Monday Oct. 25th 2010

Well today started off horrible. I ended up breaking down pretty much. Im so hurt and upset cause of things in my personal life right now....... My locker was a mess and we ended up having locker inspections and I got smoked after taking a PT test. I did alright on the test. I got a 14:37 on the 2 mile run and 48 push ups and 62 situps. I have a lot to work on. Im really confused. I thought I was bettering myself through the Lord..and then all of this with Kaili was thrown at me. I dont know why. As the day went on Geary and Garcia cheered me up. We literally spent all day indoors because of a huge storm. We cleaned our weapons all day. We have the Rifle Range tomorrow, but I have to go to the dentist. Hopefully my teeth are okay. Im gonna cut this short. I love you guys.
PV2 Fonville

Sunday Oct. 24-2010

Sunday already!!! This week flew by! White Phase has been great so far. Last night we got 10 hrs of sleep. Plus the 2 hr nap I took. No DS, NO yelling, nothing to do but relax. We all love it. Then only thing on our agenda today is Church, Chow and the PX! But this whole upcoming week we are gonna be super busy! We shoot at the Rifle Range everyday..which reminds me! Last night around 10 pm all Hell broke loose! Behind our Bay is nothing but wooded area and there was a Company on there FTX and they were in the middle of a battle. All you could hear were the sounds of gunfire, grenades and mortar rounds! Every few seconds there were loud booms and constant M-4  bursts! It sends chills up your spine. Its a completely different feeling, being able to feel the booms and have this battle going on so close to you! Im not a real gung-ho guy, nor do I even care too much for War! But its a rush and it makes me excited for our FTX. ......Im gonna take a nap..Write more soon.
5pm Well my day has turned to total Crap! I talked to Kaili and we are no longer talking because of some stupid mistakes I made months ago. It hurts but Im staying strong. Im confused and lost but my battle buddies are helping. I was hoping that this new start would involve her, but I guess its hard for her to believe that this whole experience has changed me. I guess I can say Karma bit us both. Ive got a lot of searching and planning to do. I dont even know if I have any friends left. But Jimi if you are reading this, you are just about the only person I have left in Fresno. I'll be home soon and Ill be living in Fresno more than likely. This ruined my day but Im gonna be just fine. I dont know what Im gonna do when I get out of here but Im gonna focus on now and worry about everything when I get there. Maybe I can go Active and get stationed with Geary..lol..If I have friends left and you see this, please write me. This really does make you feel alone, especially at a time like this.

Saturday Oct. 23rd 2010

We are now in White Phase. YAY!!! We had our transitioning ceremony and all had big smiles on our faces! For PT we did Combatives. DS Rhodes took a picture of me getting a guy in the rear naked choke. Then during breakfast he made me and Geary take a pic together in the Push Up position. After breakfast we marched out into the woods to do our final Red Phase assessment. We had a timed course..we ran into a building and there were 2 wounded Soldiers screaming for help. They actually had legit prosthesis and make-up. I had to put a tourniquet on a soldier whose right leg was missing from the knee down. It was pretty hard! I was shaking from the pressure and the realism. After that I performed a needle chest decompression. Then we carried our Battle Buddy 200 meters and called in a 9 line Medivac. Then we plotted locations on a map, pulled our weapons aprt and put them back together in 40 seconds, did a few combative moves and took a written, I passed everything, so did Geary and Garcia.Oh yeah and I got fired from Team Leader. DS Lily ask me if I still wanted to be Team Leader and I hesitated, so he said I take that as a no..LOL1 Right now we are relaxing in the bay. I took a 2 hr Cat Nap.It was so amazing, all the DS'S went home at 3pm, except the DS on CQ. Only bad part bout today is I was doing pullups after Chow and pulled something in my neck! We have so much more freedom, its great! We get to make phone calls in 15 mins. and we can now buy Gatorade..Woohoo..LOL! I know it sounds lame but its a big privilege to us! Me Geary and Garcia are gonna do the same thing we do every Sunday. Sleep, hang out, write, repeat. The new Team Leaders are total Jack Asses. They're having a Power Trip! Geary and I are rebelling!!! LOL!! Well Im gonna close for now..About to make some phone calls! Love to all!:)

Friday Oct. 22nd

8:00AM
We Had upper body today for PT. We only have about ten mins. that we marched to the Gym to do our Combatives. We have our end of Phase test tomorrow. Im a little nervous, but I should do fine. We are about to Bounce. I'll finish writing later.
 Well its 7PM now. We went and finished our testing for Combatives. I am now a level 1 Combative. I successfully completed beginning Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Judo and self defense. I learned how to stop an attacker and kill someone with my bare hands. Pretty cool stuff! We test out of Red Phase tomorrow and go to an Oktoberfest. That sounds awesome! I found 3 other guys from Hawaii. We all sat around and talked story and about how much we miss the Island! I really do miss Hawaii and am seriously thinking about coming back. So Micah and Jake, think about it and cross your fingers! We have a PT test Monday. Gonna rest tomorrow and Sunday. Hopefully we get mail today. Geary wont stop farting! Its horrible! Me and Garcia are dying! He ate too many MRE'S...LOL...Well Ive gotta do some cleaning and get ready for bed soon. I'll close for now..See you soon. 36 DAYS TIL GRAD!!

Thursday Oct. 21st 2010

Today went by fast. It seems this week has pretty much flown by. We woke up at 5 as usual and had an Ability Group Run. We ran 2.5 mile run in 18 mins. It was surprisingly a lot easier than usual. I may be moving to A group soon..LOL..We are all hiding under beds and behind lockers! Drill Sgt Lily is at one end of the Bay throwing Golf Balls at us..LOL! I got pegged in the knee! Today during Combatives, we got Smoked so bad! One of the Worst!! I got really upset!! We were getting smoked because our DS's couldnt teach! I had to really bite my tongue! I visited with the Chaplin after Chow and I visited with Pembleton, my friend who died and was revived in the ambulance! He looked GREAT! I gave him a hug and he said he now has a Pacemaker. He has now been medically discharged but wont be going home for a few wks. He is being awarded a Purple Heart fro his injuries. The Military feels bad for him I guess.
Im super stoked fro Whit Phase! We get to start making phone calls during the week. Since today wasnt very exciting, Im gonna cut this short. We test for Level 1 Combatives tomorrow. Love you. Keep writing me.
 PV2 Fonville

Wednesday Oct. 20th 2010

Dear Mom, I got all of your letters and Cards. They made me smile. Im gonna make this an update too.I got my Butt beat today! Im so tired and its only 5pm. We spent 6 hrs defending ourselves from level 4 combative Ds's. I went up against 3. One of them was huge Kickboxer, that almost knocked me out. I did good for the most part but got hit in the head a lot!.lol....CQ last night, boring as usual, but I got to study my Bible and I made Coffee!  Ive been feeling a little homesick lately. I only think about it when I have down time. I hope I get mail tonight!
Just got back from NOT doing CQ cleaning and hanging out with my Bros for 45 minutes. My body still hurts..LOL! This week has gone by so fast! I love it! 2 more days till White Phase. I talked to my drill sgt and found out if I pass my PT with a 280 by the end of Basic, they will send me straight to Airborne School. Its only 2 more weeks of training..haha. Geary and I were talking about Ranger school, its 2 mos. We said, "Its not that long". and we thought about it for a 2nd and said "what the hell am I talking bout..we havent even been here 2 mos and we HATE it!!!"...LOL...Send Us The LYRICS TO HANDS DOWN!!! We only can sing half of the song! Well Im gonna crash out. Ive got a massive headache. I love you Guys! Pray for Me.

Tuesday 10-19-2010

I didnt have time to write last night, I was so beat! We have been learning Brazzilian Jiu Jitsu. We spend 6 hrs a day working on it. We've learned a variety of Chokes, Arm Bars, and defensive positions. Tomorrow is a scary day. We have to go one on one with the DS'S They punch us full speed and we have to get them into a defensive hold without hitting back. They wear boxing gloves, but they are level 4 Combatives. They are skilled fighters! Geary was my partner yesterday but he is about 40lbs lighter than me. So now Im with Hernandez. We got our Red Phase counseling. I was excellent in everything and received a 4 out of 5 for my Red Phase score. I want to resign as Team Leader, no one wants to listen to me because Im too nice..UGH!! We have to go form-up..I'll write more later.
8:11pmWE spent the last hour cleaning. Every night we clean..well I dont. I meet up with my close friends from Camp Robinson and we plan our trip to Miami..LOL..We are all going to Miami the 27th of Dec. Its still in the works.:) Everyone has been telling me Ive lost a lot of weight, and that makes me happy! Hard work pays off!!
Me and Hernandez are gonna practice for Combatives tomorrow. Im gonna end up getting knocked out! I'll pray that I dont! I want to be level one Combative..In order to get Level 1 I got to do this! I got a letter from my Grandma and Aunt and Uncle today! It was really nice! It really made my day:) I have CQ tonight. I sit at a desk for an hr and wait for a call to come in that never ever does! Super boring!! I snuck my Coffee from my MRE in. Im gonna make it tonight for CQ..lol. I love and miss you guys ..Still no sign of that letter Ive been waiting for:(...Three more days till White Phase!! YAY!!
PV2 Fonville

Oct 17th

 Today is Sunday, my favorite day of the week!:) When I woke up this morning my whole body was aching. It really sucked! We got in last night around midnight. I was so beat, I couldnt finish writing, so thats why yesterdays update just randomly stops. Its 9:06am. Me and Garcia are in the  Laundry room, like every Sunday. We just got weighed and Ive lost 13lbs since our last weigh. George lost 11 and Garcia gained  about 4. Today marks our final week of Red Phase. Im really excited. We are one step closer to going home! We havent got any mail in a few days, hoping they are just lagging on the Mail. They gave me a SGT rank insignia, that I wear where my unit patch goes. Team leaders are Sgts, Squad leaders are Ssgts. The Platoon has to listen to us as if we were Sgts,
 We are going to church around One, today.We are suppose to get our haircut again. We cut our hair once a week, Its ridiculous!
 I really miss everyone. I hope I still have friends to come home to. Im trying to figure out how Im going to do everything. My life begins in a few mos but before I can do all this, Ive got a lot of things to figure out.
  Six more weeks til Family Day. If you guys have pictures, send them. I need more for my locker. It sucks not being able to talk to anyone. It seems, sometimes like the only person who cares is my Mom...But thats enough:)
3:14pm
Just got off the phone with Mom. Since we are almost into White Phase our DS has lightened up a lot, and have allowed us more freedom, so I got to talk about 5-10 mins. It was great. Apparently Gearys Mom and my Mom have been talking..LOL..We find it funny. Mrs. Geary, Justin is doing just fine. We hate everyone here for the most part, but he has me and a few good guys. He has gone thru everything you have read and most of it, we have done together. He sleeps right across from me and Im his Team Leader. I apologize for his lack of writing..lol..He spends to much time sleeping:)...Anyways we are cleaning our weapons and me, Geary and Garcia are gonna make some playing cards. Haha..We ended up making a Chess Board so we can play Chess and Checkers. The cards sucked!..lol..Me and George decided since we had lost so much weight, we will get Burgers tonight from the Caf! Oh yeah I suck at Chess. But by the end of our cycle we will all be Pros. Haha..I love being a Team Leader when PVTS come to me with a problem=D ...I just pass them on to George..LOL!!!! We are about to head to dinner. I'll write my last update after.
8pm
We just got back from final formation. Geary and George are playin Chess and Garcia and I are gonna do our nightly PT and shower before lights out. I love you guys and cant wait to come home. Goodnight everyone.
PV2Fonville

Oct,16th

3:37PM
We just completed the day Land Nav. Course. We got 7 out of 7 in 4 hrs. This course was a lot bigger and saw some scary Spiders today! Surprisingly though, NO SNAKES! It was peaceful out there. Today was a beautiful day and we took a break and got to sit and think for the first time in 2 wks. I dont know if thinking was a good thing or a bad thing..lol...Mestas just walked up and asked if I blogged about today yet..haha1 They call me The Writer, cause Im always writing in this little Notebook I keep in my Blouse. Anyway today hasnt been too eventful. Just wandering throught the Mountains again. Cant wait til tomorrow. Gonna sleepin til seven and then write all day. Still expecting a letter. Hopefully I get it soon. We have another course in a few hrs. I'll update later. Love you guys!
5:00PMHaha..DS Rhodes just walked up and made me do 50 Push-Ups, cause Mom wrote him on Facebook, asking about Me. Everytime a Family member wants pictures, I do 50 Push-Ups! He took a picture of me doing Push-Ups and I had to wave..lol...If you guys want pictures, consider the Push-ups I have to do..LOL..It was funny, made Me smile!! Gonna take a Cat Nap and eat Chow!
PV2Fonville

Oct. 15th

 Today we are having Pugil Stick matches. We had a 3 mile Ruck March at 6 this morning.We are cleaning and getting ready to head out. My goal to day is to write as much as possible.
8:15pmWell I didnt get to write as much as I wanted to but I will try and write now. We did the Pugil Stick matches and it was awesome. I found something Im good at, beating people with a stick..LOL!! This guy who has been bugging me since we got here, and always disrespecting people..I was the last middleweight, I got to call someone out and I chose HIM!! I was one of 2 guys who knocked someone out! Our bout was over in less than 25 seconds! I got a few good head shots and then he charged me, I stepped to my right and took one good swing to the side of his head. He went down and I slammed a Kill Shot to his chest! It felt so good to put that guy in his place without hurting him! 
 We did our 3 mile March, it was a breeze. Its amazing seeing and feeling myself become so much stronger!
 Tomorrow we test our of Land Navigation, this is the real deal and the hardest course Benning has.
 Today in my MRE, I had the closest thing to Starbucks, we get. It was amazing..For a sec, I thought I was home! Me and Geary want to get Tacos from Jack In The Box. Geary and I get along the best. We think exactly alike. We even sing "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional. There is one lyric we cant figure out..SOMEONE PLEASE, MAIL US THE LYRICS!!!:)
 Geary says to tell all my friends and family "Hi"! Also yesterday I was assigned Squad Leader for 1st Squad. I didnt want the position. I just want to get thru this. I dont want extra responsibility! So I was made Team Leader, which still sucks, but its not as bad. I only take care of Me, Geary and Garcia, Gillette, Filoialii,and Fickiling. George is now Squad Leader. Well I should get some sleep. Long day tomorrow. I love you guys. Im praying to see you all soon!
Pv2Fonville

Oct. 14TH

Dear Mom, Im gonna write you a personal letter and an update, in one. I got all of your letters and you have no idea what a joy it was! Thank you for the pictures and the letters. It means the world to me.
 We are almost into our third week. After the third week, we go into White Phase. We get a lot more freedom in White Phase. We have a 3 mile Ruck March tomorrow morning and Pugil Stick matches. I really am feeling Homesick.Sometimes it feels like we are never gonna get out of here. I wish I could close my eyes and be home. I love you Mom. The last few days have been hectic. I wish I could find time to write more. I'll write more when I can.
PV2Fonville

Oct. 12TH Land Nav.

Right now Im in the middle of the Woods. We have been here for nine hrs and we have 3 more to go, one more til dark. Its 6:15pm. My feet are tired and my back is killing me. We have found 6 check points total. # more to go! Its crazy! I couldnt have seen myself doing this 6 mos ago. We have walked over 10 miles. Infantry land nav. is the hardest. However, it is beautiful out here! Wish I could take a picture. So far we have seen 2 Rattlesnakes, a ton of Boar Hogs and some Deer. Also I no longer have a fear of Spiders, Ive ran into, too many to count..lol!! We are taking a water break, and are about to start our night phase. Love you..Finish writing later.
   Well Its midnight now. We got back to the Bay a few minutes ago. My feet have tons of blisters. We've been out there so long, I dont really feel the pain! Ill pay for it in the morning! We found 1 out of 2 during the night time course, with absolutely no light!! Just a compass and a map. We wandered 3 miles intot he Georgia forest. By we I mean Me, Gearge, Garcia and Geary. My Clique..lol. It has been an awesome day. Im beat and tired! I wish I could have one day, where Im not so worn out! Just know that if you have been following this journal, You mean the world to me. Still No Mail!! No one in our Platoon has yet! Time for me, My friend Icy Hot, and My friend Pillow to get together..
PV2Fonville

Awake-A Poem Written On Oct. 10th-2010

 Sitting in silence has grown to become a part of Me. With My eyes closed tight, My mind begins to search and my heart begins to wonder, Trying to grasp hold of any memory distilled inside my head. Soon enough these thoughts begin to flutter, like a pestilence, its out of my control. As I began to take a breath, my lungs become engulfed with a black, dry air. ...I can no longer breathe. I am pushed away from comfort and pure agony runs through my body. Here I sit at my throne, watching my world fall before me. The voices I once knew have long faded way. I quickly realize this is all a dream I imagine the worst because its all I ever had. But now that I Am Awake, I Am Awake.

Oct. 11TH 2010

Today has been a long hard day. We woke up an hour early by accident. On top of that, I had fireguard last night. after formation, we marched one mile to our obstacle course. The obstacle course was a true test of strength and personal courage. I pushed myself as hard as I could and it paid off. Our platoon won the course. The course was a half mile long and consisted of a high crawl in the mud, rope climb,monkey bars, 2 drop walls,tires and a low crawl thru mud under barbed wire, a bear crawl thru tunnels and a 200 meter sprint. I was dirty and beat! After that we had the confidence course. The confidence course was a lot of fun.Luckily I dont have a fear of heights, or it would have been hell! Some of it is hard to explain. Just google Ft Bennning confidence course.I climbed really high and ran a lot. That the best I can explin it...lol...Im a little beat!  I'll write more when Im not so dead tired. Tomorrow Ill be in the woods most of the night. We have day and night land navigation tomorrow. Hopefully I dont get lost...lol...Keep me in your prayers. You are all in mine. Gonna take a long shower and crash.
PV2 Fonville
Random DS Quote~DS to Me; Hurry up and put your shirt on, you white Oxe!! Haha

PS. Look for Echo company 2/54 on Facebook, they have pics

Oct. 10th 2010

Sunday
 Well today is Sunday. We slept in an extra hour. Something my body needed! We did hundreds of push ups and mountain climbers, because someone called DS Lilly, Captain Spaulding. Me, Geary and Garcia have been in the laundry room washing clothes and reading and writing. We could go upstairs and do that but, its safe down here (no ds) and not as many people. The peace and quiet is great! The humming of the washer is actually soothing. So soothing it made Geary fall asleep..lol...Its still pretty early, 9:50am. Ive been reading an awesome book, "Psalm 91 Gods Shield Of Protection" 2 nights ago I read Psalm 91 and yesterday a lady brought us some reading material. I saw that book and it rang a bell. Turns out to be a really great book. I was looking forward to going to the Catholic Church today, but our time to go to the PX is the same time as the service. Made me and Geary a little bummed. I just have to make my own time for Bible study and prayer sometime today. Gonna go write a little more, Ill update as the day goes....3:18pm.....We just got back from the PX, got to talk to Mom on the phone for a few mins. The phone call was a surprise.  When we formed up, they said you all are getting phone calls if you want. Half of our platoon didnt care, but I ran my butt upstairs as fast as possible. It was great to talk to my Mom. I have letters coming and Claire got my letter. I was pretty happy. Someone already stole my cough drops, that I got at the PX. Thats kinda messed up! But oh well I have another package. Geary and I have have been studying up on the Arc Angel Saint Michael. Hes got the virgin Mary tatooed on his forearm. I want to get Saint Michael overtaking Satan as a backpiece. Garcia is drawing it for me. I'll send it when it is done.We need to study now. All 3 of us are laying on a tiny little twin bunk..lol.
 Just got back from chow. Found out me and Garcia have CQ duty tonight.CQ duty is where we sit at a desk and wait for a call over the radio, in full battle rattle. Super boring and ridiculous! Im gonna get in the shower and relax a bit. I love you all. You better write me. PV2Fonville
PS..I have the obstacle course tomorrow.
Random DS quote: DS Reidel "Fonville, COME HERE"
Me: "But I just waxed the floor"
DS Reidel "I dont CARE..WAX IT AGAIN!!"
 Edited for language..LOL

Oct. 09th 2010

I had fireguard last night. when I woke up this morn I was more tired than usual. We marched out in our ACU's to PT. Turns out today was our first day of MAC (modern army combatives) AKA Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.  Today and next Saturday and and all of next week, we are doing combatives. Some of the exercises we did were pretty hard. Im pretty excited because wrestling is one thing Im damn good at. We just got back from our first land nav. course. It was awesome. I was the lead with the compass marking the pace and Garcia George and Geary were with me. We roamed around the woods and found all four locations. We must have walked 5 miles. But I have moleskin and Bengay to get me by..lol...We are about to go eat dinner. Ill write more later.
6:01PM...Just got back from dinner. Drill Sgts are messing with us. Im spending time studying. Tomorrow is our day off. We are going to the PX and I am going to Mass at the Catholic Church with Geary tomorrow. I have my first Communion. Im gonna try and get confirmed.  We are going to get smoked in a minute.We are trying to make up for the 3000 push ups we owe. Long story! Ill write more after..........We ended up getting smoked bad!!! Too tired to write! Gonna pray and sleep. Good night everyone.
                                               PV2 Fonville
PS This place sucks!  

PV2 Fonville, Thomas RN 209
E-Co. 2/54 INF.
8775 Albanese Dr.
Ft. Benning, Ga. 31905
Be sure and put the RN # on the back of the envelope as well as the front.               

Oct 8th 2010

4:27PM
Today has been the slowest day yet. We have been in class for 6 hrs. We are doing finance and I did learn a lot. Now I have a full financial plan. after all of my debts and expenses are paid, Im still gonna have quite a bit left over. This stuff makes me happy! Im not like half these guys who joined to "kill and serve their country". Im using the Military to help me kickstart my career and start my adult life on the right foot. All of the talk about money has been making me think about home. I cant wait to get out of here. I wish I could fast forward time. Im also anxious for mail. Its been about 6 days since I mailed my letters. I should be getting mail back soon. Our DS says we are in trouble when we get back to the bay. We arent sure if they are serious or not. They joke around a lot. Its scary! I guess Ill find out tonight..LOL....................Turns out we were in trouble. We forgot to lock the weapons rack last night. We did 101 push ups because drill sgts unit is the 101st airborne. Its past lights out and Im using my flashlight for light. My Battle Buddy, Garcia and Geary, says to tell everyone "Hi". They think the blog thing is awesome. They call me writer because Im always writing something..lol. Tomorrow we have land navigation. Hopefully we wont get lost in the woods. DS says we will no matter what, because we are MORONS, Hahaha. Good night everyone..I love and miss you all!

Oct. 7th 2010

2:27 PM
Today was crazy.We got back from the gas chamber, about an hr ago. We have been showering and cleaning since we got back. I'll go into detail about that later. This morning we had a group ability run. We ran 3 miles to increase our endurance. It was Hell. The temp was 50 degrees, and we were freezing1 They pushed us hard so that we could make good time! After we did 2 and one half miles, I started throwing up water. Over half of us had to fall out. Someone collapsed and we had to perform a Man Down Operation. It turned out to be one of my good friends, Pembleton, from the GED Plus. Me and 3 other people were trying to get a response but he was unresponsive. The drill sgt checked his pulse and he had none! They called the ambulance and told us to keep running. He died twice. Last we heard he had pulled thru. It was chaos! Those of us from Little Rock were pretty upset. After PT we all hopped on a bus to the gas chamber. It was a good 15 mins away. I got to see more of the Base. When we arrived I wasnt too nervous. They briefed us and said this was to build confidence in us, for our equipment....But thats a lie. It was just to make us more miserable! The chamber was out in the middle of the woods. after briefing we lined up with our gas masks, helmets and weapon on. I was the first group to go in. I was also at the very front. I would be the first person out. We all piled into this chamber and even with my mask on I could taste the CS gas. It burnt the back of my throat. I was nervous, but surprisingly one of the most calm ones in there. They filled the room with CS gas. We were instructed to perform a series of tasks before we could leave. We put our weapon between our legs, put our helmet on top of the gun and break the seal on our masks. When we break the seal we get our first little taste of the gas. I had to say my last name and rank. My eyes started to water and my nose began to run. I quickly sealed my mask and cleared it. after that we had to do the final task. Take the mask of, put the helmet on, put the mask in my left hand, and weapon in my right. We couldnt exit until everyone had done the test correctly. I took my mask off, took a breath and froze. Tears started pouring, snot was running from my nose and I was coughing and drooling. All I heard was coughing, crying and puking! I realized what I needed to do and I did everything perfect, but I still had to wait on everyone else. My mind zoned out and my conscience was telling me "you're okay, you will not die"! I couldnt breathe, I couldnt open my eyes. When I did it burned. My skin burned and my throat was on fire. I actually thought I was going to suffocate! It was carzy. Finally, they gave us the okay to go. I ran thru the first doors and ran straight into the next 2 doors! It wasnt opening!! I started freaking out!...Then I realized there was a doorknob ..LOL...After I ran outside, I tried to open my eyes but the sun hurt. I almost ran into my Sr drill instructor! He said, "Open your eyes! Turn Fonville, turn!!" That first gasp of fresh air was amazing1 They got it all on video. You guys will see it on family day. It was pretty funny. But it sucked. Im glad I didnt freak out too bad like most of the other guys.I'll never go near that gas again.....Im gonna head down stairs. I'll update more later, tomorrow. I love you all and I will see most of you soon1
DS Quote;
DS Lilly; "at least you guys aren as dumb as all those other morons!"
Us; (laughing) Hooah!!
DS Reidel; "Oh shut up! You guys are still Morons..You're just the smartest Morons!"

OCT. 6TH 2010

7:25AM
We are in the Bay waiting to go to breakfast. We woke up at 5 and did PT. Ive noticed a huge increase in my PT ability. Happy about that:) Im a lot thinner around the face and waist, which is awesome! I had duty today so I got to ride in a van, rather than having to march to PT. Its really cold here especially during PT. But I love it! Yesterday when we marched (2 miles) to commo class, I thought to myself, this would suck during summer. Only bad part of winter is cold sweat. I'll write periodically thry the day. About to study a bit and go see the Chaplin.
10:21AM
 We have been in class since 8AM. Its boring and we all want to get out to the field and do something. I have a lot to memorize by Friday...And a lot to remember for the gas chamber tomorrow. Thats what we are doing now.Looking forward to bed time:)
12:10PM
 We were suppose to be going to lunch but turns out we have another hr. I guess I can use this time to tell you more about everything. I am in Echo Company, 2nd platoon. (Outlaws)..My Drill SGTS are DS Lilly and DS Reidel. DS Lilly is super funny and Ds Reidel is pretty laid back.They dont scream and yell like most of them. But they do scream when we mess up. Both of them have purple hearts. DS Lilly was shot 3 times and DS Reidel was blown up pretty bad. They're both a little off..lol.My battle buddy is Garcia, a Mexican boy from New York. We have little mice in our Bay and I havent seen any spiders. (luckily)...Yesterday was the first day that we havent been smoked. I guess we are doing something right. DS Lilly likes to make us laugh, then hit us in the balls for laughing! He walked up to me and rubbed his hat on my face, then swung his hand at my groin and I flenched and he said, "relax big guy" and kneed me in the balls and then we laughed...Its pretty funny sometimes. Beats getting "SMOKED"!! The weather here is cold. Very cold in the morning. During the day its perfect! We are in a woodland mountain area. I was wonder why a place so painfully miserable is in a place so beautiful. Anyway I'll write more later!
3:44PM
 We are back at the bay now.Have some free time for awhile. Dinner isnt until 5. They issued us our gas masks and told some funny stories. Right now Garcia and Geary are planning our Xmas leave already. We all look forward to getting away from this place. Ive been pretty homesick. Anyone and everyone should write. You have no idea how it makes you feel when you get mail. Mom will post the mailing address. Gonna go study and talk story with the guys. Bible study sounds good right now too!:)
8:41PM
 We just got smoked! This little group in the back is constantly messing up. We did 225 Jumping Jacks, and 70 push ups in 30 mins. Im so sore. We also packed our assault packs for tomorrow. We have a huge run for PT as well tomorrow. Its gonna be long and stressful. Ive got fireguard tonight. Gonna pray and get some sleep. Im sure tomorrow will be more interesting. Love you guys. Keep me in your thoughts
PV2 Fonville

PV2 Fonville, Thomas RN 209
E CO. 2/54 INF.
8775 Albanese Dr.
FT. Benning, Ga. 31905
Be sure and place the RN 209 on the back of the envelope as well.

Oct 5th 2010

Dear Mom, Sorry this is written on tiny paper. Im writing this bit by bit. We dont get enough time at night. So I have to write whenever I'm in class. Right now we are in our radio class. I wont have time to write an update and a personal letter too, so I'll combine it. You can post this letter as an update. I didnt have a chance to write yesterday. Today is my 5th day in Basic and my 5th week away from friends and family. It seems like years! As the days go by it gets easier and harder. I have adapted to this lifestyle but I still miss my loved ones. Everyday is a constant struggle to continue moving forward. Civilians dont understand what we are put thru on a daily basis. Each and everyday our body is pushed byond its limit. You're running on minimal sleep and food. Everything you do is fast paced and high intensity. You have these men yelling in your face everytime you make a mistake, on top of all that you cant help but to think and wonder about what your best friend is doing, if your family is ok, or if anyone even cares that you're gone.These things eat away at you. Its even worse when you have unsolved problems back home. I knew that I was strong but I had know idea that I was this strong! Im being trained to kill other human beings. Its a very scary feeling. Especially knowing that I joined so that I could go to college, become an Rn and help other human beings..But I'm here training to kill.
 Its all so scary to see how far I can really push myself. Other than Parris Island, this is the toughest Basic Training location in the United States. Im here going thru it all. A guy who would rather sit around and smoke cigarettes than walk down the street. Sorry that this entry has been a little emotional. Its beeen one of those days. The Movie Full Metal Jacket, refers to something called the 10 mile stare. Its the look in someones eyes that develops over time from seeing combat in real life. My DS.says that most of us will develop that stare by graduation. Anyway I'll try and end this on a happy note. We got our weapons a few days ago. We spent all day on using radios. Tomorrow we have the gas chamber class and Thursday we go to the actual gas chamber. So far today we havent got smoked. Hopefully that doesnt change. Im gonna try and see the Chaplin tomorrow. I must have prayed 20 times! I miss my family and I miss Kaili. I miss alot of things. But Im focused and determined!! I'll be done soon!
    I love you Guys,
   PV2 Fonville
I promise to write a long update tomorrow..Hopefully:)

Day 3 BCT-Oct.3rd-Welcome To Hell!!

  We arrived at reception on Monday, Sept 27th. It was nothing compared to Camp Robinson. They yelled a lot but that was it. They would even call us Gentlemen, and let us have our phones! While at reception, we did our physicals..I got 9 shots and one in the butt (yes it hurts). They issued out uniforms and those ugly BCG (birth control glasses). All of my friends and I from Camp Robinson were in the same sleeping bay, that was awesome.(we wouldnt be so lucky later on). On our 4th day we shipped out. 4 days is very fast! Most of the time it takes about 7-10 days! People say that reception is Purgatory and that it is the hardest part of Basic. Obviously those people have never been to FT Benning, Ga. We had 2 duffle bags that weighed around 80 lbs and 45 lbs, as we sat in our classroom unaware of what was waiting outside for us....A drill sgt walked in and started calling names for platoon assignment. I was called for 2nd platoon. As we started to walk out my heart started to pound! I walked out the door and there THEY were! About 20 Drill Sgts! They were screaming at the top of their lungs! I was very scared1 We ran to a truck to throw our bags on and we marched to our new company. Everyone thinks the actual BCT area is miles away from reception but its less than a mile away. When we got there our bags were thrown all over the place. I found ONE of my bags and began to panic because I couldnt find my other bag. All of these Drill Sgts yelling and cursing, right in my ear. It turned out someone had grabbed my bag by mistake1 I tried to tell the Drill Sgt that I think someone took my bag and 3 of them got right in my face and started screaming "YOU DONT EFFIN TALK UNLESS YOU ARE BEING SPOKEN TOO"! One got right in my ear and said, "You better hope I never get you alone cause I will EFF you up!!" The Drill Sgt I was trying to talk to saw that I was shaking, and (calmly)said, "Dont worry about it Bud, we will get your bag. Someone has it."I have never felt so scared! I was literally shaking with fear! I almost cried. Luckily I didnt! The ones who were crying were getting yelled at more. Overall it was a very hard and stressful day. I hated it. That night I prayed for a half hour! The day went on with classes and more yelling and push ups. ( I will be incredibly "buff" if it keeps on like this). That night when we took showers, we got smoked and had to do push-ups, naked for taking to long getting undressed. We take 30 sec. showers and 4 mins to eat!  The next day we got issued our bullet proof vests, kevlar, (helmets), etc and had to march with it back to the bay through a winding dirt road. It sucked! That day we also had the worst smoking I've ever had. It lasted for 20 mins! Halfway through 3 people quit. It was that bad. I thought about quitting but I pushed through! We have 2 Drill Sgts and one Sr Drill Sgt. We lucked out. They are for the most part, pretty cool guys! They hardly ever yell. They do Smoke us, but not as much as some of the other platoons Drill Sgts do...And they curse A LOT! Other than that they are pretty laid back. Its the other Platoons DS"S that yell at us. Half of my friends got put into 3rd Platoon, which sucked but I still have 2. Goolsby and Slinky, are in 2nd Platoon with me.
 Today is Sunday and we've only been Smoked once so far.A lot of the guys are homesick and stuff. I feel fine.Of course I miss everyone but my time at Robinson got me broke in. Plus I am closer to going home everyday. I have BCT grad on Nov. 28th and get a 2 day pass with my family. Then I get Christmas break for 17 days from Dec. 17 to Jan 4. I cant wait and final graduation is Jan.21, 2011 We have the gas chamber on Thursday. Its gonna suck..lol. I love you all. Thank you for the support. Thank you Claire, I saw what you posted on Facebook. It really meant alot. I'll write more tomorrow..I hope.

NEW ADDRESS:
PV2 Fonville, Thomas RN # 209
E CO. 2/54 INF.
8775 Albanese DR.

Ft Benning, GA. 31905-4777