26 october 09
Hi all,
Sorry I haven't written in a while, its been super busy. Happy Birthday Mom and Uncle Scott! Hope all is well. I got about 10 letters today. They were great. Mom, get on my friends to start writing me also!
Last week we did some more combatives, basic wrestling stuff, but it was fun. I'm sore from it, but nothing bad. We did another cool obstacle course, but it was cold and rainy which sucked. The University of Kentucky game was amazing, we all ate til we almost puked, but it was worth it. There have been some more smokings, including one in the sandpit last night...brutal. Today was combat lifesavers. It was basic CPR and stuff like that, it was like an intro to my MOS which was cool. We're already in the final week of Red Phase, we get to start shooting and all that next week. Time is passing pretty quickly, but its going to just keep speeding up. Its weird that I go to bed when I would usually get out of work, and wake up when I often times go to sleep. I'll keep writing and I hope to keep hearing from everyone. Hope all is well.
- Corey
(Laurie) I sent Corey a little questionnaire and here are some of his answers:
What part of you hurts the most? feet
What has been the hardest thing? doing everything right and still getting in trouble
What encourages you the most? Food and home
Top 5 things you miss? fried food, talking during meals, freedom, my bed, people I know
Are you learning how to clean your room? yes, it sucks
What would you like more, rest or seafood fra diablo? seafood
How do you look with no hair? Great
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Giant Q-Tips
21 Oct 09
Hi All,
I'm a little upset. I have yet to receive a letter after 2 weeks, so get on it. Otherwise, things are going well. Monday we did some bayonet training, which ended with a platoon v. platoon obstacle course race. Of course we lost due to the usual bunch of lazy idiots, but it was rewarding nonetheless. That night we got our asses run into the ground because someone left a weapon unsecured, which is a major no-no. But after that I was named 1 of 4 squad leaders. This means both my DSs see me as a leader, and someone who can handle responsibility, so far it is going well.
Yesterday we had some combatives. Basically, we beat the shit out of each other with giant q-tips. It was quite fun. Today was pretty drawn out, lots of boring classes. We got some great news, instead of the planned gas chamber for Saturday, we get to go see a University of Kentucky football game. Which is fantastic. Right now its only 2043, but as soon as my laundry is done, I'm going right to bed. I figure, sooner I get to bed, sooner I get to eat. I've taken to putting sugar on my bread and other food, just to keep myself going. Until next time,
- Corey
Hi All,
I'm a little upset. I have yet to receive a letter after 2 weeks, so get on it. Otherwise, things are going well. Monday we did some bayonet training, which ended with a platoon v. platoon obstacle course race. Of course we lost due to the usual bunch of lazy idiots, but it was rewarding nonetheless. That night we got our asses run into the ground because someone left a weapon unsecured, which is a major no-no. But after that I was named 1 of 4 squad leaders. This means both my DSs see me as a leader, and someone who can handle responsibility, so far it is going well.
Yesterday we had some combatives. Basically, we beat the shit out of each other with giant q-tips. It was quite fun. Today was pretty drawn out, lots of boring classes. We got some great news, instead of the planned gas chamber for Saturday, we get to go see a University of Kentucky football game. Which is fantastic. Right now its only 2043, but as soon as my laundry is done, I'm going right to bed. I figure, sooner I get to bed, sooner I get to eat. I've taken to putting sugar on my bread and other food, just to keep myself going. Until next time,
- Corey
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Two Letters Today
18 October 09
Hello Everyone!
First off Mom, let everyone now that I have very little time to write letters. I am lucky if I can write one a day. If any. So its going to be unlikely that I can contact anyone but you, so make sure to update the blog frequently. (Got the letter at 7:15 writing at 7:34 is that fast enough? Laurie)
Other than that, things are going well. Who would have guessed, but we're already into week 2. The last 2 days have actually been quite good. Yesterday, we spent the day at Thunderbolt Tower. We did our repelling down a 50 foot wall, which was exciting, although quite cold. Its actually colder here than at home, with the mornings already dipping below freezing. We have some winter gear, but it only goes so far. Today, Sunday, was basically a day off, although not entirely. We got to sleep in to a nice 0530, and spent the rest of the day organizing. They're quite crazy about it, makes Dad look like a slob. I took your advice and went to services, being the only Jew in my 150+ person company, it was nice to see some others. Plus, I got some cookies, soda and coffee. Yes, I know I don't drink coffee, but it was hot and had caffeine, something I needed. I've taken to putting sugar on lots of my food, simply for the extra energy boost. They really don't feed us enough, and unlike "Relaxin Jackson" (Fort Jackson, SC - Laurie), the school of Hard Knox does not have any vending machines. A good thing though, I may be made a squad leader soon. My DS asked me about it and I said I was interested. It would be a good opportunity to work on my leadership and improve there. Until next time, - Corey
Hi Everyone,
So the last few days have been quite a whirlwind. The people I said were lacking in intelligence continue to do so, causing the rest of us to receive much punishment. In fact, last night was almost a very bad thing. After our platoon's continued failures, the DS decided they could no longer have us. We were going to be recycled, which meant all 41 of us were to return to reception, get put in another company, and be returned to day zero. After packing all our stuff, the DS chose around 10 people who were "squared away," who would stay in Delta company and be put into another platoon. I, thankfully, was one of them. Although in the morning we were all allowed to stay.
Today we had some team building stuff that went well, and we're starting to come together. I am trying to take on somewhat of a leadership role, and it's going well. My feet are killing me from breaking in 3 pairs of boots, my legs are shot, and all I want is a Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich and a coke. Other than that, I'm doing pretty well, tell everyone to write!
- Corey
P.S. When you reply, put a big "3" on the back of the envelope. Pass that on...
Hello Everyone!
First off Mom, let everyone now that I have very little time to write letters. I am lucky if I can write one a day. If any. So its going to be unlikely that I can contact anyone but you, so make sure to update the blog frequently. (Got the letter at 7:15 writing at 7:34 is that fast enough? Laurie)
Other than that, things are going well. Who would have guessed, but we're already into week 2. The last 2 days have actually been quite good. Yesterday, we spent the day at Thunderbolt Tower. We did our repelling down a 50 foot wall, which was exciting, although quite cold. Its actually colder here than at home, with the mornings already dipping below freezing. We have some winter gear, but it only goes so far. Today, Sunday, was basically a day off, although not entirely. We got to sleep in to a nice 0530, and spent the rest of the day organizing. They're quite crazy about it, makes Dad look like a slob. I took your advice and went to services, being the only Jew in my 150+ person company, it was nice to see some others. Plus, I got some cookies, soda and coffee. Yes, I know I don't drink coffee, but it was hot and had caffeine, something I needed. I've taken to putting sugar on lots of my food, simply for the extra energy boost. They really don't feed us enough, and unlike "Relaxin Jackson" (Fort Jackson, SC - Laurie), the school of Hard Knox does not have any vending machines. A good thing though, I may be made a squad leader soon. My DS asked me about it and I said I was interested. It would be a good opportunity to work on my leadership and improve there. Until next time, - Corey
Hi Everyone,
So the last few days have been quite a whirlwind. The people I said were lacking in intelligence continue to do so, causing the rest of us to receive much punishment. In fact, last night was almost a very bad thing. After our platoon's continued failures, the DS decided they could no longer have us. We were going to be recycled, which meant all 41 of us were to return to reception, get put in another company, and be returned to day zero. After packing all our stuff, the DS chose around 10 people who were "squared away," who would stay in Delta company and be put into another platoon. I, thankfully, was one of them. Although in the morning we were all allowed to stay.
Today we had some team building stuff that went well, and we're starting to come together. I am trying to take on somewhat of a leadership role, and it's going well. My feet are killing me from breaking in 3 pairs of boots, my legs are shot, and all I want is a Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich and a coke. Other than that, I'm doing pretty well, tell everyone to write!
- Corey
P.S. When you reply, put a big "3" on the back of the envelope. Pass that on...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
First Letter and Address
Sorry it's taken so long to hear from me, but as they said, "We're in Hell." First off, I am fine, enjoying myself for the most part, but of course parts of it are tough and to be blunt, shitty. Here's whats happened so far...
Night One:
We got right off the bus and headed into reception, and the waiting started from around 2030 (8:30 pm) until midnight, it was a mess of paperwork, running around (only to stand in line "nut to butt") with the other privates. We had our first meal around 2230, which was insane. We're given 5 minutes to eat, are not allowed to talk, and must always walk single file in only one way. Finally, around 0030, we went to bed.
Day 1-3
Awake at 0400 to get into formation with about 200 men. Of course this took forever. The whole day was paperwork, needles, and other boring stuff. In the afternoon we got our uniforms, but couldn't wear them until the next day. The next 1-3 days were more of the same, sitting for hours on end, and getting yelled at by what we thought to be asshole Drill Sergents. Oh how we were mistaken.
Welcome to Hell:
Saturday afternoon we boarded busses to ship across to base or "down range," to start basic training. From the second we got off the bus, it was 1000 times worse than reception. Yelling and all that, basically, the movies are true. So much has happened so it's hard to pick out details, but by the 10 second phone call, you can probably get the idea. This now, Sunday night @ 2100, is the first free time we've had. There have been plenty of push ups, pull ups, and running so far. Surprisingly I'm doing quite well though. Sadly we have a few of the biggest idiots I have ever encountered in my platoon of 42 men. One guy already had MP called on him due to a refusal to train (The K-9 scared him and he's back at it...). Today we got issued our M-16 A2 semi-automatic rifles, and I won't lie, ACU's and a gun make me look and feel badass. That's all for now.
My address is:
PV2 Corey Mindlin
D Co 5/46 IN 3rd PLT
3576 Wilson Road
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5728
Please send pictures of family and some of my friends.
Corey
______________
Note from Laurie
Corey can receive only letters, newspaper clippings and pictures. No packages. Also, everything has to be "clean" - no dirty pictures or language. Expect a lag time from when you send the note until he receives it and figure that this will be his way of writing back to you. Thanks, I'm sure notes from friends and family will make the time go faster.
Night One:
We got right off the bus and headed into reception, and the waiting started from around 2030 (8:30 pm) until midnight, it was a mess of paperwork, running around (only to stand in line "nut to butt") with the other privates. We had our first meal around 2230, which was insane. We're given 5 minutes to eat, are not allowed to talk, and must always walk single file in only one way. Finally, around 0030, we went to bed.
Day 1-3
Awake at 0400 to get into formation with about 200 men. Of course this took forever. The whole day was paperwork, needles, and other boring stuff. In the afternoon we got our uniforms, but couldn't wear them until the next day. The next 1-3 days were more of the same, sitting for hours on end, and getting yelled at by what we thought to be asshole Drill Sergents. Oh how we were mistaken.
Welcome to Hell:
Saturday afternoon we boarded busses to ship across to base or "down range," to start basic training. From the second we got off the bus, it was 1000 times worse than reception. Yelling and all that, basically, the movies are true. So much has happened so it's hard to pick out details, but by the 10 second phone call, you can probably get the idea. This now, Sunday night @ 2100, is the first free time we've had. There have been plenty of push ups, pull ups, and running so far. Surprisingly I'm doing quite well though. Sadly we have a few of the biggest idiots I have ever encountered in my platoon of 42 men. One guy already had MP called on him due to a refusal to train (The K-9 scared him and he's back at it...). Today we got issued our M-16 A2 semi-automatic rifles, and I won't lie, ACU's and a gun make me look and feel badass. That's all for now.
My address is:
PV2 Corey Mindlin
D Co 5/46 IN 3rd PLT
3576 Wilson Road
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5728
Please send pictures of family and some of my friends.
Corey
______________
Note from Laurie
Corey can receive only letters, newspaper clippings and pictures. No packages. Also, everything has to be "clean" - no dirty pictures or language. Expect a lag time from when you send the note until he receives it and figure that this will be his way of writing back to you. Thanks, I'm sure notes from friends and family will make the time go faster.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
First Phone Call!!
Corey called at about 4:00 yesterday afternoon. It was great to hear his voice. He said, "Hi Mom. I'm safe. I have to go. Bye." It sounded like there was screaming all around him so maybe his drill sargents were yelling at everyone to hurry up. He sounded good though and most importantly, he's OK!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Swearing In Day
Well, we got our first taste of an army SNAFU (situation normal all f..ed up!). Corey was kept an extra long time in the processing area because his recruiter forgot to send some of his materials. Then he was told that he is not going to Fort Jackson...he is now on his way to Fort Knox in Kentucky. This gave us about 5 minutes of visiting before the signing in ceremony and just enough time to take a few pictures and say goodbye afterwards. He then left for the airport and that is that.
The swearing in ceremony was very brief. The "shippers" were called to attention and in walked a female navy officer who said, "at ease." She welcomed them and asked them to introduce themselves, tell name, city, what branch of the military they chose and why they are joining up. She asked if any parents had served and two fathers had. She thanked them. Last the young men and one woman were called to attention again. They raised their hands and recited a pledge. The room was filled with flags and emblems of the different services. It was a moving experience.
We hope to hear from Corey when he arrives at the fort tonight or perhaps tomorrow. Stay tuned.
The swearing in ceremony was very brief. The "shippers" were called to attention and in walked a female navy officer who said, "at ease." She welcomed them and asked them to introduce themselves, tell name, city, what branch of the military they chose and why they are joining up. She asked if any parents had served and two fathers had. She thanked them. Last the young men and one woman were called to attention again. They raised their hands and recited a pledge. The room was filled with flags and emblems of the different services. It was a moving experience.
We hope to hear from Corey when he arrives at the fort tonight or perhaps tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Day Before
Today Corey reported to the recruiting office in Norwood, MA and they will take him to a hotel where all the recruits from all of the armed forces will spend the night. Early (like 4:00 AM) tomorrow morning he will go down to the Processing Center in Boston where he will have a final physical and swearing in. He'll then be transported to Logan Airport for his trip to South Carolina. I should hear from him once he settles into the Intake area and will pass along the news.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Staying in Touch
Hi,
My name is Laurie and I'm Corey's Mom. I am helping him be in touch with friends and family. I'll post news everytime I hear from him. If you would like to contact me, you can reach me at ltmindlin@aol.com or my home at 781 449-5231. As soon as I get an address for Corey, I'll post it.
My name is Laurie and I'm Corey's Mom. I am helping him be in touch with friends and family. I'll post news everytime I hear from him. If you would like to contact me, you can reach me at ltmindlin@aol.com or my home at 781 449-5231. As soon as I get an address for Corey, I'll post it.
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