Staff Ride

Monday was a staff ride. Here's the short version of what that is...a unit's staff officers go to a historical battlefield. Either an individual or a number of staff officers are responsible leading various sections of the trip and teaching about the tactics used or available in a given battle. Basically, it's an educational event for staff officers. Chaplain's are part of a unit's staff officers, so this was a training event for us. We went to two of the old forts at Charleston's harbor. Most people know Fort Sumter. Ft Moultre is a few hundred yards from Fort Sumter and was used in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Anyway, that was Monday. The rest of the week has been spent with a very, very tedious certification process for a family wellness program. I will probably use a little of what we are learning. I'm looking forward to a three day weekend at the beach for Labor Day.

A couple of updates

Emily pointed out that I had not posted one of the pictures of our baby on the blog, so here you go. She's due in three weeks. I'm supposed to finish CHBOLC in two weeks. Needless to say, we are hoping he does not come early. I really have nothing to say. Its been a great weekend. I've gotten some time alone. I've played golf. I've laughed almost constantly with some of the guys from my platoon. This is what I've needed.

For those who have asked about pictures, there are several new folders on the "My Pictures." Its on the right side of the page somewhere.

Capstone

Capstone is the week that we begin putting a lot of our training together. At least I think that's the purpose. We are on a simulated Forward Operating Base. This means that our quarters are better than they were during our last Field Training Exercise. You can see where we stayed in the picture on the left. The training was good. The weather was as good as you can reasonably hope for in August in South Carolina. The least inappropriate story is a mock memorial ceremony. A member of my platoon that I will spare from naming went to sick call because of a reaction to an insect bite. When he returned, my platoon held a memorial ceremony for his manhood. The rabbi in my squad asked if the ceremony would be cruel and in bad taste. I assured him that no one (including the subject) would be upset or hurt and that the cermony would not be even close to in good taste. He immediately agreed that good taste could not possibly be a part of such a ceremony. I think members of other platoons were extremely unsure about what was going on, and kept their distance. All in all, this was the second funniest thing I've seen at CHBOLC. The funniest is entirely inappropriate to share, and I am desperately trying to supress the memory of it. I'm sure I'll end up in therapy over it.

Sorry there aren't better pictures, but most of mine did not turn out

Funeral services

Last week we were briefed about military funerals, memorial services, memorial ceremonies, and graveside services. Today a few of us had to actually perform the tasks. I volunteered because this replaces another assignment that would have been due next week (field services). I happen to get a graveside service. This is a remarkably short service. It takes place after a funeral service, so very little is required. Basically, I read a psalm and offered a brief word of comfort. The most difficult part was keeping the drill and ceremony straight. I had a minor error, but nothing that will normally apply to me.

This picture is up mainly because Emiliy kept asking why I hadn't put up any pictures of anything other than my ACUs (camo pattern). This is honestly the first time I've worn my Class A uniform. I still have not worn the Dress Blue uniform. That'll come in a couple of weeks.

I am getting to the point of counting the days until I graduate. I'm looking forward to getting to my battalion and getting started with ministry. Of course, I'm also looking forward to being back with Em and Isaac, whenever he decides to make his grand appearance.

I better go. Tomorrow morning, we are back in the field for Capstone. This is supposedly where a lot of the classroom training is implimented. Regardless, I won't be posting again until Friday or Saturday. At least there should be something interested to say.

Emily loses her mind

Let's do some math. Not a phrase you normally hear from me...I know. She is due to deliver our first child on September 15. She managed to get a job with Killeen Independent School District last week. She has passed the required exam, so the job is official now. She'll be teaching a class of 1st graders. Here's the math...September 15 minus August 12. That's just over a month before she's due. (I never said the math would be complicated.) How many woman get a job at 8 months of pregnancy. Most of us knew she was crazy due to her choice of husbands, but this one has to solidify her insanity.

In South Carolina, the weather is better. The classes are pretty much the same. Next week will be Capstone. This is a week in the field where we practice implimenting the things we have been taught this summer. I'll post again sometime this weekend.