Another week . . .

I'll be spending this entire week out in the field doing land navigation training. I'll have my phone, but you all may not hear from me that often. I will try to call and text as the opportunities arise. Please pray for me as I do land navigation. If I can manage a perfect score I will qualify for honor graduate here. Even though the course is going away, I would still like to earn the honor. Just because I'm gone doesn't mean my room is public to the open either. Love you Mom and Dad.

For Dad

I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my father. Truth be told, not all of it has been pleasant. The unpleasant times are usually due to my failure to adhere to certain rules or expectations. In general, about 99% of them have been my fault. On this particular Father's Day I find myself several hundred miles away from home and thinking about the man who has made me so much of what I am today. I was thinking back over the years reminiscing of funny times, sad times, long nights, and sleepless morning working on the farm. Out of all those times, one night keeps coming back into my mind over and over again. I find it odd that this would be the story I choose to tell about my father today. It's not an amazing story and should, it would seem, be lost forever from my memory by now. For some reason, however, it still hangs around as clear as the night it happened.

When I was probably 12 or 13, we all did a great deal of rabbit hunting. Dad, my brother, my cousins, other friends and I would all load up the dogs, go out in freezing weather and try to locate and decimate the local rabbit population. One evening, and I don't think it was even rabbit season, Dad and I loaded up the dogs and took them over to Uncle Homer's place across Hog Tusk. There were rabbits and the occasional deer over in the bottom near Uncle Dub's place. As I recall we had about three dogs and let them out of the box to run. They hit on a rabbit or a squirrel and ran for a long time. Dad and I walked along in the woods listening. As it began to grow dark, we were able to catch two of the dogs. One, however, continued to run endlessly down in the bottoms. Her barking echoed over the water, and we knew she was much further than we could walk before dark. We headed back to the truck with the other dogs.

When we arrived, we loaded the other dogs up, dropped the tailgate, and waited for the other dog. As darkness fell, we built a fire in front of the truck using some old tree limbs that had fallen along the wood line. I don't know how long we sat there waiting for the dog to come back. Dad and I talked the entire time. I remember some of the stories he told. I've probably heard them a dozen times since then by my own prompting. I remember listening to him talk and worrying that I would never have such stories to tell people when I grew up. He told stories of when he was my age, and when he was in high school. He talked about people I knew and told stories of people I feel as though I now know. My uncles, grandparents, aunts, and Dad's coworkers all seemed so different in those stories. I discovered that I knew them differently than Dad. Others, like the mysterious Frank Poe, I have never met but feel as though I know just from hearing Dad's stories about him. I think I would know him instantly if I saw him.

Dad and I talked into the night. Then, as now, the night passed all too quickly. I remember not wanting to leave and halfway hoping the dog wouldn't show up so we would have to spend the night. In time we heard the jingle of the dog's collar and saw her eyes light up in the firelight as she approached us in the darkness. We caught her, put her in the dog box, and waited for the fire to die. It only took minutes and they went by far too quickly. I climbed back into "old blue" and we drove out of the field, onto the dirt road that went up to Hwy. 78. We made the left, crossed Hog Tusk, drove past Charles Flowers, then past Papaw's field and by Miss Laveta Mae's house. We turned left in front of Miss Sue's store and drove through the metropolis of Aubrey in the moonlight until we reached our house. We put the dogs up, and I suppose the night ended much like any other at our house.

I went to sleep that night thinking of Dad and his life and wondering if mine would be half so interesting to tell someone about in the future. I think about that night more tan you think one would considering it was fairly uneventful. Of all the big things that have happened in my life, I don't think, when you combine all of them, that their sum total can exceed even one of those moments with Dad. I'm glad I have a million more of those little moments to last the rest of my life.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Thanks for the memories and all you've taught me!

England on my mind.

I have been absent for the past few days. We had some training that went until late in the day, and I could not muster the stamina to stay up and write something when we got back. I simply hit the sack. I've made it through week two, and have a weekend pass. Some buddies and I are going to Oklahoma City. We'll see how that turns out.

For the past few days I've been thinking about the last year of my life, specifically 2009, and all the things that have happened. I believe it will remain one of the oddest and most eventful years of my life. While I've been in this wonderful training known as BOLCII, I have had several hours to kill while waiting in line to accomplish a certain task or learn a particular set of actions. During that time I've dwelt a considerable bit on a trip to England that I finally undertook during spring break this year. I had planned to go with two friends of mine and called my mother to tell her. She was excited about the opportunity (and probably a bit jealous). She gave me some hints about where to go and what to do. About 10 days out, my buddies bailed on me because they couldn't get a passport in time. Somewhat ashamed and embarrassed that I hadn't asked her first, I called Mom to see if she would go with me.

She was working on her dissertation, and I knew that although she may want to go she may not be able to due the large volume of work she had before her. I knew she was interested when I called and asked, but she said she would have to think about it and talk to dad. Within a few hours, I had my answer.

Mom and I left for England a few days later, and I enjoyed one of the best trips of my life. We must have walked five marathons up and down London's streets. We got a nice hotel about 1/4 mile from an underground station and planned each day out the night before. We caught a play every night on London's West End and saw almost everything there was to see in London. I know I got snippy once or twice as we negotiated some of the worst pedestrian traffic in the world. Looking back, that is the only regret I have of the trip. I really wish I didn't let small things like that get to me that threaten to ruin a trip or make your travel partner, and mother, feel that you are mad at them. I suppose that is my burden to overcome in life.

That week was one of the most exhausting and exhilarating weeks of my life. I enjoyed every minute of it and still smile when I think back that I have a mother who will hop on a plane with me, run through the traffic of London, and make some of the best memories of my life. When times are less than favorable, and I long for better times. That trip always surfaces "in the back roads of my memory" and keeps things "ever gentle on my mind."

Thanks for the good times Mom!

The bottom of the fast food chain . . .

In fast food, you have your top of the lines restaurants: McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, Taco Bell, etc. You also have your less than ideal eating establishments. Church's Chicken, in my opinion, falls at the very bottom of the chain. After training today two Second Lieutenants and I(sounds kind of neat to say that) went out to eat. One of them, who shall remain nameless, suggested Church's Chicken. We decided to dine in that particular establishment much to our taste bud's dismay. Nevertheless, the trek was not a total loss.



Now in the Army you may see one Sergeant Major or two Sergeants Major. You can address letters to Dr. and Mrs. Smith or The Drs. Smith if they both hold the title (i believe). So in the case of ordering food at Church's Chicken, which rule applies. The gentleman in line after me ordered "Some chicken, a couple of them biscuits and two corn on the cobs." Now I sat there in the chicken shack for the next several minutes trying to determine whether it should be "corn on the cobs" or "corns on the cob." You could go the easy way out and simply request, "two corn cobs please." All of the three sounded so humorous that I started laughing in the chicken place. I guess the ladies felt sorry for me because they gave us all free apple pies.



So which is it? "Corn on the cobs." "Corns on the cob." or "Two corn cobs please."



p.s. another excellent day of training to include a 5 mile road march. I lost ten pounds in water (at least) over the course of the march. Overall a really good day.

From this corner of the world

The week is almost over. Tomorrow is Wednesday, and we have an 8K ruck march in the morning. I have to be dressed and ready to step off no later than 0415. Needless to say, I am less than thrilled at this prospect; nevertheless, we get to shoot a little bit more tomorrow. Today wasn't too bad. It was hot and uncomfortable, but I suppose that's the nature of training. We know for sure that this course is cancelled, so it makes little sense for me to keep taking notes to pass on to future generations of ASU graduates. Some of my own graduating class have been lucky enough to avoid having to take this course. It's not a bad course, it just seems kind of pointless now that the Army has decided to get rid of it. I find it very hard not to develop a "what's the point" type of attitude and just ease through the course. I don't see that happening.

I find it very odd that I sit around and fret about this course, my use of time, and what is going to happen in my future. In the mean time, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces crisis in Iran with riots, protests, and widespread violence. The Arab-Israeli conflict rages on with no apparent end in sight. David Letterman has apologized to Sarah, Bristol and Willow Palin for his crude joke. All of this seems to make my situation pale in comparison. So in light of that, here are my thoughts on the situation in Iran.

Iran is an interesting thorn in the side of the United States. In the past several years, Iranian efforts to procure nuclear weapons have caught and held the attention of the U.S., the IAEA and the UN. Ayatollah Khomeini and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have led a fairly successful cat and mouse game with the international community, and seems to be carrying out with the Obama administration as well. With the recent presidential election and the increasingly violent protests of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, many Washington bureaucrats are undoubtedly thinking of regime change in Iran. What better time to do it really? An already unstable, radical government is undergoing massive internal strife. We might be able to pull another Kermit Roosevelt and have money left over following the regime change. Not a bad days work for the CIA.

Despite this golden "opportunity," as seen by some, President Obama has stated an unwillingness to "meddle" in Iranian affairs "given the history of US and Iranian relations." Could it truly be that a politician has examined history? Granted, the past relationship between the United States and Iran has been less than favorable and included many low points and overtly hostile periods: the seating of the shah during the Eisenhower administration with "Operation Ajax," the 1979 Revolution, the Iranian Hostage Crisis along with the botched rescue attempt, and any number of nuclear beefs between Iran and the world. In spite of this, I find it refreshing that President Obama has taken the calm road on this issue and is willing to see how this all plays out in the end. This may be a great opportunity for better political, social, and economic relations in the very near future. We'll just have to wait and see. If nothing else, maybe the Iranians will be able to expand their powers of speech and assembly. They seem to be doing an excellent job right now.

One week down and the weekend is over!

Well, the weekend draws to a close so quickly. I have enjoyed it. I got to take in beautiful Lawton, OK. I did go out to a wildlife preserves and climb Mt. Scott. It offered some absolutely wonderful views. Once I get the pics off my camera I'll post some of them on here. I just hope the weeks pass as quickly as the weekends do. Next week is BRM so we'll be on the rifle range. I've psyched myself into saying it's only a four day week. We do some indoor stuff tomorrow. Zero our rifles on Tuesday. Wednesday we will do a 5-mile road march in the morning and go to the 100 meter range. Thursday we will qualify with our weapons, and Friday will be makeups. I'm hoping that Friday will be a somewhat less busy. As long as I think about that, I can trick my mind into a shorter week. Funny the games we all play? I have to set small milestones or else the long road ahead would be far too overwhelming! More tomorrow!

hmmmmm

Well, I can't say much for today. We spent some time doing BRM today and watching people do practice runs on classes that they have to teach during training tomorrow. For the most part, it was abysmally boring. I guess we can't expect it all to work out in an exciting fashion every time. In light of today's lack of activities (aside from drawing weapons and getting stuck with a radio, both of which are sensitive items that I can never allow to leave my sight and now have to tote about with me everywhere!), I thought I might post a few good quotes from Mark Twain.

Be good, and you will be lonesome.

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In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
- Notebook, 1904

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...the true patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the Nation ALL the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it.- "The Czar's Soliloquy"

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The weight of responsiblity

Well, today was an interestingly lazy day. I got a valid military ID that bears my rank and proper information. I must admit it was kind of nice to see 2LT on there. After that I went and got some dental x-rays and had a TB skin test read. Other than that I sat in some bleachers while it rained and read my latest book by Dean Koontz entitled "The Face." So far it's shaping up to be one of my favorites with some very interesting and endearing characters. I have about 1/3 of it left to go. I'll report back to that later.

The two high points of the day were the PT test and a trip to the bathroom. Yes neither sound glamorous, and the last item doesn't sound like something you would wish to discuss in polite company; nevertheless, they are both quite interesting to me.

I scored higher than ever before on the APFT today. I was able to max out my push-up and sit-ups. I did 93 sit-ups (a personal record) and ran the two-mile in 13:30 (another personal record). This all totaled up to a 294 (yet another personal record). Needless to say, I have been ecstatic.

Following the APFT we began the rest of the days activities with which I began this post. (kind of awkward, but thank you Winston Churchill). While waiting at one of these places, I found myself in need of a restroom. I had been drinking water all day in preparation for the PT test and found myself paying the consequences. I finally remembered some port-o-johns that I had noticed when we pulled up in the best. I rounded the corner of the building and there they stood. Unfortunately, a large truck was in front of them cleaning them out and the smell was less than inviting. In spite of the distressing odor, I really had to go. So I walked over to them harboring the host that at least one would remain open for use. As I rounded the corner and surprised a group of 15 Privates. They all had two-quart canteens around their shoulders identifying them as basic trainees in the "red phase" of boot camp. This is the section of basic training so often immortalized in the movies for it's harsh and restricting nature. Essentially it composes the "breaking down" period to prepare them for the "building up" that comes later in basic.

Well, I cruised around the corner and ruined their world. They were lounging there, probably enjoying a brief, precious moment without a drill sergeant breathing down their neck when I ruined it all. When they saw me they all began scrambling, kicking up dust, grabbing canteens, snapping to the position of attention, saluting and sounding off with thunderous "Good afternoon, sir!" It surprised me as much as it did them. I quickly saluted them, put them at ease, and asked if the bathrooms were opened. They seemed scared to tell me that they were not. Finally one mustered the courage and told me. I laughed, thanked him, and wished them all good luck before departing.

It caused me to spend the next several hours thinking about that. I am sitting here in my introductory course very similar to them. We have NCOs that, although I outrank them, can still make me cringe in fear with a reproachful look when we make poor decisions. It seems ironic that I can cause the same fear in others as these NCOs now cause in me. They tell you what you're doing wrong and then add a "sir" to the end of it. It's humorous most of the time, until they are talking to you. I feel like I'm shamming. Those Privates have been around less than two weeks. To them an officer is some high and mighty thing (and many of them are). I don't feel that high and mighty, but I realize now the importance of the position I hold. They don't know how intelligent or ignorant I am. They just know that I'm there to make decisions. It remains my fervent prayer that I will make good decisions for those that know nothing of me, save the fact I wear a gold bar on my chest. That really does mean something. I hope I can do something to earn the respect I now enjoy by the very nature of my position. I want to earn it. I suppose only time will tell.

Overall not a very exciting day until I went in search of a latrine. I had consumed several gallons of water today with the PT test and all.

Really?

I just saw this and had to post something about it. How many people were enticed to attend the services here? I wonder . . .

Week 1 Day 2

Well, day two is behind me. We drew our intial equipment from CIF, and I happened to be one fo the first done with the training. I managed to get back, set up most of my stuff, and have a little time to sit and read before doing my height/weight. I apparently shrunk and inch at some point. I have no idea where I lost it, but it's out there somewhere. That extra inch cost me about six pounds too. I am dangerously close to the maximum weight limit. So, I'm just gonna pray for my old height to return before tomorrow morning.

We sat through several briefings today. They were nowhere near as dreary and drudging as yesterday. I managed to keep my mood up and laughed through most of the day. A couple of the guys and I went out to eat for dinner and successfully blew coke out of our noses laughing. Not a bad day if it can end like that. Next week we will be out on the range the entire time. I'm always happy when I get to spend some time shooting!

There is a piece of paper or form for everything in the army. I'm sure there is even a form to get more forms. In a flame of common sense, someone in our platoon put together a large, three-ring binder full of pertinent information (telephone #s, addresses, next of kin, etc.). Across the top of the file folder he wrote, for the entire world to see, our company, platoon and squad. I am so proud to have that book out there now to let the world know how intelligent and capable the newly commissioned U.S. Army lieutenants. The file folder reads as follows:

1irst Squad, 3rd Platoon

So much for abbreviating! Apparently we aren't the only people to experience these problems. More to follow tomorrow. I'm hoping to hit up Oklahoma City this weekend with some time off. We'll see how it all goes.

Week 1 Day 1

Well, I don't have just a ton of time, but I thought I might write a bit about this wonderful new experience that I undergo as we speak: BOLC II. This is the Basic Officer Leadership Course, and I am enduring this ordeal at Ft. Sill, OK. So far it has been a whole lot of hurry up and wait. We filled out paper work, and more paper work, and more paper work, and . . . well you get the idea. In short, in-processing is tedious and time consuming. I never thought I'd be ready to get into the field, but it beats waiting around and planting your butt in the same chair all day long!

So all my finance paperwork is in so I should soon begin receiving my Second Lieutenant pay. I got my first salute yesterday from some random private on the sidewalk near the PX. I must admit that I felt a little ashamed. I feel like I must have shammed my way through to earn something like that. It's a different experience to receive a respect like that just because of something you wear on your uniform. It kind of hit home what a grave responsibility I have taken on. It fills me with excitement and a tiny bit of fear. I think that's good though. You should always be a little scared of the future. Right now I have a good mix of fear and excitement. I'm ready for the future. We'll see what day 2 holds. More to follow . . .