So it is Wednesday, 7/29 here in Fort Knox. Basic Training is now underway since we finished reception yesterday and moved "down range". Going "down range" was a bittersweet experience. It felt great to be moving along and taking steps towards getting through this training, but it made me sad to leave behind the friends I made at reception. Also, none of my buddies that I got to know well at our first barracks got placed in my platoon, so that was a downer. My main source of joy is that I would get my address and could finally begin receiving letters from home. So far the conversations have only been one sided without my having an address, and honestly it is pretty killer being that cut off. Thinking of Emily and the life that is now on hold to do this brought tears to my eyes a few times.
When we left reception we marched about a mile to our new "home"... with our 50 pound duffel bags and a slightly lighter laundry bag. This march took place after standing in a formation (with the bags on our backs) for over an hour. Our march ended with a lovely greeting from 12 drill sergeants (3 per platoon) who proceeded to scream at us and stir up the most chaotic environment possible. As expected, we dumped out our bags for a shakedown in the parking lot and all hope of organization was gone. Soon we were ushered into out new barracks, a looooong bedroom that comfortably sleeps 56 young men. In a very military manner, we were briefed on how our towels will hang, how our laundry bag should look, how out boots must be stored etc. And we were taught proper push up technique and given LOADS of practice. I feel ripped already! That 6 pack will be breaking out of my ACU in no time.
Today wasn't too serious. We literally were taught the basics of um... Basic. Like how to march and fall into formation and all of the cool moves we do haha. And we did a lot of exercising, which is by far the best part. I like being paid to work out. I could live without all the yelling, but all in all our drill sergeants aren't bad. I see them as being good at doing a job and i respect them for their dedication. I would never want to train recruits 24 hours a day.
I think today I am OK. yesterday, I sunk into a miserable depression and nearly every thought of home or Emily made me want to cry. My morale is much higher today for some reason. I guess this lifestyle just takes some adjusting... and mostly patience. I knew it would be tough. But 10 weeks is insignificant. Every moment that is unpleasant is just another chance for me to focus on the future where I'll be happy and say "wow I remember that crap." lol. Prayer and focusing on happy things like my little photo album are the only things that get me through the day.
This blog's prayer requests:
1. That my morale will stay high and I can be a positive force in my platoon.
2. Quick recovery for my muscles in spite of lack of sleep.
3. My family & fiance and her family too. Pray that their letters will get to me really soon.
I think that is all now. I believe my boot issue is better, so thanks if you prayed. I believe my boots broke my feet in, and not the other way around. But either way they are working together now, so life is good. Stay awesome until I get back to the real world.
-Tim
PS... as promised, here is my address:
PVT Gregory, Timothy
G Co, 1/46 IN 2 PLT
3576 Wilson Road
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5728
I really would love to hear from anyone. Don't send anything but letters or photos please. Basically everything else such as cookies or magazines are not allowed. But a good old fashioned letter would surely bring a big smile to my face!
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