This is just a brief update for anyone who checks this blog regularly. Usually, as Steven's ghost writer, I post the letters he writes. However, since he is not writing letters at this time, I will just try to go in and try to recall the info I get from his phone calls.
Let me sort of start where we left off. Steven finished his basic training and AIT at the end of April, and immediately went it to 2 weeks of additional Stryker training. A Stryker is a large 8-wheeled combat vehicle. Once his training was finished, he was able to come home for a little over 2 weeks, before reporting to Ft Wainwright, Alaska.
He was only in Alaska for 1 month before he had to go to California for 1 month of desert training. He was able to come home again in August, for a predeployment leave. He was home for about 10 days. AFter he returned to Alaska he had a lot of work to do before deployment day (D-day). They had a deployment ceremony on Sept 11th. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend. Alaska is just a little too far away.
They officially left for Kuwait in Sept 20th. Just 2 weeks after Steven's 20th birthday. They spent about 2-3 weeks, I think, in Kuwait before going to their FOB in Iraq.
I think they have been there about a week or 2, so he is geting settled in and doing the things he is supposed to be doing. He calls pretty frequently, he isn't able to give too many details about what he is doing, but he sounds good and seems to be doing OK. I have to take his word for things, I am not sure he is always being honest, but I can't blame him.
I have sent his first care package, but he has yet to receive it. I hope he gets it next week. St this point he is not sure when he will get his mid-tour leave, but hopefully sometime in the Spring. Oh how I look forward to that.
My other goal is to have enough money to be able to fly up to Alaska for his return home. Not sure if that will happen, but I sure am going to try.
I am not sure how often I will be posting on his blog, but I will try to give updates every couple of weeks. So check back every so often.
20081025
20080315
20080315
HELLO TO ALL,
FIRST LET ME SAY I AM TYPING IN ALL CAPS CUZ I THINK IT LOOKS BETTER. ALSO I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND LETTERS THAT I RECIEVED DURING THE PAST 2 MONTHS. THEY REALLY HELPED ME GET THROUGH THE TUFF TIMES. I HAVE DONE THINGS IN THOSE MONTHS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T DO THEIR WHOLE LIVES AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF ALONG THE WAY. I GREW AN INCH AND GAINED ALMOST 15 POUNDS AS WELL AS HEAPS OF KNOWLEDGE. I ONLY HAVE 6 MORE WEEKS OF TRAINING LEFT BEFORE I GET A LITTLE MORE TIME OFF AND THEN ITS OFF TO MY DUTY STATION. I SUPPOSE EVERYONE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I WILL BE LIVING FOR THE NEXT LITTLE BIT. WELL FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE THE ANSWER IS ALASKA. I WILL BE PART OF A STRYKER BRIGADE WHICH MEANS I WILL BE IN A VEHICLE MOST OF THE TIME. I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT TO WRITE SO I GUESS I WILL GIVE YOU A BREAK DOWN OF A NORMAL DAY IN THE LIVE OF A BASIC TRAINING SOLDIER. . .
WAKE UP IS AT 0430 AND THEN AT 0500 WE MOVE OUTSIDE FOR FIRST FORMATION. AFTER THAT WE DO PT UNTIL 0630 WHEN WE GO TO MORNING CHOW. THEN ITS BACK TO THE B'S TO CHANGE INTO ACU'S IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS AND GOING DOWNSTAIRS FOR ANOTHER FORMATION. WE MARCH TO WHERE EVER THE TRAINING FOR THAT DAY IS, UNLESS IT IS TOO FAR THEN WE TAKE THE BUS, AND WE START TRAINING. IF WE ARE ABLE TO GO TO THE DFAC FOR LUNCH WE DO, OTHERWISE THEY BRING IT TO US WHICH SUCKS CUZ WE DON'T GET NEAR ENOUGH TO EAT THEN. HOWEVER WE DO GET COOKIES WHEN THEY BRING THE CHOW TO US. IF WE HAVE MORE TRAINING TO DO WE DO IT AND IF NOT WE MOVE BACK TO THE B'S AND STUDY UNTIL NIGHT CHOW. THATS ALMOST THE END OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE AT 2100 WE GET MAIL AND TAKE SHOWERS AND THEN LIGHTS OUT IS AT 2200. ALL IN ALL BASIC TRAINING IS NOT AS BAD AS MOVIES AND THE MEDIA MAKE IT OUT TO BE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW ORDERS, BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, IN THE RIGHT UNIFORM, AND YOU ARE STRAIGHT. MY DRILL SARGENT DOESN'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME BECAUSE HE HAS NEVER HAD TO SAY IT. THAT IS A VERY GOOD THING.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS AND DON'T FORGET THAT I LOVE ALL OF YOU.
FIRST LET ME SAY I AM TYPING IN ALL CAPS CUZ I THINK IT LOOKS BETTER. ALSO I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND LETTERS THAT I RECIEVED DURING THE PAST 2 MONTHS. THEY REALLY HELPED ME GET THROUGH THE TUFF TIMES. I HAVE DONE THINGS IN THOSE MONTHS THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T DO THEIR WHOLE LIVES AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF ALONG THE WAY. I GREW AN INCH AND GAINED ALMOST 15 POUNDS AS WELL AS HEAPS OF KNOWLEDGE. I ONLY HAVE 6 MORE WEEKS OF TRAINING LEFT BEFORE I GET A LITTLE MORE TIME OFF AND THEN ITS OFF TO MY DUTY STATION. I SUPPOSE EVERYONE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I WILL BE LIVING FOR THE NEXT LITTLE BIT. WELL FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE THE ANSWER IS ALASKA. I WILL BE PART OF A STRYKER BRIGADE WHICH MEANS I WILL BE IN A VEHICLE MOST OF THE TIME. I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT TO WRITE SO I GUESS I WILL GIVE YOU A BREAK DOWN OF A NORMAL DAY IN THE LIVE OF A BASIC TRAINING SOLDIER. . .
WAKE UP IS AT 0430 AND THEN AT 0500 WE MOVE OUTSIDE FOR FIRST FORMATION. AFTER THAT WE DO PT UNTIL 0630 WHEN WE GO TO MORNING CHOW. THEN ITS BACK TO THE B'S TO CHANGE INTO ACU'S IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS AND GOING DOWNSTAIRS FOR ANOTHER FORMATION. WE MARCH TO WHERE EVER THE TRAINING FOR THAT DAY IS, UNLESS IT IS TOO FAR THEN WE TAKE THE BUS, AND WE START TRAINING. IF WE ARE ABLE TO GO TO THE DFAC FOR LUNCH WE DO, OTHERWISE THEY BRING IT TO US WHICH SUCKS CUZ WE DON'T GET NEAR ENOUGH TO EAT THEN. HOWEVER WE DO GET COOKIES WHEN THEY BRING THE CHOW TO US. IF WE HAVE MORE TRAINING TO DO WE DO IT AND IF NOT WE MOVE BACK TO THE B'S AND STUDY UNTIL NIGHT CHOW. THATS ALMOST THE END OF THE NIGHT BECAUSE AT 2100 WE GET MAIL AND TAKE SHOWERS AND THEN LIGHTS OUT IS AT 2200. ALL IN ALL BASIC TRAINING IS NOT AS BAD AS MOVIES AND THE MEDIA MAKE IT OUT TO BE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW ORDERS, BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, IN THE RIGHT UNIFORM, AND YOU ARE STRAIGHT. MY DRILL SARGENT DOESN'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME BECAUSE HE HAS NEVER HAD TO SAY IT. THAT IS A VERY GOOD THING.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS AND DON'T FORGET THAT I LOVE ALL OF YOU.
20080227
20080220
Mom,
Ok, so I have had an awesome past few days so let me tell you all about them. Yesterday morning we went to the range and shot through these awesome optics that were mounted to M4 rifles. It was really cool because it was fast action fire so we shot a lot of rounds really fast. Then that night we went out and shot using night vision and laser sights that can only be seen with night vision. The stuff we are starting to do is really high speed and totally motivating.
Now to the part that I am really excited to tell you about. Today we went to the CLS (combat life saving) rooms and initiated saline locks on each other as well as IV's. You would be so proud, I got it on the first stick and got stuck 3 times myself with no problems. This might sound weird but I feel like you and I have some sort of IV bond now.
Tomorrow we are going to the range again but this time we are shooting grenade launchers that are mounted to M16's, how f*cking aewsome is that. Also, this week we are shooting all kinds of automatic weapons and soon we will throw grenades. Every day is getting more and more exciting and I can't wait to see you.
Mucho Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
Ok, so I have had an awesome past few days so let me tell you all about them. Yesterday morning we went to the range and shot through these awesome optics that were mounted to M4 rifles. It was really cool because it was fast action fire so we shot a lot of rounds really fast. Then that night we went out and shot using night vision and laser sights that can only be seen with night vision. The stuff we are starting to do is really high speed and totally motivating.
Now to the part that I am really excited to tell you about. Today we went to the CLS (combat life saving) rooms and initiated saline locks on each other as well as IV's. You would be so proud, I got it on the first stick and got stuck 3 times myself with no problems. This might sound weird but I feel like you and I have some sort of IV bond now.
Tomorrow we are going to the range again but this time we are shooting grenade launchers that are mounted to M16's, how f*cking aewsome is that. Also, this week we are shooting all kinds of automatic weapons and soon we will throw grenades. Every day is getting more and more exciting and I can't wait to see you.
Mucho Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080218
Mom,
OK, I'm sorry that all my letters are ripped at the top but most of the time when I rip them off I am in a hurry to stuff them into an envelope and slap a stamp on them so I can slip it in the mailbox on the way to chow.
We are going to the range tomorrow to do live fire advanced rifle marksmanship training. Wow, that was a mouthful! All that really means is we are working on putting 2 in the chest and 1 in the head.
The other day when I was getting my hair cut I saw a shirt that said "On the eighth day God created Scouts and all of hell stood at attention". It's a really bad ass shirt and it made me feel like a bad ass scout.
Wed. is when we get stuck and get to stick each other for IV hands on training. Honestly, I am more nervous about sticking someone than I am about getting stuck myself. I know I can do it and I will get past it because I have to , but if I could choose then I wouldn't.
I am still working really hard on my PT test and I should be able to pass it. I have done really well on everything else that we have done so I am hoping that if I don't pass then maybe they will take that into consideration. Well, I have to be going for the night so I will write soon.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
OK, I'm sorry that all my letters are ripped at the top but most of the time when I rip them off I am in a hurry to stuff them into an envelope and slap a stamp on them so I can slip it in the mailbox on the way to chow.
We are going to the range tomorrow to do live fire advanced rifle marksmanship training. Wow, that was a mouthful! All that really means is we are working on putting 2 in the chest and 1 in the head.
The other day when I was getting my hair cut I saw a shirt that said "On the eighth day God created Scouts and all of hell stood at attention". It's a really bad ass shirt and it made me feel like a bad ass scout.
Wed. is when we get stuck and get to stick each other for IV hands on training. Honestly, I am more nervous about sticking someone than I am about getting stuck myself. I know I can do it and I will get past it because I have to , but if I could choose then I wouldn't.
I am still working really hard on my PT test and I should be able to pass it. I have done really well on everything else that we have done so I am hoping that if I don't pass then maybe they will take that into consideration. Well, I have to be going for the night so I will write soon.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080221
20080217
Mom,
Ok, so I'll start out with this, you know how when I talked to you today I told you about 4th platoon getting smoked in the dirty mud? Well, after chow tonight, we (the whole troop, which is 4 platoons with about 35 people in each platoon) all went to the pit for an hour and a half. I was dirtier and and colder than I have ever been in my life. It was actually a lot of fun though and I really enjoyed the bonding with the guys. We had another person refuse to train and actually this is the second time he has done it.
Things are pretty crazy around here but I'm not lying when I tell you that I feel really good about what I'm doing here and I totally don't want to leave. I feel like everything I'm doing here is good for me and I am proud to serve my country. I am also getting closer to God and I feel like I am developing a relationship with Him. I have a great appreciation for all of the freedoms I have had my whole life and I don't think I will take them for granted anymore. I respect all the men that came before me and fought and died for me. I love you very much, Mom and Dad and everyone else. I am beat from the smoking so I'm going to bed now. GOOD NIGHT.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
Ok, so I'll start out with this, you know how when I talked to you today I told you about 4th platoon getting smoked in the dirty mud? Well, after chow tonight, we (the whole troop, which is 4 platoons with about 35 people in each platoon) all went to the pit for an hour and a half. I was dirtier and and colder than I have ever been in my life. It was actually a lot of fun though and I really enjoyed the bonding with the guys. We had another person refuse to train and actually this is the second time he has done it.
Things are pretty crazy around here but I'm not lying when I tell you that I feel really good about what I'm doing here and I totally don't want to leave. I feel like everything I'm doing here is good for me and I am proud to serve my country. I am also getting closer to God and I feel like I am developing a relationship with Him. I have a great appreciation for all of the freedoms I have had my whole life and I don't think I will take them for granted anymore. I respect all the men that came before me and fought and died for me. I love you very much, Mom and Dad and everyone else. I am beat from the smoking so I'm going to bed now. GOOD NIGHT.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080215
Mom,
Sorry that I haven't written to you in a while. I have been really busy learning how to read maps. After all the classes where over we went in the field and had to find these targets with codes on them and then report back to base camp. It was fun, but Kentucky has a lot of hills and they were all covered in snow, about 6 inches to be exact.
We learned about the .50 cal today and it is a huge weapon. It weighs 110 lbs and shoots big f*#kin bullets. We get to live fire them next week.
I am worried about family day because I have to pass the physical fitness test and I'm working really hard, but I'm not sure. I would hate for you to get your hopes all up and come all the way here and not be able to see you. I'm using that as motivation to do well in physical fitness and I'm doing my best. I don't know what I will do if I don't pass but I should be fine. I got those bills and pictures and cards so thank you for all those. I am going to get a money order and just pay off my credit card. I will also set up an allotment for my cell phone bill.
I love you very much and I can't wait to see you. I am going to bed now but I will write more when I can.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
Sorry that I haven't written to you in a while. I have been really busy learning how to read maps. After all the classes where over we went in the field and had to find these targets with codes on them and then report back to base camp. It was fun, but Kentucky has a lot of hills and they were all covered in snow, about 6 inches to be exact.
We learned about the .50 cal today and it is a huge weapon. It weighs 110 lbs and shoots big f*#kin bullets. We get to live fire them next week.
I am worried about family day because I have to pass the physical fitness test and I'm working really hard, but I'm not sure. I would hate for you to get your hopes all up and come all the way here and not be able to see you. I'm using that as motivation to do well in physical fitness and I'm doing my best. I don't know what I will do if I don't pass but I should be fine. I got those bills and pictures and cards so thank you for all those. I am going to get a money order and just pay off my credit card. I will also set up an allotment for my cell phone bill.
I love you very much and I can't wait to see you. I am going to bed now but I will write more when I can.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080211
Mom,
Today went pretty well, we learned about land navigation and then the sky opened up and now we have about 5 inches of snow. It's 1950 and we only have one DS here with us. The weather here in Kentucky sucks, one day it will be warm as hell and the next day it will be colder than ice. It's weird to see this much snow, but it's fun to walk in. I'm hoping to get mail soon, probably tonight. During map reading we had to find the vault and get coordinates for it.
We just locked my friend Kacilla in an empty locker and started shaking it. We are all having a ton of fun and everyday is new stuff. When do you have to go to the dentist? Make sure you let me know how that goes. When you come up here you have to get some shirts and stuff for the girls and dad so they can represent the cav scouts. Cav scouts get to do so much cool stuff, if you haven't looked it up yet, you should. I have a request by the way, can you send me some jokes? Any kind will be welcome, I just think it will be something cool to pass the time. Also, tell everyone about me getting expert and let me know what they say. I have to go for now, but I will write soon, much love.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PS. Ok, so I have duty tonight, so I have a little extra time to write. I did get mail tonight, 2 of your letters and they were very nice. Your letters do not bore me and you can feel free to ask me about whatever you want as long as you understand some things I can't tell you.
I think it was a smart choice to pick Owen for Sara because they usually suck so she won't get tramped on or anything while she is trying to learn. I know that might sound really bad, but you understand what I mean. The snow has just kept falling and I think we are up to a foot. It's crazy to see this much snow.
When you come visit we can definately go out and do stuff like watch a movie or whatever. I think my battle buddy, Johnson, and I wanted to try and get together, maybe on that first night and eat dinner all together so I hope that would be cool with you. I hope you sent those bills to me already because if not you might need to send them express so I can handle it fast. I'm not sure where my cell phone charger is, but if you can find it please bring it with my phone when you come. Well, my shift is almost over, time for a little sleep. I love you all.
Your son,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PPS. I'm still in white phase for a couple weeks then I will be in blue phase. I'll let you know when that happens, trust me.
Today went pretty well, we learned about land navigation and then the sky opened up and now we have about 5 inches of snow. It's 1950 and we only have one DS here with us. The weather here in Kentucky sucks, one day it will be warm as hell and the next day it will be colder than ice. It's weird to see this much snow, but it's fun to walk in. I'm hoping to get mail soon, probably tonight. During map reading we had to find the vault and get coordinates for it.
We just locked my friend Kacilla in an empty locker and started shaking it. We are all having a ton of fun and everyday is new stuff. When do you have to go to the dentist? Make sure you let me know how that goes. When you come up here you have to get some shirts and stuff for the girls and dad so they can represent the cav scouts. Cav scouts get to do so much cool stuff, if you haven't looked it up yet, you should. I have a request by the way, can you send me some jokes? Any kind will be welcome, I just think it will be something cool to pass the time. Also, tell everyone about me getting expert and let me know what they say. I have to go for now, but I will write soon, much love.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PS. Ok, so I have duty tonight, so I have a little extra time to write. I did get mail tonight, 2 of your letters and they were very nice. Your letters do not bore me and you can feel free to ask me about whatever you want as long as you understand some things I can't tell you.
I think it was a smart choice to pick Owen for Sara because they usually suck so she won't get tramped on or anything while she is trying to learn. I know that might sound really bad, but you understand what I mean. The snow has just kept falling and I think we are up to a foot. It's crazy to see this much snow.
When you come visit we can definately go out and do stuff like watch a movie or whatever. I think my battle buddy, Johnson, and I wanted to try and get together, maybe on that first night and eat dinner all together so I hope that would be cool with you. I hope you sent those bills to me already because if not you might need to send them express so I can handle it fast. I'm not sure where my cell phone charger is, but if you can find it please bring it with my phone when you come. Well, my shift is almost over, time for a little sleep. I love you all.
Your son,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PPS. I'm still in white phase for a couple weeks then I will be in blue phase. I'll let you know when that happens, trust me.
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