M2 50
AT-4
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Birthday Letter
Here are some excerpts from the letter Tim wrote to us on his birthday (dated March 27).
So the story of my birthday begins the night before. After breakfast, the DS was walking through the hall and Roddy yelled out, "Drill Sergeant, it's Sears' birthday!" The DS froze, came in, stared at me, then walked out and called "Redline!" [This means they must all line-up in formation] Dreading what was to come, and cursing Roddy, I sprinted to redline and dutifully lined-up. The DS yelled out, "First platoon, you know what to do." PVT Pearson started to drop into push-up position, several other privates started toward me as if to tackle me, and the rest simply looked confused, thus proving that 1st platoon did not know what to do. The people acting alone (Pearson and the tacklers) quickly realized they were doing the wrong thing, and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" gradually broke out. After the completion of the song, the DS asked how old I was, then said that I looked closer to 10 than 20. So, I guess it is not such a big deal after all. It's about time to go to church, so I'll continue this in a couple of hours.
Another section about Advanced Rifle Marksmanship...
We fired at a qualification range in body armor in different positions from behind cover. We had to shoot each target enough times to kill it (randomly 1-3). The training really works. I did great, shooting rapid fire at targets out to 300M, then my red dot went out [laser aiming device]. Without even pausing to think, I flipped-up my iron sight and continued firing. Fixing problems like that as well as weapon malfunctions has become second nature to us.
After recapping his day, which included 2 phone calls home...
Today was as good a birthday as I could hope for at Basic Training. I got Cocoa Puffs for breakfast, a hamburger for dinner, and two phone calls. I wish I could have spent it with my family, though.
So the story of my birthday begins the night before. After breakfast, the DS was walking through the hall and Roddy yelled out, "Drill Sergeant, it's Sears' birthday!" The DS froze, came in, stared at me, then walked out and called "Redline!" [This means they must all line-up in formation] Dreading what was to come, and cursing Roddy, I sprinted to redline and dutifully lined-up. The DS yelled out, "First platoon, you know what to do." PVT Pearson started to drop into push-up position, several other privates started toward me as if to tackle me, and the rest simply looked confused, thus proving that 1st platoon did not know what to do. The people acting alone (Pearson and the tacklers) quickly realized they were doing the wrong thing, and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" gradually broke out. After the completion of the song, the DS asked how old I was, then said that I looked closer to 10 than 20. So, I guess it is not such a big deal after all. It's about time to go to church, so I'll continue this in a couple of hours.
Another section about Advanced Rifle Marksmanship...
We fired at a qualification range in body armor in different positions from behind cover. We had to shoot each target enough times to kill it (randomly 1-3). The training really works. I did great, shooting rapid fire at targets out to 300M, then my red dot went out [laser aiming device]. Without even pausing to think, I flipped-up my iron sight and continued firing. Fixing problems like that as well as weapon malfunctions has become second nature to us.
After recapping his day, which included 2 phone calls home...
Today was as good a birthday as I could hope for at Basic Training. I got Cocoa Puffs for breakfast, a hamburger for dinner, and two phone calls. I wish I could have spent it with my family, though.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Update
We received a letter dated March 25, 2011 addressed to the family.
1) He's been very, very busy with Advanced Rifle Marksmanship (ARM). Up early and late to bed, all day long at the range for 2 weeks.
2) He enjoys firing on full automatic in pitch black darkness with night vision goggles.
3) He is out of writing paper and had to borrow from a friend. He will buy some more at the PX.
4) Standing in the cold and rain...
5) Feels old now that he is no longer a teenager.
6) Overnight mail I sent him was delivered next day and apparently circumvented the usual screening process.
7) He's doing okay, so don't worry.
1) He's been very, very busy with Advanced Rifle Marksmanship (ARM). Up early and late to bed, all day long at the range for 2 weeks.
2) He enjoys firing on full automatic in pitch black darkness with night vision goggles.
3) He is out of writing paper and had to borrow from a friend. He will buy some more at the PX.
4) Standing in the cold and rain...
5) Feels old now that he is no longer a teenager.
6) Overnight mail I sent him was delivered next day and apparently circumvented the usual screening process.
7) He's doing okay, so don't worry.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
10 Minute Phone Call
Tim called today, which is his birthday, and we spoke with him for 10 minutes. We were still at church (hanging out after the service) and he called Debbie's cell phone after trying our home phone. We're sure glad Debbie had her phone and it was not silenced. All things considered, he seems to be doing very well. Here are some notes:
1) His friend, Roddy, initiated a singing of "Happy Birthday" at roll call this morning.
2) I sent him a special birthday letter via overnight mail on Thursday which was delivered to him on Friday.
3) There is snow on the ground. The worst part of training is standing in the cold for hours at a time.
4) He claims to have gained a few pounds.
5) He likes the advanced rifle training - shooting at night with night scope.
6) They are moving from White Phase to Blue Phase this week. Hopefully will get a few more freedoms.
7) He is also hoping that Blue Phase will bring a 4 hour pass. If so, they plan to order pizza, eat candy and play in the arcade. However, there is no guaranty of getting the pass.
7) He got 9 hours of sleep last night. This is a real blessing after weeks of sleep deprivation.
8) He went to the protestant church service this morning, which was not especially good.
There are some new photos posted on the "Ghost Troop, 5-15 Cavalry Regiment" FaceBook page. This set of photos seem to feature the advanced rifle training. Unfortunately, we could not positively identify Tim in any of them.
1) His friend, Roddy, initiated a singing of "Happy Birthday" at roll call this morning.
2) I sent him a special birthday letter via overnight mail on Thursday which was delivered to him on Friday.
3) There is snow on the ground. The worst part of training is standing in the cold for hours at a time.
4) He claims to have gained a few pounds.
5) He likes the advanced rifle training - shooting at night with night scope.
6) They are moving from White Phase to Blue Phase this week. Hopefully will get a few more freedoms.
7) He is also hoping that Blue Phase will bring a 4 hour pass. If so, they plan to order pizza, eat candy and play in the arcade. However, there is no guaranty of getting the pass.
7) He got 9 hours of sleep last night. This is a real blessing after weeks of sleep deprivation.
8) He went to the protestant church service this morning, which was not especially good.
There are some new photos posted on the "Ghost Troop, 5-15 Cavalry Regiment" FaceBook page. This set of photos seem to feature the advanced rifle training. Unfortunately, we could not positively identify Tim in any of them.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
New Batch of Letters
Letters dated March 18, 19 and 20.
Highlights:
1) Tim qualified on the shooting range despite multiple weapon malfunctions.
2) Started Advanced Rifle Marksmanship on 3/19/11 - shooting at moving targets, etc.
3) He asked me to pass on this message - he's got plenty of time to read letters, so there is no need to cut them short. He is interested in hearing even the boring details of our lives.
4) The weather has been warmer and sunnier.
5) Getting used to wearing helmet and body armour, which weights 35 lbs.
6) May attend Catholic service next Sunday.
7) He is counting down the days to Family Day.
8) Tim is losing track of time - the days run together and he has difficulty remembering one day from the next. He asked Debbie to send him a calendar.
9) Has made some friends, but no enemies.
10) Disappointed he doesn't have a nickname yet.
Highlights:
1) Tim qualified on the shooting range despite multiple weapon malfunctions.
2) Started Advanced Rifle Marksmanship on 3/19/11 - shooting at moving targets, etc.
3) He asked me to pass on this message - he's got plenty of time to read letters, so there is no need to cut them short. He is interested in hearing even the boring details of our lives.
4) The weather has been warmer and sunnier.
5) Getting used to wearing helmet and body armour, which weights 35 lbs.
6) May attend Catholic service next Sunday.
7) He is counting down the days to Family Day.
8) Tim is losing track of time - the days run together and he has difficulty remembering one day from the next. He asked Debbie to send him a calendar.
9) Has made some friends, but no enemies.
10) Disappointed he doesn't have a nickname yet.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lots of Letters
We received a whole pile of letters - one for Steve, one for Mom, one for Danny, two for me (Larry) and one for the family in general.
1) He sent a sketch of his barracks.When they order a "redline", the troops have to store their stuff and assemble in alphabetical order upstairs in 10 seconds.
2) One of the recruits punched a wall after receiving a "Dear John" letter, and was discharged pending repairing his hand. Will have to restart basic training later.
3) Tim is sad to miss March birthdays - Libby's, mine and his.
4) They may have cheeseburgers in the chow line soon and Tim is hoping to get one before they run out.
5) Mormon service last Sunday was a flop.
6) They are up at 4:30 am and must be assembled outside at 5:05 am.
7) While on "fireguard" at night, they are generally cleaning the barracks.
8) Tim wants Debbie to bring Buckeye candy for his buddies on family day.
9) Tim wrote me a very, very nice birthday letter.
10) Tim wants to remind us that he is handling everything fine.Don't worry...
11) They are completely isolated from news, etc.
12) he's sick of freezing rain!
13) he's hoping to make a phone call this weekend.
1) He sent a sketch of his barracks.When they order a "redline", the troops have to store their stuff and assemble in alphabetical order upstairs in 10 seconds.
2) One of the recruits punched a wall after receiving a "Dear John" letter, and was discharged pending repairing his hand. Will have to restart basic training later.
3) Tim is sad to miss March birthdays - Libby's, mine and his.
4) They may have cheeseburgers in the chow line soon and Tim is hoping to get one before they run out.
5) Mormon service last Sunday was a flop.
6) They are up at 4:30 am and must be assembled outside at 5:05 am.
7) While on "fireguard" at night, they are generally cleaning the barracks.
8) Tim wants Debbie to bring Buckeye candy for his buddies on family day.
9) Tim wrote me a very, very nice birthday letter.
10) Tim wants to remind us that he is handling everything fine.Don't worry...
11) They are completely isolated from news, etc.
12) he's sick of freezing rain!
13) he's hoping to make a phone call this weekend.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Interesting Letters
Four letters today - dated 3/9/11 through 3/11/11. Much of the information in the letters was old news from when we talked to Tim on the phone Saturday. Here's the new information...
1) Report from rifle marksmanship training: Tim grouped 10 shots within 1 cm from 300 meters, tying a camp record. I guess we'll see if it was luck or if Tim is really a marksman in the weeks to come.
2) 3/9/11 was the first day he's been there without being smoked.
3) Tim is starving for entertainment. Plans on reading the entire Bible while there.
4) He had his first "MRE" (Meal, Ready to Eat). He said they're great - "...pork ribs, clam chowder, tortillas, cheese spread, nuts and raisins. ...sometimes candy". They are also self-heating. Click here to find out more.
5) Days are passing more quickly. Has been away from home 1 month.
6) Drill Sergeants get a kick out of taking bad photos of privates.
7) Skinny privates (like Tim) do get extra food. He was "forced" to eat cold rice and an eclair.
8) Should now have the privilege to leave base occasionally. Plans to go out to eat.
9) Gear issued to date: Interceptor Body Armor, Advanced Combat Helmet, M68 gas mask, 4 pairs ACU (army combat uniform), 3 long sleeve p.t. shirts, 3 short sleeve p.t. shirts, p.t. pants, p.t. jacket, wet weather pants, wet weather coat, Gore-Tex jacket, green fleece, 3 prs boots, rucksack and sleeping bag.
10) Upcoming training: Hand grenades, machine guns, AT4's (anti-tank weapon), and urban combat classes.
11) Funny Quote: "Don't send me food, though; someone got cookies today and the [drill sergeant] made him stamp on the bag, pass out the crumbs, then sweep them up while everyone watched."
There are new pictures posted on FaceBook. We couldn't find any of Tim, but there are some pictures from the shooting range (most recent photos posted). Tim said they had were in the cold rain 4 hours. We also found a photo of Tim's friend "Reddy" coming out of the gas chamber drill. Click here to see the photo.
1) Report from rifle marksmanship training: Tim grouped 10 shots within 1 cm from 300 meters, tying a camp record. I guess we'll see if it was luck or if Tim is really a marksman in the weeks to come.
2) 3/9/11 was the first day he's been there without being smoked.
3) Tim is starving for entertainment. Plans on reading the entire Bible while there.
4) He had his first "MRE" (Meal, Ready to Eat). He said they're great - "...pork ribs, clam chowder, tortillas, cheese spread, nuts and raisins. ...sometimes candy". They are also self-heating. Click here to find out more.
5) Days are passing more quickly. Has been away from home 1 month.
6) Drill Sergeants get a kick out of taking bad photos of privates.
7) Skinny privates (like Tim) do get extra food. He was "forced" to eat cold rice and an eclair.
8) Should now have the privilege to leave base occasionally. Plans to go out to eat.
9) Gear issued to date: Interceptor Body Armor, Advanced Combat Helmet, M68 gas mask, 4 pairs ACU (army combat uniform), 3 long sleeve p.t. shirts, 3 short sleeve p.t. shirts, p.t. pants, p.t. jacket, wet weather pants, wet weather coat, Gore-Tex jacket, green fleece, 3 prs boots, rucksack and sleeping bag.
10) Upcoming training: Hand grenades, machine guns, AT4's (anti-tank weapon), and urban combat classes.
11) Funny Quote: "Don't send me food, though; someone got cookies today and the [drill sergeant] made him stamp on the bag, pass out the crumbs, then sweep them up while everyone watched."
There are new pictures posted on FaceBook. We couldn't find any of Tim, but there are some pictures from the shooting range (most recent photos posted). Tim said they had were in the cold rain 4 hours. We also found a photo of Tim's friend "Reddy" coming out of the gas chamber drill. Click here to see the photo.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Phone Call
We had our first lengthy conversation with Tim on Saturday afternoon. He called at about 3:00 pm and said that he had 5 minutes to talk. However, he got in the phone line twice more, so we were able to talk for about 15 minutes total. Overall, we thought he sounded well, was healthy and in good spirits. Here are some specifics from the conversation:'
1) They've move from "Red" phase to "White" phase in their training. In this new phase, they will have a little more personal freedom. He is hopeful that he'll be able to call once per week.
2) He calls from a pay phone using a calling card.
3) He has recovered from his sinus infection. He said that everyone has been sick at one time or another.
4) They have Mail Call on Mon-Wed-Fri only.
5) They are able to have family photos. If you have one to send, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
6) He sent 4 letters on Saturday, so we should receive them early next week.
7) They've been on the shooting range in the last week. Tim said that he's doing well and enjoys the shooting.
8) They had a timed 2 mile run and Tim was the fastest of all 150 in the Troop.
9) Tim is just above the minimum weight requirement and he told us he's been given extra food. We're not certain if it is just him, or everyone in his Troop.
10) On a normal night he gets only 5 hours of sleep. He often has guard duty, so his sleep is interrupted.
11) He assured us that he's doing fine, though looking forward to the end of training.
1) They've move from "Red" phase to "White" phase in their training. In this new phase, they will have a little more personal freedom. He is hopeful that he'll be able to call once per week.
2) He calls from a pay phone using a calling card.
3) He has recovered from his sinus infection. He said that everyone has been sick at one time or another.
4) They have Mail Call on Mon-Wed-Fri only.
5) They are able to have family photos. If you have one to send, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
6) He sent 4 letters on Saturday, so we should receive them early next week.
7) They've been on the shooting range in the last week. Tim said that he's doing well and enjoys the shooting.
8) They had a timed 2 mile run and Tim was the fastest of all 150 in the Troop.
9) Tim is just above the minimum weight requirement and he told us he's been given extra food. We're not certain if it is just him, or everyone in his Troop.
10) On a normal night he gets only 5 hours of sleep. He often has guard duty, so his sleep is interrupted.
11) He assured us that he's doing fine, though looking forward to the end of training.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
New batch of Letters
We received a whole bunch of mail from Tim this evening - a letter for the family, a letter to me and a letter to Debbie. Aunt Debbie called to say she received a letter today, too. Here are some highlights:
1) Sending and receiving mail is Tim's only "fun". He would like to get as much mail as possible.
2) Food is good. Had a hamburger at dinner one night - delicious!
3) Friend mentioned most frequently is Jon Reddy - 27, former college track star, Christian, triathlete, from South Carolina.
4) Another friend: JD Dryden - 22, laid-off diesel mechanic from Washington, loves the rain.
5) Don't send news articles. He thought they were okay, but they're not.
6) Has attended the Mormon church because the Protestant church is boring. They provide cookies.
7) Tim is really, really looking forward to Family Weekend April 22-24. He is allowed off base for 3 nights. He has mentioned it in every letter we have received.
8) It is okay to send pictures. Please send some if you can.
9) He got another haircut!
10) He received my package of Bible and moleskin for blisters. It helped his blisters.
11) Letters arrive in as little as two days, but mail call is only every 2-3 days.
12) A transferred soldier to Tim's unit says it is the strictest. The transfer's unit was "smoked" only once per week, Tim's is "smoked" twice per day.
13) Next week they should move into a different phase of training in which they get a little more freedom, including a) two drinks at dinner b) possible access to phone c) walk to church on their own d) less restricted showers.
1) Sending and receiving mail is Tim's only "fun". He would like to get as much mail as possible.
2) Food is good. Had a hamburger at dinner one night - delicious!
3) Friend mentioned most frequently is Jon Reddy - 27, former college track star, Christian, triathlete, from South Carolina.
4) Another friend: JD Dryden - 22, laid-off diesel mechanic from Washington, loves the rain.
5) Don't send news articles. He thought they were okay, but they're not.
6) Has attended the Mormon church because the Protestant church is boring. They provide cookies.
7) Tim is really, really looking forward to Family Weekend April 22-24. He is allowed off base for 3 nights. He has mentioned it in every letter we have received.
8) It is okay to send pictures. Please send some if you can.
9) He got another haircut!
10) He received my package of Bible and moleskin for blisters. It helped his blisters.
11) Letters arrive in as little as two days, but mail call is only every 2-3 days.
12) A transferred soldier to Tim's unit says it is the strictest. The transfer's unit was "smoked" only once per week, Tim's is "smoked" twice per day.
13) Next week they should move into a different phase of training in which they get a little more freedom, including a) two drinks at dinner b) possible access to phone c) walk to church on their own d) less restricted showers.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Letters! Pictures!
We received several letters today. One letter was mailed separately to Danny, a number of others were in an envelope together. The letters were dated March 2-3.
1) March 2 was his first mail call. He received letters from me, Libby, Danny and Aunt Debbie.
2) Food is good, but he only gets 2-3 minutes to eat.
3) Rain is sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse, but it's always cold.
4) Encourage everyone to write. There is no such thing as too much mail.
5) No indication that he is sick.
6) Scored 100% on Combat Lifesaving Test (40/40).
7) Gas chamber drill went okay.
8) Large blisters from marching in boots.
9) Facebook: search "Ghost Troop, 5-15 Cavalry Regiment", then Join Group to see pictures.
10 Graduation Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 am.
Here is a picture we found of Tim exiting the gas chamber. Not the best photo, but at least he's not barfing and not streaming snot from his mouth and nose like most of the other pictures. Notice "SEARS" on his jacket.
We think Tim is in photo #139, also. Probably others, but they all look alike.
1) March 2 was his first mail call. He received letters from me, Libby, Danny and Aunt Debbie.
2) Food is good, but he only gets 2-3 minutes to eat.
3) Rain is sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse, but it's always cold.
4) Encourage everyone to write. There is no such thing as too much mail.
5) No indication that he is sick.
6) Scored 100% on Combat Lifesaving Test (40/40).
7) Gas chamber drill went okay.
8) Large blisters from marching in boots.
9) Facebook: search "Ghost Troop, 5-15 Cavalry Regiment", then Join Group to see pictures.
10 Graduation Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 am.
Here is a picture we found of Tim exiting the gas chamber. Not the best photo, but at least he's not barfing and not streaming snot from his mouth and nose like most of the other pictures. Notice "SEARS" on his jacket.
New Letters / No Call
We received another packet of letters from Tim on Friday, but did not receive a phone call Sunday as we had hoped.
Here are some highlights from the letters:
1) Letters dated 2/23 through 3/1, including one undated (probably 3/2)
2) He has not yet received any mail (he should be getting a bunch very soon). We've sent lots of letters, so I suspect they are holding it until they are ready to give it to him.
3) He is interested in any news or current events. You can send news articles if there are no pictures.
4) They saw a hygiene presentation with 70 slides about STD's.
5) A couple of his comrades got in trouble for misc. violations, so his whole barracks was punished.
6) Ran the obstacle course, which is more difficult than it looks.
7) Tim reported to sick bay for treatment of a sinus/respiratory infection.
Debbie is concerned about the sinus infection. Obviously, conditions are not ideal for getting better, getting extra sleep, staying warm, etc. Please pray for Tim's health.
I have uploaded one of Tim's letters to our Sears6.com web site. Tim writes very small, and very faint, so I enlarged and darkened the letter to make it readable. Also note, that to be "smoked" is to be punished with physical punishment - usually "planking" (holding a push-up in the up position). To see the letter, click this link.
Here are some highlights from the letters:
1) Letters dated 2/23 through 3/1, including one undated (probably 3/2)
2) He has not yet received any mail (he should be getting a bunch very soon). We've sent lots of letters, so I suspect they are holding it until they are ready to give it to him.
3) He is interested in any news or current events. You can send news articles if there are no pictures.
4) They saw a hygiene presentation with 70 slides about STD's.
5) A couple of his comrades got in trouble for misc. violations, so his whole barracks was punished.
6) Ran the obstacle course, which is more difficult than it looks.
7) Tim reported to sick bay for treatment of a sinus/respiratory infection.
Debbie is concerned about the sinus infection. Obviously, conditions are not ideal for getting better, getting extra sleep, staying warm, etc. Please pray for Tim's health.
I have uploaded one of Tim's letters to our Sears6.com web site. Tim writes very small, and very faint, so I enlarged and darkened the letter to make it readable. Also note, that to be "smoked" is to be punished with physical punishment - usually "planking" (holding a push-up in the up position). To see the letter, click this link.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
No News
Nothing in yesterday's mail. We are hoping to receive a phone call on Sunday.
Per request from Tim's last batch of letters, we sent him a Bible (he had only a New Testament) and some Dr. Scholl's "moleskin" which is for dealing with blisters. Apparently he has permission from the drill sergeant to receive these items.
Per request from Tim's last batch of letters, we sent him a Bible (he had only a New Testament) and some Dr. Scholl's "moleskin" which is for dealing with blisters. Apparently he has permission from the drill sergeant to receive these items.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Letters
We received some new letters from Tim last night. The letters spanned at least 4 days and the most recent one was dated Feb. 22. Here are some highlights:
1) He only has about 10 minutes free time per day.
2) Went to church for the first time. Enjoyed meeting with guys outside of his troop.
3) Was issued an M-4 rifle .
4) Marching in the cold rain. Cold ride in the back of a transport.
5) Blisters from marching
6) Cleaning the barracks no fun.
7) Gear recently issued includes body armor, helmet, safety glasses, knee and elbow pads, rucksack, sleeping bag, wet weather gear, fleece jacket.
8) They were told their cost of each person's gear is $10,000.
9) There will be a basic training graduation in May (family invited), then he has more training that will end on June 9. However, dates are subject to change.
Overall, I thought the tone of his letters was good and he seems to be doing okay. He complained that several of his comrades have caused the entire troop to be "smoked", which is to be punished with physical exercise, such as standing in formation with your arms out, or being in the "up" position of a push-up for 20 minutes.
1) He only has about 10 minutes free time per day.
2) Went to church for the first time. Enjoyed meeting with guys outside of his troop.
3) Was issued an M-4 rifle .
4) Marching in the cold rain. Cold ride in the back of a transport.
5) Blisters from marching
6) Cleaning the barracks no fun.
7) Gear recently issued includes body armor, helmet, safety glasses, knee and elbow pads, rucksack, sleeping bag, wet weather gear, fleece jacket.
8) They were told their cost of each person's gear is $10,000.
9) There will be a basic training graduation in May (family invited), then he has more training that will end on June 9. However, dates are subject to change.
Overall, I thought the tone of his letters was good and he seems to be doing okay. He complained that several of his comrades have caused the entire troop to be "smoked", which is to be punished with physical exercise, such as standing in formation with your arms out, or being in the "up" position of a push-up for 20 minutes.
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