Porcelain Toilet Seats

Who ever thought that other than missing my family and friends, I would really miss a porcelain toilet?  Now that I am home, the seemingly insignificant things in life are really appreciated.  That being said, the last 2 weeks at basic training (BOLC) were exciting as well as challenging.

The last week at Camp Bullis was centered around learning how to set up and operate a level 1 (forward aide station), level 2 (intermediate aide station), and a CSH (combat support hospital made up of Alaskan tents) that has the capacity to have 278 beds.  The CSH was absolutely amazing.  I am so proud to be a small part of an organization that can go into a war zone and clear 20 acres of land and erect a fully functioning hospital.  Our mornings started around 0400-0500 with a wake-up song (Rubber Ducky, someone had a sense of humor).  We were out on the field for PT (physical training) which consisted of stretching, push-ups, sit-ups and a two mile run.  After PT, back to the tents for a baby wipe shower, and a quick change into our ACUs (cammies) before hitting the morning chow line.

On Monday, we set up the level 1 aide stations and were flooded with simulated casualties.  We had to stabilize those casualties that we could and call in 9 line medivacs (procedure for calling in for transportation of wounded soldiers or civilians).  The first choice would be a bird, but sometimes the “military ambulance” was the only transportation available.  Monday night was my turn to slop potatoes on the plates of fellow soldiers.  Most of us had to take turns serving in the chow line.  It was actually a blast.  People are really appreciative to be fed (anything) when they are hungry.

Tuesday we set up the level 2 which has a surgeon and some basic radiology available.  Again, the object is to save life, limb and eyesight.  When setting up a level 1 or level 2 station, security is critical since we are out in the field and as close to the combat area as possible.  We took turns pulling security and treating wounded soldiers.  Tues. night was land navigation.  We were let loose on the Texas countryside after sundown (around 2000).  We were given 4 eight digit coordinates and had to find at least 2 in four hours (without breaking an ankle or getting bit by a rattlesnake).  When I got back to base 2 hours later, the Cadre thought I had found my two to pass the course but were pleasantly surprised that I had found all 4. I guess it’s pathfinder school next (just kidding).  I got lucky.

Wed morning we went to the CSH which was amazing.  We had simulated injuries (models that were surprisingly realistic) and we were able to see how the CSH was organized.

Wed. night we headed back to Fort Sam to celebrate Thanksgiving at the DFAC (dining facility) on Thurs.  The command officers put on their dress blues and fed the troops.  It was an awesome experience.

The final week at Fort Sam included our PFT (physical fitness test) which I passed with a score of 273 out of 300 (pus-ups, sit-ups and the two mile run).  We had lectures on how to function as an officer, cultural awareness lectures on the Middle East, and writing OERS (officer evaluation reports).  We also had the opportunity to talk with the officers in charge of deployments.  That was exciting.  Looks like I will be going to Afghanistan sometime between Aug. and Oct. of 2011!!!!   I went back to my room at Fort Sam very excited but I got the phone call at 2345 to be in the auditorium at 0430 for a drug test along with 90% of our class.  Probably would have been easy but I haven’t shared a stall with anyone watching me (except my kids when they were 2 years old).  STAGE FRIGHT set in and I just couldn’t go.  Had to drink a lot of water and jump up and down so I could fill the cup.  I was finally able to “go” 1 ½ hours later.  I think I am good for another year before my next performance. 

It was all worth while because the next day, Thurs. 2 Dec., we assembled on the parade ground for graduation.  The graduation went off without any problems and we finished with the Soldiers Creed and the Army song.  That was very moving.  From there it was out processing and turning in our TA 50 (all our gear that we used in the field).  I finished early and was able to get an early flight home.  I was so proud of what we had accomplished that I decided to wear my ACUs home (I was still on orders).  

When I got to baggage claim, I was greeted not only by my wife but an older couple who were clapping.  I started to cry because I realized that this wonderful elderly couple was clapping for all the soldiers who sacrifice so much for all of us.  That moment made my entire month worth every early wakeup, every ruck, and every physically or mentally challenging task.

Now that I am home, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate a shower and a porcelain toilet.