Pink Eye

Day 26 30 June 02 Sunday

Today is the last day of June! For once I am excited about that. I am still sick as a dog. Since I got here I have had a constant headache, sore throat and for about four days last week I had a runny/stuffy nose along with watery eyes and a lot of sneezing. I am over most of that now. I am down to just a dry throat and a bad cough. Pink eye has started; one guy got it and it spread to 3 others before we got them quarinteened. So people are getting sick and since there is little sleep to help get over it, it lingers on. So I have begun to drink orange juice because my mom always said it helps with things like this. Today was another relaxed day. I hope all Sundays are like this. All we did was D&C for about 1.5 hours. it wasn't all that bad. We are leadning some new 'moves' and even though they need some tweeking, we are looking good. Overall today was a nice break. Tomorrow we have BRM to get ready for our qualification test. I am still worried about that. Tomorrow is also the first day of July! June flew by. It seems like just a few days ago I left home. Mind you the days sometimes drag on but the weeks go faster. I am excited that June is over. Tonight I have the late fire guard so I need the little sleep I can get. G'night.

Confidence Course

Day 25 29 June 02 Saturday

We had our 5k ruck march this morning. It went a whole lot faster than the 3k for some reason. We also had 2 more boring classes on Duty and Honor. In the late afternoon, we got to go to the confidence course. It was a lot of fun. There was a lot of motivative yelling and boy did it take a toll on my body. The first thing you do is crawl through saw dust type dirt so I could barely see the rest of the course. It was a lot of fun and when we go again, we are going to have a competition between platoons. We got back late and had field food for dinner. Tonight I only have one fire guard so I might be rested tomorrow.

Drive On

Day 24 28 June 02 Friday

So once again the weekend is here. I have been gone for over 3 weeks now. Things are pretty crazy as I imagine they will be for a while still. Today was a semi cool day. We again went to a range but this time the targets moved and were up to 300m away. We waited out in the sun for an hour and a half for our bus to pick us up. A kid threw up today after everyone was made to drink and entire canteen (1QT). It was nasty. I sold my cookies and milk today for $10. I have fire guard tonight at 2200 to 2300 and 0200-0300. I am so tired it is unreal. But as we say, "Drive on"

Money Maker

Day 23 27 June 02 Thursday

We again went to the range as we will be going there all this week. At first, it was fun to shoot the M16 but in the last 2 days, we spent 22 hours and I only shot 46 rounds. It is getting really boring. I have been thinking about home a lot in the last 2 days. Wondering what my family is doing. Figuring that each day at different times my family is doing certain things. I think about what my friends are doing etc. All I look forward to nowadays is chow and going home. At chow I have been making money by selling items to guys. I sold my cookies for $5. But overall, today was a crappy day. We were late to chow so had 30 seconds (not even kidding)to eat. Then we got back to our barracks only to find it in disarray. Bunks were not made to standard so they got tossed. Then we got P.T. probably the hardest so far. I hurt. I also have to do 2 fire guards again. Plus I'm tired and need sleep.

Preliminary Test

Day 22 26 June 02 Wednesday

So today started off pretty rough. We had to get up at 0330 because of the fire guard falling asleep. We stayed up and cleaned more. Once again we went out with our M16s but this time we shot live ammo. Then it started to pour and man did it come down! But as quick as it came, it left. I did pass our initial test and have another tomorrow. Tonight I have fire guard at 2200-2300 and 0200-0300. I will be tired tomorrow! Got to get going.

First Smoking

Day 21 25 June 02 Tuesday

So today started off bad. Again we had to march with ruck sacks but this time it rained. We took a short cut to get to our destination faster. We then practiceed the prone position for an hour or two and man do my elbows hurt. We didn't get smoked but after our training was done I got smoked for the first time. We had just formed up after our march and in the hot sun I dropped my M16 so I had to hold out my weapon and lift it over my head and back down for about 15 minutes. It wasn't too bad. Then we were given 5 min to ground all our equipment up in our rooms only to have to run outside with it all again and ground it all. We did this twice before we got it right. Then we had to go to chow. It was good. We really didn't have P.T. today and I was selected with 2 other guys to be the R&U guys (repair and utility). We are the fix it guys. We were picked by our background (my father is a handyman/electrician and I have learned a lot from him). So now I'm in bed, about to pray that I pass my M16 test. I am pretty worried because if I don't pass, I will have to go home and do BRM all over again next summer. Oh, I get out of here on August 16th by the latest. But it's late and if I don't get to praying soon, I'll fall asleep. Caio.

Basic Rifle Marksmanship

Day 20 24 June 02 Monday

Today was a rough day. It started with a 5k road march with rucksack and M16. It was brutal at 0530 in the morning. When we got to our destination, we got field food which wasn't too bad. We then got more classes on BRM (basic rifle marksmanship). Eventually we went out and practiced the unsupported prone which hurt a lot because we did it on the gravel for 40 minutes. When we did finally come back from a disappointing/boring/difficult day, we find out that one guys father passed away. Now the kid didn't know his dad very well because he left early on. Anyways, things seemed as though there was no looking up til dinner chow. After being out all day, everyone was famished. We sounded off like no other and everybody got motivated. It was great. We got back, did our boots and got mail. I got 5 letters! That made my day! I am still pumped. Then we got our daily smoking and got time to read our letters. And that's all. Later.

M16 Simulator

Day 19 23 June 02 Sunday

Church was a little different today. The priest said something about a change made in the mass. He said that from now on you are to nod or bow your heard before recieving communion. I don't know if that is the same all around so I think I'll write home about that one. Anyway, today we did a dry run with M16s. We had a video type game called the EST2000 to see how well we can hit a target at 250m. It ain't easy. And my new glasses get in the way so I can't see very well. I am worried about passing the test on the M16. If I don't pass this or any other tests I will not pass basic training. I'll do my best and drive on. God speed.

This Is My Rifle, This Is My Gun

Day 18 22 June 02 Saturday

So this morning we were suppose to have P.T. but we didn't for some reason and instead went to breakfast early. Soon after breakfast we were finally issued our M16! We had a 3 hour class on how to assemble/disassemble it. It was boring! I already knew how to do it all because I had recieved the same training back home so I just sat and did as they said and toughed it out. We then spent the rest of the afternoon "getting to know our gun" by taking it apart and putting it back together numerous times and oging through what steps you take if it jams. Anyways, boring stuff aside, tonight we ate late so having no time we literally inhaled it. Then we did P.T. and boy did we do some P.T.! We did some semi tough stuff and I am feeling it now. But the guys in my roomactually had time to sit on our floor and talk about things, like churhc, schemes to get food into our barracks (which will not work). We eat pretty well but we eat dinner at 1800 and do P.T. after so I am extremely hungery when I go to bed. Anyways, tonight there was no mail for anyone because military instalations do not get mail on the weekends. I don't know why. I got to go, goodnight Rachie.

Unexpected Mail

Day 17 21 June 02 Friday

The day started of fpretty rough, we got smoked at our 0520 formation. We then got the opportunity to square away our barracks. We then went out to a team building obstacle course type thing. Basically it was a giant, lifesize puzzle. There were 6 of them and I thought they were pretty lame. Tonight we did some crazy P.T. On the point of collapsing, we finally came together as a team and pulled through. It was awesome. Today I got mail. It was from Dan Betlock (an ex-marine) from my church. His letter came unexpectedly since I did not send him my address. So once again, I am dissapointed. I sent out 20 post cards but the only real letter I get is from someone who I did not send it to. I think I may give up on everyone and stop writing letters all together because I think along with those 20 I have sent 5 to my family and 3 to Rachel and Father's Day cards to my dad and Mr Flaherty and a bday card to my father and still no word. Peace out.

Just One Letter

Day 16 20 June 02

I'm disappointed. No. No I'll negate that and say that I am VERY disappointed and saddened. But let's start at the begining. This morning was pretty normal, got up and did P.T., ate breakfast and then it started. We had class right after and since I was tired, I caught myself nodding off. Finally a D.S. caught me and I had to do calf raises for 35 min. That is just the start. Today was a hot day and all during it I was thinking about home. We had a short hike wearing our LBEs (Load Bearing Equipment), rucksack and kevlar. Sweat was pouring off everyone. So on top of running 10x400 sprints, we hiked with 40lb rucksacks. My legs are shot. Well, I did have a good dinner but that didn't counteract mail call. Two days ago I got an extremely short note from my mother asking me to pick my classes fo rnext year. What's up with that? I hope they write more soon. Now to why I am disappointed. I have not gotten any mail in the last two days and only one from my mother since I have been gone. Last Thursday, it's been 8 days, I sent out 20 post cards with my address down here to a bunch of different people but have gotten nother. I thought maybe Rachel would have sent something by now because she said she would but I think I may as well give up on her. She's probably too busy for me anyway. So that bummed my day. Mail call is what I look forward to these days and when I see some guys get 4, 5 , 6 letters and I'm like, "All I would like is 1, that's all."

3 Minute Shower

Day 15 19 June 02 Wednesday

Got up as usual but a little late at aruond 0500. had a semi rough P.T. Focused on sit-up improvement. Again we had classes, got smoked and did more D&C. Overall it was a pretty light day. We did hoever, get an assignment to write an essay about our battle buddies (siblings, friends, location of birth/residency, girlfriend ect).

Tonight, and this may sound weird but, we got one hour to get 52 guys in the 3 showers we have. I got to take a 3 minute shower, it felt great. The simple pleasure of life that we all take for granted. But when I did get out of the shower, I turned the water all the way cold because the next guy loved hot showers and boy did he scream when we got in there! Today was a pretty good day. Oh, I failed to mention on Monday that the D.S. tore every room apart. All the beds were flipped and unmade, wall lockers without locks wereemptied. It was crazy!! But I have to go, its getting late and my eyes are growing weak. God bless.

Busted Knee

Day 14 19 June 02 Tuesday

Today started with a nice P.T. of running. It was great. We had pace cars again so it really wasn't. Breakfast for some reason was really good even though it was the same as always. After our 1st class today, we got our break and as we were running back to the barracks, I hit some grass with some dew on it and slipped to my knee. I busted up my left knee on the sidewalk and tore my BDU. It kills.

Well, later I was finally issued my dork glasses and I must say they look stellar. We spent most of the day in classes which were boring. We have been smoked a lot which is good, I'm glad that we are because it only makes us stronger. I got a letter (very short I might add) from my mother today. She sent me my registration for S.A. next year. So yeah, everything is going pretty good. There have been moments that have tested my patience due to stupidity and there have been some heated battles between some of the guys but its all good. I got to go, it's getting late. Oh, about my knee, most people who 'get hurt' go to the hospital or sick call but I don't want to. It hurts really bad to bend it so I know running is going to hurt but I'll manage. Somehow I always do. G'dnight all.

Class

Day 13 17 June 02 Monday

So today is my Father's birthday so I want to give a shout out to him, I hope his day went well. This morning we had P.T. as we will every day. It took forever because either someone sounded off wrong, wouldnt stay straight on different exercises or they moved prematurely. So we would have to start all over again. My platoon got smoked about 7 times today. It really wasn't that bad. Thought it doesn't show, I think I may be getting stronger. Of course, I needed to remmeber my driving force and things were better. We had some classes today on hazardous material and Army heirtage. All this week is mostly classes so we know what to do. Not much really happened today. Later.

Church Smoking

Day 12 16 June 02 Sunday Father's Day

Today was a pretty laxed day. I went to mass today but soon after it was over, teh group of guys from my company and I got smoked right there in the church parking lot because two guys were laughing and then lied about why they were laughing. Then we got time to square away our barracks. We also fit ourselves with some equipment. During our time to shine our boots, me and my friend Overbeck talke dabout his soon to be wife and he told me her name was Raechel (Irish). Then I told him that back home I knew a girl whom I like named Rachel. So we got talking more about them. Oh hey, you know what? Tonight we all got to shower for over a minute. I actually got to let/feel the water. It felt great. But its lights out now so I have to get going. Pray hard.

If You Start It, Finish It

Day 11 15 June 02 Saturday

Today we got up and took our P.T. assesement test. I past only the 2 miler. Man, I thought I was a little bit in shape but now I am worried about passing the real one t ograudate. Then, following breakfast, we had a few classes on BDU wear etc. After lunch we went to the sawdust pit. It is a giant area outside that is sheltered by a roof. Here we were shown a lot of dofferent ways to 'exercise'. Reality says they are new ways of punishment. With the push-ups to be honest with myself, I do and do not want to be here. My platoon got dropped like 7 times today. We even had to hold our I.D. tags above our heads twice, one for 45 min and the 2nd for 1/2 hour. Every time we got dropped I questioned why I joined. But the truth always comes out, love of country. That and one person are what keep my drive alive. This person once said to me that, "If you are going to do/start something, finish it." I have taken that to heart and now every time we do an 'exercise' I think of her and do each set for her. So now it is time to head to bed because I am way too tired. Goodnight Rachel.

Sore Arms

Day 10 14 June 02 Friday

Well, today was a crazy day. We were issued more equipment and our platoon got dropped 3 times. We also had 3 classes dealing with Chaplain, Army values and Fellowship Day. I don't know what to expect next week. I have heard that it is going to be painful. Today we did 500 arm ups. That is when you extend your arms left and right, palms up and clap above your heard. You keep moving from shoulder height to above your head. My shoulders hurt because after, they made us hold our arms straight.

The day dragged on, at lunch and dinner both I had ribs. From what I hear, they were good. After dinner we cleaned our room for an inspection that never took place. I mean, I know in the end I'll be glad that I did all the push-ups andwhatever but I don't care to do them. Well, I got to go to bed so I'll say goodnight and sleep tight.

Newbies

Day 9 13 June 02 Thursday

Today we slept in. Wake up was at 0500 but I got up at 0430 so I could finish making my bed. Yesterday I got to call home. I had only 3 minutes and when I did, Kyle answered the phone. As I started to talk to him, my voice started to go and I began to tear up like I am now. He got dad on the phone for me because all I was suppose to do on the phone was give my address. I wanted to talk to them but I couldn't. I can't see very well because of the tears coming down my face. I never thought that I would be saying this but I miss them. Just to hear their voices on the phone for that brief moment put me in tears. Mother was not home, it was Wednesday night so she was probably at aerobics. I have 3 things I have to mail; a father's day card for my father and Mr. Flaherty, I also have a birthday card for my father because its his birthday Monday. I don't think I'll be able to get them out in time because the D.S. said that we would not be sending mail any time soon. I did ask my father to give my address to the Flaherty's but I don't know if he did. I think my letter I sent to Rachel the other day should be there soon. I hope she writes back. She said she might. Everything here is orderly. Everything has a way and a place. I like that a lot. I haven't really been yelled at yet or smoked but lots of guys have been. I am going to take a picture of my room and locker, I don't know why but I am going to. Oh, and you know how I said I hadn't been smoked? Well the only bad thing so far is I was walking out of a room when D.S. Donofrio walked in and he gave me a forearm to the chest. Other than that I have had little encounter with a D.S. They (only 2 of them) don't even know I'm in their troop. That is sooo good. Anyways, the new troop is here an dso there are 4 new guys in my room. Their from Maryland, Florida, New Jersey, Montana and South Dakota. Everything was hectic with these new guys. For those of us who have been here, we got to show them the ropes. We got dropped twice today as a troop because some of the new guys didn't show up for a count off. From Monday of next week on, I don't know how much I'll be able to get in this journal but I will attempt to write after lights out but that could prove difficult due to exhaustion or so the D.S. says. Sundays are the days we will be given he opportunity to write letters and that is only in the A.M. Just today I found out that any food sent will not make it to me so if Rachel really was going to bake those cookies and send them, I hope she understands. Maybe she'll bake some for me when I get back. Praying for you.

Leprosy

Day 8 12 June 02 Wednesday

Last night my whole company got together and said a prayer for our P.T. test and our next few months. Today, I got up at 0345 and took the P.T. test. Push and sit ups were a piece of cake of course so was the mile run but there was a 'pace car' if you will. No one was allowed to run past him. There was one guy who was running ahead of me. I didn't notice him at first but then I smelled him. As I wondered why it smelled so bad, I looked down on his leg and he had, please, I can't think of a better word, crapped his pants. It looked like he had leprosy. I felt so bad for him because he did not qualify. The sergeant took him aside and hosed him down with a garden hose.

We took a bus to "over the hill" or "the hill" to our new barracks and 'met' our drill sergeants. So far, they have told us they are trying a new method of training. They are going to take it easy the first few days so as to let us get acclimated to everything new. At first, I was afraid. Afraid because I was put into a platoon that had no one I knew. But I got a room with a guy named Combs. He and I have gotten to know each other and I think it will be alright. The D.S. informed us about D&C (drill and ceremony), bed making and the likes. We got to bed at about 2300. I have fire guard tonight at 0100. Good night.

More Waiting

Day 7 11 June 02 Tuesday

Today we got up once again at 0240. Finished my laundry and got chow. We went to the doctors once again and got 2 more shots for a total of 5 shots and 3 tubes of blood. Then we went to get our I.D.'s and set up our accounts with the Army bank. That was an all day deal. I sat for 8 hours waiting. Not much really happened today. We did get our I.D. tags. The weather was ok today. Its raining pretty hard right now. We are getting up tomorrow at 0345 to do our PT test (physical training. 13 push-ups, 17 sit-ups and 8:30 mile). Piece of cake! But things are going good right now. I can't wait till I get my address so Ican send out my post cards. Then maybe I'll get mail. I remember on sunday when Rachel said she will do the writing and I don't have to. I hope she does but I know that if I do get something from her I will make every effort to write her back. But I have a lot of reading to catch up on so I got to go now. Peace to all.

Quick Shower

Day 6 10 June 02 Monday

This morning we got up at 0300, cleaned our barracks and formed up at 0400. After breakfast we got our dental and eye stuff out of the way. I look forward to getting my Army issue glasses. Then, after lunch we went to the PX and got a briefing about opening an Army account. Then they handed out some I.D. tags and new I.D.'s but I didn't get any. Finally dinner rolled around and when that was over we stood and waited forever. At 1930 we were dismissed to our barracks to shower and get to bed by 2000! Yeah right! 247 guys, 15 showers. It seemed impossible but we did it. Sargeant's coming, hold on. Ok, all clear. So it has been a great day but there isn't anything else to say. Hey! That all rhymed! Kinda like my poetry! I'll go now. Sweet dreams mi familia.

First Call

Day 5 09 June 02 Sunday

We got to sleep in til 0500. We got to formation at 0530, ate and stood in formation til 0915 when we finally went to the catholic church. After church, we stood in formation til 1230. But in there we did some actual work. I counted 6 of 7 hours we were up that we stood at formation. We did get our PPD checked (shot checking for Teberculosis) but got some down time again and worked on my poems. I also sat and talked with my battle buddy and a guy in the bunk next to us. Once again it was an interesting convsation. Things are going well. I don't miss anyone. I mean I do, but I know that everything will be fine. Every night I pray for everyone back home that theyll be safe, that I'll be safe. I I've the day to come into Gods hands. I pray that Rachel has a safe summer. That my family doesn't ransack my room. Tomorrow I am mailing my first letter and tonight, I am going to call Rachel at 2030. I figure I used to call her on Sunday's during the school year so I will continue to do so. Hope she's home...

I got a hold of her! Im so happy now I can't wait to get a letter from her. Dang! There were two stowz (2nd year) guys pillow fighting in the halls. Someone ratted on them and the staff sergeant came. He talked to them and they are not going to ship. They may even be discharged. Anyways, the sergeant came in and talked to us about doing dumb things. But the lights are out and the sun is almost gone so I'll write tomorrow. Sweet dreams RLEF

Poor Chicks

Day 4 08 June 02 Saturday

I got up today again at 0430 and I realized that that's 0315 MN time, early! Yesterday I said that I was writing a poem about Rachel for Rachel but I don't know if I'm going to send it to her or even give it to her. I think I'll write her and ask if she wants it. Today has been uneventful thus far. Chow was normal, 2 min to eat and after we cleaned our barracks, make our beds /cots to Army standard. There wasn't much to do today except to stand in line for chow. When we were cleaning there was a birds nest above the door to the inside. 5 chicks were up there and the D.S. (drill sergeant) in charge ordered the men to tear down the nest and break the necks of the chicks. If I were one of those guys, I couldn't have done it. So today was a lounge day. Got to sit in the barracks and talk. My battle buddy and I sat and talked to a guy in the bunk next to us. We talked about about school, cars, sports, work and prom. It was an interesting conversation. We have found out that we will be having 17-19 hour days starting at about 0400 til 2100. That means not only is there time to write/read letters but we get around 7 hours of sleep! Over the course of the day I have been adding to my poetry. I also have finished my first letter which will be sent out to Rachel Monday.

Green As They Come

Day 3 (Official 1st day) 07 June 02 Friday

After getting up at 0400, we marched to the mess hall where we stood and waited. And waited. Anyways, today was a day to prepare for basic. We got blood drawn into three different tubes and received three different immunization shots. The day dragged on with a lot of walking to and from places only to stand. Boring! We did get issued all of our stuff though and the building we went to get it had cushioned benches so there was a great sigh when everyone sat down. So far though, we ave done nothing that relates to a physical aspect of basic training. The processing part is only partially complete and will not be completed till Monday because there is no processing over the weekend. This is bad because it means that I will be down here for two more days and as hard as I try not to think about Rachel and how much I would love to see her in person (I brought two pics of her and I from prom) I only get sad because I know I can't. But I do think that I'll write a poem about her, that usually helps. Well, it's lights out in a minute so I'll go. Goodnight and sweet dreams Rachel.

Travel to Knox

Day 2 6 June 02 Thursday

The day started off at 0420 with a wake-up and breakfast. A shuttle picked us (40 others were doing what I was doing) up and took us to MEPS. I remember Rachel saying that at Molly's they saw the sun rise. So did I today. It was great. Spent 6 hours at MEPS being briefed. Finally we get to the airport and check in. We find that our flight doesn't leave until 1600 so we waited. At the security check, I was asked to take off my shoes. They were rubbed down for explosive residue. Our flight took us first to Chicago where we hit our connecting flight to Louisville, KY. At the Minneapolis/St Paul airport, we were sitting at our gate when I looked over and saw a girl who was playing wall ball. I did a double take because she looked like and reminded me of Rachel. It was weird because at the restaurant in the airport where i ate, there was a meal called 'Grilled Classic Rachel'. Curious, I tried it and it was good. We made it safe to Chicago and hit our connecting flight to Louisville. A bus drove us to Fort Knox. We had arrived but it was 2000 local time. We were briefed and finally released at 0130 and I got in to my barracks by 0200. Wake up: 0400.

Last Day Being Non-Military

Day 1 5 June 02 Wednesday

After spending the day at the Flaherty's, I went out to dinner with my grandparents and immediate family. We ate at the Olive Garden and upon leaving we realized we were not sure which hotel to go to. It was assumed that it was a Best Western when in fact, it was Courtyard by Marriott. Finding where to go and pushing time, this was not the way to start off this journey. But I got here safely and all is good. I am not sure what tomorrow will bring but it is much anticipated. I have my own room and I plan on calling the Flaherty's house to talk to Rachel. Today I gave her my '16' necklace to hang on to for the summer along with a note finally telling her I like her. Maybe it's not such a good idea to call her yet.