The past week at basic was a little more fun from what I've heard. They went on a 5 mile hike/camping trip. The left on Monday and got the tents up and that night the tornado sirens went off. They ended up staying up most of the night watching the weather. Cody said that was pretty cool. They did lots of shooting and stuff. He said he made excellent marksman which is a pretty big deal. Also, Mallary got two turkeys with one shot today so, that just makes a Mama proud. What I always wanted was some excellent shooters for kids. haha.
Well, about Washington State, he is still there and apparently he and Cody have gotten to be pretty good friends. His name is Cristover Arevelo and he is Japanese/Mexican. He sounds like a pretty nice guy that just got into the wrong things. Hopefully he is trying to change his life. He may still be going home and has a psych evaluation being done tomorrow. Cody says that he doesn't seem crazy to him but, look at some of Cody's friends. LOL.
I got Hunter Brown's address from Karen this week and sent him a card. I know they appreciate any encouragement that they can get so here is his. I wish some of you would keep him and Cody in your thoughts and prayers and send them some encouragement.
PFC Boykin, Cody L
BTRY C, 1st BN, 40th FA
5611 Rothwell St, Unit C1
Fort Sill, OK 73503-8024
PV2 Brown, Hunter J RN 207
ECO 2 54 INF
8775 Albanese Dr
Ft Benning, GA 31905
I've got 45 days before I get to see Cody again. They days are going pretty fast but, I keep thinking after graduation, it will be another four months before he comes home. But, he is looking forward to the medic training so that is encouraging. Hopefully, in that time, he can decide what he truly wants to do in the future. It's a tough decision to make when you're thinking about the rest of your life. Keep him and his choices in your prayers and thanks for following.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Loving the Medic
Got a letter today and it truly made me smile. Cody was having trouble sleeping and wrote about his day. He got up at 5:30 and went on a 5K hike. They then had a Situational Training Experience (or STX). This is were they are basically doing a mock field injuries. His situation was an injured soldier with an amputated hand, severe leg lacerations, and severe chest trauma. He had to assess the situation and secure the soldier. Here, he had to apply tourniquets since that is all they can do until they can secure the surroundings and get the soldier out of danger. He had to rig a stretcher and carry him out of harms way. There he had to take care of the injuries and insert chest tubes. I was so proud when he said that he LOVED IT! He is so excited about getting back and hopefully getting on with an ambulance service as an EMT. I, as well as several family members, have tried to talk him into going into the nursing field, but, he has refused at every level. He said that he did not want to be called a 'male nurse'. I think it's the stigma that some people have about that name. But, I really hope this training will make him think seriously about this field. I have always told him that he would make a great ER nurse or ICU/Trauma nurse and that these areas really needed men. But, like I've said over and over, God has a plan for Cody. This is also part of that plan. He will be going to San Antonio, TX in May to do the specialty training in the Medic field so, I'm anxious to see how that phase will change him. At least he's enjoying some parts of the experience.
Keep him in your prayers as well as Washington State. I have had no word on his situation but, I'm hoping he will get to remain in Cody's presence and that Cody will be able to have a positive influence on him.
Later.....
Keep him in your prayers as well as Washington State. I have had no word on his situation but, I'm hoping he will get to remain in Cody's presence and that Cody will be able to have a positive influence on him.
Later.....
Monday, March 23, 2009
A different perspective
You know, in my blog yesterday, I made the comment about trying to protect your children and now mine being in the company of a gang member. It took a very dear friend to turn my opinion around and I don't know if she realizes what her words meant to me. Thanks so much Joy!
You see, I was concerned about Cody being in contact with known gang members and the realization was that this is God's plan. Washington State may be actually need Cody in order to truly turn his life around. I talked to Washington State yesterday and really wish I had told him that I pray for him every day as well. That is where I've failed. But, I have been praying for him because he's the only one that Cody has truly talked about when he calls. Washington has been a friend to Cody in that when Cody was sick, he had medicine prescribed (a coincidence) for himself, that he shared. I know, you're not supposed to share prescription drugs. But, it was Ibuprofen and Mucinex. Exactly what Cody needed. Washington had gone to the ER the weekend before to have a cyst removed and was given this medicine because he had the 'start' of a cold. It never progressed to the point that he truly needed it. So, there you go... Cody needed it.
In the message that I got from this dear friend, she told me that maybe Washington State needed Cody. That Cody may be the only example of God that he has ever known. I now pray that Washington State gets to remain in the ANG in order to truly see the person Cody is and that Cody is able to be the example that he needs. I challenge all of you to pray for this young man. I don't know is real name and it really doesn't matter. I do hope to get an update Sunday and hope to be able to tell him that I am praying for him also. Just to let him know that someone else out there cares for him even though they don't know him personally.
You see, I was concerned about Cody being in contact with known gang members and the realization was that this is God's plan. Washington State may be actually need Cody in order to truly turn his life around. I talked to Washington State yesterday and really wish I had told him that I pray for him every day as well. That is where I've failed. But, I have been praying for him because he's the only one that Cody has truly talked about when he calls. Washington has been a friend to Cody in that when Cody was sick, he had medicine prescribed (a coincidence) for himself, that he shared. I know, you're not supposed to share prescription drugs. But, it was Ibuprofen and Mucinex. Exactly what Cody needed. Washington had gone to the ER the weekend before to have a cyst removed and was given this medicine because he had the 'start' of a cold. It never progressed to the point that he truly needed it. So, there you go... Cody needed it.
In the message that I got from this dear friend, she told me that maybe Washington State needed Cody. That Cody may be the only example of God that he has ever known. I now pray that Washington State gets to remain in the ANG in order to truly see the person Cody is and that Cody is able to be the example that he needs. I challenge all of you to pray for this young man. I don't know is real name and it really doesn't matter. I do hope to get an update Sunday and hope to be able to tell him that I am praying for him also. Just to let him know that someone else out there cares for him even though they don't know him personally.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Gas Chamber
I've gotten to talk to Cody a couple times today. It has been an busy week for him. He has been doing his basic rescue training this past week. He has learned to take care of different types of wounds and starting IVs. He got the IV on the dummy arm without a problem but when starting it on the actual person, he had the correct technique but, the guy had spider veins. He went in ok but, the vein rolled on him and he missed it or went through it. I've had that happen to me several times. Too bad he couldn't have gotten someone with ropes for veins like he has. But, he passed with a 97 average which was pretty good.
On Saturday, he had to do the gas chamber drill. This is where you are placed in a room with your gas mask on and you are made to take the mask off and see how you do or how long you can withstand it. He said that this was horrible!! He did ok at first when they just broke the seal but, when the entire mask came off, he didn't take a deep breath before taking the mask off. He coughed and sputtered for hours after but, one good thing was that he got over his cough and cold. I don't think he recommends this way of ridding yourself of the common cold! haha.
They are packing for a camping and artillery challenge this week. I hope this is a better week for him since he will be doing some shooting. This is one thing he has been excited about. The drill sargents have been 'major asses' this week...guess it's their jobs though! There are still guys that are not doing as they should. There are many that are being sent back home this week due to failure to adapt. Cody's bunkmate "Washington State" may actually be sent back home soon too. He was formally in a gang back in Washington and 'cleaned himself up', and this is a no no for the military. He recieved a call from his girlfriend this week saying that a rival gang had rode by and shot up his house. The girlfriend was once the girlfriend of one of the rival gangmembers. So much drama!! You know, you do everything to keep you kids safe and in the right company and now they go off and join the military and get put with gangmembers!!! But, I know Cody's heart and the values that he has lived by and continues to live by and know that I have nothing to worry about. He actually said that he misses Mississippi!! He's ready to get back to where the people are 'normal'. LOL
Today I have 51 days until I get to see Cody. The time has really gone by fast and I know that it will be here before I know it. I can hear the maturity in his voice each time he calls. This is truly a great experience for him and for me. I think he truly appreciates the life he has lead when before he would imagine being somewhere else and doing things different. Again, I am so proud of you Cody (if you're reading this) and know you are gonna make a great soldier!
On Saturday, he had to do the gas chamber drill. This is where you are placed in a room with your gas mask on and you are made to take the mask off and see how you do or how long you can withstand it. He said that this was horrible!! He did ok at first when they just broke the seal but, when the entire mask came off, he didn't take a deep breath before taking the mask off. He coughed and sputtered for hours after but, one good thing was that he got over his cough and cold. I don't think he recommends this way of ridding yourself of the common cold! haha.
They are packing for a camping and artillery challenge this week. I hope this is a better week for him since he will be doing some shooting. This is one thing he has been excited about. The drill sargents have been 'major asses' this week...guess it's their jobs though! There are still guys that are not doing as they should. There are many that are being sent back home this week due to failure to adapt. Cody's bunkmate "Washington State" may actually be sent back home soon too. He was formally in a gang back in Washington and 'cleaned himself up', and this is a no no for the military. He recieved a call from his girlfriend this week saying that a rival gang had rode by and shot up his house. The girlfriend was once the girlfriend of one of the rival gangmembers. So much drama!! You know, you do everything to keep you kids safe and in the right company and now they go off and join the military and get put with gangmembers!!! But, I know Cody's heart and the values that he has lived by and continues to live by and know that I have nothing to worry about. He actually said that he misses Mississippi!! He's ready to get back to where the people are 'normal'. LOL
Today I have 51 days until I get to see Cody. The time has really gone by fast and I know that it will be here before I know it. I can hear the maturity in his voice each time he calls. This is truly a great experience for him and for me. I think he truly appreciates the life he has lead when before he would imagine being somewhere else and doing things different. Again, I am so proud of you Cody (if you're reading this) and know you are gonna make a great soldier!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sore throat and fever
Tommy and I were on our way to Meridian today and I got my weekly phone call. The cell phones have been taken up during the week and are given back on Sunday afternoon. So, now I feel better knowing what the routine will be. He got the charger last Monday and didn't get in trouble for that package. I asked about the cakes and he laughed saying that the drill sargent just shook his head when he opened the box full of bundt cakes. He said that he had seen it all now. He had seen a lot of stuff sent but never a box full of bundt cakes!! haha But, they still haven't eaten them...was supposed to get them tonight but, haven't yet. They will probably be ruined by the time they think about them again. So, needless to say, I won't be sending anymore food.
Cody said that basic has not been as bad as he was expecting. They are being a little easier on them now as apparently there were a couple suicides last January. They are being a little more humane and trying to prevent any further tragedies. I can't imagine it being that bad but, you never know what may be in some of those heads. Cody's group passed the obstacle training last week and will go on to IV administration this week. They will have to start IV's on each other before the week is out. I told him that he should do good and that even Mallary had started her first one this week...first try!! Woo hoo! I'm a proud Mom.
He's a little under the weather right now. He's been waking up with a sore throat and running fever but, if you know Cody, he won't do anything about it. He doesn't want to miss anything or get behind. This is the same guy that played football with bronchitis, fever, and below freezing temps!! He's always been a fighter and gives 110% in all he does. I just wish that I could get some medicine to him but, it's not permitted. He could go to sick bay but doesn't want to miss a day and possibly get behind. Hopefully, this is an indicator of the type worker he will be in the future.
He has gotten a lot of letters and appreciates all of them. He actually said that that is where he stands out. He gets letters every day. I know it has really helped knowing how much everybody cares and thanks for all that has been sent and will be sent in the future.
Well, gotta go for now and will update soon
Cody said that basic has not been as bad as he was expecting. They are being a little easier on them now as apparently there were a couple suicides last January. They are being a little more humane and trying to prevent any further tragedies. I can't imagine it being that bad but, you never know what may be in some of those heads. Cody's group passed the obstacle training last week and will go on to IV administration this week. They will have to start IV's on each other before the week is out. I told him that he should do good and that even Mallary had started her first one this week...first try!! Woo hoo! I'm a proud Mom.
He's a little under the weather right now. He's been waking up with a sore throat and running fever but, if you know Cody, he won't do anything about it. He doesn't want to miss anything or get behind. This is the same guy that played football with bronchitis, fever, and below freezing temps!! He's always been a fighter and gives 110% in all he does. I just wish that I could get some medicine to him but, it's not permitted. He could go to sick bay but doesn't want to miss a day and possibly get behind. Hopefully, this is an indicator of the type worker he will be in the future.
He has gotten a lot of letters and appreciates all of them. He actually said that that is where he stands out. He gets letters every day. I know it has really helped knowing how much everybody cares and thanks for all that has been sent and will be sent in the future.
Well, gotta go for now and will update soon
Saturday, March 14, 2009
DogTag
I've gotten letters pretty regular now and each of them has told about Cody's day. It's been really busy getting up early, doing PT drills, learning shooting skills, etc. All of the letters have been just basic day to day updates but, one letter had a welcome surprise. He said that he had recieved an extra set of dogtags and had sent the extra one home to me. When I pulled that dogtag out of that envelope, you would have thought I'd been given a diamond ring!! I held that little piece of tin in my hand so tight almost as if I were holding him. As I opened my hand to read his name and ID the tears just flowed. That little piece of metal was the most precious thing I'd been given. For Cody to think about sending it home to his Mama was the sweetest gift of all. I now have that piece of metal with me every minute of the day. It represents more that you can imagine just having a little piece of him. Boy, this is gonna be a long couple of months.
Now, today I got a letter from the Commander at the base telling what you could and could not send to the soldiers. At the bottom of the DO NOT SEND list was...baked goods and packages...OH BOY!! I have just committed TWO of those. First, the package containing the phone charger and then the package of pound cakes! But, in my defense, CODY TOLD ME TO SEND THESE THINGS!! I just hope that he hasn't gotten in any trouble for these. Maybe one of his future letters will inform me of this. Oh well, can't undo the wrong.
His letter yesterday was full of frustration. He said that he had several in his platoon that (in his words) 'don't give a shit'. He said that they wouldn't shut their mouth when in formation, wouldn't get out of bed when they were supposed to, and tried to tell everybody else what to do. The drill sargents were basically letting the other platoon members straighten things out. He was wanting to go to the drill sargents and ask them to be harder on everyone so that something would start to take shape. There are a few of them that truly want to do good and that are trying to be leaders. He has always wanted perfection and it is frustrating to him when other's don't try. Hopefully, these few slackers won't extend their basic training period.
On another note, I heard from Hunter Brown on Friday and he was almost to Fort Benning, GA. So, thankfully, he has gotten to get started without too much hassle. I know he was dissappointed when he didn't get to go on time but, at least he's not been held up now. Good luck Hunter and I know you'll do great!
Now, today I got a letter from the Commander at the base telling what you could and could not send to the soldiers. At the bottom of the DO NOT SEND list was...baked goods and packages...OH BOY!! I have just committed TWO of those. First, the package containing the phone charger and then the package of pound cakes! But, in my defense, CODY TOLD ME TO SEND THESE THINGS!! I just hope that he hasn't gotten in any trouble for these. Maybe one of his future letters will inform me of this. Oh well, can't undo the wrong.
His letter yesterday was full of frustration. He said that he had several in his platoon that (in his words) 'don't give a shit'. He said that they wouldn't shut their mouth when in formation, wouldn't get out of bed when they were supposed to, and tried to tell everybody else what to do. The drill sargents were basically letting the other platoon members straighten things out. He was wanting to go to the drill sargents and ask them to be harder on everyone so that something would start to take shape. There are a few of them that truly want to do good and that are trying to be leaders. He has always wanted perfection and it is frustrating to him when other's don't try. Hopefully, these few slackers won't extend their basic training period.
On another note, I heard from Hunter Brown on Friday and he was almost to Fort Benning, GA. So, thankfully, he has gotten to get started without too much hassle. I know he was dissappointed when he didn't get to go on time but, at least he's not been held up now. Good luck Hunter and I know you'll do great!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
My First Meltdown
I guess I've just experienced my first meltdown since Cody left. I've been getting texts from him every night until Sunday. We talked for quite a while on that day and even sent me pictures of him with his gun...guess you know that since I blogged about it already. Well, Mallary, Shelby, and I got letters from him and we all wrote 2 -3 page letters each back to him. I have gotten a letter and sent one back every day since. But, today there was no letter. When I opened up that post office box, there was just empty space. I guess I had gotten accustomed to reading about his day. One of the letters he sent said that he felt like I was face to face when he was writing about his day. That is was comforting to be able to tell me what happened. I've just had this 'gut feeling' that today hasn't been a good one for him. It's just a 'Mama-thing' I guess. I decided to go to the Jr Sr Play tonight and something made me go in Cody's truck. Well, the smell got to me...not that it stunk. haha. But, you know that 'Cody cologne' smell that you just associate with only him...that is what I mean. I just drove and let the tears flow. I haven't done this since he left and thought I would get through it without it. NOT. But, after a long talk with God and accepting that Cody is in His hands and is following the plan that is only his, I am better now.
Well, Tuesday night, I baked 3 pound cakes to send to Cody and his platoon. Boy was that a long night! I packed them up and set out for the post office thinking that I would overnight them and they would get them on Thursday. When I was told 'That will be $57', I bout stroked!! Then, I was told that it would not get there till Friday because Shuqualak did not have an overnight pickup. Priority mail would arrive on Friday also so, it went priority! Hopefully they got there before they started rotting. Wouldn't that make a good impression!! haha
Keep Cody in your prayers as well as Hunter Brown. Hunter didn't get to ship out on his date Monday but, I heard from him today that he was supposed to ship out on Friday. Hopefully, he won't be delayed any longer. I know that he is anxious to get this part over with. Oh, also keep Karen and Bud in your prayers cause they truly have a life changing event here with both sons going into the military. All three guys are great examples for our younger generation. I'm so proud of all of them!!
Well, Tuesday night, I baked 3 pound cakes to send to Cody and his platoon. Boy was that a long night! I packed them up and set out for the post office thinking that I would overnight them and they would get them on Thursday. When I was told 'That will be $57', I bout stroked!! Then, I was told that it would not get there till Friday because Shuqualak did not have an overnight pickup. Priority mail would arrive on Friday also so, it went priority! Hopefully they got there before they started rotting. Wouldn't that make a good impression!! haha
Keep Cody in your prayers as well as Hunter Brown. Hunter didn't get to ship out on his date Monday but, I heard from him today that he was supposed to ship out on Friday. Hopefully, he won't be delayed any longer. I know that he is anxious to get this part over with. Oh, also keep Karen and Bud in your prayers cause they truly have a life changing event here with both sons going into the military. All three guys are great examples for our younger generation. I'm so proud of all of them!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
M16 and Bulletproof vest
We went to Tennessee this weekend to visit Tommy's family and Cody laughs saying that we wait until he leaves to start taking trips!! It was a good trip and we came home thankful for so many things. We got to spend the day with our 'great' niece (boy that sounds like we're old) and that was super! Also saw pictures of the second 'great' nephew. Justin (who is 4 months older than Cody) just had a little boy (9lb 2 oz). This makes me thankful for my children waiting...enough said!! Now Kara (mom to niece Avery) waited and is a great mom!! Love ya Kara! But, like I said I am so thankful for my level-headed bunch. Now, I still have one more to get out of high school so, I could be putting my foot in my mouth. Hope not!! haha
On the way home, I got my call from Cody. He sounds so upbeat and kinda like he's having fun! You know him. He said that so far basic hasn't been too bad for him. They have to do lots of push ups because of this one guy who won't act right. I do believe that he will be getting a little adjustment and soon. Cody was really upbeat about getting his M16A2 and bulletproof vest. He has always loved messing around with guns and ammunition. His Papaw has been instrumental in this obsession. He's been showing him guns and knives since he came into this world so, this is just a little more high tech play for him. He also said that Fort Sill was doing something new now and letting them keep their cell phones to use on Sunday call days. He's gotten some texts out and even posted a picture or two on facebook. This has really helped me with the empty nesting. They can also recieve 'cakes and pies'! NO CANDY!! He asked for brownies to be sent...enough for 60 people!! haha ..Think this will be some major baking!! But, you know me...anything Cody wants...Cody gets. Or so my girls say.
Thanks again for all the prayers and encouraging words. We have truly felt each of them and know that they are the reason this period has gone so smooth so far. I am so proud of Cody and my Brown boys for the choices that they have made. I know they will make America proud!
On the way home, I got my call from Cody. He sounds so upbeat and kinda like he's having fun! You know him. He said that so far basic hasn't been too bad for him. They have to do lots of push ups because of this one guy who won't act right. I do believe that he will be getting a little adjustment and soon. Cody was really upbeat about getting his M16A2 and bulletproof vest. He has always loved messing around with guns and ammunition. His Papaw has been instrumental in this obsession. He's been showing him guns and knives since he came into this world so, this is just a little more high tech play for him. He also said that Fort Sill was doing something new now and letting them keep their cell phones to use on Sunday call days. He's gotten some texts out and even posted a picture or two on facebook. This has really helped me with the empty nesting. They can also recieve 'cakes and pies'! NO CANDY!! He asked for brownies to be sent...enough for 60 people!! haha ..Think this will be some major baking!! But, you know me...anything Cody wants...Cody gets. Or so my girls say.
Thanks again for all the prayers and encouraging words. We have truly felt each of them and know that they are the reason this period has gone so smooth so far. I am so proud of Cody and my Brown boys for the choices that they have made. I know they will make America proud!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Moving on to basic site
Well, I've been so lucky to be able to talk to Cody every night since he left. He found another guy that had an iPhone and has been able to borrow his charger. His days have been busy with the reception period. During this time, they have been oriented to Army life, gotten uniforms, and rounds of shots. I did get informed that Cody almost got the Bicillin shot, in which he is highly allergic! He kept telling them that he couldn't take it and they weren't listening to him. Just as they were getting ready to give it, something stopped them and they looked at his records. There in bold print was ALLERGIES: PENICILLIN. They told him, "Boy, I'm glad I double checked that! You would have been in trouble!" Duh...
Last night, they were packing up for the move to the basic training site. Wake up was at 3:30 this morning and he didn't really know when the next call would be made. I'm trying to prepare for the 3 week no contact period. It seems like a long time, but I know that it will be over before I know it.
I don't really have a lot of updates at this time but, I do want to thank all my friends and family as well as Cody's friends for their prayers and comments. These truly help! Also, keep Hunter Brown in your prayers as he is preparing to leave for his ANG training period next week and Clint Brown will be leaving in April for the Marines. I am so proud of all these young men! They are true leaders in every way. I know they will be true American heroes! They will always hold a special place in my heart...
I will update as soon as I know anymore from OK....Thanks for being a follower!
Last night, they were packing up for the move to the basic training site. Wake up was at 3:30 this morning and he didn't really know when the next call would be made. I'm trying to prepare for the 3 week no contact period. It seems like a long time, but I know that it will be over before I know it.
I don't really have a lot of updates at this time but, I do want to thank all my friends and family as well as Cody's friends for their prayers and comments. These truly help! Also, keep Hunter Brown in your prayers as he is preparing to leave for his ANG training period next week and Clint Brown will be leaving in April for the Marines. I am so proud of all these young men! They are true leaders in every way. I know they will be true American heroes! They will always hold a special place in my heart...
I will update as soon as I know anymore from OK....Thanks for being a follower!
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