I have been encouraged to cease my blog on my experience at Fort Jackson.
Thank you for those who followed for the first week.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 4_ Shots
No hot water in the shower today, this time it was weird though because it was 0530...
So today was medical in-processing. This consisted of hearing test, eye test, immunization, and blood work. Someone forgot ( maybe to my benefit) to tell me needles were part of today's plan.
It all went well as I just told the specialists that I will faint when I get a shot. They then let me lay down and they followed to give me two shots in my right arm, two in my left arm, and the N1H1 shot that you sniff up your nose. But that wasn't the worst, the worst was when the specialist tried to find my veins to draw blood and preceded to dig all over my inner elbows....
Pictures included..
This afternoon we got to meet the upper cadre of the Chaplain School and that was cool to see how their hearts really are for preparing all of the students to become the best Chaplains we can be.
We were supposed to have our initial weigh-in today, but that got moved back to tomorrow at 0620 so that also means that our PT assessment test that was supposed to be at 0545 tomorrow am is now tomorrow afternoon.
So it will mean an early wake up as I need to leave my place by 0600.
Tomorrow will also bring news of how our first weekend at Fort Jackson will be. The schedule now says that we have nothing scheduled, but as I am finding out, that means nada and the plans can change at any moment.
I am making some brockley and cheese for dinner, so I am off to have that and then hope for an early bed time.
So today was medical in-processing. This consisted of hearing test, eye test, immunization, and blood work. Someone forgot ( maybe to my benefit) to tell me needles were part of today's plan.
It all went well as I just told the specialists that I will faint when I get a shot. They then let me lay down and they followed to give me two shots in my right arm, two in my left arm, and the N1H1 shot that you sniff up your nose. But that wasn't the worst, the worst was when the specialist tried to find my veins to draw blood and preceded to dig all over my inner elbows....
Pictures included..
This afternoon we got to meet the upper cadre of the Chaplain School and that was cool to see how their hearts really are for preparing all of the students to become the best Chaplains we can be.
We were supposed to have our initial weigh-in today, but that got moved back to tomorrow at 0620 so that also means that our PT assessment test that was supposed to be at 0545 tomorrow am is now tomorrow afternoon.
So it will mean an early wake up as I need to leave my place by 0600.
Tomorrow will also bring news of how our first weekend at Fort Jackson will be. The schedule now says that we have nothing scheduled, but as I am finding out, that means nada and the plans can change at any moment.
I am making some brockley and cheese for dinner, so I am off to have that and then hope for an early bed time.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 3
Today was a little later start than normal. That was a nice thing, but I actually woke up feeling worse than the day before. I guess that is the three straight long days kicking in. Oh how it will feel when PT kicks in.
The first thing I did this am was that I went and got vehicle decals for Katie and I's cars. The process wasn't long at all but it is nice that they ask you to come to the front of the line if you are in your ACU's.
The next thing on the day was personal PT. My hall-mate Mike and I wanted to run on the track that we will use for the PT test, so we went and tried it out. To let you know how big the track was, it only takes 3 laps to make the 2-mile run. We ran for about 45 minutes and I was dead and cold afterward.
In the afternoon we had some cool intro classes for Army chaplaincy and it was cool to hear from current Chaplains who have been down range and what kind of experience and knowledge I am getting from quality instructors while at Fort Jackson.
After class we went and got some more Tactical Assault gear. I got my: Army sleeping system, gas mask, and Kevlar battle vest (man is that sucker heavy, but like the Sergeant said, we Chaplains cannot complain because we do not have to also carry a weapon and ammunition).
For dinner Chaplain Lavoie took me to Subway for driving him around with me today, it was a nice gift from him, but it was nothing because his car died yesterday and I was already going everywhere else he was going.
Tomorrow am will be early again as I have medical in processing. Some people today started at 0700 and didn't get done till 1500, so who really knows how long it will take. After that we have our initial weigh-in, it will be interesting to see what my starting point is and how much my goal will be for how much weight I want\need to lose.
Also something random, another plus of being the youngest student in the class is that I am responsible for carrying the Chaplain Corps crest pin on my person at all times and when in class I have to put it on a mantle that is in the front of the class. Today was my first day of bringing it and making sure it was in place.
Adios..
The first thing I did this am was that I went and got vehicle decals for Katie and I's cars. The process wasn't long at all but it is nice that they ask you to come to the front of the line if you are in your ACU's.
The next thing on the day was personal PT. My hall-mate Mike and I wanted to run on the track that we will use for the PT test, so we went and tried it out. To let you know how big the track was, it only takes 3 laps to make the 2-mile run. We ran for about 45 minutes and I was dead and cold afterward.
In the afternoon we had some cool intro classes for Army chaplaincy and it was cool to hear from current Chaplains who have been down range and what kind of experience and knowledge I am getting from quality instructors while at Fort Jackson.
After class we went and got some more Tactical Assault gear. I got my: Army sleeping system, gas mask, and Kevlar battle vest (man is that sucker heavy, but like the Sergeant said, we Chaplains cannot complain because we do not have to also carry a weapon and ammunition).
For dinner Chaplain Lavoie took me to Subway for driving him around with me today, it was a nice gift from him, but it was nothing because his car died yesterday and I was already going everywhere else he was going.
Tomorrow am will be early again as I have medical in processing. Some people today started at 0700 and didn't get done till 1500, so who really knows how long it will take. After that we have our initial weigh-in, it will be interesting to see what my starting point is and how much my goal will be for how much weight I want\need to lose.
Also something random, another plus of being the youngest student in the class is that I am responsible for carrying the Chaplain Corps crest pin on my person at all times and when in class I have to put it on a mantle that is in the front of the class. Today was my first day of bringing it and making sure it was in place.
Adios..
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day 2
Today started bright and early. Well not so bright actually as the sun was still down, but anyways...
First thing accomplished today was getting a new CAC card. This was a long process for some, but I Katie and I got lucky that we had already got our ID cards in June. This already had Katie in the system and only made me have to just update my promotion on my card.
Next thing on the schedule was dental exams. The Fort Jackson Dental clinic was fantastic, they must have gotten through all 105 students in about 2.5 hours. My exam was successful as I had no issues at all and was even complemented on how straight my teeth are.(Thanks mom and dad for the braces!!) I didn't think too much of how good it was to not have them find anything concerning my teeth, but once I heard that others had to come back for wisdom teeth pulling or even root canals. Ouchie!!
We then had class time which mainly consisted of how to wear the new ASU and also what all PT we would be doing while at Fort Jackson.
The last thing we did today was get issued our Tactical Assault gear. This consisted of: poncho, rain top and bottom, sleeping pad, assault pack, knee and elbow pads, Kevlar helmet, and entrenching tool.
We got off early tonight and it was great to have dinner in our lodging with three other students. One guy is a Southern Baptist, one is a Reformed Presbyterian, and one is a Catholic Priest. The time was great and I think it awesome to have a chance to see so many different viewpoints.
Tomorrow brings a little slower of a day as far as the morning is concerned. I get to sleep in a little bit before I leave at 8 to go get Katie and I's vehicles Fort Jackson decals. After that I am going to do some PT with the three guys I had dinner with. I am looking forward to what might be my last "slow" am during the week for the next 11 weeks.
Well I'm off. I have ESPN on in the back and I think I am going to do some Push-up and Sit-up work before I wrap up the night.
Monday, January 11, 2010
First full day
This will be a short post as I can barely keep my eyes open.
Sleep last night consisted of tossing and turning and hearing every possible noise in the building.
Today was a bright and early start at 0530, but I guess that is nothing when next week will bring PT at 0545 which means probably a wake up around 0500.
Today we did some nice dental x-rays and filled out plenty of financial forms. This is a good thing as it will mean a payday to come in the next weeks.
The class was also broken down into platoons and inside of that, it was broken down even further into squads.
I still get shivers up the back of my neck when I look down from my seat in class and see about 100 fellow Army Chaplains who are ready to serve. Something about seeing the American flag on the right shoulder never gets old.
I also think the sense of what is really going on here is hitting me. Like the Major said, "We make up one percent of the American population".
Sleep last night consisted of tossing and turning and hearing every possible noise in the building.
Today was a bright and early start at 0530, but I guess that is nothing when next week will bring PT at 0545 which means probably a wake up around 0500.
Today we did some nice dental x-rays and filled out plenty of financial forms. This is a good thing as it will mean a payday to come in the next weeks.
The class was also broken down into platoons and inside of that, it was broken down even further into squads.
I still get shivers up the back of my neck when I look down from my seat in class and see about 100 fellow Army Chaplains who are ready to serve. Something about seeing the American flag on the right shoulder never gets old.
I also think the sense of what is really going on here is hitting me. Like the Major said, "We make up one percent of the American population".
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Report Day_10Jan10
Today I reported to Fort Jackson.
There are roughly about 100 of us students who showed up today. Some will go all 90 days til 9April10, some will leave earlier being only signed up for a few phases.
Today was very intro and was about getting room assignment and access cards to the Chaplain school. Tomorrow will bring true in-processing as we go to Finance, TDY office, and Dental.
High light of the day was when the question was asked who was the youngest student present. After having people stand on their age, it came down to another guy and myself for being 23. After figuring out that he was born in Jan it was then discovered that I am the youngest person in CH-BOLC... wonderful fact there... It cost me push-ups, but like the Major said, everything at Chaplain school is about having the right attitude, so I just dropped and in front of 100 peers had to complete my age in push-ups.
The day ended with dinner and new (tighter) haircut at Uncle John and Aunt Sheron's. It is a blessing to have them live in Columbia as I know I will be able to see them when I have on the spot free time (this is opposed to predetermined free time).
There are roughly about 100 of us students who showed up today. Some will go all 90 days til 9April10, some will leave earlier being only signed up for a few phases.
Today was very intro and was about getting room assignment and access cards to the Chaplain school. Tomorrow will bring true in-processing as we go to Finance, TDY office, and Dental.
High light of the day was when the question was asked who was the youngest student present. After having people stand on their age, it came down to another guy and myself for being 23. After figuring out that he was born in Jan it was then discovered that I am the youngest person in CH-BOLC... wonderful fact there... It cost me push-ups, but like the Major said, everything at Chaplain school is about having the right attitude, so I just dropped and in front of 100 peers had to complete my age in push-ups.
The day ended with dinner and new (tighter) haircut at Uncle John and Aunt Sheron's. It is a blessing to have them live in Columbia as I know I will be able to see them when I have on the spot free time (this is opposed to predetermined free time).
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Going to start a blog
So I have told everyone that I am going to make a blog and keep it updated as I go through CH-BOLC. (Chaplain Basic Officer Course)
So I decided to set it up while I was already on the computer... so here we go..
So I decided to set it up while I was already on the computer... so here we go..
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