Vanity: 'Newbie' Military Parent Needs Assistance

Indy Pendance | October 29, 2003 | Indy Pendance

[Indy Pendance]

If you have a moment, please consider this small favor. Being a newbie military parent, where else would I turn to but Free Republic?

Two of my kids will be leaving for the Army in November. Both will have their basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. One is leaving November 6th, has a couple years of college, and intends to complete her medical training with the Army, and is heading for San Antonio after basic.

The other leaving November 20th, has had some college chemistry, is heading into the chemical, biological and nuclear field, and will remain at Fort Leonard Wood after basic. At this point, it's still undetermined where they go after they are done with their AIT training.

During the beginning of the War with Iraq, there was a photo posted on many threads. I'm specifically looking for the photo of the woman pilot from the war in Iraq. IIRC, she had a microphone covering her mouth. Any photos that I could attach to their letters will be helpful. I've searched google and found quite a few great pictures, but I know you all have some great ones that just aren't readily accessible on the internet.

[Indy Pendance]

I'm so new at this, what's CBR? Thanks, and sorry to be a pest.

[Indy Pendance]

Excellent. I'm going to save these all on my computer. Do you remember the photo of the soldier holding the newborn baby? That was an excellent picture as well.

[jwalsh07]

Chemical, Biological and Radiological warfare specialists.

I was my units CBR NCO(non commissioned officer) many moons ago.

CBR has become very important in the world we are living in.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks, I think they've changed the Radiological term to Nuclear. Not quite sure about that though.

[jwalsh07]

Like I said I'm an old timer.

NBC=Nuclear, biological and chemical

I'm not sure which they use any more.

[Indy Pendance]

Could I ask for your assistance with this? Thanks.

[Terry Mross]

Tell your kids "Thank you!". My daughter is going into the Navy in January. I'm as proud as you are!!!!!

[Indy Pendance]

Congratulations! It's mixed emotions. One part is so proud, definately! One part is ready to let them go, one part wants them to stay home. They both are in their early 20's so it's time. I know they'll be safe, probably safer than running around the city after bar hours.

[mystery-ak]

FLW as noted is in the middle of nowhere....your daughters are lucky they are doing basic now instead of in the summer months...the heat and humidity there in the summer is murder.

One of the proudest days in my life was watching my son graduate basic at Ft. Jackson....

If you plan to go to their graduation ceremonies, make your reservations early, there are very few motels in the area and you might have to stay in the St. Louis area over an hour away.

HOOAH to your girls.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks for the advice. I was going to ask about hotels etc. We are planning on attending graduation, wouldn't miss it for the world!

[mystery-ak]

You will get a packet in the mail when it gets close....my advice is to make reservations asap when you get that packet, if not before....

[Consort]

We went to Ft Jackson when our daughter graduated. Now she's an Army O6. We also went to Paris Island when our other daughter graduated. Now she's a Marine E6. Our son is a firefighter.

[Consort]

Correction. "Now she's an Army O6" should be "Now she's an Army O3".

[SAMWolf]

Fort Lost in the Woods. Is that still the Engineer school? I took basic and AIT there, in winter. They don't call it "Little Korea" for nothing.

[wtc911]

Bump for the kudos...nice job...good luck to you and yours.

[Indy Pendance]

I don't know if it is an engineering school. I'm an engineer by degree. But of course my kids want nothing to do with engineering.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[kilowhskey]

Dear Indy,
It is clear to this Old Dogface that you have done a wonderful job with your kids. Given that they are a bit older than recent high school graduates, they will have an edge when it comes to handling the challenges of basic. It is likely that they will be tapped for leadership positions in their training platoons. I do have a couple of thoughts for you. When overseas assignments come their way, the one thing that will be more valuable to them than money will be letters, tapes, newspaper clippings and the like. There will be inevitable shortages, so if they ask for a case of WD-40, for example, go ahead and send it. If they ask for a package of snacks, send enough so they can pass them around to their buddies. There is a sad sack in every outfit whose parents never send anything. A heads-up leader will take care of that guy.

You got them to the starting grid of life's rat race. Be confident that they will excel.

Kerry

[SandRat]

Keep us posted on where they will be assigned after AIT.

There are enough of us out here that we've probably been to most Amry Forts still left open and could tell you a little about them.

Some of us still live next to the forts and work on them and could give you even more information and help.

So keep us posted of you children's progress and assignements after AIT.

[SandRat]

PING

Got any advice for her?