Wednesday, January 10, 2007:
Holdover Status . . . Here I come . . .

First, we got our TB test done, not bad. We just rushed through a line out the door of the blood room and was stuck on our way out. Then we went to PES (Medical) and during our day here at different intervals we had our blood drawn (BTW, I'm AB+), vision, MOT (Moment of Truth), etc. In vision my right eye disorder (lazy eye) became a problem and I had a thorough eye exam, but I have to come back tomorrow a 08:00 for a board preparation regarding my eye. Captain Gosnell (optometrist) doesn't think it will be a problem and the board will approve it. BTW, he is a great captain, very nice and explains everything.

I had to come back at 13:00 (1:00 p.m.) to meet with another CPT for my MOT. My MOT was a forged letter that my recruiter, my first one, put in my file. It was supposedly a letter from my father explaining that all my medical records for my leg (femur break) were no longer available, etc. The intelligent recruiter of mine however, put my grandfathers name in place of my fathers and didn't even try to make the signature look different from his own. I was upset when I saw this letter, which is obviously fraudulent not only by the name, signature, but also by the fact that no one knew I was enlisting except for my husband. I didn't tell anyone in my family until after the fact.

Anyway, so I am at my MOT and this CPT says it shouldn't be an issue because I have a waiver for my leg, but I still have to see the liaison. I don't think I am going to follow up on this though. It will just keep me in holdover status longer.

Then we were to go to the PX, but I didn't get to because I had to wait for someone to come get me because my Battle Buddy left (go figure). Then I had to go to Personal Affairs (PABS) [this lady was a witch]. She kept getting upset at me because I wasn't here earlier (I was at my med appt.) She said she would be here late now (of course she moved with the speed of a slug/snail take your pick). She was an E-6. Obviously you don't need brains to be promoted. Seeing people like this I have to wonder how our military is the best in the world?! Anyway, she jammed a pen into my hand because she was mad I had to fill out a form. This is the second time I have been stabbed with a pen by a Sgt. What is it with female Sgt.s and pens? Anyway, I don't have time to go on about this one. But my marriage license certificate doesn't show a seal so I have to come back tomorrow to meet with the Liaison. Now, you remember that you asked at MEPS what do I need to take to Ft. J with me? Do I need my original documents? The guy said no, because they have everything scanned into the system, etc. So I am being ridiculed because I don't have a single document, well besides my DL with me.

We went to chow (about 4 minutes to eat) and then did formation. They don't let us use the latrine after chow. We got to shower and meet up in formation. A lot of the girls try to turn the lights out in the shower for more modesty purposes, I don't care I just shower and go. We had a few minutes before formation so I read my Bible. BTW, they took my book in entrance so I have my smartbook and Bible, I read my Bible as much as possible. I have read almost all of Proverbs. The girls fight like crazy. Most of them are 18. Our Platoon Guide is like 19 or 20 and did some ROTC (so she claimed to get the PG position, later I found out she lied), but she isn't to confidant and tries to be everyones friend, but oh well. Oh, the food is all fried and we have been instructed that when we see First Sgt. and he asks how we are we are not allowed to say "Alright" we have to say "Aite (black slang) First Sgt." We use a lot of improper English (black slang). You know that drives me nuts! Oh yea, the recruiter lied - no wish list - overseas locations. I picked Italy, Germany & UK (they don't even have a base in the UK from what I understand). I think it was a trick to make you think you had a choice. They listed places like Korea (which family can't go to), Greece, UK, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Australia, etc. We don't have bases in any except Germany and Italy. Also, Hawaii and Alaska are considered overseas.

Anyway, I need to close for now. I love you. Tell everyone I miss them. I come off F.G. at 05:00, then I run to formation. We were told formations last no less than 30-45 minutes. That standing perfectly still kills . . .

Goodbye.
Love,
L

Tuesday, January 9, 2007:
The First Day: Welcome to Alpha Company, You Got to Go!!!!

(Written on Friday January 12, 2007 while pulling Fire Guard duty 03:00 - 05:00 AM for those that don't know)

We boarded the bus to go to the airport shortly after you and mom left.I was group leader for a female, male and myself, but another male by himself had never been to an airport so I unofficially became his leader. I got us and all of our documents safely to Charolette, NC. While flying (BTW the two males had never flown) two new experiences happened for me; 1) I have never seen a rainbow in air (it is actually an oval/ a ring not a bow shape); 2) we flew right through several clouds where the wings that I sat by cut though them. It was pretty cool. Then from NC we flew to Columbia, SC. We flew on a little charter plane that seats about 50 and you bored off the tarmac that you walk out onto. That was neat. At the airport we met Sgt. Bryant and he had all of us at Parade rest while giving us a motivational speech and preparing us. I was able to call you, but it was hard to talk as it was pinching at my emotions.

We then were bused to Ft. Jackson (about 20 minutes away from Columbia). Believe it or not I was calm. The base is huge. We got off the bus and had a minute to get of, claim bags and line up. We actually did it. We were escorted into the rubber room (called this so when you pass out it doesn't hurt as bad when you fall, also known as the blood room). We dropped our bags, were briefed, went into a classroom where we were assigned our roster # & platoon #. I'm A204/04. Oh, we can't receive letters at reception, hence no address given. We were yelled at like crazy by the Sgt. (E-6). People turned in cell phones in here. We went back to the rubber room where we had to dump out bags. People were not moving fast enough and so the DS (Jones- I can't remember) told Sgt. to smoke us. The Sgt. said no because he can't as a Sgt. (2006 rules) suppose to be changed, a lot of confusion and at this moment I realized there were a lot of problems at the Ft. J. base. What was in store for us? However while at Parade rest DS talked with Sgt. about smoking us for him (because of people still moving to slow). Then we got into front leaning rest position (push-up) and had to hold it a little over 5 minutes. While they discussed how many push ups we were to do. My body was shaking so bad. Then we had to do 10 push-ups, but start over if anyone dropped to their knees. I dropped once, but they didn't make us start over. When we got up there was sweat around the floor by my feet and pouring off my face. The Sgt was a little concerned and asked if I was alright. I felt like I was going to pass out. I couldn't make out his eyes, but I said yeah and then he asked "what" I quickly caught myself and said yes, Sgt. We then proceeded to empty our contraband (me-cough drops). We got smoked again because people would not zip up their coats, hide their necklace, etc. One female just sat there and refused to do it, but she finally did. We then got our bags and went and got our laundry bag, gloves, beanie hat, PT sweatshirt and pants, trunks, long sleeve PT Shirts, short sleeves PT shirts and one towel. We then ran down hill to our new company barracks during reception. We then got our sheets (2), blanket, and pillow (no pillow cases) and our canteen after standing outside in the cold (no gloves, hat, etc.) for approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes at parade rest (kills your shoulders). When we got our bedding we were tested for shoe size (normal arches for me). We were told we could lay down for a few minutes before formation. I got the bottom bunk (YES)! I had 30 minutes of sleep and then at 2:40 a.m. we had to go to formation (parade rest again) until 4:58 a.m. I thought you said you don't stand in formation longer than 30 minutes, Mike?! My shoulders and back kill!!!

We went to chow - I couldn't eat - I was sick and the food was nasty. We then went and started processing - PES - Medical. This is where my hell starts . . .

Monday, January 8, 2007: