Shooting, Running, and Having Fun

Dear Friends,

This last week was great. Things I did: ran around in the woods doing Land Navigation stuff, shot at the firing range, and took a Physical Fitness (PT) test. Probably the coolest thing I did was put on Night Vision goggles at the night range and shoot my rifle using infra-red laser sights. Those of you who know me probably understand how excited I'd get about something like that- in reality it was stuff like that which caused me to join the Army in the first place. Also, your prayers definitely are working because my platoon is performing incredibly by winning every competition so far in training (out of 6 platoons). I also got the male high PT test score for the company (I finally broke 11 minutes on the 2-mile run after 5 years of trying).

What to expect next? I haven't had much responsibility in the last week or so. I'm expecting to have more leadership opportunities when we go to the FOB (fancy acronym for a base out in the woods where it's easier for us to move to our training sights). We move to the FOB this next Monday. I'm looking forward to it. It will "feel" more like the Army since we'll be doing more intensive training.

My attitude has still been kept in check, but there have been times where the Georgia sun starts to take it's toll. Overall, though, the training is fairly easy and fun. Right now I'm planning on visiting Chicago on July 22-24 in between training sessions. If you'll be around, then let me know. Thanks.

I'm Getting Paid For This?

Dear Friends,

This week's training was great. I got beat up doing combatives with the rest of my platoon. I relearned lots of stuff dealing with rifle marksmanship. Above all we get to run around in the woods next week (Land Navigation Stuff) and shoot at the firing range. Of course the weather is still hot here, but it's funny how 80 degrees and sunny feels cool after a few 98 degree, 100% humidity days. I often times have to remind myself that I'm getting paid for doing this stuff. At times the routine can drag and the field conditions can be ruff, but I daily remember just how lucky I am. I am doing something that I love...which is something many people can't say.

What else? I'm getting closer with my platoon. I'm gonna list the people in my squad at the end of this post so that you can pray for them by name too. They are all good people...some of them a little "edgy", but they really all seem pretty good. Then again, I get along with most. I'll try to get more posts in with more detail of what I'm doing. Just continue to pray for my attitude, confidence, and peace. Thanks.

Members of D Co. 1st Plt. 1st Sqd.

Westby Anderson, Bruce Clark, Dan Digiorgio, Greg Black, Josh Bosley, Lonnie Colbert, Megan Bradner, Morgan Boyd, Shawn Atkins, Terrika Boyd, Vergil Decker, & Weston Amaya

Week 1 Down...6 More To Go

Dear Friends,

The first week here at Benning was that of extremes. I started off being extremely lonely due to the transition, then I was extremely busy being Squad Leader (in charge of 12 people), and finally I have become extremely excited to start training this next week. We'll be doing an introduction to hand-to-hand combatives and an introduction to more advanced rifle marksmanship. My platoon is becoming closer, and I've already found a church and a Bible Study. I'm being stretched, but it's exactly what I need.

Another note-worthy announcement is that I got to see the Cubs play the Braves in Atlanta on Saturday with some guys from my training unit. It was a sold-out crowd, and even though the Cubies lost it was an awesome experience.

It will be hot and humid in Georgia this summer so please pray a few things for my platoon and I. First please pray that my platoon will be safe and not fall victim to the weather or training. Pray also that I will maintain a good positive attitude during all my training. I have 2 goals here at Ft. Benning. I never want to be caught complaining. I also want to maintain faith in my abilities...not being afraid to fail or to accept challenges. Ultimately I want to be different...representing Jesus to a bunch of people who are desperate for Him...they just might not know it yet. Laters!

P.S. My mailing address is listed below...

2LT David Fahs
D Co. 1/11
BOLC II 1st Platoon
BLDG 2839
Fort Benning, GA 31905

Night of Relaxation in GA

Dear Friends & Family,

Tonight I am sitting in a rather nice hotel room just across the border in Georgia. People talk funny here, but they seem a lot more friendly than the Chicago-ans I'm used to. Tomorrow I officially report to my first Army training course at Ft. Benning (BOLC II). I have been organizing papers, checking last minute details, but mostly just relaxing since this is going to be my last night of uninterrupted freedom for quite a long time. I know what you are asking. Am I nervous? The answer is no. I'm also not alone down here since I know a few people already here...some in BOLC II with me, some in the Columbus area, and others within driving distance. You can just pray that I keep a good attitude towards the training. I never want to be negative or whiny about the Army. I am incredibly blessed with this job. This is where God wants me to be, and I am at peace because of that.

Amy J. asked me to specifically mention her in this post so here you go Amy (Ann Karl also gets a hello). The only useful information I can give you right now is that I am free on weekends, national holidays, and most nights after 6pm. I'll update my mailing address and all that other jazz as soon as I learn it. Thanks.