Nick.. SouthPark Style

Nick found this site that let you create your own SouthPark character.. so without further ado, Nicks, southpark portrait.

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Houston....

We have a date! Nick can leave base on the 18th. That means he will be home on the 19th. Wooohoo! 51 days and counting. I can't wait till he gets here, and I know his little brother will be his shadow. Not sure how I am going to be able to let him leave when its time for him to go back. But I am not going to worry about that now.

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Time is ticking...

Only 54 1/2 days till Nick can come home. Actually less than that, by a few days, He still hasn't heard, what date they can leave. I am getting excited, and I know Nick is too.
I have a feeling that times my words come back to haunt him. He is eager to come home, eager to participate in family activities than he once though a chore, or bore. I too realize some things that I took for granted. Things such as taking for granted that there was a responsible person in this house, that would be able to help with his siblings, and I have confidence in the fact he could care for them, such as the help he was in doing the laundry. That when I needed something large moved, he could do it for me. I miss seeing his newest renderings, and hearing about his day.
I am eager for this time, and praying for leave after AIT to spend time with him....

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Nicks reply to Lukas

Back in August I had a person tell me I was a bad mom for letting my son join the service. Nick discovered this & this during his exploration of the site. The following is Nick's response.

Hey, guy. How's it going? I've got a few things to say to you about a few of the comments you made way back in August. I apologize for taking so long to respond to these comments myself, but as you may recall, I've been training. Just in case you have forgotten, let me refresh your memory.

On 19 August, 2005 you wrote the following on my mother's blog:

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

Now, I'm not going to rant, rave, yell, scream or any of that nonsense. Nor am I going to re-state what others must have said to non-patriotic (or so it seems) people such as yourself.

I am not going to attempt to point out the fact that, yes, someone has defended your freedom since 1776. One of the most obvious examples of this is that you are not currently reading an e-mail written in German, Italian, or Japanese... You know, countries that we fought against in those pesky world wars.

Please note that you are not currently living under a communist government -- although it appears you would prefer to be, as evidenced with this neat little line:
... i get, we're the "greatest country in the world," we're a capitalist monster, but we forget about our citizens...

I suppose, by the way, that you are capable of keeping track of 52,000,000+ citizens simultaneously.

I'm guessing that you're also one of those people who believes that we are in Iraq for the oil. My superiors tell me this is not the case -- I tend to agree with them. But, if this is the assumption you choose to go with, so be it. You're probably one of those people who whines about gas prices, while I march 10 to 15 miles with a 60+ pound rucksack on my back.

As I am currently stationed (for a year, I might add) on a secure army base in Arizona (in absolutely no harm's way) all I can say of the war is this -- at least we're securing energy reserves.

(Believe it or not, I have some of the same smart-ass humor you appear to have)

As far as "what I'm fighting for," I have two points on this:


1) You wrote:
"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.

Incredible. I was unaware mankind's psychic abilities had evolved to the point that one could utilize their abilities to peer into the mind of someone across the country -- and someone you don't even know to boot. I must say, that is outstanding. Bravo, Lukas, Bravo.

2) You are, however, correct. That is not my primary reason for "fighting" -- even though, at the moment, I happen to be training to repair electronic equipment -- not fighting.

But hell, since we're on the subject anyway, we'll go with the question of "what am I fighting for, anyway?"

I'm fighting for my future, for one. See, you were lucky enough to grow up in a place where you could probably afford not to go to NYU to be a journalist, and still make a fair living. Milwaukee, I understand, is a good sized city with plenty of job opportunities for the average, non-college-attending, joe.

I come from a place where the meaning of "job opportunity" means Wal-Mart, unless you do have a college education with higher than a bachelor's degree. Trust me on this, my best friend has a bachelor's in physics and chemistry -- the nearest job for him is two to three hours away.

Also, in the civilian job market, someone with the training I am currently recieving is worth about $120,000/year salary on the east coast, $100,000/year on the west coast.


I'm fighting for the experience as well. I have already done things you probably never do in your life. The opportunity to blow things up is kind of a plus, too. One little hand grenade I threw two months ago has ruined the joy of fourth of july fireworks for me for the rest of my life. LOL.

Moving on...

"we forget about the kids in the public schools who struggle all the time...i spent years working with kids in schools and it's maddening how classrooms are so big and there just aren't funds there...they can't eat good food they can't have good books or anything effective and that's why poverty is perpetuated...not because they're missing a college education..."

Really? Try living above the poverty line with just a high-school education, barring outside help (I.E. Parents, Friends, and Inheritances) Mr. Expert.

Just ask my so-called "childish" parents. They can tell you first-hand that it's not going to happen.

"it's frustrating...you know you're just making excuses...you've got one Nick...that's your blood right there, he is your flesh and how can you just...not only let him but ENCOURAGE him to put his life on the line for something i can tell you don't really believe in"

No, sir. What's frustrating is knowing that I have been sworn to give my life protecting the rights of individuals who don't appreciate it, such as yourself.

What's also extremely frustrating is that people with the same opinion that you have keep pinning my potential demise on my mother. Let me clear this matter up once and for all.

My enlistment was not my mother's, my father's, my grandfather's, or anyone else's decision. It was my decision to make an attempt to better my life, while doing something honerable at the same time. I have had total strangers approach me and thank me for doing a service for our great country. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling that gives me each time I hear these kind words of support.

And my mother did not "let" me do anything. She could no more have prevented me from joining the army than your mother could prevent you from going to college.


"so don't tell me about feelings of terror...

No, no, no... you have not experienced terror until you crawl through three hundred meters of sand, under barbed wire, through pits, mud, and constantina wire with about a hundred other guys. Did I mention that it's nighttime (about midnight), there are explosions going off around you, and live rounds going over your head. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the fact that a private died on that very course just a year before.

Trust me, the NIC course is a lot tougher than it sounds. While it is a simulation, it is still one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.

And I volunteered for it.

"...they didn't terrorize rural illinois."

No, they didn't... but I remember my freshman year of high school -- not knowing what to expect next. Everyone in this country was afraid that day -- not just those in New York. I'm sure your parents called fairly quickly after the attacks.

However, I do not know your exact situation any more than you know mine. The rantings you posted on my mother's site, a site she intended to be for bragging about her son to her friends, and not to some 23-year-old college guy to tell her how ignorant she must be, seem to take the advice of the movie Team America:

"We should read the newspaper, and then say what we read like it's our own opinion...."

You have your opinion, and we have ours. However, it appears that people who agree with you put out the media, which adversely affects our recruiting efforts.

So here's some food for thought: If we keep missing our recruiting quotas, where do you think the government will turn? The return of the draft is a real possibility. So please -- mind your P's and Q's...

Also, while you are constitutionally entitled to your opinion, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from belittling my parents for having their own opinions.

I thank you for your time, even though this letter will probably just tick you off.

Sincerely,
PVT Hall.

I am SO proud of Nick. I am grinning ear to ear right now. You tell him Nick!

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I do like the cell

Phone that is. Nick and I had a nice conversation this evening when he called. I gave him the address to this site tonight. I was kinda leery to. I don't want him to think I am a idiot, or stupid. But since it is about him, I figured that he had a right to know what I was writing about him for the world to see.

Son, I do hope that I have not embarrassed you, and that you can see the love and pride I have in you.
I love you!
Love Mom.

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On hold

Nick is on hold as are all the other guys doing AIT at Ft. Huachuca right now. They are deciding whether they want to change the date for exodus leave. So Nick is waiting for a final date to purchase his tickets home.
He is also having dental work done and is classified as un-deployable right now. They have super cleaned his teeth, and pulled a loose one in the front. They are not going to replace it because the space is too small to do anything with. They told him he can get braces at a later date.
So right now that is what is up with Nick.
I am missing him, but am glad that he has a cell phone and can call frequently now.

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Background Check

As a part of Nick's entry into military intelligence, a background check was performed. A gentleman called me today, asking if I would be available today to discuss my son. I was on the phone with Nick when this call came in. I told the man I would be here, ended that call, and switched back to Nick. I told Nick what was up and to call me tonight.
The man investigating was very very nice, asked tons of questions about Nicks work history, what he did in his spare time, who his friends were, what kind of person I thought he was, did he do anything illegal, ever been in any trouble, anything that he could be blackmailed with, was he ever married, and much much more. He also asked if I trusted my son. I responded, with my life. (which I do) The gentleman also talked to my neighbors in all directions, and the village (whom Nick used to work for).
I think things went well. I guess we will know soon.

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There is soo much to learn

As a young adult. Finances, work situations, higher education goals. It's alot for anyone. Nick is having his bumps here and there, but hes a responsible kid person. So things should come into balance soon. He did get a cell phone, so calls are on his dime now, and not ours. As much as I love talking to the boy, if my bill gets out of hand I won't have a phone, and then not be able to talk to him at all. Oh that would soo suck. Only a few months till Christmas. :)

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Just a irony

When Nick was in BCT I was complaining that I didn't get to talk to him much. Now he is AIT and I want to talk to him as much as possible. But now I can't afford the calls.
Was going to send his cell phone out to him. Contacted tracfone to change the zip that the phone would be used in only to be informed that his phone will not work there. Guess he needs to buy a new one.

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Talk that sh*t all you want

I don't care what anyone says about Army recruiters. My sons recruiter is absolutely awesome. This guys has kept tabs on Nick all the way through from recruiting him, through basic and even now that Nick is AIT. He has called, written, and today just came by the house to see how Nick is doing. He's been honest and straight forward on what to expect.
I was told at the start of this journey that the recruiters lie, tell half truths, break contracts. That my son wouldn't train where they said, or have any of the benfits promised. You know what the only thing that hasn't gone as planned is that my son didn't do is bct where he was told. And actually rumor has it that, that was a blessing.
Our recruiter has gone above and beyond to help Nick get what Nick wanted, and to make sure Nick is doing ok.

He told me today to make sure all my readers knew I was a democrat, and that I still supported my Army troops.

So hey y'all I am a Democrat! I support my troops! And I support the local recruiters!

GO ARMY! HOOAH!

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I Kissed My Son Goodbye by Sandy Soffe

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