to bed.
Love you,
John
Here's the latest.
Dear Mom and everyone else who checks the blog,
Let me start by telling you how frustrated I am. We were supposed to switch to white phase early (last Saturday), but another platoon in the company couldn't get their act together so First Sergeant, the sergeant in charge of the whole company, said no. Then we were supposed to switch over on Wednesday, but the night before two people decided to get into a fight. This again caused us not to phase. Then we were supposed to phase on Thursday but two soldiers (a male and a female) were caught kissing in the stairwell. I figured we would all get smoked for this but instead, drill sergeants took away about 1 hour of personal time. Not just once, but every single day. This sucks because this is my time to wind down. We now have only about 20 minutes of personal time a day. Lame! If we can get our act together things will get better, if not, First Sergeant has promised that we will be in Red Phase the entire cycle. AAAAHH! (LOL)
In other news, this week we started BRM, Basic Rifle Marksmanship. I finally got to do something with my M16 other than carry it around. This weapon is pretty freakin' cool. Let me tell you... when the bullet leaves the barrel it is traveling at about 2/3 of a mile per second! I can hit a target from 300 meters 8 out of 10 times. Usually pretty close to dead center. If I can improve by 5 targets out of 40, I'll be an expert! (That's the best marksman rank in the army)
Well I had to write this whole thing after lights out since we lost our personal time so I'm going to bed.
Love you,
John
Thursday, March 8, 2007
More from John
Hello friends and family,
I received a letter from John today that is also addressed to all of you.
He writes:
Dear Mom/Everyone,
Today is Sunday March 4. I haven't had much time to write this week so I'll tell you all about each day. I'll start with Monday, (I may have already written you about this, I'm not sure).
Monday was Land Navigation Training. We also had a 3.3 mile road march. Once we marched there, we were given a set of coordinates. (ex. NT80726341) That's just one, we got five of those. We were given our starting points and a compass and told to wonder through the woods and find these points. (They were marked with a pole) For lunch that day we ate "Hot A's" meaning cafeteria food served at the Land Nav. site.
Tuesday we did the Teamwork Development Course. We are given an obstacle, ie a ten foot wall in front of a broken bridge. We have to get all team members across the bridge and over the wall using only a rope and a plank. You can't touch the ground at all until you are over the wall. We had 5 minutes to plan and 20 minutes to execute. This was a tough day for me because when I am not a leader I have a hard time just sitting by and letting other soldiers make their own mistakes.
On Wednesday we did a bayonette training. The whole company competed (about 200 people) and I did the best. I even won a phone call! After that we had a pugil stick stick competition. I got my butt kicked but it was fun to watch everyone else beat the crud out of each other.
Thursday we learned Unarmed Combative Skills. (fighting without a weapon) Mostly Brazillian ju jitsu. This was fun because you don't have to be really strong to win. We all got in a circle and the drill sergeants would call out two names and we would get in the middle and kick the crap out of each other. I won my bout! I put my opponent in a "bent arm bar"submission hold. I was really proud of myself. I'm not much of a fighter normally, but I seemed to find that "warrior spirit" that day.
Friday...What a day this was. We did NBC training. Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical. This means I learned to use a "pro-mask." (gas-mask) After learning to use it, we had to put what we had learned into action in the gas chamber. The drill sergeants take you into a room filled with CS gas. CS is like tear gas, but they add an irritant so it can burn your skin with prolonged exposure. Once you are in the room you have to remove your mask long enough to say your name rank and social security number, then you put your mask back on. But...it's not over yet. Then after we get comfortable again we have to completely remove our masks and recite the soldiers creed. This forces you to breathe in the gas. They also make you open your eyes. Let me tell you. It BURNS! I left the gas chamber with a foot of snot hanging off my nose, crying, and spitting up crud. The worst part is you can't touch your face cause your hands still have gas on them. About five minutes later we are all "aired out" and we can clean ourselves off. It's really unpleasant but it's funny as heck to watch everyone else come out.
On Saturday we started BRM. Basic Rifle Marksmanship. We don't get to actually fire our weapons until Wednesday the 7th but as of right now we are learning to properly hold, aim, breathe, and squeeze the trigger. We do a drill where we cock the weapon, place a dime on the muzzle and try to squeeze the trigger without the dime falling off. This is actually pretty difficult.
Today is Sunday. I went to choir rehearsal this morning. We sang a Chris Tomlin song (my choice) and it made me feel a little more at home. The service was good today and it was nice to take communion. We had a bible study after church, that somehow turned into a a big yelling match about racism. Boooo. Hopefully next week will be better.
Well for the rest of the day we should be laying around the barracks on personal time.
It's time for chow now so I'm gonna end this here, but I'll write again soon.
I love you,
John
I received a letter from John today that is also addressed to all of you.
He writes:
Dear Mom/Everyone,
Today is Sunday March 4. I haven't had much time to write this week so I'll tell you all about each day. I'll start with Monday, (I may have already written you about this, I'm not sure).
Monday was Land Navigation Training. We also had a 3.3 mile road march. Once we marched there, we were given a set of coordinates. (ex. NT80726341) That's just one, we got five of those. We were given our starting points and a compass and told to wonder through the woods and find these points. (They were marked with a pole) For lunch that day we ate "Hot A's" meaning cafeteria food served at the Land Nav. site.
Tuesday we did the Teamwork Development Course. We are given an obstacle, ie a ten foot wall in front of a broken bridge. We have to get all team members across the bridge and over the wall using only a rope and a plank. You can't touch the ground at all until you are over the wall. We had 5 minutes to plan and 20 minutes to execute. This was a tough day for me because when I am not a leader I have a hard time just sitting by and letting other soldiers make their own mistakes.
On Wednesday we did a bayonette training. The whole company competed (about 200 people) and I did the best. I even won a phone call! After that we had a pugil stick stick competition. I got my butt kicked but it was fun to watch everyone else beat the crud out of each other.
Thursday we learned Unarmed Combative Skills. (fighting without a weapon) Mostly Brazillian ju jitsu. This was fun because you don't have to be really strong to win. We all got in a circle and the drill sergeants would call out two names and we would get in the middle and kick the crap out of each other. I won my bout! I put my opponent in a "bent arm bar"submission hold. I was really proud of myself. I'm not much of a fighter normally, but I seemed to find that "warrior spirit" that day.
Friday...What a day this was. We did NBC training. Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical. This means I learned to use a "pro-mask." (gas-mask) After learning to use it, we had to put what we had learned into action in the gas chamber. The drill sergeants take you into a room filled with CS gas. CS is like tear gas, but they add an irritant so it can burn your skin with prolonged exposure. Once you are in the room you have to remove your mask long enough to say your name rank and social security number, then you put your mask back on. But...it's not over yet. Then after we get comfortable again we have to completely remove our masks and recite the soldiers creed. This forces you to breathe in the gas. They also make you open your eyes. Let me tell you. It BURNS! I left the gas chamber with a foot of snot hanging off my nose, crying, and spitting up crud. The worst part is you can't touch your face cause your hands still have gas on them. About five minutes later we are all "aired out" and we can clean ourselves off. It's really unpleasant but it's funny as heck to watch everyone else come out.
On Saturday we started BRM. Basic Rifle Marksmanship. We don't get to actually fire our weapons until Wednesday the 7th but as of right now we are learning to properly hold, aim, breathe, and squeeze the trigger. We do a drill where we cock the weapon, place a dime on the muzzle and try to squeeze the trigger without the dime falling off. This is actually pretty difficult.
Today is Sunday. I went to choir rehearsal this morning. We sang a Chris Tomlin song (my choice) and it made me feel a little more at home. The service was good today and it was nice to take communion. We had a bible study after church, that somehow turned into a a big yelling match about racism. Boooo. Hopefully next week will be better.
Well for the rest of the day we should be laying around the barracks on personal time.
It's time for chow now so I'm gonna end this here, but I'll write again soon.
I love you,
John
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Extras on John
Hello family and friends,
I received a little info about John from one of his friends. He described the first week at Ft. Jackson as spending a lot of time in boring classes on military history, hygiene, & finances. Once out of reception batallion & into Basic, he had a one day field training exercise or FTX for short.They went out to the middle of nowhere and slept on the ground with nothing but a piece of cloth & two poles for a tent, a mat and a sleeping bag. To make it worse, it was raining all night. They woke up at 3:45 am after going to bed at 2100 and packed the stuff and went on a 2.5 mile road march. After that they had to rappel down a 60 foot wall using a harness they made out of a piece of rope. John thought that was actually a blast! The next day they had first aid classes where they learned CPR, rescue breathing, how to dress a wound, how to insert a chest catheter to fix a collapsed lung, how to apply a tourniquet, how to do the Heimlich maneuver (John already knew that one) etc. They also had land navigation classes. He learned to read military maps and different terrain features and about how to navigate with an azimuth and compass. John says he feels cool knowing all that stuff but hopes he never has to use it. The drill sergeants tell them that most of them will have to go to Iraq. John is doubtful that it's true. He says you can't believe a single word the drill sergeants say. They just try to mess with your mind he says but he can see through the act. He says its tough being there with mostly 18 and 17 year olds. They act really immature, and for many, it's their first time away from home. John says he is learning things from them, like patience...it's been really tough being patient with people who can't follow simple instructions, humbleness...not coming off as a "know it all." It gets annoying to people and He understands why. Motivation...some of the guys are really pumped up about changing their lives. This keeps John going too. They march everywhere they go. John was looking forward to having a nice laid back walk to church. He really misses solitude. He likes to be by himself sometimes and they really aren't allowed to go anywhere without a "battle buddy." The only place he's alone is in the bathroom stall.
Well that's the latest.
Keep praying,
Mom
I received a little info about John from one of his friends. He described the first week at Ft. Jackson as spending a lot of time in boring classes on military history, hygiene, & finances. Once out of reception batallion & into Basic, he had a one day field training exercise or FTX for short.They went out to the middle of nowhere and slept on the ground with nothing but a piece of cloth & two poles for a tent, a mat and a sleeping bag. To make it worse, it was raining all night. They woke up at 3:45 am after going to bed at 2100 and packed the stuff and went on a 2.5 mile road march. After that they had to rappel down a 60 foot wall using a harness they made out of a piece of rope. John thought that was actually a blast! The next day they had first aid classes where they learned CPR, rescue breathing, how to dress a wound, how to insert a chest catheter to fix a collapsed lung, how to apply a tourniquet, how to do the Heimlich maneuver (John already knew that one) etc. They also had land navigation classes. He learned to read military maps and different terrain features and about how to navigate with an azimuth and compass. John says he feels cool knowing all that stuff but hopes he never has to use it. The drill sergeants tell them that most of them will have to go to Iraq. John is doubtful that it's true. He says you can't believe a single word the drill sergeants say. They just try to mess with your mind he says but he can see through the act. He says its tough being there with mostly 18 and 17 year olds. They act really immature, and for many, it's their first time away from home. John says he is learning things from them, like patience...it's been really tough being patient with people who can't follow simple instructions, humbleness...not coming off as a "know it all." It gets annoying to people and He understands why. Motivation...some of the guys are really pumped up about changing their lives. This keeps John going too. They march everywhere they go. John was looking forward to having a nice laid back walk to church. He really misses solitude. He likes to be by himself sometimes and they really aren't allowed to go anywhere without a "battle buddy." The only place he's alone is in the bathroom stall.
Well that's the latest.
Keep praying,
Mom
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Another Letter From John
Can you believe it?
I was blessed to receive another letter from John today. He wrote this one on Feb.26th. Here's the 411. He says... Today started at 0400. We did a really tough PT session and then did a three mile march to a land navigation course. the land navigation course is basically a big wooded area, and you get a compass and some coordinates, and you find random points in the woods. Then we ate "Hot A's" for lunch. (A "Hot A" is like dining facility food served at a remote location) After lunch we marched 3 miles back for a total of 6 all day. Then we learned how to disassemble our M16A2 rifles. I named my rifle "Sandy." She and I get along alright, but she does get a little heavy and annoying after marching 6 miles. I get 7 or so hours of sleep a night. Enough, but I could go for a good 12 hour night. Don't have much more time to write so I'll let you go, but know that I love you and miss you. And thank you so much for writing me all the time, even though I can't always write back. Your letters really help me get through the next day. Plus I look forward to mail call all day.
See you on Family Day.
John
I was blessed to receive another letter from John today. He wrote this one on Feb.26th. Here's the 411. He says... Today started at 0400. We did a really tough PT session and then did a three mile march to a land navigation course. the land navigation course is basically a big wooded area, and you get a compass and some coordinates, and you find random points in the woods. Then we ate "Hot A's" for lunch. (A "Hot A" is like dining facility food served at a remote location) After lunch we marched 3 miles back for a total of 6 all day. Then we learned how to disassemble our M16A2 rifles. I named my rifle "Sandy." She and I get along alright, but she does get a little heavy and annoying after marching 6 miles. I get 7 or so hours of sleep a night. Enough, but I could go for a good 12 hour night. Don't have much more time to write so I'll let you go, but know that I love you and miss you. And thank you so much for writing me all the time, even though I can't always write back. Your letters really help me get through the next day. Plus I look forward to mail call all day.
See you on Family Day.
John
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Phone Call From John
Hello again Everyone,
What a great John day this has been! First a four page letter, then a surprise phone call! About 6:30 this evening John called because he had won a phone call. They were doing a Bayonet attack drill and John was the last man standing out of 200. Apparently, the drill sergeants had given a long series of orders for the drill. you know, one thing after another on a list of about 10 ten things to do but given all at once. John was the only one who did all the steps in the right order without forgetting what the orders were. My son, the genius! Go John! We talked for about 5-6 minutes and he sounded good but tired. He gave me a few more details about what they are doing.for example, they get woken up around 4:20 or so and lay there until the lights are turned on, then get up, run around trying to get shaved, their teeth brushed, beds made perfectly and standing attention, ready for PT by 5:00. John has figured out a way to streamline the process. He sleeps on top of the covers with just a blanket covering him. This blanket must be folded and laid across his pillow in the morning so all John has to do when he gets out of bed is straighten the covers on the bed a little, fold the blanket and lay it across the pillow. Viola! Bed made!
He talked about missing his friends and Austin. He was glad to talk to you guys. He's doing well but still adjusting to not living in Austin and his new Army life. Keep praying for him. He appreciates it.
'Til next time,
Mom
What a great John day this has been! First a four page letter, then a surprise phone call! About 6:30 this evening John called because he had won a phone call. They were doing a Bayonet attack drill and John was the last man standing out of 200. Apparently, the drill sergeants had given a long series of orders for the drill. you know, one thing after another on a list of about 10 ten things to do but given all at once. John was the only one who did all the steps in the right order without forgetting what the orders were. My son, the genius! Go John! We talked for about 5-6 minutes and he sounded good but tired. He gave me a few more details about what they are doing.for example, they get woken up around 4:20 or so and lay there until the lights are turned on, then get up, run around trying to get shaved, their teeth brushed, beds made perfectly and standing attention, ready for PT by 5:00. John has figured out a way to streamline the process. He sleeps on top of the covers with just a blanket covering him. This blanket must be folded and laid across his pillow in the morning so all John has to do when he gets out of bed is straighten the covers on the bed a little, fold the blanket and lay it across the pillow. Viola! Bed made!
He talked about missing his friends and Austin. He was glad to talk to you guys. He's doing well but still adjusting to not living in Austin and his new Army life. Keep praying for him. He appreciates it.
'Til next time,
Mom
Letter from John
Hello Everyone,
I received a long letter from John. He wrote it Feb. 19th and asked me to post it for all of you.
Dear Mom,
Red Phase, the first three weeks of Basic, is going to be hard. My morale is high but I'm really frustrated with people not being able to follow simple directions. I'm having a hard time getting used to not saying "thank you", "I'm sorry", "yeah", "ok", "Sir", "Ma'am", etc. I get smoked every time I do...oops. I also have already gained 7 pounds. I am up to 149 from 142. I am eating very well, but very quickly. You wouldn't believe how fast I can kill a huge tray of food. About four minutes. For breakfast today I ate French toast, eggs, lucky charms, yogurt, and Gatorade. For lunch I had chili and rice and Gatorade. For dinner I had...get this, Veal Parmesan, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes and salad and of course Gatorade. We have been getting smoked constantly. In the middle of writing this letter, we got dropped for 35 push-ups and about 10 minutes in the front leaning rest position 'cause no one would shut the heck up. I went to church this morning. Our chaplain is a really nice guy from Haiti. He is a captain so when we see him we have to stand at attention. Then he says, "Carry on," and we go about our business. After church I went to a meeting for people interested in joining the choir. I love to sing and I should get to play a guitar! That will be nice as we don't get much chance to display individuality and creativity around here. It's weird wearing my ACU's, (my camo uniform) to church.
As far as training goes, during this week we have mostly sat in classrooms and gotten briefings on how the army works, and taking care of ourselves, (hygiene, finances, etc.). We have also been PTing every morning. We had our first PT test 2 days ago, I didn't do too well. I only got 22 push-ups, 36 sit-ups, and 2miles in 17:59, all failing scores. I'll get it together though. Practice makes perfect and I've been practicing a lot. Well, gotta sleep now.
Miss everyone,
PFC John Owens
I received a long letter from John. He wrote it Feb. 19th and asked me to post it for all of you.
Dear Mom,
Red Phase, the first three weeks of Basic, is going to be hard. My morale is high but I'm really frustrated with people not being able to follow simple directions. I'm having a hard time getting used to not saying "thank you", "I'm sorry", "yeah", "ok", "Sir", "Ma'am", etc. I get smoked every time I do...oops. I also have already gained 7 pounds. I am up to 149 from 142. I am eating very well, but very quickly. You wouldn't believe how fast I can kill a huge tray of food. About four minutes. For breakfast today I ate French toast, eggs, lucky charms, yogurt, and Gatorade. For lunch I had chili and rice and Gatorade. For dinner I had...get this, Veal Parmesan, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes and salad and of course Gatorade. We have been getting smoked constantly. In the middle of writing this letter, we got dropped for 35 push-ups and about 10 minutes in the front leaning rest position 'cause no one would shut the heck up. I went to church this morning. Our chaplain is a really nice guy from Haiti. He is a captain so when we see him we have to stand at attention. Then he says, "Carry on," and we go about our business. After church I went to a meeting for people interested in joining the choir. I love to sing and I should get to play a guitar! That will be nice as we don't get much chance to display individuality and creativity around here. It's weird wearing my ACU's, (my camo uniform) to church.
As far as training goes, during this week we have mostly sat in classrooms and gotten briefings on how the army works, and taking care of ourselves, (hygiene, finances, etc.). We have also been PTing every morning. We had our first PT test 2 days ago, I didn't do too well. I only got 22 push-ups, 36 sit-ups, and 2miles in 17:59, all failing scores. I'll get it together though. Practice makes perfect and I've been practicing a lot. Well, gotta sleep now.
Miss everyone,
PFC John Owens
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Postcard from John
Friends and loved ones,
Today I received a postcard from John. It was just a quick note to say the drill sergeants are crazy and to give me his address. Of course we already have it but I'm going to post it anyway because there appear to be minor adjustments.
PFC Owens, John
D-Co 2-60th INF REGT
3rd Platoon Cold Steel
Fort Jackson, SC 29207
Don't forget the number "3" on the back of the envelope.
Love to all,
Mom
Today I received a postcard from John. It was just a quick note to say the drill sergeants are crazy and to give me his address. Of course we already have it but I'm going to post it anyway because there appear to be minor adjustments.
PFC Owens, John
D-Co 2-60th INF REGT
3rd Platoon Cold Steel
Fort Jackson, SC 29207
Don't forget the number "3" on the back of the envelope.
Love to all,
Mom
Monday, February 26, 2007
I forgot something important
Oops,
I forgot to tell everyone something important. When you write a letter to John, be sure to put a 3 on the back of the envelope. If the 3 is not there, he has to do push ups. Not the end of the world, but just a little break from the 50,000 other push ups he's doing during the rest of his day.
Thanks,
Mom
I forgot to tell everyone something important. When you write a letter to John, be sure to put a 3 on the back of the envelope. If the 3 is not there, he has to do push ups. Not the end of the world, but just a little break from the 50,000 other push ups he's doing during the rest of his day.
Thanks,
Mom
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Good News from John
Hello all,
We heard from John this evening. He sounded good. He says he's used to the drill sergeants yelling, says they are doing their jobs and he's just doing his. The weather in South Carolina has been cool, although it did rain all night the night they slept out in tents. Apparently, they have to march to this remote location with heavy survival packs on their backs and of course with their rifles. By the time they get there, their tent gear has been brought in. They have to set up and stay for a night or two, "surviving," in the middle of nowhere eating MREs. That's meals ready to eat. Yum! Speaking of food, you will all be happy to know that John has gained about 10 pounds, all muscle. His only semi-free day is Sunday. John spends most of the day at church. He's singing in the choir, which meets before the service for practice. Then, he goes to the service. After that is chow. Then back to church for more choir practice.
He called around 7:00pm and had about five minutes of phone time.
I am so thankful to hear from him and even more thankful that he is doing well.
Thanks so much for your prayers. It means so much!
Mom
We heard from John this evening. He sounded good. He says he's used to the drill sergeants yelling, says they are doing their jobs and he's just doing his. The weather in South Carolina has been cool, although it did rain all night the night they slept out in tents. Apparently, they have to march to this remote location with heavy survival packs on their backs and of course with their rifles. By the time they get there, their tent gear has been brought in. They have to set up and stay for a night or two, "surviving," in the middle of nowhere eating MREs. That's meals ready to eat. Yum! Speaking of food, you will all be happy to know that John has gained about 10 pounds, all muscle. His only semi-free day is Sunday. John spends most of the day at church. He's singing in the choir, which meets before the service for practice. Then, he goes to the service. After that is chow. Then back to church for more choir practice.
He called around 7:00pm and had about five minutes of phone time.
I am so thankful to hear from him and even more thankful that he is doing well.
Thanks so much for your prayers. It means so much!
Mom
Friday, February 23, 2007
Still waiting to hear from John
Dear Family & Friends,
I know it's been a while since my last post. I haven't heard from John but I understand that's not unusual especially during the first three weeks of Basic. They don't get too much free time to write or make phone calls. He's likely doing things like lots of physical training, scrubing floors for slightest infraction, sleeping with his gun which has to be clean & polished, and eating three times a day for about five minutes at a time and generally jumping when they say to. Some people with experiecne told me the first three weeks are the hardest so I'll be glad when he gets past that point. He's half way there.
Please keep praying for him and please write to him as often as you can. Right now it is his only link to those who love him.
Thanks for caring. :)
Mom
I know it's been a while since my last post. I haven't heard from John but I understand that's not unusual especially during the first three weeks of Basic. They don't get too much free time to write or make phone calls. He's likely doing things like lots of physical training, scrubing floors for slightest infraction, sleeping with his gun which has to be clean & polished, and eating three times a day for about five minutes at a time and generally jumping when they say to. Some people with experiecne told me the first three weeks are the hardest so I'll be glad when he gets past that point. He's half way there.
Please keep praying for him and please write to him as often as you can. Right now it is his only link to those who love him.
Thanks for caring. :)
Mom
Sunday, February 18, 2007
John's Address
Hello All,
John called me Friday night. It was a short conversion and he had to go in a hurry. He said he was mad because they had to do push ups for thirty minutes straight because some guy couldn't find his hat. Guess where the hat was. In his pocket! He said he's really homesick (for Austin) so he would appreciate any letters. The most complete address I have is:
PFC Owens, John F.
D Co, 2nd BN 60th INF
3rd Platoon Cold Steel
Ft Jackson, SC 29207
Please write him if you can. This is a really challenging time for John.
He sends his love to all of you.
Keep praying,
Mom
John called me Friday night. It was a short conversion and he had to go in a hurry. He said he was mad because they had to do push ups for thirty minutes straight because some guy couldn't find his hat. Guess where the hat was. In his pocket! He said he's really homesick (for Austin) so he would appreciate any letters. The most complete address I have is:
PFC Owens, John F.
D Co, 2nd BN 60th INF
3rd Platoon Cold Steel
Ft Jackson, SC 29207
Please write him if you can. This is a really challenging time for John.
He sends his love to all of you.
Keep praying,
Mom
Friday, February 16, 2007
Hi Sarah
Sarah,
Thanks for checking the blog. I will post John's address as soon as I have it. Thanks for writing John. It means alot to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lucy
Thanks for checking the blog. I will post John's address as soon as I have it. Thanks for writing John. It means alot to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lucy
Letter from John
Hello all,
I received a letter from John today. It was mailed on Sunday, Feb. 11th. He says reception battallion is boring, not much to learn. Unfortunately, he & several others in his company got that nasty stomach bug but he says he's feeling better. The highlight during that time was the opportunity to watch a little TV. He was in the hospital waiting room at the time & felt so crummy, he didn't much enjoy it. He said he would ship to Basic Combat Training on Wed. That would have been Valentine's day. He is having a hard time adjusting to Army life as he really misses Austin & his friends. He didn't get to go to church since he was sick but says he prays constantly! As soon as I get a complete address for him I'll let you know. In the meantime, he would appreciate your prayers. Thanks for loving & supporting John. :)
Mom
I received a letter from John today. It was mailed on Sunday, Feb. 11th. He says reception battallion is boring, not much to learn. Unfortunately, he & several others in his company got that nasty stomach bug but he says he's feeling better. The highlight during that time was the opportunity to watch a little TV. He was in the hospital waiting room at the time & felt so crummy, he didn't much enjoy it. He said he would ship to Basic Combat Training on Wed. That would have been Valentine's day. He is having a hard time adjusting to Army life as he really misses Austin & his friends. He didn't get to go to church since he was sick but says he prays constantly! As soon as I get a complete address for him I'll let you know. In the meantime, he would appreciate your prayers. Thanks for loving & supporting John. :)
Mom
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Gettin' Smoked
Friends and Family,
John called around 6:15pm last evening. He sounded good but he said they've been "gettin' smoked." Militarily, that means that if there are a few guys not quite following orders or not moving fast enough, the whole platoon has to pay by doing push ups, etc. Apparently, they've gotten smoked a few times. When the drill sergeant calls, "drop," they do! Then she orders, "down, up, down, up," for the push ups. She lingered a while after the down order, leaving John's arms screaming a little. Hopefully, everyone will learn quickly. He also said he had gotten around 7 hours of sleep the night before, the first since he left on the 7th! And guess what? John is the PG. That's Platoon Guide. He's in charge of his platoon and calls them to attention. He also says they do a little army chanting, you know like, "I don't know but I've been told.." stuff. He sends his love to all of you.
Keep praying,
Mom
John called around 6:15pm last evening. He sounded good but he said they've been "gettin' smoked." Militarily, that means that if there are a few guys not quite following orders or not moving fast enough, the whole platoon has to pay by doing push ups, etc. Apparently, they've gotten smoked a few times. When the drill sergeant calls, "drop," they do! Then she orders, "down, up, down, up," for the push ups. She lingered a while after the down order, leaving John's arms screaming a little. Hopefully, everyone will learn quickly. He also said he had gotten around 7 hours of sleep the night before, the first since he left on the 7th! And guess what? John is the PG. That's Platoon Guide. He's in charge of his platoon and calls them to attention. He also says they do a little army chanting, you know like, "I don't know but I've been told.." stuff. He sends his love to all of you.
Keep praying,
Mom
Friday, February 9, 2007
Latest from John
Hi everyone.
Here's the latest from John. He arrived in South Carolina around 10:00pm our time on Wednesday Feb. 7th. That's 11:00 pm South Carolina time. He had played the hurry up and wait game all day. The group he was in arrived at the San Antonio airport around noon and didn't leave until 5:00pm. He told me that the bus to pick them up to go to Ft. Jackson would arrive around midnight and once they got to the base, they would have more processing so sleep for Wednesday night would be limited to about an hour. He said that once they got to the base, they would take his cell phone so he wasn't sure when he could call me again. I'll let you know when I here from him. I know he appreciates your prayers.
Peace,
Mom
Here's the latest from John. He arrived in South Carolina around 10:00pm our time on Wednesday Feb. 7th. That's 11:00 pm South Carolina time. He had played the hurry up and wait game all day. The group he was in arrived at the San Antonio airport around noon and didn't leave until 5:00pm. He told me that the bus to pick them up to go to Ft. Jackson would arrive around midnight and once they got to the base, they would have more processing so sleep for Wednesday night would be limited to about an hour. He said that once they got to the base, they would take his cell phone so he wasn't sure when he could call me again. I'll let you know when I here from him. I know he appreciates your prayers.
Peace,
Mom
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
And I'm off...
Hi everyone. Just wanted to take this last opportunity to tell you whats going on myself before my mom has to start doing the updates. I'm officially active duty in the Army as of this morning. I woke up at 4:00am (0400) and went to the MEPS (miltary entrance processing station) I had a brief physical and then took my oath of enlistment. Now I am sitting at the airport waiting for my flight... and the plane just got to the terminal! Gotta type fast now... anyways, I will be flying out to Ft. Jackson very soon and am really excited the nervousness has pretty much worn off and I just ready to rock and roll. Just so you know I have met some great guys already. The two guys that are on my flight are both Military Intelligence guys and both very intelligent. Thats nice cause I was a little worried about having nobody to hold decent conversation with. Well... Thats all for now. I miss everyone already. I'll write you all soon! BYE!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Getting Ready for Basic
This blog is setup as a way for people who know me to check up on how things are going at basic training. I will be sending letters to my parents for them to post online. Know that during basic training I will not be able to read any comments on this website as my parents will be doing all of the editing, but they will be posting my address on here and I would love you to send me letters. Please send me letters, they are the only thing that will keep me sane. Plus, if I don't get letters there is a chance that instead of reading your lovely correspondence I will have to do push-ups... save my arms, write me a letter. I will write as many of you back as I can. Thanks and happy reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)