Monday, August 30, 2010
Foxtrot 3/47 slide show!
I tried to make the slideshow a post, but the edge of it kept getting cut off. So I put it down on the bottom of the page. There's not one picture of Stan (that I could see) but on the very last slide is a picture of our facebook page and one of my posts is on that. lol Anyway it's still really fun to see everything they've been doing, and to see the guys Stan's been working with. Enjoy!
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 25th 2010
Shooting is on thursday this week. Today is Wednesday it's 01:05 in the mornig and I'm on fireguard. In practice all this week I have been shooting 31-36 out of 40. That's sharpshooter range. If I shoot a little bit better I could get expert.
I'm part of duty squad this week. It's a lot of work. We load everything up in the truck to take for the whole platoon. It's not just a small pick up truck. It's a big 26 foot bed semi trailer!
I think my battle buddy (let's call him pvt.Santos) is getting better. He might just make it. I told him if he dosen't get it together, move faster and start trying then he's going to be here for a long time. That got his attention.
Have a good weekend. I love and miss everyone.
I'm part of duty squad this week. It's a lot of work. We load everything up in the truck to take for the whole platoon. It's not just a small pick up truck. It's a big 26 foot bed semi trailer!
I think my battle buddy (let's call him pvt.Santos) is getting better. He might just make it. I told him if he dosen't get it together, move faster and start trying then he's going to be here for a long time. That got his attention.
Have a good weekend. I love and miss everyone.
Aug. 22nd 2010
I was so excited to talk to you. Sorry we got cut off. (Shani: His battery died) I liked talking to the kids too. They are doing so good. I hope after talking to me they'll be alright. I know sometimes it makes Todd sad. I'm up for fireguard tonight from 10:00-11:00 and then 4:00-5:00. The 1st sergeant just came in and checked on us. They check in now and then to see if anyone is falling asleep on duty. The other night a female captain came in to check. I'm always nervous, because I have to keep my battle buddy awake. Anyway this week will be very busy. We will be shooing almost everyday. We have M-16 qualifications on Thursday. 20 shots prown supported (that's resting on a sandbag) 10 shots prown unsupported (laying down without a sandbag)
10 shots kneeling on the ground. The targets will be fliping up and down from 75 meters to 300 meters. 75 meters stay up for 3 seconds, 150 meters stay up for 4-5 meters seconds, 200 meters 5-6 seconds, 250 meters 6-7 seconds and 300 meters 8 seconds. Sometimes two come up at once and you have to shoot them both in the time. 23-29 out of 40 shots you qualify. 30-35 out of 40 you get marksman. 36-39 sharpshooter and 40 out of 40 eagle eye. I will let you know how I do.
Wendesday we have our 2nd PT test. I will see if all these workouts are paying off. Maybe I can talk longer next Sunday.
I think we test for Blue Phase this coming Saturday. I hope so because we would get so many more privleges. I am excited to see you when I graduate. I hope you don't make any plans with anyone while I'm with you. I don't care if you hang out with others when you drop me off, but I just want to spend my free time with you and my parents.
I am trying to rest my body before the PT test on Wednesday. I hope someone (or me) won't mess up and get smoked. Normally unless you mess up bad they don't smoke you before a PT test. We'll see.
10 shots kneeling on the ground. The targets will be fliping up and down from 75 meters to 300 meters. 75 meters stay up for 3 seconds, 150 meters stay up for 4-5 meters seconds, 200 meters 5-6 seconds, 250 meters 6-7 seconds and 300 meters 8 seconds. Sometimes two come up at once and you have to shoot them both in the time. 23-29 out of 40 shots you qualify. 30-35 out of 40 you get marksman. 36-39 sharpshooter and 40 out of 40 eagle eye. I will let you know how I do.
Wendesday we have our 2nd PT test. I will see if all these workouts are paying off. Maybe I can talk longer next Sunday.
I think we test for Blue Phase this coming Saturday. I hope so because we would get so many more privleges. I am excited to see you when I graduate. I hope you don't make any plans with anyone while I'm with you. I don't care if you hang out with others when you drop me off, but I just want to spend my free time with you and my parents.
I am trying to rest my body before the PT test on Wednesday. I hope someone (or me) won't mess up and get smoked. Normally unless you mess up bad they don't smoke you before a PT test. We'll see.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August 18th 2010
This day Stan was able to call and talk to me for about 8 min. he wrote this later that night. I won't share everything, but here's a bit of what he said to me;)
It was so nice to hear your voice. I love to hear your voice. Of course guys like me are always missing their sweetheart. You keep me pressing forward. It's only been one month. The longest we've ever had apart since we met.
We all took a survey tonight, it had questions on it like; are you feeling sad, depressed or stressed out. A) Not at all B) Sometimes C) Always. There are about 30 questions like that. A lot of soldiers are young and this is the first time they've ever been away from home. It reminds me a little bit like when I went on my mission. Since then I've learned to relax, do what I need to do and let the time and training take care of itself. Don't worry about me, you know i never get depressed. I have to much to accomplish to get depressed. Even as hard as it has been it's really not that bad. I think I had a harder time the first 4 months of my mission. This is like a walk in the park compared to that. Just a little more physical. The rope climb wasn't hard. My arms are in pretty good shape and I still have calluses on my hand from work. They are going away though. To answer your question, We can perform 1st aid, just not CPR. In a fight all we can do is a C.A.T. (tourniquet) When we're not under fire we can do other things.
I scored a 270 out of 300 on my 1st PT test. My goal is to score a 300 + . It's been difficult because I work out at night in my personal time and then in the morning they push us pretty hard. It makes my morning workout lots harder because I'm so tired when I wake up. I'm a little upset about tomorrow because I might not be able to go on the run because of CQ duty. It's like fire guard, but it's downstairs in front of the whole battalion. My barracks are on the top floor (3rd).
We had combatics with pugal sticks today (like huge cotton swabs). We also learned some moves with the bayonet on our weapon.
My feet are fine, I wore moleskin for the 1st two weeks while waiting for my boots to break in. Now I don't get blisters. I still put mole skin on when we go a long way. My platoon color is black. We are called the punishers. We don't have a mascot, but there is a picture kind of like a Jolly Rodger on the floor in the kill zone. It's a white Alien skull with green eyes and 2 M-16's crossed behind it. Pretty Scary looking.
I competed in the obstacle course. There was a group of 8. The one with 4 guys was the confidence course. I was picked to be on the team, but when we got there another kid went instead. At the first of the course there are 2 ropes you have to climb. One up and the other down. Then there are 6 walls one after the other 6' , 7', 8', 9' , 10' and 12'. Then each team has to help each other climb each wall. Only 3 guys could be on top of a wall at once. It was really sad because he could barely pull himself over the 1st wall. We took last. Our DS were not happy with the team our platoon picked.
Don't worry about me getting hurt and not graduating. I'm being very careful. Keep praying for me. Most smoking's are only about 10 to 15 min. Some have been 45 min. to 2 hrs. ! Those are not fun. I look at it like this though. I probably would not have pushed myself that hard and I am just getting stronger. A lot of guys don't even last 5 min. They just lay on the ground and whine. These are the kids I worry about passing their P.T. tests.
I've gotten used to not very much sleep. Yes, I did get a bunch of little irritations on my arms and neck from the gas. They lasted about 4 to 5 days. The worst was the head ache I had for 5 days afterwards. The heat is not to bad for me, but almost daily the ambulance picks someone up.
I get all kinds of questions like; Do you have more than one wife? Why don't you smoke or drink? ( Shani: Religion aside, duh!! lung cancer people) Why won't you sleep with other women? Why are you married? You wouldn't believe how many guys cheat on their women:(
No one in our unit has dropped out yet, but there are lots in others. A funny story: Some guys that quit came over to the lunch line and started to go in. The DS saw them and got mad. "Don't you ever go in front of a soldier in training",he said. Even when these guys quit they make them stay around for two or three months. They make them do all the crappy jobs. They always get everything last. They don't get paid either. The moral of this story...Don't be a quitter!
It was so nice to hear your voice. I love to hear your voice. Of course guys like me are always missing their sweetheart. You keep me pressing forward. It's only been one month. The longest we've ever had apart since we met.
We all took a survey tonight, it had questions on it like; are you feeling sad, depressed or stressed out. A) Not at all B) Sometimes C) Always. There are about 30 questions like that. A lot of soldiers are young and this is the first time they've ever been away from home. It reminds me a little bit like when I went on my mission. Since then I've learned to relax, do what I need to do and let the time and training take care of itself. Don't worry about me, you know i never get depressed. I have to much to accomplish to get depressed. Even as hard as it has been it's really not that bad. I think I had a harder time the first 4 months of my mission. This is like a walk in the park compared to that. Just a little more physical. The rope climb wasn't hard. My arms are in pretty good shape and I still have calluses on my hand from work. They are going away though. To answer your question, We can perform 1st aid, just not CPR. In a fight all we can do is a C.A.T. (tourniquet) When we're not under fire we can do other things.
I scored a 270 out of 300 on my 1st PT test. My goal is to score a 300 + . It's been difficult because I work out at night in my personal time and then in the morning they push us pretty hard. It makes my morning workout lots harder because I'm so tired when I wake up. I'm a little upset about tomorrow because I might not be able to go on the run because of CQ duty. It's like fire guard, but it's downstairs in front of the whole battalion. My barracks are on the top floor (3rd).
We had combatics with pugal sticks today (like huge cotton swabs). We also learned some moves with the bayonet on our weapon.
My feet are fine, I wore moleskin for the 1st two weeks while waiting for my boots to break in. Now I don't get blisters. I still put mole skin on when we go a long way. My platoon color is black. We are called the punishers. We don't have a mascot, but there is a picture kind of like a Jolly Rodger on the floor in the kill zone. It's a white Alien skull with green eyes and 2 M-16's crossed behind it. Pretty Scary looking.
I competed in the obstacle course. There was a group of 8. The one with 4 guys was the confidence course. I was picked to be on the team, but when we got there another kid went instead. At the first of the course there are 2 ropes you have to climb. One up and the other down. Then there are 6 walls one after the other 6' , 7', 8', 9' , 10' and 12'. Then each team has to help each other climb each wall. Only 3 guys could be on top of a wall at once. It was really sad because he could barely pull himself over the 1st wall. We took last. Our DS were not happy with the team our platoon picked.
Don't worry about me getting hurt and not graduating. I'm being very careful. Keep praying for me. Most smoking's are only about 10 to 15 min. Some have been 45 min. to 2 hrs. ! Those are not fun. I look at it like this though. I probably would not have pushed myself that hard and I am just getting stronger. A lot of guys don't even last 5 min. They just lay on the ground and whine. These are the kids I worry about passing their P.T. tests.
I've gotten used to not very much sleep. Yes, I did get a bunch of little irritations on my arms and neck from the gas. They lasted about 4 to 5 days. The worst was the head ache I had for 5 days afterwards. The heat is not to bad for me, but almost daily the ambulance picks someone up.
I get all kinds of questions like; Do you have more than one wife? Why don't you smoke or drink? ( Shani: Religion aside, duh!! lung cancer people) Why won't you sleep with other women? Why are you married? You wouldn't believe how many guys cheat on their women:(
No one in our unit has dropped out yet, but there are lots in others. A funny story: Some guys that quit came over to the lunch line and started to go in. The DS saw them and got mad. "Don't you ever go in front of a soldier in training",he said. Even when these guys quit they make them stay around for two or three months. They make them do all the crappy jobs. They always get everything last. They don't get paid either. The moral of this story...Don't be a quitter!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Aug. 12th 2010
This is a letter Stan wrote to his Parents:
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for your letter. Thanks for the help with my kids. That's nice dad gets to play basketball. I miss it already. I would rather work out playing a sport.
The nice cool Mtn. Sounds fun . It's nice and hot, Sticky and wet over here. Our platoon is getting. Some of these guys are growing up. There is a guy who has a bunk next to mine. He can adjust my back really good. It's nice to know the lord looks out for me. Because my back has hurt a little. We did Eagle tower today. We walked a two and three rope bridge. We slid on top of a tight rope. And repelled about 60 feet. I didn't realize how many people are afraid of heights. It took all day for 200 of us to get through it. The next 4 weeks will be fun. We get to go to the shooting range. And we'll get more privileges too.
I hope Shani keeps you updated. I love you Mom and Dad
Love, Stan
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for your letter. Thanks for the help with my kids. That's nice dad gets to play basketball. I miss it already. I would rather work out playing a sport.
The nice cool Mtn. Sounds fun . It's nice and hot, Sticky and wet over here. Our platoon is getting. Some of these guys are growing up. There is a guy who has a bunk next to mine. He can adjust my back really good. It's nice to know the lord looks out for me. Because my back has hurt a little. We did Eagle tower today. We walked a two and three rope bridge. We slid on top of a tight rope. And repelled about 60 feet. I didn't realize how many people are afraid of heights. It took all day for 200 of us to get through it. The next 4 weeks will be fun. We get to go to the shooting range. And we'll get more privileges too.
I hope Shani keeps you updated. I love you Mom and Dad
Love, Stan
Friday, August 20, 2010
Aug.16th 2010
All day today we learned more fighting moves. The army combatics are a combination of 4 different marshal arts. The difference is every move or hold is not just to fight someone off...it's to strait up kill them. Break bones, choke and dismantle people.
I think you figured out that I couldn't call you on Sunday. It makes me so mad, the 1st platoon who doesn't even have their red phase flag anymore (because they have been so bad) they just have a stick with no flag. Somehow their DS have still let them call home the last 2 Sundays. Maybe next week...I miss hearing your voices.
I still have the same battle buddy. I'll have him the whole time unless he goes home or gets recycled.
We can't sleep at all during the day. Some try during class, they end up working for it when they're caught. My boots are broken in now. For he 1st two weeks i wore mole skin. The 3rd week I got some small blisters, but not bad. It's all good now though. Hey if all you kids are keep being good for mom I'll bring you home some cool army stuff. Still no white phase. We have a test on Wed. I will let you know.
We go to the shooting range tomorrow. Remember don't write notes on the outside of the letters and only use white envelopes. Your letters are getting to me so just keep doing what you're doing.
(Note from Shani: I just put all his letters in white business sized envelopes with the address the way it is below. And I write the number 3 and his name on the back of his envelope it helps with the sorting.)
I think you figured out that I couldn't call you on Sunday. It makes me so mad, the 1st platoon who doesn't even have their red phase flag anymore (because they have been so bad) they just have a stick with no flag. Somehow their DS have still let them call home the last 2 Sundays. Maybe next week...I miss hearing your voices.
I still have the same battle buddy. I'll have him the whole time unless he goes home or gets recycled.
We can't sleep at all during the day. Some try during class, they end up working for it when they're caught. My boots are broken in now. For he 1st two weeks i wore mole skin. The 3rd week I got some small blisters, but not bad. It's all good now though. Hey if all you kids are keep being good for mom I'll bring you home some cool army stuff. Still no white phase. We have a test on Wed. I will let you know.
We go to the shooting range tomorrow. Remember don't write notes on the outside of the letters and only use white envelopes. Your letters are getting to me so just keep doing what you're doing.
(Note from Shani: I just put all his letters in white business sized envelopes with the address the way it is below. And I write the number 3 and his name on the back of his envelope it helps with the sorting.)
Aug. 15th 2010
Its Sunday now and we clean most of the day. We move all the bunks and lockers and scrub and wax the floors. Sometimes I get mad and get after guys, because some just lay around and don't do anything.
Church was nice. There were some good talks and lessons. It's nice to take the sacrament. Church is 2 hrs. There's not much to write because I haven't done anything. Our platoon had a pretty good talk tonight. I think we might start working together. It's about time.
Church was nice. There were some good talks and lessons. It's nice to take the sacrament. Church is 2 hrs. There's not much to write because I haven't done anything. Our platoon had a pretty good talk tonight. I think we might start working together. It's about time.
Aug.15th 2010
Today started out with the PT test. I did 67 push ups and 64 sit ups. i did 67 push ups and 64 sit ups. you only get two min. without resting. I can score better, but I' have been so sore. i ran a 11:45 2 mile. My total score was 270 out of 300. i will score a 300 in 2 weeks.
We also did a rifle simulator training today. It is where you work on your breathing and your site picture. They have some really good ways to teach you. I think I told you we should be in white phase. I will find out if I can call you tomorrow. I am Excited for Sunday. I need to restart myself. I need a boost from church. The friend I took last week is not going this week, but another friend is coming.
We also did a rifle simulator training today. It is where you work on your breathing and your site picture. They have some really good ways to teach you. I think I told you we should be in white phase. I will find out if I can call you tomorrow. I am Excited for Sunday. I need to restart myself. I need a boost from church. The friend I took last week is not going this week, but another friend is coming.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Aug. 12th 2010
Shani: A letter and a phone call!!! It's like Christmas, only BETTER:)
This evening at about 10 to 7:00 my phone rang and the caller ID said, "STAN". My heart skipped a beat. It was so nice to hear his voice. He sounded a little horse, but in good spirits. He told me his platoon was finally able to pass off all their guys so they can pass from Red to White phase. But that they won't let them move on to white phase until all the other platoons in their unit pass too. He say's he's healthy and doing everything possible to stay out of Sick Bay.
Here's Stan's letter:
Hi my fun cute kids! I hope you had a good summer. When I come home I will put some grass in the backyard for you. OK. You can all help me. Then you can say you helped and tell everyone tat you are all hard workers. Mom told me in her letter that you are all being really good and brave. Thanks for helping mom. I love you kids and I loved the letters you sent me. You all did such a good job.
Guess what? I got to repell off a great big tower today. Twice as tall as our house
(60') It was fun. Then I climed across two rope bridges. Then I slid back across on top of one rope. It was as high as our house. I get to shoot my weapon next week. I will tell you how I do. I have the first real P.T. test on Saturday. I will tell you my score later. I have fireguard tonight in about 10 min. Only 4 hours of sleep tonight :( It's not to bad if we don't have to sit in a classroom. It's very hard to stay awake. The DS gave us one privlege; they said we can now get orange juice or chocolate milk at chow time lol It's not much, but I'll take it;) We should be in white phase right now, but there are still soldiers just doing their own thing. We have been learning more Army combatence this week. Lot's of good fighting moves.
Thanks kids for your nice letters. Grayden for the picture of our home, Todd for the picture of that Army hummer and Sophie for your sweet letter. You are so cute. And don't forget Layla's cute hand. It's getting bigger!
Hey, find out when Colton goes to BT. Tell him good luck and to start working out more. Even if he thinks he is doing enough. It's nice to be ahead of everyone. Yes, I am still thinking about airborn school. I won't know much more about it for about 3-4 weeks. Remember any pictures you snd I have to show them to the drill sergeants.(Shani: What kind of pictures did he think i would send??lol)Lot's of push ups for those fat letters. It's worth it though:)The pictures of our family turned out nice.
Shani, we have some special kids. I am glad this little obstical is just a short time. These times, though hard will only make us stronger. "The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever." I don't remember where I got that. When times get hard I just close my eyes and thin about hugging my wife on graduation day.
There is a family day on the 29th too. It won't be long now.
This evening at about 10 to 7:00 my phone rang and the caller ID said, "STAN". My heart skipped a beat. It was so nice to hear his voice. He sounded a little horse, but in good spirits. He told me his platoon was finally able to pass off all their guys so they can pass from Red to White phase. But that they won't let them move on to white phase until all the other platoons in their unit pass too. He say's he's healthy and doing everything possible to stay out of Sick Bay.
Here's Stan's letter:
Hi my fun cute kids! I hope you had a good summer. When I come home I will put some grass in the backyard for you. OK. You can all help me. Then you can say you helped and tell everyone tat you are all hard workers. Mom told me in her letter that you are all being really good and brave. Thanks for helping mom. I love you kids and I loved the letters you sent me. You all did such a good job.
Guess what? I got to repell off a great big tower today. Twice as tall as our house
(60') It was fun. Then I climed across two rope bridges. Then I slid back across on top of one rope. It was as high as our house. I get to shoot my weapon next week. I will tell you how I do. I have the first real P.T. test on Saturday. I will tell you my score later. I have fireguard tonight in about 10 min. Only 4 hours of sleep tonight :( It's not to bad if we don't have to sit in a classroom. It's very hard to stay awake. The DS gave us one privlege; they said we can now get orange juice or chocolate milk at chow time lol It's not much, but I'll take it;) We should be in white phase right now, but there are still soldiers just doing their own thing. We have been learning more Army combatence this week. Lot's of good fighting moves.
Thanks kids for your nice letters. Grayden for the picture of our home, Todd for the picture of that Army hummer and Sophie for your sweet letter. You are so cute. And don't forget Layla's cute hand. It's getting bigger!
Hey, find out when Colton goes to BT. Tell him good luck and to start working out more. Even if he thinks he is doing enough. It's nice to be ahead of everyone. Yes, I am still thinking about airborn school. I won't know much more about it for about 3-4 weeks. Remember any pictures you snd I have to show them to the drill sergeants.(Shani: What kind of pictures did he think i would send??lol)Lot's of push ups for those fat letters. It's worth it though:)The pictures of our family turned out nice.
Shani, we have some special kids. I am glad this little obstical is just a short time. These times, though hard will only make us stronger. "The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever." I don't remember where I got that. When times get hard I just close my eyes and thin about hugging my wife on graduation day.
There is a family day on the 29th too. It won't be long now.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Aug. 11 2010
We worked on our tactical team movements today. That's when we walk in a wedge or an I formation. We also learned all the hand signals for them. This was all after we carried a 40lb pack for 3 miles. It was pretty easy. We have an ambulence come pick up one or two soldiers just about everyday. Heat related stuff. So many video gamers can't take this physical stuff. We also trained on how to serch a person.
I love you all,
Stan
I love you all,
Stan
Aug. 8th 2010
It's Sunday again, I don't think they're going to let us call. Our platoon is still struggling with discipline. We did our regular Sunday cleaning. I took a guy to church with me today. I don't think he liked it to much. Maybe he will read the B.O.M. and pray about it.
Aug. 7th 2010
Well....I'm glad the gas chamber is over! Let me explain what they do. We first walk in with our masks on. Almost imediatly the gas burns your skin. My neck and hands, that was the part of my skin not covered. Then they have 15 people pull the mask away from their face and say their name and SS#. Then after those 15 people put their masks back on and clear them. (that means you blow the gas out and start breathing again) Then the 15 guys take of their masks again, put our helmets on and wait for all 15 people to put it on. Then they let us out. It seemed like an hour, but really it was only about 20-30 seconds without the mask. At this point I came out the door and every bit of snot I had in my nose was running down my face. It wasn't to bad, but its not something I want to do again. Later we had classes on what to do with all the different gases and nerve agents and chemicals.
Aug. 4th 2010
After PT this morning we learned how to respond to radio calls and how to call in an evacuation or whatever it is you need. Then we learned some more 1st aid. Did you know on the battle field you are never alowd to perform 1st aid. But I think if we weren't in a firefight, I'd still try. Sorry I've not been able to call. I hope this next Sunday. I don't think it will happen though. Our platoon will not work together. We're supposed to all work as an indivisual team right now. So many of those young kids are all for themselves.
On a good note we have the gas chamber tomorrow. lol I just want it to be overwith.
I learned about all the diffrent IED's today. I think it's the biggest killer of the American Soldiers in Afganistan and Iraq. They are pretty smart. They film all the times they try to kill us. Then they put them on the internet. We watched a lot of them, you could probably look some up online. Don't though it will probably scare you. (shani: ya think?)
We did a 5k march today too. With allour gear. We're getting ready for the 15k in 4 weeks.
On a good note we have the gas chamber tomorrow. lol I just want it to be overwith.
I learned about all the diffrent IED's today. I think it's the biggest killer of the American Soldiers in Afganistan and Iraq. They are pretty smart. They film all the times they try to kill us. Then they put them on the internet. We watched a lot of them, you could probably look some up online. Don't though it will probably scare you. (shani: ya think?)
We did a 5k march today too. With allour gear. We're getting ready for the 15k in 4 weeks.
Aug. 3rd 2010
I did basic combatics today. We will learn more and more moves everyday. All the soldiers did the obstical course and then we picked our 8 best and competed with the other platoons. our team came in 2nd. We tied with 2 other platoons. You start by low crawling, then you jump over a ditch, then you climb a rope about 15ft. High. Then you do the monkey bars, Log balancing, high knees, wall jumping, army crawlthrough the mud. Running and jumping and just about everything else you can think of.
These are pictures of Stan's unit, but not of his platoon so he's not in any of them.
Sorry they're so small I got them from the fb page and I couldn't get them to go any bigger.
( Stan Continued )
Lot's of people are hurting themselves. They don't listen to instructions and land wrong or they don't strech out first. Some just fake it so they can get out of training. What they don't understand in they have to make up the stuff they miss and if you don't you get recycled. My battle buddy hurt his leg so I have to carry his
M-16 and mine around all week. We will probably get sent back and put with another platoon. That means he starts all over at day one! I just keep praying, and please pray for me that I don't get hurt. You probably know, but our family day is the 29th of Sept. and Graduation is the 30th of Sept.
These are pictures of Stan's unit, but not of his platoon so he's not in any of them.
Sorry they're so small I got them from the fb page and I couldn't get them to go any bigger.
( Stan Continued )
Lot's of people are hurting themselves. They don't listen to instructions and land wrong or they don't strech out first. Some just fake it so they can get out of training. What they don't understand in they have to make up the stuff they miss and if you don't you get recycled. My battle buddy hurt his leg so I have to carry his
M-16 and mine around all week. We will probably get sent back and put with another platoon. That means he starts all over at day one! I just keep praying, and please pray for me that I don't get hurt. You probably know, but our family day is the 29th of Sept. and Graduation is the 30th of Sept.
Aug. 1st 2010
Family,
It's Sunday today. I was able to go to church today. I am the only person out of 200 people that went to the LDS church today. Thats just our Fox Company. A lot of other soldiers from other companys where there though. There are a few of my Battle Buddies that are curious about our faith. So many people say they are one thing or another. I feel bad because some don't even have a clue what they believe.
I got into trouble today twice in the lunch and dinner lines. The 1st one was when I was holding the door for a DS (drill sergeant)and the door just bumped his shoulder. He got pretty mad and smoked me. Then at dinner I grabbed 3 cups of water rather than one cup of water and 2 cups of poweraid. They make a big deal over little things. Not much else to exciting happened today. We did a really thourow cleaning of the barics.
It's Sunday today. I was able to go to church today. I am the only person out of 200 people that went to the LDS church today. Thats just our Fox Company. A lot of other soldiers from other companys where there though. There are a few of my Battle Buddies that are curious about our faith. So many people say they are one thing or another. I feel bad because some don't even have a clue what they believe.
I got into trouble today twice in the lunch and dinner lines. The 1st one was when I was holding the door for a DS (drill sergeant)and the door just bumped his shoulder. He got pretty mad and smoked me. Then at dinner I grabbed 3 cups of water rather than one cup of water and 2 cups of poweraid. They make a big deal over little things. Not much else to exciting happened today. We did a really thourow cleaning of the barics.
Second letter Basic Begins
These are pics I got off the fb page. These guys are in Stan's company, but I didn't recognize Stan in either picture. Sorry they're so small I couldn't make them bigger.
We picked up our body armor today. Built proof vests. Got back packs, assault packs and our magazine and canteen belts. The belt holds, gernaids, a shovel and some other misc. stuff. all of our great is about 70 to 85 lbs. At the end of basic we have to carry it and the M-16 15 k about 9.3 miles. Now I want to tell you about our drill sergeants. We have the best 3. They are still very strict and when we mess up we get smoked (push ups). But they have a little different way of teaching than the other DSs. They believe in teaching with fun not so much fear. Don't get me wrong they still get after us. They are just trying to teach us everything. I don't remember if I told you about how we eat. We move through the line as fast as we can get our food, sit down and eat it all in about 5 min. We really just put it in our mouth and swallow. We always have 3 to 5 DS around us, just waiting for us to mess up. This is a story that happened to me:
I had chicken and they make you eat it with your hand (only the right hand). With your meal you get 2 cups of power aid. Anyway I whipped my fingers off with a napkin and a DS said, "you took to long cleaning your hands pour your drink on your tray and go. So I did. Sometimes all they want is for you to do what they say. Don't give them any attitude and they'll let you go. I'm looking forward to Sunday. At first I thought I might be going to the Baptist church again. But there's an LDS church I can go to.
The DS told us about all the competitions. There are 4 squads in our Battalion. We will compete with them all. Monday is the first. It's called the confidence course. I don't know anything about it. I'm going to tell you about some people that try to quit. The Army won't let you. They will...it just takes a long time. You can't just go home if you say, "I quit". You sit around here till they decide to do your paperwork. Some guys have been here for 9 months! They say the quickest way out of basic is to graduate.
My battle buddy is Portiriccan, he's a nice guy, but pretty lazy. He doesn't listen to instructions so I end up doing a lot of stuff for him. (Shani: because Stan gets in trouble if his battle buddy does something wrong) We have an obstacle course on Monday. They won't tell us what the obstacles are. You pick 4 people out of each platoon for a team. There are 52 people in our platoon. Thanks for letting me get into good shape before I got here. I'm the fastest and best PT score on the team.There are four platoons competing. I will let you know how it goes.
I love you all, Stan
July 22nd 2010 ( First One)
Shani,
I hope this time apart will just bring us closer together. This might be the way you get me to talk to you. ha ha I won't fall asleep. ( Shani: sometimes when I talk to Stan at night he falls asleep mid story)
Well, because you want to know all the details. Here goes. On the airplane to Atlanta I was next to a missionary that was going to Peru. He wouldn't shut his mouth and he knew everything there is to know about everything. After I survived that 4 hour flight, I then slept on the 2 hour bus drive. We got to Benning at about 8:00 PM. Then they scared everyone into turning in all their playing cards, knives, lighters, candy, tobacco and anything else that might be considered contraband. They finally let us go to bed at 1:AM, then they started our day at 4:Am. I only got about 1 hour of sleep because a soldier next to me started throwing up right when I fell asleep. I couldn't ever get back to sleep. By the way, Basic won't start tell Tuesday because this whole week is just processing.
We all got P.T. Uniforms, Bags, Camel Bac, and some other stuff. I also got 3 shots in the shoulder, blood drawn and the famous peanut better shot in my left butt cheek. I won't lie it hurt! The really bad part is it has been one whole day and it still hurts. That's pretty much the interesting stuff. I hope all is well at home. It's nice to know this life is temporary, but I hate to miss any of the fun things the kids do. ell the kids I love them. Remember don't send me any packages. Letters ONLY.
I love you all, Stan
Sweetheart and Kids,
I love you all so much. I miss everyone so much. Shani, I'm sure you do, but I want to remind you to tell the kids why this is so important to all of us. It's not just me that's in this. It's all of us. I hope you kids know you are a part of this. It's hard for you to not have your dad around and you might not understand why, Someday I think you will. I want you kids to know how difficult it is for your mom and I to be apart. We love each other a lot. I think? ha ha
The training is pretty intense. I thought Hell week in football was tough. We get up at 0400 in the morning everyday. We do muscle exhausting drills one day and running the next. We eat at 0700 or 0800 depending on how hard they feel like working us. Then randomly all day long we do push ups or sit ups. On average I probably do 3 to 400 a day. we also have to hold the position up, down or 1/2 push up for minutes sometimes. I haven't had to lay on my chest yet. Pretty close though. Every process of the army I have been to they weed a lot of guys out. I forgot to tell you we have fire guard almost every night. Tonight I will only sleep for 30 min. last night I got 3 hours. The night before 1 hour. It's all day and all night around here. Kids I got my M-16 today. I have to carry it around everywhere I go. I might name it Mindy after an old girlfriend. lol J/K
I hove you all, Dad
I hope this time apart will just bring us closer together. This might be the way you get me to talk to you. ha ha I won't fall asleep. ( Shani: sometimes when I talk to Stan at night he falls asleep mid story)
Well, because you want to know all the details. Here goes. On the airplane to Atlanta I was next to a missionary that was going to Peru. He wouldn't shut his mouth and he knew everything there is to know about everything. After I survived that 4 hour flight, I then slept on the 2 hour bus drive. We got to Benning at about 8:00 PM. Then they scared everyone into turning in all their playing cards, knives, lighters, candy, tobacco and anything else that might be considered contraband. They finally let us go to bed at 1:AM, then they started our day at 4:Am. I only got about 1 hour of sleep because a soldier next to me started throwing up right when I fell asleep. I couldn't ever get back to sleep. By the way, Basic won't start tell Tuesday because this whole week is just processing.
We all got P.T. Uniforms, Bags, Camel Bac, and some other stuff. I also got 3 shots in the shoulder, blood drawn and the famous peanut better shot in my left butt cheek. I won't lie it hurt! The really bad part is it has been one whole day and it still hurts. That's pretty much the interesting stuff. I hope all is well at home. It's nice to know this life is temporary, but I hate to miss any of the fun things the kids do. ell the kids I love them. Remember don't send me any packages. Letters ONLY.
I love you all, Stan
Sweetheart and Kids,
I love you all so much. I miss everyone so much. Shani, I'm sure you do, but I want to remind you to tell the kids why this is so important to all of us. It's not just me that's in this. It's all of us. I hope you kids know you are a part of this. It's hard for you to not have your dad around and you might not understand why, Someday I think you will. I want you kids to know how difficult it is for your mom and I to be apart. We love each other a lot. I think? ha ha
The training is pretty intense. I thought Hell week in football was tough. We get up at 0400 in the morning everyday. We do muscle exhausting drills one day and running the next. We eat at 0700 or 0800 depending on how hard they feel like working us. Then randomly all day long we do push ups or sit ups. On average I probably do 3 to 400 a day. we also have to hold the position up, down or 1/2 push up for minutes sometimes. I haven't had to lay on my chest yet. Pretty close though. Every process of the army I have been to they weed a lot of guys out. I forgot to tell you we have fire guard almost every night. Tonight I will only sleep for 30 min. last night I got 3 hours. The night before 1 hour. It's all day and all night around here. Kids I got my M-16 today. I have to carry it around everywhere I go. I might name it Mindy after an old girlfriend. lol J/K
I hove you all, Dad
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