Training Week 7

This week is another important training week for Josh. It's what they consider "Rifle Week" as this is when he has to qualify for his rifle training. Isn't that a clever name? lol They have 3 levels that they can qualify as Marksman, the minimum that he can qualify at, Sharpshooter, which is of course better and Expert which is the highest level that they can qualify at. If he does not qualify at any of these levels, they will "recycle" him back into another platoon, so lets hope he does well. It's very monotonous and tedious so any extra prayers will be appreciated. I'll keep you posted.

Weekly Update

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As always, it's been another busy week here in Kalos World. Friday night I went over Wendys and she and Mom (thanks girls)helped me put together the banner for the Moto Run at Josh's graduation. It's not fully constructed yet, but check out the picture and let me know. I'm getting excited for graduation and still have 5 weeks to go.

Buck and I went to the Patriotic Festival down at the beach. Lots of great music and foods, vendors and such. I had given him tickets to see David Cook, last years American Idol, as he was headlining. Felicia Barton our local American Idol and Matt Nathanson played before him. They were both actually pretty good. Matt Nathanson was quite the entertainer, very personable with the audience and seemed very appreciative. I'll have to buy his CD. They honored our Veteran's and active military personal, so you know it was even more special for me. I took this great picture after darkness had fallen. I don't think any explanations are needed.

Happy Memorial Day

Thank you to all those brave men and women who have made our country such a wonderful place. Mere thanks is not enough.

Family Challenge

With tomorrow being Memorial Day, this year it brings even more significance than usual. While I've always appreciated everything our brave men and women do for our country, with Josh going through the process, it makes me even more appreciative. So here's a challenge to my family and friends (if you'd like to participate). On July 1st Josh will be starting the hardest thing he has ever done in his life, the dreaded "Crucible". This is a rite of passage in the USMC and the final test before he becomes a Marine (on July the 4th, ironically). I will be taking part in the leaving the light on tradition and challenge anyone who reads this to do the same.

Tradition has been in the past that a light be left on in your home for the entire 54 hour Crucible event, porch light, Recruits bedroom light, a candle in the window(battery). This is a symbol of guidance, to show them the way. Also, put your flags up, wear something patriotic and let's all keep a positive attitude & keep our faith in our Recruits & ourselves as we encourage, support & love them from a distance.
I really like this idea and I will definitely do this for the 54 hours of the crucible. I think that this activity is going to help me keep peace of mind because I will know that even though I can't be there with my Recruit to help him through the obstacles I can still be here at home giving him the support he needs. I highly encourage you all to participate....lets see how far we can take this

Thanks to everyone for your continued, support, prayers and love.

Josh's progress

Haven't been blogging much lately, as you can see, i've been pretty preoccupied. Here's a description of what he'll be doing this upcoming week. As you can see, they keep them busy. Not sure that I could do it, well, maybe 20 years ago lol Thanks for the continued support and prayers!

This schedule is of course subject to change based on weather, holidays and the needs of the company.

TD24 Monday
We are at the beginning of Week 5 -- and you guys thought you wouldn't even make it this far....
Today is a big day!!!
They will start off the day will Initial Testing -- a multiple guess test on all the classes they have had so far in training.
The recruits will also get to test out the rappell tower Then it is on to the gas chamber!!

They will get a class on the gas chamber and the gas mask and how to properly wear it and use it. Then they all line up outside the gas chamber with their masks properly strapped to their waist in the pouch. Just before entering the gas chamber they will put it on and make sure they have a good seal around their face. Then they will file in to the gas chamber and watch as the NBC tech breaks open some tablets of CS gas (tear gas) on the little burner. Once the fizziling has stopped then they all have to take a deep breath and hold it and close their eyes and lift their masks up to their foreheads so that all the DIs and Series Commanders can see everyones eyes (closed still) sometimes this can take a little bit if one of the recruits has a problem. Once they see everyones eyes they allow them to "Don and Clear their masks" (put them back on and clear the gas out by making a good seal again). They then turn and grasp the shoulder of the person in front of them and play follow the leader to the outside of the chamber. Once outside they can take off their masks and air out a little. But meanwhile the CS has really opened their sinuses and they definitely are not a pretty sight as they come out of the chamber with tears and runny noses that are involuntary.
Of course they will all try to squeeze in some practice drill some more for TOMORROW!!!!

TD25 Tuesday
START OF PHASE II
TODAY
IS
INITIAL DRILL!!!!!!!!!

Lead Series will have their weapons triple checked for any possible problems before they go to the range next week and get hair cuts. Then both series will have a class on their travel arrangements (so they can start thinking about it ahead of time) and a class on grooming standards in the Marine Corps.

TD26 Wednesday
Lead Series will have a 3.0mi run and then get to take a trip to the exchange to pick up anything they might need while at the rifle range. And of course they will be taking pictures...however, they don't get to show off those pearly whites that I am sure that more than one of you have invested many $$$$ in, but it will still be a awesome picture that you won't trade in for the world. The don't get to smile because as I always told my mom "Marines are not supposed to smile they are supposed to be serious." She never liked it when I said that....

TD27 Thursday
Today is essentially a flip flop of yesterday.....Follow Series will get to do that 3.0 mile run and get to visit the recruit exchange and taking pictures...you know, that awesome picture that you won't trade in for the world. AND Lead Series will be geting their second clothing fitting (the khaki/green service uniforms that Marines wear.)

TD28
ONLY 7 MORE FRIDAYS UNTIL GRADUATION!!

Shots again!
Then they will have a class on Thrift Savings Plan (the USMC 401k) and how the MOS structure works, and Follow Series will have their weapons triple checked for any possible problems before they go to the range next week.

TD29 Saturday
Today the recruits will be having a nice little walk for about 6.0 miles calling cadence and carrying packs on their backs... At the end of their little hike they will be at their new homes at the rifle range for the next couple of weeks. yes, they will still be getting their mail on regular mail days. After, they get to the range, they will get a few classes on their weapons and then practice that AWESOME drill.

Happy Birthday Marisa

Today is my beautiful Marisa's birthday. I still can't believe she is a teenager, seemed like just yesterday she was my little girl. Snuggling with her, reading, playing. She is an amazing young lady, so funny, loyal, smart. What a wonderful Mothers day gift she is. Hope you have a wonderful birthday baby, you'll always be my little girl. I love you!

Happy Mothers Day

What do you say on this day? I personally don't feel like 1 day a year is enough to describe the love I have for this woman. She's my biggest cheerleader, staunchest supporter, loyal friend, best shopping buddy, business partner (ha ha), harshest critic, and God knows my life would be so empty without her. Today, if not everyday Mom, I want you to know how much I love you and thanks for hanging out on Christmas Day with me all those years ago.