Friday, January 16 First Aid Continued

We continued our first aid in a combat environment training today. We learned how to use different types of dressings and tourniquets.

I went and a saw a occupational therapist about my wrist and they have referred me to the orthopedic department so I can get a permanent profile on my left wrist since it is fused together.

We have a weekend off, but there are several papers coming due next week, so I will be doing school work.

I will attend three more services on Sunday and have to do three reflection papers.

You all take care and Miss you all!

Steve

Thursday, January 15th: First Aid Training

Hello, ALL!

Today we started our training on first aid in a combat environment. it was indeed interesting. The most interesting part was the afternoon. We were advised we would be giving each other!!!!! I.V.'s!!! Yes, we were going to get stuck and to stick someone else. I practiced on a dummy once and then did it on another soldier. It was a learning experience and yes I survived as well as my partner.

We have continued P.T. and I am pleased with where I am at.

It is pretty cold here, but not as cold as back home. So I am not complaining!

You all take care and God Bless,

Steve

Wednesday, 14th SURVIVED THE GAS CHAMBER

MORE TO COME, WE HAVE BEEN REAL BUSY AND I DON'T HAVE TIME TO GIVE YOU MUCH. C.S. CHAMBER WAS EXTREME- GAS MASKS DO WORK- BREATHING IS A VERY NICE THING--NOT BREATHING IS BAD. I AM GLAD THIS DAY IS OVER. MY SKIN STILL IS BURNING! GOD BLESS, I HAVE TO GET UP AT 4:15 A.M. FOR P.T. IN THE MORNING, SO OFF TO BED I GO.

BLESSING,

STEVE

Monday, Survived the Team Development Course and Victory Tower

GREAT DAY! IT WAS A VERY PHYSICAL DAY AND I AM EXHAUSTED. TOMORROW HOLDS AN ASSESSMENT P.T. TEST AND GAS CHAMBER. TODAY WE DID VICTORY TOWER, OBSTACLE TYPE COURSE ON A 100 FOOT TOWER. NOTHING LIKE CHALLENGING YOUR FEARS. I SURVIVED ANOTHER DAY.

I HAVE ANOTHER EARLY MORNING. NOT MUCH TIME TO TYPE.

MISS YOU ALL!

STEVE

Sunday 11th Jan 2009 Service Observations

Today we got up around 6:30 am and got ready to attend three worship services on Fort Jackson. We( about three of us in our group) first attended a Gospel Protestant Service, mostly a black congregation. It was lively and up lifting. Long and Loud. We sat to the back and the speaker was right over our head. The second service was a chapel for new recruits. it was more toward the style that I am comfortable with, although the Chaplain had communion (Lutheran Style) at the end of the service. I abstained. The Third service we attended was Catholic Mass at the main post chapel. It was a Catholic Mass, similar to what I have attended years ago.

We have to reflection paper's on the services.

We had formation at 1430 hours in our p.t. uniforms. We formed up and went over some stuff for tomorrow. Tomorrow is big day, team development course and Victory Tower. Physical tough day tomorrow. Formation is at 0615 in the morning, so I better be getting ready for bed.

You all take care and if your reading this thanks for keeping track!

Steve