Love design!!! I just came across your blog and wanted to say that Ive really...CRC, Day 1 (01 Mar 2008)
Posted by Erik Rupard on March 1st, 2008
Today, I reported to the Conus Replacement Center (hereafter, “CRC”), 6 days of training, credentialing, record-checking (i.e., to make sure that each soldier has a will, a recent physical exam, etc), and issuing gear . Because a few people who read this will be going to CRC after me (and also, just to keep a personal diary of the experience for the curious and for my own memory later), I will be writing in some detail about this week, on a day-by-day basis.
So day one, then, went like this: I had no idea exactly when I needed to sign in because that info was not on my orders (or on the web site for CRC), and a few attempts to call the personnel at CRC were essentially unsuccessful. But those who had gone before me told me that I needed to be there sometime in the afternoon. Now, here’s how it works with me. If you tell me that I have to be at some undesirable place (i.e., anywhere the Army wants me to be) at “sometime in the afternoon”, I’m gonna get there as late as possible that still qualifies as afternoon. So I showed up at 4:59 PM, or 1649 in military lingo (which I’m afraid I am already adopting), and signed in with a Specialist and a PFC who were very polite and friendly. They directed me to a sergeant, who assigned me to a room in the barracks (upper bunk bed, sweet!) and issued me blanket/pillow, etc. Fortunately, I had already secured lodging at the guest housing on post (Olsen Hall) and would be staying there, where I would have the distinct advantages of a working, personal latrine, a double bed to myself, internet access, and a precious little bit of personal space. Easily worth the $36 a day to me.
After checking in as above, I was informed that I could do some computer training, or I could be done for the day, and do the computer stuff (about an hour worth) over the next few days. I am usually a “get it done now” kind of a guy, but this had been a long, long day (goodbye to the kids, 5 hours drive to Columbus with a stop at the temple to pick up military garments), so I decided to cash in my chips, and went to the hotel room, and hit the sack. A long day, as above, but one in which I got done what I needed to, and there were a lot of things on that list, and one which ended with a hot shower and a warm bed. In America. No complaints here.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi, Erik,
I am probably too emotional to write to you, but I’m going to do it anyway. As you might suspect, I will have a lump in my throat until you are safely home. Dad and I pray for you daily, and you are constantly in our thoughts. It is a hard thing to leave your family, and it is hard for your family to have you leave…and for your extended family as well. We know that you have the strength and faith to meet any challenge. We know because that has been your mode of operation in the past. I am not so good at strength and faith so that is my challenge.
Love, Mom
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Greetings, Doc. Your March 1st blog entry “Day One” sent me back to the end of the year, about 1954, when I had a “first day” of boarding the USNS David C. Shanks in San Francisco for a two week journey half way around the world to a little volcanic island in the Marianas chain known as Guam, M.I. We could not go topside for five days because of inclement weather so we were stuck in the hull of a bucking bronco.
Almost everyone was seasick. I escaped primarily because I stayed in my bunk in the bowels of the ship with lots of reading material. As long as they offered dessert with the meals I ate like a horse. Guys were tossing their toes in every corner of the ship except in the chain locker where many people were shooting craps or playing poker! That’s a spirit that can’t be beat!
After living through the horrendous weather we were, at last, permitted to go topside. Most guys were OK as long as they could focus on the horizon. We all felt much better. After we were out for a week or more, the weather turned warm, giving us more reason to stay up. As we approached the International Dateline, the weather was perfect; light breezes with mild temps. We were under the Southern Cross with skies so clear and stars so bright I laid down on a hatch cover and just drank in the spectacular view complete with shooting stars and a sky full of constellations I’d never seen before. I spent alot of time on that hatch cover, after dark. It made such an impression that I can see it clearly to this day.
You were so wise to set up this blog, Erik. I surely do wish that I had kept better track of my experiences during my military service. logging your daily thoughts will be worthy of a book later. It will make you smile at the seemingly inconsequential happenings that, simply put, make up our lives.
We were on the ship at Christmas and one of the Chiefs wanted to start a choir and was calling for volunteers. They say never to volunteer for anything. But, I did and it was a wonderful experience to travel through the ship singing Christmas carols. It was a nice activity for a 19 year old kid to do so far away from home.
Maybe I’ll finish this sometime when it’s appropriate. Right now this a about Maj. E.J. Rupard, MD, going into a new and unknown experience. This is not an easy row to hoe, Erik, but is something you will feel good about doing for your country. I know that for all your feeling about family, job, friends, Church, you wish to serve in this meaningful and important way. I know you wouldn’t have it any other way. I wish I could join you. I’m sure we will talk soon. God Speed, son. Dad. (March 3, 2008)
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Erik,
I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I feel very confident that you will go and do what needs to be done and be back home soon, safe and sound. I love you very much. I feel very blessed to have you as my brother. Take care of yourself.
Love,
Becky