More pics and vids of the field

Never a dull moment

So we are back from the field finally. I have been promoted to platoon leader and was replaced by another lieutenant. While we were out in the field one of my soldiers decided to put on about 30 chem lights and give us a show. It is posted here for all to see. It was alot of fun. These guys really keep you on your toes.

Shift work

Well I have been training in the field for the last two weeks and am ready for a shower and a break. The family, Mallory and I are going to Fripp Island next weekend so that will be a great change of pace. I love the Army but you really get tired of being with nothing but unshowered dudes pretty quickly. Its all good though. It cant be that bad. After all, I am sitting in a chair and posting to my blog via cell phone. Dont worry, I will be busy shooting vehicles in another hour or so.

Veterans

A few moments ago I went to the Commissary to buy some groceries. As I was walking in a veteran in a wheelchair was sitting in front of a table requesting monetary support for disabled veterans. I told him I would draw out some cash and come back when I had finished shopping. I purchased my items and came back to see the veteran. I placed the money in a jar and he thanked me for serving. I told him it was I who should be doing the thanking. He handed me a small blue cloth flower which said simply "Forget-Me-Not." As I shook his hand, thanked him for his service, and that America owed him its deepest respect. He tried to stand up from his wheelchair and hug me. He began to fall so I awkwardly and clumsily tried to help him sit back down. He tried to stand up again and clung to my arms for balance. I again had to help him sit and this time I leaned over and hugged him. I thanked him again, gathered up my groceries, and left for the parking lot. I was crying by the time I reached my truck. I am so blessed to be part of an organization that has such outstanding men. I felt so proud as I drove away to be so readily accepted by men who have done far more than I ever have. Even after becoming disabled, this man, and many other veterans across the country, still look after their own and continue to serve and help soldiers. I believe they encompass what is described in the book of John 15;13. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Well it has been a great couple weeks. I have been able to come home the last two weekends in a row. Mallory's family, my family, and Marissa hosted an engagement party for us at Smith State Park. Thank you to everyone who came and celebated with us, and put up with listening to my speech. Tomorrow is the celebration of Trinity's 25th year. I am greatly looking forward to seeing my church friends both old and new.

Wow so it has rained here alot this week. One of my guns was going out to the field as a replacement and the weight of the track caused a suction and sank the whole thing up to the turret. The repairs will be several hundred thousand dollars. Everything inside was totaled. I do have good news though. I just got promoted to platoon leader this week! Which means I am now responsible for trying to get that gun fixed. :(

Overdue for something new

Well, I haven't posted in a while so it's time for an update. I just came back from field training yesterday. We came in a day and a half early which was nice. On the way back the FDC (fire direction center) vehicle hit a pothole and threw everything inside the vehicle forward. Nine soldiers, rifles, books, and tools were everywhere. Fortunately nobody was hurt seriously. A few bruised wrists, backs, legs and a banged up collar bone. The rest of the trip home was uneventful. I got home and received a call from a friend of mine who lives in Pennsylvania and is in the National Guard there. He said he was coming in for training and wanted to see if he could spend the night. I happily obliged. That is something I really love about the military. You develop close relationships and although you may move around alot, odds are, wherever you go, there are other friends there too.