January 2, 2008
I sit here in the hotel room with the excitement of tomorrow. This will be the last night I have full freedom to do what I want. Tomorrow I depart to Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was hard to say goodbye to the family. Right now, I’m finally on my own. What a feeling. I’m going to sleep, and tomorrow everything will change. I’m happy. -PC
January 6, 2008
The first day was torture, being up for 2 days straight. Everything got better soon though, and I’m feeling better again. I got my ACU and I LOVE IT! I’m not in training yet, but this Friday we go. I’m excited! -PC
January 13, 2008
Basic training has started. It’s hard, and I’m having trouble maintaining my mental strength. I’m getting home sick, and I’m starting to regret joining the Army. They say that’s what initially happens. I wonder what’s going to happen. I’m afraid of getting demoted now – I worked so hard to fill the demands of the PT Test. I passed it in Colorado, but I ended up failing it here. What the fuck? I’m very scared of what can happen to me. Sergeant Jenseke won’t be pleased. I failed and I feel like total shit. I’m sick, and I keep tearing up. I keep wanting to cry, but I know I can do it. I CAN DO IT! I WON’T GET IN TROUBLE (I THINK). PLEASE GOD HELP ME. -PC
January 14, 2008
Things have gotten better. Today we got our rifles… dummy ones. (aka Rubber Duckys). We get our M4s Saturday. I’m excited for tomorrow because we get our battle gear. I CANNOT LOSE ANY OF IT! Today someone stole my fucking PT Mat and now I feel like I’m going to get drilled. Today was physically difficult, but my mind is back on track. I am catching on with everything just like that. This is my true calling. The rifle felt natural to me. I CAN AIM! Fuck, I might just shoot expert on my marksmanship.
I’m still sick, and my throat hurts so much. I am holding tight however. I also have a sore ankle because of running. I am stronger than I thought, and I will NEVER QUIT! -PC