Corey Mindlin USArmy

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

We come together as a community,
as a family
To understand the values that move
the world in which we live

We come together as a community,
as a family
To understand the acts that
threaten our world

We come determined to find the values
that will right the world
We come determined to restore justice
To an unjust world

May we stand firm as we pray for peace
For our families and for our country

and

May we never forget all who serve, have served

and have lost their lives to protect our country, our community, our family.

May their memories be a blessing.

No One Left Behind

2010-05-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Corey is now back at Fort Sam and is "wearing" his combat medic insignia. I will see it on Thursday at family day before graduation. Corey got his written orders. He leaves on June 5th from Boston, stops in Detroit for a few hours and then "invades" Korea on June 6th. (Just a little jokes for those of us who remember the significance of that date!)

Camp Bullis was a combo of more medic learning and then a week of practice warfare..."we did a battalion aid station, watched the gate, went on a patrol, and cleared buildings" Corey writes me.

Not sure what he's up to the last few days but they were cleaning up the bay and there was the trip today to the tattoo parlor.

Laurie

90 degrees in the shade

2010-05-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Been watching the weather in Texas and every day is in the high 90's. Must be hard to do all the training in that heat. I know the tents they sleep in at Camp Bullis have air conditioning...imagine ~ all the comforts of home!

Corey is due back to Fort Sam this Friday. Can't wait to hear about his experiences.

All of our travel arrangements are set for David, Evan and me to go to San Antonio for Corey's graduation. It will be cool for our family to be together, can't remember the last time we were. It will be nice to make new memories.

Q: What does a medic do in Korea?

2010-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

A: A Medic in Korea would be doing similar tasks as a Medic anywhere on the planet. More than likely he will be assigned to a combat unit there. He will then help run the battalion medical clinic, be the medical support on field exercises and firing ranges, and keep training to be the best Medic he can be. He will work with keeping the medical supply inventory up to date as well as any vehicles assigned to his medical group. ~ Info from John - at goarmyparents.com

Why is it?

2010-04-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when I know I can't talk to Corey I miss him even more?

So I've been looking around to find out some details about what he is doing at Camp Bullis...that way I can have a sense of what he's been through when he resurfaces in another 10 days. I am spending my energies being so very proud of him and not looking too far ahead. Thinking of something to do with him when he's home...a round of golf? red sox game? shopping? all of the above? Hope I get to spend a little alone time with him.

Anyhow, if anyone is interested...Camp Bullis
"This base and this training facility will allow you to train under conditions that very much simulate what you are going to see on the battlefield. You will train in the environment and the conditions of stress; and that is going to help you prepare to be the best Soldier medics you can possibly be, because you have an obligation. That obligation is to take care of our most precious resource, our Soldiers."

Here's a good article about the training: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=20021225&id=KGAdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mloEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6898,6211648

Laurie

no bull

2010-04-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

Camp Bullis soldier medic training site until may 6. When I come back,ill be a certified US Army combat medic. see you then

Corey

PS leaving for Korea on June 6

Stuck

2010-04-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Morning All,

IM'd with Corey last night. He is continuing to practice his skills or be practiced upon as was the case yesterday. His partner couldn't find his vein to start an IV even though the "sticker" was using a 20 gauge needle which is thinner than an 18 gauge. Ouch! Oh the things I am learning...

I'm happy that Corey is continuing to use the word "fun" while describing his training. He could be miserable, scared or worse, I guess.

Still no details about how long he will be home before shipping out. However long, I don't think it will be enough for me!

Laurie

New and Next...See you in Korea

2010-04-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Again,

If you look closely at the new picture I posted, you will notice that Corey is now wearing glasses. He went for a routine exam and well, his parent's genes finally caught up with him. The army gave him some what I hear are pretty ugly frames and will supply him with prescription inserts for various gear. Corey did have the chance to choose his own new look and can display it when off duty.

The big news is that Corey will be posted next at Camp Casey in Korea. We believe it is for one year. This is an 'overseas' home base as opposed to a 'deployment' to a war zone. He does receive hazard pay and will train constantly to be ready to go if called. Sometimes joint Korean and US forces have been sent to the mid-east but who knows? We don't even know the full description of Corey's assignment other than second infantry. Corey says that his work in Korea will consist mostly of sick call and maybe working at the base infirmary.

I've begun to do a little research about Korea and am trying to understand why we have such a military presence there. North Korea, which as we all know has nuclear capabilities, is still a huge threat to overrun South Korea. There are several US bases in Korea and Camp Casey is in the area north of Seoul and close to the DMZ. It is freezing in winter and hot in summer, but Korea in general sounds like an OK place to be. (At least to me - Corey is not so sure.) He does know a few other medics who are going there so perhaps some familiar faces will help.

At the moment Corey is due to leave for Korea on June 10. He will do what is called 'home town recruiting' for 2 weeks where he works in the office where he enlisted. Then he will have a week or so of real vacation before he goes overseas. His friends in Needham are counting the days until he is home, so I hope it will be a hard earned and much deserved fun and relaxing time for him.

Laurie

medic training

2010-04-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

April 18 2010

Corey is pretty busy day and night with his medic training and has given me permission to continue his blog. My Mom, Corey's grandmother, and I went to San Antonio to visit Corey April 8-12 and had a great time playing tourist and catching up with Corey's army life. It may take me a few entries, but I'll try to capture some of what has occurred already.

After too many weeks in reception, Corey moved "down range" to begin the EMT portion of his medic training, on Jan. 25 if I recall correctly. Most of the kids expected that army life after basic training would be a little different, but the first phase of AIT offers few privileges and continuous "smokings" for the slightest infraction. Corey began his training with CPR and then moved into the EMT training. This is largely hours upon hours in a classroom setting and not too fondly identified as 'death by powerpoint.' Corey did great, maintaining an honors average with grades over 90 on each of his quizzes and tests. The experience was pressure-filled with at least 3 tests a week. The ongoing intensive physical training and 8-10 hours a day of classroom and study time wore everyone down on occasion.

Each soldier lives with the fear of failing the tests and being reclassified out of medic training. That means that if a test is failed twice, a soldier might be forced to go back to week one and start again, or might have to select a different MOS - army job. It is crummy when that happens because there are far fewer choices when reclassified and many wind up as a foot soldier in the infantry. Corey started out with about 320 people in his company and it is down now to about 250. Fortunately, he passed everything on the first try and is now certified as an EMT just like the folks who ride in ambulances in our local towns.

Corey says he is enjoying the practical skills he is learning. He can now start an IV, give injections, perform a tracheotomy, insert a nasal breathing tube (really gross - you can see it being done on utube), splint broken bones, apply tournequets and a bunch of other stuff I forget. The trainees practice all these things (except the trach)on each other and Corey showed us his 'battle scars'...needle marks all up and down his arm! Once they learn these type of skills, they practice and practice to do it faster and have it become second nature.

This coming Friday, Corey goes to Camp Bullis where he will live in the field and learn more battle field techniques. David, Evan and I are going to Ft Sam for Corey's graduation on May 14.

Still in Reception

2010-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

I'm writing on Corey's behalf again. As he suspected would happen, Corey and the other 399 men assigned with him are in a holding pattern and stuck in recepion. The soldiers who arrived earlier than his group did in fact go down range on January 11. Rumors are flying and Corey's company hasn't been told the real date when they will begin their medic training. He is major bummed out with the prospect of perhaps having to wait until early February.

He did have the chance to identify his preferences for a permanent duty station assignment...stateside he chose Fort Drum in upstate New York, Fort Stewart in Savannah, GA or Fort Sam Houston where he is in San Antonio. Fort Drum is the base closest to Boston, but is the home of the 10th Mountain Division - the most heavily deployed division of all. He selected overseas options as well: Korea, Germany or England. Apparently the Korea posting is a year in the DMZ - I'm guessing to protect the world from N. Korea's nuclear threat. While anywhere is dangerous, Korea is probably safer than the "sandbox" - Iraq or A-stan. In any case, the army will send Corey where they believe he is needed regardless of his stated desires.

Corey is now living with his friends from Fort Knox BCT and that helps the time pass a little more pleasantly. He is posting on facebook and is on AIM at night, so he hasn't written here. He would enjoy snail mail and while in reception can be reached at:
PV2 Mindlin, Corey
232 MED BN G Co
2950 Koeler RD Suite 1350
Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234
I will update address when he moves.

Laurie

In Formation

2010-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

Spoke to Corey on Facebook last night. Reception is horribly boring and there seems to be a mix up that will result in 400 people having to stay there until January 25th. It seems as though two classes were scheduled to start January 11. One group settled in at FSH before Christmas Exodus, went home and came back. Then there is Corey's group that just arrived.

Each day they wake at 6:00 am and have 3 or 4 periods of 1-2 hours when all they do is stand in formation. No marching. No training. No PT. Just 800 privates standing in one place, sometimes getting "smoked". They had been allowed to go to the PX during the day but all are now being punished for the sins of one soldier who went AWOL and was hurt in a car accident.

Corey doesn't know if he will start this weekend or have to wait the two weeks. He is being housed in a bay of 40 soldiers, most of whom are from the group that arrived first. We'll just have to wait to see if he will be in Delta Company or Echo Company and then find out his platoon assignment.

Stay tuned,
Laurie

On the Road Again

2010-01-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

1-1-10

Corey is on his way to San Antonio today and will report to Fort Sam Houston on Sunday. He will have about a week in reception before he begins his 16 week training to become a 68w - combat medic. The combat medic MOS (military occupation specialty) is very difficult and has a high drop out rate akin to that of special forces so he will be studying hard! If you want to get a sense of what he'll be up to, check out the home page of the 232nd army medical battalion. http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/32medbde/232medbn/defaultVI.aspx

(Cut and paste this link if it doesn't connect.)

Laurie

Boston GLOBE article on this Blog!!

2009-12-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Check this out!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/12/20/a_needham_soldier_writes_home_and_mom_starts_a_blog/?page=1

You may need to cut and paste the address above to get to the article. Congrats to Corey!

Laurie

2 Days and Counting!

2009-12-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2009

Hi All,

Corey just called me and even though he was hoarse from having bronchitis again, he sounded great! He's knows it's been some time since he's written a letter for his blog and he plans to post a complete update about his last several weeks of basic.

His company was delayed getting into blue phase because several kids in another platoon were caught stealing and gambling with a home made deck of cards. This made things tougher than necessary and frustrated Corey...he says the worst part of basic is doing everything right and still getting punished because of others' mistakes.

The weather has been awful in Kentucky, raining a lot and very cold. It caused his final field exercise (FTX) to be cut to 2 days. The cool thing though is the concluding ceremony when the recruits formally transition into soldiers. Corey said the senior drill Sergeant (his DS) spoke to them all and then they were given their berets. They can't wear them again until graduation.

The 15k wasn't too bad. It is on the hill named "misery" which is flatter than "agony" and thus easier, even though it is longer. Corey's backpack strap broke and he had to march holding his pack on his back.

Corey did well in his final PT test and came in 4th in his platoon. (That's the top 10%!) He will also be wearing 2 medals on his dress uniform, 1 for sharpshooter on the rifle, and 1 for expert in grenades. He will have the chance to earn others at AIT.

Corey came in 2nd to be the guidon bearer for his platoon at graduation. His DS called him and another soldier together and said they were tied. He asked Corey a question about the chain of command and he missed it, ...

Corey's made some very good friends and David and I will get the chance to meet them and their families. The boys have made plans that we will all go out to lunch together after graduation. Also, Corey's become quite friendly with a fellow named Jeremy who will also be going to Fort Sam Houston for Medic AIT. They plan to meet up to travel to San Antonio and tour the city the day before they have to report for training.

Can't wait to see Corey. Kentucky, here we come!

Laurie

Coming Home

2009-12-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Corey called his Dad this afternoon to tell us that he can leave the post after graduation on 12/17 . (Instead of 6:00 am the next morning!) Corey said he is well, sounded great and is happy that tomorrow is the last day of training.
~Laurie

Eat Whatever We Wanted

2009-11-30T15:27:00.001-08:00

26 Nov 09

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish I could have been home with everyone. It was weird being away from everyone for the first time but it ended up being fairly nice. We had our big meal around 1300 but it was great. We walked into the chow hall and it was decorated really nicely. We had our food served to us by a sergeant major and 2 majors! It was crazy. Some of the highest ranking people in the post were eating with us. The best part was, they treated us like human beings. We got to relax, talk, and eat whatever we wanted. Everyone was so full it was great.

Yesterday we had some training on the US weapons. Short training on the high speed weapons we use. The M249 SAW, 240B and .50 cal machine guns. Basically we fired big-ass guns with big-ass belt fed bullets. The .50 cal bullet is about the size of a carrot. It's insane.

I booked my flight to AIT. Sadly, I have to leave on Jan. 1 at 12:55pm. That's all for now. Hope everyone had a great holiday.

Corey

Agony

2009-11-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone -

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. I've been either too tired or too busy all week. The biggest things we've done were close-combat practice, night fire, grenades and the 10k march. Close combat is really cool, we used M4's which are a smaller, lighter rifle (It's what I'll have when I'm deployed) with the M68 CCO (close combat optics). For those who play "Call of Duty 4" the M68 is the "Red-Dot Sight." It simply replaces the iron sight with a red laser dot, making close fire easy. The night fire course was with night vision and laser sights, really cool stuff, but as usual it was freezing, taking away from some of the fun. Grenades were alright, a really long day for 2 big bangs. I qualified expert but it was nothing special. Then we had the 10k march. It SUCKED. We went up the hill named "Agony." Ask Mom, I'm sure she knows all about it.

Other than that things are decent, a little rough but it's almost blue phase so it should be better soon. It's shower and bed time, so 'night all.

Corey

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just got a call from Corey. He's booking his flight from Boston to San Antonio for his next phase of training and needed his frequent flier number. He's not yet in blue phase but he hopes it comes soon! Yesterday, they practiced on automatic weapons - "it was fun." Corey's back being a squad leader and marching with his platoon. They are celebrating Thanksgiving by watching movies all day and cleaning the barracks. He can't wait for Basic Training to be over and to come home.
~Laurie

Sharpshooter

2009-11-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

17 Nov 09

Hey Everybody,

So today was BRM-13, rifle qualification day. Before I tell you how I did, I'll let you know just how it works. There are 7 targets, 50m (right & left), 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m, and 300m. These are pop-up targets that stay up for times between 3-8 seconds. Sometimes there are two at a time. We shoot from 3 positions. Prone supported, lying down with sandbags for support (I fake this one because I shoot better unsupported), prone unsupported which has no sandbags, and kneeling. Supported we have 20 rounds, 10 unsupported and 10 kneeling. There are three different levels you can qualify at, each with a different badge to wear on class A's (that's the green dress uniforms - Laurie). Marksman (23-29 hits), Sharpshooter (30-35) and expert (36-40). The weather today was miserable, cold and rainy all day which made shooting tough, especially for the guys with glasses. I did well, 34/40 - sharpshooter. Sadly, I could have gotten expert but I missed a few fairly easy shots. I can't blame it on the weather, but it could have helped. Who knows, I think I get a re-qual at AIT (advanced individual training, Corey's medic training - Laurie) but probably with an M-4 (smaller, lighter, slightly less accurate rifle). That's about it for now, I'll write again soon.

~Corey

Just the 10K and 15K left

2009-11-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

5 November 09

Hi Everyone.

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been really sick and its been hard to do anything. Bronchitis, fever, cough, all that fun stuff. To make it worse, I haven't been able to go to sick call because its the most important days of BRM and I can't miss it. We have one more practice range tomorrow and we qualify Tuesday. Saturday we practiced and I shot 29/40 which is decent. I can't shoot well in the prone supported (lying down with the weapon on sandbags). I shot 10/20. Unsupported 10/10 and 9/10 kneeling. I'm going to shoot unsupported the whole time and I should do well. The DSs have been fairly laid back lately because they want us to be relaxed for shooting, so we haven't been too stressed out lately. The big news is, less that a week to blue Phase! We're down to 32 days left. We graduate on the 17th and its also family day. The best option is for you to come here the 18th and pick me up, then we can just fly home together.

It's pretty exciting being more than halfway through, time is flying by and going home actually sounds possible. We did our 8k march and it was easy. We just have 10k and 15k left to do. Once again I have fire guard so I need to get going. I'll write again soon.
~Corey

Graduation

2009-11-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Corey called his Dad today! He told David that he is doing well and has pre-qualified with his shooting..I guess that means he is doing well enough to pass the final test. He is finishing up the middle third of basic training, the white phase, and will start the blue phase - final three weeks - on Saturday. He called from his own cell, so perhaps his platoon has earned a few privileges??

We are going to his combined family day/graduation on December 17 and he will be coming home to Needham with us on December 18th. Hooray and Hoorah!

~Laurie

Zeroing

2009-11-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

So I'm standing here waiting in line to get a chance to zero my weapon. Basically, I'll be shooting 10-20 times and getting my sights set for my eyes. This is an all day thing which sucks because its super boring and we have to eat/sleep out here. Fields are bad because we have to eat standing up and get a lot less food than usual.

Saturday I was given a really important new job. I'm the platoon guidon bearer. It's my job to march out in front of the formation and carry our colors. Those being the white phase banner, so its just a plain white flag.

Its crazy to think I've been gone for almost 5 weeks already, getting close to the halfway point. I'm enjoying myself but at the same time, I really can't wait to get home. When you're at a place like this, you really learn to appreciate the little things in life. Things like TV, eating when/what you want, couches, sitting down, free time, things like that. Thankfully its really just during basic that this stuff isn't allowed, but still, its crazy. I really can't wait until I can sit down and enjoy a meal. Although I'm pretty sure on family day we're going to have to go out for some gourmet fast food. This being the south, there is plenty in the area...

Just finished my zeroing. I did it on my first try which is pretty cool. Except we just had lunch and now I have to sit around all afternoon and do nothing. Since we're not going back tonight we have even longer to sit around. Apparently we qualify next Tuesday, so we have just over a week to get ourselves ready for it. Hopefully I'll get sharpshooter or expert so I can wear a nice little badge on my Class A's.

We had our PT test a few days ago. I passed pushups easily, ran a 13:58 2 mile, and got screwed on situps. Our DS's said we could take our hands off our heads and the rep just wouldn't count. The DS in training stopped me after 1 minute for doing just that. I got a 38 in the first minute, and had to get just 9 in the second. Needless to say, my DS wasn't mad at me.

So it's the next day after sleeping out in the woods. We just did our first down range shooting and it went well. I hit 35/40 targets but had some trouble with the 300m targets. I missed 5/10 of those. Everything else I had no problem with. It's pretty cold out right now and its about noon. They say it's gonna warm up, but its not looking like it.

I'm hoping we don't have to march back. Its only about a 5k, but our packs are huge right now. At least carrying the flag is easier that carrying my weapon. (I get to attach it to my back for road marches.) Of course, right now I'm more concerned with when lunch is than anything else. It should be very soon which is good. We get to eat dinner at the dining hall tonight, which means a lot more food. Very exciting.

So the day is finally over, well, somewhat. Its 2108 and I have the 2200-2500 fire-guard shift, so I can't go to sleep. I want to shower but I'm not going to bother. It looks like graduation/family day is the 17th, but we hear different stuff every day so I can't be sure. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so we get most of the day off. I plan to PT a bunch but that's about it. After tomorrow, we will be at the halfway point, which is quite cool. I'll keep writing but for now I'm taking a break. Night.
~Corey

Certainly Glad It's Over

2009-11-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

06 nov 09

Hey All,

Its been an exhausting couple of days. We finally had the gas chamber, and well, it really sucked. When we first got in, my DS decided to take my filter, so I was coughing and snotting all on the inside of my mask. (Yes I know, gross). Then later, we had to take our masks off and wait for a bit. It was horrible, and even more gross. Of course it was all on film as well. Then, my DS picked a bunch of us to do it again. This time, with no masks. We had to walk in circles singing The Army Song. I somehow got through the whole thing. I'm certainly glad its over.

Today we did more BRM (basic rifle marksmanship), including a shooting simulation. Tomorrow, we finally get to shoot for real. We also have our 5k foot march, which shouldn't be too hard. Sunday, we head out for a three day FTX, not really sure what we're doing, but I know its going to be really cold. Mom and Aunt Lynnie, Uncle Scott and Bubbie, I got your packages, thanks a ton! I should be set for a while with the cough drops.

Things are going well and I hope to hear from everyone soon.

Corey

"Privates Crack"

2009-11-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

04 Nov 09

Hi Everyone,

It's been along few days but things are doing well. Today was Red Phase testing and I passed easily so now the clock is ticking for Blue Phase. The FTX was fun, getting to go out on our own and search for points all over the woods. We probably walked five miles and then did it again at night. We got very lost at night, but we made it back safely. I have some nice cuts, but other than that I'm good. We ate some MREs (Meals ready to eat), they're actually really good and give a lot more food than the regular chow. Sleeping outside wasn't bad, the sleeping bags they gave us are super warm, we actually were able to sleep really well. Although getting up in the morning when it was thirty degrees out really sucked. Tomorrow morning we have more combatives and then finally in the afternoon the CLS gas chamber. I'm far from excited but I just want to get it done with and never have to do it again. Everyone here is sick, thankfully something I have been able to avoid until this point. The cough drops are amazing, they're basically candy and should also help keep me healthy. The name for them here is "Privates crack," people go nuts for them. I need to take a shower and head to bed, big day tomorrow. Until next time,
~ Corey

First FTX

2009-11-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

01 nov 09

Hi Again

So some big stuff has happened over the last few days. Friday we had a big obstacle course, which was fun. The rope climb really sucked though, it wasn't something I was exactly prepared for. It was tough, but I got up it. Saturday we had the big news. We finally got into White Phase, which is a big deal. A lot more freedom and a lot more responsibility. We march ourselves places now, including services, but we really have to be good because it doesn't take much to get it all taken away. As of now, I am no longer a squad leader, but it should only be temporary. Our DS decided it would be a brilliant idea to put the 6 worse people in the platoon in charge of everything. So far it's been interesting. I personally do know that I have some stuff to work on, and when I get my job back, I'll do better.

Tomorrow we have our first FTX (field training exercise), which is land navigation. Basically, they're putting us into groups of 5, with a map, protractor and compass. Then sticking us in the woods and telling us to find our way to certain points. I'm in the "high speed" group, which is racing other platoons for a streamer! Other than that, I'm doing well. Only 6.5 more weeks to go! Thanks to everyone who has been writing, is really nice. To those who said they were going to write and haven't.....get on it! Until next time,

~Corey

Roll around in the mud

2009-11-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

29 oct 09

Hi Again,

Another few days down, another letter. Not all that much to report, its been a fairly boring couple of days. We finished up the CLS stuff and took a test on it, which was easy. We did have to roll around in the mud, which was horrible. Our uniforms were destroyed and we made a big mess of the barracks which took several hours to clean. Today was a few more classes, one on radio communications, another on the Geneva Convention. Thankfully, the screw ups have been at a minimum and we've been doing quite well. We finally are allowed to march to cadences, which makes marching quite a bit easier and more fun. Tomorrow we have another obstacle course, a big one that's supposed to be a lot of fun. Hopefully I'll get a phone call this weekend (he did!) and I can tell you some more stuff. I hope all is well,

- Corey

Halloween Candy

2009-11-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Nov. 1, 2009

Hi All,

Hooray! Corey just called me. It's Sunday morning and he had gone to religious services. He likes them and they are mostly in English (not Hebrew). Also, there's always a good snack afterwards - they had cookies and Halloween candy today.

They've just completed white phase - the first 3 week cycle. The Platoon (?) DS (?) decided that the 6 soldiers doing most poorly would be made squad leaders for now. He thinks that he will become a squad leader again in a few days, and knows that people are made and fired as squad leaders often and for no reason.

He sounded good but has a cold. He said that he is happy when he gets lots of letters.

I asked him if we can send him anything that won't be taken away and he said cough drops with vitamin C and nice toilet paper. I am sending him out some tomorrow.

Corey said he will write a letter tonight with more details.

Laurie

Mom, get on my friends to start writing me!

2009-10-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

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

Giant Q-Tips

2009-10-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

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

Two Letters Today

2009-10-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

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...

First Letter and Address

2009-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

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.

First Phone Call!!

2009-10-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

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!

Swearing In Day

2009-10-07T10:37:00.001-07:00

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 Day Before

2009-10-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Staying in Touch

2009-10-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

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.