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.