Picking up right were the last letter left off, Dave went to sick call on Monday to have his ear infection re-evaluated. The doctor said it was still a little red, but that it would be alright. It wasn't...He went back to sick call on Sun and spent the enitre day there. Hopefully by now he is feeling better, but please keep him in your prayers.
Tuesday: They had to do some timed target shooting. They shot at 75, 175, and 300 Meters. He hit 27 out of 44, which is good.
Wednesday: MAC, Modern Army Combatives. He didn't enjoy this very much because they were all on a mat together, and there wasnt much room to really do the things they were learning, otherwise it would have been fun.
Thursday: pre-qualification. If they shot a 36+ they didn't have to do it again the next day. Sadly Dave only shot a 27 :(
Friday: Qualification Day. He shot a 29! 1 shot away from a Sharp-Shooter.
Saturday: bayonet training. Other than the "beastly heat" it would have been great. In the afternoon they had a class on combat opics and close quaters marksmanship. Dave says it was cool but sitting in a chair in the heat made him sleepy and he had a hard time staying awake. That night they got pizza. He really misses pizza and so was very happy to have some.
Sunday: Back in sick call.
That was his week in a nut shell. He says there is a lot more down time now than before, mostly because they are waiting in line to shoot or something. He is still really enjoying himself and once again aside from his ear doing quite well. So everyone knows I'm doing well too.
Please keep Dave in your prayers.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The missing letter
So I finaly got the letter that Dave sent to KY after I had left! I thought it had gotten lost but it showed up today. It was mailed March 31st and covers the week of the 22nd-27th. So pretend that this post was written a couple weeks ago when I had that 2 week break.
He starts off writing about his experience with the gas chamber. He isn't sure if his masked worked at all as his eyes began to water the moment he entered the room, and he started to cough. They had to pull the mask forward, say their name, clear the mask and seal it. It took Dave several times to say it so that his DS could hear him. Then they had to remove the mask and hold their mask in one hand and their rifle in the other. They also had to strap their helmet on. If you messed up you went through again. As Dave was walking out, He had the prompting to doublr check his chin strap. He did so and discovered that it wasn't done properly. He quickly fixed it and saved himself from having to go through again. He thanked God, and I do now. I love when he tells me about the little mircles.
Tuesday, if you recall, they went to the Eagle Tower, repelling. He really enjoyed that and didn't stuggle to much. For lunch he had his first MRE, he liked it alright, says it's not like my cooking, but edible.
Wednesday they did a "Confidence Course", an obsticle course. They did a number of different team building challenges. The only part he struggled with was the rope, his platoon got smoked at PT that morning and his arms hadn't recovered just yet. They continued this on Thursday. On his first time up the rope, he still struggled. When he cam back after lunch, he made it up just fine. His platoon won the challenge for the day! They earned 10 min of phone time (which they promptly lost for being late, talking in formation, and failing inspection on Sat).
Friday they had their 1st field training exercise. They learned about manuvering fire teams, bound and drop, and high and low crawl. They concluded that day with another obsticle course using these new skills. They won again!
Saturday they learned about land navigation. Dave rocked that. He said it was super easy for him.
That concludes his week, he mentions seeing pics at www.2-47panthers.org. I haven't checked that link yet but I know this link has pics. http://www.flickr.com/photos/247infantry.
He starts off writing about his experience with the gas chamber. He isn't sure if his masked worked at all as his eyes began to water the moment he entered the room, and he started to cough. They had to pull the mask forward, say their name, clear the mask and seal it. It took Dave several times to say it so that his DS could hear him. Then they had to remove the mask and hold their mask in one hand and their rifle in the other. They also had to strap their helmet on. If you messed up you went through again. As Dave was walking out, He had the prompting to doublr check his chin strap. He did so and discovered that it wasn't done properly. He quickly fixed it and saved himself from having to go through again. He thanked God, and I do now. I love when he tells me about the little mircles.
Tuesday, if you recall, they went to the Eagle Tower, repelling. He really enjoyed that and didn't stuggle to much. For lunch he had his first MRE, he liked it alright, says it's not like my cooking, but edible.
Wednesday they did a "Confidence Course", an obsticle course. They did a number of different team building challenges. The only part he struggled with was the rope, his platoon got smoked at PT that morning and his arms hadn't recovered just yet. They continued this on Thursday. On his first time up the rope, he still struggled. When he cam back after lunch, he made it up just fine. His platoon won the challenge for the day! They earned 10 min of phone time (which they promptly lost for being late, talking in formation, and failing inspection on Sat).
Friday they had their 1st field training exercise. They learned about manuvering fire teams, bound and drop, and high and low crawl. They concluded that day with another obsticle course using these new skills. They won again!
Saturday they learned about land navigation. Dave rocked that. He said it was super easy for him.
That concludes his week, he mentions seeing pics at www.2-47panthers.org. I haven't checked that link yet but I know this link has pics. http://www.flickr.com/photos/247infantry.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What Dave did last week
So I got another letter yesturday all about what he did last week. I was so happy to hear from him again so soon.
Last week was mostly BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). He said it was fun, for the most part. Monday they did electronic shooting simulation, to help with teaching the fundamentals. He passed on his first time! Tuesday was zeroing his weapon, that took 2 trys. Wedneday he went on to advanced rifle drills. He enjoyed that a lot. Thursday would have been more fun for him if it hadn't been raining all day long. He had to go out to the 300m range to shot, the rain let up a little by the time it was his turn and he did great. His DS said "Dead all day, Nigh." I guess thats good. The rain picked up almost imeaditly after he finished (a little blessing I'm sure) and he ahd to eat a soggy MRE for lunch. Friday he worked on learing how to breach a room. Sat they were back in the simulator, this time wearing balistic vests, ammo vests, and Kevlar helmets. The full gear made things a little harder for him. They had to get a min of 27 out of 44 shots. After 33 he only had 20, he quickly said a little prayer and nailed 9 of his last 11 shots (blessing #2). Also that was the day he gt to call me (blessing #3)! He didn't say anything about his ear infection, as he hadn't been to sick call again yet, I expect that in the next letter. Keep him in your prayers.
Last week was mostly BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). He said it was fun, for the most part. Monday they did electronic shooting simulation, to help with teaching the fundamentals. He passed on his first time! Tuesday was zeroing his weapon, that took 2 trys. Wedneday he went on to advanced rifle drills. He enjoyed that a lot. Thursday would have been more fun for him if it hadn't been raining all day long. He had to go out to the 300m range to shot, the rain let up a little by the time it was his turn and he did great. His DS said "Dead all day, Nigh." I guess thats good. The rain picked up almost imeaditly after he finished (a little blessing I'm sure) and he ahd to eat a soggy MRE for lunch. Friday he worked on learing how to breach a room. Sat they were back in the simulator, this time wearing balistic vests, ammo vests, and Kevlar helmets. The full gear made things a little harder for him. They had to get a min of 27 out of 44 shots. After 33 he only had 20, he quickly said a little prayer and nailed 9 of his last 11 shots (blessing #2). Also that was the day he gt to call me (blessing #3)! He didn't say anything about his ear infection, as he hadn't been to sick call again yet, I expect that in the next letter. Keep him in your prayers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
1 month down! 36 days to go!
Sorry for the long break here, I didn't get any news from Dave for quite some time. Not that he didn't write me, I just didn't get the letter(s). He mailed off a letter to my brothers in KY the ast week in March, but by the time it arrived I was in FL. They forwarded it on to my parents, but it didn't arrive there in time either. I left Friday for my sister's in north FL. Luckly she had that weeks letter (3/31-4/4)waiting for me! In his letter he says...
He had to go to sick call Thur, because of an ear infection. It was so bad it woke him up at night and his ear drum ruptured. He got a Px for anti-biotics, pain killers, and decongestants. He had to go back to sick call for re-eval on Friday, Mon, and again yesturday. Other than that he is heathy.
He loves getting mail, so keep it coming!
He has learned about first aide, IED's, rifle marksmanship, how to operate the comms systems, and land navagaton. They also did a team building obstical course. He says he would have enjoyed that more if his team had worked as a team (rather than one lid taking over and not listening to anyone else) and if he hadn't fallen in the water (following the kids advice that he knew wouldn't work, but not wanting to fight any more). The rest of the training is going well. He is really enjoying himself.
I got to talk to him on Sat! Our first phone call since 3/24. It was very exciting. We got to talk for about 12 min. He said his ear is doing better and I have another letter on it's way! He is working hard and having fun.
Now my turn....
As I said I'm now in northern FL at my sisters house. I will be here for the remander of Dave's Basic. My sister is having her 4th baby and I will be here to help out a little. I stay busy with my niece and nephews here. We haven't really done anything special, just day to day things.
We are both doing well, though we miss eachother terribly, but like I said only 36 days till Family Day!
He had to go to sick call Thur, because of an ear infection. It was so bad it woke him up at night and his ear drum ruptured. He got a Px for anti-biotics, pain killers, and decongestants. He had to go back to sick call for re-eval on Friday, Mon, and again yesturday. Other than that he is heathy.
He loves getting mail, so keep it coming!
He has learned about first aide, IED's, rifle marksmanship, how to operate the comms systems, and land navagaton. They also did a team building obstical course. He says he would have enjoyed that more if his team had worked as a team (rather than one lid taking over and not listening to anyone else) and if he hadn't fallen in the water (following the kids advice that he knew wouldn't work, but not wanting to fight any more). The rest of the training is going well. He is really enjoying himself.
I got to talk to him on Sat! Our first phone call since 3/24. It was very exciting. We got to talk for about 12 min. He said his ear is doing better and I have another letter on it's way! He is working hard and having fun.
Now my turn....
As I said I'm now in northern FL at my sisters house. I will be here for the remander of Dave's Basic. My sister is having her 4th baby and I will be here to help out a little. I stay busy with my niece and nephews here. We haven't really done anything special, just day to day things.
We are both doing well, though we miss eachother terribly, but like I said only 36 days till Family Day!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I said I'd write and so I shall...
I've gotten 2 letters from Dave already this week.
1st letter is about his week at reception. It went well, he spent a lot of time waiting in line. Waiting in line for food, waiting in line for shots, waiting in line to shower...well you get the point. He got a bit of a cold then to, not bad he said it was mostly his throat and probably because of yelling his responses to the drill sergeant. He is feeling better. He says he learned quickly how to form up and shut up. He has made some great friends and is having a great time.
2nd letter is from Sunday 14th-Sunday 21st. Finishing reception and starting basic. He attended Sacrament meeting and Sunday School (they don't hold a 3rd hour meeting) and really enjoyed them. More shots on Monday. Tuesday they were greeted by screaming drill sergeants and Basic training began. He can't remember what he did everyday after that, they are blurring together. Dave is learning quickly what to do and what not to do, but the same is not true for all in his platoon. "There is a tremendous lack of discipline!" He has already been pulled aside, with others continuing on to OSC, to be told that more will be expected of them, and to lead by example. Monday 22nd they went to the gas chamber and Tuesday 23rd they did repelling. I'm sure there will be more both in his next letter.
He is doing well and staying strong!
My turn
Since leaving WI, I travled to my Aunts and saw my cousins that I hadn't seen in aprox. 5 years. It was great to talk and catch up in person, instead of just on facebook. I was surprised at how similar we still are and how easy it was to feel like we hadn't been apart. That's just how family is I guess. I only stayed 1 night and continued on to KY to be with Chris, Tammy, and kids Ona, Gabe, Triston, and Alexis. I went with Tammy to pick the kids up from school and they were so surprised to see me there, jaws dropped and eyes lit up. Since then I've done lots of playing and helping with homework. I love it! When I'm not playing or helping the kids, I'm writing Dave, reading a book, or playing on facebook. Nothing exciting, but I'm having fun. I'm keeping busy. I miss Dave terribly, but I'm doing good and having fun. Nieces and nephews are great for that sort of thing. I miss Eau Claire and everyone there, but being with my family has been the best thing with Dave gone.
1st letter is about his week at reception. It went well, he spent a lot of time waiting in line. Waiting in line for food, waiting in line for shots, waiting in line to shower...well you get the point. He got a bit of a cold then to, not bad he said it was mostly his throat and probably because of yelling his responses to the drill sergeant. He is feeling better. He says he learned quickly how to form up and shut up. He has made some great friends and is having a great time.
2nd letter is from Sunday 14th-Sunday 21st. Finishing reception and starting basic. He attended Sacrament meeting and Sunday School (they don't hold a 3rd hour meeting) and really enjoyed them. More shots on Monday. Tuesday they were greeted by screaming drill sergeants and Basic training began. He can't remember what he did everyday after that, they are blurring together. Dave is learning quickly what to do and what not to do, but the same is not true for all in his platoon. "There is a tremendous lack of discipline!" He has already been pulled aside, with others continuing on to OSC, to be told that more will be expected of them, and to lead by example. Monday 22nd they went to the gas chamber and Tuesday 23rd they did repelling. I'm sure there will be more both in his next letter.
He is doing well and staying strong!
My turn
Since leaving WI, I travled to my Aunts and saw my cousins that I hadn't seen in aprox. 5 years. It was great to talk and catch up in person, instead of just on facebook. I was surprised at how similar we still are and how easy it was to feel like we hadn't been apart. That's just how family is I guess. I only stayed 1 night and continued on to KY to be with Chris, Tammy, and kids Ona, Gabe, Triston, and Alexis. I went with Tammy to pick the kids up from school and they were so surprised to see me there, jaws dropped and eyes lit up. Since then I've done lots of playing and helping with homework. I love it! When I'm not playing or helping the kids, I'm writing Dave, reading a book, or playing on facebook. Nothing exciting, but I'm having fun. I'm keeping busy. I miss Dave terribly, but I'm doing good and having fun. Nieces and nephews are great for that sort of thing. I miss Eau Claire and everyone there, but being with my family has been the best thing with Dave gone.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
In KY and Dave's address
I made it to my brothers last Monday, it's been a fun week playing with the kids. They keep me busy. I'll leave next Wed with my parents (they fly in on Fri) and we will drive to my sis in northern FL.
I got a phone call from Dave last week. He gave me his address told me he was doing well and loved me and had to go. 5 min is so short.
Spc Nigh, David
345 B Co. 2nd Bat
47 Inf 192 Bde
Ft. Benning, Ga 31905
PLEASE don't forget, Dave can NOT receive packages. Feel free to send lots of letters and pictures.
I'm sorry this is so short, I will write in more detail the going ons tomorrow.....promise....
I got a phone call from Dave last week. He gave me his address told me he was doing well and loved me and had to go. 5 min is so short.
Spc Nigh, David
345 B Co. 2nd Bat
47 Inf 192 Bde
Ft. Benning, Ga 31905
PLEASE don't forget, Dave can NOT receive packages. Feel free to send lots of letters and pictures.
I'm sorry this is so short, I will write in more detail the going ons tomorrow.....promise....
Thursday, March 11, 2010
2 days down....
....what feels like billions to go.
I've discovered that it is easy not to think about Dave being gone if I absorb myself in other things, and pretend he is just at work and will be home in a few hours. I've been reading a book, watching TV, talking on the phone, cooking, and getting ready for the long road trip. So far, so good!
Dave was able to call today! We got to talk for about 5 min (never thought I'd be so happy to have just 5 min to talk to him). He sounded great. I can't believe how much I've missed his voice already. He is doing really well, though this week will be pretty easy as it isn't basic yet, just prep for it. He said things were good and that he was doing good. He said he hadn't been able to shower for over 24 hrs and didn't enjoy that at all. That didn't surprise me at all as Dave would often take 2 showers a day if he got too sweaty. The man loves his showers. He sounded very excited about everything and quickly told me about getting his PTs and boots, along with the few other things he has been doing. Still no address, he should get it next week. Sadly, he won't be able to call for the next couple of weeks, so he will have to write to give out his address. I will make sure to pass it around and post it as soon as I get it. once again just a reminder NO Packages.
I leave Sunday to begin my trip. I will drive to IN and stay with my aunt for a day or two. Then off to KY to visit my bro, so the next blog will probably be from there. There I will start some of my craft projects, which I can blog about, and bore all who read with my adoring stories about my nieces and nephews. I'm sad to leave WI, but excited to be so close to my family again.
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