Deployment

I knew joing the Army that it was a possibility to deploy. I never excpected it to becomeing up so quickly. I have joined the HSC 615th Aviation division in the 1st Calvary at Ft. Hood, TX. The unit is awesome so far. Its so nice to be out of training. The onlproblem is we start deploying April 9th of this upcoming year. We are not sure where we are going yet. The rest of 1st cavary has been or is on close to going to Iraq but we could end up in Afganastan as well. I am not going to lie, I am a bit mixed on emotions. It is obvious the bad emotions, I think anyone would have going downrange. It will definitly not be an easy task that I have to accomplish. The upsides are there too though. I am excited for the oppurtinity to serve our country and defend our freedoms. The media has torn apart the Army in recent years and I don't think most people know the truth about what good the Army does and is still doing. Iraq is so much safer than it ever has been. The Iraqis love the soilders to them we bring them peace and protection. How bad would it be if we did actually have to worry about Terroist every single day of our lives. We don't because countrary to media beilf we are winning the war in Iraq. Then in Afganastan the Gernal of the Afgan Army was in my Command Saregent Majors office the other week. He was excstatic about all we have done. We have been trainig their army as well and they have made major improvements. In the Sargent Majors words, " The United States Army does not lose, we win wherever we go." It makes me mad to see people think we don't need to be over there and think we are losing the war. The opportuiunity to go over and heelp assist in continuing to win this was is partly what I am excited about. I am part of the greatest Armed Forces in the world. Though the road I am about to take will proably be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I know that it will in the end make me a stronger and better person. I wish I didn't have to go of course, but my country needs me and has asked me to go. Your prayers and letters of encouragment will be greatly appreciatted. I love my God, my family, and my country.

One more month

Wow, AIT is going by fast. I love the training I am getting it is a blast. I got my EMT-B certification finished then we moved onto the Whiskey training which is the combat medic portion. We play with needles a lot. From giving shots, taking blood, and starting saline locks or IVs. It is great fun. Last Friday we Validated, which means we had to preform skills to the instructors. Then if we did them right and didn't kill our "patient" we passed. We did things like starting an IV, putting a tourniquet on, apply an emergency trauma bandage, preforming a surgical crich., inserting form of airway management equipment, and a needle chest decompression. To name a few. We have been out in the field doing trauma lanes which learning to safely get to a casualty and preform your medic duties while under fire. It is great fun. This coming week we have STX (situational training exercise). We are completely done with any school type work and it is all hands on. after 2 weeks of that we go to FTX (field training exercise) Which all that it means is we get to play solider for the next 3 weeks. I am getting anxious to find out where my duty station will be. And ready for the real Army. It should be an experience. Being a medic as with any medical job, your learning never really ends, there always something new to learn.

AIT at Fort Sam Houston, TX

Hey Everyone. I am at Fort Sam Houston just outside San Antonio, TX. Learning to be a 68W, a Combat Medic. The first 6 weeks is becoming a registered EMT. And I am loving the classes. Its gone by fast so far. To Top it off I have been named as Platoon Guide, PG. We have a company of about 400 solders and that is broken into platoons of about 40 in each. I am in charge of one and give out commands keep them informed of what Sargent wants etc. Basically in mission terms I am the zone leader. It has been a good experience for me.
Sadly we do live in the oldest barracks in the United States Army, and they still expect it too look like they are new. Otherwise its a lot of information really fast. But I have an 88% GPA and am keeping up for now. I don't want to stay any longer than the 16 weeks I have too. I hope everyone is doing well.

Almost Done

I got to talk to Jed today, he had a pass for part of the day because he got over 90% on his final PT test. He sounded pretty good, and actually pretty excited for this next week. This week is their final "camping" excurtion that is five days of putting to use everything they have learned so far. Apparently they have to hike in among "insurgents" and then they will have mock attacks and be gassed and all that "fun" stuff. Jed said he was actually kind of excited because even though they won't get much sleep they will get to put everything they have learned to good use. That is about all the news for now. I will have more, and pictures to share, after graduation.

Blue Phase

Jed has finally moved into the last phase of basic. He said it is exciting now when they go into the mess hall because they are the company with the fewest days left until graduation on the countdown board. This week they have urban combat training (I think is what Jed called it) where they have to go into 'live' buildings and clear them before they are 'killed' by their drill sergeants. He said it is kind of like laser tag. He had his last PT test yesterday, but he wasn't worried about it at all, so as long as he doesn't break any rules he should be graduating the 31st as planned. I got a hotel booked for the girls and I and we will be heading down the 29th so that we can be at the family briefing the 30th. Then, if all goes well (some extra prayers would be great) we will be driving Jed down to his AIT location in Texas. It would give us a couple extra days with him which would be really nice. I think that is really about it for now....stay tuned!!!

3 Sundays Left....

Of basic training that is. The girls and I sure can't wait to go down to Jed's graduation and see him. Anyway, sorry there haven't been any real updates lately, we have been on vacation with my family and didn't have internet access for a while. So, I will try to remember the things Jed has told me...
He passed his BRM qualifications, YAY! The only qualification he has left to be able to graduate from basic is one more PT test. He passed the first one easily, so I just pray the next one (which I think is in about 2 weeks) will be just as easy for him. Then, as long as he doesn't break any major rules, he will graduate the 31st of this month. This weekend has been pretty laid back for them. The 4th they had a brigade pass and then Toby Keith played a concert there on base just for the soldiers followed by a nice fireworks display. He said it was nice to be doing something else for a bit. He also had an off-post pass last Sunday and he got to go eat whatever he wanted and 'play' in a nearby town. We also got to talk for quite a while that day which was nice. He said that the root beer he got didn't really taste good and that made him a little mad because he had so been looking forward to it.
This coming week they get fitted for their dress blues (more formal uniform) and have a few other training exercises. They also get to train on a few of the bigger weapons, like the grenade launcher this week. All in all, Jed is doing well, but very much looking forward to getting to San Antonio where AIT is supposed to be a little more laid back, and definitely more interesting as it will be his job training in the healthcare field. As always, we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers of family and friends!

A Letter from Jed

I got a letter from Jed today that said:
I just remembered I should update my blog. So, here is an entry for you to put in.
Basic Training is definitely interesting. I have learned a lot. It is definitely a lot of hard, tiring work. The worst part is being away from everyone. But, I have done a lot of things I never would have. Like repel a 60 ft wall or climb down on a rope that's about 35 ft in the air at a steep slant coming down, crawl in dirty water and overcome obstacles. I passed my PT (physical training) test the other day, including running 2 miles in 15:07, which for me is awesome. I had to look twice at the clock when I got there. But, I was at 77% for sit-ups and 76% for the run. The push-ups are a different story but I passed that too, I was at a 52%.
The first phase, red phase, is almost done. We next head to white phase which gives us a little more control away from drill sargeants. You have no idea how excited I am for that. I was given the assignment of company guidon, which means I carry the company flag, so I stick out if I make a mistake in front of 250 plus people. Good thing I don't make mistakes!
Besides being hungry, tired, and every joint and muscles aches, basic is alright. Definitely looking forward to getting it done though. I never expected to be in the Army, and somedays I wonder why I did it. I do know that it has been good for me. It has tested every aspect of me, and is teaching me more about me, and what I can do. I hope I can translate that into a better me overall.

New Website

Hi everyone! I got a letter from Jed's commanding officers today to let me know when he graduates and things like that. I think it's really cool....he graduates basic on Hailey's birthday, so we will get to spend the whole day with him after his graduation. The letter also had a website address in it that his drill sergeants put up a weekly letter and pictures and things like that if you want to keep up on it. I also have an address (finally) if you want to write him letters or send him anything, though he is not allowed to get any food or reading material (not that he reads, but still) in packages. The website is http://www.wood.army.mil/2-10IN/D_Company.html and his address is (and it has to be written exactly to actually get to him):
PFC Robins, Jed
Co D, 2-10 Infantry, 2nd Plt
495 Iowa Ave., Unit 42
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
You also need to write 2nd Plt on the back side of the envelope for sorting purposes. Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers while Jed is gone.

Three Weeks of Basic Done

Well, I have talked to Jed twice since my last posting, each time for four minutes. He is doing well at basic. The first week he said he was pretty sore. They had gone repelling the day before I talked to him and his harness had been too tight and left a blister on his thigh, so that was causing some discomfort. Then, this last week they did the CS gas chamber. He said that was definitely an interesting experience. He has a PT test tomorrow that if he passes will move him into the next phase of basic...whatever that means. Sorry I don't have more to report, I really don't know that much either. He is doing well and we miss him dearly. We sure appreciate the continued support and prayers.
Oh, if anyone wants to email him, which I'm sure he would appreciate, the branch will print off emails and give them to him on Sundays. The address is nephi37@embarqmail.com and you just put his full name in the subject line. Have a great day!

The First Letter

I got my first letter from Jed today. It really didn't say too much. The first week was a lot of paperwork and hurry up and wait as he called it. In one day he got 7 shots, which he wasn't real pleased about. Then, the next day they ran the mile. He said it was raining while they ran, but it was so nice to be outdoors and doing something. He also said that they only have time to inhale the food, so even if it tastes bad it wouldn't matter...ha! Finally, he said he was actually looking forward to getting to basic, that he knew it wouldn't be easy, but he would actually be doing something so he was hoping the time would pass faster that way. There is not an address yet because he hadn't officially shipped to basic. I'm hoping there will be one with the next letter and then I can post it for anyone to write to him.

Small Update

The only thing I really have to report is that Jed arrived safely in Missouri. He got to call me for about 4 minutes the day after he got there. He said it would definitely be an adjustment and he wasn't sure how he was going to get through 10 weeks, but didn't get to say much more than that before it was time to get off the phone. Then he got to call again about 3 days later....this time for 7 minutes! YAY! Anyway, he said they had run the mile and, thankfully, his toe was doing fine....for those of you who didn't know he fell down the stairs the Saturday before he was supposed to report to MEPS and we weren't sure how running would go because he either jammed his toe really badly, or broke it. Anyway, he also said he likes the ACU's and that, although hot, they are very comfortable. That is really about all for now. We haven't gotten any letters or an address to write to him yet, I will post again when we do.

First

I figured this would be a great way for everyone to follow where we are, what we are doing etc. Most of the blogs will be updated by Steffani, at first when I am in Basic Training and can not do it.
For now, I am getting done with Finals this week!!!! Then I have been working out with a friend from San Antonio( I forgive him that he is a Spurs fan, although trust me it is hard!!) He planning to go to Hell Week for the SWAT team. I had my first PT Test for the Army. I had to do 40 push ups in a min, 50 sit-up in a min and run the 2 miles in 16:36. I did well on all except the running part. Actually I was on pace at the mile mark, but struggled the last 4 laps. So, guess what the next three weeks before basic are going to be focused on. My Goal is to pass the PT test before basic. I am going in as an E-3 (Private First Class) . My Report date is May 20th. I will be at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. They call it Fort Lost in the woods. So I am wondering if a solider falls in the woods would anyone know? There's a deep thought. After 10 weeks of getting yelled at and pushed to my limit and beyond among many other eventful events I head to Fort Sam Houston just outside San Antonio, TX for 16 weeks of AIT. That is training for my job which is a Health Care Specialist. That will bring me to the end of November where we will be sent to a base of the governments choosing.