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.
20080213
20080207
Mom,
I got your letter today which made me feel good, as usual. Yes, it is OK if Stef writes me, mail is mail and I hope Evan will write me too. So far, no one from Target has written me, but I didn't think they would, so I'm not too upset about it. I do need you to send me one of each of those bills (cell phone/credit card) so I can get those taken out of my pay. Also, if you could bring my cell phone with you when you come that would be awesome. It is in the beer mug on top of the fridge.
I haven't really had time to write this week because of shooting the weapons everyday and qualifying on Saturday. I did get those pictures from you and they are hanging in my locker. I use a prison trick of toothpaste on the back to keep them stuck there. I am very happy to hear about Sara scoring in her game and yes, I wish I could have been there. That's all I have time for tonight, but I will write more tomorrow.
20080208
Ok, so today we went to another range and tomorrow is D-day. I'm pretty sure I will do well and I just hope that the rest of my platoon will do the same. I have faith in these guys, so everything should be good. It's funny how things work here because we are supposed to shoot 40 rounds in total. 20 from the prone supported position, 10 from the prone unsupported position, and 10 from the kneeling position, but my DS told us that if you see extra rounds on the ground to pick them up and put them in our magazines. The DS say "if you ain't cheatin' , you ain't tryin'". Also, it has to do with adapting and overcoming. Anyway, after we qualify, we get to cover our cevlar (helmets) and we get pinned with our badges.
It really seems like time is flying by and every day we are moving forward. I can feel changes in myself as well as see them in other people. I am starting to gain a great sense of pride in America as well as myself and I am glad I made this choice. And the answer to the question everyone keeps asking me is I named my weapon Tina. I'm not sure why, it just kind of came to me.
I am having a lot of fun tonight because we got a lot of personal time for some reason, so my battle buddies and I are messin' around. I hope to get more letters and pictures from you soon.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
I got your letter today which made me feel good, as usual. Yes, it is OK if Stef writes me, mail is mail and I hope Evan will write me too. So far, no one from Target has written me, but I didn't think they would, so I'm not too upset about it. I do need you to send me one of each of those bills (cell phone/credit card) so I can get those taken out of my pay. Also, if you could bring my cell phone with you when you come that would be awesome. It is in the beer mug on top of the fridge.
I haven't really had time to write this week because of shooting the weapons everyday and qualifying on Saturday. I did get those pictures from you and they are hanging in my locker. I use a prison trick of toothpaste on the back to keep them stuck there. I am very happy to hear about Sara scoring in her game and yes, I wish I could have been there. That's all I have time for tonight, but I will write more tomorrow.
20080208
Ok, so today we went to another range and tomorrow is D-day. I'm pretty sure I will do well and I just hope that the rest of my platoon will do the same. I have faith in these guys, so everything should be good. It's funny how things work here because we are supposed to shoot 40 rounds in total. 20 from the prone supported position, 10 from the prone unsupported position, and 10 from the kneeling position, but my DS told us that if you see extra rounds on the ground to pick them up and put them in our magazines. The DS say "if you ain't cheatin' , you ain't tryin'". Also, it has to do with adapting and overcoming. Anyway, after we qualify, we get to cover our cevlar (helmets) and we get pinned with our badges.
It really seems like time is flying by and every day we are moving forward. I can feel changes in myself as well as see them in other people. I am starting to gain a great sense of pride in America as well as myself and I am glad I made this choice. And the answer to the question everyone keeps asking me is I named my weapon Tina. I'm not sure why, it just kind of came to me.
I am having a lot of fun tonight because we got a lot of personal time for some reason, so my battle buddies and I are messin' around. I hope to get more letters and pictures from you soon.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080209
20080203
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am getting really excited with each week that goes by. I almost cried for the first time since I have been here today and it was when I talked to Sara. I miss you all so much and I hope you know that, even when I don't tell you all the time.
I don't know if I told you this or not, but in total we have to do a 3K, 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K road march. Our 5K is on Tuesday so that should be a lot of fun. I think all this week we are shooting our M16's and working on different positions to shoot from. I know most of my letters just jump around from subject to subject and then back again but with so much I want to tell you it's hard to get my thoughts straight in the little time I have to write.
I want to make sure you know that on the weekend of my graduation, in fact the day of my graduation, is also the day of the Kentucky Derby so you might want to reserve a room in E-town as soon as possible.
I really like all my drill sgnts which is shocking I know, but as long as you do what you are told they pretty much leave you alone. One of the big things they stress is attention to detail. They say the little things will save somebody's life in the sand box and I truly believe them. I realize that everything they are teaching me and doing to me and for me is going to help me do my job.
They asked me when I was in reception where I want to be stationed stateside, I said Fort Polk, and over seas, I put Germany. I really hope I get at least one of those, but I really want Fort Polk. I'm not sure if I still want to buy a car when I get out of here or not, I might just get a motorcycle or something like that depending on where I get stationed. I think I will be able to save a lot of money as long as I use all of the things the Army has to offer me. I'm getting really tired, we had a PT test today, so I will go to sleep now.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
I am getting really excited with each week that goes by. I almost cried for the first time since I have been here today and it was when I talked to Sara. I miss you all so much and I hope you know that, even when I don't tell you all the time.
I don't know if I told you this or not, but in total we have to do a 3K, 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K road march. Our 5K is on Tuesday so that should be a lot of fun. I think all this week we are shooting our M16's and working on different positions to shoot from. I know most of my letters just jump around from subject to subject and then back again but with so much I want to tell you it's hard to get my thoughts straight in the little time I have to write.
I want to make sure you know that on the weekend of my graduation, in fact the day of my graduation, is also the day of the Kentucky Derby so you might want to reserve a room in E-town as soon as possible.
I really like all my drill sgnts which is shocking I know, but as long as you do what you are told they pretty much leave you alone. One of the big things they stress is attention to detail. They say the little things will save somebody's life in the sand box and I truly believe them. I realize that everything they are teaching me and doing to me and for me is going to help me do my job.
They asked me when I was in reception where I want to be stationed stateside, I said Fort Polk, and over seas, I put Germany. I really hope I get at least one of those, but I really want Fort Polk. I'm not sure if I still want to buy a car when I get out of here or not, I might just get a motorcycle or something like that depending on where I get stationed. I think I will be able to save a lot of money as long as I use all of the things the Army has to offer me. I'm getting really tired, we had a PT test today, so I will go to sleep now.
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080207
20080131
Mom and Dad,
Today we went to the shooting range and I did really well. We just worked on grouping (which means getting all your shots in the same area) and zeroing the sights (which means getting the sights in line with the target). We get to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday which is really cool and if everyone in my platoon gets a first time go on the qualification range we get 2 pizza parties and a 10 min phone call. I really hope we get it but something tells me we won't. Yesterday we went to this really cool virtual firing range and grouped. It was awesome but not as much fun as actual live rounds. My stitches are all out of my mouth now but I still have two huge holes in my gums. They don't hurt that much and I think they are healing well but food keeps getting stuck in them and its hard for me to eat fast. I am going to start a list of all the things I want to eat while you are visiting on family day and just to let you know I will be eating the whole time you guys are here. I am really glad that I did this and I definately feel like it is the right thing for me to be doing. I have always been a fast pace learner and that is exactly what the Army is. I love everything about it so far and things just keep getting better. Also, I got paid today, one whole months pay, $1124, so I am good to go. I talked to my DS today about setting up an alotment to pay my cell phone bill so that is getting taken care of. Everything here is just picking up and picking up so time keeps going faster and faster. This past week flew by and next week we start white phase, I can't wait. I'm going to break off this letter here but I will add more tomorrow night. Much love!
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PS I know I said I would write more but I ran out of time. I'm really busy, what can I say.
Today we went to the shooting range and I did really well. We just worked on grouping (which means getting all your shots in the same area) and zeroing the sights (which means getting the sights in line with the target). We get to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday which is really cool and if everyone in my platoon gets a first time go on the qualification range we get 2 pizza parties and a 10 min phone call. I really hope we get it but something tells me we won't. Yesterday we went to this really cool virtual firing range and grouped. It was awesome but not as much fun as actual live rounds. My stitches are all out of my mouth now but I still have two huge holes in my gums. They don't hurt that much and I think they are healing well but food keeps getting stuck in them and its hard for me to eat fast. I am going to start a list of all the things I want to eat while you are visiting on family day and just to let you know I will be eating the whole time you guys are here. I am really glad that I did this and I definately feel like it is the right thing for me to be doing. I have always been a fast pace learner and that is exactly what the Army is. I love everything about it so far and things just keep getting better. Also, I got paid today, one whole months pay, $1124, so I am good to go. I talked to my DS today about setting up an alotment to pay my cell phone bill so that is getting taken care of. Everything here is just picking up and picking up so time keeps going faster and faster. This past week flew by and next week we start white phase, I can't wait. I'm going to break off this letter here but I will add more tomorrow night. Much love!
Love,
PV2 Johnson, Steven
PS I know I said I would write more but I ran out of time. I'm really busy, what can I say.
20080131
20080125
Dear Mom and Dad,
Today we learned about our "gas" masks and other chemical and biological weapon defense systems. It was pretty cool til we got to the pictures of the Iraninas that Sadam used nerve agents on. I tell you what I would take white fos over that stuff anyday. We are going to the NBC ( nuclear biological chemical) chamber on Monday and I'm kind of excited to get my sinuses cleared.
20080126
I had to turn lights off last night sorry about that. Today I got my bottom two wisdom teeth pulled by a LTC and boy did it suck! But here are some answers to those questions you asked me in your second letter which I got last night. We work 6 days a week and 16 hours a day. From 0500 to 2200 we are awake and about an hour of that is personal time. Whenever we go outside I freeze my ass off but they have rules about temperatures and safety so if it is too cold we stay inside. I eat all kinds of food in the DFAC the only thing that stays the same from day to day is breakfast where I get French toast, sausage, eggs, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, a bagel, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a yogurt cup. It sounds like a lot but I have only a little time in which to eat all that stuff. The food is actually really good and I like it a lot.
I hope you are planning on coming to the first family day which is in the middle between Basic and AIT. I really want at least one of you to be here so I can go off base and eat some steak and stuff. Not only that but I would really like to see you guys. I'm still waiting on pictures by the way. Well my pain meds are kicking in so I better get in bed. I love you guys and I will try to call you on Sunday.
Your Son, PV2 Johnson, Steven
Today we learned about our "gas" masks and other chemical and biological weapon defense systems. It was pretty cool til we got to the pictures of the Iraninas that Sadam used nerve agents on. I tell you what I would take white fos over that stuff anyday. We are going to the NBC ( nuclear biological chemical) chamber on Monday and I'm kind of excited to get my sinuses cleared.
20080126
I had to turn lights off last night sorry about that. Today I got my bottom two wisdom teeth pulled by a LTC and boy did it suck! But here are some answers to those questions you asked me in your second letter which I got last night. We work 6 days a week and 16 hours a day. From 0500 to 2200 we are awake and about an hour of that is personal time. Whenever we go outside I freeze my ass off but they have rules about temperatures and safety so if it is too cold we stay inside. I eat all kinds of food in the DFAC the only thing that stays the same from day to day is breakfast where I get French toast, sausage, eggs, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, a bagel, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a yogurt cup. It sounds like a lot but I have only a little time in which to eat all that stuff. The food is actually really good and I like it a lot.
I hope you are planning on coming to the first family day which is in the middle between Basic and AIT. I really want at least one of you to be here so I can go off base and eat some steak and stuff. Not only that but I would really like to see you guys. I'm still waiting on pictures by the way. Well my pain meds are kicking in so I better get in bed. I love you guys and I will try to call you on Sunday.
Your Son, PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080123
Dear Family,
I just got my very first letter from you guys and it made me feel really good. I'm glad everything is going well and I'm excited to get any pictures you want to send me. First off let me answer the questions you asked me. I am in red phase and it sucks. I can't wait to blue phase. Just so you know OSUT has two more phases than regular basic which are black and gold. I am not making friends but I am making brothers. I ran in the ironman contest for my platoon yesterday and my battle buddy and I came in second but I did some things I never thought I could do. I climbed a 15 foot rope and climbed an eight foot wall during the contest so that was pretty cool. My whole platoon was cheering me on and it made me feel really good. I did get a dentist check at processing and I have an appointment on the 29th but it is getting rescheduled because we are going out to the field for 4 days without coming into a building. I think they are pulling a couple of teeth maybe a filling or something I'm not sure. I'm sorry to hear about your root canal that really sucks but on another note I'm glad you are getting in shape I hope you stick with it. I'm getting in shape too but I'm sure it's a lil dif. Tell Meg I said we can totally go out to dinner and I will wear one of my uniforms.
I am learning so much and it is coming really fast to me. I am a squad leader and I think pretty soon I will get promoted to Platoon guide. One of my Drill Sgnts really likes me and sees how good I am so I think I might go for airborn school just cuz I don't want to pass up on any opportunity and I am learning I can do anything I put my mind to. I go to church on Sunday and I am really enjoying that. It's kind of like the only time I have to think about God or anything like that and noone yells at you. On top of that we usually don't do anything on Sundays and during the week if its too cold we train indoors. Send me pictures and any news you can. I love you guys. Goodnight.
your son, PV2 Johnson, Steven
I just got my very first letter from you guys and it made me feel really good. I'm glad everything is going well and I'm excited to get any pictures you want to send me. First off let me answer the questions you asked me. I am in red phase and it sucks. I can't wait to blue phase. Just so you know OSUT has two more phases than regular basic which are black and gold. I am not making friends but I am making brothers. I ran in the ironman contest for my platoon yesterday and my battle buddy and I came in second but I did some things I never thought I could do. I climbed a 15 foot rope and climbed an eight foot wall during the contest so that was pretty cool. My whole platoon was cheering me on and it made me feel really good. I did get a dentist check at processing and I have an appointment on the 29th but it is getting rescheduled because we are going out to the field for 4 days without coming into a building. I think they are pulling a couple of teeth maybe a filling or something I'm not sure. I'm sorry to hear about your root canal that really sucks but on another note I'm glad you are getting in shape I hope you stick with it. I'm getting in shape too but I'm sure it's a lil dif. Tell Meg I said we can totally go out to dinner and I will wear one of my uniforms.
I am learning so much and it is coming really fast to me. I am a squad leader and I think pretty soon I will get promoted to Platoon guide. One of my Drill Sgnts really likes me and sees how good I am so I think I might go for airborn school just cuz I don't want to pass up on any opportunity and I am learning I can do anything I put my mind to. I go to church on Sunday and I am really enjoying that. It's kind of like the only time I have to think about God or anything like that and noone yells at you. On top of that we usually don't do anything on Sundays and during the week if its too cold we train indoors. Send me pictures and any news you can. I love you guys. Goodnight.
your son, PV2 Johnson, Steven
20080116
Dear Mom,
Today was pretty fun we went to a Team building exercise obstacle course and worked on being a team. Also it was our first full day with our M16A4 rifles and we have to take them everywhere. We sleep with them eat with them the whole nine yards. The only time we don't have it with us is in the latrine. That's the other thing, no more bathroom or restroom it's a latrine and no more breakfast lunch or dinner it's chow. So many things are different and it feels kinda weird but it's a whole lot of fun too. Of course getting dropped and smoked (that's where they make you work out till you puke) sucks but 3rd Platoon is pretty good so that doesn't happen much. Back to chow, it is pretty good and I get enough to eat just not a lot of time in which to eat it. I got to get in the shower now so thats all for tonight I love all of you and I will see you soon.
Love, PV2 Johnson
Today was pretty fun we went to a Team building exercise obstacle course and worked on being a team. Also it was our first full day with our M16A4 rifles and we have to take them everywhere. We sleep with them eat with them the whole nine yards. The only time we don't have it with us is in the latrine. That's the other thing, no more bathroom or restroom it's a latrine and no more breakfast lunch or dinner it's chow. So many things are different and it feels kinda weird but it's a whole lot of fun too. Of course getting dropped and smoked (that's where they make you work out till you puke) sucks but 3rd Platoon is pretty good so that doesn't happen much. Back to chow, it is pretty good and I get enough to eat just not a lot of time in which to eat it. I got to get in the shower now so thats all for tonight I love all of you and I will see you soon.
Love, PV2 Johnson
Undated
Dear Mom and Dad,
WOW it snowed today and it has been really cold here for a while now. Today we also got a lot of our field gear like our helmets and our cevlar vests which are heavy. Tomorrow we get our weapons and we have to sleep with them and the whole nine yards so it should be really fun. some crazy things have happened like this guy got arrested for disobeying an order and they made us all watch. The drill sgnts aren't that bad, they yell a lot but that's to be expected. My voice is gone from singing cadence and stuff but other than all that I'm doing really well. Everyone got this flu mist shot up the nose a while ago so of course we are all sick. If Dad would give out my address to a few people at Target that he knows will want to write me that would be awesome. I can't wait to start getting letters from you guys I know they will make me feel good in between phone calls. I am very motivated and my spirits are high so I know I will be fine. April 30th at 1800 is family weekend. If you can't make it here I understand but just let me know so I can try and get someone else to come visit just so I'm not stuck here alone. My actual graduation is on May 1st at 1000. I got to run and get inthe shower but write me soon.
Love, Your Son
WOW it snowed today and it has been really cold here for a while now. Today we also got a lot of our field gear like our helmets and our cevlar vests which are heavy. Tomorrow we get our weapons and we have to sleep with them and the whole nine yards so it should be really fun. some crazy things have happened like this guy got arrested for disobeying an order and they made us all watch. The drill sgnts aren't that bad, they yell a lot but that's to be expected. My voice is gone from singing cadence and stuff but other than all that I'm doing really well. Everyone got this flu mist shot up the nose a while ago so of course we are all sick. If Dad would give out my address to a few people at Target that he knows will want to write me that would be awesome. I can't wait to start getting letters from you guys I know they will make me feel good in between phone calls. I am very motivated and my spirits are high so I know I will be fine. April 30th at 1800 is family weekend. If you can't make it here I understand but just let me know so I can try and get someone else to come visit just so I'm not stuck here alone. My actual graduation is on May 1st at 1000. I got to run and get inthe shower but write me soon.
Love, Your Son
20080107
Mom and Dad,
I am doing well at reception. I talked to Mom today for all of about two seconds but it is better than nothing. While in formation this morning the Bradley tanks rolled by and that was pretty awesome. Those are the tanks I will be working with and seeing them for the first time really got me excited about starting basic on Friday. I will be sure to let you know when family weekend is as soon as I know. If I get the chance I will write you as much as possible but I'm not mailing this letter until I get to my actual station that way the return address will be right. Please write me as much as you can and tell everyone you can to do the same even if I don't write you. I know your letters will make me feel good. All that we do at reception is stand in formation for hours at a time, eat food really fast, talk to all kinds of people, and stand in formation some more. So it sucks but I can't wait to start training. I better go to sleep now so I will write you when I can. I love you all very much.
Your son, Steven T Johnson
I am doing well at reception. I talked to Mom today for all of about two seconds but it is better than nothing. While in formation this morning the Bradley tanks rolled by and that was pretty awesome. Those are the tanks I will be working with and seeing them for the first time really got me excited about starting basic on Friday. I will be sure to let you know when family weekend is as soon as I know. If I get the chance I will write you as much as possible but I'm not mailing this letter until I get to my actual station that way the return address will be right. Please write me as much as you can and tell everyone you can to do the same even if I don't write you. I know your letters will make me feel good. All that we do at reception is stand in formation for hours at a time, eat food really fast, talk to all kinds of people, and stand in formation some more. So it sucks but I can't wait to start training. I better go to sleep now so I will write you when I can. I love you all very much.
Your son, Steven T Johnson
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