So I'm really sorry I've fallen behind posting his letters... I've got a good 7-9 letters that haven't been posted... in all my excitement of Bailey graduating this week (Aka Friday!) I've been working on a plethora of things that had to get done before I leave tomorrow (Read: Presents for him, a scrapbook of all the letters he's sent me, finally finishing the photo album of the Disney World vacation, finishing the decorations for the apartment, getting my 6 hours of online classwork done BEFORE I leave, and of course: packing!)
But for a quick summary of how he is: He's doing great, he passed all his tests and exams and is good to go, he's lost 26 pounds since being there, but he's ready to taste Root Beer again and live in a world where 6 hours does not classify as "a good night's sleep."
I leave tomorrow, and I'll be back late Sunday night. Wish me luck!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Letter #29 (August 19, 2010, 2105 hrs)
I apologize for not writing you last night. We had inspections this morning, and spent the whole evening straightening up, and once "lights out" hit, they started night raids, so we had to be in bed and asleep right away. I wanted to write you so bad!
I'm just going to start off by telling you about yesterday. Yesterday was MCATS (gun range) and I really wanted to get "Marksman," which is 43 shots out of 50 hit. I was quite nervous, since I hadn't shot in years, but I was still quite confident in my ability.
So we had some classes yadda yadda yadda and we go to the range to take some practice shots to zero the rifle in, and even though my sights were slightly to the right, the guy over my group was quite impressed with my shots. Then we had to take shots with our gas masks on, which throws most everyone off, except for me.
So, long story short, I got marksman, and will get 3 badges as opposed to the usual 2.
After that, we just came back to work on our personal living area for 5 hours, and fell asleep around 2115-2130, and was promptly woken up at 0200 to go to Kitchen Patrol duty, and continued to work for17 hours straight. We were running back and forth, refilling plates, cups, silverware and trays after having just gotten them and cleaned them. It was a rather exciting day. We beat a squadron record for fastest time cleaning chow hall.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the highest-ranking officer in the air force, was supposed to come visit us, bu called it off last minute, and it was just a crazy day in general. My body is wrecked, I want to sleep for 18 hours straight. But we have P.T. tomorrow morning :(.
Apparently, one of our brothers had to go to CBRNE today with a different squadron, and they were all talking about our flight. Apparently we're the top flight in BMT right now!
It's really exciting, but it's still really hard down here. I miss you a bunch, and I daydream about you all the time. I talked to my wingmen all night about you, and it just made me look forward to seeing you even more. I got two those two pictures from your mom of us, and they made me so happy! I always pull out a picture of you to look at you whenever I'm at my security drawer, and I think one of the ones she sent me is a new favorite!
I just remembered! By the time you get this letter, you will be in your new apartment, and I will be at BEAST. So this will be one of my last letters to you for quite some time. I will write to you every chance I get, and will mail them the second I can. I need some sleep now, I'm sorry this letter is so short, I will make it up to you! Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
I'm just going to start off by telling you about yesterday. Yesterday was MCATS (gun range) and I really wanted to get "Marksman," which is 43 shots out of 50 hit. I was quite nervous, since I hadn't shot in years, but I was still quite confident in my ability.
So we had some classes yadda yadda yadda and we go to the range to take some practice shots to zero the rifle in, and even though my sights were slightly to the right, the guy over my group was quite impressed with my shots. Then we had to take shots with our gas masks on, which throws most everyone off, except for me.
So, long story short, I got marksman, and will get 3 badges as opposed to the usual 2.
After that, we just came back to work on our personal living area for 5 hours, and fell asleep around 2115-2130, and was promptly woken up at 0200 to go to Kitchen Patrol duty, and continued to work for17 hours straight. We were running back and forth, refilling plates, cups, silverware and trays after having just gotten them and cleaned them. It was a rather exciting day. We beat a squadron record for fastest time cleaning chow hall.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the highest-ranking officer in the air force, was supposed to come visit us, bu called it off last minute, and it was just a crazy day in general. My body is wrecked, I want to sleep for 18 hours straight. But we have P.T. tomorrow morning :(.
Apparently, one of our brothers had to go to CBRNE today with a different squadron, and they were all talking about our flight. Apparently we're the top flight in BMT right now!
It's really exciting, but it's still really hard down here. I miss you a bunch, and I daydream about you all the time. I talked to my wingmen all night about you, and it just made me look forward to seeing you even more. I got two those two pictures from your mom of us, and they made me so happy! I always pull out a picture of you to look at you whenever I'm at my security drawer, and I think one of the ones she sent me is a new favorite!
I just remembered! By the time you get this letter, you will be in your new apartment, and I will be at BEAST. So this will be one of my last letters to you for quite some time. I will write to you every chance I get, and will mail them the second I can. I need some sleep now, I'm sorry this letter is so short, I will make it up to you! Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Letter #28 (August 17, 2010, 2105 hrs)
Lauren,
So, I'm just going to come right out and say it, I did not get a letter from you today, and I don't think I've ever been so miserable. But, I'm pretty sure it wasn't because you didn't write one. Our mail haul for the day was less than half of what it normally is, so I'm thinking that they didn't finish sorting our mail in time (When we talked on the phone, he said this was the case... the next day they got twice the amount they usually get, and my letters were in that batch) and even if it's just that you weren't able to get anything out in the mail to get here today, I'm aware that with your fall classes and work, you're incredibly busy, and I shouldn't think that you're just lying around with hours of free time, doing nothing. I was just bummed because I'vd gotten used to "Talking" to you every day, and it felt like we just didn't communicate at all today.
But please, don't see this as me pressuring you ot trying to make you feel obligated to write more. You're a big girl with a big girl job, and I know you're not always going to have time to write.
One a side note, do you remember that day that I found out my dates for Basic? You were at the Corporate Challenge with your company, and I drive up there, picked you up, where we went to Sonic, then to Cao Nguyen, then back to the parking lot at the trask meet to just relax and enjoy the Air conditioning (it was so hot outside!!). I absolutely loved that day, and somehow, from that day onwards, every moment with you just got even better. I guess it was because we both knew that the clock was ticking, and it was now only a matter of weeks before I began my Basic training.
I wish I could go back to that day, and relive all the fun things we did/movies we saw/parks we visited/restaurants we had dates at/surprise parties you threw for me, up to the point where I had to leave for Basic. I would start Basic training all over just to relive all the fun we crammed into those few weeks between me learning when I left, and when I left for basic. I just miss you so much!
Alright, I'll quit being sappy (again), and talk about today a bit. Today was CPR day, guess what we learned! They had great old school videos to walk you through, and it was 80s synth rock. Heck yes! We also learned how to set up our Temper (Temporary-something) tents, to prep for Beast week, and it really wasn't all that bad. We also took our individual and flight photos. I'm kind of bummed about our flight photo: we had to wear our dumb old BCGs, with our ABGs.
BUT! Out individual photos we got to take with or without our nice glasses (I went without, surprise surprise). It was rather entertaining, we got to wear our flight cap, dress jacket, blue shirt, tie, and nametag and U.S. pens, we we kept on our ABG pants (since they wouldn't show in the picture) and combat boots. Most of us had a hard time keeping a straight face. I can't wait to see how those turned out thought, I may have to buy a few of them.
So, tomorrow is a pretty big day. We have our CATM (M16 day) and I really want to make marksman, but it's been a while since I've shot, so we'll see.
So Monday is BEAST, so by the time you're getting this we may already be gone. I just want you to know that I love you, and I won't get bit by a black widow. I do apologize though, because I won't be able to write you while I'm out at Beast... we can get letters, but we won't be near a mailbox to send any. So if you don't hear from me for a few days, don't worry, nothing's happened to me. We're just stuck outside in the wonderful Texas weather for a few days straight.
But I do need to get some sleep now. Goodnight Lauren Jennings!
Bailey
So, I'm just going to come right out and say it, I did not get a letter from you today, and I don't think I've ever been so miserable. But, I'm pretty sure it wasn't because you didn't write one. Our mail haul for the day was less than half of what it normally is, so I'm thinking that they didn't finish sorting our mail in time (When we talked on the phone, he said this was the case... the next day they got twice the amount they usually get, and my letters were in that batch) and even if it's just that you weren't able to get anything out in the mail to get here today, I'm aware that with your fall classes and work, you're incredibly busy, and I shouldn't think that you're just lying around with hours of free time, doing nothing. I was just bummed because I'vd gotten used to "Talking" to you every day, and it felt like we just didn't communicate at all today.
But please, don't see this as me pressuring you ot trying to make you feel obligated to write more. You're a big girl with a big girl job, and I know you're not always going to have time to write.
One a side note, do you remember that day that I found out my dates for Basic? You were at the Corporate Challenge with your company, and I drive up there, picked you up, where we went to Sonic, then to Cao Nguyen, then back to the parking lot at the trask meet to just relax and enjoy the Air conditioning (it was so hot outside!!). I absolutely loved that day, and somehow, from that day onwards, every moment with you just got even better. I guess it was because we both knew that the clock was ticking, and it was now only a matter of weeks before I began my Basic training.
I wish I could go back to that day, and relive all the fun things we did/movies we saw/parks we visited/restaurants we had dates at/surprise parties you threw for me, up to the point where I had to leave for Basic. I would start Basic training all over just to relive all the fun we crammed into those few weeks between me learning when I left, and when I left for basic. I just miss you so much!
Alright, I'll quit being sappy (again), and talk about today a bit. Today was CPR day, guess what we learned! They had great old school videos to walk you through, and it was 80s synth rock. Heck yes! We also learned how to set up our Temper (Temporary-something) tents, to prep for Beast week, and it really wasn't all that bad. We also took our individual and flight photos. I'm kind of bummed about our flight photo: we had to wear our dumb old BCGs, with our ABGs.
BUT! Out individual photos we got to take with or without our nice glasses (I went without, surprise surprise). It was rather entertaining, we got to wear our flight cap, dress jacket, blue shirt, tie, and nametag and U.S. pens, we we kept on our ABG pants (since they wouldn't show in the picture) and combat boots. Most of us had a hard time keeping a straight face. I can't wait to see how those turned out thought, I may have to buy a few of them.
So, tomorrow is a pretty big day. We have our CATM (M16 day) and I really want to make marksman, but it's been a while since I've shot, so we'll see.
So Monday is BEAST, so by the time you're getting this we may already be gone. I just want you to know that I love you, and I won't get bit by a black widow. I do apologize though, because I won't be able to write you while I'm out at Beast... we can get letters, but we won't be near a mailbox to send any. So if you don't hear from me for a few days, don't worry, nothing's happened to me. We're just stuck outside in the wonderful Texas weather for a few days straight.
But I do need to get some sleep now. Goodnight Lauren Jennings!
Bailey
Letter #27 (August 16, 2010, 2120 hrs)
Lauren
Well, it's been another one of those nights/days. Way too long, and all I want to do is sleep.
P.T. went really well this morning, my sit-ups are finally coming back to me. Let's hope the push-ups follow! The reason my numbers have been so low isn't because of weakness, it's soreness, and a lack of fuel to burn. When it's been over 12 hours since we've eaten, and we have to do that much physical exercise, our bodies are quite weak. So that's my excuse for the evening!
Today really wasn't bad. 6 hours of classes with a good instructor, so I really can't complain. Pretty much once this week is over, we're there. Beast next week, 7th week is final evals for everything, and prepping for graduation, and 8th week is... well... GRADUATION!
We're so close! 3 weeks, 3 days. Just have to hold on.
So, I was thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you're absolutely right. I decided I want to pass on getting a laptop, because I have a lot of more important things that I want to save up for first! I have more things to talk to you about, but I have E.C. duty in about an hour, so it's time for a cat nap, then hopefully more writing then, but if not, then I love you, and goodnight!
Bailey
(Later, at 2255 hrs)
Alright, so I've got some time, Hello!
This letter is coming to you from the main hallway. I can't tell you just how much I hate E.C. shifts. 2 hours in the middle of the night when I need to be working on my area for an inspection. By the way, the reason my handwriting is super bad right now is that I'm standing and writing.
I should not be writing at all, but I don't care! I just want to write to you.
So, it's quite entertaining, the dorms hang over the ground pads, which are asphalt, and apparently, the asphalt feels extra-comfy. For the past few days, when we're down there, squirrels will come up on the asphalt and sprawl out on their stomachs and sleep. It is quite entertaining.
This place has sadly become all too familiar to me. It feels like home now, and I don't want to associate this place with home/comfort. I want to go home, I want to be at my house, I want to sleep in my bed, I want to eat my food, and most of all, I was want to be with you, to spend countless hours just hanging out around Norman with you, where entire weekends fly by in a matter of minutes because I'm having so much fun with you. But I know that staying here is what will make me stronger in the big picture, so I will tough out these last few weeks, just for you!T
here's so much that I want with my future. I want to have a fulfilling future, where I have a strong marriage and a strong family. For a random dream I have: I can't wait for the first Thanksgiving after I've been married, where both the families will be there, and it will be one giant, breathtaking moment of true unity and fellowship with everybody (I know all of this is very deep, but it's the middle of the night, this is the kinda conversations you end up with!) I don't want to be one of the all too-common couples today where people look at them and all they see is a disillusioned couples with short-term plans and money problems. Couples that, if they're lucky, MIGHT make it another 5 years. I want them to see my relationship/marriage and see that I've fought and struggled and sacrificed to make it the best it can possibly be, and I want to be able to be a lifelong example so show that happily married couples can, and do still exist, and for me to be an encouragement to others to try harder in their own relationships if they feel them starting to fail/not be what they could potentially be.
Lol, I'm sorry that I went on that rather weird rant. I just wanted you to know that I am truly wanting a promising future, and I have no desire to be a lifelong playboy or somebody that just dates whoever puts up with them. I plan on always keeping my standards high, which I hope that's what you want/do as well! You really have been the one girl that I feel like I've dreamed and prayed about for so many years, just having found you is nothing short of amazing.
Allright, enough of all that mush. Does any of this mushy goop bother you? If it does, I can cut it out, I just want you to know that the Bailey you started dating is still alive and datable... I'm not some empty jarhead that only knows how to follow orders or anything now.
So, tomorrow, we have to wake up at 0415 to get ready to eat breakfast and catch our bus. My E.C. shift ends at 0030, and I've not slept yet :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, but at least it's just CPR.
So, I think some time in either late December or January, I want to go back to IKEA. I want to find some cool furnishings for my apartment, and I'm sure you'd find some more stuff for your place as well. I'm also going to look into taking a few extra classes at OCCC (just for kicks) when I get back. Hopefully they'll have some classes open. Did you know that I actually earn college credit at Basic/Tech school? I get 16 hours from Basic, and I don't know how many from tech school.
The Air Force also has a really cool test-taking program. You go in, pick a college class, then they give you a study guide to well, study, then you take the 100 multiple choice question test, and if you pass, you get credit for that class. Is that not amazing??!
So, before I go, I figured out the reason my letter take a bit longer to mail out than yours do. Take this letter for example. Although I'm writing it on Monday, I can't place it in the mail box until after dinner on Tuesday (the next day, between 1630-1800), and mail doesn't get picked up until 1430, so it has to sit in the mailbox until Wednesday.
So there you go. Well, my shift is nearly over, and I want to write Dad real quick. Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Well, it's been another one of those nights/days. Way too long, and all I want to do is sleep.
P.T. went really well this morning, my sit-ups are finally coming back to me. Let's hope the push-ups follow! The reason my numbers have been so low isn't because of weakness, it's soreness, and a lack of fuel to burn. When it's been over 12 hours since we've eaten, and we have to do that much physical exercise, our bodies are quite weak. So that's my excuse for the evening!
Today really wasn't bad. 6 hours of classes with a good instructor, so I really can't complain. Pretty much once this week is over, we're there. Beast next week, 7th week is final evals for everything, and prepping for graduation, and 8th week is... well... GRADUATION!
We're so close! 3 weeks, 3 days. Just have to hold on.
So, I was thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you're absolutely right. I decided I want to pass on getting a laptop, because I have a lot of more important things that I want to save up for first! I have more things to talk to you about, but I have E.C. duty in about an hour, so it's time for a cat nap, then hopefully more writing then, but if not, then I love you, and goodnight!
Bailey
(Later, at 2255 hrs)
Alright, so I've got some time, Hello!
This letter is coming to you from the main hallway. I can't tell you just how much I hate E.C. shifts. 2 hours in the middle of the night when I need to be working on my area for an inspection. By the way, the reason my handwriting is super bad right now is that I'm standing and writing.
I should not be writing at all, but I don't care! I just want to write to you.
So, it's quite entertaining, the dorms hang over the ground pads, which are asphalt, and apparently, the asphalt feels extra-comfy. For the past few days, when we're down there, squirrels will come up on the asphalt and sprawl out on their stomachs and sleep. It is quite entertaining.
This place has sadly become all too familiar to me. It feels like home now, and I don't want to associate this place with home/comfort. I want to go home, I want to be at my house, I want to sleep in my bed, I want to eat my food, and most of all, I was want to be with you, to spend countless hours just hanging out around Norman with you, where entire weekends fly by in a matter of minutes because I'm having so much fun with you. But I know that staying here is what will make me stronger in the big picture, so I will tough out these last few weeks, just for you!T
here's so much that I want with my future. I want to have a fulfilling future, where I have a strong marriage and a strong family. For a random dream I have: I can't wait for the first Thanksgiving after I've been married, where both the families will be there, and it will be one giant, breathtaking moment of true unity and fellowship with everybody (I know all of this is very deep, but it's the middle of the night, this is the kinda conversations you end up with!) I don't want to be one of the all too-common couples today where people look at them and all they see is a disillusioned couples with short-term plans and money problems. Couples that, if they're lucky, MIGHT make it another 5 years. I want them to see my relationship/marriage and see that I've fought and struggled and sacrificed to make it the best it can possibly be, and I want to be able to be a lifelong example so show that happily married couples can, and do still exist, and for me to be an encouragement to others to try harder in their own relationships if they feel them starting to fail/not be what they could potentially be.
Lol, I'm sorry that I went on that rather weird rant. I just wanted you to know that I am truly wanting a promising future, and I have no desire to be a lifelong playboy or somebody that just dates whoever puts up with them. I plan on always keeping my standards high, which I hope that's what you want/do as well! You really have been the one girl that I feel like I've dreamed and prayed about for so many years, just having found you is nothing short of amazing.
Allright, enough of all that mush. Does any of this mushy goop bother you? If it does, I can cut it out, I just want you to know that the Bailey you started dating is still alive and datable... I'm not some empty jarhead that only knows how to follow orders or anything now.
So, tomorrow, we have to wake up at 0415 to get ready to eat breakfast and catch our bus. My E.C. shift ends at 0030, and I've not slept yet :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, but at least it's just CPR.
So, I think some time in either late December or January, I want to go back to IKEA. I want to find some cool furnishings for my apartment, and I'm sure you'd find some more stuff for your place as well. I'm also going to look into taking a few extra classes at OCCC (just for kicks) when I get back. Hopefully they'll have some classes open. Did you know that I actually earn college credit at Basic/Tech school? I get 16 hours from Basic, and I don't know how many from tech school.
The Air Force also has a really cool test-taking program. You go in, pick a college class, then they give you a study guide to well, study, then you take the 100 multiple choice question test, and if you pass, you get credit for that class. Is that not amazing??!
So, before I go, I figured out the reason my letter take a bit longer to mail out than yours do. Take this letter for example. Although I'm writing it on Monday, I can't place it in the mail box until after dinner on Tuesday (the next day, between 1630-1800), and mail doesn't get picked up until 1430, so it has to sit in the mailbox until Wednesday.
So there you go. Well, my shift is nearly over, and I want to write Dad real quick. Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Letter #26 (August 15, 2010 2120 hrs)
Lauren,
Can I just say how amazing it was to hear your voice?? I miss you so muchm, it is just unbearable!
So, pretty good day today, the phone call just topped it all off. However, Sochia's phone call might have been better than mine. He has been married for two years, and has two kids, but his wife is a native to Mexico, and her studetn visa was taken away right after they got married, so they've been living in Juarez, Mexico for quite some time (it has the highest murder rate in the world). She applied for a green card just before he left, but they usually take about 1 1/2 years to approve.
Well, just this week, Sochia talked to our First sergeant and JAG, and when he called his wife tonight, she told him her green card got approved, and she can/will come over tomorrow! She will even be able to make his graduation! Needless to say, he was quite excited, and I am extremely happy for him as well.
So other than that amazing phone call today, the rest of the day was just Meh. We had a locker check to prepare us for our evaluations on Tuesday, and I didn't do so well, mainly on just a bunch of small things, things which I shouldn't have messed up on. Needless to say, I'll have to go over it with a fine-tooth comb tomorrow.
Also, I discovered today just how perverted the guys in my dorm can be. One bay was having a discussion about porn, while my area talked about sex positions. I just blocked all of it out, and became intently focused on clipping strings. But that's what I mean about how a lot of the guys here are still boys, having a lot more growing up to do before anybody except themselves would consider them men.
I apologize that this letter will skip around, I've just got a lot on my mind. Missing church today was quite awful. That is the one time that I feel most at peace. I think it's mostly because it remind me of you and Westside back home. You really were a huge inspiration why I don't mind waking up early on a Sunday to go to church. As a teenager, I jsut saw it as something that caused me to be awake early on a Sunday. But just going with you truly helped me learn to connect on a much deeper lever, rather than just going for the sake of showing face. And going to a good church, such as Westside, has really helped as well. But missing church today made me feel as if I had skipped out on a date with you, and that was just heart-wrenching.
I can't wait to come back and be able to go back to Westside with you again. I also want to go to the zoo again, and go to Six Flags soon. I just want to be with you. I also will enjoy being able to take nice long afternoon naps once all this basic training is done!
You mean the world to me Lauren, please don't ever think otherwise. But I should het some sleep now. Bye!
Bailey
P.S. Enclosed is my "Easy Pay" card. It was one of the first things they gave us. It's how I paid for my haircuts, running shoes, and necessities. I figured you might enjoy it as a little souvenir!
Can I just say how amazing it was to hear your voice?? I miss you so muchm, it is just unbearable!
So, pretty good day today, the phone call just topped it all off. However, Sochia's phone call might have been better than mine. He has been married for two years, and has two kids, but his wife is a native to Mexico, and her studetn visa was taken away right after they got married, so they've been living in Juarez, Mexico for quite some time (it has the highest murder rate in the world). She applied for a green card just before he left, but they usually take about 1 1/2 years to approve.
Well, just this week, Sochia talked to our First sergeant and JAG, and when he called his wife tonight, she told him her green card got approved, and she can/will come over tomorrow! She will even be able to make his graduation! Needless to say, he was quite excited, and I am extremely happy for him as well.
So other than that amazing phone call today, the rest of the day was just Meh. We had a locker check to prepare us for our evaluations on Tuesday, and I didn't do so well, mainly on just a bunch of small things, things which I shouldn't have messed up on. Needless to say, I'll have to go over it with a fine-tooth comb tomorrow.
Also, I discovered today just how perverted the guys in my dorm can be. One bay was having a discussion about porn, while my area talked about sex positions. I just blocked all of it out, and became intently focused on clipping strings. But that's what I mean about how a lot of the guys here are still boys, having a lot more growing up to do before anybody except themselves would consider them men.
I apologize that this letter will skip around, I've just got a lot on my mind. Missing church today was quite awful. That is the one time that I feel most at peace. I think it's mostly because it remind me of you and Westside back home. You really were a huge inspiration why I don't mind waking up early on a Sunday to go to church. As a teenager, I jsut saw it as something that caused me to be awake early on a Sunday. But just going with you truly helped me learn to connect on a much deeper lever, rather than just going for the sake of showing face. And going to a good church, such as Westside, has really helped as well. But missing church today made me feel as if I had skipped out on a date with you, and that was just heart-wrenching.
I can't wait to come back and be able to go back to Westside with you again. I also want to go to the zoo again, and go to Six Flags soon. I just want to be with you. I also will enjoy being able to take nice long afternoon naps once all this basic training is done!
You mean the world to me Lauren, please don't ever think otherwise. But I should het some sleep now. Bye!
Bailey
P.S. Enclosed is my "Easy Pay" card. It was one of the first things they gave us. It's how I paid for my haircuts, running shoes, and necessities. I figured you might enjoy it as a little souvenir!
Letter #25 (August 14, 2010 2215 hrs)
Lauren,
Hello! I've missed you! I hope you've had as relaxing as day as I have. I'll start by telling you alllll about it.
First, at P.T. it was a run day, and as we were lining up in our lanes (lanes are assigned based on your 1.5 mile run. "A" lane is passing, "B" lane is under the requirement by 2 minutes or less, "C" is behind by 2-4 minutes, and "D..." well, D is bad. )
Our whole flight is in the A lane. Some of the 4th week flights are bragging about how all but 4 or 5 of their team is in the A lane, and Ssgt Ramirez is talking to the other T.Is, and we heard him say "Wow... A Lane is filling up quite fast... oh wait! That's because all of my flight is in it. Better luck next time guys!" and other stuff like that. It felt so good to hear him say that about us, and not referring to us as idiots, clowns, or anything else that's not very nice.
When we got back to the dorm, he pushed us, but not like he has before. Now it's more of just making sure we stay motivated and continue to do as good as we're doing currently. I guess this is the ncier side of him that I've heard so much about. He actually attended a squadron picnic around 0900, and only recently returned. We really have had a pretty relaxing day, yet it was still very productive.
Each of Ssgt. Ramirez's exceptional flights gets to leave their mark in some way, mostly just by painting a mural on a wall or something. Today, we started ours! We're painting the Air Force Symbol on the floor. It feels so graet to be able to do that, and know that some day, someone like me at Basic will see what we've done, and be motivated to push himself way more than he ever thought possible.
So, although I love my wingmen here like brothers, some of them have really begun to get on my nerves. Sadly, the only other trainee in this flight that attends the Church of Christ with me is one of those annoying ones. He is more than willing to call anyone out on their mistakes, but if you say anything he doesn't like, or you ask him something someone else has already asked, he let you know that he will "Kick your *** is you don't stop!" It makes me depressed that he goes to the same church as me. He is also A) Sick right now, B) Insists on not covering his mouth when he coughs, and C) turned around in his bed so that he's facing me. Hmmm, maybe that how I got sick.
So I'm going to have to start cutting this letter short, I've got E.C. from 0230-0430 tonight. But for good news: I've got lots of ideas on how to surprise you with presents/dates now, but I'm not telling you any! I just hope you'll enjoy them when I get back and can throw the surprises for you! Goodnight!
Bailey
Hello! I've missed you! I hope you've had as relaxing as day as I have. I'll start by telling you alllll about it.
First, at P.T. it was a run day, and as we were lining up in our lanes (lanes are assigned based on your 1.5 mile run. "A" lane is passing, "B" lane is under the requirement by 2 minutes or less, "C" is behind by 2-4 minutes, and "D..." well, D is bad. )
Our whole flight is in the A lane. Some of the 4th week flights are bragging about how all but 4 or 5 of their team is in the A lane, and Ssgt Ramirez is talking to the other T.Is, and we heard him say "Wow... A Lane is filling up quite fast... oh wait! That's because all of my flight is in it. Better luck next time guys!" and other stuff like that. It felt so good to hear him say that about us, and not referring to us as idiots, clowns, or anything else that's not very nice.
When we got back to the dorm, he pushed us, but not like he has before. Now it's more of just making sure we stay motivated and continue to do as good as we're doing currently. I guess this is the ncier side of him that I've heard so much about. He actually attended a squadron picnic around 0900, and only recently returned. We really have had a pretty relaxing day, yet it was still very productive.
Each of Ssgt. Ramirez's exceptional flights gets to leave their mark in some way, mostly just by painting a mural on a wall or something. Today, we started ours! We're painting the Air Force Symbol on the floor. It feels so graet to be able to do that, and know that some day, someone like me at Basic will see what we've done, and be motivated to push himself way more than he ever thought possible.
So, although I love my wingmen here like brothers, some of them have really begun to get on my nerves. Sadly, the only other trainee in this flight that attends the Church of Christ with me is one of those annoying ones. He is more than willing to call anyone out on their mistakes, but if you say anything he doesn't like, or you ask him something someone else has already asked, he let you know that he will "Kick your *** is you don't stop!" It makes me depressed that he goes to the same church as me. He is also A) Sick right now, B) Insists on not covering his mouth when he coughs, and C) turned around in his bed so that he's facing me. Hmmm, maybe that how I got sick.
So I'm going to have to start cutting this letter short, I've got E.C. from 0230-0430 tonight. But for good news: I've got lots of ideas on how to surprise you with presents/dates now, but I'm not telling you any! I just hope you'll enjoy them when I get back and can throw the surprises for you! Goodnight!
Bailey
Letter #24 (August 13, 2010 2150 hrs)
Lauren,
So, I was rather depressed yesterday, we had mail call, and no mail :(. BUT! Today at mail call, we got down to the last 6 letters, and I still had not gotten any mail, then BAM! 5 of the 6 letters were for Bailey, one from your mother, and 4 from you. They really did brighten my day, every time I read your letters, I get butterflies!
I'm sorry that your getting stressed about having to pay for school and classes this fall, but while you're down here visiting me, you are NOT allowed to spend any money, okay? Everything is on me (I really want to treat you to dinner/movies/theme parks/whatever we do, you definitely deserve it).
Kinda of a random, off-topic thought: I think on Friday/Saturday, when we go off base, I think I'm going to Best Buy and grabbing a gaming/school laptop for tech school. I'll need one for school anyway, so I figured "Hey, why not get one that plays games quite well while it's at it?" I think that I will also grab an Asus (just like yours). I hope that we will also be able to start doing Skype again once I'm at Tech school. (Yay for Skype Bingo!)
So how are you? Did you really have dinner with my mom? That makes me so happy that you get along with her (which I knew you would, but it's just nice to hear about it!) Do you happen to remember which of her friends it was that you ate dinner with? I would just like to know in case you did, but if not, oh well.
So, back to you being brokesies (In my defense, I'm not truly broke, I'm just going through one of those fun "why doesn't money fall off of trees" experiences like everybody does :-P). I wouldn't care if you were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, I would still take you as you are, no matter what your financial wealth/poverty will ever be. If it means I have to work hard manual labor everyday for the rest of my life to be with you, then so be it! As long as I'd get to talk and share my experience with you when I got off of work, then that is all I need.
So, now back to current events in Texas. I think I'm getting sick. Actually, I know I am. My throat's been killing me, and I've been coughing all day, but almost all of my flight has the sickness as well, so it's just another bonding experience for all of us.
So today was actually a fairly good day. We had upper body at P.T. and I realized that I'm still hurting in several places from the obstacle course yesterday, and I may have messed up my good knee just a bit. I'll just have to wait and see on that.
We have to take about 5 hours of classes today, and that was quite rough on us. I was head-bobbing my way through just the 2nd hour. The only really good way to wake up is to either drink some water, or stand up in the back of the class, which I hate to do.
So, a bit of sad news, midway through classes, Heckenbach got pulled out of class by our section supervisor, and by the time we got back to the dorm, he was walking out the door with his gear in hand, and was being recycled. We are now 41 of 48, we'll see where this ends.
I had to actually beat my face today for another trainee today because he was on a medical waiver. It's not nearly as bad when you're not the reason you/your flight messed up! We also got pulled into the dayroom this evening by Ssgt. Ramirez, and he told us that we've done a really good job this week despite some mistakes. It felt really great to hear that. We also joked around and laughed for about 20 minutes. It's always really nice to see his human side.
It was really nice to hear that my mom got my letter. She sent me another one this week, and I could tell that she hadn't gotten it yet. I was worried that it was lost.
Well, I suppose I should get some sleep: run day tomorrow! But, I will be thinking of those first few times I came over to your apartment, where you would make pamacakes for everybody that was over there (Your generosity really was one of the first things I noticed about you when I met you) Goonight!
Bailey
So, I was rather depressed yesterday, we had mail call, and no mail :(. BUT! Today at mail call, we got down to the last 6 letters, and I still had not gotten any mail, then BAM! 5 of the 6 letters were for Bailey, one from your mother, and 4 from you. They really did brighten my day, every time I read your letters, I get butterflies!
I'm sorry that your getting stressed about having to pay for school and classes this fall, but while you're down here visiting me, you are NOT allowed to spend any money, okay? Everything is on me (I really want to treat you to dinner/movies/theme parks/whatever we do, you definitely deserve it).
Kinda of a random, off-topic thought: I think on Friday/Saturday, when we go off base, I think I'm going to Best Buy and grabbing a gaming/school laptop for tech school. I'll need one for school anyway, so I figured "Hey, why not get one that plays games quite well while it's at it?" I think that I will also grab an Asus (just like yours). I hope that we will also be able to start doing Skype again once I'm at Tech school. (Yay for Skype Bingo!)
So how are you? Did you really have dinner with my mom? That makes me so happy that you get along with her (which I knew you would, but it's just nice to hear about it!) Do you happen to remember which of her friends it was that you ate dinner with? I would just like to know in case you did, but if not, oh well.
So, back to you being brokesies (In my defense, I'm not truly broke, I'm just going through one of those fun "why doesn't money fall off of trees" experiences like everybody does :-P). I wouldn't care if you were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, I would still take you as you are, no matter what your financial wealth/poverty will ever be. If it means I have to work hard manual labor everyday for the rest of my life to be with you, then so be it! As long as I'd get to talk and share my experience with you when I got off of work, then that is all I need.
So, now back to current events in Texas. I think I'm getting sick. Actually, I know I am. My throat's been killing me, and I've been coughing all day, but almost all of my flight has the sickness as well, so it's just another bonding experience for all of us.
So today was actually a fairly good day. We had upper body at P.T. and I realized that I'm still hurting in several places from the obstacle course yesterday, and I may have messed up my good knee just a bit. I'll just have to wait and see on that.
We have to take about 5 hours of classes today, and that was quite rough on us. I was head-bobbing my way through just the 2nd hour. The only really good way to wake up is to either drink some water, or stand up in the back of the class, which I hate to do.
So, a bit of sad news, midway through classes, Heckenbach got pulled out of class by our section supervisor, and by the time we got back to the dorm, he was walking out the door with his gear in hand, and was being recycled. We are now 41 of 48, we'll see where this ends.
I had to actually beat my face today for another trainee today because he was on a medical waiver. It's not nearly as bad when you're not the reason you/your flight messed up! We also got pulled into the dayroom this evening by Ssgt. Ramirez, and he told us that we've done a really good job this week despite some mistakes. It felt really great to hear that. We also joked around and laughed for about 20 minutes. It's always really nice to see his human side.
It was really nice to hear that my mom got my letter. She sent me another one this week, and I could tell that she hadn't gotten it yet. I was worried that it was lost.
Well, I suppose I should get some sleep: run day tomorrow! But, I will be thinking of those first few times I came over to your apartment, where you would make pamacakes for everybody that was over there (Your generosity really was one of the first things I noticed about you when I met you) Goonight!
Bailey
Letter #23 (August 12, 2010 2230 hrs)
Lauren,
Well, it's been another loooooooong day. Luckily, it was the second day this week without P.T., but the "Meh" stuff first:
We got up at 0400, instead of 0445 as originally planned, and from there, we just dragged our feet all day, especially while marching to the obstacle course. That was probably the worst part of today, marching to and from the course, with a duffel bag filled with a set of ABGs amd boots and whatnot (all in all, about 20 lbs) The march was about 3 miles each way, and I wanted to stop at 1.
So, THE OBSTACLE COURSE! They say that the three things you will ALWAYS remember from BMT are your first night at Basic, walking down the bomb run (aka graduating), and the obstacle course, and I now understand why. I would not ever want to do it again, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences thus far. It really evolves working around a wingman.
There are 17 total obstacles, spaning 17 acres, with 1.5 miles of running in between. I wanted to stop by the 5th obstacle course, and I wanted to die by the 12th. There were about 5 obstacles that stretched across water, one of them being 30 feet of monkey bars, which was towards the very end of the course.I was sure that the monkey bars was where I was finally going to slip and fall into the water, but somehow, I managed to muster up enough energy to go all the way, even though by the time I got there the bars were dripping wet. While only 5 wingmen managed to fall into the water at some point or another, I was glad that I was not one of them.
Now, onto the long march home... it sucked, what more needs to be said? Sadly, very little happened during the rest of the day. We may be losing two more trainees, one being Heckenbach (we call him Forrest Gump... he is, by far, the fastest runner in our flight, he is just... dumb).
Now, two last things:
1) Only 4 more weeks until I see you
2) Where would you like to eat on Friday during my town pass? I want your opinions!
But, it's now 2300 hrs, and PT is at 0445, so I should get going. I love you!
Bailey
Well, it's been another loooooooong day. Luckily, it was the second day this week without P.T., but the "Meh" stuff first:
We got up at 0400, instead of 0445 as originally planned, and from there, we just dragged our feet all day, especially while marching to the obstacle course. That was probably the worst part of today, marching to and from the course, with a duffel bag filled with a set of ABGs amd boots and whatnot (all in all, about 20 lbs) The march was about 3 miles each way, and I wanted to stop at 1.
So, THE OBSTACLE COURSE! They say that the three things you will ALWAYS remember from BMT are your first night at Basic, walking down the bomb run (aka graduating), and the obstacle course, and I now understand why. I would not ever want to do it again, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences thus far. It really evolves working around a wingman.
There are 17 total obstacles, spaning 17 acres, with 1.5 miles of running in between. I wanted to stop by the 5th obstacle course, and I wanted to die by the 12th. There were about 5 obstacles that stretched across water, one of them being 30 feet of monkey bars, which was towards the very end of the course.I was sure that the monkey bars was where I was finally going to slip and fall into the water, but somehow, I managed to muster up enough energy to go all the way, even though by the time I got there the bars were dripping wet. While only 5 wingmen managed to fall into the water at some point or another, I was glad that I was not one of them.
Now, onto the long march home... it sucked, what more needs to be said? Sadly, very little happened during the rest of the day. We may be losing two more trainees, one being Heckenbach (we call him Forrest Gump... he is, by far, the fastest runner in our flight, he is just... dumb).
Now, two last things:
1) Only 4 more weeks until I see you
2) Where would you like to eat on Friday during my town pass? I want your opinions!
But, it's now 2300 hrs, and PT is at 0445, so I should get going. I love you!
Bailey
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Letter #22 (August 11, 2010 2140 hrs)
Lauren,
Well hello there! Can I just start off by saying just how much I miss you? I started thinking about you today (nothing new really) but this time, it just seemed so much harder. I just wanted to quit and come home to you, but then I realized that I really want to pursue this career, and not have to spend my life working at Kohl's, so I decided to say :-P.
Today was quite a rough day. I finally got to sleep around 2200-2230, and was woken up at 0020 because I had E.C. duty with my dorm chief, whom I don't always see eye-to-eye with. Nothing really exciting happened during my shift, other than finally returning to sleep around 0250, and then waking back up at 0400. So all in all, very little sleep.
We finally got to where we got our blues at, and our T.I.s returned home. From there, we continued to try on short-sleeves shirts, long-sleeved shirts, all-weather coats, dress coats, cold-weather coats (trench coats), shoes, pants, and everything else you can imagine. Then they were custom fit to each of us. They took forever! It took 4 tries for them to get each of my 3 pairs of pants right, and about 10 minutes per tailor. So by the time 1200 rolls around, I am absolutely starving and sick of trying clothes on!
For lunch we got a ghetto-version MRE: Sandwich, bag of pretzels, and Gatorade, the very same first meal they gave us at the "welcome center" the first night. The only difference this time? WE GOT OREOS!!!!!!! All I could think about the whole time I ate them was all the amazing movie nights we had where we specifically ran out to Homeland to buy milk and a package of double-stuff oreos, and would sometimes run to Pizza Shuttle for a quick dinner before the oreos. That really did not help my whole "wanting to leave here so we can hang out again" mood.
So other than all that, we also got our names and "U.S Air Force" embroidered on our ABGs. That was quite exciting. Sadly, however, somewhere along the course of the day we lost motivation and beat our faces several times today to pay for our sloppiness. So all in all, a "meh" day.
So, onto two pressing matters before I go off to sleep: Bad news first, a week and a half from today is week 6, "Beast Week." I won't lie to you, I'm not looking forward to it. We will be outside at least 14 hours a day, in full ABGs, 40lbs. of Kevlar, and possibly mopp gear. So in other words, we will be ridiculously warm. That, however, is not the bad news. The bad news is that I probably won't be able to write you every night, if at all. To make it even worse, I really don't think 'll be near a mailbox all week. So you may not hear from me for a week. Just expect massive amounts of letters when I return!
Now, onto a lighter subject. If I am able to come home either for our "Dating 1 year" mark, or your birthday, what would you like to do? I was thinking BJ's (since we never got to go because SOMEBODY threw me a surprise party the evening we were "supposed" to go) and Paranormal Activity 2? Or did you have somewhere else you'd like to go? I would love any ideas that you have!
But sadly, I must go, I am short on sleep, and tomorrow I have... drum roll please... THE OBSTACLE COURSE!!! I'm quite excited! I will tell you all about it tomorrow. For now though, I love you, and goodnight!
-Bailey
Well hello there! Can I just start off by saying just how much I miss you? I started thinking about you today (nothing new really) but this time, it just seemed so much harder. I just wanted to quit and come home to you, but then I realized that I really want to pursue this career, and not have to spend my life working at Kohl's, so I decided to say :-P.
Today was quite a rough day. I finally got to sleep around 2200-2230, and was woken up at 0020 because I had E.C. duty with my dorm chief, whom I don't always see eye-to-eye with. Nothing really exciting happened during my shift, other than finally returning to sleep around 0250, and then waking back up at 0400. So all in all, very little sleep.
We finally got to where we got our blues at, and our T.I.s returned home. From there, we continued to try on short-sleeves shirts, long-sleeved shirts, all-weather coats, dress coats, cold-weather coats (trench coats), shoes, pants, and everything else you can imagine. Then they were custom fit to each of us. They took forever! It took 4 tries for them to get each of my 3 pairs of pants right, and about 10 minutes per tailor. So by the time 1200 rolls around, I am absolutely starving and sick of trying clothes on!
For lunch we got a ghetto-version MRE: Sandwich, bag of pretzels, and Gatorade, the very same first meal they gave us at the "welcome center" the first night. The only difference this time? WE GOT OREOS!!!!!!! All I could think about the whole time I ate them was all the amazing movie nights we had where we specifically ran out to Homeland to buy milk and a package of double-stuff oreos, and would sometimes run to Pizza Shuttle for a quick dinner before the oreos. That really did not help my whole "wanting to leave here so we can hang out again" mood.
So other than all that, we also got our names and "U.S Air Force" embroidered on our ABGs. That was quite exciting. Sadly, however, somewhere along the course of the day we lost motivation and beat our faces several times today to pay for our sloppiness. So all in all, a "meh" day.
So, onto two pressing matters before I go off to sleep: Bad news first, a week and a half from today is week 6, "Beast Week." I won't lie to you, I'm not looking forward to it. We will be outside at least 14 hours a day, in full ABGs, 40lbs. of Kevlar, and possibly mopp gear. So in other words, we will be ridiculously warm. That, however, is not the bad news. The bad news is that I probably won't be able to write you every night, if at all. To make it even worse, I really don't think 'll be near a mailbox all week. So you may not hear from me for a week. Just expect massive amounts of letters when I return!
Now, onto a lighter subject. If I am able to come home either for our "Dating 1 year" mark, or your birthday, what would you like to do? I was thinking BJ's (since we never got to go because SOMEBODY threw me a surprise party the evening we were "supposed" to go) and Paranormal Activity 2? Or did you have somewhere else you'd like to go? I would love any ideas that you have!
But sadly, I must go, I am short on sleep, and tomorrow I have... drum roll please... THE OBSTACLE COURSE!!! I'm quite excited! I will tell you all about it tomorrow. For now though, I love you, and goodnight!
-Bailey
Letter #21 (August 10, 2010, 2100 hrs)
Lauren,
Well... CBRNE. What more needs to be said???
We had to do about 3 hours of classes just to prepare ourselves for it. Then we had to understand the mopp levels and practice them by putting the gear on. Said gear was (on top of our already warm ABCs,), Chemical warfare pants and jacket (which are several layers thick), overboots, cotton and rubber gloves, and last but not least, out gas masks. Needless to say, by the time we had all the gear on, it was excruciatingly warm.
They then filed us into the chamber, and had about 20 of us in each room, having us all spread out about the room. They then put th C.S. canister on the heater, and smoke started to fill the room. At that point, they have us do a few light exercises to ensure that we trust the gear, then they tell us to remove our hoods. At this point, they should be prepping us on how to remove our actual gas masks, but we all hear somebody start to cough and gag, and we all realize he took off his hood AND mask. Our instructors then make us wait until he puts his mask back on (which took a good minute or two... I felt so bad for the trainee).
When we had removed our hoods, I had first noticed a slight tingling on my scalp. But by the time the individual had put his mask back on, my head was burning uncontrollably. Finally, after that whole mess was said and done, we are finally told to remove our masks two by two, take a deep breath, and give our reporting statement: "Sir Trainee Fowler reports as ordered."
Most people got to "Si-" before they started coughing. Also, I was the DEAD LAST person to go out of everybody. However, I got all of my reporting statement out without coughing or gagging. I was so proud of myself, but then my eyes started to burn and as I slowly walked towards the door my chest started burning as well. Right as I made it outside my eyes were watering something awful and my nose was really runny... yuck. I wanted to rub my eyes so bad, but there was still C.S. on all of my equipment, so I couldn't. But luckily, after making it back to my gear and walked two laps around all the satchel bags, all the burning and discomfort had passed.
Now, for the worst part of it all: When it was all said and done, we had to eat an MRE! Tell your mother for me please, that I miss her cooking quite a lot. I only hope that I don't have to wait too long once I come home to experience it again.
So, onto some good news now! Tomorrow, we get our blues! I can not wait. This is even bigger of a deal than getting our names tags/tapes. I can't wait until the day when you get to see me in my uniform on graduation. I think I will look quite spiffy. Actually, I really can't wait to just see you on graduation day. I only hope that you will recognize me... although at the same time, I hope that I've changed enough while running everyday and training super hard that you almost don't recognize me (but still do!) Please don't be embarrassed if I start to tear up just a little when I finally see you. I've just missed you so much, but I'm sure my letters have conveyed that feeling just a little!
Well, I should go, I have E.C. duty from 0030-0230, and then I have to wake up at 0415 tomorrow. Goodnight Lauren!
-Bailey
Well... CBRNE. What more needs to be said???
We had to do about 3 hours of classes just to prepare ourselves for it. Then we had to understand the mopp levels and practice them by putting the gear on. Said gear was (on top of our already warm ABCs,), Chemical warfare pants and jacket (which are several layers thick), overboots, cotton and rubber gloves, and last but not least, out gas masks. Needless to say, by the time we had all the gear on, it was excruciatingly warm.
They then filed us into the chamber, and had about 20 of us in each room, having us all spread out about the room. They then put th C.S. canister on the heater, and smoke started to fill the room. At that point, they have us do a few light exercises to ensure that we trust the gear, then they tell us to remove our hoods. At this point, they should be prepping us on how to remove our actual gas masks, but we all hear somebody start to cough and gag, and we all realize he took off his hood AND mask. Our instructors then make us wait until he puts his mask back on (which took a good minute or two... I felt so bad for the trainee).
When we had removed our hoods, I had first noticed a slight tingling on my scalp. But by the time the individual had put his mask back on, my head was burning uncontrollably. Finally, after that whole mess was said and done, we are finally told to remove our masks two by two, take a deep breath, and give our reporting statement: "Sir Trainee Fowler reports as ordered."
Most people got to "Si-" before they started coughing. Also, I was the DEAD LAST person to go out of everybody. However, I got all of my reporting statement out without coughing or gagging. I was so proud of myself, but then my eyes started to burn and as I slowly walked towards the door my chest started burning as well. Right as I made it outside my eyes were watering something awful and my nose was really runny... yuck. I wanted to rub my eyes so bad, but there was still C.S. on all of my equipment, so I couldn't. But luckily, after making it back to my gear and walked two laps around all the satchel bags, all the burning and discomfort had passed.
Now, for the worst part of it all: When it was all said and done, we had to eat an MRE! Tell your mother for me please, that I miss her cooking quite a lot. I only hope that I don't have to wait too long once I come home to experience it again.
So, onto some good news now! Tomorrow, we get our blues! I can not wait. This is even bigger of a deal than getting our names tags/tapes. I can't wait until the day when you get to see me in my uniform on graduation. I think I will look quite spiffy. Actually, I really can't wait to just see you on graduation day. I only hope that you will recognize me... although at the same time, I hope that I've changed enough while running everyday and training super hard that you almost don't recognize me (but still do!) Please don't be embarrassed if I start to tear up just a little when I finally see you. I've just missed you so much, but I'm sure my letters have conveyed that feeling just a little!
Well, I should go, I have E.C. duty from 0030-0230, and then I have to wake up at 0415 tomorrow. Goodnight Lauren!
-Bailey
Letter #20 (August 9, 2010 2120 hrs)
Lauren,
Let me start off by saying: the best part about Mondays is getting all the mail from Saturdays (yeah, we don't get mail on Saturdays :(.) Anywho, I just got those 3 amazing letters from you, and even though we had already talked on the phone yesterday about most of that stuff, it still makes me happy to read it all again.
First off, on the week of graduation, starting on Thursday with the coin ceremony there are a few important things you will need to know about:
First, my flight should be right in front of the main box, the one filled with the commanders of the base. I will be at parade rest, so even if I spot you, I can not acknowledge you. I will have to find some way to say "Hello."
Second, when everything is said and done and you are allowed onto the field, I can not move until you or a family member comes up and taps me. Now, normally I would just run right for you the second I see you, but since my T.I. will be right there, I will just have to hold strong :-P.
Lastly, I don't care what they say, when I do see you, I am going to hug you until my arms fall off. It will have been two months, I've earned it.
So now, onto the good news today! Just now, Sochia tried to dive onto his top bunk, and managed to cause the flashlight that was wedged between the mattress and frame to shoot out like a bottle rocket... we both giggled like little girls.
Anywho, we had our 4th week evaluations today, and sadly I missed my final sit-up number by 10, but I made my push-ups! And that was compared to the 7th week final number, so I'm really almost there!) BUT, best of all, on the run, we have to make 1.5 miles in 11:55. My first week number: 14:52 (in my defense, I was still a little shaky from everything that had just happened). For my 2nd week: 12:34... almost there!
This week... 10:25!!!!! I crushed it!!! I was ecstatic! The run was what I was most worried about making. And as we were leaving the P.T. pad, Ssgt. Ramirez commented on just how amazingly well we performed.
After we had a quick breakfast, we went and got our 2nd haircut today, so all that hair you saw in that picture... gone! Btw, do I at least still look somewhat attractive enough for you? I think I am starting to at least get a tan while I'm down here!
But back to today: what do you ask, could be as awesome as getting 3 letters from you? WE GOT OUR NAME TAGS/TAPES! No more plain ABC, it will finally say "Fowler," and "U.S. Air Force!!!" I can't wait, and when we get our blues, we will already have our name tags. But in theory, by the time you read this, I'll have had my blues for several days. I can not wait for them!
We also have CBRNE tomorrow after our run day, which, I suppose, is somewhat exciting. Well, I should go now, the "ghosts" should be wandering through any time now. I will talk to you soon!
-Bailey
P.S. You can write your letters as mushy as you want... they don't read my letters and I love reading them... even the mushy parts!
Let me start off by saying: the best part about Mondays is getting all the mail from Saturdays (yeah, we don't get mail on Saturdays :(.) Anywho, I just got those 3 amazing letters from you, and even though we had already talked on the phone yesterday about most of that stuff, it still makes me happy to read it all again.
First off, on the week of graduation, starting on Thursday with the coin ceremony there are a few important things you will need to know about:
First, my flight should be right in front of the main box, the one filled with the commanders of the base. I will be at parade rest, so even if I spot you, I can not acknowledge you. I will have to find some way to say "Hello."
Second, when everything is said and done and you are allowed onto the field, I can not move until you or a family member comes up and taps me. Now, normally I would just run right for you the second I see you, but since my T.I. will be right there, I will just have to hold strong :-P.
Lastly, I don't care what they say, when I do see you, I am going to hug you until my arms fall off. It will have been two months, I've earned it.
So now, onto the good news today! Just now, Sochia tried to dive onto his top bunk, and managed to cause the flashlight that was wedged between the mattress and frame to shoot out like a bottle rocket... we both giggled like little girls.
Anywho, we had our 4th week evaluations today, and sadly I missed my final sit-up number by 10, but I made my push-ups! And that was compared to the 7th week final number, so I'm really almost there!) BUT, best of all, on the run, we have to make 1.5 miles in 11:55. My first week number: 14:52 (in my defense, I was still a little shaky from everything that had just happened). For my 2nd week: 12:34... almost there!
This week... 10:25!!!!! I crushed it!!! I was ecstatic! The run was what I was most worried about making. And as we were leaving the P.T. pad, Ssgt. Ramirez commented on just how amazingly well we performed.
After we had a quick breakfast, we went and got our 2nd haircut today, so all that hair you saw in that picture... gone! Btw, do I at least still look somewhat attractive enough for you? I think I am starting to at least get a tan while I'm down here!
But back to today: what do you ask, could be as awesome as getting 3 letters from you? WE GOT OUR NAME TAGS/TAPES! No more plain ABC, it will finally say "Fowler," and "U.S. Air Force!!!" I can't wait, and when we get our blues, we will already have our name tags. But in theory, by the time you read this, I'll have had my blues for several days. I can not wait for them!
We also have CBRNE tomorrow after our run day, which, I suppose, is somewhat exciting. Well, I should go now, the "ghosts" should be wandering through any time now. I will talk to you soon!
-Bailey
P.S. You can write your letters as mushy as you want... they don't read my letters and I love reading them... even the mushy parts!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Letter #19 (August 8, 2010 2200 hrs)
Lauren,
I'm quite depressed, knowing that you won't get this letter for quite some time. I can not tell you how amazing it was to hear you on the telephone, although I guess you were there :).
I want to start up mushy, so that I won't fall asleep before I get to write it (don't worry, I won't be TOO sappy).
When I get home, I want to have movie/date nights every night. I want to stay up later watching all those movies that we had on our "to-watch" list but couldn't get through before I left. I want to re-watch all the ones that we've absolutely loved. I want to go out and get our "traditional" Wendy's, Pizza Shuttle, Classic 50s Happy Hour slushies, and Freebirds (not all at once obviously), and just enjoy good food and fun movies. I miss being with you, even if it was just to hold your hand as we walked somewhere. How after you'd leave to head home for the night, how I could just catch the slight scent of whatever perfume (or, as you call it, "Body spray") you were wearing. I miss how you are always energetic and upbeat about everything, and how if you got super excited, you'd do a little jumping-up-and-down-dance. That always made me smile because I knew you were happy, which of course, made me happy.
You really do amaze me. You managed to bring out the side of me that I thought had been buried long ago during high school, traits about me that I'd grown to be ashamed of. But I've realized that this is me, and who I am. I was at breakfast this morning, and someone sat down after I had prayed, not having seen me do so, and just saw me eating. He got quite confused and asked "Fowler, why didn't you pray?" It made me feel great that everyone sees that side of me now. I hope that you'll be happy with the man they're making out of me, I think that you will be.
Now, for some less-sappy writing! We have our 4th week evaluations (these are the last ones before our "Finals" during our 7th week!). I should easily make the run, but the push-ups/sit-ups will be quite tough. But I am going to push myself until physically exhaust myself, then get up and do more.
Today was not the best "slow day" I've ever had. We had locker inspections, and I, along with 13 other wingmen, failed. On top of that, church here just can't compare with Westside. It's like, I like what he says, just not always how he says it.
OH! We get our blues on Wednesday! Those are our dress uniforms in case you were wondering. I can not wait! Every Sunday, I always see the Airmen in their blues with their civilian luggage, getting ready to leave, and seeing that just gives me so much hope!
Well, I should get some sleep before evals. I hope you had a good night, and I will talk to you soon!
-Bailey
Letter #18 (August 7, 2010 2330 hrs)
Lauren,
Well, it's been another one of those days. I am exhausted beyond all belief.
We (of course) had a fire drill today while I was on EC (Entry Controller), and I messed up. I was used to our fire drills, where we say something (such as "Fly, Fight, Win") beforehand to let everyone know that it is a drill, but apparently I was not supposed to say that.
Needless to say, it's been a rough day. This letter may be short, I should have been in bed nearly 2 hours ago.
So, we had run day today, but instead of our normal run on the track, we did a road run, where we literally just run on the road. We still ran about 3 miles, but it just felt so much easier. I honesty wouldn't mind those as much as opposed to running circles on a track.
I think I'm going to go for a bit, I need some rest. I'll write more tomorrow!
Bailey
Well, it's been another one of those days. I am exhausted beyond all belief.
We (of course) had a fire drill today while I was on EC (Entry Controller), and I messed up. I was used to our fire drills, where we say something (such as "Fly, Fight, Win") beforehand to let everyone know that it is a drill, but apparently I was not supposed to say that.
Needless to say, it's been a rough day. This letter may be short, I should have been in bed nearly 2 hours ago.
So, we had run day today, but instead of our normal run on the track, we did a road run, where we literally just run on the road. We still ran about 3 miles, but it just felt so much easier. I honesty wouldn't mind those as much as opposed to running circles on a track.
I think I'm going to go for a bit, I need some rest. I'll write more tomorrow!
Bailey
Letter #17 (August 6, 2010, 2220 hrs)
Lauren,
I do apologize that you will be getting both of these letters at the same time. In the already short window we had to drop letters off, a wingman (not one of my personal ones, just someone from my flight) went ahead and did something quite stupid, and so we ran out of time to drop off letters. I was quite mopey because I wanted to get that letter out to you ASAP, especially since they won't be picked up until Monday now.
Anywho, today was actually quite a good day! We had SABC #3 & 4, and I only started to doze off during the 3rd one. We learned how to treat a victim for burns, as well as how to transport them.
I really do think Ssgt. Ramirez is starting to warm up to us. He has started to throw jokes around, and show us his more comedic side.
Sundays really are the best days for us. We still have to wake up early, but we just have to clean up our dorm and get ready for breakfast. After that, it can depend. The Church of Christ bible study starts at 0730, so I'm normally gone by 0700, then the service goes through until 0930. After that, we normally come home and work on PLA's (Personal Living Area) which generally just involves clipping strings (ALL STRINGS!!), refolding clothes, and re-marking clothes. We will have lunch and dinner through the course of the day, and if we've earned it, we'll get a phone cal in the evening. I really do love Sundays!
I do apologize for my letters always being so much shorter than yours, once we can start getting this place cleaned up fast enough, we will earn some free time, which means more time to write letters! Well, I am going to go now, the sound of snoring has make me sleepy. Goodnight!
Bailey
I do apologize that you will be getting both of these letters at the same time. In the already short window we had to drop letters off, a wingman (not one of my personal ones, just someone from my flight) went ahead and did something quite stupid, and so we ran out of time to drop off letters. I was quite mopey because I wanted to get that letter out to you ASAP, especially since they won't be picked up until Monday now.
Anywho, today was actually quite a good day! We had SABC #3 & 4, and I only started to doze off during the 3rd one. We learned how to treat a victim for burns, as well as how to transport them.
I really do think Ssgt. Ramirez is starting to warm up to us. He has started to throw jokes around, and show us his more comedic side.
Sundays really are the best days for us. We still have to wake up early, but we just have to clean up our dorm and get ready for breakfast. After that, it can depend. The Church of Christ bible study starts at 0730, so I'm normally gone by 0700, then the service goes through until 0930. After that, we normally come home and work on PLA's (Personal Living Area) which generally just involves clipping strings (ALL STRINGS!!), refolding clothes, and re-marking clothes. We will have lunch and dinner through the course of the day, and if we've earned it, we'll get a phone cal in the evening. I really do love Sundays!
I do apologize for my letters always being so much shorter than yours, once we can start getting this place cleaned up fast enough, we will earn some free time, which means more time to write letters! Well, I am going to go now, the sound of snoring has make me sleepy. Goodnight!
Bailey
Letter #16 (August 5, 2010, 2130 hrs)
Lauren,
:) (He'd drawn a pretty weird-looking smiley face) Alright, so that was about the creepiest smiley face, but who cares: WE ARE FINALLY TALKING! I am so happy that you've started to receive my letters, I worried for the longest time that they just wouldn't get to you. I love everything that you send to me, I now live each day by mail call (alright, so I've been doing that since the very first mail call, but whatever). I also just got some letters from your family, and each one made me smile so much! I am keeping every letter I get, and I've planned on making some sort of scrapbook/collection out of them.
I wish I could give you names of good guys here (I told him to keep an eye out for other military guys for all my single girfriends!) to write to you, but it seems like all of these "men" are still boys. Don't get me wrong, I love my brothers like... well, brothers!
Sochen is my best friend here. He has been living in Mexico with his wife for a few years, and always talks about it. He is going to tech school for "Airborn Linguist," and his tech school is 18 months long!! But it is also in Monterey, California so he really can't complain that much.
Woods is 6'5" and used to be a manager of the 3 largest gyms in Virginia. He has a masters, and used to be a Physical Trainer and he's engaged.
I'd tell you about the other 41 (We lost 2 more wingmen, but Hechen Back got to stay!!!) but that would take way too long.
You were right about our schedule for this week. We did have SABC (Self and Buddy Care) which is essentially first aid, but more intense. For instance, when an airway shuts down, we have to insert a short tube through the nose, which we got to practice. On each other. We also learned how to make splints for breaks/fractures. I won't tell you about the picture of the broken wrist they showed us.
We still have 2 more SABC classes tomorrow. They, like more other classes we take here at AFBMT, are incredibly boring. I managed to doze off for a few seconds without even realizing it, but the instructor sure noticed. I had to go stand up in the back of the class for the rest of the time. I wish I could remember everything we talked about, but sadly, I can't remember much at all at the moment.
I know that this will come late, but please tell your father Happy Birthday for me!
I wish you could see this place! There are jets of all sizes flying over the base grounds all the time. From the C-5 to the F-18, even at night (I wonder if this has anything to do with Korea). I may get to aid in the "same war" my grandfather fought on. Crazy!
Oh! And about all those dorm jobs, I haven't been any of them. The "Latrine Queen" was an awesome guy named Terrell, but sadly he had to go home due to a problem with his eyes. He wanted to be here more than anybody else.
Well, I should probably go for now, only 6 hours of sleep for strength training day tomorrow. I Love you Lauren, and I promise you I'm still the same guy that hugged you goodbye right before I left for Basic Training. Goodnight!
-Trainee Fowler (Bailey!)
P.S. BaileyBear was a nickname of mine in high school (I bought myself an Air Force bear and named him BaileyBear without knowing this fact... crazy!)
P.P.S. Your BaileyBear's rank is a Chief Master Sergeant
P.P.P.S. I love the pictures everybody's sent. Keep them coming!
:) (He'd drawn a pretty weird-looking smiley face) Alright, so that was about the creepiest smiley face, but who cares: WE ARE FINALLY TALKING! I am so happy that you've started to receive my letters, I worried for the longest time that they just wouldn't get to you. I love everything that you send to me, I now live each day by mail call (alright, so I've been doing that since the very first mail call, but whatever). I also just got some letters from your family, and each one made me smile so much! I am keeping every letter I get, and I've planned on making some sort of scrapbook/collection out of them.
I wish I could give you names of good guys here (I told him to keep an eye out for other military guys for all my single girfriends!) to write to you, but it seems like all of these "men" are still boys. Don't get me wrong, I love my brothers like... well, brothers!
Sochen is my best friend here. He has been living in Mexico with his wife for a few years, and always talks about it. He is going to tech school for "Airborn Linguist," and his tech school is 18 months long!! But it is also in Monterey, California so he really can't complain that much.
Woods is 6'5" and used to be a manager of the 3 largest gyms in Virginia. He has a masters, and used to be a Physical Trainer and he's engaged.
I'd tell you about the other 41 (We lost 2 more wingmen, but Hechen Back got to stay!!!) but that would take way too long.
You were right about our schedule for this week. We did have SABC (Self and Buddy Care) which is essentially first aid, but more intense. For instance, when an airway shuts down, we have to insert a short tube through the nose, which we got to practice. On each other. We also learned how to make splints for breaks/fractures. I won't tell you about the picture of the broken wrist they showed us.
We still have 2 more SABC classes tomorrow. They, like more other classes we take here at AFBMT, are incredibly boring. I managed to doze off for a few seconds without even realizing it, but the instructor sure noticed. I had to go stand up in the back of the class for the rest of the time. I wish I could remember everything we talked about, but sadly, I can't remember much at all at the moment.
I know that this will come late, but please tell your father Happy Birthday for me!
I wish you could see this place! There are jets of all sizes flying over the base grounds all the time. From the C-5 to the F-18, even at night (I wonder if this has anything to do with Korea). I may get to aid in the "same war" my grandfather fought on. Crazy!
Oh! And about all those dorm jobs, I haven't been any of them. The "Latrine Queen" was an awesome guy named Terrell, but sadly he had to go home due to a problem with his eyes. He wanted to be here more than anybody else.
Well, I should probably go for now, only 6 hours of sleep for strength training day tomorrow. I Love you Lauren, and I promise you I'm still the same guy that hugged you goodbye right before I left for Basic Training. Goodnight!
-Trainee Fowler (Bailey!)
P.S. BaileyBear was a nickname of mine in high school (I bought myself an Air Force bear and named him BaileyBear without knowing this fact... crazy!)
P.P.S. Your BaileyBear's rank is a Chief Master Sergeant
P.P.P.S. I love the pictures everybody's sent. Keep them coming!
Letter #15 (August 4, 2010 2100 hrs)
Lauren,
I'm going to start off with apologizing for the mopiness with my last letter, I can be a bit of a wuss sometimes and I get really homesick being down here away from everybody.
So, my day today was just plain awful. We couldn't seem to get anything right, the it really came back and bit us in the butt. I actually got a letter from you today, but we're not allowed to open them yet because we haven't earned it. We did get our name tapes and name badges, but we had to earn those before we actually got them.
We're losing about four more trainees to being recycled (I looked this up... it means they're sent backwards to re-do a certain portion of Basic Training... in other words, they're held back) One of them Hechen Bach, we all want to fight for. The kid messes up so much, but every time, he will pick himself right back up and try again. The others, however, either just don't put out an effort or expect the service to change for them. They're the ones we're not so upset about.
So anywho, we got to watch 8th weekers march again, then we learned several new moves. They weren't hard to learn, it's just when you have to do them at full speed that the chaos with just learning them hits. So while attempting to march back to the dorm while clumsily applying the new techniques, our T.I just about lost it, in which his impatience just slowly built up throughout the course of the day, when finally he gave up and made us beat our faces (doing a set # of push-ups) a total of 4 times, all in a very short amount of time, which just plain stunk.
I really want nothing more than to finish here and just leave. What I didn't realize, was it you get hurt here AND they can fix you, then you stay here until you're better, then you finish training. There is a 2nd weeker who has been here 1 1/2 years because he tore his ACL and just now fully healed from it. I make sure to pray every night for Gad to watch over me and my physical health so the same doesn't happen to me.
That is the one upside to this place... it really has brought me closer to God. It's been a huge encouragement to feel like he's with me here every step of the way. But I am going to sign off on this letter, tomorrow is yet another run day, and I haven't feel very well, so I don't want to risk getting sick. I've had two songs stuck in my head all day today that I'll leave you with. One is "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional, and the other is "Living in Your Letters," also by Dashboard Confessional. The second one goes something like this:
"Breathe, deeply from the envelope
it smells like you and I can't
Breathe without this scent it's
filling me with all you mean to me.
To me."
-Bailey
P.S. I've now got 3... (he then crossed out that number) 4 snorers sleeping around me.
I'm going to start off with apologizing for the mopiness with my last letter, I can be a bit of a wuss sometimes and I get really homesick being down here away from everybody.
So, my day today was just plain awful. We couldn't seem to get anything right, the it really came back and bit us in the butt. I actually got a letter from you today, but we're not allowed to open them yet because we haven't earned it. We did get our name tapes and name badges, but we had to earn those before we actually got them.
We're losing about four more trainees to being recycled (I looked this up... it means they're sent backwards to re-do a certain portion of Basic Training... in other words, they're held back) One of them Hechen Bach, we all want to fight for. The kid messes up so much, but every time, he will pick himself right back up and try again. The others, however, either just don't put out an effort or expect the service to change for them. They're the ones we're not so upset about.
So anywho, we got to watch 8th weekers march again, then we learned several new moves. They weren't hard to learn, it's just when you have to do them at full speed that the chaos with just learning them hits. So while attempting to march back to the dorm while clumsily applying the new techniques, our T.I just about lost it, in which his impatience just slowly built up throughout the course of the day, when finally he gave up and made us beat our faces (doing a set # of push-ups) a total of 4 times, all in a very short amount of time, which just plain stunk.
I really want nothing more than to finish here and just leave. What I didn't realize, was it you get hurt here AND they can fix you, then you stay here until you're better, then you finish training. There is a 2nd weeker who has been here 1 1/2 years because he tore his ACL and just now fully healed from it. I make sure to pray every night for Gad to watch over me and my physical health so the same doesn't happen to me.
That is the one upside to this place... it really has brought me closer to God. It's been a huge encouragement to feel like he's with me here every step of the way. But I am going to sign off on this letter, tomorrow is yet another run day, and I haven't feel very well, so I don't want to risk getting sick. I've had two songs stuck in my head all day today that I'll leave you with. One is "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional, and the other is "Living in Your Letters," also by Dashboard Confessional. The second one goes something like this:
"Breathe, deeply from the envelope
it smells like you and I can't
Breathe without this scent it's
filling me with all you mean to me.
To me."
-Bailey
P.S. I've now got 3... (he then crossed out that number) 4 snorers sleeping around me.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Phone call from Bailey! Also a picture of him!
He actually got a phone call tonight!!! I was so excited... I didn't think he'd get one, for the 3rd week in a row! He let me know he's been getting everybody' cards and letters, and that it really does encourage him to see that so many people are thinking about him while he's gone.
We didn't have time to talk much about what else has been going on other than what he's written in his letters... he said he smells really bad though :). For good news, he said if everything works out when he gets to Tech school, he'll be able to come back and visit me for my birthday! So excited!
Also, he had enough time to take a picture of himself on his iPhone so he could show me what he looks like with a TEENY tin amount of hair... he looks very military! He also said to not judge... it's a picture of him after being in the sun all day and running on about 3 hours of sleep for the 7th day in a row. I still think he looks good :).
This week is the Gas Chamber week for him... he's really excited about it!
We didn't have time to talk much about what else has been going on other than what he's written in his letters... he said he smells really bad though :). For good news, he said if everything works out when he gets to Tech school, he'll be able to come back and visit me for my birthday! So excited!
Also, he had enough time to take a picture of himself on his iPhone so he could show me what he looks like with a TEENY tin amount of hair... he looks very military! He also said to not judge... it's a picture of him after being in the sun all day and running on about 3 hours of sleep for the 7th day in a row. I still think he looks good :).
This week is the Gas Chamber week for him... he's really excited about it!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Letter #14 (August 3, 2010 2100hrs)
Lauren,
Hello! How are you today? I want to start off by saying that for every day that ends, I just think "One day closer to graduation and getting to see Lauren again!" It's the only way that I can pull through.
So today was quite boring. We ran (which I told you about already in my other letter). Then we watched an 8th week flight march, then it was our turn to march for a bit. It wasn't so bad, except towards the last part I kept messing up my pivots, and Ssgt. Ramirez wasn't so happy about that, so I got yelled at a bit, but hey! It's BMT, that's going to happen!
We had to rearrange beds this morning, which sucks because I liked my bed and the trainees around it, but oh well. Some of them are still around me!
We had a class today where we rated our recruiter, and once we were finished with that, we just asked questions about Tech school. I got really excited thinking about getting to go there! They also told me that about 37 days after I arrive, I'll get to come home on weekends, which puts me coming home right around you birthday (Hence why I asked about it!) Sadly though, I won't get to come home until 2 days after Thanksgiving, although I'l be finished the week after!
[Mushy mushy mushy stuff - My eyes only :)]
I know us being apart is much more different for you... you don't have someone screaming at you to make you forget everything else. Well, I should probably go to sleep, all my wingmen are asleep, and my flashlight can't be helping them. Goodnight!
Bailey
Hello! How are you today? I want to start off by saying that for every day that ends, I just think "One day closer to graduation and getting to see Lauren again!" It's the only way that I can pull through.
So today was quite boring. We ran (which I told you about already in my other letter). Then we watched an 8th week flight march, then it was our turn to march for a bit. It wasn't so bad, except towards the last part I kept messing up my pivots, and Ssgt. Ramirez wasn't so happy about that, so I got yelled at a bit, but hey! It's BMT, that's going to happen!
We had to rearrange beds this morning, which sucks because I liked my bed and the trainees around it, but oh well. Some of them are still around me!
We had a class today where we rated our recruiter, and once we were finished with that, we just asked questions about Tech school. I got really excited thinking about getting to go there! They also told me that about 37 days after I arrive, I'll get to come home on weekends, which puts me coming home right around you birthday (Hence why I asked about it!) Sadly though, I won't get to come home until 2 days after Thanksgiving, although I'l be finished the week after!
[Mushy mushy mushy stuff - My eyes only :)]
I know us being apart is much more different for you... you don't have someone screaming at you to make you forget everything else. Well, I should probably go to sleep, all my wingmen are asleep, and my flashlight can't be helping them. Goodnight!
Bailey
Letter #13 (August 3, 2010 1300hrs)
Lauren,
I figured I would write you a little bit more while I have a tiny bit of "Free time." I forgot to tell you the other night, when we were getting ready for dorm inspection, we had to lock down out lockers so that we wouldn't mess up how everything was placed.
But our T.I. forgot to tell us to take out our P.T. shorts so that we would have them to sleep in. So after they were locked up, we were only allowed to use the outfit that was in our clothing drawer, and our security drawer.
So, just imagine 50 full grown men in sand-colored shirts, green socks, black spandex "shorts," and wearing loosely-laced combat boots. Oh, and we also had belts on for our canteens. Needless to say, we looked like we were about to go on stage at a gay bar. We looked RIDICULOUS!
We had P.T. this morning, and of course we had to run, and amazingly enough, my Training Instructor said "Good job Fowler!" on the sprints! I felt so amazing!
So, what day does your birthday fall on? I know it's the 24th, but if it's during the weekend, I may be able to come take you on a date!
Well, I need to go, time for chow and to mail this letter out. I will write you again tonight!
Bailey
I figured I would write you a little bit more while I have a tiny bit of "Free time." I forgot to tell you the other night, when we were getting ready for dorm inspection, we had to lock down out lockers so that we wouldn't mess up how everything was placed.
But our T.I. forgot to tell us to take out our P.T. shorts so that we would have them to sleep in. So after they were locked up, we were only allowed to use the outfit that was in our clothing drawer, and our security drawer.
So, just imagine 50 full grown men in sand-colored shirts, green socks, black spandex "shorts," and wearing loosely-laced combat boots. Oh, and we also had belts on for our canteens. Needless to say, we looked like we were about to go on stage at a gay bar. We looked RIDICULOUS!
We had P.T. this morning, and of course we had to run, and amazingly enough, my Training Instructor said "Good job Fowler!" on the sprints! I felt so amazing!
So, what day does your birthday fall on? I know it's the 24th, but if it's during the weekend, I may be able to come take you on a date!
Well, I need to go, time for chow and to mail this letter out. I will write you again tonight!
Bailey
Letter #12 (August 2, 2010 2220hrs)
Lauren,
This may be another short letter, Physical Training (P.T.) is tomorrow, and I am running on about 2.5 hours of sleep. I hope you've gotten all of my letters so far, and that they don't take too long to get to you.
Today was a crazy day: We woke up at 0200 hrs, and have been moving nonstop since then. We had to march about 5 miles to CBRNE (The gas chambers), but only 10 of the 50 members of my flight got to go. "CBRNE detail," sadly, did not allow us to use it yet. We only got to get equipment for the trainees that were doing it. I get to do it next Monday.
I also got to stand about 30 feet from from the door and direct half-blind trainees as they exited the CBRNE. As I was telling them where to go, the E.C. gas started to pour out from the chamber, and the tear gas really started to bother my throat and nose. I really can't wait to do it!
We also got to eat MRE's since we were out in the field, and sadly, they're not half-bad.
ALSO! I almost forgot: we for our BCGs today ("Birth Control Goggles," military-issues glasses... they look ridiculous). When we finally get get phone privileges, I'm going to try and take a quick pic and send it to you, so you can truly understand how hideous they are.
Well, I should probably go to sleep, considering how long I've been awake. I will try to write more tomorrow. Goodnight!
Bailey
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Letter #11 (August 1, 2010 - 2255hrs)
Lauren,
I apologize for yet another Sunday without a phone call. In all honesty, we should have had one, we were just rushing to get out dorm ready for inspection tomorrow from ALL of the section supervisors. So, as long as we score well, we should get a phone call sometime during the week (But as of Thursday, I had not heard from him... guess they didn't do well on room check?) I actually had to miss church today to help clean, which I was rather upset about.
Today has just been a rather long and drawn-out day. We actually have to wake up in 3 hours to start getting ready :(.
We had the chance to go shopping today for essential items, and I grabbed from more stationery, pens, and other whatnot. However, I grabbed the wrong color pens (DOH!) so now, I have 4 pens set aside just for writing you.
Tomorrow is quite an eventful day. Dorm inspections, helping out with the gas chamber. I really can't wait! Now, if only time could stop for about 6 hours tonight, so I could finally get a full night's rest.
I really do hate to cut this letter off so short, but I need to get some sleep for the 20+ hour day tomorrow. Hopefully I will talk to you before this letter reaches you!
Bailey
I apologize for yet another Sunday without a phone call. In all honesty, we should have had one, we were just rushing to get out dorm ready for inspection tomorrow from ALL of the section supervisors. So, as long as we score well, we should get a phone call sometime during the week (But as of Thursday, I had not heard from him... guess they didn't do well on room check?) I actually had to miss church today to help clean, which I was rather upset about.
Today has just been a rather long and drawn-out day. We actually have to wake up in 3 hours to start getting ready :(.
We had the chance to go shopping today for essential items, and I grabbed from more stationery, pens, and other whatnot. However, I grabbed the wrong color pens (DOH!) so now, I have 4 pens set aside just for writing you.
Tomorrow is quite an eventful day. Dorm inspections, helping out with the gas chamber. I really can't wait! Now, if only time could stop for about 6 hours tonight, so I could finally get a full night's rest.
I really do hate to cut this letter off so short, but I need to get some sleep for the 20+ hour day tomorrow. Hopefully I will talk to you before this letter reaches you!
Bailey
Letter #10 (July 31, 2010 - 2200 hrs)
Lauren,
So I have to admit, I feel quite awful starting off each letter diving into my day, but I just figure that may be what you're interested in. So, on to me day!
We had P.T. this morning, and ran about 3.5-4 miles, which was rather exhausting. But each time, it seems to get easier. After that, we came back to the dorm to shower and get the dorm set-up so we could head to breakfast, when our T.I. put us "On the line" (that's when we stand at the side of the front of the bed; not standing in the center).
He informs us that a wingman has been a nuisance by going off and telling the other T.I.s that instead of us getting a full 5 minutes to shower, we only get four (We have 5 minutes to get 50 trainees showered and dressed, so it's going to be hectic no matter what). So, he says he'll give us "more time" to shower.
We all have two minutes to strip and be out of the bays. Then, 60 seconds to shower, followed by two minutes to get dressed. We accomplished he first two parts smoothly, but we only manage to get half-dressed when time runs out. So, we have to SLOOOWLY "beat our faces" (I googled this term... It means "Do lotsa push-ups!") which was quite brutal. He then gives us another 60 seconds, which only a few people missed being dressed by that time. So we had to beat our faces again.
Needless to say, no one is fond of that trainee anymore.
The rest of my day was rather boring to be honest. A lot of sitting and studying. However, tonight we got some new details (jobs) and on Monday, I get to go help out at the CBRNE (Gas Chamber!). I've no idea what I'll be doing, but I can not wait.
So, my graduation date is September 10th, and all the fun stuff starts on Thursday, including the Airman's run and the Coining Ceremony. I would give anything to have you there, but if your study schedule conflicts, then I will understand (I already started reserving my hotel/looking at flights down there, so... yeah, I'm making it no matter what!)
Well, I should head to sleep, some wingmen have KP (Kitchen Patrol) duty early tomorrow, and our Dorm Chief decided that we should all be awake for them. Goodnight!
Bailey
So I have to admit, I feel quite awful starting off each letter diving into my day, but I just figure that may be what you're interested in. So, on to me day!
We had P.T. this morning, and ran about 3.5-4 miles, which was rather exhausting. But each time, it seems to get easier. After that, we came back to the dorm to shower and get the dorm set-up so we could head to breakfast, when our T.I. put us "On the line" (that's when we stand at the side of the front of the bed; not standing in the center).
He informs us that a wingman has been a nuisance by going off and telling the other T.I.s that instead of us getting a full 5 minutes to shower, we only get four (We have 5 minutes to get 50 trainees showered and dressed, so it's going to be hectic no matter what). So, he says he'll give us "more time" to shower.
We all have two minutes to strip and be out of the bays. Then, 60 seconds to shower, followed by two minutes to get dressed. We accomplished he first two parts smoothly, but we only manage to get half-dressed when time runs out. So, we have to SLOOOWLY "beat our faces" (I googled this term... It means "Do lotsa push-ups!") which was quite brutal. He then gives us another 60 seconds, which only a few people missed being dressed by that time. So we had to beat our faces again.
Needless to say, no one is fond of that trainee anymore.
The rest of my day was rather boring to be honest. A lot of sitting and studying. However, tonight we got some new details (jobs) and on Monday, I get to go help out at the CBRNE (Gas Chamber!). I've no idea what I'll be doing, but I can not wait.
So, my graduation date is September 10th, and all the fun stuff starts on Thursday, including the Airman's run and the Coining Ceremony. I would give anything to have you there, but if your study schedule conflicts, then I will understand (I already started reserving my hotel/looking at flights down there, so... yeah, I'm making it no matter what!)
Well, I should head to sleep, some wingmen have KP (Kitchen Patrol) duty early tomorrow, and our Dorm Chief decided that we should all be awake for them. Goodnight!
Bailey
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Letter #9 (July 20, 2010, 2220h)
Note: If I make any little comments in his letters, I'll make sure to put them in italics so you can tell the difference!
Lauren,
Hey gurl hayyy (it's an inside joke). Hopefully you've been receiving my letters for several days now, and know that I stay up a little later each night writing you notes by flashlight. I keep on having to randomly hide, thinking I hear my M.T.I. coming.
So how was your day? Hopefully it was great, bring a Friday and all. Fridays, sadly, don't mean much here. Sundays are the good days, and sometimes Wednesdays too (We get pizza at chow, but Wednesdays are also running days). I can't tell you how much I hope we keep our phone call for Sunday (although I guess you'll know whether or not I do by the time you yet this letter) (Btw, he did not call, so somewhere between Friday night and Sunday, somebody messed up -_-)
So, my day, although we got put on our faces about 4 times, has been quite nice! We had 2 classes over Air Force history, one over ethics, and one over code of conduct. And all four of them were with an awesome, HILARIOUS T.I. (Remind me to tell you about "Susie Socks.")
AND! We got our dog tags today! I was quite excited. Those are kind of a big-deal-military-thing, even if they are for when you die.
We also had a somewhat relaxing Airman's Time (Airman's Time is when our T.I. will cover general Air Force topics). If you had a good day, he will be laid back and joke around. Luckily, it was a good day today!
Well, I hate to cut this short, but it is a run day tomorrow. I'll talk to you soon though!
Bailey.
Lauren,
Hey gurl hayyy (it's an inside joke). Hopefully you've been receiving my letters for several days now, and know that I stay up a little later each night writing you notes by flashlight. I keep on having to randomly hide, thinking I hear my M.T.I. coming.
So how was your day? Hopefully it was great, bring a Friday and all. Fridays, sadly, don't mean much here. Sundays are the good days, and sometimes Wednesdays too (We get pizza at chow, but Wednesdays are also running days). I can't tell you how much I hope we keep our phone call for Sunday (although I guess you'll know whether or not I do by the time you yet this letter) (Btw, he did not call, so somewhere between Friday night and Sunday, somebody messed up -_-)
So, my day, although we got put on our faces about 4 times, has been quite nice! We had 2 classes over Air Force history, one over ethics, and one over code of conduct. And all four of them were with an awesome, HILARIOUS T.I. (Remind me to tell you about "Susie Socks.")
AND! We got our dog tags today! I was quite excited. Those are kind of a big-deal-military-thing, even if they are for when you die.
We also had a somewhat relaxing Airman's Time (Airman's Time is when our T.I. will cover general Air Force topics). If you had a good day, he will be laid back and joke around. Luckily, it was a good day today!
Well, I hate to cut this short, but it is a run day tomorrow. I'll talk to you soon though!
Bailey.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Letter #8 (July 28, 2010, 2130h)
Lauren
I'm sorry this letter will be so short. I just got done writing your family a thank you letter. I'm going to lose a lot of sleep tonight because...
Tonight, I play the part of the "Tinkle Fairy."
I forgot to sit down to pee tonight, and so now, no matter when, if someone has to use the latrine after lights out, they have to wake me up, and I have to make sure that they sit down, put the seat back up, and clean up after themselves. It's quite miserable.
So today, we ran about 4 miles, then came back to the dorm to clean up, eat breakfast, then go to a career advisor for about two hours. We really didn't get to talk to them yet, we just filled out some paperwork and got a quick briefing of what's to come. All in all, quite nice.
Really, the rest of the day, aside from that, was quite boring. We just sat in the day room "studying," meaning most of us pretended to study, and just dozed off for a few seconds, which wasn't nearly enough. I also reread through all of your letters again, and they just helped to motivate me again.
Well, you should be receiving letters from me either today or tomorrow. Hopefully you continue to get one from me at least once a day. I always want you and all my friends to know what's new with me, and I always want to know the same from everybody else. I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Bailey
P.S. How did you enjoy the CD I made you? Also, please make sure your parents don't really try to send food!
I'm sorry this letter will be so short. I just got done writing your family a thank you letter. I'm going to lose a lot of sleep tonight because...
Tonight, I play the part of the "Tinkle Fairy."
I forgot to sit down to pee tonight, and so now, no matter when, if someone has to use the latrine after lights out, they have to wake me up, and I have to make sure that they sit down, put the seat back up, and clean up after themselves. It's quite miserable.
So today, we ran about 4 miles, then came back to the dorm to clean up, eat breakfast, then go to a career advisor for about two hours. We really didn't get to talk to them yet, we just filled out some paperwork and got a quick briefing of what's to come. All in all, quite nice.
Really, the rest of the day, aside from that, was quite boring. We just sat in the day room "studying," meaning most of us pretended to study, and just dozed off for a few seconds, which wasn't nearly enough. I also reread through all of your letters again, and they just helped to motivate me again.
Well, you should be receiving letters from me either today or tomorrow. Hopefully you continue to get one from me at least once a day. I always want you and all my friends to know what's new with me, and I always want to know the same from everybody else. I'll talk to you tomorrow!
Bailey
P.S. How did you enjoy the CD I made you? Also, please make sure your parents don't really try to send food!
Letter #7 (July 28, 2010, 2052h)
Lauren,
So, hopefully by now you have received about 6 letters. I am sorry that I haven't been able to call you yet this week. We had a few people mess up, so we didn't earn out phone call. I am praying every day that we will earn it this week. I've been dying to talk to you!
But seriously though, I make it a point to pray every chance I get here. Always before any meal, and when waking up and falling asleep. Being here has really brought me closer to God.
In case you couldn't tell, I've been trying to write you every night. So far, it's been tough with the short nights. They're starting to come into the dorms at night and check our "night displays" and wake us when they're wrong. I wish you could see just how this place functioned. It's terrifying, yet amazing at the same time.
A Baby Flight came in just yesterday, and it brought back all those memories. I still remember lights out on the first night: The last thing Ssgt. Ramirez said to us before turning the lights out was "Welcome to the United States Air Force. Your "butt" belongs to the U.S. Government now." It absolutely terrified me. I also got to watch that baby flight go through their first lunch. I am quite sure that every T.I. from the 322 Training Squadron was there to pick them apart.
What you heard about Basic was right: nothing you do here will ever be right. After 8 weeks it's just "Not quite as crappy as before," never "good job." You've just got to learn to take everything with a grain of salt. You live life here one meal at a time, and when the day is over, well, you're just that much closer to graduation.
But now I'm off to sleep, another 3+ mile run day tomorrow morning, so goodnight!
Bailey
So, hopefully by now you have received about 6 letters. I am sorry that I haven't been able to call you yet this week. We had a few people mess up, so we didn't earn out phone call. I am praying every day that we will earn it this week. I've been dying to talk to you!
But seriously though, I make it a point to pray every chance I get here. Always before any meal, and when waking up and falling asleep. Being here has really brought me closer to God.
In case you couldn't tell, I've been trying to write you every night. So far, it's been tough with the short nights. They're starting to come into the dorms at night and check our "night displays" and wake us when they're wrong. I wish you could see just how this place functioned. It's terrifying, yet amazing at the same time.
A Baby Flight came in just yesterday, and it brought back all those memories. I still remember lights out on the first night: The last thing Ssgt. Ramirez said to us before turning the lights out was "Welcome to the United States Air Force. Your "butt" belongs to the U.S. Government now." It absolutely terrified me. I also got to watch that baby flight go through their first lunch. I am quite sure that every T.I. from the 322 Training Squadron was there to pick them apart.
What you heard about Basic was right: nothing you do here will ever be right. After 8 weeks it's just "Not quite as crappy as before," never "good job." You've just got to learn to take everything with a grain of salt. You live life here one meal at a time, and when the day is over, well, you're just that much closer to graduation.
But now I'm off to sleep, another 3+ mile run day tomorrow morning, so goodnight!
Bailey
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Letter #6 (July 27 2010, 1313 Hours)
Lauren,
So today has been quite a... "fun" day. Having to wake up at 0215 was just miserable. However, at 0400, when we finished making beds, the other groups that didn't have to be awake were allowed to go back to sleep until 0430... but on the cold, hard ground (we didn't want to ruin the freshly made beds).
So, after the 5 extra minutes of sleep, my group had to march all the way across the base (Lackland is the largest Air Force base in the world). We had to go and clean up the graduation grounds, which got me quite excited. I really can not wait, but I know that if I only look forward to that, the next 6 weeks will drag on. It's just hard not to get excited when you see trainees with their stripes walking with their civilian luggage getting ready to leave for technical school.
I found out, I will have my cell phone at all times at tech school, and can talk at any time I'm not in class (0700-1700) and after 45 days, I get to come home during weekends! Of course, I'll be finished about 15 days after that, but oh well!
So, how are you? I really want to know how you have been, how work has been, and just anything in general. I can't wait to hear from you again!
Bailey
P.S. Also, we haven't earned a phone call yet this week, and I can only get my letters out when time permits, just so you don't worry too much!
So today has been quite a... "fun" day. Having to wake up at 0215 was just miserable. However, at 0400, when we finished making beds, the other groups that didn't have to be awake were allowed to go back to sleep until 0430... but on the cold, hard ground (we didn't want to ruin the freshly made beds).
So, after the 5 extra minutes of sleep, my group had to march all the way across the base (Lackland is the largest Air Force base in the world). We had to go and clean up the graduation grounds, which got me quite excited. I really can not wait, but I know that if I only look forward to that, the next 6 weeks will drag on. It's just hard not to get excited when you see trainees with their stripes walking with their civilian luggage getting ready to leave for technical school.
I found out, I will have my cell phone at all times at tech school, and can talk at any time I'm not in class (0700-1700) and after 45 days, I get to come home during weekends! Of course, I'll be finished about 15 days after that, but oh well!
So, how are you? I really want to know how you have been, how work has been, and just anything in general. I can't wait to hear from you again!
Bailey
P.S. Also, we haven't earned a phone call yet this week, and I can only get my letters out when time permits, just so you don't worry too much!
Letter #5 (July 27, 2010, 2105 hours)
Lauren,
This is probably going to be another short letter tonight. But we are actually getting to bed on time! However, we do have to wake up tomorrow at 0215. Today has been quite a long day. We woke up at 0400 to a T.I. screaming at a trainee for having letters in his satchel. (I had 4 for you in mine, so I had to get out of bed quickly and move them into my security drawer before he could check mine).
Anywho, after all that, we ran 3 miles straight (my shirt was beyond soaked). Then, we had to learn Integrated Defense, which is where we do combat marching, and we have to crawl through sand, dragging our faces the whole way through. My face had a good 1/4 inch layer of sand caked to it.
OH!!! I forgot to mention, we got our M16s last week! But, they are starting night raids, so now I have to go. I hope you got all my letters!
Bailey
This is probably going to be another short letter tonight. But we are actually getting to bed on time! However, we do have to wake up tomorrow at 0215. Today has been quite a long day. We woke up at 0400 to a T.I. screaming at a trainee for having letters in his satchel. (I had 4 for you in mine, so I had to get out of bed quickly and move them into my security drawer before he could check mine).
Anywho, after all that, we ran 3 miles straight (my shirt was beyond soaked). Then, we had to learn Integrated Defense, which is where we do combat marching, and we have to crawl through sand, dragging our faces the whole way through. My face had a good 1/4 inch layer of sand caked to it.
OH!!! I forgot to mention, we got our M16s last week! But, they are starting night raids, so now I have to go. I hope you got all my letters!
Bailey
Friday, July 30, 2010
Letter #4 (Monday July 26, 2010)
Lauren,
I'm going to start off apologizing: I forgot to number/date the last 3 letters! Mostly because I didn't know the date, and also because I was hoping on getting these out sooner. Your letters will usually only take 2 days to reach me, so let's see how mine fare.
I apologize that these letters are a little crazy, I have to write them by flashlight after light out, and make sure that no one sees. I also apologize, your letters are always happy, mine are just mopey.
SO, on to some good news: We had 2nd week P.T. evaluations today, and I managed to cut 2.5 minutes off my mile and a half time. So now, I'm only 30 seconds short of being "safe." It started to storm here today/tonight. There was crazy lighting and thunder, it was so amazing.
I really should go to sleep, only about 4 hours to first call. But before I go, I found a passage today: Isaiah 45:1-7. I reread one of your notes in my Bible about just flipping to a random passage, and it was the first one I flipped to. It really speaks to me, and tell me that God will tear down those physical and mental barriers. You should read it!
Anyways, I love you and will write you again tomorrow. Bye!
-Bailey
I'm going to start off apologizing: I forgot to number/date the last 3 letters! Mostly because I didn't know the date, and also because I was hoping on getting these out sooner. Your letters will usually only take 2 days to reach me, so let's see how mine fare.
I apologize that these letters are a little crazy, I have to write them by flashlight after light out, and make sure that no one sees. I also apologize, your letters are always happy, mine are just mopey.
SO, on to some good news: We had 2nd week P.T. evaluations today, and I managed to cut 2.5 minutes off my mile and a half time. So now, I'm only 30 seconds short of being "safe." It started to storm here today/tonight. There was crazy lighting and thunder, it was so amazing.
I really should go to sleep, only about 4 hours to first call. But before I go, I found a passage today: Isaiah 45:1-7. I reread one of your notes in my Bible about just flipping to a random passage, and it was the first one I flipped to. It really speaks to me, and tell me that God will tear down those physical and mental barriers. You should read it!
Anyways, I love you and will write you again tomorrow. Bye!
-Bailey
Letter #3 (Unsure of date)
Lauren,
I can't really talk long tonight, they instructed us to sleep at lights out. But I just had to talk to you.
We had our 2 week P.T. Eval today, and I'm quite exhausted. Remember how I told you that we had to do our chain of command 14 times the other night? (I think I'm still missing that letter right now) Well, since no one followed directions, we had to do it 25 times last night. Yeah, I was up until 2AM. Also, I don't know how this wasn't first in the letter, but I got re-baptized today. It was quite amazing.
I'm sorry I can't send you more consistent letters. We just got permission to start dropping them off. So you should be getting these 3 letters soon. This whole experience has just made me appreciate you so much more. [Mushy mushy stuff]
I should probably go to sleep now, so I can get some sleep for the run tomorrow. I miss you, and I will talk to you tomorrow.
Love,
Bailey
(Trainee Fowler)
I can't really talk long tonight, they instructed us to sleep at lights out. But I just had to talk to you.
We had our 2 week P.T. Eval today, and I'm quite exhausted. Remember how I told you that we had to do our chain of command 14 times the other night? (I think I'm still missing that letter right now) Well, since no one followed directions, we had to do it 25 times last night. Yeah, I was up until 2AM. Also, I don't know how this wasn't first in the letter, but I got re-baptized today. It was quite amazing.
I'm sorry I can't send you more consistent letters. We just got permission to start dropping them off. So you should be getting these 3 letters soon. This whole experience has just made me appreciate you so much more. [Mushy mushy stuff]
I should probably go to sleep now, so I can get some sleep for the run tomorrow. I miss you, and I will talk to you tomorrow.
Love,
Bailey
(Trainee Fowler)
Letter #2 (Unsure of date)
Lauren,
I really shouldn't be talking to you right now, but I just have to, even if I can't hear your awesome voice. I am about 5 pages through the 14 that needs to be written by 0545 tomorrow, and I just can't do anymore.
I really wanted to tell you, we did locker inspections tonight, and my T.I. found my pic of you, and the first thing he asked me was if I missed you. I started to tear up, and told him that I did, terribly, and I have been on the edge of crying for hours now.
I don't care about graduating anymore, just about seeing you and my family again. They tell you not to look forward to graduation around here, that it's too far off. That instead you should look forward to Sundays, or even just lunchtime or the next day, and it will go a lot smoother and be a lot easier on you.
Today has been a rather rough day. Except for the two classes we had with a hilarious instructor, we have been "on our faces" all day, which basically means push-ups, leg lifts, and squat thrusts. I just wanted for this day to be over. I also got the world's worst cramp in my calf.
I should probably go now, it's late, and I've got more writing to do.
Love,
Bailey
I really shouldn't be talking to you right now, but I just have to, even if I can't hear your awesome voice. I am about 5 pages through the 14 that needs to be written by 0545 tomorrow, and I just can't do anymore.
I really wanted to tell you, we did locker inspections tonight, and my T.I. found my pic of you, and the first thing he asked me was if I missed you. I started to tear up, and told him that I did, terribly, and I have been on the edge of crying for hours now.
I don't care about graduating anymore, just about seeing you and my family again. They tell you not to look forward to graduation around here, that it's too far off. That instead you should look forward to Sundays, or even just lunchtime or the next day, and it will go a lot smoother and be a lot easier on you.
Today has been a rather rough day. Except for the two classes we had with a hilarious instructor, we have been "on our faces" all day, which basically means push-ups, leg lifts, and squat thrusts. I just wanted for this day to be over. I also got the world's worst cramp in my calf.
I should probably go now, it's late, and I've got more writing to do.
Love,
Bailey
Letter #1 (Written around 7-16-10)
Lauren,
I hope that you are able to read my handwriting. I just got your letter yesterday, as well as a card from your family. If you could, thank them for me, and tell them that they's never know just how much it means to me. I would write them myself, but the fact that we have personal time tonight is just an act of God!
I want to tell you everything about this place. I wake up every morning around 2 AM in a cold sweat thinking that I already hear my Drill Instructor (Staff Sargeant Ramirez) yelling. Then I try to fall asleep until 4 AM when we wake up to get ready for P.T. (Physical Training).
Every day here is blisteringly hot. We step outside and sweat literally starts to pour from my face. The food here really isn't too bad at all... it's just that we only have about two minutes to eat. We usually have several classes every day, which I normally don't mind, but on 3 1/2 hours of sleep, within 5 minutes of sitting down, I start to doze off.
The physical side of this place is almost as bad as the mental side. My back still hasn't recovered from out first P.T., so my sit-ups and push-ups have only gotten worse. And when your low on numbers, the T.I.'s like to yell. I did however, run 3 miles today. I've made many new friends here, friends I'm sure I'll keep forever. I want to tell you more about them, but I'm almost out of time here.
[A bunch of mushy gushy stuff that nobody wants to read :)]
Love, Bailey Fowler.
P.S. Mom send me a pic that she took of us together (thank you SO MUCH for doing that!!!) and I cried when I saw it I was so happy to have a picture of us. Also, can you facebook message my mom and tell her that I received her and Philippe's letters, and will respond A.S.A.P.?
I hope that you are able to read my handwriting. I just got your letter yesterday, as well as a card from your family. If you could, thank them for me, and tell them that they's never know just how much it means to me. I would write them myself, but the fact that we have personal time tonight is just an act of God!
I want to tell you everything about this place. I wake up every morning around 2 AM in a cold sweat thinking that I already hear my Drill Instructor (Staff Sargeant Ramirez) yelling. Then I try to fall asleep until 4 AM when we wake up to get ready for P.T. (Physical Training).
Every day here is blisteringly hot. We step outside and sweat literally starts to pour from my face. The food here really isn't too bad at all... it's just that we only have about two minutes to eat. We usually have several classes every day, which I normally don't mind, but on 3 1/2 hours of sleep, within 5 minutes of sitting down, I start to doze off.
The physical side of this place is almost as bad as the mental side. My back still hasn't recovered from out first P.T., so my sit-ups and push-ups have only gotten worse. And when your low on numbers, the T.I.'s like to yell. I did however, run 3 miles today. I've made many new friends here, friends I'm sure I'll keep forever. I want to tell you more about them, but I'm almost out of time here.
[A bunch of mushy gushy stuff that nobody wants to read :)]
Love, Bailey Fowler.
P.S. Mom send me a pic that she took of us together (thank you SO MUCH for doing that!!!) and I cried when I saw it I was so happy to have a picture of us. Also, can you facebook message my mom and tell her that I received her and Philippe's letters, and will respond A.S.A.P.?
Friday, July 23, 2010
July 22, 2010
Bailey illegally called me today. My phone rang, and when I saw his name pop up, I was really worried something happened. But when I answered, he said "HeyICan'tTalkForLongI'mNotSupposedToBeOnMyPhoneIJustWantedToLetYouKnowIGotYourLettersAndIWillWriteBackAsSoonAsICanBye!"
Literally :). I think our whole conversation was 10 seconds long. But it was really nice to know he risked scrubbing toilets the rest of his time there just to call me and let me know he's getting all the mail! He wants to say thank you to everybody that's already sent him stuff, he really appreciates it!
Literally :). I think our whole conversation was 10 seconds long. But it was really nice to know he risked scrubbing toilets the rest of his time there just to call me and let me know he's getting all the mail! He wants to say thank you to everybody that's already sent him stuff, he really appreciates it!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Address
Here is the address Bailey gave me today. Once again, he asked me to pass along to everybody they're more than welcome to send him letters and cards as often as they want to. He'd love it!
AB FOWLER BAILEY K
322 TRS/FLT 576 (DORM A-5)
PSC3
1320 TRUEMPER ST. UNIT 364041
LACKLAND AFB, TX 78236-4041
AB FOWLER BAILEY K
322 TRS/FLT 576 (DORM A-5)
PSC3
1320 TRUEMPER ST. UNIT 364041
LACKLAND AFB, TX 78236-4041
Bailey's 1st Phone Call
I heard from Bailey for the first time today since he'd left for Basic. He's only allowed one 10-minute pone call per week, if that. So we didn't get to talk long, but here is a good deal of what he told me today:
1) He wants his parents to know that he's okay and alive, albeit a little exhausted.
2) He wants people to write him/send him cards as often as they can. He would love the encouragement.
3) He's bald now (That was the first question I asked him). They shaved off all his hair the second day he was there. He also got all his military clothes the same day.
4) It hasn't been horribly hot at Lackland, but he said the humidity is MISERABLE. He said within a few minutes of stepping outside you're drenched in sweat. Fun!
5) So far they've been getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night. He's completely exhausted, and I think that's the one thing wearing him down the most. In relation to that he said "I really don't want to be here right now, but I know I'll make it through"
6) He said they have huge church service options there on Sundays, and that he got to meet one of the chaplains, and that he really seems like a nice genuine guy. Bailey seemed pretty excited about that.
That's really all that we got to talk about in regards to Basic training. 10 minutes isn't very much at all. But he definitely, definitely wanted to make sure that his family (especially his mom and dad) knew all this and that they knew he was there and doing about as well as you can do being at military basic training in Texas in the middle of the summer.
But despite the obvious unpleasantries, he seemed to be in decent spirits. They started running in the morning yesterday, but he said they only did 1 1/2 miles, so it's not bad yet.
I will continue to update this as often as I hear from him! Thank you to everybody that's asked about him and has already expressed wanting his address to send him cards and letters. I know that he appreciates it, and I know those will be huge signs of encouragement as Basic continues!
Intro
Bailey left for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio on July 13, 2010. He told me he wasn't sure just how often he would be able to communicate back home, but that he would try as often as he could, and he wanted me to make sure everybody back home knew he'd be okay whenever we talked.
So I figured I would start this blog, so that way anybody that wants to can read on the updates he relays to me and how he's doing. I will also post his mailing address, and he told me to tell everybody to write to him as often as they wanted to, that he would love the encouragement.
That's all for now!
So I figured I would start this blog, so that way anybody that wants to can read on the updates he relays to me and how he's doing. I will also post his mailing address, and he told me to tell everybody to write to him as often as they wanted to, that he would love the encouragement.
That's all for now!
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