The Sandbox

I wanted to introduce a great website that I've had the opportunity to come across. It's called Doonesbury.

From 2005 to 2014 this blog hosted The Sandbox, a milblog posting over 800 essays by deployed soldiers, returned vets, caregivers, and spouses. 

Within this website is a blog section called The Sandbox. This  blog hosts written letters authored by military service members and families who have their loved ones in the service. It’s inside access to the personal views of these soldiers and their experiences, is astounding. The posts are captivating and intriguing. It’s a first hand account of the struggles and sometimes the laughs that soldiers encounter overseas.

One of the letters that captured my attention and I highly recommend to read, was written by an RN nurse that served in a civilian military hospital in the U.S. She depicts her view on having to take care of dying soldiers and the pain she had to endure emotionally as the years passed and the memories wouldn't fade. She continues to described the meltdown of her own mental state by constantly having to witness death and yet still have to console the families of these soldiers. Midway through her story I was able to take myself out of the Marine platform and see things from a different point of view, one of which I never really thought of. This letter was powerful in that it even made me internally connect with her and feel her sorrow. Making the choice to fight for your country doesn't only impact you but many others that you surround yourself with. Clara Hart, the name this RN likes to go by as to conceal her identity, was always plagued by the ending of one's life and all the depression that came along with it. Although it was a great weight on her shoulders, she always vowed not to quit. Unfortunately she was let go, and although finally free of proving this strenuous service, she was still imprisoned by the thoughts of all those she had to lay to rest. Sleepless night and reoccurring nightmares were a repetition. She was convinced this way the way she would live the rest of her life, until the day she was called upon from a widowed mother about to give birth to her unborn child. With the father no longer in the picture, as he died and was one of Nurse Clara Hart's patients, she needed help. 

This nurse whose real name is Susan decide to gather all her her energy and be there for this woman in her time of need. She was in the patients room with her as she gave birth, the same way she was there for her husband's passing. When the baby was born, and Susan held the baby she was finally able to have a heart warming memory fill her heart, and new life fulfilled the room. 

Susan became a changed woman and went on to continue helping others that encounter the same dilemmas. This blog has helped her created new bonds and friendships with others like her. There are many other stories that will send goosebumps up your arms and down your back. I  have learned quite a few things since encounters The Sandbox, so this is why I wanted to spread the information and hopefully someone else will be inspired to.

The creator of this blog is Garry Trudeau, when introducing  The Sandbox , he did it with this Doonesbury strip:

 This blog is riveting, you get the wonderful opportunity to read through these real life stories as I had the opportunity to do. The Sandbox's focus is all about the military member's, their families and letting them have a voice. You relive experiences and get to put yourself in their shoes. This by far is an exemplary blog, great for those in or out of the Armed forces. As a reader, you get to become familiar and related with these powerful emotions of these individuals who are writing their story. It is a way for them to involve the civilian world into their own world. 

My only down fall to encountering this blog is not having enough time to read all the entries. There are some great values to be gained in reading these stories. Some individuals even included their own poems, this creative outlet is great for soldiers and family members who are missing there loved ones or who just need to relinquish their feelings. It allows them to express themselves freely and without restraint as you can post anonymously. To anyone reading my post, I highly recommend this blog and enjoyed every post I could get my eyes on. I hope you will enjoy and take from this as well.

Ever wonder how to enlist?

 Ever sit back and wonder how to become a member of the U.S. Military Service? Many individuals learn of the benefits and advantages of becoming a soldier, but not too many know where to start. It isn't as simple as meeting with a recruiter and instantaneously becoming an active Marine, Navy Seal… etc. There are a couple of requirements that must be met first in order to enlist. Here’s the how to, to enlist into the U.S. military Service:

1.   First thing you want to do is make an appointment with a recruiter, it’s in your best interest to meet with one that deals with the same military branch you want to serve under. If you’re not sure or haven’t made up your mind, start with the closest one to home.
2. Once you have decided for yourself that this is the path you want to stay on, you will make an appointment Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process.  You will need to bring a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license, remove all piercings, bring  any eye wear that you may need or use to see, and most importantly get a good night’s rest.
3. At MEPS, you will first take an exam called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This exam can take up to three hours and is multiple choice with questions ranging from Math Reading, English and Science.
4. Next you will be required to take and pass a physical examination; this is somewhat similar to what you family doctor does. Your height, weight, urine and blood samples will be taken, you will also submit to a drug and alcohol test. They will review you muscle group and joint maneuvers as well.
5. Once the above has been completed you are now ready to meet with a counselor and determine a career. I think this is the most important part, everyone has a different preference and your job will be determined in regards to the needs of the branch. They also take into consideration the availability of specialty jobs. This is also where your test score form the ASVAB comes to play. Your physical capacity and of course your preference are factors as well.
6. You will be fingerprinted and now take the Oath of Enlistment. This is undoubtedly understood as being very serious and to be adhered to. You will have to vow to defend the U.S. Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

 I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

7.  Atlas you have completed the enlistment process. There are two ways in which the recruit proceeds. For recruits considered a direct ship, at this point you report to Basic Training between 2 days to two months after completing all the requirements previously stated. The recruiter will provide you with all the transportation and any additional information you may need. The second option is the delayed entry program, where the recruit commits to Basic Training but within a year time frame. All of the same information follows thereafter.

Now that you are fully informed on how to enlist all there is left to do is to decide for yourself if this is the path you want to go on. I was young when I decided to enroll and being as such I would highly recommended to fully consider the true impact of making such a life altering decision. Entering into this lifestyle will change you forever and is never the same experience for each individual. Although it is a grand opportunity in my perspective, it never hurts to be fully equipped with as much knowledge as possible.  Good luck!

Giving you a little background

I wanted to use this post to express the meaning of being a Marine and what it means to me. I want to share some of my experiences with you. The reason I decided to focus on the military for my blog is because that is what I feel has influence my life in the most excellent way. Before joining I just graduated high school and couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I stumble across an old friend who was an Army reserve. He explained his duties and the respect he has gained for himself after joining. After listening to his words and seeing how passionate he was about the decision he made I decided to look up some information myself. I made an appointment with a recruiter and weighed out all the pros and cons. I didn’t even consult my family when I decided to go forth with joining. I didn’t want to join just any part of the military but instead The United States Marines. I wanted to be on the forefront serving my country and make a man out of myself. It was time to let go of my childhood and embrace being an adult.

After joining and upon entering boot camp, I was hit with the harsh certainty of what molding a Marine consisting of. Numerous training's, obstacle courses, and far away enough from the civilian life a reality dawned on me. 

At first I was scared but never showed it on my face. The first week by far was the worst for me. Eventually I realized in order for me to be the man I wanted to be I have to grab the bull by the horns and ride on. I completed every training giving nothing but my all. I was the best sharp shooter in my platoon, and became to go to person for other members of my platoon who found themselves struggling. I lost 40 lbs during my time in boot camp and gained much stamina.

Upon graduating, I felt accomplished and ready to create new challenges for myself. I had the privilege of being stationed in many different countries and shaking hands with many influential people.

 Being a Marine comes with much respect and creates a lot of opportunities. Nothing comes in comparison to when I served my first deployment in Iraq. I tend to believe everyone has the same preconceived notion when it comes to battle in Iraq. Yes, it isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, but the whole purpose of a Marine training in boot camp is for this exact reason. I was anxious to get this tour out of the way and see what it had in store for me. There are many events that occurred that made me humbly appreciate my life and the path I have 

chosen for myself.

I won't divulge into much detail because my main reason of this post is to have my audience see who I am and maybe give them a better understanding of the purpose for this blog. 

The passion I have for military members in every branch is insurmountable. Risking your well-being to help spread across a better cause for our country is truly the purpose of enlisting and fighting those who try to go against us. I hope my little snippet may influence someone and understand although there are many causalities of war these soldiers are never forgotten. As as we say Hoorah!

Reflecting back to wikipedia

Reflecting back to my post about my Wikipedia adventure, it brought up some interest. I wanted to see whether or not the information I posted is actually still posted. To my surprise the information I posted was still up and there weren't any changes to my addition. I am ecstatic to know that my information will hopefully aid readers and spread awareness to other potential benefits. I feel that my addition is vital because of the substance and the path it leads.

As I stated before, many military members are unaware of programs that they are qualified for. It is imperative for these programs to be more recognizable and easier to access so it's mission can be accomplished. I only wish I would be able to see my posts effect in real life, to be able to see someone researching the specified information that I posted and it making an impact of their lives. I am grateful enough to have been informed on veterans benefits and feel blessed to be able to share it. Again if you are interested in this information please visit wikipedia.

Now that I have had the ability to make a change and see it last, my hope for the future is to be able to further the information and delve deeper into other categories that surround the military and its member's. Even if all I affect is one person, than my goal has been accomplished. Never underestimate your impact to help someone.

Military training

During military boot camp a soldier goes through many training exercises. Some of these exercises may be a bit extreme, but very useful in the long haul. It prepares soldiers for circumstantial situations that could arise during battle. One of these training techniques is called Taser Training. For trainees this class is not only useful in understanding how to use a taser, but also when a taser should be used as an intermediate level of force.

Another form of training that is vital is the pepper spray training. This training allows for trainees to understand the feeling of pepper spray and also be able to learn to fight against the burning sensation so they can still actively defend themselves. Although some find these videos  to be funny, it is quite serious.

Lastly trainees also go through gas chamber training, all for the same reason as the previous two training's. The gas chamber training teaches a soldier how to properly put on a mask to protect themselves. It also informs them of the chemicals used and the effects of them. It is very important that recruits pay attention to this training and listen to the rules because one wrong mistake you can be in more pain than you need to be. 

The gas chamber is a room that has a controlled concentration of CS (orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile) gas, more commonly known as tear gas. Tear gas is the active ingredient in Mace and used for self defense and for riot control by the police. Tear gas is an irritant; specifically, it irritates mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, causing tearing, sneezing, coughing, etc. 

All these training techniques increases a soldiers chances to defend themselves. Although it is not the most ideal situation, you will be grateful for the experience and knowledge. You do not have the option to opt out of these training's. They are required unless you have a preexisting medical condition that can have a dangerous effect to your life.

Show them you care

Soldiers that are fighting overseas and stationed far away from home, try to grasp the little things that remind them of being back home. It helps when families send letters and write about all the moments that their soldier has missed. It allows for them to create their own memory of the event. Now a days, you can send military care packages to your loved one or for others in the military. Not everyone in the military has family to come back home to.  Sending a care can fulfill the soldier with encouragement and appreciation. It can definitely assist and boost one's emotional state and deter soldiers from falling into depression.

When you’re packaging a care package it allows you to feel a sense of closeness to your loved one. Anything that is sent is better than nothing at all. There’s no need to be so extravagant or for that matter go overboard with the contents.  All you need are the little things that a soldier might need or not have easy access to.

Something from home, perhaps a favorite book, magazine or even just a deck of cards can help pass time. When you’re overseas especially, something as little as a picture or something to remind your loved one of home is worth more than any expensive materialistic item.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some essentials that soldiers need while overseas. The proper necessities to help maintain proper hygiene is vital. Deodorant, shampoo, a bar of soap, some cologne, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc are all important things that we take for granted when there not as easy to obtain. There are some things that are not permitted, which is why it is always a good recommendation to find out what those items are so you don’t waste time or money.

Being overseas has its moments but sometimes getting used to the different cultures and their foods are a bit hard. For picky individuals as myself, you tend to stick with what you like. Sweets and treats are always a good thing to have in that care package, enough to share with friends as well so not everything goes in one shot. Again you want to be smart not to package anything that may melt easily or spoil, for example chocolate.

Round about all the things your loved one misses and throw it in a box and ship if off. Sometimes this can get expensive so try to leave it more for the holidays and special events such as a birthday. Show your love and show your support, happy packing!

Military trivia

Although some military experts have an incredibly in-depth knowledge of the military, no one person can know everything there is to know. I have searched books and the Internet and have come up with 15 military facts I bet you didn’t know. These facts make great dinner conversations.

1. 30 of the 43 Presidents served in the Army, 24 during time of war, two earned the rank of 5-star General (Washington and Eisenhower) and one earned the Medal of Honor (T. Roosevelt)

2. Less than 28 percent of Americans between the ages of 17-23 are qualified for military service, that’s only about 1-in-4.

3. The U.S. Air Force was part of the Army until 1946. It was called the Army Air Corp.

4. Only one President (James Buchanan) served as an enlisted man in the military and did not go on to become an officer.

5. The Department of Defense employs about 1.8 million people on active duty. It is the largest employer in the United States, with more employees than Exxon, Mobil, Ford, General Motors, and GE combined!

6. The Department of Defense owns 29,819,492 acres of land worldwide.

7. The United States has 737 military installations overseas alone.

8. The Navy’s bell-bottom trousers, are commonly believed to be introduced in 1817 to permit men to roll them above the knee when washing down the decks and to make it easier to remove them in a hurry when forced to abandon ship or when washed overboard. In addition the trousers may be used as a life preserver by knotting the legs and swinging them over your head to fill the legs with air.

9. The Coast Guard seizes 169 pounds of marijuana and 306 pounds of cocaine worth $9,589,000.00 on a daily basis.

10. The Coast Guard is smaller than the New York City Police Department.

11. The Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis,” was adopted in 1883 as the official motto. It is Latin for Always Faithful.

12. The nickname “Leatherneck” originates from the stiff leather stock that early Marines wore around their necks, probably to protect their jugular vein against saber blows.

13. The English Bulldog, also known as "Teufel-hunden,” or "Devil Dogs,” is the unofficial mascot that symbolize the ethos of the Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines. The U.S. Marine Corps earned this unofficial mascot during World War I, when many German reports called the attacking Marines "teufel-hunden," meaning Devil-Dogs. “Teufel-hunden” were the vicious, wild and ferocious mountain dogs of German Bavarian folklore.

14. The U.S. Army was in charge of exploring and mapping America. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was an all Army affair. Army officers were the first Americans to see such landmarks as Pike's Peak and the Grand Canyon.

15. The Air Force's F-117 fighter uses aerodynamics discovered during research into how bumblebees fly.

So there they are, 15 facts you didn’t know, but now you do. Now you can amaze your friends and family with your knowledge of military trivia.

Surprise!

There's nothing  more heartwarming and exciting than watching videos of soldiers returning home and surprising there family. Nowadays many share this experience with the rest of the social media world. It's a humbling occurrence and your heart gleams with pride and happiness for these families that are able to be reunited with their loved ones. Look at one for yourself and tell me you didn't either smile or tear up.

Now that you have watched this, the next time you see a military soldier in uniform you can respect the sacrifice of what it takes to put on those uniforms. With each minute a soldier is fighting for our peace, so we can be at home with our family safe and sound, never forget they do it while there far apart from theirs. 

If perhaps you didn't get enough view more at <http://welcomehomeblog.com/>. This is also another interesting blog that has videos of families reuniting. The emotional roller-coaster that family members experience can be heart wrenching. They constantly fear their soldier will get hurt and possibly never be able to return home.  These videos allow us to emotionally relate and connect to military members

My rifle is my bestfriend

During military training you are introduced and trained to use many different weapons. As a Marine you enter into a weapons training course where you find out all about the M-16A2 rifle. You're even required to memorize your particular rifle's serial number. You spend a considerable amount of time taking your rifle apart, cleaning it, and putting it back together. You're also required to memorize the four rules of Marine Corps rifle safety:

• Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
• Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
• Keep your weapon's safety on until you intend to fire.

You will also learn another weapons safety rule when you get out of basic training: Be absolutely sure of your target and what is behind it.

During Marine Corps basic training, you must never refer to your M-16 as a gun. Doing so will result in a massive tirade from your drill instructor. Marine Corps M-16s are always called your weapon or your rifle. You’ll also receive several hours of classroom instruction on proper marksmanship techniques and you get a chance to fire on the actual qualification course. If you don't pass you will be forced to stay back as your platoon graduates with out you.

Once you've passed this course, you are given your own rifle.  You are responsible for memorizing a special chant. It reads as follows:

This creed becomes ingrained in your head. You learn to live by it's meaning. This creed serves to remind soldiers the power of one's rifle as well as it's importance. Never take your rifle for granted because it can save your life. You have to understand that a rifle is just as important as the person who is holding it. You have a means to bear arms and protect yourself, that is truly the purpose of the rifle.

10 reasons to join the military

There are many reasons why an individual decides to join the military. The majority of applicants enter straight after high school in the hopes of guiding their future into the right direction and to create financial stability.  Embarking on this journey takes a lot of thought and reasoning. Sometimes a little encouragement can help assess whether one should join the military. The top 10 reasons to join the military are listed below:

1. Serving the country is not  for everyone. You have to be brave enough to serve your country. 
2. Great health and life insurance benefits.
3. Earn a competitive income for your one weekend per month and two weeks per year and additional pay for extra days you elect to work and train. 
4. Ride on a military aircraft. 
5. 100% tuition paid for college. You may be eligible to receive university tuition assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve Tuition Assistance Program. 
6. Good career without worry about job loss.
7. Free travel anywhere in the United States including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico whenever space is available on military aircraft. 
8. Promotions mean increases in pay, authority, prestige, responsibility and a bigger retirement check. 
9. Educational benefits.
10. And lastly because every so often you will go out and make a difference. 

Everyone doesn't decide to join for the same reason,, but they do all share the same sacrifice. Ultimately you have to choose for yourself to make that life altering choice to join. Every experience will be different and the jobs can be very dangerous but there are also great opportunity's that derive from it as well.

Welcome home soldier!

Three simple words which are ingrained with pride, integrity, sacrifice and long awaited patience to be reunited with your family. These were the words that kept my hope alive as I was deployed overseas various times in various countries but all for the same purpose. Not every military member is lucky enough to return back to their long awaited loved ones and even if they do they don't always come back the same.

 I was a former Marine and served in the military and know firsthand how it can alter one's life in many aspects. This blog is dedicated to those individuals who have served in the armed forces and the purpose of my blog is to depict the obstacles, and sacrifices that come along with being a soldier whether actively serving or not.