Taking Donations

Seems we may be a bit short on funds to go to Nicks Graduation. Nick plans on sending money home but with gas prices, we wont have enough. I hate to ask for help from the internets, with Katrina victims needing our help so much.. but if you can spare a buck it would be greatly appreciated. You can find the donation badge in the side bar. Thank you in advance.

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Sunday Call

Nick was able to call and talk for just a little while today. When he first called I was on the phone with my dad. The call waiting kicked in, and I switched over, I went to accept the call, and the recording tells me the other party had dissconnected. I about cried. But a few minutes later Nick called back. He is on medical profile right now, as he had his ingrown toenail taken care of, he waited till all the required training was done first though because he didn't want it to hold him back. He is on profile until tuesday. Then thursday he has to take his final PT test. He is worried about it because he cant seem to get that finall pushup in that he needs, and he needs to shave off 17seconds from his run time. So those who pray we would appreciate passing PT test prayers. I know he can do it. He needs to know he can!

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I love being a member of SBC

I love being a member of Shitty Blog Club! Want to know why? Go to Mango Radio and listen to Shitty Blog Club radio show!

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Pass

We recieved our temporary base pass in the mail today. One step closer to graduation. I haven't heard from nick since the last phone call. Not sure what happened this sunday that he didn't call.But I am hoping he will call again soon.

I've been writing everyday, and sending mail to him about every other day. So between me, his grandmas, and his grandpa, he should be getting the steady stream of mail he requested.

I've been on the Official Army site and found some videos about each week of training. These videos were filmed at Ft. Jackson. SC where Nick is at. It gave me even more insight into where he is, and what he is doing. No I am not naive enough to believe that its all as nice as they show, but.....

Want to see the videos?

Basic Training Videos

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in reply

From Elizabeth S. Schwarzer

How do you know what the men and women of our armed forces fight for? Have you ever asked them?

Regardless of how you or I feel about the war, the question of "What is George Bush fighting for?" is a radically
different one from, "What's the average soldier/sailor/airman/Marine fighting for?"

I think you think your rights haven't been fought for since 1776 because the people doing the fighting have done such an
incredibly outstanding job.

I don't think one has to support this war, or war in principle, to support the troops and what they're really all about.
You can oppose the war without picking on the mothers of kids in harm's way. Try using some of your bandwidth for that
instead of its current occupation.

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More replys...

From my Dad, and this is the most polite thing he can muster. ( I love you dad.)

One look at Locus's site say's it all for me.
If the draft were re-instated he would be the first one on a bus for Canada.
No Balls ... just a big mouth!
Ron Hisserich/Sgt. Hisserich

From Ei

It's interesting to me that this is all about politics for so many. A parent makes some choices for a child, and some choices a child makes for himself and a parent decides whether or not to support him. Angelia, in this case, brought to her son's attention an option, which he decided was a good one for him. I know Angelia, and I'm confident in how much she adores this child and wants great things for him. If he had decided to become a fire fighter, a cop, or even a teacher in this day and age, he'd be just as likely to be in harms way, but you certainly wouldn't be attacking her for making the choice to not only support him, but wear her pride as a badge of honor.

The question can not be did Nick make a bad choice or a good choice, because it was his choice to make and only time will tell how it plays out for him. The question instead should be is their (both mother and son) reasoning solid? An enlistment in the military is not a death sentance. The choice to support our country in a very real and tactile manner is nothing but honorable. A decision to take a risk to better your future may be gambling, but it is Nick's gamble to make.

The thing that really bothers me about this is the idea that if we weren't at war a war that Angelia and I agree was foisted upon the American people in pretense, that it would be different. I would be terrified to have a military made up of citizens who thought military service was a "safe" choice. Our military, regardless of how it is being used anywhere in the world right now, is a neccessary and important thing to our lives. Army personnell are not only fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are protecting our homeland, they are on peacekeeping missions in Africa, they provided humanitarian relief in countries rampaged by the tsunami in January. It's a noble calling. If it is your choice to not participate, that's great, be productive in some other manner, but don't automatically sign off anyone who wants to serve his or her country, even in the face of one of the ugliest times in our history, as being mentally deficient or sadly misinformed. It may well be one of the bravest things a person could do for our country.
Ei

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In reply to Lukas...

from Rhonda W.

You have got to be kidding me!!!
Be thankful that men and women join the services so that you don't have to. If everyone shared the same opinion as you, then they would have to reinstate the draft. Then where would you be then? In Iraq singing woe is me.
You're telling someone that college is something they don't need? Rather that he have a lucrative career in the art of flipping burgers then a college education and a shot at making more then minimum wage.
If our government offered better programs to help people who can't afford it attend college, then more soldiers wouldn't have to join. But then we bring ourselves back to my first point of who would go then. A lot of people that join the services are those looking to escape small towns that offer no future. Can’t get a scholarship, loans, etc, and really have no other choice if they want a better life. My family is one of those families. My husband has been in for almost six years. We have spent three of those apart. But I am proud of him, and he has grown as a person. He has more self esteem, more assertiveness, and is getting good training for his future. Not to mention his GI Bill will go along way in helping us achieve his dreams.
You’re probably one of those types that complain about things no matter what. You know the damned if you damned if you don’t types. You should be grateful that her son is willing to step up and serve his country. If he does go to Iraq, he will experience a hell unlike any you have ever known. If you can think of a better way or a better solution, then please tell me. And let it be one that doesn’t keep her son from going to college.
So your country hasn’t done anything for you since the 1700’s? These men and women in all the wars since must have simply died in vain then? Next time something like Pearl Harbor happens shall we just lie down, toss our hands up, and declare take us all? I hope the day never comes that war breaks out on our own soil, but if it does, I hope people like you learn to appreciate the men and women that are fighting for you, and thank them instead of turning you nose up at them. If that day comes, I bet you will be singing a different tune.
I could say so much more, but I somehow have the feeling that it would just fall on deaf ears.

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I've been thinking

Wow right.. I've been looking for the right words all night. I guess Lukas deserves some sort of response to his comment on Nicks Blog. Lukas tried to write what he thought without all the foul language. So I am going to try to put this into prospective for him.

You have to be kidding me. Now is the worst possible time to join the army, first off. second off, if he couldn't afford college, fine. Then don't go to college. A college education is not worth putting yourself in harm's way. You have ONE LIFE, one body. A college education isn't worth that. Also, I'd like to for once answer the lame comment: "Oh, he's fighting for your freedom to say what you want." Are you serious? I mean, ARE you joking or are you serious, because that's not what he's fighting for. The last time someone fought for my rights to say what I wanted was in 1776. Your son will probably fight for my country's right to have a viable presence in the middle east. Or, he'll fight because as the most powerful nation in the world, our goverment often believes it would be best for our image to protect certain countries (Bosnia, the people of North Korea). He will NOT be fighting for my right to free speech nor is he fighting for the betterment of the nation.

You don't need an education to realize joining the army is a dumb decision. You and your son are being used by our country and I'm sorry.

I can't fathom a mother encouraging their kid to...fucking Join the army. God damn it. There are so many other options.

sigh indeed
Lukas Kaiser | 08.19.05 - 11:50 pm

Lukas (and any other that criticize our choice)
You state this is the worse possible time to join the service. Why because of the ignorant wars that Monkey boy(Bush) keeps starting? Joining the service is risky business anytime war on or not. Of course driving your car, walking down the street, skateboarding, walking through the park, just living is risky business. You state that a education isn't worth your life. I must disagree a education is worth everything. Especially when you weren't born into a upper middle class or higher family. Without a education there is no future. There are no jobs to be had in my area, that you can support yourself with. I'm lucky to keep the lights on let alone the internet. I have a hard time putting food on the table, and clothes on my kids back. I didn't want that for my Son. My Son didn't want that for his future family.
As far as "fighting for your freedom" Well you see I understand that point. I truly do. I hate this war. I don't agree with this war. I think we should of finished what we started in Afghanistan, before we went traipsing off to the next country. The war in Afghanistan I fully supported. And there yes the military is fighting for your freedoms. You say not. Yes they are, they are fighting for your freedom to not live in terror. And no that is not propaganda bullshit. Stop the terrorist before they attack us again. They say Iraq supports terrorist, and that Sadamn had to be removed. I guess. I know that a lot of soldiers that are there feel they did some good for the Iraqi people. We are the one world super power. As the super power its our job to help those in need. that's what Iraq should of been about. But ulitmately our fighting men and women are here to fight for our freedoms. God bless each and every soldier out there.
I don't know about your family. But my family has fought when called upon to do so. My great great grandfathers, great grandfathers, my grandfathers, my dads, my uncles, and now my son.
My Grandfather fought in WWII I suppose he wasn't fighting for this country or to protect it, my dads joined and served during Vietnam, When the people of Nam asked for our assistance, My uncles served in Vietnam and Korea. Tell them they weren't fighting for anything. You don't get something for nothing.

My child doesn't want to live in poverty, nor do I want him to. This is his way of having a job, getting a education, and bettering himself. That comes with a price, that price is to serve his country, protect its people. And to help those who cant help themselves.

I hope others feel free to help me better explain my point to you.

But now I have some questions for you. You are 23yrs old or about that. Are you a only child? Are you the only male child of you family. Are you aware that there is a Draft resolution sitting in committee in congress ready to go and be passed at the drop of a hat. What kind of income range do you come from. Are you getting a education. What kind of work do you do, or will you do. Do you know what it is to wear handme down clothes, and eat spaghetti every night for months? Do you still live with your parents, and do they know you run around attacking others life choices unprovoked. (yes that is what you did when you linked my blog, and called me a bad mother) Do you really appreciate that you are a american. You don't think men have died for your freedoms. Then I think maybe you should study your history of war a bit more. I don't think you realize what WWII was about. I know you don't understand helping your fellow man.

(if anyone has something to add to this please email me at nytewind@nytewind.com and I will post it on the blog instead of comments.)

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Beyond Annoyed

As you all know I rarely rip on another person and rarely do I just go all out cussing on my blogs.. but this asswipe well I just dont know what to say..

Link Parade

To say I am upset is a understatement. What does this twenty something know about being a parent? Let alone calling me a bad mother. Why because I couldn't afford to send my child to college, because I said serve your country, learn a lot of new things, and get the money for a education? Because I said son I know there is a war going on. A war that I totally disagree with, but this is for your betterment, and to serve your country is a great honor.

For Lukas
"Listen here you little fucktard. When you have a kid, and manage to raise them to adulthood. Then tell me what a bad mother I am. Until then go hide behind your mommys skirt and STFU"

Sorry had to rant somewhere. Back to semi clean fun.
Yes this is posted on both of them ;)

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*sigh*

I finally got to run to walmart and get some regular printer paper. I managed to get Nicks script off his pc and onto mine. So tonight I set the printer to print off his script and went to bath the little one. When I came back, and was putting the pages in the proper order I noticed something was off. I checked my screen, and then the pages again. *ugh* Nick wrote this on word pad. I work with Microsoft office and its word program. My program didn't like the word pad formatting and so printed off the pages sorta like this

Capt Blah told major dork that he
was a idoit

meanwhile back at the ranch
other dorks
continued to be dorks

I was so dissappointed. I went ahead and got it ready to send though. At least he has some form of it, and can work on it. Now I have to talk to his dad and see if he will give me a disk of artwork that I can print for Nick to use to do his drawing. Poor kid. All he wanted was his script and some art to draw from, and I manage to mess it up. :P

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Dad

No news since I talked to Nick Sunday. I just wanted to say Hi! I love you! I'm super glad you are reading!

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Sunday call

Nick was able to call again today. We were able to have a 15min call. It was nice to talk to him slightly less rushed than before. Nick made marksman, shot I think he said 32/40 not sure though. The entire platoon made their marks second day out. So they got a bonus call. We talked about exodus at Christmas and how he was going to come home for Christmas. He was a bit disappointed that I knew about exodus. He said he wanted to surprise me. :) My how he has grown up. We also talked about his AIT, and what comes after. HE is concerned about Iraq, and the possibility he may wind up there for a year. But he isn't scared like he was before he left.

I always spend the next few days after he calls, savouring the call, and repeating each bit in my mind. I love my son, and I am so proud of him.

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I write

and I write and I write. Why? well easy enough. Because my son has asked me to. I would think he would like to say come on mom cant you write something a little more substantial than drivel? But no I cant.
I was able to pull his script off his pc this morning, but not any of his art because I can't find his burning software, its too big to fit on a floppy, and my zip drive died! But I got the script, now I need paper to print it on.. Always something. I will get the paper, then I will drag his system down here (and let me tell you that is a chore all in itself with its spider web of wires and cables), and hook it to the network to get those pics..

Also decided that as far as his room. Well hopefully he will be home for christmas.. HE can clean that bad boy while he is home. :P

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Nicks words

Sharing parts of the 3rd letter.

I got paid the other day, which was really good to see a (amount kept private) paycheck after they took out transportation costs, and the "smart card" advance pay. More money that I know to do with... all in one shot. Looks like you guys are coming to South Carolina this September. ;D
By the way, we've moved into "white" phase, and are now shooting our weapons- a very new experience for me. The 1st day, I spent on the range, but didn't even group the shots correctly. I hit the target almost every time, but couldn't get the 2 three-round grouping close enough to each other. I was very frustrated by the end of the day. The next day however, I came out, grouped and zeroed (I'll explain that later) in nine rounds. Yesterday I shot in 3 different positions, maintained a positive attitude, and got a "go" the first try. Here's some news - the Sergeant Major of the Army ( the highest enlisted member of the entire army) came and did PT with our run group on Friday. He said we did great and our run groups drill sergeants got a an extremely rare army coin from him. The were very pleased with us.. for awhile.

I'm sorry it takes me so long to get letters out, but it sometimes takes me days just to write one, due to the lack of time.

All in all, everything's ok here- I'm doing things in the last weeks That Brad, Tish, and Lewey probably never do in their lives. Shoot a M16 to the point its frustrating. Most people wont even fire one once. I've met the Sergeant Major of the Army, and had my 1st plan flight. I also have more of a nose for what's going on in Iraq than CNN ever will LOL. So it's not so bad. 5 more weeks. HOOAH (army saying-don't ask I dont know either.)

Please send me a copy of my script. Its right in my start menu. Also if you can, please pull some of my better art work(its in the 3d folder on the desktop) and send it too. Also (sorry for asking for so much) if you could send me some reference pictures for me to sketch while I'm in training. I really miss doing my artwork and writing my script, along with everything and everyone else at home of course. But if I were able to work on that stuff here, it would put me that much closer to home.

I can definitely see a improvement in his attitude. hes OK, he coping, adjusting and beginning to enjoy this experience. I have included a link to some of the 3d work nick has done with his pc so you understand what he is talking about.

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:) its another good day

I received another letter from Nick today. :) this one is longer, and in better spirits than the last ones. I will post a part of it later tonight.
The Sergeant Major of the Army was at Ft Jackson last week. And my son's platoon had the privledge of running with him. My son was quite pleased with that. He even wanted me to call his recruiter with the news. Hooah!

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More Nick's words

This is a part of his second letter home

Mom, Bruce, Girls, + Baby
I really wish I could come home. So far I really don't like it here, hopefully AIT will be better. It's not too incrediably bad, though. The food is good, the people are oky, and even the drill sergants aren't to bad to be around (when they're not yelling at you) So far, I've only been really yelled at for leaving my weapon on semi in the morning. Other than that its' been ok for the most part. Tuesday, we climbed victory tower, a 40 foot tower, complete with rope bridges, cargo net, and rappelling wall. I did fine and our platoon was complemented for once. Our platoon is full of guys who DO NOT know how to shut up. I'm actually doing really well in that department.

I don't know when you will get this, so send mail as soon as you can. Please keep it coming, too. Every day or wo if you can. But please keep a steady stream of mail coming.

By the way it has taken me two days to write this short letter. By the way, the people in my platoon are fighting again. It's going to be a long 8 weeks. I'll write again as soon as I can.
Love Nick

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I dont know

if I have mentioned this before, but..

I at one point thought about posting the letters I write and receive here. At times I think that maybe it would make it more interesting.. I've decided for the most part, my letters to Nick are just too boring for you all. Its about ppl you dont know about and things I do around the house, but I do believe I will post parts of them here and there, both mine and his. Give you all a little insight into Nick. I wont share the entire letters but just snippets.


So let me share a part of his first letter home while still in reception.

Mom + Bruce,
I miss you guys. I wish I could be home, but I'm going to get through this. We got our BDU's today and our dog tags. Right now I feel like a million bucks. That'll change on wensday, though, because thats when the actual training starts. I myself haven't been yelled at yet, because I've learned to keep my mouth shut. Thanks Bruce.

He ends the letter with

Mom + Bruce I miss you and wish I were home. But until then, I'll keep soldiering on.

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Today is a good day

Nick called again today. It was nice to hear his voice again. I sure do miss him. This call wasn't as rushed as the others have been. I was able to ask about his allergic reaction which btw was a skin rash. They don't know what caused it, but it is taken care of. Whew, one less thing this mom has to worry about. I again told him that I totally understood if he didn't want to spend the money for us to come to South Carolina for graduation. He enthusiastically stated that the only thing he wants is, us down there for graduation.
He was telling me about his rifle and how well he did his second day out, with all the targets, evening the moving ones. He is proud of his accomplishments as he should be.
He is still my son, the child I love, but he is also a adult. And this mom is beyond proud of him.

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Reading...

the Ft Jackson online news. Sheesh, its not the worse paper I have ever read, it's definitely not the best. Almost seems like something that a highschool media class might throw together, online style. But it does give the weeks important events, a nice cover story, What events may be happening. It also includes the criminal page. You know the section of the little local paper that is called police beat, court news, this one is called cops. Cute huh?

Why do I torture myself this way? Why do I read some little paper online of someplace that I am only going to visit once, and after that visit it wont even matter what that paper says, because Nick won't be there. I read the Fort Jackson Leader just in case on the slightly off chance I may read or see something about my son. This week they did talk about 2-39 but not his platoon. But it gives this mother a chance to check on her son, in some weird demented way.

He is a adult now, and I must learn to realize this and treat him as such, but its so hard to stop trying to protect, and keep a watchful eye on your child when every breath you have taken since their birth has been about loving them, protecting them, watching out for them, and watching them.

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A call

Nick finally got word of his aunts death yesterday. He got my letters telling him about it. Apparently the Red Cross wasn't able to reach him because he was in sick call due to a allergic reaction. To what he doesn't know. How serious a reaction? I dont know. But after he got the letter the Drill sgt let him call home. It was good to hear his voice even if it was under bad circumstances. He says he is ok, and enjoying parts of basic. He also said he will send the money for us to go to graduation. WooHoo I get to see my son in Sept. I am still in a bouncey happy mood. I got to talk to my boy, I get to go see my child. I am just beyond thrilled right now.

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Letters

I am writing my son as her requested. Trying to keep up a steady stream of mail for him. But I am running out of things to tell him. I'm gonna bore the boy to death. Sheesh. What boring parents he has. I am patiently awaiting another letter from him. I cant wait. The silence is lonely. I miss telling him good night, and seeing his smiling (not) face first thing in the morning. I sure hope he can afford for us to come to grad.

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Letters

I have a seperate folder in my D drive for letters to Nick. After I send them I move the file from my desktop to his folder, and start the next letter. I have sent four letters plus the letters from his sisters, since I received his letter. Hopefully he will get a steady stream of mail going soon. I know that my Dad sent a note. So its a good start. I have another letter to finish today and I will be sending it off tonight or in the morning.

The waiting for a response to whether or not he will be able to afford us to come down is killing me, but teaching me patience. A much needed lesson. I am learning as he is learning. We will both grow together.

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