Today was a pretty cool, but intense day for us. We had some gnarly PT that was so darn tiring. We had like 8 different stations, which consisted of various exercises, most of them strenuous. After each station we would have to take one lap around the PT track, so all in all on top of the stations, we had to run a total of two miles. It was nothing major but it was a good work out. Afterwards we had to get on our full kit and backpack to a training course two miles away. We learned how to “bound” which is advancing on targets in pairs, hiding behind cover, and covering our partners. Tomorrow and Friday we will be doing it with live fire, so I hope I get a good partner because its dangerous if you don’t know what your doing. Afterwards we had to walk back two miles, not on the road though, through the woods. I found out that the terrain in Georgia is very different than Florida, lol. It was a long, hard, hike back but it was fun as hell. We walked along creeks, saw snakes…and frogs (which of course got tossed at me) and it was just fun as crap because it was different. By far the best part was the recon mission we did on the way back. We came up behind another company who was doing training. They had two weapons guards who were guarding their water buffalo (giant water tank on wheels that we drink from) and our mission was to steal water and not be noticed or create a disturbance. We pulled off the mission nicely, and we got a chance to apply some of the things we’ve learned so far. Our drill sergeant showed and explained to us how we could have eliminated a whole platoon on a battlefield by contaminating or taking away their water supply. I enjoyed the hands on learning experience very much.
Now, onto bigger things. Germany. It still has not hit me yet I don’t think. I am going to live there, not visit or “stop by” lol. I took two semesters of German at college and I’m sure once I am in country I will be able to pick it back up and speak it fluently. Or I could purchase the Michael Phelps edition of Rosetta Stone and see how that works out (Joking of course, but do you remember that commercial?) I am so damn excited to have the opportunity to do this, I am beside myself. I don’t know how it will work exactly but the bases in Germany deploy quite often and it will be likely that I will be deployed very soon. It could happen anywhere from one month to six months from when I arrive to my unit. Now lets say my unit is 4 months into their deployment. I’ll go and jump right in and finish it with them. A typical deployment is 12 to 15 months but could be as little as 6 months in some cases. Every solider is awarded a mid-tour leave in the middle of his or her deployment as well which is typically two weeks long to spend with family. The word on the street is that we will be headed to Afghanistan not Iraq, cool? So for now I’m thinking I may sell my truck depending on what my father things, and ship my motorcycle overseas or sell that as well and buy a new one while I am there. Reguardless though, I cant not have a motorcycle while I am there. So dad, don’t put anymore $$$ into my bike or truck for now, it might be pointless considering all things.
Its going to be horrible having to leave all of my family and friends behind, but I simply can not pass this up. I’ll have to miss out seeing my almost four year old niece grow up in some of her cutest years, I’ll have three less years to spend with my Golden Retriever and best friend who already Is seven years old. This being said, for those of you (friends and family) who want to visit, It will certainly be an experience for you. Tim and Daniel, the Germans make some great beer or “Bier” in Deutche. I bet Daniel (one of my best friends) is stoked about me getting to go, and also excited that he has no choice but to attend Oktoberfest with me at some point.
I received a few of your letters tonight, Tim’s especially because he forgot to put my roster number on my letter (453) which got me 150 push ups, thank a lot Asshole. But seriously don’t do that on purpose, they will mess you up for that. LOL. I saw who it was from and I was like “Dammit Tim….” The letters I am most excited about getting are people’s reactions to my situation now, especially my dad’s. I can’t wait to talk to him on the phone on Sunday too. But that’s enough rambling from me for one night. I’m leaving tomorrow to spend the night out in the field, but I’ll be back Friday evening and I will write again then.
Lots of love
-PFC Zaleuke
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
August 25th, 2009
Since I have started writing this blog, there have been a few posts I’ve been excited to write about. This post right here will be the one I am most excited to write, besides the one on graduation. Do you want to know why I am so excited? Well today I received my orders to my next duty station. That means the place the Army will be sending me after basic training. I signed a three year contract which means I will spend three years here. Would you like to know where I am going? Well, Lol, bear with me for a second. Of course I had my list of places I would like to go like Hawaii, Alaska, California, somewhere overseas like Italy, but I figured with my luck I would get sent somewhere random and stupid.
Well today my drill sergeant was in his office and was peaking out behind his door with his megaphone saying, ,” I know where you’re going for Duty Stations!!” and he would shut the door leaving us all in suspense similar to how I’m doing to you purposely right now. Finally he came out and started telling us one by one.
The guys with Ranger contracts haven’t gotten their shit yet, the guys who are going airborne are going to Italy, some guys are going to Ft. Polk in Louisiana, and then there are the lucky guys such as myself. Out of the 56 guys in my platoon, 13 of us got chosen to go here. I wish to God I could see my father’s face right now. I am going to Germany!
Can you believe that shit? I am literally in shock still. I freaked out when my Drill Sergeant told me, Ha Ha, I was like, “Bull shit, you’re lying!” This is the reason I joined the army, I wanted to see the world. I cant believe I am lucky enough to get to go overseas for my first duty station.
Now, in my last letter I mentioned I would be a mechanized unit. Well it is now set in stone and confirmed. I will either be in 1st I.D. (Infantry Division) aka ‘The Big Red One” or 1st A.D (Armor Division) aka “Old Iron Side” which are both mechanized units. After basic training (AIT included is over and I graduate, I will have the option of taking 14 days leave, ,which I will be doing and returning to Florida, or I could leave directly from here and go to Germany. I cant not see my family and head out to Germany for three years lol. The cool thing is I can bring my motorcycle with me and get it shipped with my personal things “fo free” lol. I’m sorry, I’m excited as hell and I’m rambling. I need to get more information as to where exactly in Germany I will be, what to do with my truck, etc… As soon as I find out more I will let everybody know. For now, I’m going to rest and get some sleep. (We didn’t do much today, just went to the range and shot all day) Germany!! Ha Ha!!
-PFC Zaleuke
Well today my drill sergeant was in his office and was peaking out behind his door with his megaphone saying, ,” I know where you’re going for Duty Stations!!” and he would shut the door leaving us all in suspense similar to how I’m doing to you purposely right now. Finally he came out and started telling us one by one.
The guys with Ranger contracts haven’t gotten their shit yet, the guys who are going airborne are going to Italy, some guys are going to Ft. Polk in Louisiana, and then there are the lucky guys such as myself. Out of the 56 guys in my platoon, 13 of us got chosen to go here. I wish to God I could see my father’s face right now. I am going to Germany!
Can you believe that shit? I am literally in shock still. I freaked out when my Drill Sergeant told me, Ha Ha, I was like, “Bull shit, you’re lying!” This is the reason I joined the army, I wanted to see the world. I cant believe I am lucky enough to get to go overseas for my first duty station.
Now, in my last letter I mentioned I would be a mechanized unit. Well it is now set in stone and confirmed. I will either be in 1st I.D. (Infantry Division) aka ‘The Big Red One” or 1st A.D (Armor Division) aka “Old Iron Side” which are both mechanized units. After basic training (AIT included is over and I graduate, I will have the option of taking 14 days leave, ,which I will be doing and returning to Florida, or I could leave directly from here and go to Germany. I cant not see my family and head out to Germany for three years lol. The cool thing is I can bring my motorcycle with me and get it shipped with my personal things “fo free” lol. I’m sorry, I’m excited as hell and I’m rambling. I need to get more information as to where exactly in Germany I will be, what to do with my truck, etc… As soon as I find out more I will let everybody know. For now, I’m going to rest and get some sleep. (We didn’t do much today, just went to the range and shot all day) Germany!! Ha Ha!!
-PFC Zaleuke
August 24th, 2009
I don’t have a lot of time to write tonight but I wanted to write a little something. Some of you have been asking about what it is my MOS does. Well there are a few types of Infantry, two in particular are light Infantry and Mechanized Infantry. The light infantry walks wherever they go and packs all of their shit with them all of the time, they are pretty hard core because they have to deal with all of that suck. Mechanized infantry travel in Hummers and Bradleys and hitch rides on modes of transportation and fight primarily from their vehicles (50 cal. Machine gun). The best part is obvious—little walking and rucking. I got some good news today. My platoon was chosen to be the mechanized platoon which means all other three will be light Infantry. I am not Mechanized infantry—can you say sweeeeet?
I will head to a mechanized unit which could be anywhere really. I was hoping I would get this because honestly…between walking and driving, I’m sorry I’m going to have to go with driving. Call me lazy but I’m all about comfort here. If you have beef, I’ll let you borrow my boots and you can come here and ruck 8 miles and then we will talk lol. Infantry basically kick down doors, clear houses, kill enemies, fuck shit up…lol. No, but we are kind of like SWAT at times.
Anyways, today we woke up to a fun surprise. And that was a fantastic 5 mile run! How did it go? It sucked! I did it, but it sucked lol. We then went to the firing range and did some more shooting, then came back and cleaned our weapons for a few hours. We had some PT later on in the evening and now here I am!
It’s about bedtime now. I’m exhausted and my feet are killing me from the run. So I’m gonna head out. I’m sorry if this letter is too short or too random but I’m kinda spacey tonight anyways. I love you guys, I’ll write more tomorrow when I get more time. Also, thanks Dad for sending the pictures of me and the Mexican whores from Tijuana! The guys got a kick out of them.
-PFC Zaleuke
I will head to a mechanized unit which could be anywhere really. I was hoping I would get this because honestly…between walking and driving, I’m sorry I’m going to have to go with driving. Call me lazy but I’m all about comfort here. If you have beef, I’ll let you borrow my boots and you can come here and ruck 8 miles and then we will talk lol. Infantry basically kick down doors, clear houses, kill enemies, fuck shit up…lol. No, but we are kind of like SWAT at times.
Anyways, today we woke up to a fun surprise. And that was a fantastic 5 mile run! How did it go? It sucked! I did it, but it sucked lol. We then went to the firing range and did some more shooting, then came back and cleaned our weapons for a few hours. We had some PT later on in the evening and now here I am!
It’s about bedtime now. I’m exhausted and my feet are killing me from the run. So I’m gonna head out. I’m sorry if this letter is too short or too random but I’m kinda spacey tonight anyways. I love you guys, I’ll write more tomorrow when I get more time. Also, thanks Dad for sending the pictures of me and the Mexican whores from Tijuana! The guys got a kick out of them.
-PFC Zaleuke
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Aug. 21st and Aug. 23rd
I’m sorry I haven’t written in a few days, but I’ve been crazy busy, and quite a bit has happened. I’ll start with my PT test I took on Wednesday morning. I’m getting tired of these by the way, but I’ve been doing pretty damn good on them. So I won’t complain. I forget my overall score out of 300 but it was between 235 and 247. I did 53 push ups (more than last time), 62 sit ups (same as last time), and I ran my two mile in 14:00 flat (six seconds better than last time). So overall I did better than our previous test, too
easy- too easy!
After our PT test, we had to get ready to head out to the field for our three day, two night FTX (Field training exercise). We packed up our heavy ass backpacks, aka ruck sacks, and headed out to Hell on Earth. I hate Georgia, its weather, its land, and everything in between…We were only allowed to bring one extra set of ACU’s, so besides the ones I was wearing, I only had one back up set of clean clothes. FML.
We spent three days doing ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) which is where we go through houses and clear them out, so we are literally out on the range in the heat sweating our asses off all day. After day one I was already filthy and extremely tired, but an hour before bedtime one of the drill sergeants thought we needed to do some late night PT. During the course, one of our guys farted which made everyone laugh. This pissed the drill sergeant off and we got smoked for almost two and a half hours. We had to low crawl in the dirt for an hour enough times to make a “race track” impression in the ground. We then had to stand at attention for the remainder of time getting threatened with being sent back to Red Phase, and Article 15’s. By the time we got done, and finished setting up our patrol base in the woods, it was near 2:30 am. We had to wake up at 4:00 am…FML.
We had a long three days out in the woods lol. We have sleeping bags and items that “could” make us comfortable laying in the dirt but nooooooo.. we can’t risk unpacking that stuff because at any given time we have to get up and react to indirect fire. That means we grab our shit and run away as fast as we can to another designation which is previous set in case of a situation like that. It sucks because it means generally we sleep with everything on and nothing unpacked. I can’t tell you how much I love running through the woods, pitch black, 2:00am with a 70lb ruck sack on my back. I am so graceful as I jump joyfully over logs and creeks… I never fall….FML!
I am really tired of even talking about being out there, that’s how miserable it is. Our last day was slightly fun though at the last shooting range. We got to shoot at moving targets and it was almost like sitting on a hill picking off civilians….or enemies. I don’t want you to think I’m crazy lol. But it really was like a sweet video game.
We had a memorial today for Private “H”, he was the guy in our platoon who died from a heat stroke two weeks ago. I cant tell you how sad it was to see Sergeant Majors, Colonels, First Sergeants, and Lt. Colonels salute his picture, touch his dog tags, and leave him his cross rifles and blue chord. I can usually keep it together pretty well, but even I had a hard time. Final Roll call was pretty weird as well. They literally call out a few names of soldiers present, and lastly they call out the deceast’s name which of course will not get a response. I don’t like military funerals, but I have a feeling that I will have to attend many of them unfortunately throughout my military career.
This paragraph is being written on Aug. 23, 2009. We thankfully have had a few days of down time since our return on Friday, and I feel somewhat rested again. Yesterday, Saturday, we sat through a nine hour class on personal finances. It was all mostly things I already knew, but I enjoyed it. I found out that I can get all credit card/car payment interest rates down to 6% because I am active duty. Sweet! The entire time we were in class, aka: all day long, our drill sergeants trashed our bay just because they were bored. We had all of our bunks turned over, all of our laundry thrown into the middle mixed with one another, and pepto bismol thrown all over our bathroom. Wed had the pleasure of cleaning all that up too, lucky us.
Afterwards, the drill sergeants were going to make all four platoons take apart their beds and move them all downstairs (We hate doing that) but instead they had a competition. We had to pick a few guys from our platoon to do their best impressions of drill sergeants, as did each platoon. The two losers had to take their beds downstairs, and we were not one of them thankfully. Some of the impressions were funny as hell too, and its funny to watch guys do impressions when the drill sergeant they are doing is standing in front of them.
Today is another lazy Sunday, I love Sundays lol. It is also August 23rd which means that we have 11 more days of basic training left. We will start AIT on September 4th which will also be the start of Black phase. Family day will start Saturday September 12th which his 19 days from today. I’ve made my own elaborate calendar which is very detailed, and I mark off each day. I have a total of 47 more days until I graduate as well, I cant wait! I’m excited as Hell too see my friends and family.
Alright, I think I’m about done with this one. I want to leave you with a quote that I enjoy, and often keep close to my heart. From the great words of Colonel Sanders, “I’m too drunk to taste this chicken”.
-PFC Zaleuke
easy- too easy!
After our PT test, we had to get ready to head out to the field for our three day, two night FTX (Field training exercise). We packed up our heavy ass backpacks, aka ruck sacks, and headed out to Hell on Earth. I hate Georgia, its weather, its land, and everything in between…We were only allowed to bring one extra set of ACU’s, so besides the ones I was wearing, I only had one back up set of clean clothes. FML.
We spent three days doing ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) which is where we go through houses and clear them out, so we are literally out on the range in the heat sweating our asses off all day. After day one I was already filthy and extremely tired, but an hour before bedtime one of the drill sergeants thought we needed to do some late night PT. During the course, one of our guys farted which made everyone laugh. This pissed the drill sergeant off and we got smoked for almost two and a half hours. We had to low crawl in the dirt for an hour enough times to make a “race track” impression in the ground. We then had to stand at attention for the remainder of time getting threatened with being sent back to Red Phase, and Article 15’s. By the time we got done, and finished setting up our patrol base in the woods, it was near 2:30 am. We had to wake up at 4:00 am…FML.
We had a long three days out in the woods lol. We have sleeping bags and items that “could” make us comfortable laying in the dirt but nooooooo.. we can’t risk unpacking that stuff because at any given time we have to get up and react to indirect fire. That means we grab our shit and run away as fast as we can to another designation which is previous set in case of a situation like that. It sucks because it means generally we sleep with everything on and nothing unpacked. I can’t tell you how much I love running through the woods, pitch black, 2:00am with a 70lb ruck sack on my back. I am so graceful as I jump joyfully over logs and creeks… I never fall….FML!
I am really tired of even talking about being out there, that’s how miserable it is. Our last day was slightly fun though at the last shooting range. We got to shoot at moving targets and it was almost like sitting on a hill picking off civilians….or enemies. I don’t want you to think I’m crazy lol. But it really was like a sweet video game.
We had a memorial today for Private “H”, he was the guy in our platoon who died from a heat stroke two weeks ago. I cant tell you how sad it was to see Sergeant Majors, Colonels, First Sergeants, and Lt. Colonels salute his picture, touch his dog tags, and leave him his cross rifles and blue chord. I can usually keep it together pretty well, but even I had a hard time. Final Roll call was pretty weird as well. They literally call out a few names of soldiers present, and lastly they call out the deceast’s name which of course will not get a response. I don’t like military funerals, but I have a feeling that I will have to attend many of them unfortunately throughout my military career.
This paragraph is being written on Aug. 23, 2009. We thankfully have had a few days of down time since our return on Friday, and I feel somewhat rested again. Yesterday, Saturday, we sat through a nine hour class on personal finances. It was all mostly things I already knew, but I enjoyed it. I found out that I can get all credit card/car payment interest rates down to 6% because I am active duty. Sweet! The entire time we were in class, aka: all day long, our drill sergeants trashed our bay just because they were bored. We had all of our bunks turned over, all of our laundry thrown into the middle mixed with one another, and pepto bismol thrown all over our bathroom. Wed had the pleasure of cleaning all that up too, lucky us.
Afterwards, the drill sergeants were going to make all four platoons take apart their beds and move them all downstairs (We hate doing that) but instead they had a competition. We had to pick a few guys from our platoon to do their best impressions of drill sergeants, as did each platoon. The two losers had to take their beds downstairs, and we were not one of them thankfully. Some of the impressions were funny as hell too, and its funny to watch guys do impressions when the drill sergeant they are doing is standing in front of them.
Today is another lazy Sunday, I love Sundays lol. It is also August 23rd which means that we have 11 more days of basic training left. We will start AIT on September 4th which will also be the start of Black phase. Family day will start Saturday September 12th which his 19 days from today. I’ve made my own elaborate calendar which is very detailed, and I mark off each day. I have a total of 47 more days until I graduate as well, I cant wait! I’m excited as Hell too see my friends and family.
Alright, I think I’m about done with this one. I want to leave you with a quote that I enjoy, and often keep close to my heart. From the great words of Colonel Sanders, “I’m too drunk to taste this chicken”.
-PFC Zaleuke
Thursday, August 20, 2009
August 17th, 2009
We here in Delta company, 4th platoon are drop dead exhausted right now. We had a rough day today which is expected after the past two days of us doing absolutely nothing. Well, let me start with what happened last night before I get into today’s events. I probably saw one of the craziest things Ive seen in a long time. The entire company (all four platoons) were assigned tasks to do in order to fully clean the common area. I was sweeping the floor, and I hear a loud metallic “Bang”!
It took me a second to realize what it was that I saw, and what it was that I heard, and then add the two together. One of the soldiers in another platoon, who happened to be on crutches, got pissed off at someone and snapped. He took one of his aluminum crutches and did a full tomahawk swing with it, thus bending it over the kids head (literally) and split that Mo-Fo’s head wide open. I was like, “Ohhhh!!...Nice!” but that was of course my first reaction, and we all know I really need to filter and or completely not speak until I’ve had a moment to gather my thoughts lol. I got some weird looks after that comment, but I played it off of course. Honestly though…how often do you see shit like that?! I enjoy shocking things. One of the older soldiers who was an ex-Marine/ex-SWAT took his ass down and restrained him until the MP’s came to arrest him. Very eventful. Oh yeah, the kid is okay, he got 8 staples in his head, and his gash was so rad, you could see his skull!
Moving on, lol. This morning we woke up at 0430 and cleaned our bay for a solid three hours because the new company commander was coming through to inspect bays. We ate chow, I had four glasses of chocolate milk by the way, and we headed to the busses to head out to the range. I have a new found love for hand grenades, they are everything that Sylvester Stallone makes them out to be in the movies. Lol, seriously though they are pretty cool. We had to throw a few practice grenades before they trusted us to throw real ones. It can be pretty scary holding a live grenade in your hand, and all of the practice I had playing Team Death match on Call of Duty 4 did not help me much. Lol, damn video games have really cheated me.
After we were finished we had to stand in formation for about 20 minutes in the pouring rain with full gear on. Then they surprised us with the fantastic news of having no busses to pick us up. So we had to walk the three miles back in the pouring rain. We are used to this by now, so it was not big deal, but there is always a catch to something that seems too easy. The kids on “profile” who are the kids who go to sick call and cant march or walk…yeah, we had to carry them. All of them. They just happened to be the fat guys and bigger guys I the platoon too. It was horrible lol, carrying their fat asses with all of their gear and weapons for three miles. Awesome!
You can imagine why we would be damn tired lol, plus we got smoked for about 30 mins when we got smoked for about 30 mins when we got back because we all took showers. I don’t care though, that shower felt damn good. Tomorrow will be an easier day I assume, we are only going back to that firing range that is a video game to learn how to kill people on the move. You can sugar coat it all you want, but that’s what it is. We are learning to kill people. What do you do at your job?
Lol, bed time. More later.
-PFC Zaleuke
It took me a second to realize what it was that I saw, and what it was that I heard, and then add the two together. One of the soldiers in another platoon, who happened to be on crutches, got pissed off at someone and snapped. He took one of his aluminum crutches and did a full tomahawk swing with it, thus bending it over the kids head (literally) and split that Mo-Fo’s head wide open. I was like, “Ohhhh!!...Nice!” but that was of course my first reaction, and we all know I really need to filter and or completely not speak until I’ve had a moment to gather my thoughts lol. I got some weird looks after that comment, but I played it off of course. Honestly though…how often do you see shit like that?! I enjoy shocking things. One of the older soldiers who was an ex-Marine/ex-SWAT took his ass down and restrained him until the MP’s came to arrest him. Very eventful. Oh yeah, the kid is okay, he got 8 staples in his head, and his gash was so rad, you could see his skull!
Moving on, lol. This morning we woke up at 0430 and cleaned our bay for a solid three hours because the new company commander was coming through to inspect bays. We ate chow, I had four glasses of chocolate milk by the way, and we headed to the busses to head out to the range. I have a new found love for hand grenades, they are everything that Sylvester Stallone makes them out to be in the movies. Lol, seriously though they are pretty cool. We had to throw a few practice grenades before they trusted us to throw real ones. It can be pretty scary holding a live grenade in your hand, and all of the practice I had playing Team Death match on Call of Duty 4 did not help me much. Lol, damn video games have really cheated me.
After we were finished we had to stand in formation for about 20 minutes in the pouring rain with full gear on. Then they surprised us with the fantastic news of having no busses to pick us up. So we had to walk the three miles back in the pouring rain. We are used to this by now, so it was not big deal, but there is always a catch to something that seems too easy. The kids on “profile” who are the kids who go to sick call and cant march or walk…yeah, we had to carry them. All of them. They just happened to be the fat guys and bigger guys I the platoon too. It was horrible lol, carrying their fat asses with all of their gear and weapons for three miles. Awesome!
You can imagine why we would be damn tired lol, plus we got smoked for about 30 mins when we got smoked for about 30 mins when we got back because we all took showers. I don’t care though, that shower felt damn good. Tomorrow will be an easier day I assume, we are only going back to that firing range that is a video game to learn how to kill people on the move. You can sugar coat it all you want, but that’s what it is. We are learning to kill people. What do you do at your job?
Lol, bed time. More later.
-PFC Zaleuke
August 15th, 2009
I am writing this letter to inform all of you that I have nothing new to report . We honestly haven’t done a damn thing today, and it has been awesome! We woke up late today (with permission) and honestly sat around the bay and did literally nothing. Today I wrote some letters to people, sat under my bunk for several hours and bull shitted with the guys for the rest of the time. We got several people to do the “Impossible Sit-up” which is where you blind fold them, one person stands over them with their ass exposed, and as they go to do their sit-up you remove their blind fold and they come face to face with another man’s ass. I don’t know why that is so damn funny to me but it is. I’m 22 years old and I am going on 12. I honestly don’t think I will every truely grow up.
We had a weird thing happen to us today with one of our drill sergeants. He is one of our replacements who is a pain in the ass. In reality he is special forces and is a total bad ass, but he is mean as hell. A lot of us call him “the man with no shadow” and often exchange his name and Chuck Norris’ when we tell old Chuck Norris jokes. Drill Sergeant “B” ‘s tears cure cancer…too bad Drill Sergeant “B” has never cried. He came into our bay today and made us all go down stairs ASAP. We were all like, “Damn…not again”. He eventually came downstairs with a football and we all played football on the PT track as a platoon and it was fun as hell. We were all really thrown off by that whole situation. Touch football in basic training? That is honestly the only thing we have done today. Ive spent a good amount of time working out in the bay by doing pushups and stuff to pass the time. We are all getting prepared for another PT test which will be on Wednesday of this week. I’ll dominate that again as always.
I don’t know if you remember me telling you about my battle buddy a while ago when I first got here, but every day he seems to prove me wrong. When you think that there is no possible way a person could get more stupid, it happens. The best way I could describe him would be Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber. Honestly, its pretty damn close to that. He provides me with hours of endless laughter from day to day. Today while I was laying on my bunk writing a letter, he was passed out on the floor next to me. My friend Nick and I took a sharpie and drew a sweet mustache and soul patch on him. About five minutes later we had to all head down to form up for chow, and after everyone laughed at him, he realized there was something on his face. He saw it was a mustache and when we told him we had to go right now, he grabbed shaving cream and a razor. Let me say this again… “He grabbed shaving cream and a razor” to get off a sharpie mustache. That whole situation honestly floored me. The thought process that must go on to determine that he needs to shave a penciled in mustache is amazing to me. That ladies and gentlemen will be the person who could be covering my ass in a fire fight on day…Awesome! A literal Gomer Pile with a whopping 33 ASVAB score. He means well, but come on! Lol is a little common sense too much to ask out of somebody?
I don’t know if I have told you all about this or not in a previous letter because honestly its hard to keep track of everything I write but I got promoted within the platoon the other day. I am Alpha Fire team leader for my squad. I answer to my squad leader and platoon guide only and I am in charge of about 8 guys. Its honestly not a huge responsibility but it gives me something to do at least. I was Brave Fire team leader before, and if my squad leader messes up and gets his ass fired, I’ll have to take his place. I would’nt mind being a squad leader actually because you really don’t do shit, just tell other people what to do and make sure it gets done. I made one of my buddies “Assistant TO the Fire team leader”. I think its funny to break the chain of command down to the ridiculous. I may even make a “Secretary to the Assistant TO the fire team leader” position. LOL, it just depends on how bored I get and how much I want to irritate my Platoon Guide, which is quite often lately.
Alrighty, well that is really all I have for now. Monday we have grenades and stuff like that so I will probably wait to write again until then because tomorrow is Sunday and we will probably do even less than we did today. So peace out suckas! …..yeah….. excuse that one, it kind of slipped out (That’s what she said) LOL!
-PFC Zaleuke
We had a weird thing happen to us today with one of our drill sergeants. He is one of our replacements who is a pain in the ass. In reality he is special forces and is a total bad ass, but he is mean as hell. A lot of us call him “the man with no shadow” and often exchange his name and Chuck Norris’ when we tell old Chuck Norris jokes. Drill Sergeant “B” ‘s tears cure cancer…too bad Drill Sergeant “B” has never cried. He came into our bay today and made us all go down stairs ASAP. We were all like, “Damn…not again”. He eventually came downstairs with a football and we all played football on the PT track as a platoon and it was fun as hell. We were all really thrown off by that whole situation. Touch football in basic training? That is honestly the only thing we have done today. Ive spent a good amount of time working out in the bay by doing pushups and stuff to pass the time. We are all getting prepared for another PT test which will be on Wednesday of this week. I’ll dominate that again as always.
I don’t know if you remember me telling you about my battle buddy a while ago when I first got here, but every day he seems to prove me wrong. When you think that there is no possible way a person could get more stupid, it happens. The best way I could describe him would be Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber. Honestly, its pretty damn close to that. He provides me with hours of endless laughter from day to day. Today while I was laying on my bunk writing a letter, he was passed out on the floor next to me. My friend Nick and I took a sharpie and drew a sweet mustache and soul patch on him. About five minutes later we had to all head down to form up for chow, and after everyone laughed at him, he realized there was something on his face. He saw it was a mustache and when we told him we had to go right now, he grabbed shaving cream and a razor. Let me say this again… “He grabbed shaving cream and a razor” to get off a sharpie mustache. That whole situation honestly floored me. The thought process that must go on to determine that he needs to shave a penciled in mustache is amazing to me. That ladies and gentlemen will be the person who could be covering my ass in a fire fight on day…Awesome! A literal Gomer Pile with a whopping 33 ASVAB score. He means well, but come on! Lol is a little common sense too much to ask out of somebody?
I don’t know if I have told you all about this or not in a previous letter because honestly its hard to keep track of everything I write but I got promoted within the platoon the other day. I am Alpha Fire team leader for my squad. I answer to my squad leader and platoon guide only and I am in charge of about 8 guys. Its honestly not a huge responsibility but it gives me something to do at least. I was Brave Fire team leader before, and if my squad leader messes up and gets his ass fired, I’ll have to take his place. I would’nt mind being a squad leader actually because you really don’t do shit, just tell other people what to do and make sure it gets done. I made one of my buddies “Assistant TO the Fire team leader”. I think its funny to break the chain of command down to the ridiculous. I may even make a “Secretary to the Assistant TO the fire team leader” position. LOL, it just depends on how bored I get and how much I want to irritate my Platoon Guide, which is quite often lately.
Alrighty, well that is really all I have for now. Monday we have grenades and stuff like that so I will probably wait to write again until then because tomorrow is Sunday and we will probably do even less than we did today. So peace out suckas! …..yeah….. excuse that one, it kind of slipped out (That’s what she said) LOL!
-PFC Zaleuke
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
August 14th, 2009
I am tired. I am really tired. Lol. My feet hurt, my toes all have calluses on them, my heels have them too from all of the blisters that have come and gone. I feel good though, almost accomplished. Today we had a six mile ruck march at 0430. Usually I am bitching and complaining the entire time (to myself. I wouldn’t dare complain to a Drill Sergeant) but this time I felt good. I had a good night sleep, so this six miles went by fast. We had out 70lb ruck sacks on (the weight will vary depending on the packing list they give us) an our IBA vests (40+ lbs), and they even let us ruck in our PT uniforms today. I looked like a lumberjack wearing PT shorts, a tucked in T-shirt, and combat boots with scrunched down green socks (Sexy, I know). We only have an 8 mile, a 10 mile, and 15 mile march left to do. That sounds bad, but its really not, they go by quickly.
Lol, oddly today when we hit the 3 mile point (we usually set our rucks down for about 10 mins and get in the prone position) they passed out fruit to everyone…I was like, “What the hell is this?” So when my Drill Sergeant came down the road and handed me an apple, I said, “Drill Sergeant, would you happen to have any kiwi or honey dew melon?” He just kept walking and said, “Zaleuke, it is way too early for me to be dealing with your shit!” Me: “Roger That.”
Yesterday and today we spent our day out in the field getting familiar with some bad ass weapons. I can now operate an AT-4 Rocket launcher, and also an M-203 grenade launcher. I got the chance to fire both of them, and it was so damn cool. The M-203 is an attachment that you can add to the M-16A2 and M4 rifles. We got to blow up some shit finally Lol. Monday we get to throw grenades and tomorrow we get to start learning about convoys and stuff. This is the time we are really going to start learning stuff that applies to my MOS.
I forgot to mention, we advanced to Blue Phase today! Last night we had to play some stupid games with Drill Sergeants, including a two mile run in ACU’s and boos (after we ate chow) so I threw it all up. As Ron Burgundy once said, “Milk was a bad choice!”. LOL, it wasn’t that bad though, it wasn’t like we were getting smoked but rather us getting recognized for reaching Blue phase. We are starting to be able to joke around more with the drill sergeants, we are getting called soldiers now instead of “cum dumpsters” Lol so that’s cool too. We all feel more like soldiers and very accomplished as well. Only three more weeks until we complete basic training and I’m so excited.
I got some mail yesterday from my sister, Sammy, and my father. My dad sent me a really cool letter and said some things that I think every kid needs to hear once in his or her life. Dad, that will be a letter I keep for the rest of my life. It meant a lot to me, thank you, you made me tear up infront of my buddies and also got me called a fag, LOL, but it was worth it.
A new company of recruits arrived today next to us in Charlie company and I saw them getting the piss smoked out of them. I wouldn’t go back to Day 1 for anything. I don’t know where that came from, but I just remembered that part. I’m running out of things to say now, but I’m sure more crazy and funny stories will be soon to come—they always do around here. So that is going to be it for tonight. I love you all, best wishes, and goodnight.
-PFC Zaleuke
Lol, oddly today when we hit the 3 mile point (we usually set our rucks down for about 10 mins and get in the prone position) they passed out fruit to everyone…I was like, “What the hell is this?” So when my Drill Sergeant came down the road and handed me an apple, I said, “Drill Sergeant, would you happen to have any kiwi or honey dew melon?” He just kept walking and said, “Zaleuke, it is way too early for me to be dealing with your shit!” Me: “Roger That.”
Yesterday and today we spent our day out in the field getting familiar with some bad ass weapons. I can now operate an AT-4 Rocket launcher, and also an M-203 grenade launcher. I got the chance to fire both of them, and it was so damn cool. The M-203 is an attachment that you can add to the M-16A2 and M4 rifles. We got to blow up some shit finally Lol. Monday we get to throw grenades and tomorrow we get to start learning about convoys and stuff. This is the time we are really going to start learning stuff that applies to my MOS.
I forgot to mention, we advanced to Blue Phase today! Last night we had to play some stupid games with Drill Sergeants, including a two mile run in ACU’s and boos (after we ate chow) so I threw it all up. As Ron Burgundy once said, “Milk was a bad choice!”. LOL, it wasn’t that bad though, it wasn’t like we were getting smoked but rather us getting recognized for reaching Blue phase. We are starting to be able to joke around more with the drill sergeants, we are getting called soldiers now instead of “cum dumpsters” Lol so that’s cool too. We all feel more like soldiers and very accomplished as well. Only three more weeks until we complete basic training and I’m so excited.
I got some mail yesterday from my sister, Sammy, and my father. My dad sent me a really cool letter and said some things that I think every kid needs to hear once in his or her life. Dad, that will be a letter I keep for the rest of my life. It meant a lot to me, thank you, you made me tear up infront of my buddies and also got me called a fag, LOL, but it was worth it.
A new company of recruits arrived today next to us in Charlie company and I saw them getting the piss smoked out of them. I wouldn’t go back to Day 1 for anything. I don’t know where that came from, but I just remembered that part. I’m running out of things to say now, but I’m sure more crazy and funny stories will be soon to come—they always do around here. So that is going to be it for tonight. I love you all, best wishes, and goodnight.
-PFC Zaleuke
Saturday, August 15, 2009
August 12th, 2009
These past few days have been Hell and I’m glad they are over. I’m gonna come out and say that I hate camping. Camping in Georgia actually because it is too much like Florida. That means it sucks. We left Monday morning and headed out to the field to do some more target practice before we qualified. When we were leaving to get on the busses we had our heavy ass ruck sacks with us. We have to “front load” them because it makes it easier to fit on a bus seat. Apparently our platoon was too slow doing something, so we had to play “get up, get down” over and over again with all of our shit on. What a great way to start out the morning! Monday was basically a huge blur because it was the same as every other hot and sweaty day. I pre-qualified with a mediocre score of 29, which is considered “Marksman”, one shot away from sharpshooter. We spent the night out in the woods, and we slept in the leaves on the ground. Surprisingly I was one of the few who didn’t wake up with spider or ant bites. It wasn’t that bad of a night though. Thomas was my battle buddy for the night so we stayed up talking about family, girls, etc.
Tuesday morning, we woke up at 4am and I had a good ‘ole dry-shave with a dull razor in the dark (sweet!) Breakfast was pretty good, and we got to get in about an hour nap afterwards too which was awesome. We spent most of the day in the shade awaiting our turn to qualify. One thing I was not told was that you can only get a high score on your first time shooting. For example: If I were to go out and shoot 15 out of 40 targets, they would make me go again. On my second try, if I were to shoot a 39 out of 40 targets, it would only count as 23 out of 40 (bare minimum to pass) because you did not do it on your first try. Luckily for me I did’nt have to worry about that. On my first, and only try, I shot 34/40 and fell short of Expert by only two targets. I’m slightly disappointed, only because I have been taught never to be satisfied with anything but perfection…but shit, ocme on! I qualified and I also met my goal of getting sharpshooter. They gave me a medal that is an Iron cross with a target in the middle which I already pinned in my Class A jacket. I was never worried about not qualifying but I’m pretty proud of myself for doing well.
The rest of the day, we got classes on how to creep up on people in the woods and slit their throats from behind, had lunch, and got smoked a few times for reasons that are still unknown to me, but by this point I just roll with it because its almost second nature. We got a bus ride home, got yelled at some, got mail (which was awesome) and ate chow and went to bed. I got a cool letter from my Dad which made me laugh, a sweet letter from my Mom that made me smile, a few cards, letters and pictures from my sister and niece Kelsey, and a funny ass letter from Daniel which I really really enjoyed (Jackass, you got me with that joke by the way lol) and Sammy sent me more of those plastic sheets for my binder (thank you by the way.)
Now today, Wednesday Aug 12th was cool as Hell, but got dampered by some unfortunate news. We got to go out on the field to take classes on the 50. Cal machine gun and the Mark 19 grenade launcher. Let me first say “Holy Shit!” and also “Yes, Yes, Yes!!” Lol, these two weapons kick so much ass its not even funny. I spent my day today shooting machine guns at old tanks and vehicles, tearing them to shit. What did you do?? Lol. I made some range cadre (Army guys who aren’t Drill Sergeants that help us out in the field) laugh today when they used me as an example for the 50. Cal. I sat down and they tried to start telling me what to do, and I cut them off and said, “I know what to do Sergeant… I play tons of Call of Duty 4 for Xbox and I rape on the 50. Cal…” in a slightly serious, slightly sarcastic tone. I love when I get the response, “Private… (deep breath)…(slight smirk)…”
Now I was saying earlier how our fun day was kind of ruined by some bad news. Our battle buddy, and brother, Private “H” passed away this morning due to complications with his condition. Apparently his parents made the final decision to pull the plug this morning around 8am. It really sucks around here right now, everyone is down and some are really torn up over the situation. If you think about it, we are spending 14 weeks together 24/7. We have all gotten pretty close to each other, and we are all we have to keep each other sane. When one of us dies, you can imagine that it will have some kind of effect on the platoon. Apparently we will be having a memorial service for him next week sometime that we will all be able to attend.
On a lighter note, the other night before we left, my friend Logan Thomas who I mentioned earlier woke me up to show me something cool. It was a note from his mother to him, and in her note she asks him if he knows a “Mike Zaleuke”. Apparently his mom found my blog online somehow and follows it. It really is a small world, lol. Out of all the blogs and people in the world! The funny thing is, Thomas is one of my closest friends here at basic training. He and I get along great and are constantly bullshitting around with each other. He is a major reason I am still mentally sane, lol. So, if you are reading this, Hello! LOL.
Okay, well that about wraps up my past few days. I qualified, did real good, I’m home safe resting on my ass, and I’m personally in a pretty good mood. Again, thank you for all of the letters, keep them coming, and I will continue to write. I love you guys.
-PFC Zaleuke
Tuesday morning, we woke up at 4am and I had a good ‘ole dry-shave with a dull razor in the dark (sweet!) Breakfast was pretty good, and we got to get in about an hour nap afterwards too which was awesome. We spent most of the day in the shade awaiting our turn to qualify. One thing I was not told was that you can only get a high score on your first time shooting. For example: If I were to go out and shoot 15 out of 40 targets, they would make me go again. On my second try, if I were to shoot a 39 out of 40 targets, it would only count as 23 out of 40 (bare minimum to pass) because you did not do it on your first try. Luckily for me I did’nt have to worry about that. On my first, and only try, I shot 34/40 and fell short of Expert by only two targets. I’m slightly disappointed, only because I have been taught never to be satisfied with anything but perfection…but shit, ocme on! I qualified and I also met my goal of getting sharpshooter. They gave me a medal that is an Iron cross with a target in the middle which I already pinned in my Class A jacket. I was never worried about not qualifying but I’m pretty proud of myself for doing well.
The rest of the day, we got classes on how to creep up on people in the woods and slit their throats from behind, had lunch, and got smoked a few times for reasons that are still unknown to me, but by this point I just roll with it because its almost second nature. We got a bus ride home, got yelled at some, got mail (which was awesome) and ate chow and went to bed. I got a cool letter from my Dad which made me laugh, a sweet letter from my Mom that made me smile, a few cards, letters and pictures from my sister and niece Kelsey, and a funny ass letter from Daniel which I really really enjoyed (Jackass, you got me with that joke by the way lol) and Sammy sent me more of those plastic sheets for my binder (thank you by the way.)
Now today, Wednesday Aug 12th was cool as Hell, but got dampered by some unfortunate news. We got to go out on the field to take classes on the 50. Cal machine gun and the Mark 19 grenade launcher. Let me first say “Holy Shit!” and also “Yes, Yes, Yes!!” Lol, these two weapons kick so much ass its not even funny. I spent my day today shooting machine guns at old tanks and vehicles, tearing them to shit. What did you do?? Lol. I made some range cadre (Army guys who aren’t Drill Sergeants that help us out in the field) laugh today when they used me as an example for the 50. Cal. I sat down and they tried to start telling me what to do, and I cut them off and said, “I know what to do Sergeant… I play tons of Call of Duty 4 for Xbox and I rape on the 50. Cal…” in a slightly serious, slightly sarcastic tone. I love when I get the response, “Private… (deep breath)…(slight smirk)…”
Now I was saying earlier how our fun day was kind of ruined by some bad news. Our battle buddy, and brother, Private “H” passed away this morning due to complications with his condition. Apparently his parents made the final decision to pull the plug this morning around 8am. It really sucks around here right now, everyone is down and some are really torn up over the situation. If you think about it, we are spending 14 weeks together 24/7. We have all gotten pretty close to each other, and we are all we have to keep each other sane. When one of us dies, you can imagine that it will have some kind of effect on the platoon. Apparently we will be having a memorial service for him next week sometime that we will all be able to attend.
On a lighter note, the other night before we left, my friend Logan Thomas who I mentioned earlier woke me up to show me something cool. It was a note from his mother to him, and in her note she asks him if he knows a “Mike Zaleuke”. Apparently his mom found my blog online somehow and follows it. It really is a small world, lol. Out of all the blogs and people in the world! The funny thing is, Thomas is one of my closest friends here at basic training. He and I get along great and are constantly bullshitting around with each other. He is a major reason I am still mentally sane, lol. So, if you are reading this, Hello! LOL.
Okay, well that about wraps up my past few days. I qualified, did real good, I’m home safe resting on my ass, and I’m personally in a pretty good mood. Again, thank you for all of the letters, keep them coming, and I will continue to write. I love you guys.
-PFC Zaleuke
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 9th, 2009
As I figured, I wasn’t able to write yesterday, but I had a pretty fun day. My day started out with being able to sleep in until 0600. Isn’t it crazy that I consider that sleeping in now? We did’nt have PT at all which was cool so we had to get into our ACU’s and get all of our gear packed up and we headed out to the range. We went to a different firing range than previous times, and that is because this range is a qualifying range. We have sixteen lanes and numerous pop-up targets that are spread out at ranges from 50 to 300 meters. We are beginning to shoot on the ranges that will be like the one we are qualifying on. They are a lot different, and I had some difficulty with it but not too much. There were like 10 or so targets that pop up at random times, and they are spread out. Some are really hard to see especially if you are looking through your optic because you tend to not see them. We get two magazines each with 20 rounds. We begin by shooting 20 rounds from the prone supported position, which is when we completely lay down on our stomachs and rest our weapon on a feed bag, hence the term “supported”. We bet most of our money on these shots because they are the most accurate shots. Next we change magazines and move the sandbags out of the way and fire 10 rounds from the “prone unsupported” position which is the same without the sandbags (obviously). These shots aren’t too bad, but they require more patience and focus on fundamentals. Lastly we will fire 10 rounds from the kneeling position (we get on one knee, or you sit on one foot, just as long as your not on your ass and one knee is up). This is the hardest position to shoot from, and because of this they don’t give us any targets beyond 175 meters.
I wasn’t too happy with how I thought I did yesterday until I got my scores. For a second I did’nt think I met the minimum requirement of 23 out of 40 targets, but I ended up with a 28 out of 40 which isn’t bad I suppose for my first time. We are also in full kit which makes shooting more difficult, but then again I remember when I played football I complained that the shoulder pads made it difficult to throw. I’ll get it down and I’ll surely pass when it comes time to qualify this Tuesday. Hell, some of the guys who are special ops in my platoon only got 5 out of 40 when they shot, so I feel good.
Right now, I’m taking a break from packing my ruck sack because we are getting our stuff ready for another FTX (Field Training Exercise). We will head out to the range tomorrow morning, and stay out “camping” and come back Wednesday sometime. We will spend tomorrow doing more practice shooting, and then we will actually qualify on Tuesday. I obviously have my goals of wanting to qualify on sharpshooter or earn expert, but if I only get Marksman (23-30) I will be perfectly content because Hey, I qualified!
After we returned from the range late yesterday afternoon, we had to take rushed showers and then we got ready to go to that freaking Hinder concert. I had a blast, and I didn’t even watch the show. That band is just as bad as I remembered, and I don’t understand why or how they have a fan base. I really did enjoy the extremely cheesey band shout outs they did to the soldiers though, lol. In between songs they would raise one fist in the air and say something dumb like, “USA! USA!” etc…I just took a deep breath and tried to focus on my real reason for being there: food. I ate a large pizza, a funnel cake, ice cream, snow cones (three of them), lots of candy and six sodas. I threw up once in the porta potty, then I went in for round two. It was well worth it. Me and a few of my buddies saw a booth where they were taking pictures, so we each paid 5 bucks and got a picture taken in our ACU’s. We each got three copies and I’m going to mail them to my Dad, Mom, and Sister. My family will scan the picture to the computer and I’m sure it will end up on facebook for those of you who want to see what I look like wearing my ACU’s. Hopefully my sister will post it.
After the concert ended around 2200 (10:00 PM) we marched back to the barracks where we had to stand in formation with the entire company because the drill sergeants made up this story about how they were informed that three privates were seen drinking beer. I knew it was a crock of shit, but they smoked us for two solid hours, and people were throwing up left and right, and the CTA (Common Training Area) was covered in vomit because everyone, like me, pigged out on food. Thankfully I didn’t throw up again, but it was pretty bad. We had to line up by Platoon and sing the Army Song while the drill sergeants stood four inches from our faces to smell our breath and make us incredibly uncomfortable.
We finally got to bed around 12:30am. I had a good time though, Verizon Wireless had a booth set up with 100 active cell phones and they were letting soldiers call home for free. I stood in line for an hour and got to talk to my Dad for about 10 minutes. I really enjoyed that, I’m always in a good mood when I get off the phone with him.
Today, Sunday, is a lazy day and we aren’t really doing too much. We just came back from getting haircuts that we really didn’t need, and I went to church earlier too which was fun. I think we are allowed 10 minutes to make a phone call later today, so I’ll get a chance to call my dad again. Things are going good here actually. We are just pushing through the suck of what is known as basic training. We have four more days left before we transition into Blue Phase—Sweet! That will be only three weeks and then BCT if finally complete. I’ll get a 36 hour pass to spend with my Dad and sister and then I will have to return back to base. We will begin our AIT training which is a total of five weeks long. From what I hear, It is three weeks of training and two weeks of cool down stuff like getting things ready for graduation, turning in all of our gear, being issued all brand new uniforms and boots, etc. So basically we don’t really have too much longer left. Thank God!
Alright, this letter is really long—there’s quite a bit to be typed out for your viewing pleasure. I will write back again as soon as we get back from our little FTX camping trip. I’ll let you know how I did qualifying and everything. I love you guys, take care, and keep writing me!
-PFC Zaleuke
I wasn’t too happy with how I thought I did yesterday until I got my scores. For a second I did’nt think I met the minimum requirement of 23 out of 40 targets, but I ended up with a 28 out of 40 which isn’t bad I suppose for my first time. We are also in full kit which makes shooting more difficult, but then again I remember when I played football I complained that the shoulder pads made it difficult to throw. I’ll get it down and I’ll surely pass when it comes time to qualify this Tuesday. Hell, some of the guys who are special ops in my platoon only got 5 out of 40 when they shot, so I feel good.
Right now, I’m taking a break from packing my ruck sack because we are getting our stuff ready for another FTX (Field Training Exercise). We will head out to the range tomorrow morning, and stay out “camping” and come back Wednesday sometime. We will spend tomorrow doing more practice shooting, and then we will actually qualify on Tuesday. I obviously have my goals of wanting to qualify on sharpshooter or earn expert, but if I only get Marksman (23-30) I will be perfectly content because Hey, I qualified!
After we returned from the range late yesterday afternoon, we had to take rushed showers and then we got ready to go to that freaking Hinder concert. I had a blast, and I didn’t even watch the show. That band is just as bad as I remembered, and I don’t understand why or how they have a fan base. I really did enjoy the extremely cheesey band shout outs they did to the soldiers though, lol. In between songs they would raise one fist in the air and say something dumb like, “USA! USA!” etc…I just took a deep breath and tried to focus on my real reason for being there: food. I ate a large pizza, a funnel cake, ice cream, snow cones (three of them), lots of candy and six sodas. I threw up once in the porta potty, then I went in for round two. It was well worth it. Me and a few of my buddies saw a booth where they were taking pictures, so we each paid 5 bucks and got a picture taken in our ACU’s. We each got three copies and I’m going to mail them to my Dad, Mom, and Sister. My family will scan the picture to the computer and I’m sure it will end up on facebook for those of you who want to see what I look like wearing my ACU’s. Hopefully my sister will post it.
After the concert ended around 2200 (10:00 PM) we marched back to the barracks where we had to stand in formation with the entire company because the drill sergeants made up this story about how they were informed that three privates were seen drinking beer. I knew it was a crock of shit, but they smoked us for two solid hours, and people were throwing up left and right, and the CTA (Common Training Area) was covered in vomit because everyone, like me, pigged out on food. Thankfully I didn’t throw up again, but it was pretty bad. We had to line up by Platoon and sing the Army Song while the drill sergeants stood four inches from our faces to smell our breath and make us incredibly uncomfortable.
We finally got to bed around 12:30am. I had a good time though, Verizon Wireless had a booth set up with 100 active cell phones and they were letting soldiers call home for free. I stood in line for an hour and got to talk to my Dad for about 10 minutes. I really enjoyed that, I’m always in a good mood when I get off the phone with him.
Today, Sunday, is a lazy day and we aren’t really doing too much. We just came back from getting haircuts that we really didn’t need, and I went to church earlier too which was fun. I think we are allowed 10 minutes to make a phone call later today, so I’ll get a chance to call my dad again. Things are going good here actually. We are just pushing through the suck of what is known as basic training. We have four more days left before we transition into Blue Phase—Sweet! That will be only three weeks and then BCT if finally complete. I’ll get a 36 hour pass to spend with my Dad and sister and then I will have to return back to base. We will begin our AIT training which is a total of five weeks long. From what I hear, It is three weeks of training and two weeks of cool down stuff like getting things ready for graduation, turning in all of our gear, being issued all brand new uniforms and boots, etc. So basically we don’t really have too much longer left. Thank God!
Alright, this letter is really long—there’s quite a bit to be typed out for your viewing pleasure. I will write back again as soon as we get back from our little FTX camping trip. I’ll let you know how I did qualifying and everything. I love you guys, take care, and keep writing me!
-PFC Zaleuke
August 7th, 2009
Today has been a weird day for me. It has been an off day for most of us as a matter of fact. The day started off with a four mile ruck march for PT. I can’t tell you how much I strongly dislike ruck marches. If you are in the front of formation it isn’t so bad, but if you are in the back it sucks. People start to drag ass after a few miles and huge spaces start to form and create gaps in the formation. Drill Sergeants hate this so they tell you to “step it out” to catch up. Of course my ass is usually in the back of the formation. When the gaps start to form, people run to catch up and it creates a huge chain reaction which ends up in the entire platoon running instead of walking. I weighed my ruck sack today—97 lbs plus all the gear I was wearing . Four miles seems very far when your shoulders are screaming from intense pain and agony, and your lower back feels as if it is going to snap in half. Guess what? Welcome to the Infantry! Lol, I made it though, sweaty as Hell, but I made it.
After that, we didn’t do much. We got to go to the PX and buy things we needed. I spent about 25 bucks on laundry soap, PT shirt, bungee chords, and a towel. Cool huh?...Lol, as we were standing in line to check out, our Drill Sergeant, Drill Sergeant “K” who is leaving tomorrow for good () came up to me and a few guys and asked if we thought he was a “Candy Ass” drill sergeant. We obviously said, “Of Course not Drill Sergeant” to avoid getting smoked. He responded with “Bull Shit”—let me prove it to you that I am. When you get done paying for your shit, go next door and buy yourself a milkshake. (There was an ice cream shop outside) We are also not authorized to have that kind of stuff, so I called bull-shit immediately. I said, “There is no way you are serious, Drill Sergeant, you are not that nice”. He said he was serious, and I asked him if I would have to throw it up later, he responded with no. So still skeptical, we went with him and got milkshakes. It was really weird. Oh my God…I can’t tell you how good icecream is when you can’t have it.
You all really don’t know what you take for granted in life. When I first got here I wanted music, cell phone, computer, etc. Now I just want the bare essentials: Ice, Air Conditioning, Junk Food, lol…It’s 1900 right now and we still haven’t been smoked for it, so that’s good. I however will not rest easy until Drill Sergeant “K” is gone. He is on call tonight unfortunately, and 99% of the time we get woken up in the middle of the night for something stupid.
We hung out for the rest of the day and played it cool. Drill Sergeant “K” sat us down and told us some war stories and also gave us the update on the Solider who went down yesterday. He only has a 10% chance of a full recovery and will likely be a vegetable for the rest of his life due to severe brain damage. It sucks because we have all gotten pretty close here and now one of our brothers is down and out. We are praying for him, but the outcome doesn’t look too promising. Brutal, huh?
Alright that is it for today. I’ll write again tomorrow if I can, but probably Sunday because Saturday will be a busy day for us. I love you guys!
-PFC Zaleuke
After that, we didn’t do much. We got to go to the PX and buy things we needed. I spent about 25 bucks on laundry soap, PT shirt, bungee chords, and a towel. Cool huh?...Lol, as we were standing in line to check out, our Drill Sergeant, Drill Sergeant “K” who is leaving tomorrow for good () came up to me and a few guys and asked if we thought he was a “Candy Ass” drill sergeant. We obviously said, “Of Course not Drill Sergeant” to avoid getting smoked. He responded with “Bull Shit”—let me prove it to you that I am. When you get done paying for your shit, go next door and buy yourself a milkshake. (There was an ice cream shop outside) We are also not authorized to have that kind of stuff, so I called bull-shit immediately. I said, “There is no way you are serious, Drill Sergeant, you are not that nice”. He said he was serious, and I asked him if I would have to throw it up later, he responded with no. So still skeptical, we went with him and got milkshakes. It was really weird. Oh my God…I can’t tell you how good icecream is when you can’t have it.
You all really don’t know what you take for granted in life. When I first got here I wanted music, cell phone, computer, etc. Now I just want the bare essentials: Ice, Air Conditioning, Junk Food, lol…It’s 1900 right now and we still haven’t been smoked for it, so that’s good. I however will not rest easy until Drill Sergeant “K” is gone. He is on call tonight unfortunately, and 99% of the time we get woken up in the middle of the night for something stupid.
We hung out for the rest of the day and played it cool. Drill Sergeant “K” sat us down and told us some war stories and also gave us the update on the Solider who went down yesterday. He only has a 10% chance of a full recovery and will likely be a vegetable for the rest of his life due to severe brain damage. It sucks because we have all gotten pretty close here and now one of our brothers is down and out. We are praying for him, but the outcome doesn’t look too promising. Brutal, huh?
Alright that is it for today. I’ll write again tomorrow if I can, but probably Sunday because Saturday will be a busy day for us. I love you guys!
-PFC Zaleuke
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 6th, 2009
Today, I woke up and had that feeling like I just wanted to go back to sleep. I don’t care how much I get to sleep, it is never enough. On average, I get seven hours a night and that is only if I don’t have an hour long fire guard shift. So I rolled my ass out of bed and got dressed, acted as if I were busy so that I didn’t have to sweep or mop or anything, then I went downstairs for formation and PT. This morning’s PT was horrible. We started stretching and then we went into 60 120’s. That’s where you spring for 60 seconds and jog for 120 seconds over and over again. After that we would normally be finished, but not today! We had to form back up for a 30 minute smoke session which consisted of flutter kicks, pushups, jumping jacks, overhead arm clap, etc. We were dead tired.
Then we had to line up on side of the PT track and run 100 yard sprints. We did 22 of them and each had to be completed in 17 seconds or less. One of the guys in my platoon started walking funny, then he passed out. One of the guys went to get him and as we were walking, excuse me running off the field, he passed out again. T hey called for the ice sheets, which are literally bed sheets of ice to be used on him and they took his temperature. Apparently it read 98.6 degrees but it wasn’t working right. It turns out that his real temperature was 107 degrees which they took in the ambulance on the way to the hospital where he is now. Talk about brutal, and that was my morning pretty much.
I am so damn tired its crazy and I’m sitting in the dentist office now. We aren’t doing a damn thing today so they decided to send a bunch of us to the dentist so we could get squared away. I’m getting a cavity filled, awesome! On the bright side, I’m away from the company probably for a few hours and I have a lot of time to write. I’m going to try to write a few letters while I’m here.
It is so damn hot here in Georgia. I thought Florida was bad, but good Lord! It is almost a daily struggle not to pass out from the heat every day, it is that hot. There has been a few times where I felt as if I was about to pass out, but I can’t be “that guy”. I believe we are going on a four mile ruck march tomorrow morning for PT, and I’m really glad its going to be before the sun comes up because that always makes it easier. It’s not that I get physically tired from the marches, it is usually just the extreme heat and having to wear all of that gear that gets to me.
I was talking last night with one of our prior service/re-class soldiers last night and it seems that I will be able to make Sergeant in about a year and a half possibly, and even staff sergeant a year after that! I think that is pretty cool and I’m really excited. This new guy is full of information and is really cool. I enjoy talking to him as much as possible because I learn a lot from him.
I honestly cant think of anything that has happened that I can remember. Basic training is over in about 4 weeks and I will get to see my Dad, sister and niece which I am really excited about. I’m sure they have thousands of questions for me, as is expected. I want to tell my mom, grandparents, Mary, Donnie, Alisha, Debbie, and rest of my family how much I love them. I miss you all, and I will be seeing you all soon. Do me a favor, and kiss my puppy for me and let him know that I love him too. It’s hard not being able to communicate with one of your closest friends just because he is an animal. I miss my golden retriever LOL!
Before I go, I just remembered a funny story that happened to me a few days ago that I meant to write about in an earlier letter. We were outside in the woods a few days ago when it was raining and we had to set up a perimeter around an area. I was paired up with one of the black guys in our platoon. We were sitting back to back talking, and of course we got busted. We heard, “Privates, shut the Hell up over there! What is so important that you need to talk right now?” Obviously, sitting in the rain with my back up against a black guy reminded me of Forrest Gump…I said, “Bubba said that we should lean up against each other so we don’t have to lay our heads in the mud, Drill Sergeant”. He goes, “What?!” I said, “Forest Gump, Drill Sergeant”. He just stared at me for a few seconds and took a deep breath then continued on with his lecture. LOL. I’m always doing shit like that here, especially, “Lt. Dan!! I got you some Ice-cream!” LOL, my drill sergeants often say, “Shut-up, Zaleuke” from across the bay when they hear me. Maybe it isn’t too funny, but I think so, especially when I know they find it funny too.
Alright that’s it for now. I’m all out of stories today. Thank you by the way for all of the Billy Mays information you all have been sending me. People here think I am weird because I get so much Billy Mays stuff in the mail. What can I say though, the man was an Idol and also a genius with a flawless beard! He will surely be missed, by me especially. Lastly, a lot of you have been sending me song lyrics from bands I like and songs I love. I can almost hear the song perfectly in my head- Thankyou!
I just got back from the dentist and our drill sergeants sat us down to tell us about the guy who passed out today. He topped out at 108 degrees. He went into cardiac arrest and they brought him back. He is sedated for now but its pretty bad and right now we don’t know what is going to happen. Tomorrow’s ruck march may not happen now—I’ll keep you updated, it’s getting interesting!
-PFC Zaleuke
Then we had to line up on side of the PT track and run 100 yard sprints. We did 22 of them and each had to be completed in 17 seconds or less. One of the guys in my platoon started walking funny, then he passed out. One of the guys went to get him and as we were walking, excuse me running off the field, he passed out again. T hey called for the ice sheets, which are literally bed sheets of ice to be used on him and they took his temperature. Apparently it read 98.6 degrees but it wasn’t working right. It turns out that his real temperature was 107 degrees which they took in the ambulance on the way to the hospital where he is now. Talk about brutal, and that was my morning pretty much.
I am so damn tired its crazy and I’m sitting in the dentist office now. We aren’t doing a damn thing today so they decided to send a bunch of us to the dentist so we could get squared away. I’m getting a cavity filled, awesome! On the bright side, I’m away from the company probably for a few hours and I have a lot of time to write. I’m going to try to write a few letters while I’m here.
It is so damn hot here in Georgia. I thought Florida was bad, but good Lord! It is almost a daily struggle not to pass out from the heat every day, it is that hot. There has been a few times where I felt as if I was about to pass out, but I can’t be “that guy”. I believe we are going on a four mile ruck march tomorrow morning for PT, and I’m really glad its going to be before the sun comes up because that always makes it easier. It’s not that I get physically tired from the marches, it is usually just the extreme heat and having to wear all of that gear that gets to me.
I was talking last night with one of our prior service/re-class soldiers last night and it seems that I will be able to make Sergeant in about a year and a half possibly, and even staff sergeant a year after that! I think that is pretty cool and I’m really excited. This new guy is full of information and is really cool. I enjoy talking to him as much as possible because I learn a lot from him.
I honestly cant think of anything that has happened that I can remember. Basic training is over in about 4 weeks and I will get to see my Dad, sister and niece which I am really excited about. I’m sure they have thousands of questions for me, as is expected. I want to tell my mom, grandparents, Mary, Donnie, Alisha, Debbie, and rest of my family how much I love them. I miss you all, and I will be seeing you all soon. Do me a favor, and kiss my puppy for me and let him know that I love him too. It’s hard not being able to communicate with one of your closest friends just because he is an animal. I miss my golden retriever LOL!
Before I go, I just remembered a funny story that happened to me a few days ago that I meant to write about in an earlier letter. We were outside in the woods a few days ago when it was raining and we had to set up a perimeter around an area. I was paired up with one of the black guys in our platoon. We were sitting back to back talking, and of course we got busted. We heard, “Privates, shut the Hell up over there! What is so important that you need to talk right now?” Obviously, sitting in the rain with my back up against a black guy reminded me of Forrest Gump…I said, “Bubba said that we should lean up against each other so we don’t have to lay our heads in the mud, Drill Sergeant”. He goes, “What?!” I said, “Forest Gump, Drill Sergeant”. He just stared at me for a few seconds and took a deep breath then continued on with his lecture. LOL. I’m always doing shit like that here, especially, “Lt. Dan!! I got you some Ice-cream!” LOL, my drill sergeants often say, “Shut-up, Zaleuke” from across the bay when they hear me. Maybe it isn’t too funny, but I think so, especially when I know they find it funny too.
Alright that’s it for now. I’m all out of stories today. Thank you by the way for all of the Billy Mays information you all have been sending me. People here think I am weird because I get so much Billy Mays stuff in the mail. What can I say though, the man was an Idol and also a genius with a flawless beard! He will surely be missed, by me especially. Lastly, a lot of you have been sending me song lyrics from bands I like and songs I love. I can almost hear the song perfectly in my head- Thankyou!
I just got back from the dentist and our drill sergeants sat us down to tell us about the guy who passed out today. He topped out at 108 degrees. He went into cardiac arrest and they brought him back. He is sedated for now but its pretty bad and right now we don’t know what is going to happen. Tomorrow’s ruck march may not happen now—I’ll keep you updated, it’s getting interesting!
-PFC Zaleuke
Saturday, August 8, 2009
August 5th, 2009
I apologize for not writing the past day or so, but we have been crazy busy and they havent given me much time to myself. These past few days have been hectic for us. We spend most of the day on the range shooting and being hot. Seriously, the other day it was 108 degrees on the field. We ran out of water, and we were on a sand course with no trees or shade. We had on full battle rattle (ACU’s, Bullet proof vest, helmet, etc). We had numerous guys drop out and sent to the infirmary. It is absolutely miserable some days, but on a good note, I’m shooting well. I hit 37 out of 40 targets yesterday which is Expert level, so that’s pretty legit.
I woke up yesterday morning to a pleasant surprise too! PT Test!! I was so pissed off because I like to mentally prepare for something like that. I did pretty good though again. We had been smoked a lot the night before so I was pretty out of it, but I did 50 pushups, 63 sit ups, and ran my two-mile run in 14:06. Yeah, it ‘is lower than’ last time, but give me a break, I get tired. My score is still high (230) and I’m still #7 in PT in my platoon. Everybody’s run times were down by one minute this time but that may be because last PT test we ran on the track while this one was on the road. Reguardless though, I’m stronger than ever, not to mention I’m in the best shape of my life. My scores are still well over 60% which is what I need to graduate AIT, so I’m not worried. I’m still a bad Ass.
LOL- this is a funny story I wanted to share with you. A few weeks ago I was given a cheap Bible by the Army when I went to church. Each bible had a personalized note inside of it written by people to soliders. I got one written by a nine year old little girl named Hunger, and she wrote her address in it, and asked me (or whoever) to write her. On one of my lazy Sundays, I wrote her a letter thanking her for the Bible and what not, and I told her a little about myself. A few weeks went by, and Friday, July 31st I got a FedEx package in the mail. We have to open all packages in front of our drill sergeants. That night, Drill Sergeant “K” who is our most…lively drill sergeant made me open it. That little girl’s family sent me a box of cupcakes, candles, mini-birthday balloon, confetti, and a long note and stuff. I automatically hung my head as if saying “damnit” to myself. My drill sergeant goes, “Wellllll, Private. What do we have here? It appears to be someone’s birthdayyy!” He took the food and that’s where it all ended (or so I thought).
I thought I had made it without getting smoked for my birthday because all my friends and family had done such a good job keeping all Birthday mail inconspicuous. Monday evening rolls around and Drill Sergeant “K” calls my friends Thomas and Wisdom up to his office and he goes, “Zaleuke, get your ass up here too.” So I double timed it up to the front of the bay and before I even got there Drill Sergeant goes, “Get the fuck down and do pushups Private!” Now I had thought maybe it was because I was only wearing shorts and sandals, but he goes, “Do you know why your doing pushups, Private?” I said, “No Drill Sergeant”. He told me I could think of the reason why while I do them while he goes into his office. The entire platoon is standing perfectly still, drill sergeant is in his office, and I’m looking at all of the guys as if like saying, “WTF did I do!?”
A few seconds later, Thomas and Wisdom came out of the office with my drill sergeant holding a cupcake with a single candle in it singing the Happy Birthday song. LOL. He asked me how old I was, and made me do 22 pushups, 22 situps, 22 squat benders, 22 downups, etc. When I was done however I got to eat my cupcake (which was damn good by the way) So basically by writing a simple letter this little 9 year old girl got my ass smoked. FML. For all of you who are laughing too, you can kiss my ass.. AKA: Daniel.
That is about all of the news for now though. I got 24 letters in the mail for my birthday, and that was pretty cool. I got about 8 letters tonight too! My dad sent me some really cool letters, lol, most of which contain pictures and quotes from our favorite movies. Everybody has been sending me unique and cool letters lately as well, and I have saved every letter I have gotten since I’ve been here and it is filed away in my binder. It will be something I can keep and look back on, and I enjoy keeping up with it nightly. For those of you who have not received letters from me, bear with me, I am slowly getting around to writing you back. Don’t think I don’t appreciate all of your letters though because I read them all.
I’m not sure what we have planned tomorrow, probably more shooting. For some reason we keep hearing hints about Ft. Bliss in Texas, and how we will “possibly” be deployed in six months or so. It is a mathematical certainty that I am going, but when and where is yet to be determined. It’s kind of nerve wracking and somewhat cool too. The army has officially made me terrified of IED’s now though (google I.E.D) It’s apparently a big big deal over in Iraq. Sweet….
LOL, alright it’s bed time. I love you guys and I’ll write again as soon as they give me free time. I always do. Good night.
-PFC Zaleuke
I woke up yesterday morning to a pleasant surprise too! PT Test!! I was so pissed off because I like to mentally prepare for something like that. I did pretty good though again. We had been smoked a lot the night before so I was pretty out of it, but I did 50 pushups, 63 sit ups, and ran my two-mile run in 14:06. Yeah, it ‘is lower than’ last time, but give me a break, I get tired. My score is still high (230) and I’m still #7 in PT in my platoon. Everybody’s run times were down by one minute this time but that may be because last PT test we ran on the track while this one was on the road. Reguardless though, I’m stronger than ever, not to mention I’m in the best shape of my life. My scores are still well over 60% which is what I need to graduate AIT, so I’m not worried. I’m still a bad Ass.
LOL- this is a funny story I wanted to share with you. A few weeks ago I was given a cheap Bible by the Army when I went to church. Each bible had a personalized note inside of it written by people to soliders. I got one written by a nine year old little girl named Hunger, and she wrote her address in it, and asked me (or whoever) to write her. On one of my lazy Sundays, I wrote her a letter thanking her for the Bible and what not, and I told her a little about myself. A few weeks went by, and Friday, July 31st I got a FedEx package in the mail. We have to open all packages in front of our drill sergeants. That night, Drill Sergeant “K” who is our most…lively drill sergeant made me open it. That little girl’s family sent me a box of cupcakes, candles, mini-birthday balloon, confetti, and a long note and stuff. I automatically hung my head as if saying “damnit” to myself. My drill sergeant goes, “Wellllll, Private. What do we have here? It appears to be someone’s birthdayyy!” He took the food and that’s where it all ended (or so I thought).
I thought I had made it without getting smoked for my birthday because all my friends and family had done such a good job keeping all Birthday mail inconspicuous. Monday evening rolls around and Drill Sergeant “K” calls my friends Thomas and Wisdom up to his office and he goes, “Zaleuke, get your ass up here too.” So I double timed it up to the front of the bay and before I even got there Drill Sergeant goes, “Get the fuck down and do pushups Private!” Now I had thought maybe it was because I was only wearing shorts and sandals, but he goes, “Do you know why your doing pushups, Private?” I said, “No Drill Sergeant”. He told me I could think of the reason why while I do them while he goes into his office. The entire platoon is standing perfectly still, drill sergeant is in his office, and I’m looking at all of the guys as if like saying, “WTF did I do!?”
A few seconds later, Thomas and Wisdom came out of the office with my drill sergeant holding a cupcake with a single candle in it singing the Happy Birthday song. LOL. He asked me how old I was, and made me do 22 pushups, 22 situps, 22 squat benders, 22 downups, etc. When I was done however I got to eat my cupcake (which was damn good by the way) So basically by writing a simple letter this little 9 year old girl got my ass smoked. FML. For all of you who are laughing too, you can kiss my ass.. AKA: Daniel.
That is about all of the news for now though. I got 24 letters in the mail for my birthday, and that was pretty cool. I got about 8 letters tonight too! My dad sent me some really cool letters, lol, most of which contain pictures and quotes from our favorite movies. Everybody has been sending me unique and cool letters lately as well, and I have saved every letter I have gotten since I’ve been here and it is filed away in my binder. It will be something I can keep and look back on, and I enjoy keeping up with it nightly. For those of you who have not received letters from me, bear with me, I am slowly getting around to writing you back. Don’t think I don’t appreciate all of your letters though because I read them all.
I’m not sure what we have planned tomorrow, probably more shooting. For some reason we keep hearing hints about Ft. Bliss in Texas, and how we will “possibly” be deployed in six months or so. It is a mathematical certainty that I am going, but when and where is yet to be determined. It’s kind of nerve wracking and somewhat cool too. The army has officially made me terrified of IED’s now though (google I.E.D) It’s apparently a big big deal over in Iraq. Sweet….
LOL, alright it’s bed time. I love you guys and I’ll write again as soon as they give me free time. I always do. Good night.
-PFC Zaleuke
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 2nd, 2009
Today is Sunday, and I don’t really have too much to say. We went to sleep almost immediately after I finished my letter last night. I woke up today and ate a great breakfast then went to church. Now I’m sitting around waiting to go to the PX to get a haircut. I’m really tired and want to go to sleep but a few guys from 2nd platoon got busted sleeping and got smoked pretty badly, so I don’t want to risk it.
We got these prior service guys added to our platoon the other day because they were switching MOS’. They are all combat veterans who have been deployed, and they have been telling us all sorts of stories. They seem to think most of us will be set to Ft. Bliss which is in El Paso Texas because they will be deploying soon. The real Army sounds pretty cool. Our living quarters on base will be pretty cool too from what I hear. I’m really excited that I got paid yesterday and it was a bit less than it would normally be because they fronted us $300.00 upfront. I’m going to save most of the money I make, but there are a few things I’m going to buy when I get out of here because I think I deserve it. I want a new 52 inch LCD TV and maybe some rims for my truck. I’ll also be able to pay off my motorcycle real soon too which will be nice. If I get to go to Texas, I think I will like it. Hank Hill is from Texas, so it cant be that bad.
We have roughly 12 days left of white phase until we advance to Blue phase. It’s hard to believe we only have about nine weeks left until it is all over. It will be a glorious day for me too because I cant wait to get out of here. Oddly though, I’m really starting to get used to this new way of life. The days seem to fly by especially when you space out a lot like I do. Its sometimes the only thing I can do to feel normal, lol. I’ve heard some information that said we will not be able to go home with our parents after graduation. We have to stay here one more week to fill out paperwork to get it ready for our first duty stations. The Army will then pay for us to get home. I’ll have to fly home wearing my military uniform which will be pretty cool. I’m not sure how accurate all of this info is, but that’s the word on the street.
I’m counting down the days until I get to see my Dad, sister, and niece on my family day break which is about one month away. I’m looking forward to eating food that I’ve been missing, and the opportunity to use my computer which I hope my dad will bring with him. I haven’t checked MySpace for Facebook in ages it seems.
I gave our Platoon Guide a nickname the other day which the drill sergeants think is funny as hell. Usually we call him P.G. but I started calling him Pappa Golf (because of the Military Alphabet). Now that I write that, it seems less funny but whatever I guess, lol. Well that is about all of the news for now. If you all have any questions or want to know anything about how we do things, feel free to ask in your letters.
Just like you, I too like to have things to write about at times. Sometimes things here are quite boring. I weigh 186 now by the way. That is sixteen lbs I’ve gained since being here. That was random to bring up, I know, but oh well. I’ll talk to you all soon.
-PFC Zaleuke
We got these prior service guys added to our platoon the other day because they were switching MOS’. They are all combat veterans who have been deployed, and they have been telling us all sorts of stories. They seem to think most of us will be set to Ft. Bliss which is in El Paso Texas because they will be deploying soon. The real Army sounds pretty cool. Our living quarters on base will be pretty cool too from what I hear. I’m really excited that I got paid yesterday and it was a bit less than it would normally be because they fronted us $300.00 upfront. I’m going to save most of the money I make, but there are a few things I’m going to buy when I get out of here because I think I deserve it. I want a new 52 inch LCD TV and maybe some rims for my truck. I’ll also be able to pay off my motorcycle real soon too which will be nice. If I get to go to Texas, I think I will like it. Hank Hill is from Texas, so it cant be that bad.
We have roughly 12 days left of white phase until we advance to Blue phase. It’s hard to believe we only have about nine weeks left until it is all over. It will be a glorious day for me too because I cant wait to get out of here. Oddly though, I’m really starting to get used to this new way of life. The days seem to fly by especially when you space out a lot like I do. Its sometimes the only thing I can do to feel normal, lol. I’ve heard some information that said we will not be able to go home with our parents after graduation. We have to stay here one more week to fill out paperwork to get it ready for our first duty stations. The Army will then pay for us to get home. I’ll have to fly home wearing my military uniform which will be pretty cool. I’m not sure how accurate all of this info is, but that’s the word on the street.
I’m counting down the days until I get to see my Dad, sister, and niece on my family day break which is about one month away. I’m looking forward to eating food that I’ve been missing, and the opportunity to use my computer which I hope my dad will bring with him. I haven’t checked MySpace for Facebook in ages it seems.
I gave our Platoon Guide a nickname the other day which the drill sergeants think is funny as hell. Usually we call him P.G. but I started calling him Pappa Golf (because of the Military Alphabet). Now that I write that, it seems less funny but whatever I guess, lol. Well that is about all of the news for now. If you all have any questions or want to know anything about how we do things, feel free to ask in your letters.
Just like you, I too like to have things to write about at times. Sometimes things here are quite boring. I weigh 186 now by the way. That is sixteen lbs I’ve gained since being here. That was random to bring up, I know, but oh well. I’ll talk to you all soon.
-PFC Zaleuke
August 1st, 2009
Well today is my 22nd birthday, and I had a crazy day. Actually I had a crazy few days. In my last letter I wrote, I told you I was going out for a three day field training exercise. I have to say overall, it sucked. We took a bus there with our 70lb ruck sacks and set up on the range. We spent three solid days grouping and zeroing our weapons. I did mine in the first day with only 12 rounds. It took some people much longer. Since it is against policy to sleep on a range, we had to ruck a mile to and from the range. I can not stress to you how how it is here, so my ACU’s were soaked with sweat all day long. It also rained all day and most of the night which meant we had to sleep in the rain.
Funny thing about the infantry: We sleep in the places nobody else wants to sleep. We do it for the purpose that the enemy wouldn’t even want to walk through the shit to find us. SO- we had to sleep in 3 ft high grass and mud that was a swamp. You could imagine my delight!! Since I zeroed my weapon so early (since I am a bad ass) I had to sit around for two days wet and miserable. Awesome. We did go over a lot of tactical maneuvers out in the woods though which was pretty cool.
Friday night we returned to the bay and we had to repack our rucks for today’s journey. We woke up at 0430, got on a bus and went to a different firing range. Todays training was fun as hell. I got to burn off almost 150 rounds on pop up targets ranging from 75, 175, and 300 meters away. I dominated obviously. No, seriously through, I am really good with my weapon. I feel very confident when it comes time to qualify.
I got punched in the throat by some punk ass kid today because I didn’t want to take him to the restroom. I was about to go on range, and he wouldn’t accept no as an answer so he punched me in the throat… I stook there and said, “Really?” I smiled, and a few seconds later a drill sergeant came over and made the fucker get in the front leaning rest position and smoked the hell out of him. While he was down, I called him a pussy and the D.S. just smiled. Punched in the throat on my B-day..awesome.
Today’s temp reached 103 degrees in Ft. Benning. We had to ruck back. Holy Shit! Six miles, full battle rattle, 70lb ruck sack, limited water, it was God Awful. Out of 56 in our platoon, 27 made it the whole way. That is just in our platoon too, we marched our entire company of 220, and a lot fell out. I made it the entire way though…because I am a man. LOL! I’m exhausted, I have prickly heat on my back from not being able to shower these past few days, my feel look like rocks: All in all, Good day, good birthday. I feel accomplished and I am starting to gain motivation by watching others fail. I will not/can not fail. I refuse to accept defeat, I am a soldier now and we do not give up.
I’m going to bed now, Lol. I’m exhausted. I will write tomorrow about more stuff. By the way, I got a lot of everyone’s birthday cards and packages. Thank you everyone, seriously. You all found a way to make my birthday somewhat special while I’m at this horrid place. Thanks, I wont forget it. I love you guys, I’ll write about more stuff in detail tomorrow since its Sunday. Sleep well, I know I will tonight.
Talk Later-
-PFC Zaleuke
Funny thing about the infantry: We sleep in the places nobody else wants to sleep. We do it for the purpose that the enemy wouldn’t even want to walk through the shit to find us. SO- we had to sleep in 3 ft high grass and mud that was a swamp. You could imagine my delight!! Since I zeroed my weapon so early (since I am a bad ass) I had to sit around for two days wet and miserable. Awesome. We did go over a lot of tactical maneuvers out in the woods though which was pretty cool.
Friday night we returned to the bay and we had to repack our rucks for today’s journey. We woke up at 0430, got on a bus and went to a different firing range. Todays training was fun as hell. I got to burn off almost 150 rounds on pop up targets ranging from 75, 175, and 300 meters away. I dominated obviously. No, seriously through, I am really good with my weapon. I feel very confident when it comes time to qualify.
I got punched in the throat by some punk ass kid today because I didn’t want to take him to the restroom. I was about to go on range, and he wouldn’t accept no as an answer so he punched me in the throat… I stook there and said, “Really?” I smiled, and a few seconds later a drill sergeant came over and made the fucker get in the front leaning rest position and smoked the hell out of him. While he was down, I called him a pussy and the D.S. just smiled. Punched in the throat on my B-day..awesome.
Today’s temp reached 103 degrees in Ft. Benning. We had to ruck back. Holy Shit! Six miles, full battle rattle, 70lb ruck sack, limited water, it was God Awful. Out of 56 in our platoon, 27 made it the whole way. That is just in our platoon too, we marched our entire company of 220, and a lot fell out. I made it the entire way though…because I am a man. LOL! I’m exhausted, I have prickly heat on my back from not being able to shower these past few days, my feel look like rocks: All in all, Good day, good birthday. I feel accomplished and I am starting to gain motivation by watching others fail. I will not/can not fail. I refuse to accept defeat, I am a soldier now and we do not give up.
I’m going to bed now, Lol. I’m exhausted. I will write tomorrow about more stuff. By the way, I got a lot of everyone’s birthday cards and packages. Thank you everyone, seriously. You all found a way to make my birthday somewhat special while I’m at this horrid place. Thanks, I wont forget it. I love you guys, I’ll write about more stuff in detail tomorrow since its Sunday. Sleep well, I know I will tonight.
Talk Later-
-PFC Zaleuke
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