Letter 9

Dear Mom,

Hey Mom!  How is everything going?  I received your package today.  Thank you so much for all the help and support.  I wouldn't have the drive I have if you weren't right behind me, pushing me along.

The hardest thing about basic I would say is the attitudes of the other females. It is getting better, but for some it will never change.

Well, this week's schedule is:

Monday - Night Fire
Tuesday - EST Training
Wednesday - Combatives
Thursday - Combatives
Friday - Final PT Test/Night Fire
Saturday - Confidence Tower

24 DAYS til Family Day!  How exciting it will be. :)  I can't wait to see all of you.  I miss you guys so much.  I need my real family around.  I have made some good friends here, but real family is nice too.

As for staying in, I'm not quite sure.  I am going to complete my 3 years and if I am liking it, I will go reserve and retire as that.  If not, I will decide when it comes to that.

I'm so excited for AIT.  Phones every day, laptops, news, week-end off post passes... Sounds like heaven compared to what I'm going through now. 

As for people I have become close with, there are 3 females:  Kraxberger, Conway, and Jackson (Emily).  (We have 2 Jackson's.)  They are all girlie like me, so I don't stick out as an odd ball.  They are really a good support system.  Conway & Jackson are both staying here for AIT and I will get to see them on free time.  (They have a different MOS than me.)  Kraxberger is leaving us.  Her AIT is at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  That will be sad, but we are still going to keep up with her on FaceBook and stay in touch.  I have also met one other female in my platoon from Michigan.  She has the same MOS & AIT as I do.  She is from Madison Heights, MI.

I'm including my picture.  I'm going to get new pictures done in AIT.  That picture was done the first day we got here.  We only got 2 hours of sleep and pictures were the next day.  I'll give you the rest of the copies at graduation.

Thank you for your love and support.  I wouldn't be where I am today without your love and strength behind me every step of the way.  FYI:  I qualified with my weapon.  I'm now a "U.S. Shooting Machine".

xoxo,

Love Heather!

P.S.  Tell everyone I said "Hello" and hugs and kisses to all.

Letter 8

Hey Mom,

I got your 2 cards on Tuesday, but haven't received your 2nd package.  Hopefully, it didn't get lost in the mail.  I'm excited today, we got sized for our "blues" today.  34 days left and I've already started my count down.  These females here have the worst attitudes, but I'm actually happy that I have kept my mouth shut.  You know me, I'm stubborn and quick to react and throw attitude.  I haven't done that lately, so kudos for me.

We had our 2nd PT Test yesterday and I did much better.  The first PT Test I did, I did 4 push ups, 51 sit ups, and did my 2 mile run in 19:27 minutes.  The second PT Test I did yesterday I did 18 push ups, 64 sit ups, and did my 2 mile run in 17:27 minutes. 

I zeroed in shooting the other day as well.  I have also been named Bay Leader.  I keep track of the fire guard shifts and make sure that all duties are  done before the end of everyone's shift.  It's like the mom of the barracks.  So, I'm finally fitting in here. 

Today, we also got our money for our pictures we receive next week.  We also went shopping for necessities.  Now, I am all stocked up for the next few weeks. 

Tell Robyn that I said "Congrats" on her graduation.  I wish I was there to help her celebrate.  I also hope the car is working for her.  I love all of you so much!

xoxo Heather

This week's schedule:

Monday - BRM PreQual
Tuesday - Qualify Day - Basic Rifle Marksmanshp
Wednesday - Classes
Thursday & Friday - FTX - Field Training
Saturday - FTX Recovery Day

Letter 7

Hey family!  How's it going?  Sorry, I haven't wrote much, training is heating up.  So far, we have done confidence courses,shot machine guns, grenade and rocket launchers, and zeroed in range shooting with an M-16 rifle.  I throw grenades next week and will be zeroeing more at the range as well.  Slowly, but surely, I am finding my comfort spot and doing just fine.  I passed my 2nd PT test today.  I'm doing a lot better on my sit ups and way better on my push ups!  The countdown has also begun and I currently have 40 days left until I see you all again.  I have sent out grad info.  You should receive it any day now.  I really hope that everyone can come.  Also, Robyn, you have to keep me updated on your graduation stuff and pictures.  Tell Holly to stop being lame and write me!  I miss her very much, as well, and would love to hear from her.  Tell Mike, I said "Hello" and "Love You"!  Can't wait to show him how my shooting is when I come home after AIT.  Tell Carrie to to keep writing.  I love everyone's letters.  They really help to read when I am down or discouraged in training...which is often.  I'm way too girly and had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Certainly aren't any hair or nail salons nearby!  I'm sure you can feel my pain! :)

Well, I love and miss you all so much!  Update me on your travel info for graduation and write back ASAP!

Love you,

Heather

Reflect on the true meaning of MEMORIAL DAY!

EVERYONE...

Please take a few minutes today to think of those soldiers, and their families, who have given the ultimate sacrifice...their lives...for YOUR freedom. Also, remember those currently serving and who are away from their own families today, so that you can enjoy the day with yours. To be willing to sacrifice your life for those you may never meet is the true definition of a HERO. 

For the majority of our soldiers, today will not be a DAY OFF or an opportunity to celebrate with families, by going to the park or having a picnic lunch.  For many soldiers, today will be another day of training in the hot sun and eating their meals out of a plastic MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) pouch.  Many won't even get to call home and hear their loved one's voice and many more won't even get to enjoy the small comforts of showering or watching a favorite television program.  For these soldiers, the most important part of their day is not about making sure that there is enough food for today's family get together....it will be about who will make it back to their bunk alive tonight.  Grim, maybe, but truer than most of us would like to realize. 

Right now, please take a moment and bow your head or place your hand over heart, and think of our soldiers, who are someone's sons, daughters, wives, husbands, fathers, and mothers.  Think of them, because they will definitely be thinking of YOU and fearlessly laying their lives on the line for YOUR freedom to be with YOUR loved ones today. 

Letter 6

Hey Mom,

How is everything?  I received your care package today w/all the letters, pictures, and undies.  Thanks for everything by the way!  The undies got put in my personal bag, because they can only be plain white, even on the waist band.  No black or colored.  Sorry, I should have specified better.

Well, first to update you guys on everything.  So far, in Red Phase, we have completed our first PT test.  I did well on the run and sit-ups, but not so good on my push ups.  But those I am working on every night.  We have also completed our 4K Foot March, Teamwork Development obstacle course, CBRN Gas Chamber, First Aid Test, Conditioning Obstacle Course (Fit-to-Win), Land Navigation, Hand Grenades, and are starting on our Basic Riflemanship.  This past Friday, we passed our Red Phase Test and advanced to White Phase.  Very exciting!  With that, we are given more privileges and phone time on Sundays. 

Last week was rough, though.  I had pulled a muscle in my right calf and was put on crutches for 5 days.  It was not fun.  But I am healed now, so all is well.

Mom, I have to add, when I read your blog, it made me cry.  It was very reassuring that I have such a wonderful support system back home.  I could not ask for anything more than an amazing family like mine.  I love and miss you all so much.  Update me about everything soon.

Night Night!

Love you,

Heather

P.S.  Expect a call Sunday around 3 pm.

Heather's Usual Daily Routine - Red Phase

This is Heather's daily routine, as part of her "Red Phase" training.  Basic Training is split into 3 phases, "Red, White, & Blue".  Each phase concentrates on certain skills and lasts approximately 3 weeks each.  Each phase must be passed, before a trainee can move on to the next one.

Red Phase Training

4 a.m. - Bay Wake-up
5 a.m. - Formation
5:30 a.m. - Physical Training Exercises & Run
7 a.m. - Chow
8 a.m. - Change into ACU uniform
8:30 a.m. - Field Training
11:30 a.m. - Chow
1 pm - Field Training
6 pm - Chow
7:30 pm - Count-in Formation
8 - 9 pm - Personal Time
9 pm - Lights Out

Heather has also passed her First Aid Exam, 1st Physical Training Test, and has done road marches, went through the Gas Chamber, done a Shooting Simulation, and participated in some team building courses.

Whew, I am tired just typing this.   It does seem like her schedule is much like the one I had in Basic Training in 1985.  I can only imagine how she is doing with going to bed and getting up so early.  She was always one that liked to stay up all night and then sleep in late.  I also know that not being able to watch tv must be driving her crazy. I did write and tell her who the winner of American Idol was.  She is, of course, my American Idol...even if she can't sing that great! :)

Follow-up to Letter 3

Well, there have been quite a few happenings since my Mother's Day post.  I went ahead and posted Letter 3 from Heather first, but still felt that I should post this separate "update post". 

Last weekend, my husband, Mike, and I traveled to Chicago for a family wedding.  Luckily for us, the wedding and our 1 year anniversary were on the same day, so we were able to squeeze in a great deal of celebrating with some family members that we rarely get to see.  The reunion itself would have been enough of a reason to make me smile, but on Sunday I also got my first call from Heather.  I was so excited.  For some reason, the number that showed up on my cell phone was not her number, so I think it may have "pinged" off a cell tower or something and that caused the phone number to show up strangely.  The number that showed up had a "203" area code, while Heather has a "313" one.  Strange....

Although our phone call was a short one, it sure was a relief to finally hear her voice.  She sounded so far away though and I could hear other excited conversations going on in the background.  I was sure that the folks on the other ends of those phone lines were just as happy as I was to also hear from their loved ones.

I knew that Heather didn't have very long to talk and I thought that she might also want to call her boyfriend, so I quickly asked her if there was anything that she needed.  She said that there was a packet being sent to me, from the unit commander, that would explain information about what she could receive in the mail and the details about her graduation date. (I haven't received this yet.)  She did ask for some writing paper and some ladies boyshorts (underwear).  Apparently there is not a great selection of undergarments at the small shop (PX - Post Exchange) that the trainees are allowed a rare trip to.  She did say that her unit had just completed it's first Physical Training (PT) test and that she had done "ok" on it.  She said that she was keeping pace with everyone else and that her unit was friendly and that she had made a few friends.  I ended the conversation by telling her that I loved her and was very proud of her. 

SO, this morning I went shopping before work and got the boyshorts and writing pad that she had asked for.  I put together her first care package this evening and it looked a little less elaborate than I had imagined her first one might be.  Although I would have loved to have thrown in a few goodies, like a Hershey's bar or some Reese's Minis, I stuck to what I thought the regulations might allow.  The box is currently sitting here on the dining room table next to me and contains a package of the requested undies, 3 steno writing pads, 2 pens from the Chicago hotel I stayed at (I couldn't think of any other souvenir she could have...lol), a box of envelopes, a book of stamps, and photos from my other daughter's prom.  There was also a card and letters from her sisters, Robyn & Carrie.  A little of my heart was also thrown in the box for good measure.  I hope that, when she opens the box, my love for her is the first thing that she "sees".

Letter 3

Dear Mom,

First of all, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!! I LOVE YOU!  Sorry I haven't gotten a hold of you.  I called today, but nothing went through.  Basic is getting tougher every day, but Mom you are my inspiration.  You are a very strong woman.  I am very honored to have had the opportunity to follow in your footsteps.  Every time things get tough, I think of you and how you had the courage to get through it.  I miss you so much.

They haven't given us much phone time.  But next Sunday for sure I will call around 2:30ish pm.  So be free at that time.  I love you mom.  We have our little disagreements, but that is only because you have raised me to be strong and stick up for myself.  So be proud.  :) 

You have to send me picture of Robyn's prom & graduation.  Well, love you, don't forget about me.

xoxo,

Heather

So, no call from Heather yesterday...

It was hard not to get discouraged yesterday, when I didn't hear from Heather.  I know that Mother's Day is just another training day in Basic, but I really did want to hear from her.  I carried the phone around all day, thinking that each time it rang it was her.  I am sure that my Facebook friends were right, though, when they said that they were sure she thought of me even if she couldn't call.  I know that she was definitely on my mind.  The day was only made harder, when it dawned on me that it was the first time in 21 years that I had not heard her say "Happy Mother's Day".   I hope that each of the military moms reading this blog got to hear from their child(ren).

I did figure out the address to write to Heather at.  I thought that the address that she had sent her recent letters from was the Reception Battalion, where she went through in-processing at.  When I double checked the address, however, it looks like that address is just very similiar to the training unit she was actually assigned to.  After figuring out the address, I was able to go on the Ft. Leonard Wood website and see when her graduation from Basic Training is.  Now, I can start planning a trip to see her in early July.  I can't wait and have already spent some time this evening checking out different hotel sites.  Although it is still a little early to plan anything, I did tell my husband that we will take her out for whatever she wants to eat...whether it is a big juicy steak or hamburger or crab legs & shrimp.  Whatever she wants, this soldier is going to get!

As for the much awaited phone call, I will continue to keep my cell phone nearby.  I completely understand why she hasn't called (training is the priority right now), but I still get a nervous tingle every time the phone rings.

Happy Mother's Day to all of Michigan's Military Moms!

To all of you that are sitting home today, waiting to hear from your military son or daughter....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU!!!

Behind every soldier is a mother that prays every day for their safety and happiness!

FINALLY...2 LETTERS!

Finally, something GREAT came in the mailbox...The first of what I hope is many letters from Heather!  Since this blog is meant to let others know what to expect when their child enters the military, I will be posting her letters...of course, I will leave out any information that is necessary to protect the innocent.  DISCLAIMER:  I do not know what the reference to "Rough Rider" is, but will include that question in my first letter to her.  Also, in an effort to keep the letters as authentic as possible, I have not corrected all the grammatical errors.  I am enjoying the letters as a mom and don't want to feel like I am "grading" them. :)

Letter #1 - April 26, 2011

Hey Mom & Everyone,

Hey you guys!  What's been going on?  Any new updates at home?  I definitely need pictures from Robyn's Prom and Graduation.  (Note:  Robyn is my daughter that is graduating from Truman High School this year.)  Mom, just an update in Basic training.  I am not allowed any care packages!!!  I guess it is a new rule, so we are only allowed letters & pictures, so send me tons...even of Chesney & Rocky.  (Note:  Chesney & Rocky are our two furbabies.)

As for me, everything is well so far.  Only day 2, but have been very busy with Recessions and getting settled here.  Yesterday we arrived on base at 10:00 pm and were up until 2:30 am and we had to wake up at 4:30 am.  So needless to say today was so rough.  Doing physical and being issued apparel on 2 hours of sleep.  It was exhausting.  But they did give us free time to write back home.  On Day 3 (tomorrow) we get our pictures done in our uniform.  (That was for you mom! (Smiley Face))  I know you may be getting this along with a couple of other letters.  They told us we would not be allowed to call or send letters until week 4.  So I'm sure there will be lots to tell by the time this gets to you.  I know this one is short, but here it is lights out & I'm exhausted!  Love you all.  Send pictures & letters.

Love you all,

Heather

P.S. MOM
No care packages!!! (Army here very strict)


Letter #2 - April 28, 2011

Dear Family,

It is day 4 and finally done with recession.  Ship to actual basic training drills tomorrow, Friday the 29th.  Just got news today that I will not be able to come home after basic at all!  I will not be able to come home until September, after AIT.  Trust me, I'm bummed about it and even had to tell Chris.  (Note:  Chris is the young man Heather was dating when she left.)  So tomorrow at basic I will be mailing this out.  Today was also picture day and pictures should be here 6 weeks from today.  Mom, there is a surprise coming your way :) . 

They did inform us that Sundays we will receive our phone to make a 15 minute phone call.  I won't be able to say much but hi, but every chance counts.  Writing will be the best way to get a hold of me.  Well, it's lights out.  Big day tomorrow.  Love you all.

XOXO,

Heather

P.S.  W/B too! 
NO CARE PACKAGES Mom.  Still love you though!

It's been officially one week and still no phone call!

Darn it!

I have been walking around with my cell phone pretty much glued to my right hand, hoping that Heather will get the chance to call.  I really thought I might hear from her yesterday, but by 11 pm I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to.  I am sure she is ok, but a reassuring phone call sure would have been nice.

I did get a postcard from the Reception Battalion over the weekend.   It basically said that she had arrived safely at Ft. Leonard Wood and that she was going through in-processing, which would take 4 - 5 days.  The postcard was preprinted and I am sure that it is sent to all family members.  The postcard also gave instructions on how to get an emergency message to her, via the Red Cross Field Director on the base.  According to the postmark, the card was sent last Wednesday, Apr. 27th. 

I guess this is a good time to start writing  Heather some letters, since I can't verbalize my feelings to her.  Since writing down your feelings is supposed to be therapeutic, maybe it will bring me some much needed comfort until I can hear my daughter's voice again.

WHAT'S IN THE HEART OF A Proud Military Mom?

The ability to let your child walk out the door with the recruiter.

The patience to wait for those letters from basic and phone calls home.

The pride from seeing that first military uniform picture.

The excitement of that first leave.

The strength to face the unknown.

The courage to send your child into battle.

The love in a woman's heart for her country.

The friendship of finding other military moms.

My daughter is now a United States Army Soldier...

I have had nearly a week to digest the fact that my oldest daughter is really several states away from me, training to be a soldier in the United States Army.  Where did the time go?  Not just the last week, but the last 21 years of having daily conversations with her...even if some of them were by text messages. I think back to the day she came home from kindergarten in tears.  After many hugs, she explained to me that it was "Brown Week" in her class.  Another child had innocently remarked that brown was the ugliest crayon in the crayon box.  Because of her darker skin complexion, my innocent little 5 year old had felt ugly.  In my eyes, nothing could have been further from the truth.  After a few more hugs and a couple of cookies, my daughter's feelings were soothed.


Now, hugs and cookies will not be as easily given.  All the love and support I can offer to her must now be handwritten or condensed into a hurried, unexpected phone call.  How can anyone understand the pride and fear you feel when your child decides to put the safety of our country before their own well-being? 


I encourage each of you to share your own story about having a military son or daughter.  Together, we may just make it through the Basic Training each of us, as parents, also must endure.