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Wed. – 13 JAN

We were given some free time in the morning to get personal stuff done, like buy things we need, register our POV (vehicle). I spent the morning trying to figure out solving my house water leak problem. I had to call the insurance company to see if I still had a policy. Since our house was supposed to close in Nov. i was in the process of canceling our policy and it looks like there is a chance i can’t make a claim if there is major water damage. A friend of mine will go on Thursday to assess the damage. I had to make a number of phone calls and try to make arrangements for the house closing on Friday. Difficult timing, a water pipe freezing a few days before the closing. Not sure how it will work out but I’m praying for the best.

The afternoon sessions were pretty good. One cadre reviewed the culture of saluting, when and when not to salute. It’s a great tradition and emphasizes mutual respect between soldiers. Hooah!! Late in the day was our first mail call. This ended up being hilarious. The cadres started calling out names for mail and it quickly turned into a push up bonanza! The first one was a friend who got dropped for no reason at all that we could figure, other than the envelope was pink. He didn’t do his push ups right and kept getting yelled at by several people, including the LTC (lieutenant colonel). He looks like someone that you don’t want to get on his bad side. One of the funniest things happened to one soldier. We have been taught that when our name is called we immediate responsd a certain way and quickly get to the front. Well this one soldier was called and he enthusiastically responded, “cooommmminggg sergeantttttt” in a very loud voice. This was immediately taken as disrespectful and he was dropped by the colonel, with the cadre bending over and giving him personal instructions in his ear. Not nice ones either. What was even funnier was what the colonel said, “what do you think this is Stripes? are you Bill Murray or Eddie Murhpy?” As the soldier walked back to his seat, i head the colonel say to him “Einstein.” It was so funny, I still am laughing about as I remember back to it. I wish I had a video of it.

We had to go finish picking up our TA-50 gear in the afternoon. This was our helmet and kevlar. It went pretty quick but I’m noticing that standing in formation hearing instructions from our student led platoon leader is not may favorite thing to do. I was assinged a battle buddy, someone who we are supposed to be with most of our time here. This is good encouragement and accountability. We went to Subway’s and had dinner together. It is very neat that he is also a baptist pastor. We have very similar views and experiences. I’m very thankful and think we will be a good help to one another.

I went running this evening at 8pm at the actual PT track so that i can see what it is like. No fun running when it is in the low 30′s but i still ran two miles–in shorts! Getting used to it now. Took a luke-warm shower again, no fun. Missing hot water but am thankful I have water. Notice the positive attitude. So far it is working, we’ll see when things get tuff if i can convince myself to stay postive. I know next week I will need God’s grace. Many challenges to face like the gas chamber. The rest of the short night was studying.

Side note: I enjoy hearing the buggle calls throughout the day and night. Yesterday we took time to learn several different songs like retreat and saluting the flag. Good stuff! The calls remind me of why I’m here to serve God and Country.