Update from Basic training

Chuck7 · 03-26-2006, 02:18 PM

Remember a little bit ago I mentioned a girl soldier who climbed the convidence course latter and was told to come back down upside down. She was air lifted. Andrew found out today in church she had broken her neck and died. Another young man was killed by an M16.
Very sad. Andrew is the patrol leader and is issuing article 15s for troops using God's name in vain. He is unfire. They got their first 8 hour pass.Twelve had signed up to go tto church this morning.When they found out they had passes only 2 went .He was one of the two.We are very proud of him and very sorry for the two who lost their lives.
God bless,
C7

Tazman · 03-27-2006, 09:41 AM

Heart breaking for all families concerned C7, my heart and prayers go out to them. I can assure you that more then a few heads will roll amoung the intsrtuctors responsible for these mishaps.

Chuck7 · 03-27-2006, 09:58 AM

Amen Taz..Thanks for the thoughful reply.

.Hey I called my first turkey in this morning. Kind of a freak. I found a trail that went 3 miles straight back into the swamp. Right away I heard another hunter.yelping. Then..another hunter. I walked another mile to the very end and heard another call.This time a high pitched yelp that would not stop.I thought this has to be a hunter. This is my first turkey I visually seen.Since I wasn't sure I didn't hide first.

I let out a series of yelps. In 15 seconds or less a bird tore right for me as I was getting ready to hide. He saw me and in 1 second the bird vanished. I'm thrilled about calling one in.Next time I'll be hidden before I call.
Thanks again for replying Taz,
C7

LBR · 03-27-2006, 10:04 AM

Unbelieveable--those instructors will most likely regret the day they were born.Military prison is a far cry from civillian prison.

Their job is to train those soldiers SAFELY. I've heard of instructors--primarily on the grenade range--being killed protecting the privates they were training, even when the private was the one that screwed up. Safety is ALWAYS the #1 priority, especially with weapons and on the confidence courses. The only serious incident I can recall when I went through basic training was a troubled young man who snuck a live round off the rifle range and committed suicide. This was in another batallion, but we heard about it. One jughead in our company threw a live grenade on the grenade range, then was looking over the barrier to see how far he threw it. The range instructor (HUGE man)politely introduced his face to the dirt--saved the idiots life.

Sounds like your son is getting his head on straight--really glad to hear that, and really sorry to hear about the two deaths.

Chad

Chuck7 · 03-27-2006, 10:11 AM

Thanks Chad,
The M16 incident was a suicide. I don't understand why in the world there wasn't a safety net or something. That is a horrible thing. He's going to Cuba sometime in June.This week he's learning how to operate the electric chair. He tells me through basic most of the pop up targets are Iraqi children.With the body bombs the children he said were Iraq's best weapon.What a shame huh. So at the range the targets are children.
C7

Goose 11 · 03-27-2006, 10:20 AM

Amazing, terrible story. I'm so sorry for the deaths. I will continue to pray for Andrew. God bless you for the sacrifice you are all making while he is away.
Trae

LBR · 03-27-2006, 10:25 AM

When we rappeled (60' wall), there were no nets, but we did have safety men and out lines were checked, double checked, and re-checked to make sure they were secure. Accidents happen--broken bones, sprains, etc.--maybe I spoke too soon on the accidents you mentioned.

Guess a lot has changed with the war--our pop-ups were just sillouettes.

It's really sad that the cowards over there will use children as weapons--that's got to take a toll on the soldiers. At least they can know they won't be accountable for what they have to do, and the children won't be accountable for what they are forced to do.

Chad

Chuck7 · 03-27-2006, 10:48 AM

Amen Chad.

Charlie P · 03-27-2006, 11:36 AM

Chuck, how do you know the first yelps you heard were hunters?

Chuck7 · 03-27-2006, 12:03 PM

Hi Charlie P.
First I tried my archery spot. Nothing..but while ther3 I tacked up some more trees so I wouldn't have to come early before the first day. I decided to move.I had a plan.I knew of a trail that went straight back into the swamp. I figured if I walked long and deep I may get an opportunity.When I parked my Explorer I saw a tan station wagon about 50 yds north of mine. When I began walking about 150 yds I heard a yelping call. I stopped and returned the call knowing it was probably the other hunter but who knows. Then a gobble is returned. Anyway this fellow was working the area and I thought leave the man alone so I continued.to walk away.And the yelps from the place I originally heard also continued. I walk another good 1/2 mile and a different tone of yelps are coming from my south. You may be right.I can't guarantee it was a man but this area does get hunters. It was a guess. I walked another mile until the trail totally ended. It was a hill over looking the swamp.I thought man ....this is a great view. I had been hearing another high pitch yelp continuosly.fo rthe last 100yds.I knew I wasn't behind cover but thought I'll give a few yelps and then get behind a tree. I was using a Primos Freak Crystal. I yelped softly. And then put the call in my pocket and started looking for cover. I happened to look southeast at 11:00 and saw a bird coming. At that point I was hoping the bird didn't see me. I knelt down and I saw the back end of the bird hidding east...and right quickly. I won't make that mistake again.
First hide and then call.
C7