View Full Version : My daughter has joined the Army
Michele has joined the Army to be in the Military Police and I'm very proud of her!
November 19 th ship off date, Leonardwood, Missouri.
:pat
You should be very proud of her. Here's wishing her the best of luck and Godspeed. Give her a big thumbs up from all the Corvette Nation.
Paul
bossvette
11-17-07, 12:47 PM
:cool I can imagine how you feel, tell her we wish her well. :upthumbs
DRTH VTR
11-17-07, 01:19 PM
My son also did his basic training at Ft Leonard Wood
MsSchroder
11-17-07, 04:53 PM
:upthumbs
Tell her "You GO, girl" for me.
Congratulations to you both! :upthumbs
SAVE THE :w
67HEAVEN
11-17-07, 05:17 PM
Wow! She's growing up fast.
May her future be full of safe adventure.
What a great young woman. :pat
6 Shooter
11-17-07, 05:28 PM
November 19th ship off date, Fort Leonard Wood.
I was born @ FLW in 1955, took basic there in 1974 and now we live 30 miles down the road! :w
http://www.wood.army.mil/slideshow/slideshow1.jpg
http://www.wood.army.mil/
Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter
wishuwerehere82
11-18-07, 12:52 AM
Janine,
Tell her Pete says hey, and wishes her well with her future.
She is a great girl, soon to be a great woman!
.....May her future be full of safe adventure.
What a great young woman. :pat
I'll second those sentiments!
Best wishes to you and Michele, Janine.
:patJane Ann
bill81vette
11-18-07, 06:16 AM
I thought she was going in the navy?????
oh well..good luck Michele and may the Good Lord keep you out of harms way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gail and I will be thinking of BOTH of you!!!!!!!:pat:pat:pat
GS Diva
11-18-07, 08:50 AM
Janine,
I can't believe that little girl in Carlisle is now going into the service! Give her our very best wishes...and please keep all of us here updated. :pat
Elaine
You sound like a proud mom. As a former US Army Recruiter I didn't get that when I dealt with moms/daughters/and the Army. Anyway I know a few of the Drill Sgt's over there, she'll be fine. Good luck to you both.
Chris
Bioscache2
11-18-07, 09:17 AM
Tell her welcome to the family for me
Michele and I ....yes, her proud Mom would like to thank all of you for your kinds words and support!
We are very excited for Micheles big day tomorrow.
P.S. I will be crying like a baby.
How time can change everything. Tell Michele for me to kick A$$ and attack this like she has in her past, full speed ahead. She's a smart young lady, my best to you both. Maybe she'll get to see Japan after all, all expenses paid!!!:beer
Hey Janine!!!!
Congrats to you both! Fort "Lost In The Woods" huh?? Not a bad place from what I've heard.
Also, congrats to you for raising a fine young lady. I'm sure she'll make you proud!!! :beer
Chris
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2054277492_659e94c66d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2053494819_e7409c9934.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2054276898_fcb70eb750.jpg
I think the pictures say all.
It was a very hard day receiving that Two minute phone call from my daughter..saying, I'm alright, but the Army is like jail or P.O.W. I wanted to cry, I told Michele to stay strong and we will write as soon, as I get an address of Fort Leonard wood, Mo.
I was told that people call it Fort lost in the woods.
Michele said they were right.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and God Bless.
Thanks for the pictures, Janine. Happy Thanksgiving and be proud of her!!
-Mac
Ok..As most know I'm not the best with my grammar, spelling ect.....so lets get past that part so I can vent a little.
First off I love my Daughter (Michele) to death.
The phone call I received just killed me, to hear how cold it is at Ft.Leonard wood, Mo. How she can not feel her hands or feet and she has lost a lot of weight and may I say this 5 ft 3" young lady only weighted 120 of muscle, eleven days ago.
Well, I would like to quote one of her letters I just received today, which came five days later from her sending it.
Is this a normal letter after five an half days of leaving home?
Hi Mom! Me and this other girl Didn't have a chance to sign up for Church Service so we get some time to write a lettter. Mom I love You Please get the terturn address right ok I know you will see it on the envelope. Mom, Tell Me everthing that goes on at our house and with Matt (her boy friend).I don't know how I'm going to make it, I feel like I'm Dying inside and we havent even gotten to halh the bull**** thats going to go on here. All our equipment isold we have minnamul or Bearly any heat in our sleeping courters and I sleep under a "Blanket" that iss more or less a green sheet. I wake up like eyery 5 minutes and I shivver and shivver. Then eyery night we have to do Fire guard Duty and clean, we could do it at 10:00pm or at 3:00 am it depends on our shift and we have to change out of our sweats that we sleep in, into our ACU ( combat Uniforms) its really stressull and this is just the beginning. I'm just constantly cold and no one can do anything for me.
I don't know how they expect me to clean and fire a weapon when I cant feel my hands and feet or how to learn the Tons of Marches when I can't feel my feet. Hell this is so bad I'm ****ing Hallucinated last night and swore that a bunch of people walked up to me and told me I have Row guard duty? What The ****! I saw them I HEARD them yet when I asked another girl she sid It never happened! That is how bad my Mental state is right now and its only going to get worse.Thats why you have to help me Remember what the world was like before I Joined the Army. Mom, I know I'm going to be one of thoses soldiers that"Never comes back" I know it. I'm already loosing my mind. But I will try tostay in good spirts. So, I'm going to call the house today they are letting us use the phones I PRAY your home. If your not I will leave a message. Oh I pray I can hear your voice. Because I can bearly Remember it.
on to page 2!
Send me pictures that I will remember. They Brain wash us here Mom. So you have to teach me one day when I get Back how to live again. I hope this Encourges you to Stay with Mike Stay at Mt. Holly Stay with Matt. Mom PLEASE Don't abandon Matt. You have to understand You have it like GOLD at home so please won't be annoyed By him talk to him and tell him I lOVE HIM. Never tell grandma to stop talking Mom Respect your Mothers Voice, Because when you Forget what it sounds like..It's toeture. Ah! But I do Remember what I use to draw. NK SK BOB TEN BORIS and Ivan. ( Michele draws animation of war characters for fun for years)Sometimes when its to depressing to think about home I think of a scenario Involving my Characters. I'll probaly never draw them again so thats what you NEED to keep to keep my pictures I drew and my computer SAFE!!This might sound crazy Mom but tell me about them tell me who they are, hell Describe them to me. Describe what my Characters look like to you! But Dont send any of my pictures I drew here! It's not safe here! only send pictures of YOU, MATT and grandma! Send me staps too. Mom like I said in a previos letter put 1,00.00 into my checking I have no Idea how I'm going to pay for my plane ride home Foe x-mas. Make sure it is so I'll be ok. ( Ft. Leonard wood, Mo shuts down for X-mas) Mom please I want you to have Matt come to our house and I want you to give him a big hug from me. Give Grandma a hug from me too! Please Matt is my family to! Alright MOm, I have 10 minutes so I'm cutting this short. I love you Fotever, Dont Forget about me. These letters are a Cry for HELP! I can't wait to get a Responce I know I sent many But Reply with as many as you want Just remind me how to live again. I'll try to get a hold of you when we are aloud to use the phones sometime today. I don't know when I will be able to ues one again. Be Alert I need help getting home For Christmas.
I love you
Michele
This is one of the letters I have received from my daughter in 11 days from being away from home and in the Army.
We are so green at this and both had no idea what the hell she would realy bein for.
Any advice of help for boot camp I would love to hear, advice for my daughter.
I have sent a few things to Micheles address Ft. L.W., Mo.
I'm really not sure what they will let her keep.
What can One send to Boot Camp?
Is this letter normal? Some of the other letters are more so scarry to me.
Janine
Relax, Janine. As you know, I'm not American but in Canada, the first few weeks of basic training are always the worst. Basically, they want to "weed out" those who joined on a whim or who don't take their duty seriously. Yes, it sounds cruel, but how often do you hear of soldiers freezing to death in basic training? Being seriously injured? Dying? Be strong for her. Tell her how confident you are in her and how proud you are. If she thinks you're worried, she'll worry... and that won't help!!
-Mac
Janine, what Mac says makes perfect sense. I'm sure this is a time of testing to weed out those that joined on a lark or with very little forethought and committment.
I'd say it's important that you send her letters of praise for her strength and character... telling her how proud of her you are, mention past accomplishments when she beat the odds through determination and force of will.
Write her everyday... even a one page note is fine... letters from home will keep her spirits up and remind her that you love her and are thinking of her daily.
And keep those letters as positive as possible. You don't want to worry her or burden her with things she can't do anything about.
Jane Ann
6 Shooter
12-01-07, 07:55 AM
;squint: :ugh ;squint:
YES - Boot Camp Sucks, but it will be behind her soon.
Let her know we are all pulling for her on :CAC
I discussed this with Kerri and if you want to visit Michele while she's @ FLW you can stay at our house(30 miles down the road), just let us know. ;)
May God Bless Michele and all our Military! :pat
Later,
Dwayne
:w Janine,
It's been over 40 years since "Boot Camp" for this old boy, but as I recall it was even worse than my worst vision of it could be.
Being an young lad from Nebraska, they took extra time and effort to "Teach" me about being in the service. The young studs from the big cities were just as much out of their element too. I found a lot of inner strength and self reliance and working together to support one another. NOT everyone had the fortitude or the mental capacity to grasp the concept.
Basic Training is kind of like the Military's "Kindergarden" it's where they learn to interact with others, chain of command, respect and become part of larger team.
Basic Training is Tough, it's ment to be TOUGH. As others have said it weeds out the ones that won't, or can't conform to REAL Military Life.
My guess is Michele is scared, feeling isolated, scared, stubborn, scared, feeling a bit of selfpity, scared and lacks self confidence ... All which will change when she starts seeing her occomplishments and that her fears are what most the other young ladies in the barracks are feeling too..
Boot Camp will be a FOND Memory she will look back upon with a completely different look in a few years ;)
As said above, be positive with her, you know her best ;) She just needs to suck it up and get er done ;) SHE CAN, SHE WILL many have before her and many more will pass through those same barracks after her ;)
Bud
Mac, Jane Ann, Dwayne and Bud, thank you for the good advice and a reminder to get my act togehter...making sure Michele will focus and stay strong.
Michele's mental state of mind is what I really need to help her out on. She has been writing to me wants her boy friends Mother to give consent for marriage..this Christmas holiday when she comes home for about 2 weeks. Matt will be 18 yrs. old in March.
I have been trying to tell her that paper will not do a thing if you are there and he lives in my area. In her mind she feels she will be dead in Boot Camp or In Iraq (active duty) I told her not to believe that NCO who said that to her.
Dwayne and Kerri,
I thank you!
After we get past this mess and Michele will make Graduations a call will be coming your way in advance.
I have no clue how any of this works.
Janine
What can I send her for boot camp, that she will be allowed to keep?
bill81vette
12-01-07, 11:44 AM
janine tell her to HANG IN THERE!!!!
everything will work out!!!
were all thinking of you and michele!!!!
iF YOU NEED ANYTHING LET ME KNOW....
GS Diva
12-01-07, 12:03 PM
Wow! Her letters sound horrible...but, like others have said, it's highly unlikely that she will freeze to death or worse!!!! I think she is terribly scared, and that is compounding everything.
Keep writing and sending cards each and every day, and keep sending positive messages. Don't dwell on what she claims is happening...just be positive and loving.
Do NOT let her get married!!!!!!!! She is no more ready for that, and God knows a 17-year old boy isn't ready!!!!
Please let us know how she is doing. Can you send me her address in a PM. Alan and I will send her notes...I know she'll remember us.
Elaine
Elaine PM is on the way, thank you.
What can I send her for boot camp, that she will be allowed to keep?
I'm not sure, Janine. I would guess stuff like books or other reading material would be good. Stuff like electronic toys wouldn't be.
Toiletries should be good. Maybe civilian clothes too. Like I said, I'm not sure what would be acceptable and what's not....
-Mac
Bioscache2
12-01-07, 11:52 PM
Janie, My boot camp wasn't too long ago and other similar experiences are fresh in my mind. Boot camp is designed to be very tough and its designed to make the new recruits think its even worse. Its similar to a haunted house. It looks very scary for the person going though it but if you watch it from behind the scenes you'd see a lot is just for show and theres never any real danger.
I too would recommend encouraging her and letting her know how proud of her you are. In addition tell her about home and whats going on, it will calm her to know that while shes having a tough time in boot camp the world is not falling apart outside. During boot camp she can't really get anything except letters and pictures unless things have changed since I went though so unless she specifically asks for something don't send extra things like food, or magazines or anything similar. Also I don't know your daughter but I would agree with Elaine on discouraging marriage for now. The stress of boot camp can pressure people into making decisions they wouldn't make otherwise. If she still feels that way after boot camp thats fine but don't let her make any rash decisions while in boot camp, including the decision to leave boot camp. When I ran a boot camp for new recruits we used to drag our feet on processing their paperwork to quit and usually, during that time, they would come back and tell us they just had a bad day and wanted to stay.
Lastly I'll share a story. I just was at a promotion ceremony for my 1st Sargent. He was getting promoted to Sargent Major, which is the highest enlisted rank in the Army, less than 1% of all enlisted soldiers make this rank and it takes a lifetime of service and dedication to make it. At the ceremony his mother was there and she told the story of a very scared boy calling her at 2 weeks saying he wanted out of the army, that is wasn't for him. She told him to tough it out and hung up on him and now he's in one of the highest positions he can be in the Army. Everyone wants to quit boot camp, most say it daily. Shes not the first and she won't be the last. Remind her to take it day by day and she'll be fine. Tell her good luck for me.
-Ryan
chevy6673
12-02-07, 12:04 AM
best of luck
Thanks for the "list" of acceptable items, Ryan. Police "boot camp" isn't the same as armed forces boot camp. We didn't have as many restrictions for items we could possess but we didn't have much space to store things which acted as it's own kind of restriction.
That being said, we had many of the same pressures and the same "haunted house" scenario. To keep myself sane and motivated, I kept reminding myself that many others went through this before me and succeeded... and, that boot camp was a "controlled condition" and I was a valuable resource so the RCMP wasn't going to damage me so the training must be to test me. These thoughts gave me the "right" attitude and greatly reduced the stress.
-Mac
Bioscache2
12-02-07, 01:28 AM
Thanks for the "list" of acceptable items, Ryan. Police "boot camp" isn't the same as armed forces boot camp. We didn't have as many restrictions for items we could possess but we didn't have much space to store things which acted as it's own kind of restriction.
That being said, we had many of the same pressures and the same "haunted house" scenario. To keep myself sane and motivated, I kept reminding myself that many others went through this before me and succeeded... and, that boot camp was a "controlled condition" and I was a valuable resource so the RCMP wasn't going to damage me so the training must be to test me. These thoughts gave me the "right" attitude and greatly reduced the stress.
-Mac
I would tell myself essentially the same thing Mac. And if I came across some instructor that I thought was an ass I'd just tell myself that if that guy made it then I can definitly do it.
bill81vette
12-02-07, 06:07 AM
janine send me her address,please
I actually challenged one of th Drill Instructors Aids to a boxing match, in front of the whole company...
(My dad did a little boxing and helped train Golden Gloves, so I learned enough :chuckle) I proceeded to whoop his ass in the ring, the drill instructor and I got along pretty good after that, but the Adjutant and I were arch enemy's from that point on, luckly for me he transfered to another unit about a week after our little boxing bout.. (Saturday Night Smokers... even fed us T-Bone Steak afterwards :dance )
I still remember my drill instructors name and rank... :eek
Janine hang in there, YOU are a GREAT MOM, Michele will do fine, She has to do this on her on ;)
Bud
Ok, here's a list of things I sent Michele after her phone call on 11-26-07
Tampons
Pads (for in the fields)
Phone card
Stamps
Some money in her envelopes
chapstick
bag of hard candies
Mole skin (for in the boots)
pencils, pens, Writing tablet, colored pencils, plain white table..in case Michele has a minute to draw an Army Character.
Underware
Q-Tips
Shampoo
Deoderant
face and body wash
pictures of family and Matt
hand sanitizer
bandaids
plastic baggies (for in the fields if she gets her thing pads can go in them)
and I may have sent a few other things not sure, three different packages I sent out at different times.
I know the mail at FT. Leonard Wood takes time coming and going about a five day delay. A guy at the poast ofice told me that and he is right. Michele's mail comes to me with four letters at a time.
Michele had in one letter that she is the fastest runner of all the girls, one mile run 7.49 min. 24 situps in a min. 14 pushups in a min. that was something that she was so proud of ...and me to. That was her first PT test at boot Camp.
I'm not sure if Michele reveived any of the items yet, will have to wait for more mail to come in from her.
DarkShark
12-02-07, 04:22 PM
Tampons
Pads (for in the fields)
Phone card
Stamps
Some money in her envelopes
chapstick
bag of hard candies
Mole skin (for in the boots)
pencils, pens, Writing tablet, colored pencils, plain white table..in case Michele has a minute to draw an Army Character.
Underware
Q-Tips
Shampoo
Deoderant
face and body wash
pictures of family and Matt
hand sanitizer
bandaids
plastic baggies (for in the fields if she gets her thing pads can go in them)
and I may have sent a few other things not sure, three different packages I sent out at different times
Care packages mean the world to the trainee.
Usually, the more care packages a Soldier got... the better they did and the more motivated they were to complete training. They felt like mom, dad, and the family really cared.
I can't stress it enough to anyone with a loved one in basic training- it is the support group saying over and over how proud they are that makes the biggest difference. "We miss you" followed by "but I am so proud of you" is what gets them through. I remember folks who looked at pictures of their kids and wives. They would say over and over again "I'm doing it for them- they need healthcare and I need a job". The ones who dropped out of basic were the ones who had messages that said "come home- we want you back- you don't need to be in the Army". Typically, that was someone's girlfriend (not wife- they usually understood the part about taking care of the family) who "missed them" and said they couldn't go on without them. Its amazing how the short term needs (girlfriends) and opinions of others (family who didn't respect the choice) can make or break a person's success. More kids get sent home for failure to adapt than for injuries. More often then not, these are kids who either don't want to be there anymore or who just can't handle the stress of the training. Very few actually leave under medical reasons.
I think it was after the very last field problem in basic when I really felt like I was a Soldier and less of a trainee. I'll never forget the last night in the field. We had to ruck march all the way from the training site with full battle-rattle with weapons. I was cold, wet, my feet were killing me, and exhausted. When we got back to the battalion HQ at about 4am the entire battalion staff was waiting for my company. They had a fire going and we were marched into a open ranks formation. We were given at ease and then the Battalion Commander spoke. He stood behind the fire and I could see his face, chiseled by years of combat from Viet Nam and other wars. He congratulated us for completing basic training. He went on to tell us how proud he was of us and how proud we should have been of ourselves. With the completion of those words- he pulled his saber from the fire and compared training to the process of hardening steel. Then, "Proud to be an American" came blaring of the PA system as cheers from the entire staff echoed through the dead of night. I was so exhausted, tired, and emotionally spent- but I felt like I had done it. The Soldiers at my left and right stuck their chests out proudly while I could hear the muffled sobs of some. I felt like I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The birth of my son, my wedding day, that day in May, getting my butter bar, taking charge of my first platoon, accepting my first job offer after the Army, driving my first Corvette, are among the best memories in my life. Three of those are from the Army.
On a different note... I was deployed one time and my family sent bags of Doritos (don't send her those- the Drills will flip! ;)). By the time they got to me in SWA (South West Asia)... they were crumbs. But man- they tasted GREAT on my MRE that night!
:L
DarkShark,
Wow. Thank you so much!
I do feel better, the words, your stories will help keep me stronger to help keep Michele strong.
Janine
SPANISHVETTS
12-02-07, 07:32 PM
Lastly I'll share a story. I just was at a promotion ceremony for my 1st Sargent. He was getting promoted to Sargent Major, which is the highest enlisted rank in the Army, less than 1% of all enlisted soldiers make this rank and it takes a lifetime of service and dedication to make it. At the ceremony his mother was there and she told the story of a very scared boy calling her at 2 weeks saying he wanted out of the army, that is wasn't for him. She told him to tough it out and hung up on him and now he's in one of the highest positions he can be in the Army. Everyone wants to quit boot camp, most say it daily. Shes not the first and she won't be the last. Remind her to take it day by day and she'll be fine. Tell her good luck for me.
Ryan, when they pin the first Star on you I want to be there and say ¨I knew him when¨. Congratulations to your Top on his MSG. In today's Army do you get to keep him or does he have to change commands? (It always gutted me to lose a good man because he did his job well.)
Janine, Relax this isn't the biggest case of ¨new recruit home sickness¨ on record but it is high on the list. It says a lot for your relationship with your daughter! The only people that I ever witnessed going through basic without a case of the blues came from such a screwed up home life that basic was a welcomed change. If she did not react like this during the first few weeks they would have her in the Shrinks office on the double.
Be supportive and be her mom but do not be any more. This is a time that Michele has to make her own decisions and the ones that she picks will forge the rest of her life.
I know how hard it is for you as a mother to let go... believe me I went through it with my son not so long ago. They will never know what we go through until they see their own offspring leave the nest.:eyerole
As my friend Mike French advised me many years ago, the best words you can say are: I love you, you are a part of me. Do what you feel is right - I will be here if you ever need me. NOW get on with your life.
38 - 3 GO NAVY Sorry Ryan but your boys took a whupping:D
MsSchroder
12-02-07, 07:38 PM
Janine,
I've got no experience with military life. As a mom, I can really relate to how letters like that must tear you up inside. I would be freaking out! I'm just glad to hear many people who do have experience say that is to be expected.
Be strong and help her to be strong. We're all pulling for her.
Tammy
Bioscache2
12-02-07, 08:03 PM
Ryan, when they pin the first Star on you I want to be there and say ¨I knew him when¨. Congratulations to your Top on his MSG. In today's Army do you get to keep him or does he have to change commands? (It always gutted me to lose a good man because he did his job well.)
Ok but don't hold your breath or anything. As for the Sargent Major, he will be moving on shortly but thankfully not going too far. First he'll go to the Navy's top enlisted school (I forget the name) and then he'll come back and work in our brigade S-3 shop. So even though he won't be at our level he'll still be around.
38 - 3 GO NAVY Sorry Ryan but your boys took a whupping:D
No worries, I may wear Army green but my alma mater will always be the boys in blue and they're going to a bowl game.
GS Diva
12-03-07, 10:05 AM
Janine,
I just sent a "you can do it" card to Michele this morning and will keep them coming regularly. I will not dwell on her negative comments at all...just positive things. That's what she needs. Let us know how she's doing.
Elaine
Janine,
I just sent a "you can do it" card to Michele this morning and will keep them coming regularly. I will not dwell on her negative comments at all...just positive things. That's what she needs. Let us know how she's doing.
Elaine
Elaine and Alan, :BOWthank you.
We have a great family here on the CAC, a few others asked to write to Michele also, all those words of encouragement will... help pull her through her challenging times.
I am still hoping a phone call will come my way tonight from, Michele.
No letters came in today.
As soon as I hear some news...I will be glad share with all.
Michele did say she would only write to me, to busy and no time really.
So, if you don't get a response back, I'm sure you'll understand.
:pat
GS Diva
12-03-07, 08:22 PM
Elaine and Alan, :BOWthank you.
We have a great family here on the CAC, a few others asked to write to Michele also, all those words of encouragement will... help pull her through her challenging times.
I am still hoping a phone call will come my way tonight from, Michele.
No letters came in today.
As soon as I hear some news...I will be glad share with all.
Michele did say she would only write to me, to busy and no time really.
So, if you don't get a response back, I'm sure you'll understand.
:pat
Janine, you are very welcome. And I don't expect to hear from her at all. That's not the point of sending her notes. They're to keep her spirits up and get her through this rough time. You keep us updated, ok?! :)
Elaine
Good news!!!!!
Update! :upthumbs
Michele is doing so well in BCT (boot camp training) we are so proud of her.
At first her letters she wrote were not good very sad letters, but all has turned around with time adjusting to the Army way.
She is the fastest female runner only her and 12 other guys out of about 200 future soldiers, are in the Alpha catagory...Alpha being the fastest.
Michele has already had the pleasure of the gas chamber, as she says.." it was a breeze, did everything right and didn't puke either"plus ate right before and drink milk also. She said it has to be a myth about milk, because I had it in my cereal and drank a glass of milk and not a problem for me.
She loves her M16 riffle, but the weight of here gear 70 Pd's. on her back is really hurting her back.
Michele, comes home for Christmas exodus around the 20th midnight or early 21st as I just read in one of her letters this evening. That's good news.
Man... Mail is so slow getting to and from each other. I feel like the pony express would be faster.
I could go on and on but for right now, I'd just like to keep this huge smile on my face and think about my Girl. I love her so much!:pat
Her World is a little brighter now than it was in the begining and so is YOURS. We can all tell you how it will be OK but until it is, it isn't. Amazing isn't it?;)
Your right, Lou, it's just the start.
67HEAVEN
12-11-07, 09:31 PM
That's great news, Janine. Michele is doing great, like we knew she would. :upthumbs
MsSchroder
12-11-07, 09:44 PM
That's a relief to hear things are looking up. Fantastic that she's in the alpha category.
oceangal
12-11-07, 10:29 PM
You must be very proud to have such a fine and brave daughter!
bill81vette
12-12-07, 12:32 AM
were thinking of her all the time!!!
she'll get thru it!!!
She is the fastest female runner only her and 12 other guys out of about 200 future soldiers, are in the Alpha catagory...Alpha being the fastest.
Excellent! :upthumbs
-Mac
Janine,
:chuckle You can tell us... "She is the fastest female runner....... only her and 12 other guys out of about 200 future soldiers, are in the Alpha catagory...Alpha being the fastest." is there are only 12 guys fast enough to catch her ;) ... or are there only 12 guys good looking enough that she Might Let Them Catch Her ;)
Sounds Like Michele is doing GREAT. There is NOTHING like the Pride in self and country one learns going through this... I :pat and welcome her to a group she now walks among and will forever be a part of her :pat ....
Bud
GS Diva
12-12-07, 11:59 AM
Michele,
Super news about Michele!!! Will be sending her another card today. Great turnaround!
Elaine
Bioscache2
12-12-07, 11:28 PM
Awesome news, wait to you see her and spend time with her over break and then again after graduation. There will be a very distinct difference in her and she will probably be the first to tell you. It'll come from her well earned pride in her accomplishments. Keep us updated and wish her well.
update ...
Letter today talks about Pugial sticks.
Mom! Hey it's Pearl harbor Day! Today we did the Pugial sticks. Pugial sticks are those poles that we get to beat the s*it out of each other with. OMG I kicked ass!
I went on to the Finals for the Females in the platoon. You know how I scream in like Tae kwon Do tournaments, well thats how I screamed as I beat the **** out of the other Females. At the end all the people who where in the Finals got their picture taken for the company year book so I'll be in that! Anyway I ordered a year book and a DVD of all of us doing training and the gas chamber ect... so when I graduate I'll mail it to you or something. Anyway i just waited in line for 2 hours to confirm my plain tickets home, everything is set. You know when I bored or something I think about home a lot. Wow, holy crap I got a lot of your letters, I couldn't keep them all in proper order, but I read them all wow! Thank you for writing so much! Oh and I get a lot of mail from all the other family members to. Like just now I got 5 letters from you 2 from Aunt Christin 1 from Mike one weird one from Grandma and one from a few of your Corvette friends and one from Aunt Kathy! Wow so much mail and so little time! Mom, I hope my letters are detailed enough? So anyway I'm glad you're keeping everybody up to date. I'm doing just fine here after all! Ha Ha, the reason I freaked out in the beginning was because I missed the Family so much. ..But once I got use to the way things operate here it's actually a Breeze. Hell, I trained my self harder at home then what we do here. Mostly here you need a lot of patience and patience to withstand Being out on the cold all day with sore feet. I'm very popular here by the way! Everybody knows who Iam. ESPECIALLY after the show I put on today in Front of the whole platoon with the Pugial sticks kicking ass. The girls were AFRAID to fight me, Just because of the way I yelled when I attacked. Russ was right in Tae kwon Do when he said, "Screaming is a scare Tactic"! It was so ******g awesome. It was quite possibly the coolest thing ever. Yeah, I'm well known here! LOL. Oh and the Drill Sergent's like me so I have NO problem with them at all. Like I said, my enemy is the COLD, but obviously I'm still here, Right? Ha ha, oh in case your wondering. Living with a Bunch of girls is, well, exact ally what it is. LIVING WITH A BUNCH OF GIRLS A lot of Drama goes around But I stay out of it. Everybody knows Me and they know I'm neutral and stay out of everybody's business, so nobody bothers me. All the guys like me to and think I'm Awesome so that's cool to. So all in all, I'm Fine! Oh just a few more days and we will be out of Red phase and be in White phase. Well, I'm past the worst weeks of Boot Camp, and I have to say it is Not that bad! Oh and I'm used to eating quick now. I can eat my food really fast and we always eat 3 meals a day. Wow, I have this Box that I put all of everybody's letters in. Its getting Filled! LOL! Thank you for informing me on the all the small details of home. Like little details, it's cool. Wow, it's going to be CREEPY going back into the Civilian world! Like one day they took us to the Big PX ( Like Walmart) and it felt like I walked into another planet! Seeing Civilians was like "OMG holy Sh*t REGULAR people!" It was creepy! and seeing all the civilian cars was crazy to! OK, I am so used to seeing HUMVEE and Military vehicles that seeing one civilian car looks out of place? I saw the kind of MP Humvee I'll learn to Drive in Iraq! It's frickin awesome looking. When I get home remind me to look it up online for you. Ha ha That retarded Boris pic you sent me! I swear I invented the Strangest people on earth with the strangest names! Well, I'm going to bed! ( it's 8:30 pm now) I love you and can't wait to see you and Matt and Grandma!
P.S. I will have so much more to tell you when I get home!
Writing just doesn't do justice!
Oh and Pearl Harbor Day!
I hope the rest of Michele's training goes as well as these first few weeks.
This letter sounds so much better, Janine. I see the letters, letters and more letters strategy seems to have helped. And I noticed she thanked you for filling her in on little "normal" stuff going on at home.
Congrats - her focus has shifted away from missing you and being homesick (although those things are definitely still true!) and she's now concentrating on her training, her capabilities, the respect she's earning from others and the strength she's found within herself.
Congrats, mom - she's doing great!
:wJane Ann
GS Diva
12-14-07, 07:17 AM
What a great turnaround Michele has made...from the frightened little girl to the confident young woman...just as we had all hoped! :) Keep us all informed, Janine.
Elaine
What a great turnaround Michele has made...from the frightened little girl to the confident young woman...just as we had all hoped! :) Keep us all informed, Janine.
Elaine
I sure will, Elaine.:w
MsSchroder
12-14-07, 08:48 PM
wow, now that is a positive letter! I'm so glad to see things are going OK now. It must be a huge relief for you, Janine.
wow, now that is a positive letter! I'm so glad to see things are going OK now. It must be a huge relief for you, Janine.
Yes, Tammy. It is...things are looking better.
Now, If my Mother will stay well enough so I get back to work, that would be a blessing.
Glad everything is working out! You did well, Janine... and the other folks who wrote to Michele. :upthumbs
-Mac
Michele graduated in mid April from basic training and AIT as an M.P at Ft. Leonard wood, Mo. She did very well at FLW, the main thing she did not like was the weather. We flew back home together the next day after graduation, because she was going to do two wks of hometown recruiting, before she had to fly today to Ft. Polk, LA. for her JRTC. If was hard to say our good byes as my daughter boarded the airplane. I am blessed that we had these couples of weeks together. Once again I love her dearly and am so proud of her.
Janine
bill81vette
05-04-08, 11:18 PM
Glad to hear she did well...Have been thinking of both of you!!!!:upthumbs:upthumbs
If was hard to say our good byes as my daughter boarded the airplane.
It never gets any easier, Janine. My parents came to visit in April. Although I've been married with kids and my own home for over 20 years, we all still get misty-eyed when we part. It just means you love each other.
-Mac
SPANISHVETTS
05-05-08, 06:47 AM
Hi Janine,
It sounds like Michele has successfully transitioned into Womanhood. MP school is one of the tougher MOS schools with a lot more Physiological pressures than say Infantry or Signal Corps.
I am happy for both of you. :)
And Mac is right... it never gets easier. My son is going on 20 years married with 3 natural an two adopted children. My eyes tear up when I see their number pop up on the telephone.
Bioscache2
06-16-08, 02:12 PM
That's great to hear about Michele and I'm glad the telling her about life at home worked. I know thats all I want to hear about here. Tell her congrats for me.
MP school is one of the tougher MOS schools with a lot more Physiological pressures than say Infantry or Signal Corps.
I just saw this but what are you trying to start a fight here? lol, lumping us ground pounders in with signal? :nono
Not to take anything away from signal, or MP's, but the Infantry pipeline is nothing to sneeze at and there's no better physiological test like losing your mind when you get 2-3 hours of sleep and half the food your used to for weeks on end.
SPANISHVETTS
06-16-08, 06:40 PM
That's great to hear about Michele and I'm glad the telling her about life at home worked. I know thats all I want to hear about here. Tell her congrats for me.
I just saw this but what are you trying to start a fight here? lol, lumping us ground pounders in with signal? :nono
Not to take anything away from signal, or MP's, but the Infantry pipeline is nothing to sneeze at and there's no better physiological test like losing your mind when you get 2-3 hours of sleep and half the food your used to for weeks on end.
Hi Ryan,
:BOWNo insult intended. All MOS's have their good and bad points. I wasn't referring to the physical fatigue or being forced to make a life or death decision when all you can think about is how to feed your troops... much less yourself.
The MPs are subjected to a lot of Physic testing that the rest of us are not subjected to. After all, even more so than a civilian cop, MPs can not slap the shit out of a stupid SOB, doing so would cause the MP a ton of grief.
Remember all of us Marines are Combat Infantry first and then may be allowed to suffer a second MOS.:(
How's life in the jungle... Ops wrong Op.
Take care and stay safe
rascal_rascal_99
06-16-08, 09:42 PM
Congrats on a daughter that's picked a very respectable road to travel in life, it'll be something that she'll always be able to be proud of.:)
MP school is one of the tougher MOS schools with a lot more Physiological pressures than say Infantry or Signal Corps.
I'm not going to debate this in this thread as it should be one to honor the accomplishments of Michele...but to make a comment like that, you don't know what 15 weeks at Ft Benning is like...not what it was like in '89 anyways.;)
Bioscache2
06-17-08, 02:49 PM
Hi Ryan,
:BOWNo insult intended. All MOS's have their good and bad points. I wasn't referring to the physical fatigue or being forced to make a life or death decision when all you can think about is how to feed your troops... much less yourself.
The MPs are subjected to a lot of Physic testing that the rest of us are not subjected to. After all, even more so than a civilian cop, MPs can not slap the shit out of a stupid SOB, doing so would cause the MP a ton of grief.
Remember all of us Marines are Combat Infantry first and then may be allowed to suffer a second MOS.:(
How's life in the jungle... Ops wrong Op.
Take care and stay safe
No worries, no insult taken, but I had to defend my branch all the same.
As for here its mountains, all mountains and its...........never a dull moment. I'll leave the details in my thread rather then hijack this one away.
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