Days 73-76

07 July 2009  (Day 73)

This morning, 0330 came fast, but I'm glad we got up early while it was still cool outside (upper 70s).  We changed into ACUs, quickly cleaned the bay, and went downstairs to put on our rucks that we stored the night before.  At 0430, we stepped off and completed 8 miles in a little over 3 hours (I'm not sure what the Army standard is, but the Army ranger standard is 12 miles in 3 hours!).  When we finished at our training site (about 1,000 meters down the road from our barracks).  I felt really good and hydrated, and honestly could have rucked another 8  miles!  Once we got to our training site, we ate a catered breakfast, called UPU (unit pick up), which I think I mentioned a month or so ago, but didn't find out what it stood for until now.  Anyway, after breakfast, we broke into groups by platoon and practiced room clearing for a couple of hours.  We started at a center fed room (doorway in the center of the wall) and then practiced at a corner fed room (doorway in the corner of a room).  When we finished, we ate MREs (chicken noodles and...peanut M&Ms!) and then got our rucks on and marched two minutes back to the barracks.  When we got back, we cleaned our gear and took showers.  We then swept the floors before going downstairs for an hour of drill and ceremony practice.  One of the guys in my platoon talked to his wife last night, and she talked to the first sergeant, who told her that we will have our drill and ceremony competition from 0800 until 1000 (where our family gets to watch us perform), and then we will be released for our family day pass.  After drill and ceremony, we came back upstairs and hung out, doing whatever except sleep.  I hadn't had a chance to write for the day, so I caught up on what had happened, then helped sweep the bay again while Spence followed with the mop.  I had a good discussion with another eagle scout in my platoon, and compared our scouting experiences and how different Texas scouting was from Indiana.  I couldn't believe he had never heard of Philmont (or Northern Tier and Sea Base-- but those aren't as well known).  We talked merit badges and different camping trips  we'd been on, and the fact that he didn't know much about Order of the Arrow.  Anyway, while we had been waiting around in the bay, our platoon guide and squad leaders were at a meeting and learned more about our family day.  It was basically what I said earlier, but a couple of times were off an hour or so, but exacts weren't known and we'll play it by ear this weekend.  I'm just thankful that I get to see my parents and my Brittney!!!  We went to dinner at 1800, and then it was back to the bay for the evening.  Salado and I got ready at 2030 for my 2100-2200 fireguard shift while the rest of the platoon went downstairs for final formation and mail call.  I was surprised that I didn't have any mail, but oh well.  I'm sure I will be getting some at the next mail call.  Everyone returned upstairs,  Salado and I got our count, and everyone headed to bed.  I was in charge of the front desk while Salado roamed around/read the news.  We were relieved a few minutes early by Spiva and Spence, so I changed back into PTs and fell right asleep.

08 July 2009  (Day 74)

This morning we had a 0400 wake up call, but someone forgot to get their laundry, so we were woken up at 0330.  Everyone was tired and moved slow, but we got the bay cleaned and were in formation for PT by 0530.  We did only warmup workouts today, and then spent time on drill and ceremony for about 45 minutes, which was nice since I was till sore from the ruck yesterday (and so was everyone else).  So after our drill and ceremony PT, we went up to our bay and changed into ACUs, then headed to breakfast.  As people finished eating, they went upstairs and got their battle rattle, and then we formed up downstairs and marched the half mile or so to our training area.  Today's training was room clearing, but with actual rooms with doors, and not lines painted on the ground or sticks marking the doorway.  We used blanks to fire with our weapons, and had covers for the end of our muzzles.  Being the bigger guy, I was the #4 man in my group most of the time (we switched it around), so my job was to cover our rear, but then come to the front and kick the door in so the rest of my team could go inside.  The drill sergeants then would throw a smoke grenade into the room from the catwalk that went above the training rooms, which made it almost impossible to see the targets in the corners that we were aiming and firing our blanks at.  It was a fun couple of hours of training, but the break for lunch to eat MREs was welcomed.  After lunch, we picked up all the brass our of the rooms and then formed up and marched back to our barracks.  We cleaned our weapons once we returned, and just enjoyed some downtime to relax and listen to the radio (which one of the guys got in the mail last night from his wife after he asked permission from the drill sergeants last week).  We then went to dinner at 1800, and afterwards we cleaned the bay (still waiting for that locker inspection) and then I spent some time shaving the inside of my beret, soaked it in water, and formed it to my head.  I then sat in front of the fan to get it to dry faster, and once it was pretty dry, I set it out on my bunk and checked on my laundry.  We then had final formation at 2030, where we didn't get any mail or milk, so we came back upstairs, got a head count, and then got ready for bed.  I was to go downstairs to pull my laundry out of the dryer, when someone brought it up to me, so I put it at the end of my bunk, grabbed the blanket out of my locker, and waited the couple of minutes for the lights to go out!  Only a couple more days until I get to see my family!!!  I cannot wait!

09 July 2009  (Day 75)

This morning we didn't have to wake up until 0500.  I got ready and then folded my laundry.  We cleaned the bay, knowing we will have a locker and bay inspection today or tomorrow (which they say how we do will affect our family day pass).  At 0600, we had our first formation, and then headed to the paved lot in the middle of our half mile track to conduct today's PT.  PT today, after our stretching and warmup exercises, was all running and sprinting.  My legs felt like jello after the 300 meter suicides, but it felt good getting in about 45 minutes of intense cardio.  After PT, we changed into ACUs and staged our battle rattle in our formation area.  We went to breakfast, and then marched to the woodline behind our barracks to get platoon pictures taken. Only two of our three drill sergeants were in the picture (the one I liked best was on duty all night, so he had already went home for his day off).  After pictures, we went back to the formation area and put on our battle rattle and marched to the same training area we were at yesterday.  For the morning, we used blanks again and did about 4-5 run throughs per four man team.  By the time our whole platoon was done, we went and ate MREs for lunch, and then went back to shoot a chalk round that was made for the M16/M4 (kind of like  paint ball, but in a metal casing like an M4 round).  We ran through clearing rooms another 4-5 times per team with masks on, and then picked up the brass and marched back to the barracks.  We got ready to relax in the bay for a couple hours, and take showers then change into summer PTs.  We headed downstairs around 1600 and marched to the area where we practice drill and ceremony.  We worked on our marching for another two hours and then marched back to the barracks for dinner at 1800.  After dinner, we formed up and received a briefing over tomorrow's mid-cycle assessment and family day.  The whole company was allowed to use the phones for an hour to call if someone was coming for family day (that's 200 people on 7 phones in 60 minutes).  I called home first and everyone was over celebrating Devon's birthday, so I spent about a minute telling my parents to be here by 0700 for a meeting over family day, and then at 0800 we would have a drill and ceremony competition, where I would be released afterward.  After saying hi to both my Sease and Reinbold grandparents, I was going to take another 30 seconds to call Brittney, but she was at my house, too, so I got to talk to her there and save some time.  I told her where to look for me in the drill and ceremony competition, as well as it will be in the low 90s this weekend.  I then went back to the bay where people were finishing cleaning the bay.  We had formation at 2030, where they passed out mail (one letter from my Grandma Reinbold and two letters from Brittney), so after formation I read my mail before lights went off at 2100.  Lights had only been out for about two minutes when we were all called back downstairs to get name badges for our Class A and Class B uniforms.  We then went back upstairs and turned the lights out, where I laid in bed thinking about tomorrow and family day is less than 34 hours away!

10 July 2009  (Day 76)

We have a full day ahead of us, so a 0350 wake up call was apparently needed.  We changed into our ACUs (with white socks and running shoes) and wore our FLC.  We were downstairs for a 0425 formation, where we got a head count, passed out cereal, and a one page written test that had to be completed by 0515.  It had some easy questions on it, and most people were done by 0450, so we got a bowl of cereal and waited around until 0600, where we marched to our first testing station near eagle tower.  For our first station, we had to assess four wounded victims call medivac, and transport them to the LZ (landing zone).  Each squad in the platoon went, so all stations were by squad, but we couldn't move to the next station without our entire platoon.  After our first station, it was time for breakfast, so we had UPU (the catered meals- unit pick up) and then went on with our other events.  Our second event, we had to go one mile, with the entire squad pushing a giant tire, carrying our heaviest guy on a stretcher, and carrying a full (and heavy) ammo box filled with rocks.  Our squad did it pretty quick, and I know it was the fastest time within out platoon!  From there, we went to a pushup and pull-up event, where each squad had 10 minutes to complete as many pull-ups as possible and 10 minutes for pushups, one man at a time.  We did pull-ups first, which my squad dominated the event.  Only one platoon had to go after us, and we beat second place by nearly 60 pull-ups or so!  We then did pushups, and our squad also won that event, with nearly 80 more pushups than second place with 826 pushups!  Our last event was a land navigational course all around our area (about a 3 mile diameter area on the map).  There were 10 points to find, which had to be done in 30 minutes or less.  Our group jogged basically the whole time, and only got 8 of the 10 points.  We were so exhausted when we finished at 1100.  Afterwards, we stayed downstairs in formation waiting for MREs, but then went upstairs to shower and changed into summer PTs.  We went downstairs and ate MREs for lunch, and then marched down to the main post PX to get haircuts and purchase our platoon t-shirts.  Today, those who passed their PT test were allowed to buy milk shakes from the little sweet shack (or whatever it was called).  I didn't get one because I'm still watching what I eat and don't need the junk while I'm here.  As people finished, they walked back to our barracks and cleaned.  Being in the 4th squad, I was in the back and one of the last to get a haircut, so when I got back at 1530 (took about 90 minutes to get everyone through), the cleaning was finished, and everyone was filling out the paperwork for their family day pass.  I can't wait for this weekend, but at the same time, I know Sunday is coming and I will have to say bye :(.  It's actually making me more homesick every passing hour, but I can't wait to see my parents, and of course, my Brittney!  We then hung out in the bay, fitted our berets to our newly shaved heads, and then went to dinner at 1800 in the D-fac.  All but 4th squad went to dinner, because we had to collect the dry cleaning from the guy who brought it in his van.  When we hung all of the Class Bs on people's bunks, we then headed and ate dinner.  After dinner, I started my laundry, and then our drill sergeant had us get our Class B shirts out and helped us get squared away for tomorrow by putting rank and name badges on and trimming belts.  After we were looking sharp, he had us sit down in the front and gave us a briefing about this weekend for about  45 minutes.  I then moved my laundry to the dryer and came back upstairs to make sure I was ready for this weekend.  We didn't have any kind of final formation tonight, so we just straightened up the bay and then went to sleep at 2100!  I can't wait for tomorrow :)!!!

Days 69-72

03 July 2009  (Day 69)

On any other day, at 0700 I would have already been up for at least two hours and have a good workout in-- not today!  The fireguard woke us up at 0700 (which was only about 6 and a half hours of sleep), and we cleaned the bay, changed into ACUs, and moved our weapon racks to third platoon's bay to be watched for the day.  We then headed downstairs to form up and head to breakfast.  After breakfast, we had around 90 minutes before transportation arrived, so we just hung out in the bay until it was time to be downstairs for the buses to take us to the National Infantry Museum.  It was about a 15 minute ride to the museum, and when we got there, a class had just finished graduating and the place was really busy because of it.  But anyway, the bus pulled around back and we unloaded and marched as a company to the museum.  We went inside and filed into a room where we got a presentation over the history of the infantry.  Spiva (the guy I did IVs with) recognized the speaker from a number of television shows such as Weaponry, Top Sniper, Modern Movers, Top 10 Rifles, and some other 20+ shows on the History, Discovery, and Military channels.  After our very informative lecture, we went in groups through the museum.  I started getting choked up walking through it, with history just now hitting me and what I have gotten myself into.  Our country has come so far to defend the freedoms we take for granted- worshiping whatever we believe in, disagreeing and having our own opinions, and the rights that other countries have.  One of the ladies who was a volunteer there held my hand for a couple of seconds and just thanked me.  I haven't ever done anything worth being thanked for, but just her gratitude really made me think of home and I got teary eyed.  After we had some time upstairs (exhibits about basic training), we went to lunch and swapped places with another group.  Lunch was outside in a WWII style chow hall across from the stands at the graduation field.  It was catered to us, so today was free-- no museum entrance fee and we didn't eat at the museum restaurant like we were told we would be doing (oh well, I didn't want to spend the money anyway!).  After lunch, we marched back to the museum and toured the downstairs exhibits.  Downstairs, it is broken up into rooms by either time frame and conflicts/wars.  There are items from that time period and all sorts of videos and special effects throughout.  I want to go back to the museum with my family, either next week during family day, or after my turning blue ceremony on August 13th (plus my parents will then know where to go the next day for graduation)  At 1430, we formed up and marched back to the bus loading/unloading zone.  We came back to the barracks and went up to our bays until dinner.  After dinner, we changed into PTs, and for those who wanted to, they went out to the track for 30 minutes to do whatever PT they wanted to do.  I decided to run 3 miles, so I got my 3 miles in and then cooled down and went back inside.  I then joined those who didn't want to go and lifted weights and did pushups.  I then got a quick shower and went downstairs for final formation.  We had a mail call, and I got a letter from my Grandma Reinbold that included more address labels and the latest race stats for Dreyer and Reinbold racing team.  After we came back up to the bay, I got ready for bed and fell asleep shortly after.  It's nice to be on phase down for my basic training portion of this summer!

04 July 2009  (Day 70)

Happy 4th of July!!!  We woke up this morning at 0500, cleaned the bay, and went downstairs for PT at 0600.  Today's PT was more like a smoke session, but oh well, at least it was a good workout.  The drill sergeant in charge had up do four laps around the track, but we sprinted one straight-away, did forward lunges around one turn, ran backwards down the back straight-away,  and then did bear crawls (crawling on your hands and feet, stomach towards the ground) for two laps and crab walked the other two laps along the second turn.  It wore me out!  Afterwards, we did a little area cleaning and then took showers and changed into clean PTs.  We then headed downstairs and on to breakfast.  After breakfast, each platoon was assigned an area of our company area to compete area beautification for one hour.  When we finished, we formed back up and went to our bay after the drill sergeant moved a TV in there to watch Body of Lies, starring Russel Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio.  We had to stop the movie to go to lunch, but finished it once we got back.  Third platoon was in our bay and fourth platoon was down in second platoon's bay, so we switched DVDs, and started watching the HBO series, Band of Brothers.  Before we finished the first episode, we had a 1520 formation, where we were told we had another hour of area beautification.  We have done at least four hours this week, and with 200 people in the company--there is not 800 hours worth of area that needs to be beautified.  Pretty much everyone just stood around and talked, because there wasn't anything left for us to do.  When our hour was up, we came back upstairs and finished part one and then watched part two.  When that was over, we had about 20 minutes until we had to head to dinner, so we took our time getting ready, and then went to dinner at 1800.  At dinner, we caught sight of the 6 o'clock news, and North Korea launched 7 missiles.  After dinner, we worked on drill and ceremony for about a half hour.  When we came back, the drill sergeant on duty was on his soap box about making something out of our lives and how America is rotting away to technology.  After listening to him rant for almost an hour (and going into movie time), we went back upstairs and just worked out and took showers.  At 2100, lights went out, I finished writing, and then went to bed.

05 June 2009  (Day 71)

I was woken up at 0145 for my 0200-0300 fireguard shift, so I got changed into my ACUs and then reported to the front desk with Spence.  I chose to be the roaming guard, which meant I walked around the bay, and Spence sat at the desk.  While I was roaming, I decided to take a ten pound dumbbell and do arm workouts for over 30 minutes.  I also counted out the ceiling tiles (4' x 2') and I know that it takes about 29 laps (28.8) to equal a mile, so I can easily walk 1.5 - 2 miles each fireguard shift (I walk at a slow patrolling pace).  Anyway, we were relieved by Spiva and his battle buddy, and went back to sleep until 0600 wake up.  When everyone got back up, we cleaned the bay and those who were going to church changed into ACUs.  At 0730 we headed down for chow formation, and at 0745 the protestants went to breakfast, and then on to church!  The sermon was pretty good today.  The chaplain started out asking what freedom meant, and took answers from the congregation.  He went on to preach that freedom is about making the right or wrong decision within a specific perimeter, such as when our forefathers made the decision to fight against the British to become a free nation, and how just a few make the decision for millions to enjoy their daily lives in America today.  It is the same with Christ.  Within Christianity, we have certain freedoms, but we have to make the decision that would fit within the perimeter or if we will indulge in sin.  It sounded good and made more sense when he said it, but oh well, I got a lot out of it, it's just sort of hard to put it into words.  After church, we came back and did an hour of more area beautification, and then came back up to the bay to cool down and then head to lunch.  After lunch, we hung out in the bay for about an hour, and then we had the pay phones from 1300-1500.  I was put in charge of timing everyone, making sure everyone stayed within their 12 minute phone call time frame.  Our PG gave me extra time, because I gave up two hours of my time (time away from writing!) to time people, but at 1430, we had a couple of ladies come in to give a lecture about buying class/Army rings.  So while the company was in the lecture, I chose not to get a ring, so I stayed back and talked to my family and then with Brittney!  I can't wait to see them this weekend--but wait, maybe not :(.  After everyone got back, a display ring was unaccounted for.  The ladies said they brought 21 rings, and only had 20 now.  We searched in what we were wearing- nothing.  It was then time to eat dinner, but a lot of people lost their appetite...especially since if it wasn't found, we would be losing our family day pass and be going back to red phase for the rest of our duration here.  By red phase, I mean red phase privileges: no phone calls, limited mail, drill sergeants always around, smokings for no reason...everything I wrote about 6-8 weeks ago.  After dinner, our platoon guide and squad leaders went upstairs to search beds, shoes, rucksacks, and other areas in the bay while the rest of us were supposed to work on drill and ceremony--The motivation was gone.  After dinner, we almost accepted the fact that the ring wasn't going to be turned in and the life had been sucked out of us.  Mood swings started to flare.  We came upstairs after dodging a few tempered individuals, and had to take our shoes and dump then upside down and take the soles out.  Nothing was found by the drill sergeants, and I'm confident that my platoon is innocent.  When the drill sergeant left, we had the rest of the evening to ourselves, which I sat and wrote out the events of today in my journal as well as talked through the different scenarios or outcomes that could happen.  We really think it's too short of notice to let family cancel plans and that the blow to morale would do more harm than anything--but we'll see what it to come.  I also did my laundry tonight, so at 2030, I got my laundry out of the dryer, started folding up my laundry, and then took a shower.  I then went to bed and laid around thinking of what was to come, before I fell asleep around 2130.

06 July 2009  (Day 72)

Nothing happened throughout the night, except for me waking up thinking that something was going to happen.  We woke up at 0430 and turned out linens in by 0500.  We spent the next hour cleaning the bay and making sure our wall lockers would pass a white glove inspection.  I finished folding my laundry and then helped others out.  At 0600, we had first formation and headed out to do PT.  Those who failed their final PT got to make it up this morning.  Today's PT was pui sui.  I really enjoyed it and felt like I got a lot out of the workout.  After PT, we ate breakfast and then came upstairs to shower and change into ACUs.  The retests came back from their PT test, and found out their scores.  Five of the seven guys failed again and will be restarting with C company (pronounced "Charlie company"), which is just mow starting week 3.  I'm glad I passed my PT test the first time, because I couldn't handle a restart.  Out of the guys who did fail, unfortunately they were kind of the odd men out, and talked about computer games, and obviously didn't live active lives.  As for the missing ring, nothing has been mentioned about it, and we are just going about today as normal and will enjoy our family day this weekend unless we are told otherwise.  Only first and second platoons got to use the phones yesterday, so I'm thankful I got to talk to my family and Brittney yesterday!  It's also good that they don't know about this, because when I talked to them, they sounded excited about seeing me, especially Brittney!  It's hard enough for me to have this situation working about, so at least I only have to deal with this!  I would hate for Brittney (and my family) to be thinking about this, wondering if they need to cancel hotel rooms and days off work.  Anyway, we went downstairs at 0900 and had a class in the classroom over CQC (Close Quarter Combat), or room clearing.  They had technical difficulties, so they had to write and draw everything out on the board.  Our platoon was paired up with second platoon in the classroom while third and fourth platoons practiced the technique in our formation area.  When we finished in the classroom, we went to our formation area, got new linens, and then practiced drill and ceremony for over 90 minutes until it was lunchtime.  After lunch, we weren't sure if we were going to go through the process of clearing a room or not (we have practiced before), but we never did and were sent upstairs to make beds, clean weapons, and do something productive.  Because of yesterday's ordeal, it took away my writing time, so after I finished making my bed, I wrote back to the Winkos.  In the meantime, people were called into the drill sergeant's and more guys found out where they were going to be stationed.  When everyone had been called into his office, he called for me, and I was caught off guard seeing the First Lieutenant in there as well.  The drill sergeant was staring at the PT score board (or at least I think he was), and asked me how much weight I had lost.  The the First Lieutenant asked me if my wife or parents were coming to see me, and I said, "Parents, drill sergeant...sir" (oops!).  Then, the drill sergeant asked me if I was even married, and I said, "No, sir...drill sergeant."  (I was all messed up).  My drill sergeant told me to leave before I embarrassed him anymore (he could tell I was a bit flustered), so I left, now with all sorts of questions in my head.  Why did he want to know?  Are some of us or the squared away guys going to be able to stay out with our family for family day?  I just want to know what their intentions were in asking those questions.  That's going to bother me for a little while, and hopefully we get to stay out, because I would love to get out of here!  Oh well, I can't dwell on this for too long.  So anyway, we were told to go downstairs--and to our surprise, we had a mail call!  I got two letters from Brittney, a letter from my mom about catching a criminal, and a letter from my dad.  We then went to dinner, and when we got back, we had to pack for an eight mile ruck march in the morning, and stage our gear downstairs in our formation area for the night.  We then took showers, and those who didn't get to make phone calls yesterday could make them tonight (our drill sergeant was on duty, so he took care of his platoon).  For the remainder of the evening, I made sure to hydrate every 15-20 minutes and then had final formation at 2030.  We didn't get any milk, so it was just a final head count before it was back up to the bay and off to bed!

Day 68

02 July 2009  (Day 68)

This morning I woke up around 0300 to wash the crust out of my eyes and put more drops in them.  I went back to sleep and awoke with the rest of the platoon at 0450.  We shaved and brushed our teeth, cleaned the bay, went downstairs and got our nutrigrain bar, came back upstairs to finish cleaning, grabbed out weapons, and then formed up downstairs again to go to PT.  Today's PT was one of the best PTs in a while.  I was hurting from pushing myself yesterday and from the extra 2 miles worth of sprints (1/4 - 1/2 mile at a time) in between workouts and pushups!  We ended with the 25 ft. rope, which I was surprised I had enough energy to make it to the top today!  I was beat!  We then formed up and headed straight to breakfast.  After breakfast, we came up to the bay, took showers, and got ready for today's training by changing into ACUs and laying out our full battle rattle (including elbow and knee pads) on our bunks.  Today we are shooting the M249 machine gun and the M240B "SAW" (Squad Assault Weapon) both in the afternoon and at night with the NODs and laser sights, so our buses won't get here until 1200.  While we were waiting for transportation, a few people were called into the drill sergeant's office to be given their slips for a restart.  A few people didn't pass their PT test yesterday, so they will no longer be training with us.  Again, I'm thankful that I'm not in that position, so it's more motivation to keep working on my pushups!  Most people were falling asleep, so a drill sergeant said it was mandatory nap time, and for everyone to get in their bunks.  I was a bit confused because this has never happened before, so everyone hopped in their bunks while I went to use the latrine.  No sooner had I opened the latrine door, another drill sergeant came in from third platoon, and then I knew we had been set up.  A minute later, a second platoon drill sergeant came in and the same thing happened, so we did five minutes of exercises or so.  Let's just say there's no such thing as mandatory nap time at basic training!  After this fun, we got our ATM cards back to withdraw money for platoon t-shirts, the infantry museum, and IMAX theater tomorrow, and haircuts next week.  Only about half of the platoon got to use it, so those who didn't (including myself) will hopefully get to use it tomorrow!  We then headed up to the bay and got our stuff together and moved down to the formation area to put our gear on and wait for our 1200 transportation.  The buses came and so we headed to the range.  When we got there, we ate MREs, and then we were broken up into two groups-- one group had a class over M240B and one over the M249.  Each class was about 20 minutes, and it was just a repeat over what our drill sergeants taught us on Monday.  When classes were over, we lined up on the firing line and shot 100 rounds on each weapon (which lasted a couple of seconds).  It was fun, but nothing to get all excited about.  I like my M4 better, just because I like taking the time to skillfully aim and fire one shot, as opposed to mowing down targets with a bunch of shots.  After everyone shot, we picked up the brass on the range and then had dinner, which was catered.  After dinner, our platoon worked on some D & C while the other platoons sat around.  It was my idea to practice our weapon movements, and at first people were complaining, but I just want our platoon to look good!  I then volunteered to help clean the weapons we shot before dinner, which took a couple hours and almost up to the time we had the first night fire.  The night fire was really hard to aim, mainly because of all the smoke and dust, the laser couldn't be seen to aim on the targets.  At least we had a tracer round every five shots, which is a round that lights up (like a flare), and so at night you can see it go down the range.  After everyone shot, we took all of our gear off, the lights at the range came on, and we picked up the brass again.  After all the brass was picked up, we were searched and put our battle rattle back on.  We policed the area for trash and got ready for the buses that came at 2300.  We came back to the bay, took showers, and went to bed.  The best part of being back was our PG telling us that our wake up wasn't until 0700!  We hadn't gotten to sleep in past 0600 since we've been here, and the sun would actually beat us getting up for once!

Day 67

01 July 2009  (Day 67)

Last night's fireguard was boring, but before I could do my duty, I had to wash my eye open because it was sealed shut by dried eye goop.  Once it was cleared out, I pulled my shift from 2400-0100, and went back to bed for a couple of hours.  Wake up was at 0300, because we had to get our Nutrigrain bar and then wait 30 minutes so the bar could start to digest to provide energy!  So, we started out PT test with pushups (like always) and I did 35 (one less than last time), then sit-ups (one less also...59), and finally the two mile run (improved by about 40 seconds to 15:06).  My final score was 191, so not where I want to be, but it's passing and gets me my family day pass!  After our run, we marched back to the barracks and went straight to breakfast.  After breakfast, we took all of our gas masks downstairs, and then cleaned the bay.  After a thorough cleaning, some of us got to relax in the bay, while others had a work detail somewhere on sand hill (the area I'm at for infantry trainees at Ft. Benning).  We got our gas masks back after about two hours, because all they did was want to do inventory on them.  By lunchtime, the pink eye goop stuff had spread to my left eye, so now my left eye is a little swollen, and my right eye has puss oozing out of it.  It's not very fun.  So we went downstairs and ate MREs, and I came back upstairs to relieve our weapons guard.  When everyone had finished and came back upstairs, we went back to doing a lot of nothing.  I took some time to look through the State Fair brochure and started a letter to Brittney about what she wanted to do (Dad, Brittney will tell you what you want to know).  I then took a nap, because I was tired from short night sleeps and giving it my all this morning.  When I woke back up, people were still not doing much.  We headed to dinner and had a formation where drill sergeant told us it was free time and we could do whatever as long as it wasn't being rowdy.  I went over to fourth platoon to weigh myself, and I weighed 215 lbs., so I haven't lost any weight in the last week.  I still think I'll be down to 200 or less by the end of the summer!  Anyway, we had final formation at 2030, and we got our milk and mail!  I got a letter from my mom, dad, Sease grandparents, Jody Winko (with and Iraqi scout patch!), Gary Winko, and Brittney!  We were then sent back upstairs, so I quickly took a shower and then set out reading my mail well past lights out (good thing I took a nap today!).  After I finished reading mail, I finished a letter to Brittney, and mailed it.  I got a drink of water to help hydrate for tomorrow, put in eye drops,  and went to bed!  When you pray next, thank God for giving me strength to pass my PT test today, and to continue to help me through this summer and the tough times ahead!  I love you all and thanks for the letters of encouragement and support!

Days 65-66

29 June 2009  (Day 65)

0415 came too early!  I woke up and slept walked to the latrine to take care of brushing my teeth and shaving before the rush.  We then turned in our linens at 0430 and were then told to turn in our pillows, as well.  We came back upstairs and cleaned the bay and made sure wall lockers were squared away (our drill sergeants told us we would be having a wall locker inspection today!).  Once we were done, we just relaxed (most slept-- I didn't) in the bay until it was for first formation and PT.  PT was fairly easy today, but I still finished without a dry spot on me.  We ran the stairs a few times and did a few minutes of plank exercises.  After PT, we came back to the bay and changed into ACUs.  Once everyone was changed, we went to breakfast.  After breakfast, we had about thirty minutes before wall locker inspection, so we quickly cleaned the bay again and double-checked everyone's lockers to make sure they were organized.  The Captain and First Sergeant arrived at 0830 to check our bay out, and their grade for us was a "step up."  Basically, everyone was squared away and clean, it's just that not everyone had their wall lockers organized the same way.  At least we passed for now, but we'll fix our lockers to be uniform later.  We then left to go to classes over the M240B and M249 (machine guns) until lunch.  The different classes involved learning how to assemble and disassemble the weapons, as well as how to load, unload and clear a jam.  It was then lunch time, so we went to the D-Fac to eat.  When we got back to the formation area, the First Lieutenant came and talked to us about visiting the infantry museum and watching a documentary at the new IMAX attached to the brand new museum (opened about two weeks ago).  After lunch, we came back to the bay.  As a platoon, we didn't do so well during the class (about eight people fell asleep), so we were just waiting for a smoke session, but it didn't come.  Instead, we went downstairs and formed up, then headed out to the half mile track where we run occasionally.  In the middle (and sort of up a hill) there is a large paved area (for families to park during family day).  We went out and practiced D & C (drill and ceremony)!  We have a competition against the other platoons next week, so hopefully we win (the drill sergeants said if we win, they will give us a longer family day pass, but I am skeptical).  I want to win, so we'll see-- Hopefully we practice a lot.  After a couple of hours of slowly going through the routine, we came back to the bay, changed into summer PTs, and then got new linens from downstairs and made our beds.  After about an hour, we went downstairs and waited in formation to go to dinner.  I am trying to eat lots of fruits and vegetables for good energy for my PT test.  Wednesday, and tomorrow, I plan on eating pasta and getting the needed carbs so I can run well!  When we were done with dinner, we went outside for about 45 minutes for some area beautification because tomorrow the commanding general is stopping by 1-50th, so our chain of command wants us to look good.  When we got done beautifying the area, we went upstairs and redid our wall lockers so everyone's looked the same.  When we finished, we took showers, changed into clean summer PTs, and headed down for final formation.  We got mail (a letter from Brittney, her mom, and two from my dad with news articles and the State Fair brochure!), so after formation, I went upstairs and read it, mailed a letter home, finished today's journal, and then went to bed!  No fireguard tonight, so a full night's sleep!  

30 June 2009  (Day 66)

Last night was not fun, but at the same time, it was better than getting smoked.  Apparently third platoon's fireguard miscounted their weapons, so at 2300 when the drill sergeant on duty came around, he caught the error, so he woke up the entire company and we had to be down in formation within two minutes.  We then had a little competition between the platoons on changing from PTs into ACUs, and back down in formation.  We lost the first round, so second platoon, which won, got to go back to bed.  We then had to change back into PTs from ACUs, and we lost again, to third platoon.  The next round was back into ACUs, which we were quicker than fourth platoon, so we got to go to bed.  I don't know what happened to fourth platoon, because I went back to bed fast. 

When I woke up at first call, I couldn't see out of my left eye.  I went to the bathroom and it was swollen shut.  I washed the crud out of my eye, and realized I had caught the pink eye that had been going around.  Luckily, it's not in both eyes, and the other guys who have had it passed along their eye drops, so I have that to use.  Apparently it will have puss in it for the next 3-4 days, and it will go away in about a week (cleared up just in time for family day!).  So anyway, we changed into ACUs and got our full battle rattle ready and staged it in the formation area until it was time to put it on and get on the buses at 0600.  The first range we arrived at was to learn about and fire tracer rounds from an AT4 (anti-tank missile).  First, we dropped all of our gear and ate breakfast.  After we ate, we broke off into platoons and the range cadre taught us about the AT4, and everyone had an AT4 to practice with (an AT4 can only be used once, so after it's fired, you're left with just the casting).  We went through the process of how to set it up, fire it, misfires, and what to do if you have to leave it behind.  After the class, we got in line to shoot tracer rounds from a modified AT4 built for training.  I was in the last group to shoot, so instead of getting the three rounds to fire, I ended up shooting a dozen because they wanted to use up all the rounds designated for our group.  I didn't complain, because I enjoyed it!  If Brittney can find a video on YouTube about the AT4, add the link here :

When we finished shooting, we quickly ate MREs, put our gear back on, and then got on the buses to transit to our next range to shoot the M203 (attachment for the M16 or M4 that shoots grenades).  Right before we pulled in, a police car flew by the bus, and then after we unloaded, an ambulance went by followed closely by another police car.  In the distance, we heard and then saw a helicopter fly overhead, and then our drill sergeant told us to clear the parking lot and press up against the fence.  About a minute later, dust was flying everywhere, and the helicopter that passed overhead earlier was landing about 60 ft. behind us!  By this time, we knew something wasn't right, and the ambulance came back with a young man on a stretcher.  I peeked over my shoulder and noticed that his left bicep was wrapped, as well as his right hand.  After he was loaded, the helicopter took off and we were told to go to the bleachers and await further instructions about the M203.  Before the class got started, the range cadre told us that the even that just happened was when you don't let go of something that goes boom fast enough (assumed it was a grenade).  We continued with training and then went up to the range to shoot the M203s.  Everyone got at least nine TP rounds (Training Purpose rounds).  They were non-exposure, and sent a cloud of orange chalk into the air on impact.  It was fun, but I was glad to be heading back to the bay when we were done.  The dust and gravel that the helicopter kicked up really irritated my eye, so when we got back, I washed it out and took a relaxing shower.  We then changed into PTs and cleaned our weapons since they were also covered from the helicopter.  We packed our weapons and locked them up when it was time for dinner.  I ate some pasta, fruit, vegetables, and a glass of milk to help fuel my body for tomorrow's PT test!  I have to do well, so keep me in your prayers that all went well!  After dinner, we had detail policing the front parking lot, and once we finished there, we went upstairs to clean the bay, and I threw a load of clothes into the washer.  We had final formation and then I swapped my clothes into the dryer.  I had Hackler (one in the parachuting picture) bring my dry clothes up, so I could get a little extra sleep tonight since I have fireguard.  I cleaned my eye out and put in some eye drops before I fell asleep praying to do well on my PT test tomorrow!

Day 64

28 June 2009  (Day 64)

I had fireguard with Spence this morning from 0300-0400, so I only got about 4 and a half hours of sleep.  To keep myself awake during my shift, I did about 200 and crunches and 100 pushups throughout my shift!  Wake up was at 0600, so I got up, changed into ACUs, and had first formation at 0730.  We ate breakfast quickly, and then headed to church!  The sermon today was from II Timothy 2:14-17.  The chaplain started out by asking what it meant to be a soldier, and different guys raised their hands to give their answers.  I already knew where this sermon was going, but I still enjoyed it.  Basically, talk is cheap and we need to live out our faith.  We can't learn new things unless we pray to God and read the Bible.  We were told that if we say we are a Christian and tell others about a life with Christ, our actions speak louder than what we have to say.  After church, a group from North Highland Church of God, a local church, had cookies for us to get, so I went outside to claim my bag.  It had two chocolate chip cookies and a slice of pumpkin bread!  They tasted good, but weren't as good as Brittney's or my mom's.  I guess I'm just spoiled with great food!!!  When we were done snacking, we went back to our barracks, changed into summer PTs, and relaxed in the bay until lunch.  We could do laundry if needed or write letters home because we got in so late last night.   I finished yesterday's journal and started writing today's!  We then went to lunch at 1300, and afterwards, a few of us gathered up money and shopping lists from the guys in our platoon, and went to the PX to do a little shopping.  We came back and distributed the bags to those who had stuff, and then just sat around and relaxed  until dinner.  I wrote a couple of letters and just sat around talking with Salado, Spence, and Garcia (from the other side of the bay, but is one of those squared away guys who has his head on straight) about family day pass and what we were doing before we enlisted in the Army.  It was an interesting conversation and we all come from all over (again, Salado- Hawaii, Spence- Boston, Garcia- Seattle, and me).  The other platoons used the pay phones after lunch until dinner, so we talked to our PG to ask our drill sergeant about checking out cell phones and using them, but he was told we would use the pay phones later today.  Finally it was dinner time, so we went and ate quickly and formed up.  Our drill sergeant was on duty, and he likes to run, so we went out to the PT field to do 45 minutes of cardio (track and stairs only- no pushups, sit-ups, or pull-ups).  It started to pour down rain and with it came lightning, so after about 10 minutes, we came back inside.  Sine I was already soaked and sweaty, I continued working out in the bay.  Our PG then told us that after formation at 2030 (8:30 pm) we would be allowed 10 minute phone calls.  He also briefed us on family day.  As the latter I sent home says, I will have from 8am - 9pm both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy with my parents and Brittney.  I doubt that would change being this is what the drill sergeant told our PG.  Oh well, I'm just glad and really excited about seeing my family!!!  So yeah, after the platoon meeting, I took a shower and then got my phone things together and headed down for final formation.  I waited in line for my turn, and because it was after 9:30pm, I figured my parents were heading to, or already in, bed, so I called Brittney and told her about family day times.  After I got off the phone, I headed to bed and stayed up to finish today's journal so it would go out in tomorrow's mail!  13 more days until family day, and the PT test that counts and that I need to pass is Wednesday, so tomorrow I am going to work out hard, and then take Tuesday to stretch, hydrate, and rest!  Well, I'm heading to bed and dropping this in the box for outgoing mail.  Love you all and keep me in your prayers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDPAP!

Day 63

27 June 2009  (Day 63)

Again, I slept all night, and didn't wake up until 0445.  Even with half of the platoon going downstairs to eat their junk, when they came back up (sometime in the 2145 range), I didn't wake up!  So I got out of bed when the lights came on, brushed my teeth and shaved, and then folded my laundry from last night.  It was then time for first formation (where all the drill sergeant did was ask the PGs if everyone was accounted for), and were there for about two minutes before we came back upstairs to finish cleaning before we had to be back downstairs at 0600.  PT was different today, because it was led by one of the company's new drill sergeants.  It was more like what I was used to at Ball State, doing pushups, jumping jacks (side straddle hops), and running around the track.  We then climbed the ropes, ran a little more, and then went back across the street to out barrack to get ready for breakfast.  After breakfast, we relaxed and hung out in the bay.  We took showers, and changed into the cleanest ACUs we had (since the 'soil' here is orange, our ACUs are turning a little orange), because we were going to the Fr. Benning Independence Day celebration.  There are supposed to be a lot of people here, and being an Army base, those people will be higher ranked officers and NCOs (non-commissioned officers).  We have to look good and be on our best behavior, and if there is a problem, we will probably lose our family day pass.  So yeah, finally it was lunch time, so we went downstairs at 1150 and ate MREs.  We had a long lunch and took our time, cleaned up the area, and then went back to the bay until it was time to go to the Independence Day celebration.  We formed up downstairs at 1415, and left at 1430 to main post, where the fireworks and festivities were being held.  Our outfit for the day was ACUs with out camelback, which was really hot considering everyone else was in shorts and t-shirts and sweating!  The celebration was being held in a large field, and had a stage with live bands performing and food booths in a "U" shape.  There were also large inflatables for all ages to enjoy.  I was in charge of a group of three guys and myself...which meant I was responsible for the behavior of all group members.  Salado, Spence, and I got split up, each being placed in groups to take charge of.  With our family day passes on the line, our platoon made sure those who needed to be watched were in groups to keep them in line.  I had a good group!  I had Mason, Hackler and and Golart, who are all pretty quiet and laid back.  Mason went crazy with the junk food, drinking about 7 cans of Mountain Dew, half of pizza, two tacos, two cheese hot dogs, a fruit smoothie, two sweet teas...Yeah!  Me, on the other hand, drank about two gallons of water, which was free (two camelbacks full)!  I'm proud of myself for controlling myself and not eating that junk (but I'm sure when I get home and go to the State Fair I will enjoy a few treats).  So anyway, the best thing at the celebration was a Verizon Wireless tent, where they had a little over 100 cell phones on chairs for people (soldiers in Basic) to call home!  At first, we were the only company to arrive, so there wasn't a line and I got to talk to Brittney for a little while, which was awesome!  She then went to a cookout of some sort at Pastor Kurt's house, so I called home for a while.  Other companies started to arrive, so they had to limit phone calls to 10 minutes.  I waited in line later that evening to call my Grandpap and Grandma Sease (it's my Grandpap's birthday tomorrow) to say hi, and then called Brittney with my remaining time to say hi again and wish her a great night's sleep.  The Verizon booth also had a couple people walking around with picture phones, so I had two pictures taken of me and sent to Brittney's phone, which hopefully she can post with this entry.  The first picture is of me alone, and the second picture a different person took, just as there was a parachute demonstration behind us, so it was me, Mason (middle), and Hackler (right) with two paratroopers in the background!  As you can see in the picture, I've lost a little weight (around 20 lbs. now), so I'm currently 215 lbs. (used a scale in fourth platoon's bay).  I'm now lighter than when I came back from Philmont, and only a couple of pounds heavier than when I played soccer in high school (and when I first met Brittney...Dang)!  So anyway, after the sun went down, we formed up and watched the fireworks at 2200.  We didn't leave until 2300, because of all the traffic.  We had a shakedown to make sure we weren't bringing back any contraband, then went upstairs, took showers, and went to bed.  It had been a fun day, and the free phone calls really made the day for me!  I'm so excited and ready for family day in two weeks!