During one of my conversations with Daniel this week, we were talking about nicknames. I asked him if his drill sergeants had given him any nicknames, and he said that they were calling him "the rock," because he is hard-headed. I told him he comes by that trait honest, and it isn't completely a bad thing.
We also talked about how "the rock" should actually be perceived in many ways as a good thing. I reminded him that Jesus called his disciple Simon Peter the rock, and that Peter was quite hard-headed. Hard-headedness doesn't mean that he is unteachable, much to the contrary. The rock is a firm foundation, and I believe that Daniel has that. He comes from strong roots, and as he grows, he will learn that more and more. He is unwavering in his beliefs which is all very positive. I believe he is now convinced that being "the rock" is a good thing. He will truly be one that his comrades can count on.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
hospitalized
We got a surprise phone call from Daniel on Tuesday evening. He was in the Army hospital. They didn't know if it was cellulitis, contact dermatitis or something else, but obviously, the Army doctors felt like it was serious enough to keep him for a few days.
Daniel had told us on Sunday that his hands were starting to "crack." We just figured that they were chapped due to the cold, dry temperature and suggested that he use lotion. He took our advice, but apparently it was too late. The lotion caused the redness and irritation to spread to his entire hands, and they swelled up to the point that he couldn't wear his gloves. His company went on a ruck march on Monday, and by the time they arrived (about 7.5 miles), his drill sergeants felt that his hands needed to be looked at by a doctor and took him by truck back to the Army hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Daniel was very disappointed about being hospitalized, but he took it in stride. He seems to have received good care. They ran a few tests and treated him with steroid cream. The swelling went down and his hands began to heal. Now, he is only complaining of itching, but he understands that is part of the healing process.
Daniel was discharged from the hospital on Friday after lunch, just in time to return to his company for their first class A (dress uniform) fitting. I know he will look soooo handsome!
While Daniel was in the hospital, he was able to call us every day, several times a day. I was glad that I could hear from him and be kept up to date on his health. I am very grateful that he received such good care. And, of course, I'm glad he has been able to return to training, although I will miss getting to talk to him daily. He did tell us that they are expecting an 8-hour on-base pass on Sunday (as long as no one messes up), so I will look forward to talking with him then.
Daniel had told us on Sunday that his hands were starting to "crack." We just figured that they were chapped due to the cold, dry temperature and suggested that he use lotion. He took our advice, but apparently it was too late. The lotion caused the redness and irritation to spread to his entire hands, and they swelled up to the point that he couldn't wear his gloves. His company went on a ruck march on Monday, and by the time they arrived (about 7.5 miles), his drill sergeants felt that his hands needed to be looked at by a doctor and took him by truck back to the Army hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Daniel was very disappointed about being hospitalized, but he took it in stride. He seems to have received good care. They ran a few tests and treated him with steroid cream. The swelling went down and his hands began to heal. Now, he is only complaining of itching, but he understands that is part of the healing process.
Daniel was discharged from the hospital on Friday after lunch, just in time to return to his company for their first class A (dress uniform) fitting. I know he will look soooo handsome!
While Daniel was in the hospital, he was able to call us every day, several times a day. I was glad that I could hear from him and be kept up to date on his health. I am very grateful that he received such good care. And, of course, I'm glad he has been able to return to training, although I will miss getting to talk to him daily. He did tell us that they are expecting an 8-hour on-base pass on Sunday (as long as no one messes up), so I will look forward to talking with him then.
Monday, February 22, 2010
a veteran's salute
I sent an email to the church prayer group today, requesting prayer for Daniel as he is struggling at this point in his training. I received this fabulous email in return. He asked me to send it on to Daniel, and I intend to do that!
We that have been where he is now, know that the job is hard, and time to sleep and rest is short. What he is going through is not only a test for him, but this is to show him, that he can do much more than he thinks he can. The strength he possess is much more than he normally would ever use. Basic is meant to show him this. After basic, the service will become more like a job and not a test. I used to say, "I wouldn't wish "Basic," on my worst enemy!" It is more than tuff! He must remember it is only a learning / teaching time and what he learns will benefit him the rest of his life. He must use his strong ties to the Lord now and always. It will get him through anything! Those of us, brothers and sisters, that have been there, and are still there, will always support him, respect and honor him as a patriot. One that loves his Lord, and under God, his country.
In the service, a salute is only to someone you think very highly of and really respect. I salute Daniel, for what he is doing now and what he will be, after he accomplishes this job and his duty. I salute his mom, for giving such a great son, to serve the Lord and our country. If it wasn't for the Lord, and those that serve, we would not have now, the freedoms we have in this great country. The Boy Scouts said it pretty good. Daniel, do your best, to do your duty, to God and country. Most of all, I believe this with all my heart. Stay close to the Lord. All things can be done through him.
Our prayers are with you, and all those like you. Be proud of what you are. An American, under GOD, that loves the Lord!
God Bless,
Jim Cowart
U.S Army Veteran
1968-1971
We that have been where he is now, know that the job is hard, and time to sleep and rest is short. What he is going through is not only a test for him, but this is to show him, that he can do much more than he thinks he can. The strength he possess is much more than he normally would ever use. Basic is meant to show him this. After basic, the service will become more like a job and not a test. I used to say, "I wouldn't wish "Basic," on my worst enemy!" It is more than tuff! He must remember it is only a learning / teaching time and what he learns will benefit him the rest of his life. He must use his strong ties to the Lord now and always. It will get him through anything! Those of us, brothers and sisters, that have been there, and are still there, will always support him, respect and honor him as a patriot. One that loves his Lord, and under God, his country.
In the service, a salute is only to someone you think very highly of and really respect. I salute Daniel, for what he is doing now and what he will be, after he accomplishes this job and his duty. I salute his mom, for giving such a great son, to serve the Lord and our country. If it wasn't for the Lord, and those that serve, we would not have now, the freedoms we have in this great country. The Boy Scouts said it pretty good. Daniel, do your best, to do your duty, to God and country. Most of all, I believe this with all my heart. Stay close to the Lord. All things can be done through him.
Our prayers are with you, and all those like you. Be proud of what you are. An American, under GOD, that loves the Lord!
God Bless,
Jim Cowart
U.S Army Veteran
1968-1971
homesick
I got my second phone call from Daniel yesterday afternoon. He called during a church dinner, but Lee and I excused ourselves and went outside to take the call. (I did share the phone call with his dad this time.) Daniel purchased a pre-paid cell phone at the PX and used it to call home. They aren't allowed to have their personal cell phones back yet. I was grateful that Daniel did this because our connection was so much better than it is on a payphone using a calling card.
They had gotten a 3-hour on base pass, and I think the guys hardly knew what to do with themselves without the drill sergeants in their faces. Most of the guys used part of their pass to get some "real food." In fact, someone even ordered a 4 FOOT PIZZA from a pizzaria on base that was shared among the guys. Daniel said that the food in the chow hall is terrible.
He had a lot information, but sadly, he was very homesick. He misses us, and of course I miss him too. Towards the end of our conversation, I could even begin hearing the tears in his voice. He knows he is in God's will, and he knows that he is doing the right thing, but I think it is harder than he thought it would be. (Unfortunately, recruiters do tend to sugarcoat the training.) All I could do was continue to encourage him. He did say that he had connected with some other Christian friends in his platoon, and I encouraged them to pray together and continue to support each other.
Daniel is not quite half done with his basic training. He has been gone for 7 weeks tomorrow, and he has about 8 1/2 weeks to go. However, in less than 3 weeks, he will officially be a SOLDIER!
I spent most of our conversation encouraging him and telling him how proud we are of him. He did ask for more pictures, so I will try to get those out to him today or tomorrow. This growing up is harder than I thought it would be.
As for the latest news from Missouri, he did say that the weather had warmed up some. He also said that he shot marksman and qualified with his rifle last week. He missed passing his PT test by only 3 pushups this time. He did enough pushups, but they weren't proper pushups. He will still get several more chances to pass. He said the hardest part so far has been the "ruck march." They marched for 5K last week carrying their packs weiging 60-85 lbs. on their backs. Today, they are going to do the same thing, except they are going 10K.
According to the drill sergeants, they are all going to go to Fort Hood and then expect to be deployed in about 3-5 months, but that it is "subject to change." I've been warned by seasoned Army parents that drill sergeants will tell the guys stuff like this to prepare them for war, but they really don't know anything about the guys next assignments and when/if they will be deployed. Daniel won't receive his actual orders until about a month before graduation. (I didn't tell Daniel this because it is important that he continue to trust his drill sergeants, and the drill sergeants certainly could be right.)
Daniel has asked for prayer for strength to pass his PT test and for personal courage to get through the training. I know he can do it!
He did tell me that he will be sending me the pictures of him in uniform this week. As soon as I receive them, I will scan them and post them for all to see. I am soooo proud of him.
They had gotten a 3-hour on base pass, and I think the guys hardly knew what to do with themselves without the drill sergeants in their faces. Most of the guys used part of their pass to get some "real food." In fact, someone even ordered a 4 FOOT PIZZA from a pizzaria on base that was shared among the guys. Daniel said that the food in the chow hall is terrible.
He had a lot information, but sadly, he was very homesick. He misses us, and of course I miss him too. Towards the end of our conversation, I could even begin hearing the tears in his voice. He knows he is in God's will, and he knows that he is doing the right thing, but I think it is harder than he thought it would be. (Unfortunately, recruiters do tend to sugarcoat the training.) All I could do was continue to encourage him. He did say that he had connected with some other Christian friends in his platoon, and I encouraged them to pray together and continue to support each other.
Daniel is not quite half done with his basic training. He has been gone for 7 weeks tomorrow, and he has about 8 1/2 weeks to go. However, in less than 3 weeks, he will officially be a SOLDIER!
I spent most of our conversation encouraging him and telling him how proud we are of him. He did ask for more pictures, so I will try to get those out to him today or tomorrow. This growing up is harder than I thought it would be.
As for the latest news from Missouri, he did say that the weather had warmed up some. He also said that he shot marksman and qualified with his rifle last week. He missed passing his PT test by only 3 pushups this time. He did enough pushups, but they weren't proper pushups. He will still get several more chances to pass. He said the hardest part so far has been the "ruck march." They marched for 5K last week carrying their packs weiging 60-85 lbs. on their backs. Today, they are going to do the same thing, except they are going 10K.
According to the drill sergeants, they are all going to go to Fort Hood and then expect to be deployed in about 3-5 months, but that it is "subject to change." I've been warned by seasoned Army parents that drill sergeants will tell the guys stuff like this to prepare them for war, but they really don't know anything about the guys next assignments and when/if they will be deployed. Daniel won't receive his actual orders until about a month before graduation. (I didn't tell Daniel this because it is important that he continue to trust his drill sergeants, and the drill sergeants certainly could be right.)
Daniel has asked for prayer for strength to pass his PT test and for personal courage to get through the training. I know he can do it!
He did tell me that he will be sending me the pictures of him in uniform this week. As soon as I receive them, I will scan them and post them for all to see. I am soooo proud of him.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
growing up
I read a great quote from another Army Mom today: "Being cold or scared are really ok on the road to growing up. We all went through times like that and we made it!"
I never really thought about it that way. I've spent many days since Daniel left wondering ... Is he cold? Is he scared? Is he tired? Do his muscles ache from all those pushups? Will he make it? Now, after reading this other mom's quote, I realize that the answer to all of those questions at one time or another since he left is YES. But now I am turning my focus into realizing that it is okay. It is okay and yes, even good for him to be cold or scared. Life isn't always comfortable. But he will learn that he can survive and even thrive under in those difficult and scary things. And he will be even stronger for it. It is part of growing up!
I look back and remember booboos and emergency room visits. I remember toothaches, tummy aches, and sleepless nights. I remember scaring away the monsters under his bed and teaching him to say his prayers. All of this, all though it may not always be good, it is always okay, and it is part of growing up.
Daniel is turning into a man! And not just any man, but an American Soldier! It is hard to imagine my young boy in his diaper and Barney slippers now wearing camouflage and combat boots. I know that it won't always be easy, but it isn't my job to make it easy for him. It is my job to love him and encourage him whenever he falls or fails, and that I can do!
And, I guess realizing all this today is part of my growing up! I'm learning to be the mom of a Soldier!
I never really thought about it that way. I've spent many days since Daniel left wondering ... Is he cold? Is he scared? Is he tired? Do his muscles ache from all those pushups? Will he make it? Now, after reading this other mom's quote, I realize that the answer to all of those questions at one time or another since he left is YES. But now I am turning my focus into realizing that it is okay. It is okay and yes, even good for him to be cold or scared. Life isn't always comfortable. But he will learn that he can survive and even thrive under in those difficult and scary things. And he will be even stronger for it. It is part of growing up!
I look back and remember booboos and emergency room visits. I remember toothaches, tummy aches, and sleepless nights. I remember scaring away the monsters under his bed and teaching him to say his prayers. All of this, all though it may not always be good, it is always okay, and it is part of growing up.
Daniel is turning into a man! And not just any man, but an American Soldier! It is hard to imagine my young boy in his diaper and Barney slippers now wearing camouflage and combat boots. I know that it won't always be easy, but it isn't my job to make it easy for him. It is my job to love him and encourage him whenever he falls or fails, and that I can do!
And, I guess realizing all this today is part of my growing up! I'm learning to be the mom of a Soldier!
Friday, February 12, 2010
first letter
As promised, I am posting the full content of Daniel's letter here. I'm also posting a picture of his letter. :)
Dear Mom, Dad and Abbie,
How have ya'll been?
I've been good. Red phase has been going well. The whole company has been through the gas chamber and through group training exercises and obstacle courses and have done grouping just yesterday on Saturday the 6th. Tomorrow on Monday, we are going zeroing in our weapons and on Tuesday, we are going to the first firing range to get a pin point on our weapons.
Also, yesterday my birthday wasn't that bad. I had to do eighty pushups for the letters because they said 3rd platoon and not 2nd platoon.
My first PT (physical training) test I ran 2 miles in 17:22 minutes, pushups - 29, and situps - 55. My score isn't that bad, but I need to work on it a little more.
There's a chance by the end of this week we'll be in white phase since last week we didn't do it. Since I've been the platoon guide, I've been working my rear end off to get us there this week.
The drill sergeants are not that bad either. Their names are SSG Fritch, SSG Moyer, and SSG Johnson. Our platoon motto is "We stand ready to deploy, engage the enemy of the United States in hand-to-hand combat." It came from the Soldier's Creed where it says, "I stand ready to deploy and engage the enemy of the United States of America in close combat."
I love you and hope to see you in nine weeks along with grandma.
Love, PV2 Hart, Daniel G.
P.S. Could you send some family photos and also thank Aunt Carolyn for sending the letters as well as thank all the church members. Also, who won the Super Bowl? Send the Cherry Halls.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
first phone call
I got my first phone call from Daniel today. I am sooooo happy to hear from him. He was only allowed to talk for about 5 minutes, but he sounded very proud and confident (and a bit hoarse). I'd been warned by many Army moms (and a few dads) that the first phone call or letter I would receive would probably be along the lines of "what did I get myself into" or "get me out of here." My conversation with Daniel this morning was nothing like that.
The most exciting news at all is that he is PLATOON GUIDE right now. (He says that being Platoon Guide is "hard work" which is why he hasn't been able to write yet.) The organization structure is such that each company is broken down into platoons (each with a platoon guide) and each platoon into squads (each with a squad leader). Daniel is the platoon guide responsible for his platoon, and he reports directly to the drill sergeants. He is allowed to delegate to the other recruits through their squad leaders, but ultimately he has to make sure that things get done within the platoon. If things don't get done, he is held responsible. I can understand where this could be very time-consuming (and, at times, frustrating). But it is also a very high privilege for his drill sergeants to give him this assignment. It shows that he has shown his drill sergeant that he has "leadership potential." I am very proud!
I did ask him about the weather, and he said it is colder than he thought it would be. He said that the did the obstacle course in 5 inches of snow. BRRRR!!! But he also said that the gas chamber "wasn't that bad."
They are in "white phase" right now, which is weapons training. He really seems to be enjoying it. I asked him if his platoon was getting "smoked" a lot, and he said, "not as much as we were the first three weeks." ("Smoked" is the term used for doing extra physical training ("PT") as a consequence of doing something wrong, or sometimes just because the drill sergeant is exerting his authority and discipline.)
Of course, I told Daniel repeatedly how proud I am of him and that I love him very much. He asked about the family, and I told him we are doing great and that we are praying for him and think about him often.
IMPORTANT: Anyone who has his address needs to know that he is in 2nd platoon -- not 3rd platoon. Also, please put a large "2" on the back of the envelope and circle it.
There is so much more I would have liked to have had the time to say to him or ask him. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and a poor connection, we weren't able to talk long. I am thrilled that I heard from him.
Please keep writing. He has gotten our letters (even though we were addressing them wrong). I know that the cards and letters are an encouragement to him.
The most exciting news at all is that he is PLATOON GUIDE right now. (He says that being Platoon Guide is "hard work" which is why he hasn't been able to write yet.) The organization structure is such that each company is broken down into platoons (each with a platoon guide) and each platoon into squads (each with a squad leader). Daniel is the platoon guide responsible for his platoon, and he reports directly to the drill sergeants. He is allowed to delegate to the other recruits through their squad leaders, but ultimately he has to make sure that things get done within the platoon. If things don't get done, he is held responsible. I can understand where this could be very time-consuming (and, at times, frustrating). But it is also a very high privilege for his drill sergeants to give him this assignment. It shows that he has shown his drill sergeant that he has "leadership potential." I am very proud!
I did ask him about the weather, and he said it is colder than he thought it would be. He said that the did the obstacle course in 5 inches of snow. BRRRR!!! But he also said that the gas chamber "wasn't that bad."
They are in "white phase" right now, which is weapons training. He really seems to be enjoying it. I asked him if his platoon was getting "smoked" a lot, and he said, "not as much as we were the first three weeks." ("Smoked" is the term used for doing extra physical training ("PT") as a consequence of doing something wrong, or sometimes just because the drill sergeant is exerting his authority and discipline.)
Of course, I told Daniel repeatedly how proud I am of him and that I love him very much. He asked about the family, and I told him we are doing great and that we are praying for him and think about him often.
IMPORTANT: Anyone who has his address needs to know that he is in 2nd platoon -- not 3rd platoon. Also, please put a large "2" on the back of the envelope and circle it.
There is so much more I would have liked to have had the time to say to him or ask him. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and a poor connection, we weren't able to talk long. I am thrilled that I heard from him.
Please keep writing. He has gotten our letters (even though we were addressing them wrong). I know that the cards and letters are an encouragement to him.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
19 years ago today
19 years ago today, I gave birth to my first born. I promised to love and protect him always. I promised to teach him many things (and he has taught me many things). I was just 22 years old myself, and I didn't really know what I was doing. But I knew that I loved him, more than I even loved myself at that point in my life. What a blessing he has been (and continues to be).
Daniel has grown into an amazing young man. A young man who loves his family and loves GOD. He knows where his strength comes from, and he gives back at every opportunity. He is the most generous and thoughtful young man that I know. (Perhaps I'm just a bit biased?)
Today, I reflected on my duty and responsibility to protect my child. I am thinking about the high likelihood that he will probably go off to war in defense of our country and the freedoms that we love so much (and often take for granted). And I realize that I won't be able to always protect him. That is a hard pill to swallow. I want to protect him. I feel that I need to protect him. I wish that I could protect him. But instead, I must trust. I have to trust that he is doing exactly what God has called him to do. He has made wonderful choices to this point, and I must trust that he will continue to make great choices. I trust that the military will provide him with the equipment and training that he needs to defend our country and to remain safe in doing so. I have faith that God knows where Daniel is and what he is doing, even when I don't. And that, although I feel like no one could love Daniel as much as I do, God loves him more!
I also looked again at the Soldier's Creed. Today, the words that stuck out to me were: "I will never leave a fallen comrade." These words bring me comfort. Although I would never wish any harm to come to Daniel (or any of his comrades), I get comfort in knowing that, in the event that the unthinkable does happen, he would not be alone. The soldiers take this creed very seriously.
This brings to mind an even greater comfort which is that I know that Daniel will NEVER be alone. He is in God's will, and God will always be right by his side. And more importantly, I know that Daniel knows that.
I expect that Daniel has probably received many birthday cards. Thank ya'll for sending them. I wish that I could make him a strawberry cake or take him for a favorite meal today, but instead I just offer him my love and neverending support, as he spreads his wings and follows his dreams.
Daniel has grown into an amazing young man. A young man who loves his family and loves GOD. He knows where his strength comes from, and he gives back at every opportunity. He is the most generous and thoughtful young man that I know. (Perhaps I'm just a bit biased?)
Today, I reflected on my duty and responsibility to protect my child. I am thinking about the high likelihood that he will probably go off to war in defense of our country and the freedoms that we love so much (and often take for granted). And I realize that I won't be able to always protect him. That is a hard pill to swallow. I want to protect him. I feel that I need to protect him. I wish that I could protect him. But instead, I must trust. I have to trust that he is doing exactly what God has called him to do. He has made wonderful choices to this point, and I must trust that he will continue to make great choices. I trust that the military will provide him with the equipment and training that he needs to defend our country and to remain safe in doing so. I have faith that God knows where Daniel is and what he is doing, even when I don't. And that, although I feel like no one could love Daniel as much as I do, God loves him more!
I also looked again at the Soldier's Creed. Today, the words that stuck out to me were: "I will never leave a fallen comrade." These words bring me comfort. Although I would never wish any harm to come to Daniel (or any of his comrades), I get comfort in knowing that, in the event that the unthinkable does happen, he would not be alone. The soldiers take this creed very seriously.
This brings to mind an even greater comfort which is that I know that Daniel will NEVER be alone. He is in God's will, and God will always be right by his side. And more importantly, I know that Daniel knows that.
I expect that Daniel has probably received many birthday cards. Thank ya'll for sending them. I wish that I could make him a strawberry cake or take him for a favorite meal today, but instead I just offer him my love and neverending support, as he spreads his wings and follows his dreams.
Friday, February 5, 2010
at least now I know he is okay
Today is one month since Daniel left, and I still hadn't heard anything from him. I tried calling/emailing his recruiter and emailed the commander, but I still got no response. I just wanted to know that he is okay.
Finally, I got advice from a very seasoned Army dad on the Go Army Parents website. He suggested that I contact Daniel's unit chaplain and that the chaplain could find out what was going on for me. This dad was even able to provide me with a phone number for the chaplain's office, so I nervously dialed the number. (I certainly didn't want to cause Daniel additional hardship or trouble by "checking up on him.")
The chaplain's office was very kind and helpful. He took down my information as well as my son's information and said that he would call me back in 10 minutes. After about 12 minutes, he called. He said that he had spoken to Daniel's unit commander and confirmed that Daniel is okay -- not hurt or in any trouble. He also told me that because I had called, it was likely that the commander would get a message to Daniel that his parents were concerned about him, and he needed to call home.
Lastly, the chaplain's office told me that if I don't hear from Daniel in the next week, I can call back. He said that he has authority to request a meeting with any recruit and that he could get Daniel to come to his office and call me. Hopefully, we won't get to that point.
Finally, I got advice from a very seasoned Army dad on the Go Army Parents website. He suggested that I contact Daniel's unit chaplain and that the chaplain could find out what was going on for me. This dad was even able to provide me with a phone number for the chaplain's office, so I nervously dialed the number. (I certainly didn't want to cause Daniel additional hardship or trouble by "checking up on him.")
The chaplain's office was very kind and helpful. He took down my information as well as my son's information and said that he would call me back in 10 minutes. After about 12 minutes, he called. He said that he had spoken to Daniel's unit commander and confirmed that Daniel is okay -- not hurt or in any trouble. He also told me that because I had called, it was likely that the commander would get a message to Daniel that his parents were concerned about him, and he needed to call home.
Lastly, the chaplain's office told me that if I don't hear from Daniel in the next week, I can call back. He said that he has authority to request a meeting with any recruit and that he could get Daniel to come to his office and call me. Hopefully, we won't get to that point.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
good days and bad days
Daniel has been gone for 4 weeks today, and I still haven't heard from him. However, I am starting to have more good days than bad days with regard to how I'm handling it. Of course, I miss him all the time, but I'm not freaking out about it quite so much. I have a peace of mind that he is doing what he has been called to do, and that he is doing a good job of it. Thank you for your prayers!
Daniel will be 19 on Saturday (Feb. 6). He has overcome so much and made some wonderful choices. I don't know why I would believe that he isn't continuing to do well and continuing to make good choices.
According to information that I've been able to find only, this week at basic training, they will move into "white phase" for the next 3 weeks (hopefully). (White phase can last longer than 3 weeks if it takes them longer than that to become proficient with their weapons.) White phase is where the drill sergeants become more of an instructor and are a little less "in their face." That's not to say that they won't still be yelled at and doing more pushups than they may have thought humanly possible before they left, but the drill sergeants are beginning the process of building them back up and turning them into into United States Army Soldiers!
I've also learned two things this week with regard to Army terminology. First, Daniel is not at boot camp, he is at basic training. The US Navy has boot camp, but the training that US Army Soldiers receive is basic training, or more specifically, basic combat training. Also, I learned that Daniel is not officially a solider (yet). They become soldiers around the 9th week of basic training. At which time, they will recite the Soldier's Creed and be issued their berets (the hats that they wear with their class A dress uniforms). Until then, they are "privates" or "recruits" or *bleep* [censored]. (I've been told this is a very highly emotional day for the new Soldiers!) For those who haven't seen or heard the Soldier's Creed, this is what it says.
(I could hardly even type that without tears coming to my eyes.) My plan is to break it down and comment on various phrases from the Soldier's Creed in future blogs.
Regardless of whether or not Daniel is a Soldier yet, or whether or not he is at boot camp or basic training, I am still incredibly proud of him! I know that he will continue to make good choices, and I still hope that I will hear from him soon!
Daniel will be 19 on Saturday (Feb. 6). He has overcome so much and made some wonderful choices. I don't know why I would believe that he isn't continuing to do well and continuing to make good choices.
According to information that I've been able to find only, this week at basic training, they will move into "white phase" for the next 3 weeks (hopefully). (White phase can last longer than 3 weeks if it takes them longer than that to become proficient with their weapons.) White phase is where the drill sergeants become more of an instructor and are a little less "in their face." That's not to say that they won't still be yelled at and doing more pushups than they may have thought humanly possible before they left, but the drill sergeants are beginning the process of building them back up and turning them into into United States Army Soldiers!
I've also learned two things this week with regard to Army terminology. First, Daniel is not at boot camp, he is at basic training. The US Navy has boot camp, but the training that US Army Soldiers receive is basic training, or more specifically, basic combat training. Also, I learned that Daniel is not officially a solider (yet). They become soldiers around the 9th week of basic training. At which time, they will recite the Soldier's Creed and be issued their berets (the hats that they wear with their class A dress uniforms). Until then, they are "privates" or "recruits" or *bleep* [censored]. (I've been told this is a very highly emotional day for the new Soldiers!) For those who haven't seen or heard the Soldier's Creed, this is what it says.
THE SOLDIER'S CREED
I am an American Soldier
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States
and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and
mentally tough, trained and proficient
in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms,
my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy
the enemies of the United States
of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of the freedom and
The American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
(I could hardly even type that without tears coming to my eyes.) My plan is to break it down and comment on various phrases from the Soldier's Creed in future blogs.
Regardless of whether or not Daniel is a Soldier yet, or whether or not he is at boot camp or basic training, I am still incredibly proud of him! I know that he will continue to make good choices, and I still hope that I will hear from him soon!
a favor for a friend
A wonderful friend of mine has asked me to post this link. Her daughters love to wear bandanas (and look awesome in them I might add). She has always been supportive of me, and this is the least that I can do.
http://www.onlybandanas.com/
http://www.onlybandanas.com/
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