It's been a whirlwind of a month so here's the synopsis! I started my
first week of school at Coyote Hills on August 13, 2012. On August
14th, yes Tuesday - day 2 of school, Andrew received his official orders
for Naval Station Norfolk, VA! On Friday, we planned the
packers/movers and they came on Wednesday, August 22nd. Cinders and I
stayed with our awesome friends Katie and Tony for a week and a half. Andrew graduated from A-school on Tuesday, August 21st and headed to Norfolk that afternoon. He spent a night with his brother Tyler in North Carolina and made it to Norfolk on Wednesday night. Thursday morning we went immediately to the housing office and we were told a 3 bedroom/2 bath house was available TOMORROW... WOOHOO!!! We got soooo lucky!! Andrew moved in the next day and began work that Monday. He spent a few nights sleeping on an air mattress in an empty home.
Andrew flew out early to get me on August 31st. So that Friday was my
last day teaching at Coyote Hills... and another dear friend Jenny got
to take my place and got her first teaching position! Andrew and I had a
weekend together and I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sunday with many
of my dearest Colorado girlfriends. Andrew and I then HIT THE ROAD!!
We drove about 8 hours on Sunday evening and stayed in Topeka, Kansas.
We spent another day driving on Monday and made it to Louisville, KY.
Finally, we made the LAST LEG of our trip on Tuesday and arrived to
Norfolk at about 11pm. WHEW!!!
Then the real fun began! Our
movers came on Thursday (Sept. 6) and we spent two days unpacking, decorating, and
organizing. On Saturday we got an almost 8 week old, German Shepard
PUPPY and named her LUNA. Luna was the coffee shop that was our hang
out in college where we used to study and hang out all the time... we
figured it was meaningful and suiting. She is the sweetest girl and so
well behaved. We've had just a few accidents in the house but she goes
to the back door now and will even nudge the bell with her nose!
Andrew
went back to work on Monday the 10th and I spent the week job hunting
and applying for child-related jobs. Luna and I got to spend lots of
time together, hence all the Facebook photos of her! I got the best
call ever on Friday, September 14th when a principal wanted to interview
me for a teaching position. The interview was on Monday
(Sept. 17) and it went so well I was offered the job on the spot! I am
going to teach KINDERGARTEN!! I can hardly
believe it! I will be observing in the classrooms this week, and go to
an orientation on Monday. The principal hopes to get me into my own
classroom by mid-next week. It is going to definitely be a huge change
as this school is very very diverse but I know it will grow me in ways I
can't even imagine.
Andrew and I are continuing to thank the
Lord for his FAITHFULNESS. Since before Andrew left for boot camp in
January, I have relied on the promises that the Lord would continue to
provide for us as we follow where He leads. My "theme" verse for this
period in our lives continues to hold true. 1 Corinthians 2.9 "No eye
has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared
for those who love Him."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Pensacola update 6-16-12
We're moving to....... Norfolk, VIRGINIA! Andrew made his request for his first duty station! He has been officially assigned (but still awaiting orders) to work in the "Rawhide" squadron VRC-40 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero). He will be assigned to the C-2A Greyhounds which are high priority planes that provide carrier onboard delivery (COD) which can be cargo, mail, or personnel. These planes also have provided disaster relief in Haiti. This squadron is 1 of 2 in the entire Navy and the "Rawhides" recently reached one of the highest honors in Aviation
Safety by successfully completing 25 years of class "A" mishap free
flying. From what Andrew has heard, he will be deployed anywhere from Norway to the Middle East, all the way down to South America, most likely in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. This plane does not take off or land on a carrier at night and because of it's large size does not stay on a carrier long. This means much of his deployment will be spent on land staying in hotels and eating a local restaurants but working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, sometimes only having 1 day off a month. There is a 90% chance that these orders will stick but we have to wait until they officially "pop" to be 100% sure. We are excited about what the future holds but are still unsure of when our future move will take place. We are anticipating a fall transition.
When looking toward the future, Andrew and I are excited to explore the east coast. You may not know but Andrew's dad was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia when Andrew was in 1st to 4th grade and at the Pentagon (D.C.) for 7th and 8th grade. Their family has many friends in the area who we look forward to seeing and Andrew's parents look forward to re-connecting with. Andrew also has an uncle, aunt, and three cousins who will be nearby as well. We have also begun to research tourist spots and discovered we'll be 3 hours from D.C., 6 hours from the Big Apple, and right across from the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach. Let the adventures begin!!
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRC-40
In the meantime, Andrew began his 2nd round of classes on June 13th called "AWAT" which stands for Aviation Warfare Apprenticeship Training Course. He is learning basic safety of aviation, the ins and outs of being on a ship and on shore. It is not specific to his job yet; every member of the Navy goes through this training. Some focus areas of this course include: safety, HAZMAT, aircraft handling, flight deck awareness, understanding manuals, corrosion control, planned maintenance, and sealants. This short course is 7 training days and then he'll move into his final AE STRAND where he learns about his rate (job). From AE STRAND, Andrew will go to Virginia for C-school. This is where he will learn his specific aircraft platform (C-2A Greyhounds).When looking toward the future, Andrew and I are excited to explore the east coast. You may not know but Andrew's dad was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia when Andrew was in 1st to 4th grade and at the Pentagon (D.C.) for 7th and 8th grade. Their family has many friends in the area who we look forward to seeing and Andrew's parents look forward to re-connecting with. Andrew also has an uncle, aunt, and three cousins who will be nearby as well. We have also begun to research tourist spots and discovered we'll be 3 hours from D.C., 6 hours from the Big Apple, and right across from the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach. Let the adventures begin!!
Above is a photo of Andrew carrying the Navy flag at a Memorial Day gig at Veteran's Park in Pensacola.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Pensacola Update 5-26-2012
Classes officially began on May 3, 2012. Andrew got woken up at 0455 and was told to meet in the Megabuilding at 0700. Shortly after he found out he was in an all navy class with 25 students and has night classes. Usually classes are split half Marines and half Navy but not his. This is the first series of classes called Aviation Technical Training (ATT). It is a computer based class with two Marine instructors and this first course is 23 class days long (he has 10 left). The class is on basic electronics like circuits, capacitors, conductors, power supplies, etc. Andrew has class Monday - Friday from 1500-whenever they finish, usually about 2300 with an hour dinner break that he comes back to his room to Skype. When class ends each night, he has another 1-2 hours of physical training Monday-Thursday which usually gets him back into bed about 0100. This has made for a busy schedule as Andrew still has commitments with the performing unit. Being that he has been out of school for 4 years, getting back into learning has been a hard adjustment that he's had to get used to.
Andrew's commitments with performing units has changed since he has classed up. He now has practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0930 to 1100. He has colors every other day at 0730; if you remember this is posting the ensign and other flags outside the Megabuilding. He continues to have gigs whenever he is needed but the need has slowed down. When he completed his first 3, he decided to qualify for "team 3rd's". This means more responsibility much like a promotion in a job. The test consists of an hour oral board with a drill master while maintaining impeccable military bearing. He has done a total of 9 gigs which means with one more he qualifies for "team 1st's" which is the highest achievable rank in performing units. He made a decision not to test for "team 2nd's" until after ATT is completed so he can focus on his studies. "Team 2nd's" and "team 1st's" are in the near future.
As you can see, all of this takes up a lot of Andrew's time. On the weekends he spend a large majority of his time with Williams, a Navy buddy from Pennsylvania. They see a lot of movies, go golfing, and go to small local restaurants. Andrew has enjoyed local events like the Jazzfest, Crawfish festival, car show, and Art in the Park. He has tried some southern style cooking like crawfish, poboy sandwich, and steamed crawfish (you suck the juices out of the head).
That sums it up! More to come when his second round of classes (AWAT) begins.
Andrew's commitments with performing units has changed since he has classed up. He now has practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 0930 to 1100. He has colors every other day at 0730; if you remember this is posting the ensign and other flags outside the Megabuilding. He continues to have gigs whenever he is needed but the need has slowed down. When he completed his first 3, he decided to qualify for "team 3rd's". This means more responsibility much like a promotion in a job. The test consists of an hour oral board with a drill master while maintaining impeccable military bearing. He has done a total of 9 gigs which means with one more he qualifies for "team 1st's" which is the highest achievable rank in performing units. He made a decision not to test for "team 2nd's" until after ATT is completed so he can focus on his studies. "Team 2nd's" and "team 1st's" are in the near future.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Pensacola Update 4-10-12
To continue with updates of Andrew's journey joining the Navy, we felt it was time to update about life in Pensacola, FL. So here goes...
Andrew received his job position (his rate) as an AE right before leaving boot camp. Here is a link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/ae.htm if you'd like to read more about his actual job but to sum it up, he will be an Aviation Electrician's Mate, "a wire chaser". He will be working on a specific type of aircraft (called a platform) and he will know that when he picks his orders months from now. After arrival, Andrew found out what he will not "class up" (begin his basic electronics course) right away. It often takes weeks if not months before he begins class; it usually takes longer than expected. They are currently backed up in his rate which is the reason he doesn't start right away.
After arriving, Andrew was feeling stressed and confused about rules, expectations, and freedoms of the Navy. Going from a very string regiment and plan everyday at boot camp, there is a lot of down time where he has to keep himself busy. One of the rules of living in the barracks is that when he leaves he must always have a liberty buddy - this can be any other sailor, family or friend. He can also do a 3 hour checkout alone if he wants to make a quick trip into town, however this liberty is limited to before 2000 (8:00). The navy prides itself on always watching out for each other, keeping each other's back. Living in the barracks is very similar to a lifestyle he may have being deployed on a ship. He has to ask "Permission to come aboard" and "Permission to go ashore" when coming and going, always signing in and out. Andrew began in Phase 1 which means he has to wear his uniform at all times on and off base, muster (take attendance) at 2145 (9:45), and has to be back in the barracks by 2200 (10:00) on weekends also.
When he originally moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), he was placed into "Foxtrot" barracks with a buddy named Bucky from boot camp. This barracks allowed for more freedoms, but that didn't last long because he was soon moved into a barracks called "Charlie" with a new roommate named Mendez. Mendez is an 18 year old who likes to leave his stuff all over the room. Well, with mandatory inspections on Thursdays, and possibility of random inspections anytime, you can imagine how great of a match they are.
The first week consisted of barracks support which is primarily cleaning and odd jobs in other departments like stocking, more cleaning, etc. He lives for free and doesn't have an assigned job until he classes up so barracks support is his "job". During the first week, he also had indoctrination which was class on rules and regulations. He also took a financial course, airplane firefighting class for 1 day, and a Saturday class which was an extension of rules.
Shortly after getting settled, he found out the recreation options on base. There is MWR which is similar to a community center for adults. It has billards, the Portside bar, fast food restaurants, video games, computers with internet and a movie theater. There is also a bowling alley at the Corry Naval Station which is an extension of NAS. Jilayna and I enjoyed this while we were visiting.. He has also played in a volleyball tourney through the SADD (Sailors against Destructive Decisions) organization and they won!
Andrew was moved to phase 2 on March 26th (right before Marisa's visit) after being in Phase 1 for 2 weeks. He had to complete watch qualifications to move up. Watch qualifications are where Andrew has to observe several types of watches so he can then "stand" them. For example, a quarterdeck watch is when he has to stand at the front door and allow people to enter and egress. In Phase 2, he can now wear civilian clothes when not on duty and when he goes off base and has privileges to stay out on weekends until 2345 (11:45).
Marisa and Jilayna (her sister) came to visit on March 30th to bring Andrew the car and we quickly made our way to Pensacola beach. Andrew's expectation of the beach was very different than expected - it's a lot nicer then he imagined. It has dazzling white sand and clear blue water, lots of seashells too! There is also a beach on base which is more secluded, a shorter beachfront, and shell-filled as well. It is an easy walk from the barracks.
After doing Honor Guard at boot camp, Andrew decided to join NAS performing unit which consists of color guard, rifle brigade, and NAV-t. Due to his joining this unit, his duties have also changed and he is no longer obligated to stand watches or muster with his barracks. He now trains with the performing unit daily from 9-2 Monday - Friday. He has additional practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1630-1800 (4:30-6:00). His main focus is color guard which is rifle and staff handling; they practice uniformity for gigs which are performances for retirements, funerals, parades, etc. He's currently signed up for 4 gigs in the coming weeks. Part of the job with Color Guard is to post and retire the main base colors outside the Mega building (major location for offices of the big wigs, classes, air hanger, etc.) which he has to do every 3-4 days.
Weather here is so humid like Minnesota. It rains for short periods of times but then is all sunshine after.It has been in the 70's and low 80's consistently. He's working on his tan.
After taking time to adjust, it's still hard to be away, but he mostly hang out with people from boot camp, though he hopes to find more men his age. As a side note, he has no mandatory PT until he classes up (could be weeks or months away) but he is staying active. Andrew hopes to experience Florida for all it's worth - sky diving maybe? :)
Andrew moves to phase 3 Monday the 16th of April. The only change will be that he can stay out overnight on Fridays and Saturdays when Marisa comes to visit.
Thanks for reading, until next time....
Anchor's Aweigh,
Andrew and Marisa
Andrew received his job position (his rate) as an AE right before leaving boot camp. Here is a link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/ae.htm if you'd like to read more about his actual job but to sum it up, he will be an Aviation Electrician's Mate, "a wire chaser". He will be working on a specific type of aircraft (called a platform) and he will know that when he picks his orders months from now. After arrival, Andrew found out what he will not "class up" (begin his basic electronics course) right away. It often takes weeks if not months before he begins class; it usually takes longer than expected. They are currently backed up in his rate which is the reason he doesn't start right away.
After arriving, Andrew was feeling stressed and confused about rules, expectations, and freedoms of the Navy. Going from a very string regiment and plan everyday at boot camp, there is a lot of down time where he has to keep himself busy. One of the rules of living in the barracks is that when he leaves he must always have a liberty buddy - this can be any other sailor, family or friend. He can also do a 3 hour checkout alone if he wants to make a quick trip into town, however this liberty is limited to before 2000 (8:00). The navy prides itself on always watching out for each other, keeping each other's back. Living in the barracks is very similar to a lifestyle he may have being deployed on a ship. He has to ask "Permission to come aboard" and "Permission to go ashore" when coming and going, always signing in and out. Andrew began in Phase 1 which means he has to wear his uniform at all times on and off base, muster (take attendance) at 2145 (9:45), and has to be back in the barracks by 2200 (10:00) on weekends also.
When he originally moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS), he was placed into "Foxtrot" barracks with a buddy named Bucky from boot camp. This barracks allowed for more freedoms, but that didn't last long because he was soon moved into a barracks called "Charlie" with a new roommate named Mendez. Mendez is an 18 year old who likes to leave his stuff all over the room. Well, with mandatory inspections on Thursdays, and possibility of random inspections anytime, you can imagine how great of a match they are.
The first week consisted of barracks support which is primarily cleaning and odd jobs in other departments like stocking, more cleaning, etc. He lives for free and doesn't have an assigned job until he classes up so barracks support is his "job". During the first week, he also had indoctrination which was class on rules and regulations. He also took a financial course, airplane firefighting class for 1 day, and a Saturday class which was an extension of rules.
Shortly after getting settled, he found out the recreation options on base. There is MWR which is similar to a community center for adults. It has billards, the Portside bar, fast food restaurants, video games, computers with internet and a movie theater. There is also a bowling alley at the Corry Naval Station which is an extension of NAS. Jilayna and I enjoyed this while we were visiting.. He has also played in a volleyball tourney through the SADD (Sailors against Destructive Decisions) organization and they won!
Andrew was moved to phase 2 on March 26th (right before Marisa's visit) after being in Phase 1 for 2 weeks. He had to complete watch qualifications to move up. Watch qualifications are where Andrew has to observe several types of watches so he can then "stand" them. For example, a quarterdeck watch is when he has to stand at the front door and allow people to enter and egress. In Phase 2, he can now wear civilian clothes when not on duty and when he goes off base and has privileges to stay out on weekends until 2345 (11:45).
Marisa and Jilayna (her sister) came to visit on March 30th to bring Andrew the car and we quickly made our way to Pensacola beach. Andrew's expectation of the beach was very different than expected - it's a lot nicer then he imagined. It has dazzling white sand and clear blue water, lots of seashells too! There is also a beach on base which is more secluded, a shorter beachfront, and shell-filled as well. It is an easy walk from the barracks.
After doing Honor Guard at boot camp, Andrew decided to join NAS performing unit which consists of color guard, rifle brigade, and NAV-t. Due to his joining this unit, his duties have also changed and he is no longer obligated to stand watches or muster with his barracks. He now trains with the performing unit daily from 9-2 Monday - Friday. He has additional practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1630-1800 (4:30-6:00). His main focus is color guard which is rifle and staff handling; they practice uniformity for gigs which are performances for retirements, funerals, parades, etc. He's currently signed up for 4 gigs in the coming weeks. Part of the job with Color Guard is to post and retire the main base colors outside the Mega building (major location for offices of the big wigs, classes, air hanger, etc.) which he has to do every 3-4 days.
Weather here is so humid like Minnesota. It rains for short periods of times but then is all sunshine after.It has been in the 70's and low 80's consistently. He's working on his tan.
After taking time to adjust, it's still hard to be away, but he mostly hang out with people from boot camp, though he hopes to find more men his age. As a side note, he has no mandatory PT until he classes up (could be weeks or months away) but he is staying active. Andrew hopes to experience Florida for all it's worth - sky diving maybe? :)
Andrew moves to phase 3 Monday the 16th of April. The only change will be that he can stay out overnight on Fridays and Saturdays when Marisa comes to visit.
Thanks for reading, until next time....
Anchor's Aweigh,
Andrew and Marisa
Saturday, April 7, 2012
My hubby in uniform
First day wearing his dress whites - April 2nd
wearing his NWUs - Navy Working Uniform - April 2nd
Wearing his NSUs - Navy Service Uniforms (and his green rope for color guard) - April 4th
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Saturday, March 10th
Andrew in his Navy Service Uniform, also known as his "Peanut Butters"
With his parents before they head back to ND.
Chicago's BEAN in Millennium Park
Marisa and her dad with the BEAN
Andrew having a true Chicago Dog - smothered in pickles, hot peppers, onions and everything else gross!
Us with a great view of Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a great day in the Windy City!
Finished our night having Chicago style pizza.
Monday, March 12, 2012
GRADUATION March 9, 2012
Navy Bootcamp at RTC, Great Lakes, IL....WooHoo!!!
Andrew came out with the Honor Guard and marched the drill deck for pictures before graduation began.He found us right away because we were sitting VIP because of his dad's Colonel rank. He snuck out and came up to us in the bleachers before graduation started! I was so surprised and we got to talk :) 
second row, second from the left
They looked great with their rifles!
Graduation begins! The 50 state flags march in and shape spelling out "NAVY". It was impressive, one of my favorite parts of the performance. 
In march all the divisions. There were a total of 487 graduates this day. They came in from the 35 degrees outside wearing their black coats. They then took them off and piled them in a heap behind their division lines. 
Here comes the Honor Guard.... Andrew is now second row, second from the right. They will be inspected by a Colonel.
This is one of my favorite pictures from graduation. I love all the flags in the back.
Looking sharp!
This is another part of the Honor Guard that did rifle throwing and spinning... pretty sweet!
If you remember, Andrew was selected for DIV 917 which is the staffing division. I was pretty impressed with my focus skills on this shot!
Our first embrace since he left January 11th! Andrew and his parents, Steve and Meredith
Andrew with my dad and me
I am so proud of Andrew, my Navy Sailor!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
2 letters received 3-1-12
We are officially T-7 days to graduation (march 9th)!!! (Marisa writing this)
22Feb2012
Dear Marisa,
I received 4 of your letters yesterday. I guess since the long weekend mail got backed up. I also received mail from your mom and my mom as well. Your mom sent me a long letter about Christmas and had copies of thank you cards from Teen Challenge. It was awesome to see their gratitude. My mother sent me a picture of you with my flowers. You are so beautiful.
I love so much talking to you the other day on the phone. Only another week or so till the next phone call, then I'll have my orders.
President's Day was so very boring and I hate these days. Not a lot going on and too much down time. I did received another ribbon for my pistol shooting skills. That's 2 now. One for joining the Navy in a time of war and marksmanship ribbon.
We took our division picture today and got a chance to order pictures and a DVD. Don't get too excited because I drop $210. But you will be so happy with the purchase. I got you a surprise. We can also buy more pictures later when you come here. I got 4- 8x10 for you and our families along with others.
I ran 5 miles yesterday and PFA weigh-ins are tomorrow. First time I get to see my weight since MEPS. We start damage control and firefighting these next two weeks. I'll finish more then. I love you and hope I dream about you.
23Feb2012
Hey Hey, So today was the big day. Weight-in's! So I didn't eat breakfast and went to Freedom Hall with the divisions to have my final weigh in. If I failed I would be set back until I passed. So I stepped on the scale and..... 207. WHAT!! I didn't even lose a pound. Now I'm worried. So I have to be taped now. I have to be under 22% body fat. If you remember I was 21% with a 16in neck and a 38in waist. Now I get taped and I'm a 16in neck and a 36in waist. I'm so happy. Now what this means is although I'm not losing weight, I'm losing body fat, even better in my opinion. I'm getting stronger. I have come to the realization that I may not be under 200 ever. So that's ok with me. Needless to say, I passed and I'll graduate on time if I pass my final PFA on 6-2 and battle stations. I'm good to go.
I have a few guys here that wanna write to Jilayna and have her write back. So there are letters inside for her. Kinda weird but whatever.
We start damage control today and firefighting. Seems pretty good. The gas chamber is this Monday. I'm nervous.
Have you played on your Kindle any more? We got a bit of snow today. Any more there? We got beat a few days ago for some kid's stupid disrespectfulness and not following instructions. It was long and my uniform was soaked. Gross. Have you been working out?
I miss your smile. I miss your smell. I miss our naps. I miss tacos. I miss Hunger Games reading sessions. I miss your body warmth. I miss kissing. I miss sharing things with you. I miss movie nights. I miss church with you. I miss being loved. I miss my best friend.
This place is so close to being over but then more time apart. At least you can travel and talk to me on skype. Have you thought any more about a new computer for you? Or are you ok with the desktop? I just want to be sure we can skype everyday.
What about a dog or kids? j/k I have been thinking a lot about our family and future and lovely wife. I talk about you to the guys all the time. I love you so much. (He drew a picture of a big hug with outstretched arms).
Your hubby/Adventure partner for life.
Andrew
26Feb12
Hello Lady,
It's the end of week 5 and week 6 starts tomorrow. I'm almost there and it feels great. This will be an exciting and intense week of training. This week is firefighting. We also have gas chamber tomorrow. I'm nervous. I hear mixed reviews from other divisions. This week also consists of Test #3, final PFA (the one that counts), and our last inspection. For this inspection, we have to get into 1 of 3 uniforms correctly. Then they inspect us and answer a question. This is the "PI" part. PI is personal inspection. Then right after we have our DMI inspection. Dynamic Material Inspection where we have to fold and stow the uniform we just put on correctly. This is all timed as well. 20 minutes for each inspection. Plenty of time for me but others struggle.
So today (Sunday) I spend my time taking a long shower (only on Sundays), shining my boots and dress shoes, writing my amazing wife, and I'll go to church soon. I'm trying the gospel service this week with a few of the black guys I met here. The guys are awesome and they assure me I won't be the only white person.
I got your letter and the one with the puzzle (crypto) was awesome. You forgot to write the clue down but me and some fellow recruits mastered your puzzle. They loved it and many had never seen one!
You asked some questions so I'll answer:
- We did go to the USS Missouri and shot the 9mm and shotgun. I scored marksmen which is like 3rd place. I couldn't see the target at 15yards very well.
- I did not have to get glasses/BCG's. And we were one of the first divisions to try out the new frame because BCG's are phasing out. They are small square black frames.
- Firefighting is this week at the USS Chief.
- Gas chamber is tomorrow.
- Marlinspike is a practice for basic seamanship skill to tie the ship to the docks and what not.
- Battlestations is my final test a week from tomorrow (3-5-12). I am up for 48 hours. We start on a ship using all the skills I have learned. It is on 7-1.
- We only swam once to pass the test. Super easy for be since my mom made swimming a huge part of us kids' lives so no problem there. We don't swim at all here. The test was three weeks ago.
- The ceremonial drill guard is not what I'm on. I'd love to be in Navy Honor Guard some day.
I want to talk a little about how this experience has changed me:
- First, being married has to be the best part of my life. Being around all these kids really draws me closer to you.
- I have come to realize that Navy will be more difficult than I thought with deployments and moving. I'm really going to need you to be by my side. You're amazing already but it will be hard and besides Christ, you are my everything.
- I have learned I love cereal.
- I have learned that I'm wiser than I thought.
- I have learned that I'm organized and a great teacher.
- I have learned that I am week and have weaknesses, you being one of them. I often cry because I never realized the impact you have on me and how concerned I am for you.
- I have become more of a worrier.
- I have learned I am a control freak and you lose all control at boot camp.
- I have learned I'm an individual more than a team player. I need to change.
You need to give my mom a message and thank her for all the letters. I miss my weekly phone calls with her and her letters really help. I like to know what's going on and can't wait to see them in two weeks.
It may be good idea not to send (and tell others) any letters after March 3rd. Mail will be forwarded to me at A-School but don't know when. Can't wait to talk to you on 7-2 (March 6th). Love you so much. Thanks for all you do and the long letters, they help me so much.
Love, Andrew
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Phone call 2-19 and Letter received 2-24
I got a phone call from Andrew on Sunday, February 19, 2012. It was amazing to hear from him! He said all the guys are still sick all the time, you just can't shake it since you never really get to rest. He said they have "iron watch" all night long; six men at a time iron and then come wake up the next 6 and so on in 30 minute rotations. He usually gets only about 5 hours of sleep a night. Please be praying for his right leg and groin, they are hurting. I found out he will not be performing with other graduations, just his own. They practice on Saturdays in the drill hall where graduation will be (map to come). He gets another shot this week, will be learning damage control, and will get his next phone call on 7-2 (March 6th, 3 days before graduation) when I will find out his graduation schedule. Now here is the letter....
Happy Valentine's Day!
14Feb2012
Dear Dearest,
Hell week has begun! So far so good. Monday was my PFA. I passed! I'm so thankful. I did 51 situps, 45 pushups and best of all I ran my 1.5 mile in 11:40. Wow did I feel awesome. If you remember, my first time was 15:20. I was sick though.
We then had our uniform and weapons turn over inspection. I got a 4.5 out of 5 on my uniform inspection because i missed my question. Silly mistake. I scored a 5.0 on my WTI. So a great Monday overall.
16Feb2012
Dear Wifey,
So week 4 is just about over. Drill inspection and test #2 tomorrow. Life has been busy this week. It flew by though. Week 5 is coming and I get my second set of shots. Another peanut butter too, the one in my butt. Firefighting and damage control is next week as well.
I got your letters and loved them all. I miss you more and more with every letter. Everyday when I get mail, I hope your letters come most of all. I have received mail from my mom, Aunt Onie, Amanda, Grandma Millie, Drew/Becky, your mom, and my dad. Please contact them and let them know.
I hope by now you have my gift and you love it. I wanted to give you my heart but since I'm here you can use it to read and warm your heart. I think about you often so when you hold it think about me.
Week four was eventful and this was a defining week for division score. Right now, we are shooting for Hall of Fame. To qualify, you need a division average of 4.5 (out of 5). It's super hard. But we are on track. It's an average of test, PFA, Inspections, and street hits. Street hits are like secret shoppers. We have had 0 so far which is amazing. With us being 2/3 the way through boot, we are at 4.8! It's awesome! Very few divisions ever make Hall of Fame so we still have to see how far we can go.
Also, put whatever you want on the blog. I write you so much because I can't write others that write me.
19Feb2012
It's Sunday and hell week is over! It wasn't so bad but unfortunately Hall of Fame may be out of reach. We were doing great until Friday. We had our drill inspection and test #2. After drill, which was sub-par, we now sat at a 4.62, down from 4.88. Time for test #2. This one was the easiest and as EPO I have had the guys studying like crazy. It didn't matter though because we scored a 4.1 average. So now we're even lower. Moral is down and RDC's are pissed.
I'm glad it's Sunday. We are on holiday routine right now. Every Sunday from 0700 to 1300 we can relax but no sleep which sucks.
Some more bad news, we lost our phone call because people talk too much. These kids are killing me. So our next phone call isn't til 7-2. So a couple weeks. (Though Andrew said this, he did receive the call somehow, he explained it to me but I didn't understand through the static.) By the way, I got a 4.5 on the test so I am happy.
A fellow SR (seaman recruit) asked me the other night, "Do you hate this place?" The only way I could answer was, "No, but if I were single it would be a whole lot easier!" See Hun, my mind is only about 50% in boot camp. The other half of the time it's on you. I see you in everything I do here. When it gets hard I think of you. It pushes me, makes me stronger, and motivates me.
You see, boot camp has a "jail-like" feel to it. You don't see the outside that much, only when marching. You can't really do or think much for yourself. They make things a lot harder than they have to be.
So, we have been going to practices for graduation. I'm on Honor Guard and we'll be throwing rifles and you see me front and center! On the back of this page I will draw a diagram of the drill hall and my position(s). Then show you where the best places are to sit!
Please keep writing, about anything, I care about all you do. The more the better. I love hearing about your journeys with school, weekends, and your friends.
I love you so much,
miss you a lot,
3 more weeks and I can hug you.
I miss that!
Love, Andrew S. Muhs
(Had to change my signature because they need to read it)
P.S. I got a brownie this week and it was delicious!
Happy Valentine's Day!
14Feb2012
Dear Dearest,
Hell week has begun! So far so good. Monday was my PFA. I passed! I'm so thankful. I did 51 situps, 45 pushups and best of all I ran my 1.5 mile in 11:40. Wow did I feel awesome. If you remember, my first time was 15:20. I was sick though.
We then had our uniform and weapons turn over inspection. I got a 4.5 out of 5 on my uniform inspection because i missed my question. Silly mistake. I scored a 5.0 on my WTI. So a great Monday overall.
16Feb2012
Dear Wifey,
So week 4 is just about over. Drill inspection and test #2 tomorrow. Life has been busy this week. It flew by though. Week 5 is coming and I get my second set of shots. Another peanut butter too, the one in my butt. Firefighting and damage control is next week as well.
I got your letters and loved them all. I miss you more and more with every letter. Everyday when I get mail, I hope your letters come most of all. I have received mail from my mom, Aunt Onie, Amanda, Grandma Millie, Drew/Becky, your mom, and my dad. Please contact them and let them know.
I hope by now you have my gift and you love it. I wanted to give you my heart but since I'm here you can use it to read and warm your heart. I think about you often so when you hold it think about me.
Week four was eventful and this was a defining week for division score. Right now, we are shooting for Hall of Fame. To qualify, you need a division average of 4.5 (out of 5). It's super hard. But we are on track. It's an average of test, PFA, Inspections, and street hits. Street hits are like secret shoppers. We have had 0 so far which is amazing. With us being 2/3 the way through boot, we are at 4.8! It's awesome! Very few divisions ever make Hall of Fame so we still have to see how far we can go.
Also, put whatever you want on the blog. I write you so much because I can't write others that write me.
19Feb2012
It's Sunday and hell week is over! It wasn't so bad but unfortunately Hall of Fame may be out of reach. We were doing great until Friday. We had our drill inspection and test #2. After drill, which was sub-par, we now sat at a 4.62, down from 4.88. Time for test #2. This one was the easiest and as EPO I have had the guys studying like crazy. It didn't matter though because we scored a 4.1 average. So now we're even lower. Moral is down and RDC's are pissed.
I'm glad it's Sunday. We are on holiday routine right now. Every Sunday from 0700 to 1300 we can relax but no sleep which sucks.
Some more bad news, we lost our phone call because people talk too much. These kids are killing me. So our next phone call isn't til 7-2. So a couple weeks. (Though Andrew said this, he did receive the call somehow, he explained it to me but I didn't understand through the static.) By the way, I got a 4.5 on the test so I am happy.
A fellow SR (seaman recruit) asked me the other night, "Do you hate this place?" The only way I could answer was, "No, but if I were single it would be a whole lot easier!" See Hun, my mind is only about 50% in boot camp. The other half of the time it's on you. I see you in everything I do here. When it gets hard I think of you. It pushes me, makes me stronger, and motivates me.
You see, boot camp has a "jail-like" feel to it. You don't see the outside that much, only when marching. You can't really do or think much for yourself. They make things a lot harder than they have to be.
So, we have been going to practices for graduation. I'm on Honor Guard and we'll be throwing rifles and you see me front and center! On the back of this page I will draw a diagram of the drill hall and my position(s). Then show you where the best places are to sit!
I love you so much,
miss you a lot,
3 more weeks and I can hug you.
I miss that!
Love, Andrew S. Muhs
(Had to change my signature because they need to read it)
P.S. I got a brownie this week and it was delicious!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Received 4 letters on 2-16-12
06Feb2012
We earned another phone call because as a division we scored a 4.0 (on a scale of 5.0) on our 1st academic test. I don't know when but keep your phone on. I can't wait to talk to you again and maybe I won't cry this time.
I am so glad God is providing and easing this stressful time. I am also so encouraged to hear the military ID is taken care of. Medical should be taken care of too. I'm not sure about Tri-care standard to Tri-care prime. You may want to call.
I am excited to see you! I have been thinking about The Hunger Games too. Talked to a lot of guys here about it too! Can't wait for the movie.
I hope you received my long first letter. You need to tell me more about your new Bible study. This encourages me. I am excited!
You can always say you miss me. I love to be longed for because I love to long for you and I miss you. Tell Drew Hi and the Navy is different than expected mostly because I'm married. It seems Navy should be #1 but my wife is so much better. I could leave now to be with her. But that may be foolish. I'm praying for your mom. I got a letter from her as well. I loved it. I received one from Audrey too. It was so nice. When I talk to you again ask me about my daily routine. I really wanna tell you everything. Too much to write though. I go to bed (taps) at 10pm (22:00) my time and wake up at 6am.
Andrew <3
07Feb2012
Hey babe,
What a great day today. We took our ID card pictures and went to the reclassifier. Pictures went great. Mine is very serious looking. I get my ID on 4-4. We are on 3-2 now. Reclassification is like a place to change your job. NOT. I have been thinking about changing to MA. But i found out today I'm AV for at least 24 months after A-school which is great. No changing for me. I also found out I'll be in Pensacola for sure. If I am AE I'll be in A-school for about 7 weeks. If they give me AT it's 21 weeks. There may be C-school after too. But I won't find that out until after A-school. So a lot of unknown there. I just received your letter #8 you sent after our phone call. Love the polar bears. Thank you for the numbers.
BIG NEWS!! We did a mock PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment) and as you know I failed my first one. I passed my pushups and situps but failed the run. So tonight we did a practice run and last time I ran 15:290. I need to be under 14:00 to graduate. I was sick the first time around but not this time. My goals are 50 pushups, 50 crunches, 12min 1.5 mile. Well tonight I ran 12:05!!! I was so happy and all my shipmates were excited too (as I was in last place 2 weeks ago). I'm running faster then some 19 year olds. God is good! So I need to cut off 5 seconds by 4-1 which is this Monday (5 days from now). I'm going to try my best. I also need about 15 more pushups too. Thank you for prayers.
I miss you lots and think about you and our love non stop. especially when marching. It reminds me of our walks.
Prayers = next week 4-1 to 4-5 is considered hell week (a lot of tests, drills, and inspection). Pray for a clear mind. I miss your voice, hugs, touch, and killer bunnies.
Love your Andrew!
09Feb2012
Well babe, I definitely get to write more than I get to send. They permit us to write all the time but never collect letters. So you may get a lot of letters at once. Today we did another mock PT and I ran my 1.5 mile in 12:30. I'm doing great. My knees hurt a little so prayers for them. But my goal is under 12 min by 6-2. We also learned about basic seamanship today. Like terms and line handling. The instructor was awesome and I found out I'm the 2nd (out of 82 recruits) fastest knot tier in the division. Pretty rad. Tomorrow we get to go to Marlinspike and test some new skills. // We are passing out mail and I got a letter from Allie. Tell her about the blog and I'll write back on Sunday.// Just received letters from my mom and Melissa (Ashton's GF) My mom printed pics of you in the snow. You'll have to tell me more about it. Melissa gave me Ashton's addy so I'm going to write him. I have been going to church but I may not this week because I need to write/study for hell week.
10Feb2012
Hey babe,
So here is the letter to answer all your questions. I just received #9 and 10. You look beautiful in the snow like always and theres a lot of it. Stay safe. Good luck on the taxes. We should get back money I hope.
So I have probably answered some of your questions in other letters. I write you almost every night. Also, tell Scott I got his letter. I love him. All 80+ guys loved his Halo picture. Also, if others have questions tell them to send them on. I'll answer what I can so here we go on questions...
1. Can I PT on my own?
No I can't. On my own at night I can because the RDCs go
home so many guys stay up and do push-ups, sit-ups and etc.
2. What makes the food so good? Dessert?
Good is great because of the variety and quality. Very much
like the RDC at NDSU. But no seconds. Once you sit down
you can't get back up. I can eat dessert but 4 days ago I was
put on restriction until I pass my run PFA. (I passed the
practice the next day.)
3. What is an RDC?
Recruit Division Commander. One chief and two petty
officers first class. They are with us day in and out just not at
bedtime (taps).
4. What does punishment look like?
We call it IT "Getting Beat" or "IT" (intensive training). I
have yet to be IT'd by my own means. I'm a smart recruit. I
have been IT'd for others mistakes (this really makes me
angry). We do mountain climbers, jumping jacks,8-count
body builders, situps, arm circles, and squats at a super fast
pace.
5. When is my next Try at running?
Day 4-1 this Monday at 0400am. I'll pass!!
6. Do you get 1 pillow?
Only 1. It sux. Sheets and blankets are bad too. I'm always
tired!
7. What does my daily schedule look like?
Well it changes slightly every day but this is the average day.
0600 - Rev (wake up)
0650 - Chow
0730 - 0900 - Class (depends)
0900 - 1100 - Training
1100 - 1200 - Chow
1200 - 1730 - Class/Training
1730 - 1800 - Chow
1800 - 1900 - Physical Training
1900 - 1945 - Hygiene
2000 - 2200 - Laundry
2200 - Taps (lights out)
Things are always in different orders and times but that's a
sample.
8. Do I sneak writing in?
Yes. I write you every night I get a letter from you.
12Feb12
9. What do I wear on a daily basis?
Well I wear my NWU's (Navy Working Uniform) everyday
all day. Look up a picture online. It's a digital camo pattern
blue, black, gray, and green. My name is stitched on it and I
also wear boots everyday. It's pretty comfortable except
when we have to IT in it.
10. What do we drill march in?
We will drill in our daily uniform.
11. When do I tryout for my staff division graduation
performing spot?
Well I made the honor guard so I will be marching in with a
rifle and a super cool uniform. I don't believe I'll be in
sailor mess dress. I may be in my NWU's with a flashy rifle
spinning around and some other cool gear. I'm pretty good
and it's super fun. I'm one of 25 that made it. A lot tried out.
I hope this answers your questions and others that read the blog. If you or others have more let me know. You're wonderful and always on my mind.
Love you,
Andrew
P.S. Got some snow today!
We earned another phone call because as a division we scored a 4.0 (on a scale of 5.0) on our 1st academic test. I don't know when but keep your phone on. I can't wait to talk to you again and maybe I won't cry this time.
I am excited to see you! I have been thinking about The Hunger Games too. Talked to a lot of guys here about it too! Can't wait for the movie.
I hope you received my long first letter. You need to tell me more about your new Bible study. This encourages me. I am excited!
You can always say you miss me. I love to be longed for because I love to long for you and I miss you. Tell Drew Hi and the Navy is different than expected mostly because I'm married. It seems Navy should be #1 but my wife is so much better. I could leave now to be with her. But that may be foolish. I'm praying for your mom. I got a letter from her as well. I loved it. I received one from Audrey too. It was so nice. When I talk to you again ask me about my daily routine. I really wanna tell you everything. Too much to write though. I go to bed (taps) at 10pm (22:00) my time and wake up at 6am.
Andrew <3
07Feb2012
Hey babe,
What a great day today. We took our ID card pictures and went to the reclassifier. Pictures went great. Mine is very serious looking. I get my ID on 4-4. We are on 3-2 now. Reclassification is like a place to change your job. NOT. I have been thinking about changing to MA. But i found out today I'm AV for at least 24 months after A-school which is great. No changing for me. I also found out I'll be in Pensacola for sure. If I am AE I'll be in A-school for about 7 weeks. If they give me AT it's 21 weeks. There may be C-school after too. But I won't find that out until after A-school. So a lot of unknown there. I just received your letter #8 you sent after our phone call. Love the polar bears. Thank you for the numbers.
BIG NEWS!! We did a mock PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment) and as you know I failed my first one. I passed my pushups and situps but failed the run. So tonight we did a practice run and last time I ran 15:290. I need to be under 14:00 to graduate. I was sick the first time around but not this time. My goals are 50 pushups, 50 crunches, 12min 1.5 mile. Well tonight I ran 12:05!!! I was so happy and all my shipmates were excited too (as I was in last place 2 weeks ago). I'm running faster then some 19 year olds. God is good! So I need to cut off 5 seconds by 4-1 which is this Monday (5 days from now). I'm going to try my best. I also need about 15 more pushups too. Thank you for prayers.
I miss you lots and think about you and our love non stop. especially when marching. It reminds me of our walks.
Prayers = next week 4-1 to 4-5 is considered hell week (a lot of tests, drills, and inspection). Pray for a clear mind. I miss your voice, hugs, touch, and killer bunnies.
Love your Andrew!
09Feb2012
Well babe, I definitely get to write more than I get to send. They permit us to write all the time but never collect letters. So you may get a lot of letters at once. Today we did another mock PT and I ran my 1.5 mile in 12:30. I'm doing great. My knees hurt a little so prayers for them. But my goal is under 12 min by 6-2. We also learned about basic seamanship today. Like terms and line handling. The instructor was awesome and I found out I'm the 2nd (out of 82 recruits) fastest knot tier in the division. Pretty rad. Tomorrow we get to go to Marlinspike and test some new skills. // We are passing out mail and I got a letter from Allie. Tell her about the blog and I'll write back on Sunday.// Just received letters from my mom and Melissa (Ashton's GF) My mom printed pics of you in the snow. You'll have to tell me more about it. Melissa gave me Ashton's addy so I'm going to write him. I have been going to church but I may not this week because I need to write/study for hell week.
10Feb2012
Hey babe,
So here is the letter to answer all your questions. I just received #9 and 10. You look beautiful in the snow like always and theres a lot of it. Stay safe. Good luck on the taxes. We should get back money I hope.
So I have probably answered some of your questions in other letters. I write you almost every night. Also, tell Scott I got his letter. I love him. All 80+ guys loved his Halo picture. Also, if others have questions tell them to send them on. I'll answer what I can so here we go on questions...
1. Can I PT on my own?
No I can't. On my own at night I can because the RDCs go
home so many guys stay up and do push-ups, sit-ups and etc.
2. What makes the food so good? Dessert?
Good is great because of the variety and quality. Very much
like the RDC at NDSU. But no seconds. Once you sit down
you can't get back up. I can eat dessert but 4 days ago I was
put on restriction until I pass my run PFA. (I passed the
practice the next day.)
3. What is an RDC?
Recruit Division Commander. One chief and two petty
officers first class. They are with us day in and out just not at
bedtime (taps).
4. What does punishment look like?
We call it IT "Getting Beat" or "IT" (intensive training). I
have yet to be IT'd by my own means. I'm a smart recruit. I
have been IT'd for others mistakes (this really makes me
angry). We do mountain climbers, jumping jacks,8-count
body builders, situps, arm circles, and squats at a super fast
pace.
5. When is my next Try at running?
Day 4-1 this Monday at 0400am. I'll pass!!
6. Do you get 1 pillow?
Only 1. It sux. Sheets and blankets are bad too. I'm always
tired!
7. What does my daily schedule look like?
Well it changes slightly every day but this is the average day.
0600 - Rev (wake up)
0650 - Chow
0730 - 0900 - Class (depends)
0900 - 1100 - Training
1100 - 1200 - Chow
1200 - 1730 - Class/Training
1730 - 1800 - Chow
1800 - 1900 - Physical Training
1900 - 1945 - Hygiene
2000 - 2200 - Laundry
2200 - Taps (lights out)
Things are always in different orders and times but that's a
sample.
8. Do I sneak writing in?
Yes. I write you every night I get a letter from you.
12Feb12
9. What do I wear on a daily basis?
Well I wear my NWU's (Navy Working Uniform) everyday
all day. Look up a picture online. It's a digital camo pattern
blue, black, gray, and green. My name is stitched on it and I
also wear boots everyday. It's pretty comfortable except
when we have to IT in it.
10. What do we drill march in?
We will drill in our daily uniform.
11. When do I tryout for my staff division graduation
performing spot?
Well I made the honor guard so I will be marching in with a
rifle and a super cool uniform. I don't believe I'll be in
sailor mess dress. I may be in my NWU's with a flashy rifle
spinning around and some other cool gear. I'm pretty good
and it's super fun. I'm one of 25 that made it. A lot tried out.
I hope this answers your questions and others that read the blog. If you or others have more let me know. You're wonderful and always on my mind.
Love you,
Andrew
P.S. Got some snow today!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Letter #3 received 2-9-11
05 Feb 2012
Hey babe,
It's Sunday Feb 05 and I just got back from church. This is the 2nd week I have gone. It's a contemporary christian service and it's OK. Nothing great but I still get away and get to worship. I go with 3-4 other guys. One is Moura. He is an MU (Musician) in the Navy. Awesome voice and a great guy.
Tomorrow is week 3-1. I hear from other divisions we do Marlinspike. It is hands on line/boat drill. Others say it's awesome, fun and challenging. It is skill we need for B/S (battleships). We also get our second hair cut this week. I need it. I'm still adapting to shaving every day. I love the time we talked on the phone last weekend. I'm sorry I was emotional and talked a lot about myself. I just really love and miss you. I want to make sure you are safe and OK.
I am so proud of you and all you do to make yourself an amazing wife and a wonderful teacher. You are the best and I believe you will be rewarded for all your hard work next year in teaching. You have such a big heart and you're very wise.
This last week I have been feeling better. My P/T had been better although my calves hurt and I'm still slow. Because I'm slow, my 2nd RDC (recruit division commander) put me on restrictions. No desserts! I don't really mind, but they are really good. I have eaten more apples and bananas these last 3 weeks than I have in my entire life. Bananas go in my cereal (which I love now) and I have sliced apples at every meal with sun butter. It is peanut butter but with sunflower seed. I love it.
Good news, I got on the Honor Guard for my division. This means I will perform with a rifle at my graduation in a group of about 20. You get to see me. I had practice yesterday and I'm pretty good. This makes me happy.
Week 4 is coming and it's considered hell week. A lot of P/T and tests and inspections. Pray for a healthy body and intrinsic motivation for me. I can't tell you how much I love you!
Love Andrew
Hey babe,
It's Sunday Feb 05 and I just got back from church. This is the 2nd week I have gone. It's a contemporary christian service and it's OK. Nothing great but I still get away and get to worship. I go with 3-4 other guys. One is Moura. He is an MU (Musician) in the Navy. Awesome voice and a great guy.
Tomorrow is week 3-1. I hear from other divisions we do Marlinspike. It is hands on line/boat drill. Others say it's awesome, fun and challenging. It is skill we need for B/S (battleships). We also get our second hair cut this week. I need it. I'm still adapting to shaving every day. I love the time we talked on the phone last weekend. I'm sorry I was emotional and talked a lot about myself. I just really love and miss you. I want to make sure you are safe and OK.
I am so proud of you and all you do to make yourself an amazing wife and a wonderful teacher. You are the best and I believe you will be rewarded for all your hard work next year in teaching. You have such a big heart and you're very wise.
This last week I have been feeling better. My P/T had been better although my calves hurt and I'm still slow. Because I'm slow, my 2nd RDC (recruit division commander) put me on restrictions. No desserts! I don't really mind, but they are really good. I have eaten more apples and bananas these last 3 weeks than I have in my entire life. Bananas go in my cereal (which I love now) and I have sliced apples at every meal with sun butter. It is peanut butter but with sunflower seed. I love it.
Good news, I got on the Honor Guard for my division. This means I will perform with a rifle at my graduation in a group of about 20. You get to see me. I had practice yesterday and I'm pretty good. This makes me happy.
Week 4 is coming and it's considered hell week. A lot of P/T and tests and inspections. Pray for a healthy body and intrinsic motivation for me. I can't tell you how much I love you!
Love Andrew
Monday, February 6, 2012
Letter #2 received 2-6-12
30 January 2012
Babe, As I sit around on the floor with 4 friends reading your second letter (I got 1,3,4 first) I love you more and more. I am so glad you are doing well. I am so glad you have godly women to uplift you. I'm on 2-2 and we get a phone call this week. I hope we don't screw it up. We had our first inspection today and I got a 5.0 Perfect score!! One of the only ones along with a few other older guys. I've made quite a few friends, more mentoring kids. Some are so lost and I'm trying to guide them. Tonight we went out for a late march/drill. It was a beautiful night and I could have marched for another 2 hours. Prayed while marching, thought about you and cool night walks in Fargo. Man i miss you!
Sitting here at 930 (2130) under the red light with Rae, Burns, and Rienke talking about life, Gf's, wives (you) is comforting. Rae is from FL, Burns from HI, Rienke from MN and my rack mate Carter from MO.
Our division is supposed to be legit but is kind of goonie. Bunch of kids with a lot of drama screwing up all the time. More to come!
Andrew
Babe, As I sit around on the floor with 4 friends reading your second letter (I got 1,3,4 first) I love you more and more. I am so glad you are doing well. I am so glad you have godly women to uplift you. I'm on 2-2 and we get a phone call this week. I hope we don't screw it up. We had our first inspection today and I got a 5.0 Perfect score!! One of the only ones along with a few other older guys. I've made quite a few friends, more mentoring kids. Some are so lost and I'm trying to guide them. Tonight we went out for a late march/drill. It was a beautiful night and I could have marched for another 2 hours. Prayed while marching, thought about you and cool night walks in Fargo. Man i miss you!
Sitting here at 930 (2130) under the red light with Rae, Burns, and Rienke talking about life, Gf's, wives (you) is comforting. Rae is from FL, Burns from HI, Rienke from MN and my rack mate Carter from MO.
Our division is supposed to be legit but is kind of goonie. Bunch of kids with a lot of drama screwing up all the time. More to come!
Andrew
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Letter #1 received 2-3-12
January 20, 2012
HEY SWEETS, I LONG FOR THE DAY WE RETURN TOGETHER. I HAVEN'T BEEN ALLOWED TO WRITE BUT I HAD TO START TONIGHT. I WOULD BECOME ABSENT MINDED AND FORGET A LOT IF I WOULDN'T START NOW. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY HANDWRITING TO THIS "RECRUIT STYLE" ! ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE TO WRITE LIKE THIS TO YOU IT'S GREAT PRACTICE! AS YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED, I SENT A LETTER HOME TO YOU. I HOPE YOU HAVE IT BY NOW. I FOUND OUT I GRADUATE MARCH 9TH. NOT THE BEST DATE FOR YOU I KNOW BUT THAT'S WHAT WE GOT.
I'LL START FROM THE BEGINNING. I WAS TAKEN TO DIA AFTER MEPS AND WAS MADE GROUP LEADER FOR TRAVEL. FOUR OF US TRAVELED TO RTC (RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND). I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING ALL THE INFORMATION AND LEADING US TO THE PLANE. MYSELF AND THREE OTHER FEMALES TRAVELED AND ONE GOT LOST ON THE WAY BUT WE LANDED JUST FINE. WE HAD A MEAL CHECK FOR $23 SO WE ATE AT THE MACARONI GRILL IN THE AIRPORT. WE ARRIVED LATE AND MY NERVES STARTED TO SET IN. AS I SAT ON THE FLOOR WITH 100'S OF OTHER RECRUITS I NEVER REALIZED HOW IMPORTANT SITTING "CRISS-CROSS APPLESAUCE" WAS. DAILY WE SIT LIKE THIS, ON THE FLOOR AND WITH MY HIPS IT'S UNBEARABLE! AT O'HARE I MUST HAVE SAT IN SILENCE FOR 2 HOURS WAITING FOR THE BUS. WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO! FINALLY I ARRIVE. JUST LIKE I IMAGINED. A LOT OF YELLING AND CUSSING. WE WENT THROUGH PAPER WORK, PHYSICALS AND BRIEFINGS ALL NIGHT. A LOT OF LINES. THE FIRST WEEK IS CALLED "P" WEEK. I HAVE 5 "P" DAYS. (I'M WRITING THIS NOW ON P-5).
I'M KINDA TIRED FROM THE LONG FIRST DAY. ALMOST 48 HOURS UP STRAIGHT. AS I'M SITTING IN A CLASSROOM-LIKE ENVIRONMENT AT A DESK WITH A GROUP OF OTHER MALE RECRUITS, I SEE ACROSS THE WAY A SECTION OF MEN BY THEMSELVES. (BY THE WAY I'M WAITING TO GET MY DITTY BAG (PT CLOTHES, UNDERWEAR, ETC.) NO UNIFORM YET) THESE GUYS ARE BEING HAND CHOSEN BY A PETTY OFFICER RESEMBLING A SHORT CHRIS ROCK! HE WALKS OVER TO OUR GROUP NOW SEEMING TO BE LOOKING FOR MORE. HE BEGINS TO ASK PEOPLE TO STAND UP FOR: ASVAB SCORE OVER 60 (MINE WAS 66), EXCELLENT SWIMMER (GOT THAT TOO), AND 12 MIN MILE AND HALF (I'M GONE). SO I SIT DOWN AND I'M PASSED OVER. DANG! NOT SURE WHATS THIS FOR BUT I WANTED IN. I GO THROUGH THE REST OF THE NIGHT AND THIS TIME THOUGH HE IS WITH A CHIEF. THEY NEEDED 2 MORE GUYS. HE CALLED ME FAT A COUPLE TIMES, ASKED ME THE QUESTIONS AGAIN, THEN OUT OF NOWHERE HE ASKS MY AGE? "TURNING 27, CHIEF!" I SAID. "YOU'RE IN!" I'M IN? IN WHAT?? THIS STARTS MY JOURNEY IN DIV 917!
January 29, 2012
SO WE FORM UP AS A DIVISION AND BEGIN PROCESSING. EVERYTHING IS FAST PACED AND UNDER STRICT DIRECTION. FOR EXAMPLE, ONLY 5 PEOPLE CAN USE THE HEAD AT A TIME AND YOU HAVE TO TURN IN YOUR RECRUIT PEN TO THE MA (MASTER AT ARMS) BEFORE YOU CAN GO. THE HEAD IS THE BATHROOM. YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. YOU CAN NOT USE THE HEAD IN YOUR SWEATS. A LOT OF RULES WERE TAUGHT AND MANY ARE QUITE SILLY. AFTER OUR BRIEFING, I STILL HAVE NO CLUE WHAT DIV 917 IS ABOUT. SO WE GO TO MORE BRIEFS (MEETINGS ABOUT RULES AND SUCH) AND THEN TO DITTY BAG ISSUE. I GET THE NECESSARY UNIFORMS FOR P-WEEK (THE WEEK 1 IN-PROCESS). THINGS LIKE PT SHORTS, PT SHIRTS, SHOES, UNDERWEAR, SOCKS, ETC. NO UNIFORMS YET. I ARRIVED WEDNESDAY NIGHT BUT I TECHNICALLY DIDN'T START P-WEEK TIL MONDAY WHICH SUCKS BECAUSE WE SAT AROUND A LOT. DURING THIS FIRST WEEK, WE CAN'T BE BEAT/P.T.'D/I.T.'D (DO ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR BEING LESS THAN PERFECT). WE HAVE TO BE CLEARED BY MEDICAL TO BE FFD (FOR FOR FULL DUTY). SO ALL WEEK LONG (REALLY 10 DAYS INSTEAD OF 7) WE SAT AROUND IN A LOT OF LINES, ON THE FLOOR, ON BENCHES, IN HEIGHT LINES. REALLY BORING AND HORRIBLE ON YOUR BACK AND BODY. WE ALSO MOVED INTO OUR TEMP. COMPARTMENT (OUR DORMS) THE U.S.S. PEARL. WE STARTED WITH 88 MEN. WE ALSO LEARNED TO HYGIENE (OUR SHOWER TIME WE GET ONCE A DAY). WE HAVE 88 MEN TO USE 10 SHOWER HEADS ALL WHILE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC RULES AND HAVING THE HEAD SPOTLESS AFTER. IT'S PRETTY MUCH NEAR IMPOSSIBLE.
DURING THE FIRST WEEK, I WENT THROUGH A PHYSICAL AGAIN, DENTAL EXAM, SHOTS, EYE EXAM, AND HEARING TEST. GOOD NEWS, NO CAVITIES! I DID HOWEVER HAVE A FILLING REPLACE THAT WAS FALLING OUT. WE RECEIVED OUR FIRST SET OF SHOTS ABOUT 5 DAYS AFTER ARRIVING. WE STOOD IN A LINE AND (DEPENDING ON YOUR BLOOD WORK) GOT A SERIES OF SHOTS WALKING DOWN A LINE. I RECEIVED 5. THE LAST SHOT WAS THE WORST. THEY CALL IT A "PEANUT BUTTER" SHOT. ALL OF THE MEDS IN ONE SHOT IN YOUR LEFT BUTT CHEEK. I HURT FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. I ALSO GOT THE FLU SHOT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN SICK FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS. CONGESTED, COUGH, FEVER, AND SORE THROAT. I WENT TO MEDICAL ON DAY 6 AND GOT SOME SUDAFED, COUGH DROPS, AND TYLENOL. AS OF TODAY, I AM FINALLY RECOVERING. WE FINALLY RECEIVED OUR UNIFORMS (NWU'S - THE BLUE DIGITALS) AT THE END OF P WEEK.
WE MOVED AT THE END OF P WEEK TO OUR ACTUAL SHIP, THE REUBEN JAMES SPECIAL UNITS DIVISION. AT THIS TIME, I STILL DON'T KNOW WHY I'M SPECIAL. THE COMPARTMENT IS MUCH LARGER AND WE ARE AT 82 NOW. EVERYTHING ABOUT NAVY LIFE IS ABOUT BEING FAST AND ABOUT DETAIL. BOTH HARD TO DO AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE 5 OF US MARRIED, 6 WITH KIDS, 5 OVER THE AGE OF 26. FOR US IN THIS CATEGORY, THINGS ARE EASY. BUT WE ARE A TEAM AND WHEN ONE OF THE YOUNG ONES SCREWS UP, WE ALL ARE PUNISHED. THIS SUCKS BUT WHAT DO YOU DO. WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE HEAD SO IT'S EASIER TO HYGIENE BUT MORE TO CLEAN.
OUR WEEKS/DAYS ARE NUMBERED AS SUCH: WEEK 1 MONDAY = 1-1, TUESDAY = 1-2. I'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE THIS WAY FROM NOW ON. WEEK 1 CONSISTED OF OUR INITIAL PFA (PERSONAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT). I FAILED. :( ! I DID 50 CURL UPS, 38 PUSH UPS AND MY MILE AND A HALF WAS 15:30. SO I ONLY FAILED MY MILE AND A HALF. I FELT HORRIBLE (FROM BEING SICK). I HAVE TWO MORE CHANCES, ONLY THE LAST PFA COUNTS. I NEED TO BE AT 14:00 MINUTES. I BELIEVE I'LL PASS #2.
WE DID MORE PT THIS WEEK WHICH I LIKE. I AM ALSO IN THE DIVISION EPO (EDUCATIONAL PETTY OFFICER). I CAN'T SEEM TO GET AWAY FROM TEACHING. KINDA COOL, KINDA SUX. IF WE EVER HAVE FREE TIME MY RDC'S MAKE ME TEACHER. NOT A LOT TO TEACH AND I CAN'T TEACH WHAT I WANT. BOOT CAMP HAS MORE DOWN TIME THEN I THOUGHT AND I DON'T LIKE IT. OTHER THEN THAT, IT'S BEEN MARCHING AND CLASSES ALL WEEK.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT BUT REALLY ALL I WANT IS TO BE WITH YOU. I MISS YOU HORRIBLY. I BOUGHT YOUR CHAPSTICK TO REMEMBER YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND MY BED IS TOO SMALL. I DON'T FEEL IT'S GETTING EASIER. I CAN'T WAIT TILL 7-5 AND GRADUATION. LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL.
ANDREW
NUGGETS (THINGS TO REMEMBER):
HEY SWEETS, I LONG FOR THE DAY WE RETURN TOGETHER. I HAVEN'T BEEN ALLOWED TO WRITE BUT I HAD TO START TONIGHT. I WOULD BECOME ABSENT MINDED AND FORGET A LOT IF I WOULDN'T START NOW. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY HANDWRITING TO THIS "RECRUIT STYLE" ! ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE TO WRITE LIKE THIS TO YOU IT'S GREAT PRACTICE! AS YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED, I SENT A LETTER HOME TO YOU. I HOPE YOU HAVE IT BY NOW. I FOUND OUT I GRADUATE MARCH 9TH. NOT THE BEST DATE FOR YOU I KNOW BUT THAT'S WHAT WE GOT.
I'LL START FROM THE BEGINNING. I WAS TAKEN TO DIA AFTER MEPS AND WAS MADE GROUP LEADER FOR TRAVEL. FOUR OF US TRAVELED TO RTC (RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND). I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING ALL THE INFORMATION AND LEADING US TO THE PLANE. MYSELF AND THREE OTHER FEMALES TRAVELED AND ONE GOT LOST ON THE WAY BUT WE LANDED JUST FINE. WE HAD A MEAL CHECK FOR $23 SO WE ATE AT THE MACARONI GRILL IN THE AIRPORT. WE ARRIVED LATE AND MY NERVES STARTED TO SET IN. AS I SAT ON THE FLOOR WITH 100'S OF OTHER RECRUITS I NEVER REALIZED HOW IMPORTANT SITTING "CRISS-CROSS APPLESAUCE" WAS. DAILY WE SIT LIKE THIS, ON THE FLOOR AND WITH MY HIPS IT'S UNBEARABLE! AT O'HARE I MUST HAVE SAT IN SILENCE FOR 2 HOURS WAITING FOR THE BUS. WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO! FINALLY I ARRIVE. JUST LIKE I IMAGINED. A LOT OF YELLING AND CUSSING. WE WENT THROUGH PAPER WORK, PHYSICALS AND BRIEFINGS ALL NIGHT. A LOT OF LINES. THE FIRST WEEK IS CALLED "P" WEEK. I HAVE 5 "P" DAYS. (I'M WRITING THIS NOW ON P-5).
I'M KINDA TIRED FROM THE LONG FIRST DAY. ALMOST 48 HOURS UP STRAIGHT. AS I'M SITTING IN A CLASSROOM-LIKE ENVIRONMENT AT A DESK WITH A GROUP OF OTHER MALE RECRUITS, I SEE ACROSS THE WAY A SECTION OF MEN BY THEMSELVES. (BY THE WAY I'M WAITING TO GET MY DITTY BAG (PT CLOTHES, UNDERWEAR, ETC.) NO UNIFORM YET) THESE GUYS ARE BEING HAND CHOSEN BY A PETTY OFFICER RESEMBLING A SHORT CHRIS ROCK! HE WALKS OVER TO OUR GROUP NOW SEEMING TO BE LOOKING FOR MORE. HE BEGINS TO ASK PEOPLE TO STAND UP FOR: ASVAB SCORE OVER 60 (MINE WAS 66), EXCELLENT SWIMMER (GOT THAT TOO), AND 12 MIN MILE AND HALF (I'M GONE). SO I SIT DOWN AND I'M PASSED OVER. DANG! NOT SURE WHATS THIS FOR BUT I WANTED IN. I GO THROUGH THE REST OF THE NIGHT AND THIS TIME THOUGH HE IS WITH A CHIEF. THEY NEEDED 2 MORE GUYS. HE CALLED ME FAT A COUPLE TIMES, ASKED ME THE QUESTIONS AGAIN, THEN OUT OF NOWHERE HE ASKS MY AGE? "TURNING 27, CHIEF!" I SAID. "YOU'RE IN!" I'M IN? IN WHAT?? THIS STARTS MY JOURNEY IN DIV 917!
January 29, 2012
SO WE FORM UP AS A DIVISION AND BEGIN PROCESSING. EVERYTHING IS FAST PACED AND UNDER STRICT DIRECTION. FOR EXAMPLE, ONLY 5 PEOPLE CAN USE THE HEAD AT A TIME AND YOU HAVE TO TURN IN YOUR RECRUIT PEN TO THE MA (MASTER AT ARMS) BEFORE YOU CAN GO. THE HEAD IS THE BATHROOM. YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. YOU CAN NOT USE THE HEAD IN YOUR SWEATS. A LOT OF RULES WERE TAUGHT AND MANY ARE QUITE SILLY. AFTER OUR BRIEFING, I STILL HAVE NO CLUE WHAT DIV 917 IS ABOUT. SO WE GO TO MORE BRIEFS (MEETINGS ABOUT RULES AND SUCH) AND THEN TO DITTY BAG ISSUE. I GET THE NECESSARY UNIFORMS FOR P-WEEK (THE WEEK 1 IN-PROCESS). THINGS LIKE PT SHORTS, PT SHIRTS, SHOES, UNDERWEAR, SOCKS, ETC. NO UNIFORMS YET. I ARRIVED WEDNESDAY NIGHT BUT I TECHNICALLY DIDN'T START P-WEEK TIL MONDAY WHICH SUCKS BECAUSE WE SAT AROUND A LOT. DURING THIS FIRST WEEK, WE CAN'T BE BEAT/P.T.'D/I.T.'D (DO ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR BEING LESS THAN PERFECT). WE HAVE TO BE CLEARED BY MEDICAL TO BE FFD (FOR FOR FULL DUTY). SO ALL WEEK LONG (REALLY 10 DAYS INSTEAD OF 7) WE SAT AROUND IN A LOT OF LINES, ON THE FLOOR, ON BENCHES, IN HEIGHT LINES. REALLY BORING AND HORRIBLE ON YOUR BACK AND BODY. WE ALSO MOVED INTO OUR TEMP. COMPARTMENT (OUR DORMS) THE U.S.S. PEARL. WE STARTED WITH 88 MEN. WE ALSO LEARNED TO HYGIENE (OUR SHOWER TIME WE GET ONCE A DAY). WE HAVE 88 MEN TO USE 10 SHOWER HEADS ALL WHILE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC RULES AND HAVING THE HEAD SPOTLESS AFTER. IT'S PRETTY MUCH NEAR IMPOSSIBLE.
DURING THE FIRST WEEK, I WENT THROUGH A PHYSICAL AGAIN, DENTAL EXAM, SHOTS, EYE EXAM, AND HEARING TEST. GOOD NEWS, NO CAVITIES! I DID HOWEVER HAVE A FILLING REPLACE THAT WAS FALLING OUT. WE RECEIVED OUR FIRST SET OF SHOTS ABOUT 5 DAYS AFTER ARRIVING. WE STOOD IN A LINE AND (DEPENDING ON YOUR BLOOD WORK) GOT A SERIES OF SHOTS WALKING DOWN A LINE. I RECEIVED 5. THE LAST SHOT WAS THE WORST. THEY CALL IT A "PEANUT BUTTER" SHOT. ALL OF THE MEDS IN ONE SHOT IN YOUR LEFT BUTT CHEEK. I HURT FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. I ALSO GOT THE FLU SHOT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN SICK FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS. CONGESTED, COUGH, FEVER, AND SORE THROAT. I WENT TO MEDICAL ON DAY 6 AND GOT SOME SUDAFED, COUGH DROPS, AND TYLENOL. AS OF TODAY, I AM FINALLY RECOVERING. WE FINALLY RECEIVED OUR UNIFORMS (NWU'S - THE BLUE DIGITALS) AT THE END OF P WEEK.
WE MOVED AT THE END OF P WEEK TO OUR ACTUAL SHIP, THE REUBEN JAMES SPECIAL UNITS DIVISION. AT THIS TIME, I STILL DON'T KNOW WHY I'M SPECIAL. THE COMPARTMENT IS MUCH LARGER AND WE ARE AT 82 NOW. EVERYTHING ABOUT NAVY LIFE IS ABOUT BEING FAST AND ABOUT DETAIL. BOTH HARD TO DO AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE 5 OF US MARRIED, 6 WITH KIDS, 5 OVER THE AGE OF 26. FOR US IN THIS CATEGORY, THINGS ARE EASY. BUT WE ARE A TEAM AND WHEN ONE OF THE YOUNG ONES SCREWS UP, WE ALL ARE PUNISHED. THIS SUCKS BUT WHAT DO YOU DO. WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE HEAD SO IT'S EASIER TO HYGIENE BUT MORE TO CLEAN.
OUR WEEKS/DAYS ARE NUMBERED AS SUCH: WEEK 1 MONDAY = 1-1, TUESDAY = 1-2. I'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE THIS WAY FROM NOW ON. WEEK 1 CONSISTED OF OUR INITIAL PFA (PERSONAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT). I FAILED. :( ! I DID 50 CURL UPS, 38 PUSH UPS AND MY MILE AND A HALF WAS 15:30. SO I ONLY FAILED MY MILE AND A HALF. I FELT HORRIBLE (FROM BEING SICK). I HAVE TWO MORE CHANCES, ONLY THE LAST PFA COUNTS. I NEED TO BE AT 14:00 MINUTES. I BELIEVE I'LL PASS #2.
WE DID MORE PT THIS WEEK WHICH I LIKE. I AM ALSO IN THE DIVISION EPO (EDUCATIONAL PETTY OFFICER). I CAN'T SEEM TO GET AWAY FROM TEACHING. KINDA COOL, KINDA SUX. IF WE EVER HAVE FREE TIME MY RDC'S MAKE ME TEACHER. NOT A LOT TO TEACH AND I CAN'T TEACH WHAT I WANT. BOOT CAMP HAS MORE DOWN TIME THEN I THOUGHT AND I DON'T LIKE IT. OTHER THEN THAT, IT'S BEEN MARCHING AND CLASSES ALL WEEK.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT BUT REALLY ALL I WANT IS TO BE WITH YOU. I MISS YOU HORRIBLY. I BOUGHT YOUR CHAPSTICK TO REMEMBER YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND MY BED IS TOO SMALL. I DON'T FEEL IT'S GETTING EASIER. I CAN'T WAIT TILL 7-5 AND GRADUATION. LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL.
ANDREW
NUGGETS (THINGS TO REMEMBER):
- GRADUATION MARCH 9
- I FOUND OUT DIV 917 IS A STAFFING DIV. WE MARCH AND PERFORM AT MULTIPLE GRADUATIONS INCLUDING OUR OWN. THIS MEANS I MAY NOT MARCH ON BUT BE SOMEWHERE ELSE WHICH I HATE. I WONT FIND OUT TILL WEEK 2. I WILL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE.
- AROUND WEEK 5 I FIND OUT MY A-SCHOOL AND LIBERTY SCHEDULE (WHETHER I'M GRAD-N-GO OR I WILL SPEND TIME WITH YOU ON GRADUATION)
- I RECEIVED MAIL ABOUT DAILY (DEPENDS ON OUR BEHAVIOR)
- I LOVE MAIL AND CRY A LOT.
- I CAN ONLY WRITE ON SUNDAY AND SEND MAIL THEN AS WELL. SO I CAN'T SEND VERY OFTEN. SORRY.
- PHONE CALLS
- I GET THEM!!
- I CAN LOSE THEM ii (upside down ex. marks!!)
- SOMETIMES 10 MINUTES, SOMETIMES 30
- FOOD
- IT'S AWESOME!
- NOT LOSING A LOT OF WEIGHT BECAUSE OF IT.
- PRAYER
- KEEP SICKNESS AWAY
- PROTECT MY BODY AND JOINTS
- PROTECT MY WIFE
- MENTALLY FILL US WITH THOUGHTS OF EACH OTHER
- PATIENCE FOR ALL THE YOUNG KIDS HERE
Friday, February 3, 2012
Phone call 2-3-12
Andrew called today! His mom also got a letter today which means mine should be here any day! We're in a severe winter weather storm right now - expected to get 22 inches here in CO so I'm thinking my mail may be delayed. He said he wrote me about 6 or 7 pages covering everything about boot camp life but here is some of the information Andrew shared with me; I'm sure some of it may be repeated when the mail does arrive.
The week Andrew got there he was put in a temporary cell where they did all his medical and dental checks. He had to get a shot in his butt that he said hurt a lot!! They also gave him the flu shot which then lead him to being sick. His voice was still all stuffed up when we talked.
He has been placed in an Elite Staffing Division. He was placed here because of his age, skills, running and swimming ability, and ASVAB score. He will have to tryout for the position he will be placed in but he may be helping at Recruit graduations in the coming weeks. He hopes to be able to march with a rifle or sword at his own graduation. He is also an Education Petty Office so he helps teach the other, younger recruits about "the book" of military law, uniform regulations, survival, etc.
He said they sit on the floor all the time and it's killing his back. He can't sit camper style so he said that's one of the worst things. He is still having a hard time sleeping well or ever feeling caught up on sleep. They only do physical training an hour a day, they get three meals a day and he said the food is really good, and he actually has a lot of down time to study.
He has to share the bathrooms/showers with 83 other men. They have 45 minutes every morning to get them all showered, shaved, and the bathroom cleaned. He said he often wakes up at 4:00am to shave and goes back to bed so he has time. He takes about 1 minute showers. There are 16 sinks, 18 toilets, 6 urinals and 2 shower pillars with 6 heads each. They only use 1 shower head though so they don't have to clean the other. He said he gets under the water, lathers up and walks out! Sometimes they have to get ready to fast that he has to put on dirty or sweaty clothes. He said they wake them up and count back from 5; if they aren't up quickly enough then they have to do push ups.
Once a week he has to do a night watch (with a gun) where he has to stand at the door and guard for two hours. He said he just reads "the book" and tries to stay awake. Sometimes he also has to do daytime watch which is in 4-hour rotations.
He is able to get mail during the week but only write mail on Sundays. He loves receiving letters and cards. He is not allowed to get musical cards (lol...Meredith) or newspaper clippings (though the website says he can). He has about the size of a sock drawer to keep all his toiletries and letters.
He said there about 6 others guys around his age and they all sit together at night to read letters and talk about family. He said boot camp is not as hard as he imagined it would be.
He should find out about A-school during week 5; he is starting week 3 this week. He has passed all his inspections and tests with flying colors except his run (he was 1 minute over) and will take his final physical training test during week 7 (only the final one matters). I should expect another phone call on March 6th - 3 days before graduation.
His 2 prayer requests are for his physical health: not only his cold but his back, knees, and calves are killing him. The second is to catch up on sleep.
I think that covers it all!! Keep sending those cards and letters!!
The week Andrew got there he was put in a temporary cell where they did all his medical and dental checks. He had to get a shot in his butt that he said hurt a lot!! They also gave him the flu shot which then lead him to being sick. His voice was still all stuffed up when we talked.
He has been placed in an Elite Staffing Division. He was placed here because of his age, skills, running and swimming ability, and ASVAB score. He will have to tryout for the position he will be placed in but he may be helping at Recruit graduations in the coming weeks. He hopes to be able to march with a rifle or sword at his own graduation. He is also an Education Petty Office so he helps teach the other, younger recruits about "the book" of military law, uniform regulations, survival, etc.
He said they sit on the floor all the time and it's killing his back. He can't sit camper style so he said that's one of the worst things. He is still having a hard time sleeping well or ever feeling caught up on sleep. They only do physical training an hour a day, they get three meals a day and he said the food is really good, and he actually has a lot of down time to study.
He has to share the bathrooms/showers with 83 other men. They have 45 minutes every morning to get them all showered, shaved, and the bathroom cleaned. He said he often wakes up at 4:00am to shave and goes back to bed so he has time. He takes about 1 minute showers. There are 16 sinks, 18 toilets, 6 urinals and 2 shower pillars with 6 heads each. They only use 1 shower head though so they don't have to clean the other. He said he gets under the water, lathers up and walks out! Sometimes they have to get ready to fast that he has to put on dirty or sweaty clothes. He said they wake them up and count back from 5; if they aren't up quickly enough then they have to do push ups.
Once a week he has to do a night watch (with a gun) where he has to stand at the door and guard for two hours. He said he just reads "the book" and tries to stay awake. Sometimes he also has to do daytime watch which is in 4-hour rotations.
He is able to get mail during the week but only write mail on Sundays. He loves receiving letters and cards. He is not allowed to get musical cards (lol...Meredith) or newspaper clippings (though the website says he can). He has about the size of a sock drawer to keep all his toiletries and letters.
He said there about 6 others guys around his age and they all sit together at night to read letters and talk about family. He said boot camp is not as hard as he imagined it would be.
He should find out about A-school during week 5; he is starting week 3 this week. He has passed all his inspections and tests with flying colors except his run (he was 1 minute over) and will take his final physical training test during week 7 (only the final one matters). I should expect another phone call on March 6th - 3 days before graduation.
His 2 prayer requests are for his physical health: not only his cold but his back, knees, and calves are killing him. The second is to catch up on sleep.
I think that covers it all!! Keep sending those cards and letters!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)