Monday June 29
Amanda,
Just wanted to write a few words tonight. Despite how it seems in my letters, we really do get to sleep until 4:45. But tomorrow is yet another one of those 4 AM early wake up days. We have CPR class followed by flight photos in the PM.
I went to CBRNE today. Went with 2 other trainees from my flight to make it up with another flight. It was an experience I won't ever forget. They have you putting on MDPP (protective) gear and then send you into a gas chamber in groups. While in there they release tear gas. They make you take off your protective hood so the gas will burn your skin (oh, and it DOES!). Then, one at a time, you take off your gas mask, open your eyes wide, take a deep breath, and give a reporting statement AHHHHH!!" My entire face was on fire in about 2 seconds, and I barely got out my statement before I couldn't talk from coughing so much. Tear gas is NOT fun.
Anyway, since we made up that today, of course we missed what the rest did today, which luckily was only a few non-mandatory (thought interesting sounding) classes.
Oh, and speaking of making up work, Wednesday I have to go back to that TS processing place the computer I was working at lost Internet connection. What's the rest of the flight doing? Yeah. They're going to the M16 range. Surprisingly, qualifying on the M16 is not mandatory. Amanda, I don't think I can begin to tell you how irritated I am that I have to miss that day out of all days. I mean, really? Going through BMT without the experience of firing the M16. Lame lame lame. He called me that day for info, and he sounded REALLY down about missing the M16 stuff. I'm hoping that he can do it at some point in the next few years. He is in the military for crying out loud. Surely someone somewhere can take him shooting. I hope.
On a more positive note, I got 3 letters from you today. I was wondering if they get letters as they are sent or if they are passed out on certain days. From that sentence, I'm guessing certain days, because I didn't mail 3 letters on the same day. I skimmed through them tonight. I'll reread them and respond tomorrow. Headed to bed now. I have 430 AM EC (I have no idea what EC means) tomorrow.
Next night. CPR class was nothing for me having been a lifeguard for years and years. But, before I get ahead of myself, our section supervisor MSgt Stott complimented our flight this morning. Basically told us that everyone makes mistakes, but our flight never repeats them. We've also developed a reputation for being really hard working and really just hustling all the time. Then why haven't they been allowed time for phone calls?! So he told our TI that we should get a full day of base liberty this weekend. If we don't screw it up. So that was good to hear. If he does get base liberty, he should be able to call me. From what I understand from the last letter anyway.
Anyway, after CPR was TEMPER tents. Basically a class on setting up the big long sleeping tents. We learned how to do it and then practiced for a bit. I say practiced, but our TI really made it a competition with the other flights. He was getting really fired up about it. One of the very few times I've seen him smile. Our flight dominated the others with speed and accuracy. We set up the tent and tore it down three times before any of the other 3 had finished taking it down the second time. TSgt Radosevich was very very very pleased about that. He told us that we were all getting 1 1/2 hours of base liberty in lieu of dinner. Which means they didn't have to eat in the regular place--they could go to one of the fast food places on base instead.
Before dinner we had flight photos. I ordered a bunch of stuff for us. Yay!! We were told that we could smile, but I didn't. Normally, I'm a fan of smiling in pics. However, I can understand why he didn't. The military isn't exactly known for it's smiley-ness. It does make more sense to take a serious picture.
Most of us went to Burger King tonight. Mmmm, now that was a nice change from the standard dining facility food.
All told, our flight is doing exceptionally well. As long as I can somehow get my PT down, there's a high likelihood that I will graduate with the warrior flight. I have absolutely no idea what that means. I will definitely be asking about it in my next letter. It sounds really cool. However, I will be happy with a graduation period. This physical stuff really has been a concern.
Time's up for now. I hope this letter finds you well. Only 3 more weeks here. I might call you tomorrow. I love you!
Nathan
Just wanted to write a few words tonight. Despite how it seems in my letters, we really do get to sleep until 4:45. But tomorrow is yet another one of those 4 AM early wake up days. We have CPR class followed by flight photos in the PM.
I went to CBRNE today. Went with 2 other trainees from my flight to make it up with another flight. It was an experience I won't ever forget. They have you putting on MDPP (protective) gear and then send you into a gas chamber in groups. While in there they release tear gas. They make you take off your protective hood so the gas will burn your skin (oh, and it DOES!). Then, one at a time, you take off your gas mask, open your eyes wide, take a deep breath, and give a reporting statement AHHHHH!!" My entire face was on fire in about 2 seconds, and I barely got out my statement before I couldn't talk from coughing so much. Tear gas is NOT fun.
Anyway, since we made up that today, of course we missed what the rest did today, which luckily was only a few non-mandatory (thought interesting sounding) classes.
Oh, and speaking of making up work, Wednesday I have to go back to that TS processing place the computer I was working at lost Internet connection. What's the rest of the flight doing? Yeah. They're going to the M16 range. Surprisingly, qualifying on the M16 is not mandatory. Amanda, I don't think I can begin to tell you how irritated I am that I have to miss that day out of all days. I mean, really? Going through BMT without the experience of firing the M16. Lame lame lame. He called me that day for info, and he sounded REALLY down about missing the M16 stuff. I'm hoping that he can do it at some point in the next few years. He is in the military for crying out loud. Surely someone somewhere can take him shooting. I hope.
On a more positive note, I got 3 letters from you today. I was wondering if they get letters as they are sent or if they are passed out on certain days. From that sentence, I'm guessing certain days, because I didn't mail 3 letters on the same day. I skimmed through them tonight. I'll reread them and respond tomorrow. Headed to bed now. I have 430 AM EC (I have no idea what EC means) tomorrow.
Next night. CPR class was nothing for me having been a lifeguard for years and years. But, before I get ahead of myself, our section supervisor MSgt Stott complimented our flight this morning. Basically told us that everyone makes mistakes, but our flight never repeats them. We've also developed a reputation for being really hard working and really just hustling all the time. Then why haven't they been allowed time for phone calls?! So he told our TI that we should get a full day of base liberty this weekend. If we don't screw it up. So that was good to hear. If he does get base liberty, he should be able to call me. From what I understand from the last letter anyway.
Anyway, after CPR was TEMPER tents. Basically a class on setting up the big long sleeping tents. We learned how to do it and then practiced for a bit. I say practiced, but our TI really made it a competition with the other flights. He was getting really fired up about it. One of the very few times I've seen him smile. Our flight dominated the others with speed and accuracy. We set up the tent and tore it down three times before any of the other 3 had finished taking it down the second time. TSgt Radosevich was very very very pleased about that. He told us that we were all getting 1 1/2 hours of base liberty in lieu of dinner. Which means they didn't have to eat in the regular place--they could go to one of the fast food places on base instead.
Before dinner we had flight photos. I ordered a bunch of stuff for us. Yay!! We were told that we could smile, but I didn't. Normally, I'm a fan of smiling in pics. However, I can understand why he didn't. The military isn't exactly known for it's smiley-ness. It does make more sense to take a serious picture.
Most of us went to Burger King tonight. Mmmm, now that was a nice change from the standard dining facility food.
All told, our flight is doing exceptionally well. As long as I can somehow get my PT down, there's a high likelihood that I will graduate with the warrior flight. I have absolutely no idea what that means. I will definitely be asking about it in my next letter. It sounds really cool. However, I will be happy with a graduation period. This physical stuff really has been a concern.
Time's up for now. I hope this letter finds you well. Only 3 more weeks here. I might call you tomorrow. I love you!
Nathan
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