Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Post 26 - Last Post Before Graduation :-)
Dear Family,
I know you probably might not get this till after graduation but here goes anyways today is Sunday. Last week was team week which is fun we get assigned place where we go and work for other Marines to see what it is like in the actual working force. I had to stay at the house most of the week doing paperwork, but I got to go one day to the warehouse and unload semi trucks for an hour and then sat and talked to the marines and ourselves for a couple hours. This week is the Marine Corp Birthday so there has been ceremonies all week on Thursdaywe had the cake cutting ceremony, the reading of General John A LeSuene (not sure if I spelled this right I couldn't make out all of his letters) birthday message the recognition of the oldest and youngest Marines and a birthday message from our Commander of the Marine Corp. For lunch we had steak, shrimp, Lobster tail and rolls oh and birthday cake. I also had to run another PFT this one counted incase we are not able to run the final one I was only 14 pts below a first class PFT 10 pull ups 105 crunches and a 24:30 three mile run. Friday night I got to participate in night patrols which mean that I go to patrol an area at night with rifles and radios. I also was on the QRF quick response force which is basically like a swat team so we were on the alert all night ready to activate with in a min or two I can't wait to see you all on Monday we all. On monday we are doing rappelling off a 100 ft tower and tuesday we are going to SATO to schedule a flight home. I will try to find out when you are flying get a flight on the same one or close to it. LOVE you all and only 5 more days till I see you
LOVE
Ben
I know you probably might not get this till after graduation but here goes anyways today is Sunday. Last week was team week which is fun we get assigned place where we go and work for other Marines to see what it is like in the actual working force. I had to stay at the house most of the week doing paperwork, but I got to go one day to the warehouse and unload semi trucks for an hour and then sat and talked to the marines and ourselves for a couple hours. This week is the Marine Corp Birthday so there has been ceremonies all week on Thursdaywe had the cake cutting ceremony, the reading of General John A LeSuene (not sure if I spelled this right I couldn't make out all of his letters) birthday message the recognition of the oldest and youngest Marines and a birthday message from our Commander of the Marine Corp. For lunch we had steak, shrimp, Lobster tail and rolls oh and birthday cake. I also had to run another PFT this one counted incase we are not able to run the final one I was only 14 pts below a first class PFT 10 pull ups 105 crunches and a 24:30 three mile run. Friday night I got to participate in night patrols which mean that I go to patrol an area at night with rifles and radios. I also was on the QRF quick response force which is basically like a swat team so we were on the alert all night ready to activate with in a min or two I can't wait to see you all on Monday we all. On monday we are doing rappelling off a 100 ft tower and tuesday we are going to SATO to schedule a flight home. I will try to find out when you are flying get a flight on the same one or close to it. LOVE you all and only 5 more days till I see you
LOVE
Ben
Friday, November 9, 2007
Post 25
Dear Family
Another Sunday well waht can I say. I am only two and a half weeks away from being home and I am so excited. Last week was swim week and I qualified swim 4 which means I get to graduate. I also got to turn in my old belt and don a new belt I am now a tan belt in MCMAP. Yesterday was the series PFT I did 8 pull ups 118 crunches and 25 min 3 mile run I passed and now only have one more PFT to pass and even if I fail that one I will get a bad day waiver and pass any way. In the run I got to help someone and how someone helped me last time. I ran next to someone and ran them in. It was nice to be able to help someone out this time. I am still sore though. We are going into Team week where all we do is go to some classes and do work aroun dthe base basically no drill instructors all week to help us get use to being in the working force. We also get our uniforms back from the Taylors to get them ready for our two inspections. Now our main concern is studying up for prac and first aid. I can't wait to eat some real food and see all of you. The airport is a constant torture reminding me of how close that I actually am to finishing up boot and heading home. I would still like info on where we are staying after grad, if we aren't leaving until Thursday and what time we are leaving on Thursday don't worry if it is too early I am fine with it. I wake up at 0439-0500 every morning and I am slowly starting to become a morning person. I don't know now but I am becoming better at getting up all I need to hear is "Lights Lights Lights" and I am up and on line not awake but there. Well I need to go get ready for another week.
Love
Ben
Another Sunday well waht can I say. I am only two and a half weeks away from being home and I am so excited. Last week was swim week and I qualified swim 4 which means I get to graduate. I also got to turn in my old belt and don a new belt I am now a tan belt in MCMAP. Yesterday was the series PFT I did 8 pull ups 118 crunches and 25 min 3 mile run I passed and now only have one more PFT to pass and even if I fail that one I will get a bad day waiver and pass any way. In the run I got to help someone and how someone helped me last time. I ran next to someone and ran them in. It was nice to be able to help someone out this time. I am still sore though. We are going into Team week where all we do is go to some classes and do work aroun dthe base basically no drill instructors all week to help us get use to being in the working force. We also get our uniforms back from the Taylors to get them ready for our two inspections. Now our main concern is studying up for prac and first aid. I can't wait to eat some real food and see all of you. The airport is a constant torture reminding me of how close that I actually am to finishing up boot and heading home. I would still like info on where we are staying after grad, if we aren't leaving until Thursday and what time we are leaving on Thursday don't worry if it is too early I am fine with it. I wake up at 0439-0500 every morning and I am slowly starting to become a morning person. I don't know now but I am becoming better at getting up all I need to hear is "Lights Lights Lights" and I am up and on line not awake but there. Well I need to go get ready for another week.
Love
Ben
Post 24
Dear Family,
I just wanted to contact you life is ever picking up in pace this week is pretty intense when it comes to training I have swimming which I failed the first day because my bag malfunctioned and to put it short and nicely the bag and my rifle tried to drown me. But I am alive and trying again perserverence to the end. Tomorrow we have RAV where we get our official orders to tell us when and where we ship to next. The day after that we have our McMap test (Marine Corps Martial Art Program) and on Saturday I have series PFT "yeah" which means I have to run 3 miles do all my pull ups and all my crunches. I will let you know how it goes. Two days ago now we got issued more uniforms our dress uniforms our Service Alphas our Service Bravos & Charles and our dress blues Alphas, Bravos Charles, and Deltas so we spent time getting fitted and then sent them off to the taylors to get them better fitted, we also received our first third phase hair cuts which means it is the first hair cut I got that didn't hurt to high heavens and now I am sporting a high and tight till graduation. To answer some questions that I forgot to answer my oral surgery was for the cavity that we never took care of. And now for information when you come. I know I told Jen to bring my cell phone but if we are staying and extra night with internet I would like to have my computer or someones computer to come so as to check my accounts and some platoon issues I need to set up. I don't know if SSGT Smoger has told you anytime frames about family day or grad day but on family day at 0700 is the parents Drill Instructor time followed by the moto run followed by the pinning ceremony followed by the hang out time till I believe 1900 PSish if you come around 0600 you will miss traffic and get to see grad practice. Grad day graduation is at 1000 but to beat the crowds and get good seats you need to be here around 0800-0830 after that it starts to get really crowded. Please send me info on what you would like to do later so I can figure out arrangements with luggage and clothing. Also to remind you please stop sending letters by about next week Saturday I believe it is T-60 as Nov 9th or 10th. I love you and hope to see you soon!
Love
Ben
I just wanted to contact you life is ever picking up in pace this week is pretty intense when it comes to training I have swimming which I failed the first day because my bag malfunctioned and to put it short and nicely the bag and my rifle tried to drown me. But I am alive and trying again perserverence to the end. Tomorrow we have RAV where we get our official orders to tell us when and where we ship to next. The day after that we have our McMap test (Marine Corps Martial Art Program) and on Saturday I have series PFT "yeah" which means I have to run 3 miles do all my pull ups and all my crunches. I will let you know how it goes. Two days ago now we got issued more uniforms our dress uniforms our Service Alphas our Service Bravos & Charles and our dress blues Alphas, Bravos Charles, and Deltas so we spent time getting fitted and then sent them off to the taylors to get them better fitted, we also received our first third phase hair cuts which means it is the first hair cut I got that didn't hurt to high heavens and now I am sporting a high and tight till graduation. To answer some questions that I forgot to answer my oral surgery was for the cavity that we never took care of. And now for information when you come. I know I told Jen to bring my cell phone but if we are staying and extra night with internet I would like to have my computer or someones computer to come so as to check my accounts and some platoon issues I need to set up. I don't know if SSGT Smoger has told you anytime frames about family day or grad day but on family day at 0700 is the parents Drill Instructor time followed by the moto run followed by the pinning ceremony followed by the hang out time till I believe 1900 PSish if you come around 0600 you will miss traffic and get to see grad practice. Grad day graduation is at 1000 but to beat the crowds and get good seats you need to be here around 0800-0830 after that it starts to get really crowded. Please send me info on what you would like to do later so I can figure out arrangements with luggage and clothing. Also to remind you please stop sending letters by about next week Saturday I believe it is T-60 as Nov 9th or 10th. I love you and hope to see you soon!
Love
Ben
Friday, November 2, 2007
Post 23
Dear Family
Yesterday night we definately had fun the night before we have a mountain range about 4-5 miles out that I can see from my bed well two nights ago we watched the fire burn up and over the mountain then last night we watched as the fire came within a half milke to a mile away from the carracks we even backed all of our main packs to be able to evacuate across the street to the hovercraft base across the street but during the night it changed directions to head away from the MCRD portion of the base. Today more sitting around we didn't get to do much today weapons maintanence prac, first aid and lecture from my senior drill Instructor the only change is that the power is out and we now have to wear masks to make sure we don't inhale to much smoke. IT still looks like Christmas as the white ash falls around us. I am not looking forward to tomorrow more sitting around and more bordom the plus for the electricity going out is we get 11 1/2 hrs of sleep yesterday and tonmight from dawn to suck. Well I need to go write more letters I think I have 20 or so I am a little behind
Love
Ben
Dear Father,
I didn't have any more room on the family ltter and I wrote that last night and am writing this one tonight. I have realized that it is all a game to night they were messing arond withus before bed because we had extra time basically we were getting in and out of bed a couple of times and getting on line a whole lot more. About 20 of us right around me were trying not to laugh because they drill instructors had to find the mallest thing like one person wiggling their toe to punish us. It was hilarious that they have to try so hard now to find anything wrong with us. It is all becoming a game and we are loving it. 26 more days to go and in one hour I will officially be a third phase rady to gaduate.
Love
Ben
Yesterday night we definately had fun the night before we have a mountain range about 4-5 miles out that I can see from my bed well two nights ago we watched the fire burn up and over the mountain then last night we watched as the fire came within a half milke to a mile away from the carracks we even backed all of our main packs to be able to evacuate across the street to the hovercraft base across the street but during the night it changed directions to head away from the MCRD portion of the base. Today more sitting around we didn't get to do much today weapons maintanence prac, first aid and lecture from my senior drill Instructor the only change is that the power is out and we now have to wear masks to make sure we don't inhale to much smoke. IT still looks like Christmas as the white ash falls around us. I am not looking forward to tomorrow more sitting around and more bordom the plus for the electricity going out is we get 11 1/2 hrs of sleep yesterday and tonmight from dawn to suck. Well I need to go write more letters I think I have 20 or so I am a little behind
Love
Ben
Dear Father,
I didn't have any more room on the family ltter and I wrote that last night and am writing this one tonight. I have realized that it is all a game to night they were messing arond withus before bed because we had extra time basically we were getting in and out of bed a couple of times and getting on line a whole lot more. About 20 of us right around me were trying not to laugh because they drill instructors had to find the mallest thing like one person wiggling their toe to punish us. It was hilarious that they have to try so hard now to find anything wrong with us. It is all becoming a game and we are loving it. 26 more days to go and in one hour I will officially be a third phase rady to gaduate.
Love
Ben
Post 22
Dear Family,
California is burning and the snow is falling by now you probably have seen the news but california is on fire and the fires ae in San Diego area well north of it so I jut happen to be in themiddle of the fire three hours ago we found out that 13 miles north of us on the upper side of Camp Penelton is being evacuated and we are still ago on crucible but there is a possibility that it will be cancelled due to poor air quality already you can feel the heat of the fire it increased from in the sixties to 70's to feeling like it is in the lower 90's the air is becoming dryer and more difficult to breath. It is not rally noticible but it is if you really focus on the breathing. Tuesday night Oct 23 what can I say I fell alseep writing a letter the conditions here continue to amaze me it looks a little like Christmas with all the ash on the ground. The sun today was amazing no longer do we have limited coverage but we have full coverage so the sun is red and barely shines through and when it does it casts an erire glow like the sky just before a tornado. The air is even more difficult to breath like you have a cold the air also causes a lot of dryness so to not be to graphic but boogers are in abundance and hard to get rid of. We have not started the crucible and may not get to because of the conditions both MCRD north and south have postponed all physical outdoor activities until further notice. I am a little bumbed but that is ok I will get plenty of time to try out survival skills in the fleet. I also spend another 3 weeks - 4 weeks up here druing MCT so I will be doing the same stuff just more in depth. Today was boring we sat on our butts for close to 10 hrs studying prac and cleaning our weapons. Tomorrow will probably be the sme if not worse also for the crucible we got a double shot of bacillion in the butt for the third time. I now have received four shoots to the butt now I am not getting very use to shots and now dont care aobut them very much. I guess that comes from having so many I can't remember but I think I am up to 14 shots who would figure tht I would start to not mind the shots. Well not much more to tell I now am going to get some sleep.
Love you all
LOVE
Ben
PS Peachy rings, starbucks, mike & Ikes, Milk Duds, Raisenetts, M&M, milky way, runts, goobstoppers, reeces pieces, nutterbutter, oatmeal pie, twistlers, jelly beans, swedish fish, and jelly bellies, cheese cake, pudding (vanilla, butterscotish and tapioca and carmel) oatmeal raisen cookes & chocolate hip, sugar, Christmas cookies with or without frosting that is what I like so far as far as I remember there may be more.
PSS This is not to alarm you but as I am lying here I am watching the reaper begin to be devoured by flames the view is increadible I am glad I am witnessing this.
California is burning and the snow is falling by now you probably have seen the news but california is on fire and the fires ae in San Diego area well north of it so I jut happen to be in themiddle of the fire three hours ago we found out that 13 miles north of us on the upper side of Camp Penelton is being evacuated and we are still ago on crucible but there is a possibility that it will be cancelled due to poor air quality already you can feel the heat of the fire it increased from in the sixties to 70's to feeling like it is in the lower 90's the air is becoming dryer and more difficult to breath. It is not rally noticible but it is if you really focus on the breathing. Tuesday night Oct 23 what can I say I fell alseep writing a letter the conditions here continue to amaze me it looks a little like Christmas with all the ash on the ground. The sun today was amazing no longer do we have limited coverage but we have full coverage so the sun is red and barely shines through and when it does it casts an erire glow like the sky just before a tornado. The air is even more difficult to breath like you have a cold the air also causes a lot of dryness so to not be to graphic but boogers are in abundance and hard to get rid of. We have not started the crucible and may not get to because of the conditions both MCRD north and south have postponed all physical outdoor activities until further notice. I am a little bumbed but that is ok I will get plenty of time to try out survival skills in the fleet. I also spend another 3 weeks - 4 weeks up here druing MCT so I will be doing the same stuff just more in depth. Today was boring we sat on our butts for close to 10 hrs studying prac and cleaning our weapons. Tomorrow will probably be the sme if not worse also for the crucible we got a double shot of bacillion in the butt for the third time. I now have received four shoots to the butt now I am not getting very use to shots and now dont care aobut them very much. I guess that comes from having so many I can't remember but I think I am up to 14 shots who would figure tht I would start to not mind the shots. Well not much more to tell I now am going to get some sleep.
Love you all
LOVE
Ben
PS Peachy rings, starbucks, mike & Ikes, Milk Duds, Raisenetts, M&M, milky way, runts, goobstoppers, reeces pieces, nutterbutter, oatmeal pie, twistlers, jelly beans, swedish fish, and jelly bellies, cheese cake, pudding (vanilla, butterscotish and tapioca and carmel) oatmeal raisen cookes & chocolate hip, sugar, Christmas cookies with or without frosting that is what I like so far as far as I remember there may be more.
PSS This is not to alarm you but as I am lying here I am watching the reaper begin to be devoured by flames the view is increadible I am glad I am witnessing this.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Post 21 - Oct 21st
Dear Family
Wow where to start so field week. It was amazing the irst twodays were ok we had field fire which was just lerninghow to shoot our rifles faster and accurately at 100 yds or less the third day was gas chamber and orienteering class which m fine eam and me excelled on the course finished close to an hour or so earlier than the last teams. I still had pink eye so I wasn't allowed to do pink eye (I think he meant gas chamber) something like I would go blind if I went in or something. Well anyways then the next day we learned hand signalsand fire team drills. We also had a right fire course which was an obsticle course done at night utilizing night movements tecniques. We also did about 7 different combat obsticle courses. Tomorrow we hike out to our site and set up for the crucible tis is when I will need the mos prayer 72 hrs of sleep depervation and food depervation followed by a ten mile hike up the reaper and thefamous warriors breakfast. Yesterday was cool though we got to watch full metal jacket and in the background SOI (School of infantry) was shooting off their artilery so it sounded like we were in the middle of a battle. The pictures are all good the one of culvers was questionable I really started to long for a rueben. Do I miss work no but do I miss the simplisity of getting up working and then go bakc home and hanging out with friends. I have answers for mom from on e of her priorletters she said she doesnt' know what i like well I started thinking and started getting craves for certain foods. I even wrote a list of what I want to have at Thanksgiving dinner - sweat potato pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie (whip cream all aournd), turkey, cranberry sauce or jello, rolls (homemade), Jello, stuffing, mash potato & gravy, squash, taco dip, ritz crackers and cheese spread. About flight plans the first day I get back to MCRD we got to SATO an on base travel agency where I can arrange a flight. I will then send you the information sothat you can arrange a flight close to mine I will probably fligh from San Diego to Chicago to Milwaukee oherwise I will fly from San Diego to Colorado to Milwaukee since Colorado is a big midway stopping point but I will see today I went to church like usual but it was better imagine over 200 young men crambed into a room where every isle and bulk head has a person sanding or sitting in it, and all sing at the top of our lungs you will see on drad day but we get pretty loud ad we were loud. we also had another 11 men get baptised today. I don't know how this would work but I would like it if you could get a hold of Ryan and see if there is any possibility of him getting aold of me to see if I can do a devotion for youth group when I get back. I figure it would be cool to tell m Christian walk and how hard it is to stick to your principles when you are surrounded by "evil" intentions and just about the perserverence ou need o get through boot camp. Also today it was interesting because it was very windy and you would have sworn it was foggy out but it definately was the "sand storm" (he was probably experiencing the smoke from the fire in CA but had no way of knowing it at the time) outside it was little bit amazing. Well I need to rest before I start the crucibl I wil write afterwards or we might get a phone call who knows we were suppose to get one on Sat but they took awya the phone centr here so we didn't get one instead we got a movie. Well Goodnight
Love
Ben
Wow where to start so field week. It was amazing the irst twodays were ok we had field fire which was just lerninghow to shoot our rifles faster and accurately at 100 yds or less the third day was gas chamber and orienteering class which m fine eam and me excelled on the course finished close to an hour or so earlier than the last teams. I still had pink eye so I wasn't allowed to do pink eye (I think he meant gas chamber) something like I would go blind if I went in or something. Well anyways then the next day we learned hand signalsand fire team drills. We also had a right fire course which was an obsticle course done at night utilizing night movements tecniques. We also did about 7 different combat obsticle courses. Tomorrow we hike out to our site and set up for the crucible tis is when I will need the mos prayer 72 hrs of sleep depervation and food depervation followed by a ten mile hike up the reaper and thefamous warriors breakfast. Yesterday was cool though we got to watch full metal jacket and in the background SOI (School of infantry) was shooting off their artilery so it sounded like we were in the middle of a battle. The pictures are all good the one of culvers was questionable I really started to long for a rueben. Do I miss work no but do I miss the simplisity of getting up working and then go bakc home and hanging out with friends. I have answers for mom from on e of her priorletters she said she doesnt' know what i like well I started thinking and started getting craves for certain foods. I even wrote a list of what I want to have at Thanksgiving dinner - sweat potato pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie (whip cream all aournd), turkey, cranberry sauce or jello, rolls (homemade), Jello, stuffing, mash potato & gravy, squash, taco dip, ritz crackers and cheese spread. About flight plans the first day I get back to MCRD we got to SATO an on base travel agency where I can arrange a flight. I will then send you the information sothat you can arrange a flight close to mine I will probably fligh from San Diego to Chicago to Milwaukee oherwise I will fly from San Diego to Colorado to Milwaukee since Colorado is a big midway stopping point but I will see today I went to church like usual but it was better imagine over 200 young men crambed into a room where every isle and bulk head has a person sanding or sitting in it, and all sing at the top of our lungs you will see on drad day but we get pretty loud ad we were loud. we also had another 11 men get baptised today. I don't know how this would work but I would like it if you could get a hold of Ryan and see if there is any possibility of him getting aold of me to see if I can do a devotion for youth group when I get back. I figure it would be cool to tell m Christian walk and how hard it is to stick to your principles when you are surrounded by "evil" intentions and just about the perserverence ou need o get through boot camp. Also today it was interesting because it was very windy and you would have sworn it was foggy out but it definately was the "sand storm" (he was probably experiencing the smoke from the fire in CA but had no way of knowing it at the time) outside it was little bit amazing. Well I need to rest before I start the crucibl I wil write afterwards or we might get a phone call who knows we were suppose to get one on Sat but they took awya the phone centr here so we didn't get one instead we got a movie. Well Goodnight
Love
Ben
Post 20 Halfway Done
Dear Family
Yesterday wow can I say that was a big mile stone I am now halfway done with training and finished an eiht mile hike with full dear in the rain which probably added an extra 10+ lbs to the pack I am not going int field week and crucible week this is the last letter I will snd until the end of field week possibily till the end of cruicible week. I am going to try to write as I go but I don't know how much time I will have period. The hike out to our bivwac site tomorrow and will hike to our classes everyday in full tactical gear which is flac, kevlar, and rifles, not to heavy but we might have our day pack too which weighs about twenty thirty pounds. On tuesday I go through the gas chamber which will be interesting. I don't want to do it but it is a requirement I might not be able to if my pink eye is still around but I shot a 221 on the range which is an expert mark on wednesday I have to do field firing which is kevlar, flac, and gas masks sooting to see if I can pass if I get 60 out of 100 points I pass and keep my expert score. I don't see any problem but then I also don't want to be cocky because their over confidence usually works against you. I m loving all of the pictures by bible looks werd because that is where I store them. Theyare my book markers I am currently reading Job, Psalms, and Proverbs. To encourage and show that even at the bottom of the pile God still is there and concerned about you and is there to conform and support you. I got to see another eight get baptised today which is always encouraging. I am getting ready to move out tomorrow to our new home for a week and at the end of that eek we move again. They give us nice stuff though my pack is a brand new backpacker pack probaly a loe Alpine bag cost approximately $250 or more our sleeping system is two sleeping bags a gortex cover and a isomat. We have full gortex clothing coat & pants along with poncho and poncho liner also thermo underware. They supply us also with all of our meals for the next week so we are pretty set basically add a few more personal items and you have our pcks. Well I should go finish getting ready if we get done son enough we get to watch "full metal jacket" tonight, a marine movie, which I haven't see. It will be the first priveledge we get since they took both of our phone calls away from us. By the tim you get this I wll probably be on crucible week. By then I guess you are suppose to start planning to buy airplane tickets if you know what you all want to do I need a confirmation number or copy of the confirmation sheet so that they don't make me buy my own ticket a I would like to know what you are all planning on doing while you are down here. I am planning on hopefully getting home before thankgiving dinner otherwise I am open to anything. On visitor day I plan t take you to the museum on base and to the semi formal restaurant on base depending on how busy it is and how long you get to be on base with me. I am telling you this because by probably T-60 Nove 12 is the last day you will beable to send lettrs to me and then only if you send them with two first class stamps because they will get hre faster but after thatI will probably not get them before I lave. If you still want to write and give them to me personally I am all for that. Well I really do need to go love you all and hope to see and possible talk to you all soon.
LOVE
BEN
PS If you need to get ahold of my freinds look on my phone and call them to tell them about the blog if not you can write again and I will send you addresses.
PSS I amsending this letter with two stamps I heard a rumor that they mail faster you will have to tell me
Yesterday wow can I say that was a big mile stone I am now halfway done with training and finished an eiht mile hike with full dear in the rain which probably added an extra 10+ lbs to the pack I am not going int field week and crucible week this is the last letter I will snd until the end of field week possibily till the end of cruicible week. I am going to try to write as I go but I don't know how much time I will have period. The hike out to our bivwac site tomorrow and will hike to our classes everyday in full tactical gear which is flac, kevlar, and rifles, not to heavy but we might have our day pack too which weighs about twenty thirty pounds. On tuesday I go through the gas chamber which will be interesting. I don't want to do it but it is a requirement I might not be able to if my pink eye is still around but I shot a 221 on the range which is an expert mark on wednesday I have to do field firing which is kevlar, flac, and gas masks sooting to see if I can pass if I get 60 out of 100 points I pass and keep my expert score. I don't see any problem but then I also don't want to be cocky because their over confidence usually works against you. I m loving all of the pictures by bible looks werd because that is where I store them. Theyare my book markers I am currently reading Job, Psalms, and Proverbs. To encourage and show that even at the bottom of the pile God still is there and concerned about you and is there to conform and support you. I got to see another eight get baptised today which is always encouraging. I am getting ready to move out tomorrow to our new home for a week and at the end of that eek we move again. They give us nice stuff though my pack is a brand new backpacker pack probaly a loe Alpine bag cost approximately $250 or more our sleeping system is two sleeping bags a gortex cover and a isomat. We have full gortex clothing coat & pants along with poncho and poncho liner also thermo underware. They supply us also with all of our meals for the next week so we are pretty set basically add a few more personal items and you have our pcks. Well I should go finish getting ready if we get done son enough we get to watch "full metal jacket" tonight, a marine movie, which I haven't see. It will be the first priveledge we get since they took both of our phone calls away from us. By the tim you get this I wll probably be on crucible week. By then I guess you are suppose to start planning to buy airplane tickets if you know what you all want to do I need a confirmation number or copy of the confirmation sheet so that they don't make me buy my own ticket a I would like to know what you are all planning on doing while you are down here. I am planning on hopefully getting home before thankgiving dinner otherwise I am open to anything. On visitor day I plan t take you to the museum on base and to the semi formal restaurant on base depending on how busy it is and how long you get to be on base with me. I am telling you this because by probably T-60 Nove 12 is the last day you will beable to send lettrs to me and then only if you send them with two first class stamps because they will get hre faster but after thatI will probably not get them before I lave. If you still want to write and give them to me personally I am all for that. Well I really do need to go love you all and hope to see and possible talk to you all soon.
LOVE
BEN
PS If you need to get ahold of my freinds look on my phone and call them to tell them about the blog if not you can write again and I will send you addresses.
PSS I amsending this letter with two stamps I heard a rumor that they mail faster you will have to tell me
Monday, October 29, 2007
Post 13 "Late Entry"
Dear Family
I am up north at MCRD North campus at Edson Range were they have the world famous Beta Range where Lee Harvey Oswald was trained to shoot so their is a little history on this base. I was expecting more trees but it turns out that it is located in far lack of a better term desert. It gets cold here last night I froze I believe that it must have been in the lower 50 upper 40's because after I put my cammies on it still was cold. Instead of seeing a airport all we see is the highway and the ocean, and they enterance to a navy base. When you think about waste lands this is it and we have to walk it. Today at church we got to witness 11 recruits get baptised. It was in a really neet chaple which had the baptism pool right in the stage they pulled two pieces up and their was a small pool about 5x7 it was really cool. I am thinking about changing my MOX to electrician but am writing SSGT Smoger to get mor einfor on it. I need to go find a box that got lost in transit so I will write later
Love
Ben
I am up north at MCRD North campus at Edson Range were they have the world famous Beta Range where Lee Harvey Oswald was trained to shoot so their is a little history on this base. I was expecting more trees but it turns out that it is located in far lack of a better term desert. It gets cold here last night I froze I believe that it must have been in the lower 50 upper 40's because after I put my cammies on it still was cold. Instead of seeing a airport all we see is the highway and the ocean, and they enterance to a navy base. When you think about waste lands this is it and we have to walk it. Today at church we got to witness 11 recruits get baptised. It was in a really neet chaple which had the baptism pool right in the stage they pulled two pieces up and their was a small pool about 5x7 it was really cool. I am thinking about changing my MOX to electrician but am writing SSGT Smoger to get mor einfor on it. I need to go find a box that got lost in transit so I will write later
Love
Ben
Post 19
Dear Family
Here I am on the Wednesday night before pre-qualification day for shooting and guess what I now have pink eye. Yep pink eye in my right eye so bad that yesterday I was asked by my drill instructor who I got into a fight with it was all red gooped up and swollen shut. I don't know if you know anything about the wrestler "the rack" he was the scorpion king but he has a famous eye brow raised and my face is swollen that way right now it is kind of funny. Even though it looks so heinious (sp) and it is my shooting eye I was able to get some drops from medical and shoot a 222 on the range which is 2 better than expert which is the highest you can get my goal is to only get sharpshooter but if I can get expert I will be thrilled. I don't know if I told you but I fell during my hike and injured my knee by falling on a rock with close to 110lbs of gear on but it is getting better now it only hurts when I kneel on it. I guess God wanted me to have a harder time in bootcamp than I wanted to so in that case I am now reading Job and his struggle with God turning Satan loose on him. It has been a little sureal her lately there has been a lot of military activity and apparently a naval company coming in cobras and I believe they are called hewys they are the little helicopters you see "we were soldiers" have been doing formation drills and reconisense missions over the base and in the last two days I have seen two cruisers and a submarine on the coast. If I haven't told you yet the range is right next to another marine base were hover crafts the big ballon ridding crafts are kept and repaired so I hear them every once and awhile. Well I need sleep so I can shoot well tomorrow
LOVE
Ben
PS Please remind everyone on my blog that I am extremely sorry I don't have enough time to write everyone that I promised. I barely have time to wrte my family
Here I am on the Wednesday night before pre-qualification day for shooting and guess what I now have pink eye. Yep pink eye in my right eye so bad that yesterday I was asked by my drill instructor who I got into a fight with it was all red gooped up and swollen shut. I don't know if you know anything about the wrestler "the rack" he was the scorpion king but he has a famous eye brow raised and my face is swollen that way right now it is kind of funny. Even though it looks so heinious (sp) and it is my shooting eye I was able to get some drops from medical and shoot a 222 on the range which is 2 better than expert which is the highest you can get my goal is to only get sharpshooter but if I can get expert I will be thrilled. I don't know if I told you but I fell during my hike and injured my knee by falling on a rock with close to 110lbs of gear on but it is getting better now it only hurts when I kneel on it. I guess God wanted me to have a harder time in bootcamp than I wanted to so in that case I am now reading Job and his struggle with God turning Satan loose on him. It has been a little sureal her lately there has been a lot of military activity and apparently a naval company coming in cobras and I believe they are called hewys they are the little helicopters you see "we were soldiers" have been doing formation drills and reconisense missions over the base and in the last two days I have seen two cruisers and a submarine on the coast. If I haven't told you yet the range is right next to another marine base were hover crafts the big ballon ridding crafts are kept and repaired so I hear them every once and awhile. Well I need sleep so I can shoot well tomorrow
LOVE
Ben
PS Please remind everyone on my blog that I am extremely sorry I don't have enough time to write everyone that I promised. I barely have time to wrte my family
Post 18
Der Family
Today was the five mile hike, wow, that is the best I can explain it, the very fact that you can sweat off five pounds without even realizing your sweating wa insane yeah you felt the sweat dripping you just couldn't figure out how. The pace we kept was vigorous we did it in about 2 hours or so the pace father and me take when we go on hikes together but with 50lbs pack, 10lb flax jacket, and 5lb kevlar helmet. To say I was tired at the end would be only a half truth. I was tired but mostly because the last half of the hike my pack shifted and was ridding on my shoulders so I had a really bad pain in my back for half of the hike. Then we took part of a practice test for our Prac exam. After dinner we had a concert put on by rewamericansingers.com a christian group of teens and young adults thatput on shows for the armed forces around the world. It was really cornie but everyone agrees it was very uplifting for us to see that we are actually appreciated not just hated like all PI's make you believe. t is amazing how the simple things up lift the spirit and help you continue on even after the body has given up. We are entering rifle qualification week which I am nervous. I know I can hit the target I just don't know if I can hit it well enough at 500yds to pass. It is a little odd I am trying to hit a target that is the size of a human torso at a length of 5 football fields with a buttet the width of 5.56mm it seems impossible but I guess I see how impossible very soon. Well I need sleep as usual butI will write tomorrow after church to answer questions if I can remember them or if I have any questions for you.
Sunday
went to bible study and church today very hectic beginning to the day started out that someone was stupid and overdosed on pain meds at the chaple so we had church outside instead which was quite enjoyable talkd about Pauls struggle with sin and ours. Again another person in the series was stupid they keyed the Senior Chief Drill Instructors car so now we are waiting to get punished because no one will admit to committing the crime so we all ge to be introuble. The Marinecorps way. (Later that night) wellno one got messed up in our platoon and I haven't heard if they found the other guy or not. The rest of the day was boring field day, Senior Drill Instructor talk, and cleaned our rifles so tomorrow we can begin shooting week. I get to shoot in the morning in the second relay on a target close to the barn so the wind should be very minimal and will give me advantage for shooting. We will be there all day but I will probably only shoot for an hour. The other times I will be working in the pit or writing in my data book keeping scores calculating winds and sigh adjustments. I guess I should explan the pits the targets are on carts that go up and down in a pit where people are working them marking where shots hit and the points of the shots also they will be changing out targets for different shooting positions and distances. There are three different targets that need to be rotated and the marks tha the pit crew put onto the targets are to help judge how off the sights are how badly you built your position, how relaxed you are and how well you set up your natural point of aim, use your natural respiratory pause and your perfect sigh alignment which tells you how much I have to think about plus I have toget ten shots off in a minute utilizing all of these elements and building my position. Well I need to go finish setting up my data book for tomorrow and get some sleep.
LOVE
Ben
PS Along with doing an hour of fire watch
PSS I loved the pictures and leaf I even laminated the leaf so It wouldn't get ruined.
Today was the five mile hike, wow, that is the best I can explain it, the very fact that you can sweat off five pounds without even realizing your sweating wa insane yeah you felt the sweat dripping you just couldn't figure out how. The pace we kept was vigorous we did it in about 2 hours or so the pace father and me take when we go on hikes together but with 50lbs pack, 10lb flax jacket, and 5lb kevlar helmet. To say I was tired at the end would be only a half truth. I was tired but mostly because the last half of the hike my pack shifted and was ridding on my shoulders so I had a really bad pain in my back for half of the hike. Then we took part of a practice test for our Prac exam. After dinner we had a concert put on by rewamericansingers.com a christian group of teens and young adults thatput on shows for the armed forces around the world. It was really cornie but everyone agrees it was very uplifting for us to see that we are actually appreciated not just hated like all PI's make you believe. t is amazing how the simple things up lift the spirit and help you continue on even after the body has given up. We are entering rifle qualification week which I am nervous. I know I can hit the target I just don't know if I can hit it well enough at 500yds to pass. It is a little odd I am trying to hit a target that is the size of a human torso at a length of 5 football fields with a buttet the width of 5.56mm it seems impossible but I guess I see how impossible very soon. Well I need sleep as usual butI will write tomorrow after church to answer questions if I can remember them or if I have any questions for you.
Sunday
went to bible study and church today very hectic beginning to the day started out that someone was stupid and overdosed on pain meds at the chaple so we had church outside instead which was quite enjoyable talkd about Pauls struggle with sin and ours. Again another person in the series was stupid they keyed the Senior Chief Drill Instructors car so now we are waiting to get punished because no one will admit to committing the crime so we all ge to be introuble. The Marinecorps way. (Later that night) wellno one got messed up in our platoon and I haven't heard if they found the other guy or not. The rest of the day was boring field day, Senior Drill Instructor talk, and cleaned our rifles so tomorrow we can begin shooting week. I get to shoot in the morning in the second relay on a target close to the barn so the wind should be very minimal and will give me advantage for shooting. We will be there all day but I will probably only shoot for an hour. The other times I will be working in the pit or writing in my data book keeping scores calculating winds and sigh adjustments. I guess I should explan the pits the targets are on carts that go up and down in a pit where people are working them marking where shots hit and the points of the shots also they will be changing out targets for different shooting positions and distances. There are three different targets that need to be rotated and the marks tha the pit crew put onto the targets are to help judge how off the sights are how badly you built your position, how relaxed you are and how well you set up your natural point of aim, use your natural respiratory pause and your perfect sigh alignment which tells you how much I have to think about plus I have toget ten shots off in a minute utilizing all of these elements and building my position. Well I need to go finish setting up my data book for tomorrow and get some sleep.
LOVE
Ben
PS Along with doing an hour of fire watch
PSS I loved the pictures and leaf I even laminated the leaf so It wouldn't get ruined.
Post 17
Dear Family
I just got your pictures and letters they definatly made me happy especially the leaf. They all went into my bible with the rest of my rememberences they definatly keep me going and remembering why I am here. I have no idea waht T day it is lost track life up here is crazy this is truelythe first opportunity I have had to write and that is because I didn't fall asleep right away like normal. Tomorrow is Saturday and it will be challenging tomorrow is our 5 mile hike with full gear, I really think I will be able to do it but the pace they go at is truely insane. The three mile one was done in under an hour and we had day packs (40lbs) Tomorrow we shoule be maxing at 110lbs or so. I have been informed by third phasers that the 5 mile is the deciding point. It is the hardes hike we will do, because of pace and conditioning. To father I am kind of upset that I am not there to watch this amazing season. Hopefully we will go along wasy and end Bretts carrer on a great note. The training I have received here is of course the best in the world they teach us how to "build" positions which means we learn how to properly get into prone, sitting, kneeling, and prone position, and by using bone support and complete muscle relaxation are abl to hit a 12in target at 500 yds . I haven't done it yet all we got to shoot was 15yds to perfect the sights on our rifles. The rest get really complicated and require me showing and explaining the reason that it works. Next week is firing week we will shoot about 100 yds a day and then shoot to qualify or get dropped. Hopefully I will be able to succeed so far I have even when I think I have failed. Please write me and tell me how the McGinnetts are doing they definately seem like they have a hard road ahead of them. I am also a little disappointed that I was not there to help trim more branches out of the trees. I know the one in the front yard needs it. Well I need sleep so that tomorrow I will have some energy to walk that 5 miles.
LOVE
BEN
PS It may seem simple to you bt the pictures are definately the only thing keeping me going.
I just got your pictures and letters they definatly made me happy especially the leaf. They all went into my bible with the rest of my rememberences they definatly keep me going and remembering why I am here. I have no idea waht T day it is lost track life up here is crazy this is truelythe first opportunity I have had to write and that is because I didn't fall asleep right away like normal. Tomorrow is Saturday and it will be challenging tomorrow is our 5 mile hike with full gear, I really think I will be able to do it but the pace they go at is truely insane. The three mile one was done in under an hour and we had day packs (40lbs) Tomorrow we shoule be maxing at 110lbs or so. I have been informed by third phasers that the 5 mile is the deciding point. It is the hardes hike we will do, because of pace and conditioning. To father I am kind of upset that I am not there to watch this amazing season. Hopefully we will go along wasy and end Bretts carrer on a great note. The training I have received here is of course the best in the world they teach us how to "build" positions which means we learn how to properly get into prone, sitting, kneeling, and prone position, and by using bone support and complete muscle relaxation are abl to hit a 12in target at 500 yds . I haven't done it yet all we got to shoot was 15yds to perfect the sights on our rifles. The rest get really complicated and require me showing and explaining the reason that it works. Next week is firing week we will shoot about 100 yds a day and then shoot to qualify or get dropped. Hopefully I will be able to succeed so far I have even when I think I have failed. Please write me and tell me how the McGinnetts are doing they definately seem like they have a hard road ahead of them. I am also a little disappointed that I was not there to help trim more branches out of the trees. I know the one in the front yard needs it. Well I need sleep so that tomorrow I will have some energy to walk that 5 miles.
LOVE
BEN
PS It may seem simple to you bt the pictures are definately the only thing keeping me going.
Post 16
Dear Family,
The day sure are long extremely short it is odd trying to get adjusted to the desert climate after getting us to the ocean climate. Today was hot about 78 degree and we were wearing combt fatiques, combat boots, and a sweater under the combat blouse which learning to shoot. We have about six hours of class a day learning everything you would need to know about an M16A2 service rifle. Also today we took our first hike it was rather short only a three mile hike with day packs and refles which only weigh about 40 lbs so it wasn't too hard our hext hke is saturday a simple 5 mile but we will be in full combat gear which means Kevla helmets, flac jackets, full packs totally around 110 lbs maybe heavier but it shouldn't be too hard at least at the beginning. Tomorrow we start shooting to adjust our sights so that we can learn how to adjust for wind and distance. Again keep sending letters I don't get there till the weekend but then I get a lot
LOVE
Ben
The day sure are long extremely short it is odd trying to get adjusted to the desert climate after getting us to the ocean climate. Today was hot about 78 degree and we were wearing combt fatiques, combat boots, and a sweater under the combat blouse which learning to shoot. We have about six hours of class a day learning everything you would need to know about an M16A2 service rifle. Also today we took our first hike it was rather short only a three mile hike with day packs and refles which only weigh about 40 lbs so it wasn't too hard our hext hke is saturday a simple 5 mile but we will be in full combat gear which means Kevla helmets, flac jackets, full packs totally around 110 lbs maybe heavier but it shouldn't be too hard at least at the beginning. Tomorrow we start shooting to adjust our sights so that we can learn how to adjust for wind and distance. Again keep sending letters I don't get there till the weekend but then I get a lot
LOVE
Ben
Post 15
Dear Family,
Yesterday we went to the pool to qualify for first level of swim qual. The facilities were very nice. It was pretty easy we wore cammies and had to swim 25 meters jump off of a high board which was about 20 to 25 feet up then we had to tread for 4 minutes and finally another 25 meter swim. I don't know if you remember how bad I am at treading but they gave us some pointers and I was able to tread for four minutes with barely moving my arms hands & legs. The technique is to life up your head to the sky and breath in deeply and then hold for five minutes (I think he meant seconds) and then quickly breath out and in a full lung capacity and hold it and slowly move your arms and legs to keep a little balance the fasteryou breath and the faster you move the quicker you sink. Same with our swimming we did the dame breathing technique to stay a float better. So any ways I was the second one done and I qualified without a problem. Now I have four or three more levels I can qualify at. Later day we got to do the confidence course which was a lot of fun. Basically it is a big obsticle course with some elements peaking at 40-50 feet which was quite interesting people kept messing aournd though so we ended up running a lot probably close to two miles or so when you add all of the sprints and double timing in place. I got to do the "climb for life" pictured on the front of this paper it is probably 40-60 ft long you go about 20 ft on your stomach then flip over and do 20 up side down and then another 20 after they have you take your fee off of the rope and switch hangs in a differentdirection and get your feet back on to the rope wire thing. Today we got to go to McMap again today we learned three moves to get out of choke locks and we learned two different choke holds. I ama little sore from hitting the deck so many times and got a head ache from hitting someone elses head on the way down. The deck though is made of a pit of cut up tire pieces it doesn't hurt very much at all. I also have a little head ache from the choke hold since they were blood choke holds instead of air choke holds which means instead of killing someone by suffication which would take close to two minutes we cut off the blood supply to the brain via the croaded (sp) arteriec in the neck so they are either dead or pass out in the max of eight seconds. They later we got to have our (medical) physical which means more shots currently my butt still hurts from the butt shot. I know you kno how bad I hate shots but I am getting better. I don't panic anymore two at a time we kind of just walk a line they prick yu and you continue down the line. For those of you keeping track at home that is now eleven shots in the arms, three in the butt and four vials of blood that they have given or taken at book so far and we have anoher battery when we get back from up north. The butts shots if you are wondering two more bacillin (sp) part of they penicillin family and one antibiotic coctail. Then I also get a flu mist up both nostrils. Before we go up north we have a lot to do when have a Pxcall, museum tour, pogil sticks, PFT (physical fitness test) up noth orientation series inspection and finish packing all before Saturday morning. To say we aren't busy would be a lie. To answer moms question yes I do know about Assassin they play it a lot at whitewater and it takes place in the winter too, I believe. To Grandma Peiffer my address doesn't change when I go up north it just takes longer to get t me and I am only able to receive it the first two weeks up there the second to I am not able to since I am in the field the whole time sleeping on the dirt. To the rest of you and mom & grandma I am over my bronchitis and my ear has healed thanks to your prayers I still have what is effectionately know as the boot camp slug through which is minor cold and little slug in the lunds well for no I need to sleep.
I LOVE YOU ALL
BEN
Yesterday we went to the pool to qualify for first level of swim qual. The facilities were very nice. It was pretty easy we wore cammies and had to swim 25 meters jump off of a high board which was about 20 to 25 feet up then we had to tread for 4 minutes and finally another 25 meter swim. I don't know if you remember how bad I am at treading but they gave us some pointers and I was able to tread for four minutes with barely moving my arms hands & legs. The technique is to life up your head to the sky and breath in deeply and then hold for five minutes (I think he meant seconds) and then quickly breath out and in a full lung capacity and hold it and slowly move your arms and legs to keep a little balance the fasteryou breath and the faster you move the quicker you sink. Same with our swimming we did the dame breathing technique to stay a float better. So any ways I was the second one done and I qualified without a problem. Now I have four or three more levels I can qualify at. Later day we got to do the confidence course which was a lot of fun. Basically it is a big obsticle course with some elements peaking at 40-50 feet which was quite interesting people kept messing aournd though so we ended up running a lot probably close to two miles or so when you add all of the sprints and double timing in place. I got to do the "climb for life" pictured on the front of this paper it is probably 40-60 ft long you go about 20 ft on your stomach then flip over and do 20 up side down and then another 20 after they have you take your fee off of the rope and switch hangs in a differentdirection and get your feet back on to the rope wire thing. Today we got to go to McMap again today we learned three moves to get out of choke locks and we learned two different choke holds. I ama little sore from hitting the deck so many times and got a head ache from hitting someone elses head on the way down. The deck though is made of a pit of cut up tire pieces it doesn't hurt very much at all. I also have a little head ache from the choke hold since they were blood choke holds instead of air choke holds which means instead of killing someone by suffication which would take close to two minutes we cut off the blood supply to the brain via the croaded (sp) arteriec in the neck so they are either dead or pass out in the max of eight seconds. They later we got to have our (medical) physical which means more shots currently my butt still hurts from the butt shot. I know you kno how bad I hate shots but I am getting better. I don't panic anymore two at a time we kind of just walk a line they prick yu and you continue down the line. For those of you keeping track at home that is now eleven shots in the arms, three in the butt and four vials of blood that they have given or taken at book so far and we have anoher battery when we get back from up north. The butts shots if you are wondering two more bacillin (sp) part of they penicillin family and one antibiotic coctail. Then I also get a flu mist up both nostrils. Before we go up north we have a lot to do when have a Pxcall, museum tour, pogil sticks, PFT (physical fitness test) up noth orientation series inspection and finish packing all before Saturday morning. To say we aren't busy would be a lie. To answer moms question yes I do know about Assassin they play it a lot at whitewater and it takes place in the winter too, I believe. To Grandma Peiffer my address doesn't change when I go up north it just takes longer to get t me and I am only able to receive it the first two weeks up there the second to I am not able to since I am in the field the whole time sleeping on the dirt. To the rest of you and mom & grandma I am over my bronchitis and my ear has healed thanks to your prayers I still have what is effectionately know as the boot camp slug through which is minor cold and little slug in the lunds well for no I need to sleep.
I LOVE YOU ALL
BEN
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Letter 14 9-27-07
Dear Family,
I would like to tell you some good things today before I have to go and have oral surgery don't ask why they said I was fine and that they would see me after boot camp go figure. Anyway I don't want you to think that boot camp is miserable all fo the time yeah we do course that litterally you can barely stand afterwards like yesterday (ccx course)but there is beauty too yesterday on the way to morning chow at about 5 in the morning we were marching there was no one else out yes the dw and sprinklers had but a nice layer of water on the ground and our feed were keeping a steady beat on the ground the moon was full and larege shining over the darkness that enveloped MCRD like a blanket. It brought a peace to my heart to see that much beauty in amongst the pain and suffering. This next piece is for mom I know she is gong to have a good time here looking a trees I have never seen or heard about these trees before. They are gorgeous some of them are in full bloom and some are starting to get fruit pod that are dropping little red berries on the ground. Some have the biggest horizontal expance I have ever seen one tree onthe way to medical has captivated me. It has about a fourty foot height and about a twenty foot width. The lowest branch is about fifteen feet I really wound love to climb it. Also to mom Gideon does like candy I just don't remember what type. To Jen I love pictures they help remind me what I am struggling for and what I am swearing to protect I have another medical problem that was brought to my attention people were wondering how long our peanut butter shots lasted (bacillin shots) in our system. We call them peanut butter shots because they are so thick and hurt really bad afterwards, this is three days later and mind still hurts. Keep writing letters I may not write as much when I get up north where the really training begins but I will try to write a little we are going to be relaly busy and constantly be moving so you might get one or two letters but keep sending your they keep me going even if it i just telling me what you had for lunch every little thing helps.
Love,
Ben
I would like to tell you some good things today before I have to go and have oral surgery don't ask why they said I was fine and that they would see me after boot camp go figure. Anyway I don't want you to think that boot camp is miserable all fo the time yeah we do course that litterally you can barely stand afterwards like yesterday (ccx course)but there is beauty too yesterday on the way to morning chow at about 5 in the morning we were marching there was no one else out yes the dw and sprinklers had but a nice layer of water on the ground and our feed were keeping a steady beat on the ground the moon was full and larege shining over the darkness that enveloped MCRD like a blanket. It brought a peace to my heart to see that much beauty in amongst the pain and suffering. This next piece is for mom I know she is gong to have a good time here looking a trees I have never seen or heard about these trees before. They are gorgeous some of them are in full bloom and some are starting to get fruit pod that are dropping little red berries on the ground. Some have the biggest horizontal expance I have ever seen one tree onthe way to medical has captivated me. It has about a fourty foot height and about a twenty foot width. The lowest branch is about fifteen feet I really wound love to climb it. Also to mom Gideon does like candy I just don't remember what type. To Jen I love pictures they help remind me what I am struggling for and what I am swearing to protect I have another medical problem that was brought to my attention people were wondering how long our peanut butter shots lasted (bacillin shots) in our system. We call them peanut butter shots because they are so thick and hurt really bad afterwards, this is three days later and mind still hurts. Keep writing letters I may not write as much when I get up north where the really training begins but I will try to write a little we are going to be relaly busy and constantly be moving so you might get one or two letters but keep sending your they keep me going even if it i just telling me what you had for lunch every little thing helps.
Love,
Ben
Letter 12 9-23-07
Dear Family,
Todays service was really good we got to sing some good songs I don't remember the name but it has hand motions (heaven to earth) (earth to the cross) (cross to the grave) (grave to the sky) the whole 2,000 some recruits were really getting into it. How was your church today? Now we have free time till noon chow and then we have field day when we cleanevery single nock and crany of the house for inspections tonight usually the company commander and or series commander and all teir minions comes an inspects our house and our bodies looking for scars or bruises. Mostly the day is pretty laid back all we can't do is lean against the racks or bulkheads or be in our racks the rest is ok. Mostly we just get our stuff ready for the next week and write letters to our loved ones. Keep sending letters they definately keep me and everyone motivated you see us we are like little kids receiving candy from their father. Alo keep sending pictures I will most definately appreciate pictures of leaves changing or some god hiking or camping pictures.
I Love You All,
Ben
Todays service was really good we got to sing some good songs I don't remember the name but it has hand motions (heaven to earth) (earth to the cross) (cross to the grave) (grave to the sky) the whole 2,000 some recruits were really getting into it. How was your church today? Now we have free time till noon chow and then we have field day when we cleanevery single nock and crany of the house for inspections tonight usually the company commander and or series commander and all teir minions comes an inspects our house and our bodies looking for scars or bruises. Mostly the day is pretty laid back all we can't do is lean against the racks or bulkheads or be in our racks the rest is ok. Mostly we just get our stuff ready for the next week and write letters to our loved ones. Keep sending letters they definately keep me and everyone motivated you see us we are like little kids receiving candy from their father. Alo keep sending pictures I will most definately appreciate pictures of leaves changing or some god hiking or camping pictures.
I Love You All,
Ben
Letter 11 09-23-07
Dear Family,
Today is Sunday and I am excited we get close to four hours of free time to square away stuff and write letters tomorrow will be a challenge we are qualifying for swimming and doing the confidence course, which will be interesting considering my fear of heights. We are also starting to pack up the house so we can move north for two weeks then we are in the field for two weeks sleeping on the ground. Druing that time we will not be able to receive mail or send it but I will continue writing letters to send to you when I get back and hopefully I will have a big pile waiting for me. I believe mother asked me about my prac recruit position. What it means is that I scored the highest on the ASVAB so when we are waiting in the chow line I stand and walk along the line shouting Info and they repeat it back to hopefully have it stick in their minds. Also when we are cleaning the rifles I sit in the middle shouting out the information about the M16A2 service rifle. It will be nice to get away from the airport the constant noise makes it hard for these recruits to hear these recruits orders. I am encouraged by the fact that I only have eight more weeks left and when I get back from up north I will only have three and a half weekstill I get to see everyone. You make friends here but they just don't fill the void that fmaily fills sometimes. I am often reminded of this when we are lying in our racks and they are playing taps and we lay their remembering our falling brothers and the ones who at this moment are giving their lives up to make sure ours can continue I feel honored that I get to carry on and up hold the traditions and legacys of these great men.
Love,
Ben
Today is Sunday and I am excited we get close to four hours of free time to square away stuff and write letters tomorrow will be a challenge we are qualifying for swimming and doing the confidence course, which will be interesting considering my fear of heights. We are also starting to pack up the house so we can move north for two weeks then we are in the field for two weeks sleeping on the ground. Druing that time we will not be able to receive mail or send it but I will continue writing letters to send to you when I get back and hopefully I will have a big pile waiting for me. I believe mother asked me about my prac recruit position. What it means is that I scored the highest on the ASVAB so when we are waiting in the chow line I stand and walk along the line shouting Info and they repeat it back to hopefully have it stick in their minds. Also when we are cleaning the rifles I sit in the middle shouting out the information about the M16A2 service rifle. It will be nice to get away from the airport the constant noise makes it hard for these recruits to hear these recruits orders. I am encouraged by the fact that I only have eight more weeks left and when I get back from up north I will only have three and a half weekstill I get to see everyone. You make friends here but they just don't fill the void that fmaily fills sometimes. I am often reminded of this when we are lying in our racks and they are playing taps and we lay their remembering our falling brothers and the ones who at this moment are giving their lives up to make sure ours can continue I feel honored that I get to carry on and up hold the traditions and legacys of these great men.
Love,
Ben
10th Letter 9-22-07
Dear Family,
Today we had initial drill that is where we march around showing of the techniques we have learned while carrying our rifles and doing different formations while we march. Unfortunately it ws raining so we had t take it inside and our whole routine got switched so we totally bombed it where as if we would have been outside we most likely would have taken first. Also today started to learn more about breaking our rifles down and cleaning them. Tomorrow is sunday which means no training of any sort can take place. We also get to unbuton our top button on our blouse and to start blousing our boots which makes us feel and look more like actual marines. We also sent in our camees to get our names put on them before w go up North in 6 days. I don't know if I told you but we lost another two recruits and gained one more the two that are getting dropped one has really bad ADHD and the other one had a laceration on hs liver from falling off of the confidence course. The one we picked up has been here for 4 months since late April and has had two other cycles go through since he has been here. This coming week we are preparing for going up north swim qualification initial, confidence course, PFT (3 mile timed run max pull ups & max crunches) along with the normal PT and Drill. I also ordered a movie DVD set along with pictures of me to give to you. On a note to mother my bronchitis is supposively gone and the ear is healing nicely. I'm going back to medical to get a go ahead to train in and around water since I supposively will get an infection in my ear. Thank you for the DNR pamplet. I also am sending letters about travel arrangements. I also sent one to Jill and both grandma's. I don't know if you will use them but they gave it to us anyways. I will write more latter right now I am tired and need my rest.
Love,
Ben
Today we had initial drill that is where we march around showing of the techniques we have learned while carrying our rifles and doing different formations while we march. Unfortunately it ws raining so we had t take it inside and our whole routine got switched so we totally bombed it where as if we would have been outside we most likely would have taken first. Also today started to learn more about breaking our rifles down and cleaning them. Tomorrow is sunday which means no training of any sort can take place. We also get to unbuton our top button on our blouse and to start blousing our boots which makes us feel and look more like actual marines. We also sent in our camees to get our names put on them before w go up North in 6 days. I don't know if I told you but we lost another two recruits and gained one more the two that are getting dropped one has really bad ADHD and the other one had a laceration on hs liver from falling off of the confidence course. The one we picked up has been here for 4 months since late April and has had two other cycles go through since he has been here. This coming week we are preparing for going up north swim qualification initial, confidence course, PFT (3 mile timed run max pull ups & max crunches) along with the normal PT and Drill. I also ordered a movie DVD set along with pictures of me to give to you. On a note to mother my bronchitis is supposively gone and the ear is healing nicely. I'm going back to medical to get a go ahead to train in and around water since I supposively will get an infection in my ear. Thank you for the DNR pamplet. I also am sending letters about travel arrangements. I also sent one to Jill and both grandma's. I don't know if you will use them but they gave it to us anyways. I will write more latter right now I am tired and need my rest.
Love,
Ben
Monday, September 24, 2007
9th Letter
Dear Family,
Well another coldish day here in Sunny Cal. Yesterday was a very big day for me yesterday I had to run a two mile run which about killed me considering before we had an hour of PT. Apparently there is a runner that those recruits in the pack were going to be dropped to PCP immediately. I was in the middle huffing and puffing. I was exhausted. Two days ago I told you I was doing pogle sticks but anyway I won my battle against two other recruits with five killing blows to the chest, and I received no blows myself. Today we have mid PTT test that I might get to miss, and on Saturday we have initial drill where we perform for the drill masters and get grade and hopefully beat the other 7 platoons. How has likfe been going in Wisconsin? I am upset that I am going to miss seeing the leaves change colors, the pumpkin patches, and going to orchard and even the apple cider. Please send pictures if any of you decide to go somewhere scenic even pictures of hikes I miss being in my forests there is nothing like them here so far. We have till next saturday here at MCRD and then we ship north for 5 weeks I am looking forward to it because it is more like I view boot camp no class daily hikes and field drills and firing our weapons. I will have to end this now. I need to go actually work instead of hiding and writting this.
I Love you all.
LOVE
BEN
PS When I get up north we will not have any time to write and will not be able to get all of our mail, because for a week or two we will be out in the field the whole time. Keep writting so when I get I will have a lot of mail to read and cheer me up.
Well another coldish day here in Sunny Cal. Yesterday was a very big day for me yesterday I had to run a two mile run which about killed me considering before we had an hour of PT. Apparently there is a runner that those recruits in the pack were going to be dropped to PCP immediately. I was in the middle huffing and puffing. I was exhausted. Two days ago I told you I was doing pogle sticks but anyway I won my battle against two other recruits with five killing blows to the chest, and I received no blows myself. Today we have mid PTT test that I might get to miss, and on Saturday we have initial drill where we perform for the drill masters and get grade and hopefully beat the other 7 platoons. How has likfe been going in Wisconsin? I am upset that I am going to miss seeing the leaves change colors, the pumpkin patches, and going to orchard and even the apple cider. Please send pictures if any of you decide to go somewhere scenic even pictures of hikes I miss being in my forests there is nothing like them here so far. We have till next saturday here at MCRD and then we ship north for 5 weeks I am looking forward to it because it is more like I view boot camp no class daily hikes and field drills and firing our weapons. I will have to end this now. I need to go actually work instead of hiding and writting this.
I Love you all.
LOVE
BEN
PS When I get up north we will not have any time to write and will not be able to get all of our mail, because for a week or two we will be out in the field the whole time. Keep writting so when I get I will have a lot of mail to read and cheer me up.
8th Letter
Dear Family,
I have run out of stamps since my last mailing I sent out eleven letters so this letter is going to be a combination of several days till I can get to the PX to buy some stamps and a lot of other essentials. Sundays are amazing it is very relaxed we get up an extra hour later go to chow and then at 0830 go to service when we come back we have square away time till noon chow. Then it is drilling until night chow followed by mini grinder which is rifle handeling techniques. Then taps and on Monday I go to medical to hopefully get cleared and start training again. I need to catch up in Drill & PT & McMac. Last night I did laundry and they for the most part forgot me so I was down there for two & a half hours an hour and a half longer than I was suppose to so I am tired and fell asleep in church the parts I did hear were good. He preached from phillipeans and about apologetics. What was fathers sermon about? We also sang a bunch of good worship songs I don't know wheir names but we sing them at school and use to sing them in awanas before we started singing little kid songs. We now have to companies behind us now Lima & bravo. We are now three weeks in and being treated less like dirt which is better. We get are three meals sleep and exercise only difference is we have to learn too. We are finally slowly starting to mold together as a group and less as individuals. We have only had one fight where as another platoon has dropped six recruits for fighting. I don'tknow if this is bad but I akeep marking off of the days it seems to help me to see that i have only less day in "Paradise". Looking forward help us to push on because it doesn't seem as long as it did before only ten weeks 66 days we are getting close to half way and in two weeks we go north where apparently every one gets in shape from the hiking since there is no PT during those five weeks. I will end this for now since I am only rambling about nothing.
I love you all!
BEN
Tuesday 070918
Today was my first day back on full duty and our PT session was log drills basically we had teams of eight people carrying logs well telephone poles around to different stations and did exercises with them like curls push ups (held them in the air over our heads) squats etc. in a half mile loop. The logs were maybe ten to twelve feet in length so they were in no way light and we were carrying them for close to half an hour. This all took place after a half mile sprint run in full camies and combat boots which aren't light. Tomorrow we get to play pugle stkck which simulate bayonet fighting. We also get to go to the PX and get our hair cut for the fourth time. They aren't nice when they cut our hair they kind of rip it off many of us bleed except me I actually don't think the hair cuts hurt they are kind of enjoyable. Today we also got our new dept cards for our accounts at Pacific Marine where our money is direct deposited. I also ordered several pictures for when we get our boot camp ics and ordered a yearbook and DVD which will have my graduation and other cool things on it. Well I need sleep so I will write more tomorrow hopefully I can get some more stamps tomorrow and send this letter off.
WED
Today has been interesting to say the least to start the day off we had pogil sticks which is mock bayonet fighting. Today was our two on one fighting. I wasn't able to do the first fight last time but I was able to fight this time to say the least I tried my hardest but it took 5 blows to have winning kills on my oponent. Then we went to the PX to get hair cuts and supplies. It was nice to actually get some more essentials like a good razar after chow we had company inspectors where we stood at attention for close to two and a half hours while we each individually got smoked (inspected to the highest degree) every aspect of our person clothing and weapon was inspected for cleanliness and persison while preforming basic weapon manuvers too and being asked questions. Then we were approached by a captain who was investigating an incident that happened during the receiving week. A Drill Instructor physically harmed some recruits for messing up and not following instructions and now he is getting investigated. If that wasn't enough after we got to the house we had an incident one recruit who on monday while doing the confidence course fell 20-50 feet onto the ground on his chest. Well tonight the ambulance was called after he collapsed after complaining of chest pains. I was impressed at the waythe DI started to treat it until they started to write it off afterwards I am sure it is because they want to make us harder and stronger but it still hurst to see a frac go down and feel helpless and can't help him. Some of us are still quite ahaken up but we press on even harder only this time we have a cause this recruit had the biggest desire to be here and now he can't so we will have to in his honor also our Senior SI has informed us that this is his last platoon so we want to make it his best. Tonight I realized that importance of hearing taps as we go to sleep. It helps us deal with the loss of a fellow brother. The heart and sout of those we have lost are pured out over us while taps is played it is a constant reminder that the people who have died for this countries freedom didn't die in vain and as long asthere is breath in at least one marines lungs we will continue to make sure that their death was not in vain.
LOVE,
BEN
I have run out of stamps since my last mailing I sent out eleven letters so this letter is going to be a combination of several days till I can get to the PX to buy some stamps and a lot of other essentials. Sundays are amazing it is very relaxed we get up an extra hour later go to chow and then at 0830 go to service when we come back we have square away time till noon chow. Then it is drilling until night chow followed by mini grinder which is rifle handeling techniques. Then taps and on Monday I go to medical to hopefully get cleared and start training again. I need to catch up in Drill & PT & McMac. Last night I did laundry and they for the most part forgot me so I was down there for two & a half hours an hour and a half longer than I was suppose to so I am tired and fell asleep in church the parts I did hear were good. He preached from phillipeans and about apologetics. What was fathers sermon about? We also sang a bunch of good worship songs I don't know wheir names but we sing them at school and use to sing them in awanas before we started singing little kid songs. We now have to companies behind us now Lima & bravo. We are now three weeks in and being treated less like dirt which is better. We get are three meals sleep and exercise only difference is we have to learn too. We are finally slowly starting to mold together as a group and less as individuals. We have only had one fight where as another platoon has dropped six recruits for fighting. I don'tknow if this is bad but I akeep marking off of the days it seems to help me to see that i have only less day in "Paradise". Looking forward help us to push on because it doesn't seem as long as it did before only ten weeks 66 days we are getting close to half way and in two weeks we go north where apparently every one gets in shape from the hiking since there is no PT during those five weeks. I will end this for now since I am only rambling about nothing.
I love you all!
BEN
Tuesday 070918
Today was my first day back on full duty and our PT session was log drills basically we had teams of eight people carrying logs well telephone poles around to different stations and did exercises with them like curls push ups (held them in the air over our heads) squats etc. in a half mile loop. The logs were maybe ten to twelve feet in length so they were in no way light and we were carrying them for close to half an hour. This all took place after a half mile sprint run in full camies and combat boots which aren't light. Tomorrow we get to play pugle stkck which simulate bayonet fighting. We also get to go to the PX and get our hair cut for the fourth time. They aren't nice when they cut our hair they kind of rip it off many of us bleed except me I actually don't think the hair cuts hurt they are kind of enjoyable. Today we also got our new dept cards for our accounts at Pacific Marine where our money is direct deposited. I also ordered several pictures for when we get our boot camp ics and ordered a yearbook and DVD which will have my graduation and other cool things on it. Well I need sleep so I will write more tomorrow hopefully I can get some more stamps tomorrow and send this letter off.
WED
Today has been interesting to say the least to start the day off we had pogil sticks which is mock bayonet fighting. Today was our two on one fighting. I wasn't able to do the first fight last time but I was able to fight this time to say the least I tried my hardest but it took 5 blows to have winning kills on my oponent. Then we went to the PX to get hair cuts and supplies. It was nice to actually get some more essentials like a good razar after chow we had company inspectors where we stood at attention for close to two and a half hours while we each individually got smoked (inspected to the highest degree) every aspect of our person clothing and weapon was inspected for cleanliness and persison while preforming basic weapon manuvers too and being asked questions. Then we were approached by a captain who was investigating an incident that happened during the receiving week. A Drill Instructor physically harmed some recruits for messing up and not following instructions and now he is getting investigated. If that wasn't enough after we got to the house we had an incident one recruit who on monday while doing the confidence course fell 20-50 feet onto the ground on his chest. Well tonight the ambulance was called after he collapsed after complaining of chest pains. I was impressed at the waythe DI started to treat it until they started to write it off afterwards I am sure it is because they want to make us harder and stronger but it still hurst to see a frac go down and feel helpless and can't help him. Some of us are still quite ahaken up but we press on even harder only this time we have a cause this recruit had the biggest desire to be here and now he can't so we will have to in his honor also our Senior SI has informed us that this is his last platoon so we want to make it his best. Tonight I realized that importance of hearing taps as we go to sleep. It helps us deal with the loss of a fellow brother. The heart and sout of those we have lost are pured out over us while taps is played it is a constant reminder that the people who have died for this countries freedom didn't die in vain and as long asthere is breath in at least one marines lungs we will continue to make sure that their death was not in vain.
LOVE,
BEN
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
7th Letter
Dear Family
So another fun filled day at the med station. My Bronchitius is healing nicely and by saturday I should be on full duty, which is good it means I can start training again and do some serious catch up. Their main concern today was the perferation in my ear drum aparently their cleaning was a little too deep and they tore the tympanic membrane it should heal and be back to perfect condition in a few weeks as of now I have to wear ear plugs whenever I take a shower or am near water. They are trying to keep water out of the ars so that it won't get an infection. I am looking forward to being able to get more training in apparently all of this is to get us in shape for " real boot camp" when we head north to camp penelton for four weeks, most of october. We leave T-23 and are on T-9 so two more weeks at MCRD and then north for four weeks and back at MCRD for another 4 weeks and then graduation on the 21st hopefully. I feel like I was given a second chance because the ear will heal only deep it might have not healed. Please keep sending letters and questions.
LOVE
Ben
So another fun filled day at the med station. My Bronchitius is healing nicely and by saturday I should be on full duty, which is good it means I can start training again and do some serious catch up. Their main concern today was the perferation in my ear drum aparently their cleaning was a little too deep and they tore the tympanic membrane it should heal and be back to perfect condition in a few weeks as of now I have to wear ear plugs whenever I take a shower or am near water. They are trying to keep water out of the ars so that it won't get an infection. I am looking forward to being able to get more training in apparently all of this is to get us in shape for " real boot camp" when we head north to camp penelton for four weeks, most of october. We leave T-23 and are on T-9 so two more weeks at MCRD and then north for four weeks and back at MCRD for another 4 weeks and then graduation on the 21st hopefully. I feel like I was given a second chance because the ear will heal only deep it might have not healed. Please keep sending letters and questions.
LOVE
Ben
6th Letter
Dear Family
Today I went back to medical to see if my condition has improved at all I feel like the Bronchitius is improving but no I have Otitus Externa I would to know what that means but for now all I know is that while they cleaned my ear the wax was stuck to the walls of the ear so when the removed it they started bleeding and didn't stop for eight hours I don't mean a lot of blood but enough that I stained my pillow with a little smaller than dime size blood spots. Now they have 800 mg of I think motrin of some thing else instead of asetometophine. The other two guys that were there today with me are also on bed rest because they have pnemonia. Today another persons past was found out and he might be dropped. The two who peed in the water bowl were given amnesty and are now very thankful and have promised to never do any stupid again. So now my platoon is going to be down to 78 instead of 80 and we are only on T-8. Not much else to report have only seen the inside of sick bay for a while haven't really trained or anything since last Thursday. I hope I won't get dropped and it looks like I won't either. I am running out of things to talk about I would some questions so I have more to talk about than the weater which is pretty nice lately hot in the day cold at night plus we are wearing full digis and PT shorts under our pants to aclimate us to the heat and humidity I have to go should get some rest after all it is called bed rest.
Love You All
Ben
Today I went back to medical to see if my condition has improved at all I feel like the Bronchitius is improving but no I have Otitus Externa I would to know what that means but for now all I know is that while they cleaned my ear the wax was stuck to the walls of the ear so when the removed it they started bleeding and didn't stop for eight hours I don't mean a lot of blood but enough that I stained my pillow with a little smaller than dime size blood spots. Now they have 800 mg of I think motrin of some thing else instead of asetometophine. The other two guys that were there today with me are also on bed rest because they have pnemonia. Today another persons past was found out and he might be dropped. The two who peed in the water bowl were given amnesty and are now very thankful and have promised to never do any stupid again. So now my platoon is going to be down to 78 instead of 80 and we are only on T-8. Not much else to report have only seen the inside of sick bay for a while haven't really trained or anything since last Thursday. I hope I won't get dropped and it looks like I won't either. I am running out of things to talk about I would some questions so I have more to talk about than the weater which is pretty nice lately hot in the day cold at night plus we are wearing full digis and PT shorts under our pants to aclimate us to the heat and humidity I have to go should get some rest after all it is called bed rest.
Love You All
Ben
5th Letter
Dear Family,
I am writing another quick letter to let you know how I am doing. I haven't been able to train the last 2 day because of my sick call the finally decided that I have Broncitos so they gave a meals worth of pills. I thought Jen would love that I am taking 120mg pseudoephedrine 2x/day, 325mg Acetaminophen 2 every six hours, 600mg Guaifenesin 2x/day. 100mg Benzonate 3x/day. and 400mg Moxifloxacin 1x/day. I also got a cocktail of antibiotics shot into my butt now for the second time only the first time was during processing and I also had five other shots and three vials of blood and yesterday another vial of blood for someone who hates needles I am starting to get quite use to them. On a positive note I am now down to weight 165lbs, which means in total since I decided to join the Marines I have lost almost 50 lbs. Please tell mom that I enjoyed here letter I just got iton T-6 (training day 6) 070910 (this is how they write the day year 2007, month september, & day 10th) and I am writing this on T-7. I do not have much more time now to write but I will as soon as square away time becomes more of out time and less of the Drill Instructors time. It is becoming colder at night now in the day we wear full military digis but when we are going to morning chow it is so cold but I know it is probably 70's outside. Not much more to report about except that three other guys in my platoon have pnemonia and I know we all need prayers to get better. It sounds dumb prayers are all we have to hold on to it is what keeps us sane and keeps us trying our hardest. The other funny this is now that I don't get a lot of sleep I am less tired than normal it feels good. Hopefully Jenny isn't driving you to crazy without he caffine hopefully she can write me some interesting facts about pnemonia and broncitius I miss being able to go online and learn something new about an interesting subject like that. I forgot the best part I had my ears clean by the doctor and my ears finally stopped bleeding about eight hours later talk about patient comfort there I will never flinch again when mom cleans my ears with a needle it will be far less painfull. We have lost 4 of our platoon so far two for drugs and two peed in some ones water canteen so they were dropped and will most likely get a court martial. The Hardest part for me is the fact some guys here don't want to wake up an see that this isn't fake either they start following orders or they will be dropped or sent to the brig where thy do old fashion hard labor. So for a short letter I want you to continue sending letters I don't know how fast I will be able to respond but I will try my hardest. I am struggling and I need your prayers but with God's help I know I will make it it just depends on how long it takes. I am tryng not to get dropped but with this broncitius I don't know so I hope it goes away fast so I can continue training.
I Love You All
Ben
I am writing another quick letter to let you know how I am doing. I haven't been able to train the last 2 day because of my sick call the finally decided that I have Broncitos so they gave a meals worth of pills. I thought Jen would love that I am taking 120mg pseudoephedrine 2x/day, 325mg Acetaminophen 2 every six hours, 600mg Guaifenesin 2x/day. 100mg Benzonate 3x/day. and 400mg Moxifloxacin 1x/day. I also got a cocktail of antibiotics shot into my butt now for the second time only the first time was during processing and I also had five other shots and three vials of blood and yesterday another vial of blood for someone who hates needles I am starting to get quite use to them. On a positive note I am now down to weight 165lbs, which means in total since I decided to join the Marines I have lost almost 50 lbs. Please tell mom that I enjoyed here letter I just got iton T-6 (training day 6) 070910 (this is how they write the day year 2007, month september, & day 10th) and I am writing this on T-7. I do not have much more time now to write but I will as soon as square away time becomes more of out time and less of the Drill Instructors time. It is becoming colder at night now in the day we wear full military digis but when we are going to morning chow it is so cold but I know it is probably 70's outside. Not much more to report about except that three other guys in my platoon have pnemonia and I know we all need prayers to get better. It sounds dumb prayers are all we have to hold on to it is what keeps us sane and keeps us trying our hardest. The other funny this is now that I don't get a lot of sleep I am less tired than normal it feels good. Hopefully Jenny isn't driving you to crazy without he caffine hopefully she can write me some interesting facts about pnemonia and broncitius I miss being able to go online and learn something new about an interesting subject like that. I forgot the best part I had my ears clean by the doctor and my ears finally stopped bleeding about eight hours later talk about patient comfort there I will never flinch again when mom cleans my ears with a needle it will be far less painfull. We have lost 4 of our platoon so far two for drugs and two peed in some ones water canteen so they were dropped and will most likely get a court martial. The Hardest part for me is the fact some guys here don't want to wake up an see that this isn't fake either they start following orders or they will be dropped or sent to the brig where thy do old fashion hard labor. So for a short letter I want you to continue sending letters I don't know how fast I will be able to respond but I will try my hardest. I am struggling and I need your prayers but with God's help I know I will make it it just depends on how long it takes. I am tryng not to get dropped but with this broncitius I don't know so I hope it goes away fast so I can continue training.
I Love You All
Ben
4th Letter
Dear Family,
Again I have to make this fast it is T-5 which is the fifth Training Day and I am sick which makes being here misrable when training so I went to medical only to be put on Light Duty and sent back home. Today I was remarking at how I have only see seagulls flying around and nothing else not even bugs I wonder why tomorrow is sunday meaning another week is done and I am that much closer to seeng you all. Its not that I miss home it is that I miss alone time and even the slightest comfort of being able to lean against the back of a chair while eating at chow. I was happy to day when noon chow was chicken like at burger king, except not fried, fries and corn on the cob. I don't know if I told you yet but I am both a scribe & a prac recruit which means I help all of the DI's with their paperwork and as a prac recruite I help everyone study for our final exam. We are still getting hammered for eveything we do wrong but at least tomorrow is Sunday and we get 4 hrs off from the DI's I know this sounds dumb but I'm missing the packers games so if it is possible please send some high lites. Please post an up date for me and if anyone asks I have almost no time to write letters but I can read them quite fast I am running out of stuff to say so I will go to bed now and get some sleep but tomorrow is only a drill day so it should be quite easy.
Love You Alwasy
Ben
PS If this letter sounds different in its tone through out it is because it took me almost eight hours to write
Again I have to make this fast it is T-5 which is the fifth Training Day and I am sick which makes being here misrable when training so I went to medical only to be put on Light Duty and sent back home. Today I was remarking at how I have only see seagulls flying around and nothing else not even bugs I wonder why tomorrow is sunday meaning another week is done and I am that much closer to seeng you all. Its not that I miss home it is that I miss alone time and even the slightest comfort of being able to lean against the back of a chair while eating at chow. I was happy to day when noon chow was chicken like at burger king, except not fried, fries and corn on the cob. I don't know if I told you yet but I am both a scribe & a prac recruit which means I help all of the DI's with their paperwork and as a prac recruite I help everyone study for our final exam. We are still getting hammered for eveything we do wrong but at least tomorrow is Sunday and we get 4 hrs off from the DI's I know this sounds dumb but I'm missing the packers games so if it is possible please send some high lites. Please post an up date for me and if anyone asks I have almost no time to write letters but I can read them quite fast I am running out of stuff to say so I will go to bed now and get some sleep but tomorrow is only a drill day so it should be quite easy.
Love You Alwasy
Ben
PS If this letter sounds different in its tone through out it is because it took me almost eight hours to write
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
3rd Letter
Dear Family
I am writing this fast because my platoon hasn't been given time to write letters yet because there are some recruits who are very dumb and can't follow orders correctly. Otherwise the weather is just like hell aparently I came in the hottest month, so we have been black flagged an yellow flagged almost everyday. Which means that we can't train out side because we aren't aclimated. My sisters would lke this but there are absolutely no bugs I think I have seen one bug the whole time. I got to experience my first eearthquake the other day during class it felt like some one had taking the room and kicked it but I guess it wasn't too bad. I am often homesick because my bed has a perfect view of the Airport and planes come and go. It's so close that our pt field butts up too the actuall run way on the other side. I get to see much of San Diego even though it is through stoen glances. I am constantly sore but that will pass and I have beaten my old record. I not have stayed up a little over 54 hours to try and catch up on entry paperwork and the funny thing is after 36 hours you don't feel tired anymore. Well I have go before I get caught since I am written this after curfew keep sending letters but I won't write another letter until I get some actual freetime.
Love Ben
PS Tell Jen, Brit, & Jill that I appreciate their sacrifes.
PSS Please make sure no one sends packages only letter and posibly pics that way I won't get into much trouble.
I am writing this fast because my platoon hasn't been given time to write letters yet because there are some recruits who are very dumb and can't follow orders correctly. Otherwise the weather is just like hell aparently I came in the hottest month, so we have been black flagged an yellow flagged almost everyday. Which means that we can't train out side because we aren't aclimated. My sisters would lke this but there are absolutely no bugs I think I have seen one bug the whole time. I got to experience my first eearthquake the other day during class it felt like some one had taking the room and kicked it but I guess it wasn't too bad. I am often homesick because my bed has a perfect view of the Airport and planes come and go. It's so close that our pt field butts up too the actuall run way on the other side. I get to see much of San Diego even though it is through stoen glances. I am constantly sore but that will pass and I have beaten my old record. I not have stayed up a little over 54 hours to try and catch up on entry paperwork and the funny thing is after 36 hours you don't feel tired anymore. Well I have go before I get caught since I am written this after curfew keep sending letters but I won't write another letter until I get some actual freetime.
Love Ben
PS Tell Jen, Brit, & Jill that I appreciate their sacrifes.
PSS Please make sure no one sends packages only letter and posibly pics that way I won't get into much trouble.
2nd Letter
Dear Mom & Dad,
I am doing well and am getting plenty of rest and chow. It is hard and their has been some arguments between recruits but this recruit was expecting that. This recruit will write later Love You
All
I am doing well and am getting plenty of rest and chow. It is hard and their has been some arguments between recruits but this recruit was expecting that. This recruit will write later Love You
All
1st Form Letter with Ben's Address
(This is the first letter we received from Ben, & although it is a form letter it was nice to know he had arrived safely. Below is listed his address....when writing him please make sure you copy it just as it is written.)
Dear Mother & Father,
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training patoon. I am fine and in good health. While here at recruit training I am not allowed to receive certain items such as vitamins, alcohol, pornographic material, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles. Please do not send any packages (i.e. cookies, candy, socks, underwear, etc.) Also prescription medication cannot be sent under any circumstance. A medical officer authorized to treat recruits will provide all medication to me. While here at Recruit Training I will not ned you to send any money, I ear enough to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day to day training here at MCRD San Diego. I apologize that this letter is short but in the beginning we are some what pressed for time. I promise to write later. You Can reach me at the following address:
Recruit Peiffer, Benjamin, R
2nd BN FOX CO. PLATOON 2135
36001 Midway Ave San Diego, Ca. 92140-2121
Dear Mother & Father,
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training patoon. I am fine and in good health. While here at recruit training I am not allowed to receive certain items such as vitamins, alcohol, pornographic material, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles. Please do not send any packages (i.e. cookies, candy, socks, underwear, etc.) Also prescription medication cannot be sent under any circumstance. A medical officer authorized to treat recruits will provide all medication to me. While here at Recruit Training I will not ned you to send any money, I ear enough to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day to day training here at MCRD San Diego. I apologize that this letter is short but in the beginning we are some what pressed for time. I promise to write later. You Can reach me at the following address:
Recruit Peiffer, Benjamin, R
2nd BN FOX CO. PLATOON 2135
36001 Midway Ave San Diego, Ca. 92140-2121
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