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.
20080315
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
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