Tracking Kali through her Army career (Moderately non-Valk)

[Serk]

BTW, I WAY over bought Sandboxx tokens, anyone that would like to send Kali a message (And obviously doesn't mind if I can read it) feel free to either post it here, PM me or e-mail it to me and I'll pop any messages I get into a Sandboxx letter to her...

(As in I bought enough tokens I could send her one letter a day every day for the rest of basic that she can receive letters in (No letters the last 2 weeks since they'll be too busy and then they'll be disapparating off to their AIT bases.))

[Serk]

I've gotten a few, still time to send any letters you want me to forward on to Kali via PM/E-mail, etc...

Looks like this past Friday they got to use the Engagement Skills Trainer. Not gonna lie, I'd love to have some time on this thing!

Some info about the EST - https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/engagement-skills-trainer-est/

A video of it being used (NOT of Kali) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy3TskzXs0Q

And the pics I managed to find of her:

[Jess from VA]

I'm a bit slow, but I just noticed (then looked back through your pics) that they must be wearing masks indoors, but not outdoors.

I know they keep them pretty busy, but I think it might suck to have to wear one at all times when on their own time in the barracks.  (and sleeping... can't be?)

[Serk]

I'm a bit slow, but I just noticed (then looked back through your pics) that they must be wearing masks indoors, but not outdoors.

I know they keep them pretty busy, but I think it might suck to have to wear one at all times when on their own time in the barracks.  (and sleeping... can't be?)

From what I've gathered masks on at all times indoors and even outdoors if they're not doing something. The phone call we got from her where she was able to video chat with us she had her mask on for the entire conversation, outside, other than when she briefly pulled it down to take a selfie for us.

From an earlier letter she sent, early on in reception and possibly yellow phase they did have to wear masks even while sleeping. I'm not sure if that's still the case, I'll check and see.

Also the Commander's Letter to the families says family and friends must wear masks at all times for graduation ceremonies, which are held outdoors.

[DarkSideR]

Had she been vaccinated? If not what are your concerns with it now being mandated for those serving?

If this question is inappropriate please disregard.

[f6gal]

Had she been vaccinated? If not what are your concerns with it now being mandated food those serving?

If this question is inappropriate please disregard.

I'm not Serk, but Kali has been fully vaccinated.  He's posted it on here and on FB.

[Serk]

Had she been vaccinated? If not what are your concerns with it now being mandated food those serving?

If this question is inappropriate please disregard.

I'm not Serk, but Kali has been fully vaccinated.  He's posted it on here and on FB.

Yeah, as she's an adult now it was her decision, but she was fully vaccinated as quickly as a healthy 18 year old could be, which in Texas was April...

We were a little concerned since we sent her with a photocopy of her vaccination card and kept the original in a safe at home, but she told me they accepted it with no qualms...

[scooperhsd]

With the possibility of booster shots coming out, isn't it possible she may need it with her ? Just asking ...

[Serk]

With the possibility of booster shots coming out, isn't it possible she may need it with her ? Just asking ...

Yes, but we'll wait until she's out of BCT to send it to her. Once she's at her AIT it'll be more like a super strict college dorm instead of, well... Boot camp... Don't want anything important to be with her at BCT, too many opportunities to lose it.

[f6gal]

With the possibility of booster shots coming out, isn't it possible she may need it with her ? Just asking ...

Yes, but we'll wait until she's out of BCT to send it to her. Once she's at her AIT it'll be more like a super strict college dorm instead of, well... Boot camp... Don't want anything important to be with her at BCT, too many opportunities to lose it.

With the 8 month from 2nd dose recommendation, she wouldn't be due for it until January anyway.

[scooperhsd]

With the possibility of booster shots coming out, isn't it possible she may need it with her ? Just asking ...

Yes, but we'll wait until she's out of BCT to send it to her. Once she's at her AIT it'll be more like a super strict college dorm instead of, well... Boot camp... Don't want anything important to be with her at BCT, too many opportunities to lose it.

Your plan makes sense. Carry on.

[Serk]

My how times have changed... Making Facebook posts, from bootcamp...



We got to have a quick phone call with her today, earlier in this adventure there'd been some talk about some VRCC folks showing up for her graduation, she heard about it, and if there's any chance that might still happen, she's REALLY hoping for it.... If not, understand how life goes...

It's not quite a high and tight, but evidently she'd gotten tired of slobbering on the copious amounts of hair gel that are required to keep a female's longer hair in formation position through a day of training, so she got it mostly lopped off today...

[scooperhsd]

Hair grows out (eventually). Lopping it off makes sense for what she is doing right now (less time on hair = more time for everything else ).

Sounds like her spirits are up , and she is charging through !!

[Rams]

She's making us all proud.

I know you reared here but, she's special so, we're all gonna claim she's one of ours.   

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I would have done that sooner (and it looks better than it did IMHO).  

Are those her glasses?  They look suspiciously like the BCD's* the Air Force gave me.  

(I still have them; 2 pr.  Not for nostalgia, if I was to lose every other pair I have, they are better than no glasses) (and they are still like new, because I've never lost every other pair I have)    


*BCDs - Birth control devices (as the saying goes, because if you wear them in public, you cannot possibly get lucky)  (now I'm no doctor, but I wouldn't rely on them if I was a girl)     (for guys, they were practically bulletproof) 

If I was closer, I would love to attend graduation.  I attended two MCRD San Diego graduations, and they were something.

[old2soon]

    Yet another Grand Daughter and Proud to call Her that!  That month Will FLY By!  And as I've posted Serk-She HAS Changed. Wait til yer back in Her Presence. RIDE SAFE.

[Skinhead]

Serk,  Do you have a motel in mind for the graduation?  It would be nice if we all stayed at GZ to hang out.

[Serk]

Hair grows out (eventually). Lopping it off makes sense for what she is doing right now (less time on hair = more time for everything else ).

Sounds like her spirits are up , and she is charging through !!

She was mostly cheery. Said the cough is still there, worse if anything, the docs said likely mild bronchitis. Her mom thinks her allergies are just going berSerk with the amount of time she's spending outdoors running around in the woods, but she's still up and at 'em, so.....

Are those her glasses?  They look suspiciously like the BCD's* the Air Force gave me.  

I think those are the ones she went with. Being a slightly intelligent type, knowing they'd give her some hideous hideousness if they didn't think the glasses she came with were hideous enough to begin with, she had me order her two pair of the cheapest, most bland glasses Zenni sells, and Zenni sells some REALLY basic stuff... Checked my order history, two pairs of these, cut with lenses, was $18.56 delivered. It does appear to be the glasses she's wearing in the photo, I think...



But speaking of BCD glasses, while going through some of her company's pictures, I saw this poor kid. Not sure WHO he pissed off to be blessed with glasses like this, but wow....

Serk,  Do you have a motel in mind for the graduation?  It would be nice if we all stayed at GZ to hang out.

We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn:
103 St Robert Plaza Dr, St Robert, MO 65584

There's also a Comfort Inn literally next door to the Hampton:
103 St Robert Blvd, St Robert, MO 65584

(And several other hotels very near there in a cluster)

[old2soon]

        I live close enough to F L W that I'll drive up that day or something. Serk and Family will work that out. In that long letter earlier in the thread git your room resevations A S A P as they sell out Quick on an Army Graaduation day. Personally I am looking forward to this. WARNING WARNING F L W NO WEAPONS ALLOWED ON PERSON OR IN VEHICLE. Serk had posted earlier bout a gun shop? that has storage available for a small fee. RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

        I live close enough to F L W that I'll drive up that day or something. Serk and Family will work that out. In that long letter earlier in the thread git your room resevations A S A P as they sell out Quick on an Army Graaduation day. Personally I am looking forward to this. WARNING WARNING F L W NO WEAPONS ALLOWED ON PERSON OR IN VEHICLE. Serk had posted earlier bout a gun shop? that has storage available for a small fee. RIDE SAFE.

Indeed. No firearms, and even if you have a prescription and it's legal where you are, no marijuana, CBD, etc, nothing that isn't squeaky clean. Also, you will have to present identification at the gate and they will do a background check, if you've got a felony you likely will be denied entrance to the base.

Also also it's recommended to get to the gate 2 hours before graduation time, as the line to get in can get kinda stupid long on those days, there's usually more than one company graduating on any particular date, which means hundreds to thousands of fresh new soldiers, and multiply that number for the number of friends and family trying to get through the gate that morning.

If you don't wish to secure your sidearm in your hotel (Or aren't staying at a hotel) this gun store has been listed as a potential option by several people in the Fort Leonard Wood parents/friends/family groups:

http://www.bowandbarrelsports.com/Storage.html

[scooperhsd]

Missouri isn't known for being alleregy friendly as well, so it could be that is inducing sinus drainage leading to her cough. As long as it's not the Covid she is fine.

Another thing Mo is known for - HUMID SUMMERS !!!  As in, 180 degrees away from AZ. They are probably sweating like pigs on the outside stuff right now - and the drill Sargents are probably harping on them to keep hydrated.

[Serk]

Found a few pics of Kali last week at rifle qualification, in line to receive her magazines (Pre haircut it would appear.)



Couldn't find any pictures of her from it, but evidently her company had grenade class yesterday, she got to throw two live grenades (Jealous daddy!). Can't wait to hear what she thought of that!

Also, NOT her company or her MOS, but a picture from a 12D company at FLW cracked me up. Those DS NEVER lower their standards of behavior or dress. NEVER!

[old2soon]

          Dare I say it? She's starting to LOOK like a Soldier!  Oh to be Young again!  RIDE SAFE.

[scooperhsd]

Look at it this way -

Would you rather be getting older - or dead ?

[Jess from VA]

The rolled up BDU pants cuffs are kind of sloppy.

We USAF guys bloused the pants under with purpose built hooked rubber bands, over top the boots.

At least they don't have to shine boots; which used to be a big part of basic training anywhere.

I polished my boots for 9 years. (And occasionally still do)

[old2soon]

Look at it this way -

Would you rather be getting older - or dead ?

            Well put it thisaway. I Already KNOW I'll never work the flight deck of an aircraft carrier again!  But as I age I have a tendency to look back on some Very Challenging times That B T W I Survived and came out the other end a Better Man. And Our Gal Kali IS beginning Her Journey!  And I Also KNOW to be young again will NEVER happen in this current life.  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

          Dare I say it? She's starting to LOOK like a Soldier!  Oh to be Young again!  RIDE SAFE.

I don’t want to be young again. Once was enough. 

[Willow]

The rolled up BDU pants cuffs are kind of sloppy.

We USAF guys bloused the pants under with purpose built hooked rubber bands, over top the boots.

At least they don't have to shine boots; which used to be a big part of basic training anywhere.

I polished my boots for 9 years. (And occasionally still do)

In Marine Corps boot camp we did not blouse our trousers until the last couple of weeks of boot camp.

[Jess from VA]

I suppose when you are crawling around and running and jumping climbing and doing pushups and situps in basic, the time for spiffy uniforms comes later.   As it should.

In football practice, we all wore old raggedy stuff that just got torn up anyway.

Although our school didn't have much money and the team uniforms were old and threadbare, and the white away game ones were ridiculous (and embarrassing).   

[Serk]

Tarynn and I had a wonderful video chat with Kali just now. She's officially got pneumonia, but it's being treated and they're taking care of her. She had a little down time but is back and training and doing all the things, just with a nasty cough from time to time.
Very upbeat, mostly enjoying the experience.
They do The Anvil this coming week, 7.5 mile ruck to start, then 3 days of field training exercises, squad, combat maneuvers and such. After they complete that they'll transition (Hopefully) to the Blue (final) phase of basic...

[scooperhsd]

It looks like she is beginning to enjoy it - meeting and completing the challenges, etc.

[f6gal]

How much down time did she get?  She's young, but pneumonia still sucks! 

She's rocking the new haircut! 

[Serk]

How much down time did she get?  She's young, but pneumonia still sucks! 

She's rocking the new haircut! 

I think she said one day of bed rest. The doctor's offered to put her down for more but she didn't want to fall behind her cadre in training (And really didn't want to miss range time or grenade throwing day) so she's just pushing through it.

It was funny, while chatting with her sometimes the wind would hit her hair and flip it up into a semi-mohawk. She said it does that sometimes, and in formation it causes the DS to drop their DS demeanor and start laughing, so she's kinda liking it. For now.

[f6gal]

How much down time did she get?  She's young, but pneumonia still sucks! 

She's rocking the new haircut! 

I think she said one day of bed rest. The doctor's offered to put her down for more but she didn't want to fall behind her cadre in training (And really didn't want to miss range time or grenade throwing day) so she's just pushing through it.

It was funny, while chatting with her sometimes the wind would hit her hair and flip it up into a semi-mohawk. She said it does that sometimes, and in formation it causes the DS to drop their DS demeanor and start laughing, so she's kinda liking it. For now.

Hmmm, blow sh!t up or lay around with pneumonia?  Yep, blowing sh!t up wins every time.

[DDT (12)]

How much down time did she get?  She's young, but pneumonia still sucks! 

She's rocking the new haircut! 

I think she said one day of bed rest. The doctor's offered to put her down for more but she didn't want to fall behind her cadre in training (And really didn't want to miss range time or grenade throwing day) so she's just pushing through it.

It was funny, while chatting with her sometimes the wind would hit her hair and flip it up into a semi-mohawk. She said it does that sometimes, and in formation it causes the DS to drop their DS demeanor and start laughing, so she's kinda liking it. For now.

Hmmm, blow sh!t up or lay around with pneumonia?  Yep, blowing sh!t up wins every time.

Insightful observation, Connie... Your comments are spot-on, too!!! Sounds like our warrior rider friend is doing rather well adjusting to her new life... Probably has something to with her good upbringing and strong character... Ups and downs are just part of it, and I predict she will handle everything quite well.

DDT

[bassman]

Can't tell you how much I enjoy following the "Adventures of Kali" in this tread.  THANKS Dad !!!  Please keep it up.   

[da prez]

Tell Kali that if the person next to her throws a ring and cotterpin , run like hell. They have a hand grenade in their teeth.

          da prez

[old2soon]

Tell Kali that if the person next to her throws a ring and cotterpin , run like hell. They have a hand grenade in their teeth.

          da prez

                     Not fer Long!  Kaboom comes to well their mind be gone gone. RIDE SAFE.

[f6gal]

I thought I saw a couple pics of Kali today, but it was hard to tell... not face shots... top of the head.

[Serk]

I thought I saw a couple pics of Kali today, but it was hard to tell... not face shots... top of the head.

Heh, you would be correct!

First two you gotta know what to look for, but she's in there:





This one she's right in the center:



Few other updates:

Got a whole mess of letters from her the other day. Overall doing well. Haven't gotten an update on her medical situation but if she's doing the things she's doing above I'd hope she's mostly over the pneumonia!

Not her regiment, but a sister regiment in the same cycle had a trainee decide he'd had enough, pocketed a round from the range, and that night in the barracks used it to make a swift exit from basic.

Because of this they're cracking down, no longer do they keep their rifles with them in the barracks, they must check them into the armory each evening and check them out each morning. This adds about 2 hours of extra time that is removed from their already meager free/sleep time so they're not happy about this. They've also become extremely anal retentive about accounting for every single round at the range, which also slows things down and makes things more difficult. (Not to say they don't have compassion for the trainee who felt that was his only option, they do, but it's impacting them in very real ways as well.)

I wish we'd known earlier, one of Kali's good friends she's made wrote us, evidently no one in her family has written her even once, her requests for a few basic items were ignored, etc... Tarynn and I both wrote her and I Amazon airlifted some basics to her, but they're almost done now. I don't get how a parent could do that to their child, it just is incomprehensible to me. I get not making it TOO easy for 'em, they gotta be made into soldiers, but.... I just don't get it.

Speaking of being almost done, we've been told to not send any letters or packages closer than 2 weeks from graduation.

That date is tomorrow. So if anyone has any letters or Sandboxx tokens or what not use 'em up now before it's too late.

(Much like raising triplets, seems having a loved one in boot camp causes time distortions, where the minutes drag on like days, but the days fly by like minutes...)