After a grueling 4 months Matt was not only told but ordered to go home for Christmas. He has a whole 2 weeks to spend with family before he graduates and ships off to Korea.
Matt's graduation is officially set for January 14, 2010. As long as there are no glitches, he will ship out within a day or two for Korea where he will live for the next year.
Matt has one more test to take but if he does as well on this test as he has on all the others he will graduate on top of his class! We are all very impressed, although not very surprised :)
As soon as he gets more information (like his address and such) I'll post it. Remember he'll be far from home and in a very different place and really won't know anyone because he hasn't had much opportunity to get to know people. Letters and care packages will be super appreciated. If nothing else, an email would be grand too. I'll post that when he decides which account he is going to use.
We really appreciate all your support this crazy, difficult year and we Wish you a Happy New Year! (hopefully filled with amazing and wonderful things for everyone...we all need it!)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Follow-on orders
Because Matt is being sent to Korea (an undesirable location for most airman) they allowed him to create a list of his top 4 choices for a follow-on assignment, where he'll be assigned next year.
We chose to put on our list
1. Guam
2. Nevada
3. Germany
4. another Germany
Today he got his orders and the verdict is GUAM! I'm actually really really really really really really (okay, enough, but really!) excited about this assignment.
Guam lies south of Japan- about a 3 hour plane ride. Its the furthest west territory that the US owns. It is said that the US says good morning in Guam because it is the first place that sees the sun on any given day in the US. The weather there is generally between 75-85 degrees year round and has a 6 month rainy season- July-December (I think). The island is only 30 miles long, 12 miles wide at its widest and is primarily a military island. But there is a large group of 'natives' and tourism is booming.
The beaches are all sandy, the coral boasts hundreds of species of fish and because of the reefs, most of the beaches are pretty calm.
We will most likely be there for 3 years as that is how long a tour in Guam generally lasts. But if it turns out as heavenly as it sounds, I just might want to stay there my whole life!
We chose to put on our list
1. Guam
2. Nevada
3. Germany
4. another Germany
Today he got his orders and the verdict is GUAM! I'm actually really really really really really really (okay, enough, but really!) excited about this assignment.
Guam lies south of Japan- about a 3 hour plane ride. Its the furthest west territory that the US owns. It is said that the US says good morning in Guam because it is the first place that sees the sun on any given day in the US. The weather there is generally between 75-85 degrees year round and has a 6 month rainy season- July-December (I think). The island is only 30 miles long, 12 miles wide at its widest and is primarily a military island. But there is a large group of 'natives' and tourism is booming.
The beaches are all sandy, the coral boasts hundreds of species of fish and because of the reefs, most of the beaches are pretty calm.
We will most likely be there for 3 years as that is how long a tour in Guam generally lasts. But if it turns out as heavenly as it sounds, I just might want to stay there my whole life!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Blowing Stuff Up
Thanksgiving for Matt was wonderful. We got to spend Thursday through Sunday with him. He got a new packet of homework to work on but didn't because he didn't want to 'ruin' his vacation.
This week, tomorrow actually, he gets to go out to 'the fields' and watch bombs explode! He said this exercize is to show them how dangerous the explosives he is working on actually are. This is to drum into their brains how important it is to follow directions and not have things like cell phones and beeping watches around. Everything is important when you are dealing with human life.
Matt is pretty excited about school. This week he learns to work on bombs, next week its missels. Idon't know what comes after that but he is only 4 weeks away from graduation!
Matt gets Christmas off- its actually called Exodus, where everyone leaves the base who doesn't have to be there. There are a full two weeks where no one works unless they have to. So Matt will come home December 20 and stay until around New Years. It's going to be a great holiday. (Actually, I'm looking forward to him doing the dishes, vaccuming and cleaning the bathrooms! That'll be a great Christmas present!)
When classes start up again after Christmas its more or less a countdown to the end. Probably a few tests and several briefings. And then Korea.
Matt'll be recieving his follow on orders really soon- he hopes by the end of this week. I'll definately post when I recieve that information!
This week, tomorrow actually, he gets to go out to 'the fields' and watch bombs explode! He said this exercize is to show them how dangerous the explosives he is working on actually are. This is to drum into their brains how important it is to follow directions and not have things like cell phones and beeping watches around. Everything is important when you are dealing with human life.
Matt is pretty excited about school. This week he learns to work on bombs, next week its missels. Idon't know what comes after that but he is only 4 weeks away from graduation!
Matt gets Christmas off- its actually called Exodus, where everyone leaves the base who doesn't have to be there. There are a full two weeks where no one works unless they have to. So Matt will come home December 20 and stay until around New Years. It's going to be a great holiday. (Actually, I'm looking forward to him doing the dishes, vaccuming and cleaning the bathrooms! That'll be a great Christmas present!)
When classes start up again after Christmas its more or less a countdown to the end. Probably a few tests and several briefings. And then Korea.
Matt'll be recieving his follow on orders really soon- he hopes by the end of this week. I'll definately post when I recieve that information!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Matts Schooling
Matt is going into block 4 (each section in class is considered a block and he has a block test at the end of each). He is trying to graduate the top of his class and so far is on track to do so. I'm proud of how much work he is putting into school.
He is trying to get used to his schedule- they put him on Swing shift so his classes start at 5pm and end at midnight. Several days a week he has meetings so he generally gets to bed around 1 and sometimes later. His roommate has dayshift and gets up around 6am with alarms blazing and everything. So Matts sleep is generally inturrupted (his roomie has actually woken him up to ask him to make his bed because he is running late!)
He is currently in phase 2. Each phase gives him more freedoms. Phase one he has to stay on base and in his uniform all the time. Phase two allows him to go off base in uniform and wear his civilian clothes on base. Phase 3 allows him to go off base in his civilian clothes as well. He'll graduate to phase three soon after Thanksgiving.
For Thanksgiving he'll get Thursday through Sunday off. I'll be visiting over that weekend and hopefully we'll get to enjoy something for his birthday on the 28th.
Graduation is set for January 11th with a ceremony and everything. If you want to come, let me know so I can plan on you being there. I know he'd love to have friends and family show up!
He is trying to get used to his schedule- they put him on Swing shift so his classes start at 5pm and end at midnight. Several days a week he has meetings so he generally gets to bed around 1 and sometimes later. His roommate has dayshift and gets up around 6am with alarms blazing and everything. So Matts sleep is generally inturrupted (his roomie has actually woken him up to ask him to make his bed because he is running late!)
He is currently in phase 2. Each phase gives him more freedoms. Phase one he has to stay on base and in his uniform all the time. Phase two allows him to go off base in uniform and wear his civilian clothes on base. Phase 3 allows him to go off base in his civilian clothes as well. He'll graduate to phase three soon after Thanksgiving.
For Thanksgiving he'll get Thursday through Sunday off. I'll be visiting over that weekend and hopefully we'll get to enjoy something for his birthday on the 28th.
Graduation is set for January 11th with a ceremony and everything. If you want to come, let me know so I can plan on you being there. I know he'd love to have friends and family show up!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
And the Verdict is...
Korea.
Matt has been assigned to an unaccompanied tour of Korea for 1 year. More later, after I stop crying.
Matt has been assigned to an unaccompanied tour of Korea for 1 year. More later, after I stop crying.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Munitions Technician
Matts job is Munitions Technician. He deals with building and fixing weapons, including bombs. He was transfered to Sheppard AFB in Texas (an hour or so outside of Dallas) on Monday and he sarted his job training today. They put him on swing shift, meaning he goes to class from 5pm to 230am!
I'm thinking he'll really enjoy his job although its nothing we would have thought to sign him up for originally. He likes the idea because this job is on almost every base. That means we get to choose from a wider variety of places to live and Matt piled his wish list with overseas locations.
His wishlist is: Itally, England, Germany (2), Hawaii, Guam and Japan (2). He also put two stateside locations- Hill AFB in Utah and Scott AFB in Illinois. Although its easier and a lot less intimidating to stay in the country I think it would be such an adventure to live overseas. So at this point where ever we are stationed I'll find good things about it.
His official graduation date is set for January 11, 2010 but there is talk about trying to push his graduation up to before Christmas. If that happens I should know really soon. At least, I hope I would know soon.
Matt now has phone priviledges whenever he is in his dorm so we've been talking constantly this past week. He has also been making phone calls to friends and family so you might get one soon!
I'm thinking he'll really enjoy his job although its nothing we would have thought to sign him up for originally. He likes the idea because this job is on almost every base. That means we get to choose from a wider variety of places to live and Matt piled his wish list with overseas locations.
His wishlist is: Itally, England, Germany (2), Hawaii, Guam and Japan (2). He also put two stateside locations- Hill AFB in Utah and Scott AFB in Illinois. Although its easier and a lot less intimidating to stay in the country I think it would be such an adventure to live overseas. So at this point where ever we are stationed I'll find good things about it.
His official graduation date is set for January 11, 2010 but there is talk about trying to push his graduation up to before Christmas. If that happens I should know really soon. At least, I hope I would know soon.
Matt now has phone priviledges whenever he is in his dorm so we've been talking constantly this past week. He has also been making phone calls to friends and family so you might get one soon!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Parade in Review
Friday was the Parade in Review. This is the official graduation ceremony where the new Airmen get to put into practice many of the traditions they've learned that have been strong in the Air Force since it began. This is another powerful ceremony. The band played several songs, they had a whole flight marching by with everyone carrying flags (so about 50 flags) and the entire group recited the enlistment oath again.
This is a video of the Parade in Review- I only caught the first few groups. Matt is the fourth group back and I believe he was right in the middle. I'm not sure if you can see him on camera but I saw him as he marched passed. I told Emmaline I saw him and it was some how loud enough that Matt said he heard me again and had to struggle not to smile.
Here is another video of everyone saying the oath of enlistment again. Its the same oath as they said at MEPS when they shipped off to Basic but this time they've actually accomplished something and it seems to mean a lot more.
Here are a few cute pictures: Emmaline wearing Daddy's cover, Emmaline and Daddy smiling at eachother, and Matt saluting in his uniform!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
HONOR GRADUATE!!!
Matt graduated as an Honor Graduate! He worked so hard to get this. He had to be in really good physical shape, had to pass with high grades all his written tests and he could not ever fail an inspection. Even then, the TI will choose only 10% of those who qualify for the honor ribbon- resulting in only a fraction of the graduates recieving this honor. I was not sure he was going to get the robbon but I prayed my heart out and I was so proud when I saw he did it!
Here is Matt recieving the honor coin for his accomplishments. You can hear at the end of the video that Emmaline is calling for her dad. Matt got that same smile I saw on him earlier- he wasn't supposed to be smiling but you could tell he could hear her and was so happy. He was trying to keep from smiling but was struggling to do that.
Here is Matt recieving the honor coin for his accomplishments. You can hear at the end of the video that Emmaline is calling for her dad. Matt got that same smile I saw on him earlier- he wasn't supposed to be smiling but you could tell he could hear her and was so happy. He was trying to keep from smiling but was struggling to do that.
Coin Ceremony
After the Airmen run at 8am we waited around on the bleachers for a few hours until the coin ceremony began. It was so exciting to see the airmen all run in, knowing that within minutes I ws going to see Matt. All the Airmen walked in in formation (I was told there was something like 750 graduating this week) and stood at attention. They passed out the coins, retired the colors and had a few really short speakers. After that was all done everyone was allowed to charge onto the field in order to meet their Airmen. I couldn't find Matt- my worst nightmare. And once I did see him, I lost him again because no one was willing to move out of the way for a stroller (shame on them!).
Here is a video of the coin ceremony. Matt was in the second row of the second group. I really don't think you can see his group very well at all but you can see the closest group better.
Matt's flight walking in (flight 692):
Here is a video of the coin ceremony. Matt was in the second row of the second group. I really don't think you can see his group very well at all but you can see the closest group better.
Matt's flight walking in (flight 692):
This is a video of Matt recieving his airman coin. His flight opened rank and he was one of the men you could see just as the first row moved forward.
Airman Run
Congratulations Matthew! You have done so amazingly well...we are all so proud!
Emmaline and I got to watch Matt's Airmen Run at 8am on Thursday. Everyone who is graduating this weekend ran by in formation, turned around and ran back. Emmaline and I tried so hard to find Matt but we didn't see him. He didn't see us either :( but we survived that!
Here is a little note from Emmaline to her daddy before the run started.
Emmaline and I got to watch Matt's Airmen Run at 8am on Thursday. Everyone who is graduating this weekend ran by in formation, turned around and ran back. Emmaline and I tried so hard to find Matt but we didn't see him. He didn't see us either :( but we survived that!
Here is a little note from Emmaline to her daddy before the run started.
This is a video of the first part of the Airmen Run. It was so empowering to see them all running past and they were chanting...it made me feel like part of something really amazing!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Last BMT letter
I think this was my favorite letter of all of them...maybe because I know its the last until I see him!
Dear Britta
Well, this will be the last letter I write during BMT because if I wrote next week it wouldn't get to you before I see you. :)
Well, I got back from BEAST yesterday, we didn't get excellence, but our flight did the best out of the four flights in our sector. WE only had 1 demerit. The hardest thing with BEAST was the weight of all the gear and the sweat factor when we were in MOPP 4, also I had a strap that was twisted and cutting into my head that I couldn't fix for about 45 mins. There was no actual cut or blood but there was a deep, red, indentation afterwards; it hurt!
This week we get to start wearing our blues :) Also we have a lot of evaluations and classes this week. (Drill, PT, etc...)
When you come for graduation please bring one of the cell phone chargers to leave with me while I'm at Tech School. That's what I'm looking forward to most of all as far as my new liberties will be. Yes, I did get your letters during BEAST. Thank you for the letters and thank you for being a strong light and motivation to me. The Lord and you have been a great strength to me here and have helped me push forward and stand tall. THANK YOU!!
This week I'm picking up several pictures of me and memorabilia, I ordered a bit but I figured it would help me share my experience here with you. (Its going to cost $120+ and I 'm just about out of money on the smart card, so all my expenses here on out will need to be on the debit card. Hopefully its not too much.) I bought a few pics, a DvD, a 'year book' and a large collection of photos on a cd. We didn't have a lot of time to think about what to order so I did what I thought was best but I wish I hadn't ordered the pics of me in my blues, because I was wearing my BC glasses and could always get blues pics at any photo place later on. Oh well, what's done is done. :{
This week we watched/are watching Conference (recorded). Some of the talks have really hit me. I'm so glad the church is on the earth and that we have a prophet and apostles to lead and teach us. The church is true. The Lord Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us.
The weather here has been a bit chilly in comparison to a few days ago but its still probably much warmer here than where you are. During BEAST it was still warm and we did have a black flag almost every day (meaning its too hot to do PT and other work that could possibly cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) ~90+ degrees. The last day of BEAST though we had a Huge storm where we were ordered into a hardened shelter for a little over an hour. It became really muddy and messy. I'm just glad that the weather up until the end was nice.
Well, church is ending in a few minutes so I guess I need to wrap this letter up. I love you and hope I get a patio break/base lib so I can call and talk to you a bit more. I miss you and I miss talking to you and hearing your voice. I'll see you later!
Matthew
Matt refers to his BC glasses- for those who don't know- they aren't allowed to wear their own glasses during Basic because of the chance they'd get broken. Instead the military creates these really big, ugly but incredibly durable glasses to give their trainees. They are rumored to be so ugly that they are a form of birth control. Hence- BC glasses. Luckily I don't have to worry about that:)
And...Matt referred to me bringing a cell phone charger but little does he know...I actually bought him a new phone! I hope he'll like it. His old one was about 2 years old and having issues so I upgraded. It'll be good.
When we get all the pics and such that Matt purchased I'll try to put some online. I'm totally excited that he decided to get all those 'memories' and I can't wait for him to tell me all about his experience during basic. (These letters don't really do it justice...)
Dear Britta
Well, this will be the last letter I write during BMT because if I wrote next week it wouldn't get to you before I see you. :)
Well, I got back from BEAST yesterday, we didn't get excellence, but our flight did the best out of the four flights in our sector. WE only had 1 demerit. The hardest thing with BEAST was the weight of all the gear and the sweat factor when we were in MOPP 4, also I had a strap that was twisted and cutting into my head that I couldn't fix for about 45 mins. There was no actual cut or blood but there was a deep, red, indentation afterwards; it hurt!
This week we get to start wearing our blues :) Also we have a lot of evaluations and classes this week. (Drill, PT, etc...)
When you come for graduation please bring one of the cell phone chargers to leave with me while I'm at Tech School. That's what I'm looking forward to most of all as far as my new liberties will be. Yes, I did get your letters during BEAST. Thank you for the letters and thank you for being a strong light and motivation to me. The Lord and you have been a great strength to me here and have helped me push forward and stand tall. THANK YOU!!
This week I'm picking up several pictures of me and memorabilia, I ordered a bit but I figured it would help me share my experience here with you. (Its going to cost $120+ and I 'm just about out of money on the smart card, so all my expenses here on out will need to be on the debit card. Hopefully its not too much.) I bought a few pics, a DvD, a 'year book' and a large collection of photos on a cd. We didn't have a lot of time to think about what to order so I did what I thought was best but I wish I hadn't ordered the pics of me in my blues, because I was wearing my BC glasses and could always get blues pics at any photo place later on. Oh well, what's done is done. :{
This week we watched/are watching Conference (recorded). Some of the talks have really hit me. I'm so glad the church is on the earth and that we have a prophet and apostles to lead and teach us. The church is true. The Lord Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us.
The weather here has been a bit chilly in comparison to a few days ago but its still probably much warmer here than where you are. During BEAST it was still warm and we did have a black flag almost every day (meaning its too hot to do PT and other work that could possibly cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) ~90+ degrees. The last day of BEAST though we had a Huge storm where we were ordered into a hardened shelter for a little over an hour. It became really muddy and messy. I'm just glad that the weather up until the end was nice.
Well, church is ending in a few minutes so I guess I need to wrap this letter up. I love you and hope I get a patio break/base lib so I can call and talk to you a bit more. I miss you and I miss talking to you and hearing your voice. I'll see you later!
Matthew
Matt refers to his BC glasses- for those who don't know- they aren't allowed to wear their own glasses during Basic because of the chance they'd get broken. Instead the military creates these really big, ugly but incredibly durable glasses to give their trainees. They are rumored to be so ugly that they are a form of birth control. Hence- BC glasses. Luckily I don't have to worry about that:)
And...Matt referred to me bringing a cell phone charger but little does he know...I actually bought him a new phone! I hope he'll like it. His old one was about 2 years old and having issues so I upgraded. It'll be good.
When we get all the pics and such that Matt purchased I'll try to put some online. I'm totally excited that he decided to get all those 'memories' and I can't wait for him to tell me all about his experience during basic. (These letters don't really do it justice...)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Phone Call after BEAST
Matt got to call this evening after BEAST week. He said that his team got number 2 overall! I think that means they did a really really good job. He keeps telling me in letters that his flight is known as the laughing stock but I'm starting to wonder how much of that is the TIs telling them they are crappy versus the other flights telling them that.
He told me they have been practicing the graduation ceremony over and over and will continue to because they have to be 100% perfect during the 'real thing'. He also said that one of his TIs said that they don't get an off-base pass on Friday. I'm really hoping that the TI was mistaken. I double checked the schedule the Air Force sent and it did verify that he is supposed to get an off base pass on Friday and Saturday. That doesn't actually mean anything though if his TI won't let him.
We chatted a bit about little things that I don't really remember. Of course he said he misses me and Emmaline and he is grateful for the prayers from everyone. He says he knows it has helped him a lot.
Graduation is in less than two weeks. This week has him doing his final Physical Test. He is drilling all week and cramming in the last classes. Next week he has a few more tests before he recieves his job assignment. So close!
He told me they have been practicing the graduation ceremony over and over and will continue to because they have to be 100% perfect during the 'real thing'. He also said that one of his TIs said that they don't get an off-base pass on Friday. I'm really hoping that the TI was mistaken. I double checked the schedule the Air Force sent and it did verify that he is supposed to get an off base pass on Friday and Saturday. That doesn't actually mean anything though if his TI won't let him.
We chatted a bit about little things that I don't really remember. Of course he said he misses me and Emmaline and he is grateful for the prayers from everyone. He says he knows it has helped him a lot.
Graduation is in less than two weeks. This week has him doing his final Physical Test. He is drilling all week and cramming in the last classes. Next week he has a few more tests before he recieves his job assignment. So close!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Second to Last Letter
The letter I received yesterday should be the second to last letter I receive while Matt is in Basic. There is always the chance I won't get a letter next week or that he ends up sending me a letter that I get while I'm actually in Texas so don't hold me to that.
Dear Britta and Emmaline :)
This is the first time I've gotten to write in 1 1/2 weeks and I'll mail it off tomorrow. My favorite activity thus far has been the shooting range (Thursday). I scored 43/50=Expert! and another badge at graduation! :) Puggle sticks was a mad house, there was very little skill put into it because no one cared if they got hit, they just wanted to pound the other guy. The gas chamber last week was a bit painful, but it wore off after a few minutes but left a good impression to make sure your mask is good.
I've had 2.5 (didn't get to finish one) MREs. They weren't bad, in fact what I had for the most part was pretty good. Today we prepared a lot for BEAST, tomorrow we pack for it and leave early Monday morning. We'll be tested on SABC (Self Aid Buddy Care), defenses and a few other things along with general setting up a base/ tent-city. I just hope we do really well, since we've been the "laughing stock" of the squadron, mainly because we've had so many different TIs who have their own different way of doing things or are just learning to be a TI, which messes us up a fair amount.
Today we had a PLA check (Personal Living Area) (Bed, wall locker...) I was 1 of 3 in about 18 that had 0, nil, zip, none...demerits! That felt just as good as getting expert marksman!
This Sunday the military changed the time we go to church from 1430-1630 (230-430 pm) to about 0750-0950 (715-915), early. we'll probably be watching part of Saturday's General Conference.
Its supposed to rain during BEAST, which would be a bummer and cancel several of the activities out and make it harder to achieve BEAST Excellence.
Some crazy stories or things people have done here...one trainee from our brother flight refused to do several things a TI and higher asked and even talked back to them. He ended up being arrested, put in jail for a couple of days and sent to the 319 TRS (the squadron for the sick, weak or otherwise messed up and require more time to pas basic, even if that time takes a year or more.)
During 2nd week we had an initial PLA check (I had 18 demerits that time, which is bad, but still better than a lot of others in the flight. Well, I had been told that it would be like a whirlwind went through, but it was more like a full blown hurricane :0! (Mattresses everywhere, bed frames including bunk beds knocked over and thrown (one post got bent and several wall lockers were dinged up) clothes dumped on the floor, etc...)
This last week one trainee who had the best looking bed and e-fold was given a 15 minute patio-break. Every trainee's dream. That was a bummer it wasn't me, but it was cool that another trainee did get it.
D&C 121 if thou shalt endure it well...it shall be but a small moment... they friends do stand by thee. (A scripture just brought up during a testimony that really struck me now). :)
I miss you and Emmaline and even our pea-sized-baby-yet-to-be. I love you so much and I'm doing my best to stay strong.
Well, got to go now. :)
Love Matthew
It struck me as funny how many different little smiley faces he added into this letter. Either he's trying to make me feel good or he was feeling pretty good himself!
I must say that I'm totally proud and not at all surprised that he received 0 demerits on his inspection and that he received the marksmanship award. He is a very precise person and those are two things that he'll always excel at.
Only a week and a half until I get to go see him. I hope to have another phone call and letter before then but if not, I'll make sure I take and post many many different pictures when I do see him!
Dear Britta and Emmaline :)
This is the first time I've gotten to write in 1 1/2 weeks and I'll mail it off tomorrow. My favorite activity thus far has been the shooting range (Thursday). I scored 43/50=Expert! and another badge at graduation! :) Puggle sticks was a mad house, there was very little skill put into it because no one cared if they got hit, they just wanted to pound the other guy. The gas chamber last week was a bit painful, but it wore off after a few minutes but left a good impression to make sure your mask is good.
I've had 2.5 (didn't get to finish one) MREs. They weren't bad, in fact what I had for the most part was pretty good. Today we prepared a lot for BEAST, tomorrow we pack for it and leave early Monday morning. We'll be tested on SABC (Self Aid Buddy Care), defenses and a few other things along with general setting up a base/ tent-city. I just hope we do really well, since we've been the "laughing stock" of the squadron, mainly because we've had so many different TIs who have their own different way of doing things or are just learning to be a TI, which messes us up a fair amount.
Today we had a PLA check (Personal Living Area) (Bed, wall locker...) I was 1 of 3 in about 18 that had 0, nil, zip, none...demerits! That felt just as good as getting expert marksman!
This Sunday the military changed the time we go to church from 1430-1630 (230-430 pm) to about 0750-0950 (715-915), early. we'll probably be watching part of Saturday's General Conference.
Its supposed to rain during BEAST, which would be a bummer and cancel several of the activities out and make it harder to achieve BEAST Excellence.
Some crazy stories or things people have done here...one trainee from our brother flight refused to do several things a TI and higher asked and even talked back to them. He ended up being arrested, put in jail for a couple of days and sent to the 319 TRS (the squadron for the sick, weak or otherwise messed up and require more time to pas basic, even if that time takes a year or more.)
During 2nd week we had an initial PLA check (I had 18 demerits that time, which is bad, but still better than a lot of others in the flight. Well, I had been told that it would be like a whirlwind went through, but it was more like a full blown hurricane :0! (Mattresses everywhere, bed frames including bunk beds knocked over and thrown (one post got bent and several wall lockers were dinged up) clothes dumped on the floor, etc...)
This last week one trainee who had the best looking bed and e-fold was given a 15 minute patio-break. Every trainee's dream. That was a bummer it wasn't me, but it was cool that another trainee did get it.
D&C 121 if thou shalt endure it well...it shall be but a small moment... they friends do stand by thee. (A scripture just brought up during a testimony that really struck me now). :)
I miss you and Emmaline and even our pea-sized-baby-yet-to-be. I love you so much and I'm doing my best to stay strong.
Well, got to go now. :)
Love Matthew
It struck me as funny how many different little smiley faces he added into this letter. Either he's trying to make me feel good or he was feeling pretty good himself!
I must say that I'm totally proud and not at all surprised that he received 0 demerits on his inspection and that he received the marksmanship award. He is a very precise person and those are two things that he'll always excel at.
Only a week and a half until I get to go see him. I hope to have another phone call and letter before then but if not, I'll make sure I take and post many many different pictures when I do see him!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hearing His Voice!
Matt called today. I totally didn't expect it (have I really expected any of the calls?). I guess he got a day of base leave and took off to Subway for dinner and hooked up with the payphone to call me. We got to talk for about 20 minutes but he was being nice and wanted to let some of the other guys get a few minutes in before their time was up (he didn't have much longer anyway).
We talked about when we get to see eachother again, how big Emmaline is growing and how much she is learning, what places he is going to put on his dream sheet (where we will be stationed), and more.
He mentioned some good news...he said he put it in his letter that I'll get this week so I get to hear about it twice. But he said that his flight went to the shotting grounds this week (I don't know the official name) and he and 7 other guys recieved the Marksmanship award! I think that means that he shot over a certain number of accurate shots or something. I'm hoping I'll get a good description in the letter. His award is getting to wear another ribbon when he graduates!
His flight is supposedly known as the joke flight because there are so many guys doing stupid stuff. Its a bit sad because I (of course) want Matt to be perfect and part of everything perfect and, well, a joke flight isn't perfect. Just as long as they aren't such a joke that they don't graduate on time!
I write to him several times a week and last week he recieved all my letters but didn't get a chance to read any of them until today. I can imagine that would have been very difficult on him. My letters are generally around 10-11 pages long and I tell him a lot. Reading three or four letters all at once must have seemed like a novel! But he said he really really enjoyed it.
One of my friends, Valerie, sent Matt a picture of Emmaline that he said was so cute. And he said that he loved the other picture that I sent him (just a pic of Emmaline and myself at the zoo).
He wanted to call back and promised he'd try but it was so close to the end of his day and there were other guys wanting to make calls too. I suspect that he wasn't able to get ahold of a free phone to call me back.
Countdown: We'll be in Texas in 17 days!
We talked about when we get to see eachother again, how big Emmaline is growing and how much she is learning, what places he is going to put on his dream sheet (where we will be stationed), and more.
He mentioned some good news...he said he put it in his letter that I'll get this week so I get to hear about it twice. But he said that his flight went to the shotting grounds this week (I don't know the official name) and he and 7 other guys recieved the Marksmanship award! I think that means that he shot over a certain number of accurate shots or something. I'm hoping I'll get a good description in the letter. His award is getting to wear another ribbon when he graduates!
His flight is supposedly known as the joke flight because there are so many guys doing stupid stuff. Its a bit sad because I (of course) want Matt to be perfect and part of everything perfect and, well, a joke flight isn't perfect. Just as long as they aren't such a joke that they don't graduate on time!
I write to him several times a week and last week he recieved all my letters but didn't get a chance to read any of them until today. I can imagine that would have been very difficult on him. My letters are generally around 10-11 pages long and I tell him a lot. Reading three or four letters all at once must have seemed like a novel! But he said he really really enjoyed it.
One of my friends, Valerie, sent Matt a picture of Emmaline that he said was so cute. And he said that he loved the other picture that I sent him (just a pic of Emmaline and myself at the zoo).
He wanted to call back and promised he'd try but it was so close to the end of his day and there were other guys wanting to make calls too. I suspect that he wasn't able to get ahold of a free phone to call me back.
Countdown: We'll be in Texas in 17 days!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Letter 3
I can't believe how fast this week has gone! Matt wrote again but didn't really have too much to say. Here is the letter:
This one sounds like he started in the middle of a thought...I hope that doesn't mean I missed something earlier.
Dear Britta
I'm not back up to where I was with sit ups and push ups, but I've got the mile and a half run time down. The second day of PT I had was so intense, because they pushed us a bit after the normal PT time, my whole body was shaking from pushing myself past muscle failure several times. Since then it hasn't been that horrific.
I'm glad you have family and friends to help you out.
I've made a few friends, mainly Powell, Merriman, and Simpson (their beds are near mine).
The days here are long, but the weeks are short, and its only going to speed up as the next several weeks are packed with stuff from obstacle courses, the gas chamber (this week , or last by the time you get this letter), shooting our weapons (we've already learned to take them apart and put them back together [my best time is 53 seconds and I average just over a minute but we get nearly 4 minutes for the test] and how to clean the M16A2), then its BEAST week followed by all of the tests both physical and written and then I get to see you at graduation!
Wow! When I put it like that it feels like its just around the corner, but it feels like I've been here forever now that I'm used to the schedule/life here.
Oh, Garrett wanted to know where I got the metal wire for the chain mail; I didn't buy it, our group leader did, but I believe he bought it online from a metal company somewhere in Canada. It was 14 gauge steel and cam in a 1/4 mile roll, which was enough for a large shirt and a few small items. It was around $60 and that was several years ago.
Thank you for the smell! (the body spray you put on one of the first letters). I didn't realize it at first, but as I was rereading it for questions I recognized the smell and spent the next several minutes just sniffing the letter and grinning like an idiot. It was great!
Well, I got to go now, so I'll write more later.
Matthew
The second page in the envelope was dated a few days later
Dear Britta
Wow I've been missing you lately. I currently have 2 letters from you that I haven't been able to read yet because of lack of time. We get mail Monday through Friday evenings, even though mail comes on Saturdays, we don't get it till Monday, which is always a big day.
As I've said before there are 4 (including me) married people in my flight, but quite a few others are either engaged or planning on being engaged soon. Not everyone, but a lot of people are curious and like hearing about each others home, family...
You've probably received a letter already to go to a base and get TriCare and ID and all, since I got you in the system yesterday. Life insurance: I'm automatically on some along with Emmaline and that can't be changed but we can elect to put you on if we want, I don't know how much that would be.
Got to go.
Well, writing privileges are pretty much out the window again, even reading is next to nil. I love you and I'll write when I can.
Matthew
Sounds like things are going well for him- he is fitting in with the guys and almost to where he needs to be for physical graduation tests. Remember that you are more than welcome to write to him, I'm sure he'll really appreciate hearing from anyone who takes the time.
This one sounds like he started in the middle of a thought...I hope that doesn't mean I missed something earlier.
Dear Britta
I'm not back up to where I was with sit ups and push ups, but I've got the mile and a half run time down. The second day of PT I had was so intense, because they pushed us a bit after the normal PT time, my whole body was shaking from pushing myself past muscle failure several times. Since then it hasn't been that horrific.
I'm glad you have family and friends to help you out.
I've made a few friends, mainly Powell, Merriman, and Simpson (their beds are near mine).
The days here are long, but the weeks are short, and its only going to speed up as the next several weeks are packed with stuff from obstacle courses, the gas chamber (this week , or last by the time you get this letter), shooting our weapons (we've already learned to take them apart and put them back together [my best time is 53 seconds and I average just over a minute but we get nearly 4 minutes for the test] and how to clean the M16A2), then its BEAST week followed by all of the tests both physical and written and then I get to see you at graduation!
Wow! When I put it like that it feels like its just around the corner, but it feels like I've been here forever now that I'm used to the schedule/life here.
Oh, Garrett wanted to know where I got the metal wire for the chain mail; I didn't buy it, our group leader did, but I believe he bought it online from a metal company somewhere in Canada. It was 14 gauge steel and cam in a 1/4 mile roll, which was enough for a large shirt and a few small items. It was around $60 and that was several years ago.
Thank you for the smell! (the body spray you put on one of the first letters). I didn't realize it at first, but as I was rereading it for questions I recognized the smell and spent the next several minutes just sniffing the letter and grinning like an idiot. It was great!
Well, I got to go now, so I'll write more later.
Matthew
The second page in the envelope was dated a few days later
Dear Britta
Wow I've been missing you lately. I currently have 2 letters from you that I haven't been able to read yet because of lack of time. We get mail Monday through Friday evenings, even though mail comes on Saturdays, we don't get it till Monday, which is always a big day.
As I've said before there are 4 (including me) married people in my flight, but quite a few others are either engaged or planning on being engaged soon. Not everyone, but a lot of people are curious and like hearing about each others home, family...
You've probably received a letter already to go to a base and get TriCare and ID and all, since I got you in the system yesterday. Life insurance: I'm automatically on some along with Emmaline and that can't be changed but we can elect to put you on if we want, I don't know how much that would be.
Got to go.
Well, writing privileges are pretty much out the window again, even reading is next to nil. I love you and I'll write when I can.
Matthew
Sounds like things are going well for him- he is fitting in with the guys and almost to where he needs to be for physical graduation tests. Remember that you are more than welcome to write to him, I'm sure he'll really appreciate hearing from anyone who takes the time.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Letter numero dos!
Yea! Another letter! I'm so happy when I hear from Matt. It makes my whole day taste like peach cobbler!
Here is what he said:
Dear Britta
This is on the back of the BMTSC (Basic Military Training Study Guide) along with some other stuff and I liked it.
Warrior Virtues ("The Guide for the Righteous Protector" Eramus 1503)
"Make virtue the only goal of your life. Don't assume that doing good allows you to keep a few vices. Speak with yourself in this way: If I do what I am considering, would I want my family to know about it? Life can be sad, difficult and quick; make it count for something. (Since we do not know when death will come, act honorably every day.)
Well, writing here is a privilege and as you can tell its not everyday we get to write. I miss you a lot and when we had our writing privilege revoked for those first two weeks, that hurt more than all the push ups, flutter kicks, and what not we had to do. I had started a letter before we were told not to write but I shredded it up so it wouldn't be found and seen as if I was breaking the rules.
There are, or were, 56 people in our flight. We all sleep in a single dorm broken into two bays. Half of the beds are bunk-beds and the rest are singles. Four people have been recycled (3 for stupid stuff, which they were caught for and one because he got dehydrated and sick.) There are several that are head and shoulders beyond me, but I'm definitely more mature than 70% of the group and I'm doing okay physically as well. My back got rubbed raw from sit ups and cross-knee-crunches on rough black-top/concrete.
Our main MTI (SSgt. Boone) is a slightly short lady and is teamed up with a larger guy (SSgt. Horvath). Its tough sometimes going from sir to mam and back. All our clothes and stuff goes in lockers.
I n the morning we wake up to reveille, which I've really come to dislike, grab our gear and immediately head downstairs for PT. After either running for 30-35 minutes or doing a bunch of push ups, sit ups, squats, etc...we shower (10 mins per bay [~27 people] including shaving, brushing teeth...) make beds, get ready for breakfast and do our details (making the dorm look perfect). We're given about 40 minutes for all of that, sometimes we have a little longer. As far as it being weird showering with a bunch of other guys, we're in too much of a hurry to really thing about it but sometimes, yes.
Things aren't too hard, you just have to listen, pay attention and do it (Perfectly!). WE learn new stuff pretty much everyday. Sometimes its drills and others its procedures and yet others its rules and ethics.
I'm reading my scriptures when I can and I've been able to use my priesthood at church a couple times, that was really neat. One Sunday I was stuck with KP all day, that really stunk. It is hard being around all the swearing; everyone in the flight knows I don't like it and many are trying to curb their language but there is still a lot of it. Oh, church is a 30 minute march to and from the chapel and is two hours long instead of three as that is as long as any trainee gets for religious study. There are 2 other LDS members in my flight and three other married men.
I loved being able to talk to you on the phone and I can hardly wait till I get that opportunity again :) It was great being able to sing Happy Birthday to Emmaline and hear her saying "Daddy".
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, so I'll put this in the mail and start on the next letter.
Oh, as far as what we can do: The base hotel is off limits for me unless I'm invited and get a letter of permission from my section supervisor (the guy with the recycle switch/red button) so we'll see. I've heard that Sea World has a big discount for the military so that's a possibility. you will be able to come to the dorm for a little bit and see what life here was like. Bring a stroller and good walking shoes as walking will be the major transportation in some areas.
I love you!
Matthew
It sounds like he is doing really well now. Don't forget to write him if you get a chance. He loves getting letters and it makes all the guys in his group jealous.
Here is what he said:
Dear Britta
This is on the back of the BMTSC (Basic Military Training Study Guide) along with some other stuff and I liked it.
Warrior Virtues ("The Guide for the Righteous Protector" Eramus 1503)
"Make virtue the only goal of your life. Don't assume that doing good allows you to keep a few vices. Speak with yourself in this way: If I do what I am considering, would I want my family to know about it? Life can be sad, difficult and quick; make it count for something. (Since we do not know when death will come, act honorably every day.)
Well, writing here is a privilege and as you can tell its not everyday we get to write. I miss you a lot and when we had our writing privilege revoked for those first two weeks, that hurt more than all the push ups, flutter kicks, and what not we had to do. I had started a letter before we were told not to write but I shredded it up so it wouldn't be found and seen as if I was breaking the rules.
There are, or were, 56 people in our flight. We all sleep in a single dorm broken into two bays. Half of the beds are bunk-beds and the rest are singles. Four people have been recycled (3 for stupid stuff, which they were caught for and one because he got dehydrated and sick.) There are several that are head and shoulders beyond me, but I'm definitely more mature than 70% of the group and I'm doing okay physically as well. My back got rubbed raw from sit ups and cross-knee-crunches on rough black-top/concrete.
Our main MTI (SSgt. Boone) is a slightly short lady and is teamed up with a larger guy (SSgt. Horvath). Its tough sometimes going from sir to mam and back. All our clothes and stuff goes in lockers.
I n the morning we wake up to reveille, which I've really come to dislike, grab our gear and immediately head downstairs for PT. After either running for 30-35 minutes or doing a bunch of push ups, sit ups, squats, etc...we shower (10 mins per bay [~27 people] including shaving, brushing teeth...) make beds, get ready for breakfast and do our details (making the dorm look perfect). We're given about 40 minutes for all of that, sometimes we have a little longer. As far as it being weird showering with a bunch of other guys, we're in too much of a hurry to really thing about it but sometimes, yes.
Things aren't too hard, you just have to listen, pay attention and do it (Perfectly!). WE learn new stuff pretty much everyday. Sometimes its drills and others its procedures and yet others its rules and ethics.
I'm reading my scriptures when I can and I've been able to use my priesthood at church a couple times, that was really neat. One Sunday I was stuck with KP all day, that really stunk. It is hard being around all the swearing; everyone in the flight knows I don't like it and many are trying to curb their language but there is still a lot of it. Oh, church is a 30 minute march to and from the chapel and is two hours long instead of three as that is as long as any trainee gets for religious study. There are 2 other LDS members in my flight and three other married men.
I loved being able to talk to you on the phone and I can hardly wait till I get that opportunity again :) It was great being able to sing Happy Birthday to Emmaline and hear her saying "Daddy".
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, so I'll put this in the mail and start on the next letter.
Oh, as far as what we can do: The base hotel is off limits for me unless I'm invited and get a letter of permission from my section supervisor (the guy with the recycle switch/red button) so we'll see. I've heard that Sea World has a big discount for the military so that's a possibility. you will be able to come to the dorm for a little bit and see what life here was like. Bring a stroller and good walking shoes as walking will be the major transportation in some areas.
I love you!
Matthew
It sounds like he is doing really well now. Don't forget to write him if you get a chance. He loves getting letters and it makes all the guys in his group jealous.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Countdown!
We are officially halfway through this mess. In exactly 4 weeks I'll be driving to Texas to see him. In 4 weeks and one day I'll be scanning crowds trying to glimps him!
These past 4 weeks have definately been interesting. The first week was relatively easy on me. I did miss him- I just found out I was pregnant, I had hardly any information about what he was going to be doing and it was just plain stressful. But Emmaline was really the one that had the hard time. For the first week she cried at everything and wanted to be held a lot more often.
The second week was probably the hardest. I got a cold starting with a sore throat and moving to a stuffy nose that didn't ease up for two and a half weeks. Emmaline got over her crying relatively quickly but just in time for me to cry buckets at even the thought of my husband. Emmaline has gotten good at asking 'sad?' every time she sees tears. The combination of missing Matt terribly, pregnancy stress, and the cold made sleeping a nightmare. I had very vivid dreams, tossed and turned then spent the next day trying to sleep in and amongst the tears.
Week three got significantly better. Although my nose was still stuffed up and sleeping was difficult my emotions sort of evened out and I was able to function better on a daily basis.
Week four was actually really good. My cold was officially gone, I think I cried only a handful of times and not bawling but just tears. Emmaline started talking about Matt and pointing out men she thinks could be dad. I think this is a good sign of her continuing to process and I'm glad she remembers him.
This week, halfway over already, has been good. Being exhausted from the pregnancy makes it easier to sleep at night and I've been able to pretend that Matt is just getting home late and I'm going to bed before he gets home or that he had to get off to work early so I missed him getting up.
Who knows what the next 4 weeks are going to be like? Stay tuned...
These past 4 weeks have definately been interesting. The first week was relatively easy on me. I did miss him- I just found out I was pregnant, I had hardly any information about what he was going to be doing and it was just plain stressful. But Emmaline was really the one that had the hard time. For the first week she cried at everything and wanted to be held a lot more often.
The second week was probably the hardest. I got a cold starting with a sore throat and moving to a stuffy nose that didn't ease up for two and a half weeks. Emmaline got over her crying relatively quickly but just in time for me to cry buckets at even the thought of my husband. Emmaline has gotten good at asking 'sad?' every time she sees tears. The combination of missing Matt terribly, pregnancy stress, and the cold made sleeping a nightmare. I had very vivid dreams, tossed and turned then spent the next day trying to sleep in and amongst the tears.
Week three got significantly better. Although my nose was still stuffed up and sleeping was difficult my emotions sort of evened out and I was able to function better on a daily basis.
Week four was actually really good. My cold was officially gone, I think I cried only a handful of times and not bawling but just tears. Emmaline started talking about Matt and pointing out men she thinks could be dad. I think this is a good sign of her continuing to process and I'm glad she remembers him.
This week, halfway over already, has been good. Being exhausted from the pregnancy makes it easier to sleep at night and I've been able to pretend that Matt is just getting home late and I'm going to bed before he gets home or that he had to get off to work early so I missed him getting up.
Who knows what the next 4 weeks are going to be like? Stay tuned...
Friday, September 18, 2009
2nd Phone Call!
Matt called this evening, just before 7pm. I was walking home from the mail box (ours is quite a walk away) and looking at an airplane wishing he were on that an on his way home when the phone rang. It took me a moment to register that it was his number again.
The first thing he wanted to do was wish Emmaline a Happy Birthday. I put the phone on Speaker and held it up to her. He started singing and she got the biggest grin on her face.
He told me that he asked yesterday if he could call home because it was his daughter's birthday and he caught a lot of flak for it. I just thought that was very perfect of him to risk getting yelled at so he could be there for his daughter's day. He was told no right away but this morning, as they were telling the schedule they mentioned that everyone would get 15 minutes and Matt nearly jumped out of his socks!
I will try to recall everything I can but there is no guarantee its all in the right order.
Matt said he has recieved some job counseling and his top choice was helicopter maintenence. I don't remember what he said his other job choices were- I was so focused on his voice that I didn't pay enough attention! oops! He hasn't had the chance to make a wish list for our move because he is going to be assigned to his job before he can make that wish list.
I've been sending him really long letters (generally around 11 pages) and its made other guys jealous. I guess they've joshed that I write novels to him. He was so glad to get other letters from family as well, they really help his confidence.
As he mentioned in the letter I posted about, he was sick the first night and didn't sleep at all. Right now he is getting over a cold. He said its common for everyone to be sick because of the high level of stress on top of the germs that everyone brings from everywhere.
He said that during the past several weeks he has only slept through one night. He said that when he is allowed to sleep then he sleeps well but generally he is up for drills or guard stuff and such. I know when we were dating he would only get 6-7 hours of sleep a night and he somehow managed to survive (probably because he was twitterpated:) but I'm not sure how the chunked-up sleep is affecting him now. Well, he does have the cold and that probably is part of the result.
In the letter he wrote he mentioned that his group has been doing so poorly that they are threatening sending them back to 0 week. The update- he says that his group has really pulled things together the past few days. They have a reward for the group who is the best- they are the warrior team. As a reward they get an extra day pass off base. Oh how wonderful would that be?! At the begining of the week they got 0 points for messing up on an activity when they got the directions wrong and that caused problems. But! a few days ago they ended up getting 100% on a drill that actually pulled them in the lead for the warror team award! I know he still has several weeks to go but it would be so great to see him win that award!
I asked if he had any baby name ideas but he said no but he liked several of the ideas I sent him. He didn't mention any specifically. But he did say that he reads my letters then scans them and highlights what he wants to respond to. He gets about 15 minutes every night to write so he grabs my letter and responds to whatever he can in that time. Hopefully he'll respond to my name ideas in his next letter.
The frustrating thing about our phone call was that he had to call back 3 times! The first two calls- at exactly 7 minutes there was a click and he became so quiet I couldn't hear him barely at all. He was able to hang up and call back both times but I panicked thinking that he'd be told that he couldn't call back at all. Ultimately we ended up talking about 18 minutes (according to my phone clock) and they were wonderful minutes.
If I remember anything else from the phone call I'll post another blog. Yeah! Matt called!
The first thing he wanted to do was wish Emmaline a Happy Birthday. I put the phone on Speaker and held it up to her. He started singing and she got the biggest grin on her face.
He told me that he asked yesterday if he could call home because it was his daughter's birthday and he caught a lot of flak for it. I just thought that was very perfect of him to risk getting yelled at so he could be there for his daughter's day. He was told no right away but this morning, as they were telling the schedule they mentioned that everyone would get 15 minutes and Matt nearly jumped out of his socks!
I will try to recall everything I can but there is no guarantee its all in the right order.
Matt said he has recieved some job counseling and his top choice was helicopter maintenence. I don't remember what he said his other job choices were- I was so focused on his voice that I didn't pay enough attention! oops! He hasn't had the chance to make a wish list for our move because he is going to be assigned to his job before he can make that wish list.
I've been sending him really long letters (generally around 11 pages) and its made other guys jealous. I guess they've joshed that I write novels to him. He was so glad to get other letters from family as well, they really help his confidence.
As he mentioned in the letter I posted about, he was sick the first night and didn't sleep at all. Right now he is getting over a cold. He said its common for everyone to be sick because of the high level of stress on top of the germs that everyone brings from everywhere.
He said that during the past several weeks he has only slept through one night. He said that when he is allowed to sleep then he sleeps well but generally he is up for drills or guard stuff and such. I know when we were dating he would only get 6-7 hours of sleep a night and he somehow managed to survive (probably because he was twitterpated:) but I'm not sure how the chunked-up sleep is affecting him now. Well, he does have the cold and that probably is part of the result.
In the letter he wrote he mentioned that his group has been doing so poorly that they are threatening sending them back to 0 week. The update- he says that his group has really pulled things together the past few days. They have a reward for the group who is the best- they are the warrior team. As a reward they get an extra day pass off base. Oh how wonderful would that be?! At the begining of the week they got 0 points for messing up on an activity when they got the directions wrong and that caused problems. But! a few days ago they ended up getting 100% on a drill that actually pulled them in the lead for the warror team award! I know he still has several weeks to go but it would be so great to see him win that award!
I asked if he had any baby name ideas but he said no but he liked several of the ideas I sent him. He didn't mention any specifically. But he did say that he reads my letters then scans them and highlights what he wants to respond to. He gets about 15 minutes every night to write so he grabs my letter and responds to whatever he can in that time. Hopefully he'll respond to my name ideas in his next letter.
The frustrating thing about our phone call was that he had to call back 3 times! The first two calls- at exactly 7 minutes there was a click and he became so quiet I couldn't hear him barely at all. He was able to hang up and call back both times but I panicked thinking that he'd be told that he couldn't call back at all. Ultimately we ended up talking about 18 minutes (according to my phone clock) and they were wonderful minutes.
If I remember anything else from the phone call I'll post another blog. Yeah! Matt called!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The First Letter
I received the first letter from Matt today and opened it before I even left the mail box. It is only one sheet of paper so at first I was disappointed, I would have loved to have pages and pages. But I understand how busy he is and how constricted his privileges are. Here is a transcript of most of his letter:
Dear Britta
We just got the ok to write letters until lights out. That only give me a few min so please excuse my sloppy handwriting.
Yes, I'm in the 324th training squadron. And this is a rough drawing of our symbol (the Knights). As far as push-ups my first PT day, I forgot to count, but I did about 110 or so. So use that for the amount.
As soon as all family left MEPS they started getting tough on us, but it was nothing compared to what its like here. The flight I'm in (692) has some very slow learners and the MTIs are threatening to recycle the whole group back to zero week. Yikes!
Anyways, onto better news. I took a tram (like we took in Salt Lake City) to get to the airport almost immediately. On the first plane there was a baby that sounded a lot like Emmaline, that was pretty touch on me.
The rest of the trip was ok. That first night everyone was yelling at us and what I got for dinner didn't sit well with me, so the next day and that night I was shivering and constantly felt like I was going to throw up. Thankfully that went away after about 36 hours.
We had a shake down our second full day here, after we got our ABUs and put our civilian stuff away. The MTIs took the batteries out of all our phones and electrical devices before we put those away as well.
Anyways, I'll write more before I'm able to send this off, we now get ~15 minutes each night, but can't send them off until Sundays.
Then again, we didn't get to write last night so...
Matthew
So...I did edit a few things out, my prerogative :) I am assuming by Matt's comment that he has to mail letters off only on Sundays that I should be able to expect a letter every Wed or Thursday. But at the same time, I can expect that all I want and the military has the right to change anything without notice.
Don't forget to write and send Matt well wishes. Keep him in your prayers- no matter how bad the group is, I don't want him sent back to week 0! Any prayer you can send his way will help, I know it!
Dear Britta
We just got the ok to write letters until lights out. That only give me a few min so please excuse my sloppy handwriting.
Yes, I'm in the 324th training squadron. And this is a rough drawing of our symbol (the Knights). As far as push-ups my first PT day, I forgot to count, but I did about 110 or so. So use that for the amount.
As soon as all family left MEPS they started getting tough on us, but it was nothing compared to what its like here. The flight I'm in (692) has some very slow learners and the MTIs are threatening to recycle the whole group back to zero week. Yikes!
Anyways, onto better news. I took a tram (like we took in Salt Lake City) to get to the airport almost immediately. On the first plane there was a baby that sounded a lot like Emmaline, that was pretty touch on me.
The rest of the trip was ok. That first night everyone was yelling at us and what I got for dinner didn't sit well with me, so the next day and that night I was shivering and constantly felt like I was going to throw up. Thankfully that went away after about 36 hours.
We had a shake down our second full day here, after we got our ABUs and put our civilian stuff away. The MTIs took the batteries out of all our phones and electrical devices before we put those away as well.
Anyways, I'll write more before I'm able to send this off, we now get ~15 minutes each night, but can't send them off until Sundays.
Then again, we didn't get to write last night so...
Matthew
So...I did edit a few things out, my prerogative :) I am assuming by Matt's comment that he has to mail letters off only on Sundays that I should be able to expect a letter every Wed or Thursday. But at the same time, I can expect that all I want and the military has the right to change anything without notice.
Don't forget to write and send Matt well wishes. Keep him in your prayers- no matter how bad the group is, I don't want him sent back to week 0! Any prayer you can send his way will help, I know it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Going on 3 weeks
Matt has officially been in Texas for 3 weeks now. He has only 5.5 weeks left until we get to see him again!
We still have not recieved any letters or phone calls although I keep the phone with me 24/7 and my heart beats hard every time I check the mail. Hopefully I'll hear from him soon.
It is odd how we manage to survive when it feels like its not possible to be living. My other half is a thousand miles away and yet I manage to cook, clean, go out and live without him with me. Its not fun but if I don't think about it I manage to make it to bedtime before starting to cry.
We still have not recieved any letters or phone calls although I keep the phone with me 24/7 and my heart beats hard every time I check the mail. Hopefully I'll hear from him soon.
It is odd how we manage to survive when it feels like its not possible to be living. My other half is a thousand miles away and yet I manage to cook, clean, go out and live without him with me. Its not fun but if I don't think about it I manage to make it to bedtime before starting to cry.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Not much but something...
I got a letter in the mail, at least, it was an envelope that Matt had addressed. Inside was information about lodging and transportation for when I visit at graduation. It was frustrating to see his handwriting in the first place but not actually be getting a letter.
Matt mentioned in the phone call last week that they probably couldn't write for another week so I'm starting to expect a letter soon. Part of me is expecting a one-page quick note because I don't know how much time he'll have to write but honestly, I hope I get a ten page letter chalk full of information and professions of love!
I'll post as much of his letter as I feel comfortable with when I get it. Hopefully that is soon!
Matt mentioned in the phone call last week that they probably couldn't write for another week so I'm starting to expect a letter soon. Part of me is expecting a one-page quick note because I don't know how much time he'll have to write but honestly, I hope I get a ten page letter chalk full of information and professions of love!
I'll post as much of his letter as I feel comfortable with when I get it. Hopefully that is soon!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Another Phone Call...Yea!
Matt called again tonight. I was floored! I got that email from the LDS missionaries today and wasn't expecting any sort of contact from him for another week or more. I heard the phone start ringing and my caller ID said 'Call from...210...' and I sort of froze and said 'thats him! that's matt's number!' and it took me a shaky moment to get the phone open!
When I said 'Hi' Matt said 'oh, sorry, I must have the wrong number' and I was like 'no, no, no! Matt, its me!' and we got to talk for 7 whole minutes! It was heaven. (7 minutes in heaven...hehe).
He told me that there are some guys in his flight that he is shocked hasn't gone home because they've gotten in so much trouble. And they keep getting the group in trouble- which makes me frustrated because that means that I don't get calls and letters. He said that physically he is in the middle of the group (which I expected) and that he has a few friends but he mostly just talks to whomever is around at the moment. He is doing okay and surviving. His voice sounded better this time than the last phone call- he didn't sound like people were about to eat him or something.
He does need to know who all is going to graduation. If you are wanting/planning on going but haven't voiced that to me, I need to know within a matter of a few days. Anyone is welcome to come that wants to and I'm sure Matt would appreciate seeing you there.
Oddly enough, I only cried a few happy tears at the end of this phone call. I've been so emotional all day that I'm surprised that I didn't cry buckets.
When I said 'Hi' Matt said 'oh, sorry, I must have the wrong number' and I was like 'no, no, no! Matt, its me!' and we got to talk for 7 whole minutes! It was heaven. (7 minutes in heaven...hehe).
He told me that there are some guys in his flight that he is shocked hasn't gone home because they've gotten in so much trouble. And they keep getting the group in trouble- which makes me frustrated because that means that I don't get calls and letters. He said that physically he is in the middle of the group (which I expected) and that he has a few friends but he mostly just talks to whomever is around at the moment. He is doing okay and surviving. His voice sounded better this time than the last phone call- he didn't sound like people were about to eat him or something.
He does need to know who all is going to graduation. If you are wanting/planning on going but haven't voiced that to me, I need to know within a matter of a few days. Anyone is welcome to come that wants to and I'm sure Matt would appreciate seeing you there.
Oddly enough, I only cried a few happy tears at the end of this phone call. I've been so emotional all day that I'm surprised that I didn't cry buckets.
A Picture!
I got an email today from the LDS missionaries stationed on base. They told me they got to spend some time with Matt on Sunday. They sent me his address again and I got something else wrong. So here is the correct address again. The change is PSC, not TSC:
AB Beach, Matthew A.
324 TRS / FLT 692 - Dorm B-8
PSC #3
1320 Truemper Street
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570
Also, they sent me a few pictures- one of the chapel, one of the bridge at the entrance of the base, and a picture of my husband smiling! I cried when I saw that picture. A lot. Its so good to see him, especially smiling, because I've been so concerned with how he is doing. A smile is a lot better than the grimace I've been picturing.
And he's still hot even without his hair! Sigh. There are still 7 weeks until I get to see him. By then, I'll be in my 2nd trimester! Wow.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
UPDATE ATTENTION
I missed a letter in Matt's new address. If you have taken down his address, please note this correction!
I originally wrote Dorm 8 but it is supposed to be Dorm B8 instead.
Hopefully you are able to make this correction before sending out letters!
I originally wrote Dorm 8 but it is supposed to be Dorm B8 instead.
Hopefully you are able to make this correction before sending out letters!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
First Phone Call
I was totally expecting Matt's first phone call home to come tomorrow because thats what everything I read said- Sunday. But lo and behold, my phone rang this morning and I got to hear Matt's voice on the other end!
I had been forewarned that they might sound scared and not okay. I had been forewarned that the call would consist of an 'I'm fine' and the address. But it didn't stop me from bawling my eyes out when the call was done. It was so good to hear from him.
He was able to tell me to not send anything other than pictures and letters- which I pretty much knew. I asked if he was going to write home soon and he told me that they had their letter-writing privilages revoked because some guys tried to write home too early. Darn them! He didn't say for how long but I have a suspecion that it'll be at least another week before Matt can send anything home- and by then so much will have happened that he may not have time to write it all.
Anyway, here is his address for those of you who wish to send him well-wishes.
AB Beach Matthew A
324 TRS/FLT 692
Dorm B 8
TSC 3
1320 Truemper St Unit 362917
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570
Remember, if you do write, don't say anything stupid or embarassing because there is always the chance that his comanders will read the letters. And don't send any inappropriate pictures (I don't figure anyone actually would) and I wouldn't expect a direct response back, at least, not right away.
Thank you all for being supportive!
I had been forewarned that they might sound scared and not okay. I had been forewarned that the call would consist of an 'I'm fine' and the address. But it didn't stop me from bawling my eyes out when the call was done. It was so good to hear from him.
He was able to tell me to not send anything other than pictures and letters- which I pretty much knew. I asked if he was going to write home soon and he told me that they had their letter-writing privilages revoked because some guys tried to write home too early. Darn them! He didn't say for how long but I have a suspecion that it'll be at least another week before Matt can send anything home- and by then so much will have happened that he may not have time to write it all.
Anyway, here is his address for those of you who wish to send him well-wishes.
AB Beach Matthew A
324 TRS/FLT 692
Dorm B 8
TSC 3
1320 Truemper St Unit 362917
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570
Remember, if you do write, don't say anything stupid or embarassing because there is always the chance that his comanders will read the letters. And don't send any inappropriate pictures (I don't figure anyone actually would) and I wouldn't expect a direct response back, at least, not right away.
Thank you all for being supportive!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Send Off
Matt has finally left for Basic Training. At this moment I highly suspect he is on the airplane but he could just be waiting at the airport still...gee...I really hope not!
Last night we went into St. Louis to hang out and spend a few last hours together. We really enjoyed the hotel- it used to be a manufacturing company (so says their website) and is really old. I have no idea how much of the architecture is old or was just made to look old but it was definately a beautiful building. We tried to go visit the Arch but all the parking lots required cash for parking and we didn't have cash, being the modern, American, non downtown-city dwellers that we are. Trying to get there gave us several headaches because all the streets are narrow and several are one-way. The whole time I kept wishing we lived in Salt Lake City!
We went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner- again, housed in an incredibly old building. The first building on that location was built in 1819, the second was built in 1887. I'm not sure if the current building is that one refurbished or what, but it too was gorgeous.
We spent the evening talking and watching TV. Matt was assigned a room with a roommate but he didn't ever even go into that room. He stayed with me- which was very welcome.
After going to bed around 930 Matt and I both woke up several times during the night and by 330 Matt couldn't stand it any more and got up for good. He ate breakfast and tried his best not to go crazy until 5 when he was required to meet for transport to MEPS.
As he left I had to choke back a sob or two. I even promised myself that I wouldn't cry until the way home but I couldn't manage to. I'm not sure what all Matt did in the intervening hours but I puttered away the time in the gym, taking a shower, cat napping, and watching cartoons. I drove over to MEPS around 9am for the supposed briefing at 930.
Again, I don't have cash for parking so as I pulled into the first lot and started asking for directions I was told of a few lots that may be able to help- one was a block away and I was sure I'd get lost if I ventured that far! I was trying to keep myself from crying as I said thank you for the drections but by the second lot I was hardly able to get my question out. The third lot thankfully accepted debit cards, had no teller that I had to bawl to and was only a short ways away from MEPS. I collected myself in the car but by the time I asked for directions once in MEPS I was bawling again. I couldn't stop! All I could think was that it was darn good I had bought waterproof mascara!
Some old lady came over and hugged me and helped me find the area I was supposed to go then I waited. A lot. Everyone was nice. After all this horror of thinking about what Matt would go through at basic I totally forgot that people in the military actually are nice...just not the ones in basic!
The supposed 930 briefing turned into 1100. Did you know that the news gets really boring and repetative after an hour and a half? Ugh. I finally saw Matt, cried a tad on his shoulder and then watched him swear in. He is now part of the Active Military and serving his country.
There was such a big group processing today (something like 25 for all of the branches) that all the paperwork was bogged down and there was very little room in the swearing in room for family members but I got a video. The woman swearing them in advised all the (? I'm trying to figure out what to call them? Men? Trainees? New Members?) to take advantage of the free education as soon and as much as possible. I highly agree. Then she had them swear in. (My camera fell asleep waiting for the swear-in part and by the time I woke it up I missed the first line but you can imagine it was something like "I (jumble of everyone saying their names at the first time) swear to..."
Last night we went into St. Louis to hang out and spend a few last hours together. We really enjoyed the hotel- it used to be a manufacturing company (so says their website) and is really old. I have no idea how much of the architecture is old or was just made to look old but it was definately a beautiful building. We tried to go visit the Arch but all the parking lots required cash for parking and we didn't have cash, being the modern, American, non downtown-city dwellers that we are. Trying to get there gave us several headaches because all the streets are narrow and several are one-way. The whole time I kept wishing we lived in Salt Lake City!
We went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner- again, housed in an incredibly old building. The first building on that location was built in 1819, the second was built in 1887. I'm not sure if the current building is that one refurbished or what, but it too was gorgeous.
We spent the evening talking and watching TV. Matt was assigned a room with a roommate but he didn't ever even go into that room. He stayed with me- which was very welcome.
After going to bed around 930 Matt and I both woke up several times during the night and by 330 Matt couldn't stand it any more and got up for good. He ate breakfast and tried his best not to go crazy until 5 when he was required to meet for transport to MEPS.
As he left I had to choke back a sob or two. I even promised myself that I wouldn't cry until the way home but I couldn't manage to. I'm not sure what all Matt did in the intervening hours but I puttered away the time in the gym, taking a shower, cat napping, and watching cartoons. I drove over to MEPS around 9am for the supposed briefing at 930.
Again, I don't have cash for parking so as I pulled into the first lot and started asking for directions I was told of a few lots that may be able to help- one was a block away and I was sure I'd get lost if I ventured that far! I was trying to keep myself from crying as I said thank you for the drections but by the second lot I was hardly able to get my question out. The third lot thankfully accepted debit cards, had no teller that I had to bawl to and was only a short ways away from MEPS. I collected myself in the car but by the time I asked for directions once in MEPS I was bawling again. I couldn't stop! All I could think was that it was darn good I had bought waterproof mascara!
Some old lady came over and hugged me and helped me find the area I was supposed to go then I waited. A lot. Everyone was nice. After all this horror of thinking about what Matt would go through at basic I totally forgot that people in the military actually are nice...just not the ones in basic!
The supposed 930 briefing turned into 1100. Did you know that the news gets really boring and repetative after an hour and a half? Ugh. I finally saw Matt, cried a tad on his shoulder and then watched him swear in. He is now part of the Active Military and serving his country.
There was such a big group processing today (something like 25 for all of the branches) that all the paperwork was bogged down and there was very little room in the swearing in room for family members but I got a video. The woman swearing them in advised all the (? I'm trying to figure out what to call them? Men? Trainees? New Members?) to take advantage of the free education as soon and as much as possible. I highly agree. Then she had them swear in. (My camera fell asleep waiting for the swear-in part and by the time I woke it up I missed the first line but you can imagine it was something like "I (jumble of everyone saying their names at the first time) swear to..."
Matt then signed his name on the dotted line and rushed off for lunch. Thats where we parted ways. I watched him walk into the cafeteria. At first he kept turning around to wave over and over again but then he stopped and as he disappeared around the corner I wished I could have had one more smile. But I guess I'll make due with how much I got.
And the journey begins.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Basic Training
Matthew will be leaving for Basic Training in only a few more days. He will be going to San Antonio Texas for the first 8 1/2 weeks until he leaves for his job training. As of now we do not know what job he'll be doing or where his training is going to occur but most likely the training will be in several different locations across the country. We expect that his training will take anywhere from 4-6 months on top of the 2 months he is in basic- so a total of 6-8 months away from home.
When Matt graduates from Basic Training at the end of October, Emmaline and I will have the opportunity to visit him for a few days. Then he'll come home for a few days around Christmas and if we are lucky we can schedule for me to visit him some time in Feburary. That'll all depend on his training I guess.
Around week 8 Matt will find out what his job will be and a few weeks into that training he'll find out his permanent station. We are hoping for something overseas as we would love the adventure but we are great with the idea of living around Utah as its closer to a lot of family.
This blog's purpose is to post any and all information regarding Matt's military experience so that friends and family can know what is going on. I will post letters and phone call synopsis when it is appropriate and keep you all in the loop the best I can. You are more than welcome to send Matt letters or well-wishes at any point in this journey, I believe he'll really need them at some points.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment!
When Matt graduates from Basic Training at the end of October, Emmaline and I will have the opportunity to visit him for a few days. Then he'll come home for a few days around Christmas and if we are lucky we can schedule for me to visit him some time in Feburary. That'll all depend on his training I guess.
Around week 8 Matt will find out what his job will be and a few weeks into that training he'll find out his permanent station. We are hoping for something overseas as we would love the adventure but we are great with the idea of living around Utah as its closer to a lot of family.
This blog's purpose is to post any and all information regarding Matt's military experience so that friends and family can know what is going on. I will post letters and phone call synopsis when it is appropriate and keep you all in the loop the best I can. You are more than welcome to send Matt letters or well-wishes at any point in this journey, I believe he'll really need them at some points.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment!
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