As we inch closer to our graduation date, our experiences are changing more and more. Just as we are learning practical information and physically training to prepare for our entrance into the fleet, we are also taking other steps to prepare for our departure from sunny Cape May.
This week, we received our military identification cards; a major step towards being official Coastguardsmen. These cards are not only ID’s, but are also used for certain military access situations and double as our insurance and benefit cards. The most important and possibly the biggest step that we have taken towards our graduation has been arranging our travel plans to leave from our home here in Cape May to our new duty stations. There is something about booking a flight home that can refresh even the most exhausted recruit.
On Tuesday, we had our manual of arms test given by our section commander, and our many hours of practice sure paid off. We received and 8/10 and Chief Bou declared us as one of the best that he had seen. He commended us not only on our timing and execution, but also on our confident appearance. On Thursday, we had our second and final pugil stick bouts, which was nice break from our normal military bearing. Once again we were able to cheer our shipmates on and motivate one another to give 110%, but, just as before, once the fights were over it was right back to training mode.
Each week of training so far, we have enjoyed learning new techniques and information to help us succeed once we enter into our careers. Week 06 definitely kept the trend going as we spent much of this week learning fire damage control when aboard a vessel. Over the course of a few days, we were taught how to identify different classes of fires, how to properly use a fire extinguisher, and how to react in the case of a fire onboard. The best part of the firefighting training, however, was learning to fight larger scale fires. During this portion of the training, we were each able to dress out into the full firefighting protection gear (fire suit, helmet, boots, face mask, and self-contained breathing apparatus) and respond to a simulated fire. We were split into teams and, maneuvering low through a dark, smoke-filled room, we used 2.5 inch hoses with 68 pounds of water pressure to extinguish the “fire.” The fire fighting practical was definitely more challenging than many of us expected, and gave us a greater appreciation for the intense nature of this profession. As crew members on a vessel, we will be the firefighters, since dialing 911 while underway is not an option.
We finally got to enjoy our on base liberty- a privilege that we have been counting down towards since our arrival. We started off the day by touring the Cape May small-boat station and buoy tender that is currently in port. Being able to tour these sites increased our already elevated excitement about getting out into the fleet. Afterwards, we were actually told by our Lead Company Commander to “relax and go have fun;” something that we never thought we would hear from him. Although on-base activities were limited, we made the best of every opportunity, including visiting the exchange and the enlisted club. After six weeks of training, we’ve really developed an appreciation for the small things, such as being able to eat junk food and laugh with our shipmates.
We have become not only a strong company but a family in our time here. With only two weeks left of training, we are making every moment count, valuing our time together as well as absorbing every bit of information and guidance that we can attain. Week 07 will be our last full week as Echo Ones and we are looking forward to what is in store. Until next week, keep the mail coming and start packing to come and see your Coastie graduate! Victor 181, signing out.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Week 5 blog
Week 05 has come and gone, and has left us as a different company. The past 07 days have been our most significant period of growth since we arrived at Cape May. We’ve grown, both as a company and as individuals, giving us a new perspective and fresh attitude towards training.
Thursday was the most anticipated day (besides graduation!) by far: the day we received our orders to our first duty stations. We lined up on the parade field and each placed our hands on the memorial of Douglas Munro as we proclaimed our destinations, which ranged from San Francisco, Honolulu and San Juan to Miami, Kodiak and New York City. One of the best parts of receiving our orders was being able to make a 05 minute phone call home to our loved ones to let them know where we were going and make travel arrangements. It is both exciting and sad to think that in less than 03 weeks Victor Company will be scattered all over the nation.
After living and breathing together for the past 05 weeks, we have finally come together as a company. We have been working towards many goals, which all accumulate to achieve a major goal: attaining our company colors (flag). Tired of marching around the regiment with a bare guidon and no right to sing cadence, we pulled together as a team this week to ensure that each of our obstacles (meeting time objectives, marching, uniforms, and organization) were met. Between group pep talks, uniform maintenance assembly lines, and reciting our required knowledge every opportunity we had, we pushed more and more each day until finally on Sunday we earned the right to don the red and white Victor flag at the head of our formation.
In the first several weeks, most of us had a mindset focused solely on surviving until graduation. Now, we are beginning to see each day as an opportunity to grow, learn, and become a stronger and more disciplined company. As we count the days until graduation, we are realizing just how little time we have until we are officially out into the fleet. With Week 05 behind us, we are feeling more confident and prepared as this day rapidly approaches. We look forward to another week of practical training to prepare us for the roles we will soon be playing at our first stations. Until next week, Victor 181 signing out.
16 days left!!!!!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
First Orders
This is the CGC Obion that Shawn will be stationed to!!! It is in Owensboro, Kentucky
I got the best birthday present of my life yesterday!!! Shawn called me bright and early at 0730 central time. It is truly the best way to be awaken, by a voice that I have not heard in over a month. It was amazing. We chatted a little about important things like how he would fly home from New Jersey, who was joining me on the journey to pick him up, how the family was doing, and where he will be stationed. What a gift!!!
On to the next part of this journey...
Picking him up in a few short days, 18 days!!!! and counting
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Week 4 blog from USCG Tracen Cape May
Week 04
Basic Training is often referred to as the time when a person's character is tested most. Well, week 04 has definitely been a time for testing. In a matter of days we have been tested physically and academically, and continue to have our character as a company tested day in and day out.
Our first major test was our Physical Fitness Assessment. Many recruits passed by seconds, thanks to our Company Commanders who ran alongside us and pushed us beyond what we thought we were capable of accomplishing. Our second challenge was our Marksmanship course, where we learned the proper safety procedures for shooting and handling small arms, as well as techniques to enhance marksmanship skills. Each recruit had an opportunity to practice the firing circuit prior to a test to qualify. A few of us qualified as Sharpshooter and several others as Marksman. We continued on a victorious testing path on Thursday when we took our helms command and knots test. Not only did we pass, but we managed to shatter the previous existing record (27) for the company with the most perfect scores by having over 40 of our own score perfectly. On Friday we took our final test of the week- our mid-term. Thanks to great instructors and organization, we were able to achieve a company average of 95%, which is a great feat when dealing with almost 100 members in a company.
Outside of the topic of testing, one of the biggest highlights for most of the company was getting to fill out our "dream sheets" requesting the location of our first stations after graduation. It seems like just yesterday we were getting off of those buses, and here we are already acing mid-terms and planning for our next adventures.
While the rest of the country enjoyed barbeque and fireworks on Saturday, we took our places alongside our senior company (Uniform) and sang Happy Birthday to America. Not only did we sing, but as to be expected at Basic Training we, exercised in the name of Uncle Sam. How many people can say they pushed for their country on the anniversary of its independence?
Many of us were excited because today was our first time off base for a 1.5 mile company run. From what we could see with our "eyes in the boat" (straight ahead), Cape May seems to be a beautiful town. To wrap up week 04, we had the opportunity to march in the Sunset Parade that takes place here on base and is open to the citizens of Cape May. Seeing the reaction of the citizens as we marched past, along with several other events this week, have instilled in us a greater sense of patriotism, purpose, and pride.
As we enter week 05, we look forward to another week filled with training and challenges. Until next week, Victor 181 signing out.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
USCG Journal Post 30 June 2009
Here is the journal posted today!! Can not see Shawn, but he is there!
"The Days are long, but the weeks fly by." Most of us have heard this since day one, but it was not until this week that we have finally begun to see this for ourselves. Week three of our training has been a very eventful week with our days pretty tightly packed. In just seven days, we have gone from learning basics on how to conduct ourselves in a military manner to learning more hands-on, practical information that we will be able to apply to our careers as Coastguardsmen once we enter the fleet.
We practiced emergency water survival techniques using Mustang suits, which are full-body, personal flotation devices used to protect against hypothermia in worst case scenarios. In our Seamanship course, we are being trained on how to avoid and handle those types of emergency situations by learning nautical terminology, how to identify different Coast Guard vessels and aircrafts, how to properly helm a cutter (steer/drive), and how to tie the basic knots used to save lives and operate on a cutter. With a lot to learn and an enthusiastic instructor, Seamanship has definitely become a course that we all look forward to attending.
On Friday we made our official "debut" as we marched as the junior-most company at graduation. According to the feedback that we received, we are advancing well with our marching (which takes a lot of teamwork). Teamwork takes discipline, which we are beginning to show more of each day. This discipline, we are realizing, tends to lead to less incentive training and more of the aforementioned hands-on training.
As we enter our fourth week here at TRACEN Cape May, we refer to what our own Chaplain Barry shared with us this week- "Fortitude- the strength and the courage to endure." We will continue to maintain our courage and strength as you continue to keep those letters of motivation rolling in. VICTOR-181 signing out.
"The Days are long, but the weeks fly by." Most of us have heard this since day one, but it was not until this week that we have finally begun to see this for ourselves. Week three of our training has been a very eventful week with our days pretty tightly packed. In just seven days, we have gone from learning basics on how to conduct ourselves in a military manner to learning more hands-on, practical information that we will be able to apply to our careers as Coastguardsmen once we enter the fleet.
We practiced emergency water survival techniques using Mustang suits, which are full-body, personal flotation devices used to protect against hypothermia in worst case scenarios. In our Seamanship course, we are being trained on how to avoid and handle those types of emergency situations by learning nautical terminology, how to identify different Coast Guard vessels and aircrafts, how to properly helm a cutter (steer/drive), and how to tie the basic knots used to save lives and operate on a cutter. With a lot to learn and an enthusiastic instructor, Seamanship has definitely become a course that we all look forward to attending.
On Friday we made our official "debut" as we marched as the junior-most company at graduation. According to the feedback that we received, we are advancing well with our marching (which takes a lot of teamwork). Teamwork takes discipline, which we are beginning to show more of each day. This discipline, we are realizing, tends to lead to less incentive training and more of the aforementioned hands-on training.
As we enter our fourth week here at TRACEN Cape May, we refer to what our own Chaplain Barry shared with us this week- "Fortitude- the strength and the courage to endure." We will continue to maintain our courage and strength as you continue to keep those letters of motivation rolling in. VICTOR-181 signing out.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Shawn's weekly journal from Boot camp
This is the journal done by Shawn's company.
22JUN09
All of the preparation in the world couldn't have prepared us for what we were about to experience at the Cape May Training Center. Tension and anxiety filled the air of each of our buses the night that they took us away from the Philadelphia airport as well as the civilian life we had come to know. Our feelings escalated and our thoughts ran wild as the reality set in that we were going to be here for "zero-eight' weeks.
The last two weeks have been, for most of us, the beginning of one of the most interesting and difficult times of our lives. We are taking classes that we can apply to our daily lives such as stress management and applying the Coast Guard core values of (honor, respect, and devotion to duty). In addition to classes, we are learning from hands on training such as marching, rifle handling, and incentive training (an intense work out consisting of push ups, crunches, squats and flutter kicks...we find ourselves doing a lot of this).
Last Saturday was one of the most interesting days so far. We learned a whole new meaning to the term field day; a definition that involved so much physical activity and sweat that by the times we found ourselves marching in the rain, it didn't make much difference in our appearance. Despite all of the physical training that we are doing, however, we are still going strong mentally and can feel ourselves growing stronger physically.
That night after field day we had the opportunity to learn more about the first-hand experiences of our lead company commander (Petty Officer First Class Woof) while serving in the Coast Guard. The conversation not only brought our company closer together but made us reevaluate the words "COAST GUARD" embroidered on our uniforms with a greater sense of pride.
As a whole our company grows closer everyday. We have shown great potential in marching and are starting to show signs of teamwork. We still have trouble meeting some time objectives but as our teaming efforts improve so will our speed. Discipline is our company motto; something that is constantly being instilled into us. Company morale grows each day with 02 weeks down and 06 weeks to go.
Keep those letters coming to us. One of our main sources of motivation is being able to keep in contact with our loved ones back home. We look forward to updating you next week! Victor-181 signing off!
I am not sure who writes these, but it is nice to know how Shawn and his company are doing!!! I will continue to post them on here.
In Shawn's letters he sounds good. He says that being there is hard and the physical things are difficult but he is pushing through and doing well. His favorite part is the food. He said that they eat a lot and the food is good!! That is such a relief...
Love and prayers
Tiffany Q- Proud Coastie Wife
22JUN09
All of the preparation in the world couldn't have prepared us for what we were about to experience at the Cape May Training Center. Tension and anxiety filled the air of each of our buses the night that they took us away from the Philadelphia airport as well as the civilian life we had come to know. Our feelings escalated and our thoughts ran wild as the reality set in that we were going to be here for "zero-eight' weeks.
The last two weeks have been, for most of us, the beginning of one of the most interesting and difficult times of our lives. We are taking classes that we can apply to our daily lives such as stress management and applying the Coast Guard core values of (honor, respect, and devotion to duty). In addition to classes, we are learning from hands on training such as marching, rifle handling, and incentive training (an intense work out consisting of push ups, crunches, squats and flutter kicks...we find ourselves doing a lot of this).
Last Saturday was one of the most interesting days so far. We learned a whole new meaning to the term field day; a definition that involved so much physical activity and sweat that by the times we found ourselves marching in the rain, it didn't make much difference in our appearance. Despite all of the physical training that we are doing, however, we are still going strong mentally and can feel ourselves growing stronger physically.
That night after field day we had the opportunity to learn more about the first-hand experiences of our lead company commander (Petty Officer First Class Woof) while serving in the Coast Guard. The conversation not only brought our company closer together but made us reevaluate the words "COAST GUARD" embroidered on our uniforms with a greater sense of pride.
As a whole our company grows closer everyday. We have shown great potential in marching and are starting to show signs of teamwork. We still have trouble meeting some time objectives but as our teaming efforts improve so will our speed. Discipline is our company motto; something that is constantly being instilled into us. Company morale grows each day with 02 weeks down and 06 weeks to go.
Keep those letters coming to us. One of our main sources of motivation is being able to keep in contact with our loved ones back home. We look forward to updating you next week! Victor-181 signing off!
I am not sure who writes these, but it is nice to know how Shawn and his company are doing!!! I will continue to post them on here.
In Shawn's letters he sounds good. He says that being there is hard and the physical things are difficult but he is pushing through and doing well. His favorite part is the food. He said that they eat a lot and the food is good!! That is such a relief...
Love and prayers
Tiffany Q- Proud Coastie Wife
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
USCG Training Camp Cape May, NJ
Well, the time has come and Shawn has arrived at boot camp. I still can't believe that it all happened so fast. Time flew by from the time he called and told me he was interested to this point. I think that today may have been one of the hardest days of my life. I have always thought of myself as a strong person and I have been through a lot in my life, but for some reason this hit harder than I could have imagined. I am sure me being in Midland alone didn't help, nor the fact that our communication with eachother was one of the main things holding us together and it's gone now. I always felt ok here alone because I knew that all I had to do was pick up the phone and either text or call him and it's a little weird knowing that I can't do that anymore for the next 8 weeks or so.
I am sure that time will creep by at first, but I am trying to keep busy and school won't let me be down for too long. I also have my wonderful family, friends and extended family that I know I can call and just chat with if I need to. Shawn and I are truly blessed to have such a supporting and loving family.
Well, I do have a big nephrology test in the morning and have a letter to write to my husband... so enough for tonight.
God Bless
-Proud Coastie Wife
I am sure that time will creep by at first, but I am trying to keep busy and school won't let me be down for too long. I also have my wonderful family, friends and extended family that I know I can call and just chat with if I need to. Shawn and I are truly blessed to have such a supporting and loving family.
Well, I do have a big nephrology test in the morning and have a letter to write to my husband... so enough for tonight.
God Bless
-Proud Coastie Wife
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