Early Start

This morning started early. We were waiting in formation at 4:50 am. The formation looked amazingly poor by army standards. We loaded buses (sorry for those of you hoping I'd have to walk everywhere), and we were taken to have blood drawn. Afterwards, we spent several hours doing the most important work of the week (filling out financial paperwork so I begin getting paid). After a couple of lectures about nutrition and hydration, we were taken to buy our uniforms, which hurt. I didn't get my class A or Dress Blue uniforms.

Formation tomorrow is at 0450, so I better get my uniforms put away and get ready for bed.

Mailing Address

A couple of people have asked how to reach me. The usual email and cell phone numbers apply. My mailing address for the summer is below. There is an unnamed individual that owes me some cookies. This my last post today. I promise.


U.S. Army Chaplain Center & School
CHBOLC Class 08-002
Chaplain (1LT) Justin Pickering
10100 Lee Road
Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Ft Jackson

I arrived at Ft Jackson late this afternoon. The pictures you see is my room. I've got a small kitchen. The coffee maker only makes four cups. I may very well have to remedy that. As you can see, I have cable. Obviously I have internet or I wouldn't be posting pictures. The accomodations are pretty good.

I spent this evening getting settled. I ran over to the commisary and picked up quick food. Milk, popcorn, frozen meals, Blue Bell ice cream...you know the basic staples. I went through the PX. It was kind of hectic.

I've met several other guys here for CHBOLC. They seem decent guys. I can't recall names. I better get a few other things done before getting to bed.

A busy week

I'm writing this from Ft Jackson, SC. This post is going to give you a brief update over the last few days. I'll try to post some about the Ft in another post. Last Friday, we left Kentucky at noon. Friday night and Saturday were spent with my extended family (my grandparents' children, g-children, etc.). This is the largest gathering we've had since my grandmother's funeral. On Sunday, the church I grew up in had a commissioning service. As part of the service, I took my oath to enter the Army. The retired Navy captain that administered the oath had taken his 52 years ago to the day. He was my neighbor growing up.

Monday was spent showing Emily the state capital and my alma mater. Tuesday, we spent visiting a good friend of mine from MC. I played quite possibly the ugliest round of golf in history that day. The next day, I played golf with Stan. Thursday, we packed and had dinner with Robert & Julie. On Friday, Em and I stayed in Birmingham with some friends. Today, we went our separate directions. She went to TN to visit family. I came to Ft. Jackson. I spent the first 30 minutes of the trip crying. I honestly have no idea when I last cried.

There are pictures from my comissionign service in my photo albums.

Baby shower Pics are up

Thanks, Mark & Betty. As you can see, Mark got his parting shot in with Emily about the superior SEC athletic program. You can see other pictures from the baby shower if you click on the photo albums to the right.

There are also some pictures in that album from the church picnic last week.