2/18/09
More classes today. They had heavy rain last night and some sprinkles today while they were marching. Now they are cleaning again. He had BBQ spareribs for dinner tonight and said that they were pretty good. He is ready to go back to Hopper's BBQ. He got weighed today and is down another 4 lbs. They are going to be in the field all day tomorrow so that means MRE's and field chow. They are working on land navigation. Fireguard duty again tonight, but it's at the beginning of the night so he should at least get some sleep after. That's it for the night.
2/19/09
Today was a busy, long, hard day. They got a map and compass and were sent into a forest and had to find numbered poles. While in full battle gear. They walked over 4 miles. When they got back to the barracks they ad to disassemble everything (beds, lockers, everything). It was very cold in the morning and Chuck was a little under dressed, so he was chilled. He got my letter about our phone call and said that he knew that wasn't 7 minutes, but the platoon leader at the time was running it. He is fired already so Chuck said no sense in saying anything. He thinks that they are on their 11Th platoon leader and it's been 5 weeks. It is 9pm and they are still cleaning so they are going to have to stay up late to finish. They had 2 guys try to leave today and they got in trouble. The other troop had 6 go AWOL. 2 made it out, and were walking down the road when a Captain pulled up next to them to pick them up. Time for bed, so that's it.
I will be everyone up to date.
Thanks,
Nel
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
2/17/09
2/17/09
Chuck finally went to sick call this am, but said it was a waste of time. They gave him cough syrup and throat drops, but they can only get them 2 times a day. He had a good breakfast, he had to go early so he could go to sick call. For lunch he had another pear (he's calling it a Nellie fruit since it's my favorite). He said that he's actually starting to like them. They had class on the 50 caliber machine Gun. It's the same one used in WWII in the B-17's so he was excited about that. They got done a little early so they sat around talking with the Drill Sgt's. The DS told them that it takes a while when you get home to get out of the military eating habits. Chuck said that he thinks he'll slow down eating. He just wants to sit at a table and relax. He said that I'd probably gag watching them eat. They mix everything together (I don't like things touching). He had BBQ beef for dinner and thought it was pretty good. I think we are going to go to Nashville or Memphis for a few days when he is all done. He's been talking to some guys from Nashville that can tell us the hot spots. He got the pics that I sent( he wanted some pics of the 2 of us). I got some info on family day/graduation in this letter and it looks like it is actually 1 day instead of 2 like they said in the beginning so that is just one more day longer till we get to see each other. They had a guy refuse to train today and he got arrested (felony charges, I don't know what exactly). They cuffed him and led him out in front of the entire troop, while they sang to him. He said that it had to be embarrassing for him. That's it.
I'll keep everyone updated.
Thanks,
Nel
Chuck finally went to sick call this am, but said it was a waste of time. They gave him cough syrup and throat drops, but they can only get them 2 times a day. He had a good breakfast, he had to go early so he could go to sick call. For lunch he had another pear (he's calling it a Nellie fruit since it's my favorite). He said that he's actually starting to like them. They had class on the 50 caliber machine Gun. It's the same one used in WWII in the B-17's so he was excited about that. They got done a little early so they sat around talking with the Drill Sgt's. The DS told them that it takes a while when you get home to get out of the military eating habits. Chuck said that he thinks he'll slow down eating. He just wants to sit at a table and relax. He said that I'd probably gag watching them eat. They mix everything together (I don't like things touching). He had BBQ beef for dinner and thought it was pretty good. I think we are going to go to Nashville or Memphis for a few days when he is all done. He's been talking to some guys from Nashville that can tell us the hot spots. He got the pics that I sent( he wanted some pics of the 2 of us). I got some info on family day/graduation in this letter and it looks like it is actually 1 day instead of 2 like they said in the beginning so that is just one more day longer till we get to see each other. They had a guy refuse to train today and he got arrested (felony charges, I don't know what exactly). They cuffed him and led him out in front of the entire troop, while they sang to him. He said that it had to be embarrassing for him. That's it.
I'll keep everyone updated.
Thanks,
Nel
2/14/09-2/16/09
Happy Valentines Day! Chuck sent flowers and cards for me. He said sorry he wasn't here, even though if he was here he probably wouldn't of done anything for me anyways. He is doing CQ duty and it is 0330. I'm not sure what the CQ stands for. He gets off just in time for wake-up call, so he can't go back to sleep. It is cold again. A few of them are going to start running on their own now since they are in white phase. He is still sick, actually getting worse. One guy is in the hospital with pneumonia, and quite a few with bronchitis. He is finally going to go to sick call, because he wakes up every morning hacking up stuff, and now his throat hurts. He was excited because they were supposed to get a real lunch today, not another MRE. They started their class on "Big Ass Machine Guns" today. They'll get to shoot them later. He's looking forward to that. They marched in full battle gear today and his body is feeling it. He said that everyone else has the aches and pains so he doesn't feel to bad. He is talking to a guy from Arizona and thinking that it'd be nice to go back for spring training again. We all enjoyed that. He is a little upset that he has fireguard again tonight. He had it 6 out of 7 nights this week. He asked me to bake him an apple pie and bring it with for family day, so I'll take care of that for him. He wants to eat it with ice cream when I get there.
2/15/09
Chuck went to the catholic service this am. He really enjoyed it and said that he will probably keep going to that one. The platoon is mad because everyone else has gotten their phone calls except them. He got another haircut and got to restock his supplies. He finally got his rifle cleaning kit he was wanting. He said that one platoon marched by him and was singing the song Hole in the bottom of the Sea. He laughed because I sing this song all the time. My great uncle used to sing it when I was little and it just kinda stuck. He sent out quite a few postcards so people should have received those already. This is his first night without fireguard so he's hoping no one screws it up for him. He asked about his TV shows, but told me he doesn't want to know anything about American idol (my favorite). He doesn't like not being able to watch the news or read the paper because he did these every day at home. He is still getting in trouble for things his battle buddy does. More cravings, lasagna and meatballs from maggiano's. Then he actually got to eat spaghetti and meat sauce for supper. When he continued writing it was right after we got off the phone. He felt the same way I did. That was the quickest 7 minutes ever. He'd like to get to call again, but he doesn't think that will happen. Bed time now.
2/16/09
They had a land navigation class today. He thought it was pretty cool. His spirits are up some when they get to do these cool classes. He said that they bussed them out 20 minutes to the middle of nowhere. They had to match the terrain and find where they were on the map. Then it was time for lunch. That didn't go so well. He was putting pepper on his food and the lid wasn't on tight and he had pepper all over his food. All he got to eat was bread and some beans. He said that he ate extra at dinner to make up for it. Now he is craving Chinese. He thinks that we'll try to find a good Chinese restaurant while I'm there. More marching today at a quick pace. He said it's pretty much a jog. He is having a hard time keeping up since he can't breath, but he's afraid that if he goes to sick call, he could miss training and have to start over again. He said that he is still in good spirits. Last week was rough but since we talked that has really helped him. They got told that if they don't pass their 2 mile run (which is what he's been worried about) that they don't' get the pass for the weekend after family day. It is shower time now and time for bed. He has fireguard duty again tonight, so he'll be tired tomorrow. And they wonder why they are all sick.
That's it for now. I'll keep everyone posted.
Thanks,
Nel
2/15/09
Chuck went to the catholic service this am. He really enjoyed it and said that he will probably keep going to that one. The platoon is mad because everyone else has gotten their phone calls except them. He got another haircut and got to restock his supplies. He finally got his rifle cleaning kit he was wanting. He said that one platoon marched by him and was singing the song Hole in the bottom of the Sea. He laughed because I sing this song all the time. My great uncle used to sing it when I was little and it just kinda stuck. He sent out quite a few postcards so people should have received those already. This is his first night without fireguard so he's hoping no one screws it up for him. He asked about his TV shows, but told me he doesn't want to know anything about American idol (my favorite). He doesn't like not being able to watch the news or read the paper because he did these every day at home. He is still getting in trouble for things his battle buddy does. More cravings, lasagna and meatballs from maggiano's. Then he actually got to eat spaghetti and meat sauce for supper. When he continued writing it was right after we got off the phone. He felt the same way I did. That was the quickest 7 minutes ever. He'd like to get to call again, but he doesn't think that will happen. Bed time now.
2/16/09
They had a land navigation class today. He thought it was pretty cool. His spirits are up some when they get to do these cool classes. He said that they bussed them out 20 minutes to the middle of nowhere. They had to match the terrain and find where they were on the map. Then it was time for lunch. That didn't go so well. He was putting pepper on his food and the lid wasn't on tight and he had pepper all over his food. All he got to eat was bread and some beans. He said that he ate extra at dinner to make up for it. Now he is craving Chinese. He thinks that we'll try to find a good Chinese restaurant while I'm there. More marching today at a quick pace. He said it's pretty much a jog. He is having a hard time keeping up since he can't breath, but he's afraid that if he goes to sick call, he could miss training and have to start over again. He said that he is still in good spirits. Last week was rough but since we talked that has really helped him. They got told that if they don't pass their 2 mile run (which is what he's been worried about) that they don't' get the pass for the weekend after family day. It is shower time now and time for bed. He has fireguard duty again tonight, so he'll be tired tomorrow. And they wonder why they are all sick.
That's it for now. I'll keep everyone posted.
Thanks,
Nel
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2/11/09-2/13/09
2/11/09
Still sick. Rained all day. The are getting in trouble more than ever. Chuck had fireguard for the 3rd night in a row. No wonder he's not feeling any better, no sleep. More cravings, a waffle with strawberries and bananas and whip cream and then he wants an Oreo sandwiched between 2 chips ahoy cookies and a big cold glass of milk. This one is funny because Chuck never craves sweets. He did get to eat his special pancakes for breakfast today because he had work detail.
2/12/09
Today they shot at the range. Then had to go back to the sand pit and get smoked. They have a new rule now that they have to wear safety glasses everywhere they go. Can't wait to make fun of him for that since he always calls me 4 eyes.
2/13/09
This is the day they qualified. He qualified sharpshooter. He was just a couple shots short of expert. His platoon didn't win the competition though. They were promoted to white phase today. That just means that they can do a little bit on their own. They can walk to church on their own, or back from chow. Chuck is thinking they will get demoted back down to red phase this week, because there is still a lot of guys screwing up. They don't have shower drills anymore, but still have only a certain time to take them. They were supposed to start shooting on a big machine gun tonight. Then he had to add that he thought of me when he was brushing his teeth because his safety glasses fogged up. I am so calling him 4 eyes.
That's it for now.
I'll keep everyone posted.
Nel
Still sick. Rained all day. The are getting in trouble more than ever. Chuck had fireguard for the 3rd night in a row. No wonder he's not feeling any better, no sleep. More cravings, a waffle with strawberries and bananas and whip cream and then he wants an Oreo sandwiched between 2 chips ahoy cookies and a big cold glass of milk. This one is funny because Chuck never craves sweets. He did get to eat his special pancakes for breakfast today because he had work detail.
2/12/09
Today they shot at the range. Then had to go back to the sand pit and get smoked. They have a new rule now that they have to wear safety glasses everywhere they go. Can't wait to make fun of him for that since he always calls me 4 eyes.
2/13/09
This is the day they qualified. He qualified sharpshooter. He was just a couple shots short of expert. His platoon didn't win the competition though. They were promoted to white phase today. That just means that they can do a little bit on their own. They can walk to church on their own, or back from chow. Chuck is thinking they will get demoted back down to red phase this week, because there is still a lot of guys screwing up. They don't have shower drills anymore, but still have only a certain time to take them. They were supposed to start shooting on a big machine gun tonight. Then he had to add that he thought of me when he was brushing his teeth because his safety glasses fogged up. I am so calling him 4 eyes.
That's it for now.
I'll keep everyone posted.
Nel
Sunday, February 15, 2009
2/15/09 PHONE CALL
2/15/09
Chuck finally got to make a phone call today.He shot sharp shooter and was supposed to get 7 minutes to talk. We were only on the phone for 6 when he had to hang up. We mainly just discussed what he was doing and how he was feeling. He wanted to make sure everything was OK here. It seems like 6 minutes would be fairly long, but it went by really quick. The hardest thing was when I heard them tell him he had 30 seconds left. We didn't want to hang up. Now I probably won't get to actually talk to him till I go in March. Another month without talking to him. This really sucks. I did get a valentine's day card and a dozen roses yesterday and that was nice.
OK, I'll keep everyone updated.
Thanks,
Nel
Chuck finally got to make a phone call today.He shot sharp shooter and was supposed to get 7 minutes to talk. We were only on the phone for 6 when he had to hang up. We mainly just discussed what he was doing and how he was feeling. He wanted to make sure everything was OK here. It seems like 6 minutes would be fairly long, but it went by really quick. The hardest thing was when I heard them tell him he had 30 seconds left. We didn't want to hang up. Now I probably won't get to actually talk to him till I go in March. Another month without talking to him. This really sucks. I did get a valentine's day card and a dozen roses yesterday and that was nice.
OK, I'll keep everyone updated.
Thanks,
Nel
Saturday, February 14, 2009
2/9/09-2/10/09
2/9/09
They did their 5K march today with full battle gear. Chuck said it didn't go to bad except his back is sore from wearing gear for 8 hours. He said that it was pretty cool because looking at it there is soldiers lining the road as far as the eye can see. Then they did some more range practice. Chuck has been helping with the practical testing for the CLS class. Some of the drill SGT's have been talking about how squared away Chuck is compared to all of the other recruits. It was in the 60's for them today. The nice weather is really making him miss his motorcycle. Someone obviously made some mistakes because they are back to getting screamed at all the time.
2/10/09
The practiced at the range today. It rained all day and they were all soaked while they shot. Chuck didn't do very good and was a little discouraged by this. It was just practice though, so it didn't count for anything. He has been having problems with his battle buddy. He forgets everything all the time and really distracts Chuck. Then some of the guys heard that he had passed all the tests they've taken so far and everyone was coming in asking questions. He said that normally he wouldn't mind, but he's also trying to study for his own tests that he still has to take. Obviously they didn't pay attention enough the first time around. The also got food condiments taken away from them, so that means no syrup or peanut butter for his pancakes.d They have been getting longer showers at least. Usually a minute, but sometimes more.
That's all for today. I will keep everyone posted.
Nel
They did their 5K march today with full battle gear. Chuck said it didn't go to bad except his back is sore from wearing gear for 8 hours. He said that it was pretty cool because looking at it there is soldiers lining the road as far as the eye can see. Then they did some more range practice. Chuck has been helping with the practical testing for the CLS class. Some of the drill SGT's have been talking about how squared away Chuck is compared to all of the other recruits. It was in the 60's for them today. The nice weather is really making him miss his motorcycle. Someone obviously made some mistakes because they are back to getting screamed at all the time.
2/10/09
The practiced at the range today. It rained all day and they were all soaked while they shot. Chuck didn't do very good and was a little discouraged by this. It was just practice though, so it didn't count for anything. He has been having problems with his battle buddy. He forgets everything all the time and really distracts Chuck. Then some of the guys heard that he had passed all the tests they've taken so far and everyone was coming in asking questions. He said that normally he wouldn't mind, but he's also trying to study for his own tests that he still has to take. Obviously they didn't pay attention enough the first time around. The also got food condiments taken away from them, so that means no syrup or peanut butter for his pancakes.d They have been getting longer showers at least. Usually a minute, but sometimes more.
That's all for today. I will keep everyone posted.
Nel
Friday, February 13, 2009
2/4/09-2/8/09
2/4/09
Not much time to write. Had CLS class again and he aced his test. Still have to wait a little while to start IVs though. He said that there is still a lot of making stupid mistakes and they all have to pay for it.
2/5/09
They are having mail call every night now. The went to the shooting range, but it was very icy and everyone kept falling. They ended up doing the simulator instead. Chuck shot really well. That's good because my phone call depends on how well he shoots. They are on there 7Th platoon leader.
2/6/09
They finally got to shoot outside today It was around 50* out. Again, he shot really good. They got to lay in the mud and shoot. Busy day again, not much time to write.
2/7/09
Today they got to shoot outside all day. Chuck said that he shot good enough to qualify as sharpshooter, but of course this didn't count. He was very excited about breakfast today because he put peanut butter between his pancakes then syrup on top. I guess this is his new favorite breakfast. He got a card form my mom and dad and a letter from grandma and grandpa. Later in the day when they ate their MRE's they were able to eat everything in it, including the coffee. He liked that too. They were told that they would be shooting the rest of the week and then do a 5K march on Monday. He took more tests today and aced 5 of them.
2/8/09
The letter today starts of with peanut butter pancake time, peanut butter pancake time... I'm thinking that he is singing this to the tune of peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time...
They still haven't gotten to go to the PX to buy supplies yet. Did some laundry and had fire guard duty the night before. Then he went to breakfast and they didn't have any pancakes so... peanut butter french toast time, peanut butter french toast time... He did go to the protestant service again today and enjoyed it. They are going to take more tests today. They did eventually get to go to the PX and he got most of his supplies. They were out of the gun cleaning kit that he wanted. He took 5 more tests today that were go-no go and passed all with go (pass or fail and he passed). They have a few more left to take on first aid. He bought some postcard and was going to send some of those off. He sent on to Sgt O'Brien and said that he'd probably send one to work too. They were told they may get to make a phone call after they qualify next week, so that would be nice. He said that it was in the 60's that day. He's wishing he could be out riding his motorcycle. I'm surprised he hasn't asked me if I got mine out yet. After dinner today the got to go to the sand pit. It is a big muddy sand pit that they made them do PT in because they screwed up. Afterwards they got hosed off to clean up. Then they finished testing. The senior drill Sgt gave Chuck he practical exam and said "God damn fucking private, you are the first shithead to get all go's today. Out fucking standing." Chuck said that any compliment you get is a good thing. Not many people passed all their tests the first time around. Chuck is one of the few in his platoon. He said there was a handful from each platoon that did it. It is bed time now and he needs to get some sleep. They leave for the 5K at 05:10 am.
That's it for now. I'll keep you updated.
Thanks,
Nel
Not much time to write. Had CLS class again and he aced his test. Still have to wait a little while to start IVs though. He said that there is still a lot of making stupid mistakes and they all have to pay for it.
2/5/09
They are having mail call every night now. The went to the shooting range, but it was very icy and everyone kept falling. They ended up doing the simulator instead. Chuck shot really well. That's good because my phone call depends on how well he shoots. They are on there 7Th platoon leader.
2/6/09
They finally got to shoot outside today It was around 50* out. Again, he shot really good. They got to lay in the mud and shoot. Busy day again, not much time to write.
2/7/09
Today they got to shoot outside all day. Chuck said that he shot good enough to qualify as sharpshooter, but of course this didn't count. He was very excited about breakfast today because he put peanut butter between his pancakes then syrup on top. I guess this is his new favorite breakfast. He got a card form my mom and dad and a letter from grandma and grandpa. Later in the day when they ate their MRE's they were able to eat everything in it, including the coffee. He liked that too. They were told that they would be shooting the rest of the week and then do a 5K march on Monday. He took more tests today and aced 5 of them.
2/8/09
The letter today starts of with peanut butter pancake time, peanut butter pancake time... I'm thinking that he is singing this to the tune of peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time...
They still haven't gotten to go to the PX to buy supplies yet. Did some laundry and had fire guard duty the night before. Then he went to breakfast and they didn't have any pancakes so... peanut butter french toast time, peanut butter french toast time... He did go to the protestant service again today and enjoyed it. They are going to take more tests today. They did eventually get to go to the PX and he got most of his supplies. They were out of the gun cleaning kit that he wanted. He took 5 more tests today that were go-no go and passed all with go (pass or fail and he passed). They have a few more left to take on first aid. He bought some postcard and was going to send some of those off. He sent on to Sgt O'Brien and said that he'd probably send one to work too. They were told they may get to make a phone call after they qualify next week, so that would be nice. He said that it was in the 60's that day. He's wishing he could be out riding his motorcycle. I'm surprised he hasn't asked me if I got mine out yet. After dinner today the got to go to the sand pit. It is a big muddy sand pit that they made them do PT in because they screwed up. Afterwards they got hosed off to clean up. Then they finished testing. The senior drill Sgt gave Chuck he practical exam and said "God damn fucking private, you are the first shithead to get all go's today. Out fucking standing." Chuck said that any compliment you get is a good thing. Not many people passed all their tests the first time around. Chuck is one of the few in his platoon. He said there was a handful from each platoon that did it. It is bed time now and he needs to get some sleep. They leave for the 5K at 05:10 am.
That's it for now. I'll keep you updated.
Thanks,
Nel
Saturday, February 7, 2009
2/1/09-2/3/09
2/1/09
They lost power again this morning, but Chuck got shaved before then so he was OK with it. Breakfast was already cooked to, so it was still warm. They got to hang around the barracks since it was Sunday. Then someone got caught sleeping so they couldn't even sit down. It finally is warming up for them. None of them like the new platoon leader at all. They think he is a dickhead. He is hoping they will get promoted to white phase, but they're not sure. More privileges in white phase (still no phone though). They got power back and were able to go to the PX but all they could do is get haircuts. Chuck said that he has a lot that he needs to hopefully they let them go back to shop soon. They did a little bit of running today, mostly sprints and walking. Then they had some classes. He ended up going to the protestant church service today. He enjoyed it and said that he'd probably go back next week. The platoon leader was fired tonight. It warmed up enough that they were warming shorts and sweatshirts. They were not able to watch the Superbowl at all. Now he is thinking about a pizza with peperoni, bacon, and onion. He said that there is still a lot of people getting in trouble for really stupid stuff. They got personal time early tonight because the drill Sgt was watching the Superbowl.
2/2/09
They were able to do PT outside today because it was warm. Then they had a combat lifesaver class for the rest of the day. They learned the 3 main things they need to know. He said that this is different then other medic stuff he has done because it's all quick and dirty. After every lesson they do practicals and a lot of them can't remember what they just learned. The DS's are getting mad at them. Most of them just barely passed the test so I don't know what they expect. Chuck had to do 185 push-ups to get all of his letters today. The first time it was 1o an envelope and this time it was 15 an envelope, plus I sent him another phone card since he said he didn't call me earlier because of not having enough minutes. He had to do 20 for the phone card, but he said it was worth it. He said that he knew I was gonna send another one after he wrote that in one letter. I had sent him some articles on Blagojevitch and they took it away from him. He said that they didn't even know he had it, but one of the DS's asked about him and Chuck said "my wife sent me and article, here read this" and then they took it from him. So he didn't even get to read it all. He said that he had some letters ready to send so some people should be getting letters soon, if not already.
2/3/09
More of the live saver class today. They are supposed to be able to start shooting on Thursday. He has a few tests coming up but he said that they shouldn't be a big deal. They did a group run today, but they broke them up into groups of really fast, and everyone else. He was in the everyone else group and he said that they barely ran a mile when people got tired and they had to stop. They were able to take 1 minute showers last night. I had told him in my letters that American Idol was back on and he had to tell me that American Idol Sucks. Their 4Th platoon leader got fired today. He said that no one has had it as long as he did. He is craving a sandwich from Famous Dave's. He is going to come home in May and just want to eat and eat and eat. He said that a beer doesn't sound to bad either. They just got to watch an IV stick and Chuck got excited. He misses being and EMT. He said that it'll probably be a while before he gets to call. I'm looking forward to hearing his voice.
That's it for today. I'll keep everyone posted.
Thanks,
Nel
They lost power again this morning, but Chuck got shaved before then so he was OK with it. Breakfast was already cooked to, so it was still warm. They got to hang around the barracks since it was Sunday. Then someone got caught sleeping so they couldn't even sit down. It finally is warming up for them. None of them like the new platoon leader at all. They think he is a dickhead. He is hoping they will get promoted to white phase, but they're not sure. More privileges in white phase (still no phone though). They got power back and were able to go to the PX but all they could do is get haircuts. Chuck said that he has a lot that he needs to hopefully they let them go back to shop soon. They did a little bit of running today, mostly sprints and walking. Then they had some classes. He ended up going to the protestant church service today. He enjoyed it and said that he'd probably go back next week. The platoon leader was fired tonight. It warmed up enough that they were warming shorts and sweatshirts. They were not able to watch the Superbowl at all. Now he is thinking about a pizza with peperoni, bacon, and onion. He said that there is still a lot of people getting in trouble for really stupid stuff. They got personal time early tonight because the drill Sgt was watching the Superbowl.
2/2/09
They were able to do PT outside today because it was warm. Then they had a combat lifesaver class for the rest of the day. They learned the 3 main things they need to know. He said that this is different then other medic stuff he has done because it's all quick and dirty. After every lesson they do practicals and a lot of them can't remember what they just learned. The DS's are getting mad at them. Most of them just barely passed the test so I don't know what they expect. Chuck had to do 185 push-ups to get all of his letters today. The first time it was 1o an envelope and this time it was 15 an envelope, plus I sent him another phone card since he said he didn't call me earlier because of not having enough minutes. He had to do 20 for the phone card, but he said it was worth it. He said that he knew I was gonna send another one after he wrote that in one letter. I had sent him some articles on Blagojevitch and they took it away from him. He said that they didn't even know he had it, but one of the DS's asked about him and Chuck said "my wife sent me and article, here read this" and then they took it from him. So he didn't even get to read it all. He said that he had some letters ready to send so some people should be getting letters soon, if not already.
2/3/09
More of the live saver class today. They are supposed to be able to start shooting on Thursday. He has a few tests coming up but he said that they shouldn't be a big deal. They did a group run today, but they broke them up into groups of really fast, and everyone else. He was in the everyone else group and he said that they barely ran a mile when people got tired and they had to stop. They were able to take 1 minute showers last night. I had told him in my letters that American Idol was back on and he had to tell me that American Idol Sucks. Their 4Th platoon leader got fired today. He said that no one has had it as long as he did. He is craving a sandwich from Famous Dave's. He is going to come home in May and just want to eat and eat and eat. He said that a beer doesn't sound to bad either. They just got to watch an IV stick and Chuck got excited. He misses being and EMT. He said that it'll probably be a while before he gets to call. I'm looking forward to hearing his voice.
That's it for today. I'll keep everyone posted.
Thanks,
Nel
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1/30/09-1/31/09
1/30/09
Since the storm they haven't had any mail received so he is hoping that they'll start getting letters again soon. He hung his clothes up again to dry since the power goes out every time he tries to dry them. Still no power or heat in the barracks. His group did go to an area high school and shovel and break ice for 3 1/2 hours. He was excited about that because then the gave them a cup of coffee and a bowl of soup. Coffee has been his big thing that he's missed not having. Someone stole a packet of hot chocolate and then flushed it down the toilet. Of course it came back up and now they are in trouble. The drill Sgt is trying to figure out who did it. They did finally get a hot meal for dinner since the power was back on. He's still not feeling well. He is coughing still and he said his eyes are watering and matting shut while he is sleeping. He's gonna try to go to sick call on Monday. He is craving foods from home. First was a potbellies sandwich and chili and a shake, and then later was a whopper Jr. They are going to be starting a combat live saver class soon and they'll all get to start IVs on each other.
1/31/09
They finally did some training today after quite a while off from the storm. They did some rifle training on a computer simulator. He said that he did really good so hopefully he keeps that up and qualifies really good so we get a long phone call. He said that as they were marching back they were called to a halt and everyone stopped not sure what was going on. All the sudden a possum walked over the feet of the guy next to Chuck then right next to Chuck's feet. He said that then it ran up the middle of formation and took off. It startled them because they weren't expecting it and I'm sure they startled the possum also. They had 45 seconds for showers tonight and he said he almost didn't know what to do with all the extra time. Now he is craving ice cream sandwiches. He still has his cough, so he decided not to go to church. They were told that they should start running this week, if the weather is OK. They still aren't getting any incoming mail, so that sucks because they aren't getting any letters. I hate to see how many push ups he's gonna have to do because I know I sent a lot of letters and others have sent some too. That's it for now.
I'll keep everyone posted!
Nel
Since the storm they haven't had any mail received so he is hoping that they'll start getting letters again soon. He hung his clothes up again to dry since the power goes out every time he tries to dry them. Still no power or heat in the barracks. His group did go to an area high school and shovel and break ice for 3 1/2 hours. He was excited about that because then the gave them a cup of coffee and a bowl of soup. Coffee has been his big thing that he's missed not having. Someone stole a packet of hot chocolate and then flushed it down the toilet. Of course it came back up and now they are in trouble. The drill Sgt is trying to figure out who did it. They did finally get a hot meal for dinner since the power was back on. He's still not feeling well. He is coughing still and he said his eyes are watering and matting shut while he is sleeping. He's gonna try to go to sick call on Monday. He is craving foods from home. First was a potbellies sandwich and chili and a shake, and then later was a whopper Jr. They are going to be starting a combat live saver class soon and they'll all get to start IVs on each other.
1/31/09
They finally did some training today after quite a while off from the storm. They did some rifle training on a computer simulator. He said that he did really good so hopefully he keeps that up and qualifies really good so we get a long phone call. He said that as they were marching back they were called to a halt and everyone stopped not sure what was going on. All the sudden a possum walked over the feet of the guy next to Chuck then right next to Chuck's feet. He said that then it ran up the middle of formation and took off. It startled them because they weren't expecting it and I'm sure they startled the possum also. They had 45 seconds for showers tonight and he said he almost didn't know what to do with all the extra time. Now he is craving ice cream sandwiches. He still has his cough, so he decided not to go to church. They were told that they should start running this week, if the weather is OK. They still aren't getting any incoming mail, so that sucks because they aren't getting any letters. I hate to see how many push ups he's gonna have to do because I know I sent a lot of letters and others have sent some too. That's it for now.
I'll keep everyone posted!
Nel
Monday, February 2, 2009
1/25/09-1/29/09
1/25/09
This was a short letter because he'd already sent one earlier in the day. Lots of snow. He's down to 164 lbs. Was 172 when he shipped out. He said to make sure when sending letters that the envelope is addresssed correctly. PVT SCHUTZ CHARLES. Make sure his last name is first. They get in trouble and have to do extra PT if it isn't correct. They already have to do PT just to get the letters, but he said that's OK he just doesn't want to do extra.
1/26/09
They did a class on the bayonet today. Then they did some kind of fights. He got hit across the bridge of his nose, but he still won. He said that he'll probably have a black eye from that. His back is still bothering him when he does certain things. He might so get that checked out if it doesn't get better. They are all starting to crave sweets but they can't have any. One guy got caught stealing the candy from his MRE (they're supposed to return it with the coffee) and they made him restart basic. I said in my return letter that Chuck better not try to steal anything because this is long enough as it is. I also told him I'd be pissed if we had to start over again. They were told that they may be able to watch the 4Th quarter of the Superbowl (they're 4Th platoon) but it would have to be with their gas masks on. He already has his order ready for when he gets his weekend pass(if he gets it, they still won't tell them for sure if they got it or not).
1/27/09
They got more snow and this morning it changed to freezing rain, then more snow. They had to make up a snow shoveling schedule. 2 man teams for 1/2 hour at a time. He is still platoon leader and they make him last in line to eat, but when he is done then everyone else has to stop eating. The drill Sergeant watches him to make sure he isn't eating slow on purpose. He said it sucks and he feels bad. The are still marching through the snow and ice. He said it feels like sand falling on them. They are all soaked when they come in. He did finally get my letters this day. He only had to do 20 push ups since they were addressed correctly and i had put them all in 2 envelopes. Some guys didn't get any letters and that really upset them. Chuck said he didn't want to read his letters in front of someone who didn't get any because he felt bad. He was also fired from platoon leader today. He said that it was taking up a lot of his time anyways. He said that the new one has already screwed up. He was supposed to have everyone in line for showers at 2100 and then they'd all get a minute shower. Well he didn't have them in line so they only got 25 seconds for there showers. He said that he doesn't have much time to write letters to everyone, but he is going to get some postcards and send those. There is a lot of down time but all they can do is clean the barracks and their rifles, not write. The weather is still bad, and they still haven't ran yet which was his biggest concern. He then continues with a lot of answers to questions i had about stuff around the house. The have been without power for a while and he had to shave by flashlight. He said that the tree limbs are touching the ground because of the ice on them. Several trees have actually fallen from the weight. Everything on the base was closed because of the weather. He said that he might have to get a new M16 because his is all rusty inside. don't know if he'll have to give it a new name or if he can keep it as Nellie. He said that he has already read my letters 5 times and he just got them that morning.
1/28/09
The told them after lunch that they would have a free day. That means cleaning again. His legs are really sore from the PT. He is still sick. Just can't fight it off with little sleep, bad weather, and PT. He's got to go get another haircut this weekend. That's driving him crazy. He is very worried about me and how I'm holding up and taking care of everything at home. I've reassured him in my letters that everything is OK but he's still worried. They are still without power. It'll come on for a few minutes and then shut off again.
1/29/09
They lost power again today. Training is cancelled for a few days because of the ice. They don't even have power in the barracks. the only lights they have are flashlights. Chuck said that his laundry was in the dryer when the power went out so now he has all his cloths hanging up around his bunk. He said it looks like the Beverly hillbillies. His eyelids are bruised from getting hit in the nose. He said it looks pretty weird. He said that the whole place is a mess from the ice storms, everything is tore up. He also said that a lot of the guys didn't seem to know what they were getting in to joining the army. They complain because the barracks aren't warm enough, they don't get to use the phone enough, they have to be outside in formation when it's raining and snowing. Obviously they didn't check into this before they signed up. The mail isn't even coming and going because of the weather. The food hasn't been to good since there isn't any power. And all they do is clean. He said that the power came back on and he put his cloths in to dry and then it went off again. He was wondering about happenings in rockford and belvidere, so if anyone knows anything interesting you can send it to him. I've been printing off some articles and sending them to him to keep him updated. He was very excited because he had early guard duty that morning and he got to take a shower on his own. There is only 1 drill Sgt at this time and he got to take a 4 minute shower. He loved it.
That's it for now. I'll keep you updated.
Nel
This was a short letter because he'd already sent one earlier in the day. Lots of snow. He's down to 164 lbs. Was 172 when he shipped out. He said to make sure when sending letters that the envelope is addresssed correctly. PVT SCHUTZ CHARLES. Make sure his last name is first. They get in trouble and have to do extra PT if it isn't correct. They already have to do PT just to get the letters, but he said that's OK he just doesn't want to do extra.
1/26/09
They did a class on the bayonet today. Then they did some kind of fights. He got hit across the bridge of his nose, but he still won. He said that he'll probably have a black eye from that. His back is still bothering him when he does certain things. He might so get that checked out if it doesn't get better. They are all starting to crave sweets but they can't have any. One guy got caught stealing the candy from his MRE (they're supposed to return it with the coffee) and they made him restart basic. I said in my return letter that Chuck better not try to steal anything because this is long enough as it is. I also told him I'd be pissed if we had to start over again. They were told that they may be able to watch the 4Th quarter of the Superbowl (they're 4Th platoon) but it would have to be with their gas masks on. He already has his order ready for when he gets his weekend pass(if he gets it, they still won't tell them for sure if they got it or not).
1/27/09
They got more snow and this morning it changed to freezing rain, then more snow. They had to make up a snow shoveling schedule. 2 man teams for 1/2 hour at a time. He is still platoon leader and they make him last in line to eat, but when he is done then everyone else has to stop eating. The drill Sergeant watches him to make sure he isn't eating slow on purpose. He said it sucks and he feels bad. The are still marching through the snow and ice. He said it feels like sand falling on them. They are all soaked when they come in. He did finally get my letters this day. He only had to do 20 push ups since they were addressed correctly and i had put them all in 2 envelopes. Some guys didn't get any letters and that really upset them. Chuck said he didn't want to read his letters in front of someone who didn't get any because he felt bad. He was also fired from platoon leader today. He said that it was taking up a lot of his time anyways. He said that the new one has already screwed up. He was supposed to have everyone in line for showers at 2100 and then they'd all get a minute shower. Well he didn't have them in line so they only got 25 seconds for there showers. He said that he doesn't have much time to write letters to everyone, but he is going to get some postcards and send those. There is a lot of down time but all they can do is clean the barracks and their rifles, not write. The weather is still bad, and they still haven't ran yet which was his biggest concern. He then continues with a lot of answers to questions i had about stuff around the house. The have been without power for a while and he had to shave by flashlight. He said that the tree limbs are touching the ground because of the ice on them. Several trees have actually fallen from the weight. Everything on the base was closed because of the weather. He said that he might have to get a new M16 because his is all rusty inside. don't know if he'll have to give it a new name or if he can keep it as Nellie. He said that he has already read my letters 5 times and he just got them that morning.
1/28/09
The told them after lunch that they would have a free day. That means cleaning again. His legs are really sore from the PT. He is still sick. Just can't fight it off with little sleep, bad weather, and PT. He's got to go get another haircut this weekend. That's driving him crazy. He is very worried about me and how I'm holding up and taking care of everything at home. I've reassured him in my letters that everything is OK but he's still worried. They are still without power. It'll come on for a few minutes and then shut off again.
1/29/09
They lost power again today. Training is cancelled for a few days because of the ice. They don't even have power in the barracks. the only lights they have are flashlights. Chuck said that his laundry was in the dryer when the power went out so now he has all his cloths hanging up around his bunk. He said it looks like the Beverly hillbillies. His eyelids are bruised from getting hit in the nose. He said it looks pretty weird. He said that the whole place is a mess from the ice storms, everything is tore up. He also said that a lot of the guys didn't seem to know what they were getting in to joining the army. They complain because the barracks aren't warm enough, they don't get to use the phone enough, they have to be outside in formation when it's raining and snowing. Obviously they didn't check into this before they signed up. The mail isn't even coming and going because of the weather. The food hasn't been to good since there isn't any power. And all they do is clean. He said that the power came back on and he put his cloths in to dry and then it went off again. He was wondering about happenings in rockford and belvidere, so if anyone knows anything interesting you can send it to him. I've been printing off some articles and sending them to him to keep him updated. He was very excited because he had early guard duty that morning and he got to take a shower on his own. There is only 1 drill Sgt at this time and he got to take a 4 minute shower. He loved it.
That's it for now. I'll keep you updated.
Nel
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