Last Wednesday, transferred from Patriot's Landing to the ship. Despite the fact that the aircraft carrier is massive, I sleep, eat and work within about 20 seconds of each other. I was afraid I would be getting lost all the time, but as long as I stick to the basics it's no problem. The berthing is definitely an improvement over the barge, but it's still all very spartan, as it always will be (unless I go officer, of course!). I was debating whether to update the blog at all, as Operational Security (OPSEC) is a huge deal here, but decided I can still provide meaningful updates without divulging any sensitive information. Assuming the state of the food on board isn't sensitive material. I understand making 3 meals a day for 5,000 people is an immense undertaking, but I WILL be eating pb and j like its my job while we are underway.
Speaking of which, I can not tell you when we are going, or where we are going. However, once we get there I am allowed to update with our current location. This summer should be quite the adventure.
Right now, I'm excited to finally be on board the ship, but there is a certain feeling of being completely overwhelmed. Not just by the ship itself, but with everything I have to get together here. Check-in sheet tasks, qualifications on damage control and ship repair, tests, advancement exam next week, dental quals, duty tasks, general quarters quals, warfare quals??? Everything doesn't have to be done tomorrow, but there is a huge amount I need to start getting done so I can get my blue card, so I can start actually being a dental assistant again, so I can be an effective member of the crew. Overwhelming, yes. Challenging? Roger that. Luckily, my dental shipmates seem to be good people who are helping me along the way. Now I need to get settled here and build a good foundation to my naval career. If I can stay squared away and on my game, I should leave this command as a dual qualified e-5. It's a great goal to have, but frustrating to think how long the road is to get there. I just have to stay motivated and patient, and I'll get there. In the meantime, it's going to be quite the ride...
7.3.11
16.2.11
Greetings from Yokosuka, Japan!
So here I am in JAPAN! It was a crazy long trip, and I'm just beginning to settle in here. Doesn't feel like I'm halfway across the world...
So as expected, out of the blue one day back at Corps school they told us all we were finally allowed to depart for our first duty stations. We scrambled to pack our gear in a flurry of excitement, and I was on the way to the airport with Bierer and Lopez by early afternoon. Our goodbyes at the airport were cut short, but I wish those two guys and the rest of dental strand 220-2 the best of luck. I already miss clowning around with Bierer and Lopez, and I hope they are settling in well to their new commands at the USS Pearl Harbor and USS Stennis, respectively. I spent last Thursday night at the USO in O'hare airport, taking advantage of their awesome hospitality, and sleeping on the floor until my flight the next day at 11:15am. Seriously, the USO is an amazing organization, and helps out us service members tremendously. Give to the USO! Ok, plug over. Burgos and I boarded our 13+ hour flight for Tokyo's Narita Aiport and were on our way. I slept almost the entire trip, except for when I was watching Due Date and Waiting for Superman. Once we got to Japan, it was 3:30pm on Saturday. We waited around until 7:30pm for the DoD bus to Naval Station Yokosuka, and arrived sometime around 9:30pm. I bid Burgos fairwell (he's doing shore duty at the hospital), and was escorted around base and finally to my new home, "the barge". Before I can join the crew of the ship, I have to complete 3 weeks of indoc training. This ensures I'm ready to handle life in Japan and aboard the ship (don't forget, if every marine is a rifleman, every sailor is a firefighter).
The barge is just that. A glorified tug boat next to the aircraft carrier. The carrier, btw, is an awesome sight to behold, and I never get tired of gazing upon it in awe. I can not WAIT to get aboard that baby! And probably get lost a million times. Anyway, when I arrived on the barge 10pm saturday night, I was pretty exhausted, and was told to find a rack and settle in. The racks are just barely big enough to lie down in, and I think boot camp had better accomadations! Well, it's not the greatest, but you get used to it after a while. And I suppose it does prepare you for the cramped life on board a sea going vessel. Humble roots indeed.
The base itself has a lot to offer. The galley is AMAZING, especially compared with that of Corps School. There's all kinds of american fast food joints to eat at too, a huge NEX, multiple gyms, and the single sailor center which is probably going to be my home away from ship most of the time. It's got free computer access, free phones to call back to the states, free movies all the time, and a dozen other ways to stay entertained. It's where I'm updating from right now.
Yesterday was my first time off base as well. The staff gave us a tour of "The Honch", the town in Yokosuka surrounding base. There's plenty of food/drink and entertainment options here, probably a good place to visit before I get my blue card. The blue card, which I get after 40 some trouble free days, allows me to stay out at night, instead of reporting back by 2130, which the policy is now. Yeah it sucks being restricted like I'm starting Corps School all over again, but they've had a few problems with sailors in the past creating international incidents (literally), so we have to live with the new stricter policies. It's sad that a few bad seeds can ruin it for the rest of us, but that's how it is. Anyway, all signs point toward me loving my time here in Japan. And I better, considering I'll be here for 3 years! It's exciting to think how much I'll have changed and developed by the time I leave here. I'll most likely be a 2nd class, with my Surface and Air warfare quals. Not to mention all the deployments!
Things are slow right now, still a lot of settling in and training to do, but I can't wait until I'm finally working on board the ship and fully experiencing all the amazing culture that Japan has to offer. Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Yokohama, all the cuisine, Sumo wrestling, Karate, Kendo, learning the language, soccer and baseball games, castle tours, festivals, deployments around Asia and beyond, etc etc etc! So much is going to happen in the next 3 years. I just have to stay motivated and make the most of my time here. Let's get started!
So as expected, out of the blue one day back at Corps school they told us all we were finally allowed to depart for our first duty stations. We scrambled to pack our gear in a flurry of excitement, and I was on the way to the airport with Bierer and Lopez by early afternoon. Our goodbyes at the airport were cut short, but I wish those two guys and the rest of dental strand 220-2 the best of luck. I already miss clowning around with Bierer and Lopez, and I hope they are settling in well to their new commands at the USS Pearl Harbor and USS Stennis, respectively. I spent last Thursday night at the USO in O'hare airport, taking advantage of their awesome hospitality, and sleeping on the floor until my flight the next day at 11:15am. Seriously, the USO is an amazing organization, and helps out us service members tremendously. Give to the USO! Ok, plug over. Burgos and I boarded our 13+ hour flight for Tokyo's Narita Aiport and were on our way. I slept almost the entire trip, except for when I was watching Due Date and Waiting for Superman. Once we got to Japan, it was 3:30pm on Saturday. We waited around until 7:30pm for the DoD bus to Naval Station Yokosuka, and arrived sometime around 9:30pm. I bid Burgos fairwell (he's doing shore duty at the hospital), and was escorted around base and finally to my new home, "the barge". Before I can join the crew of the ship, I have to complete 3 weeks of indoc training. This ensures I'm ready to handle life in Japan and aboard the ship (don't forget, if every marine is a rifleman, every sailor is a firefighter).
The barge is just that. A glorified tug boat next to the aircraft carrier. The carrier, btw, is an awesome sight to behold, and I never get tired of gazing upon it in awe. I can not WAIT to get aboard that baby! And probably get lost a million times. Anyway, when I arrived on the barge 10pm saturday night, I was pretty exhausted, and was told to find a rack and settle in. The racks are just barely big enough to lie down in, and I think boot camp had better accomadations! Well, it's not the greatest, but you get used to it after a while. And I suppose it does prepare you for the cramped life on board a sea going vessel. Humble roots indeed.
The base itself has a lot to offer. The galley is AMAZING, especially compared with that of Corps School. There's all kinds of american fast food joints to eat at too, a huge NEX, multiple gyms, and the single sailor center which is probably going to be my home away from ship most of the time. It's got free computer access, free phones to call back to the states, free movies all the time, and a dozen other ways to stay entertained. It's where I'm updating from right now.
Yesterday was my first time off base as well. The staff gave us a tour of "The Honch", the town in Yokosuka surrounding base. There's plenty of food/drink and entertainment options here, probably a good place to visit before I get my blue card. The blue card, which I get after 40 some trouble free days, allows me to stay out at night, instead of reporting back by 2130, which the policy is now. Yeah it sucks being restricted like I'm starting Corps School all over again, but they've had a few problems with sailors in the past creating international incidents (literally), so we have to live with the new stricter policies. It's sad that a few bad seeds can ruin it for the rest of us, but that's how it is. Anyway, all signs point toward me loving my time here in Japan. And I better, considering I'll be here for 3 years! It's exciting to think how much I'll have changed and developed by the time I leave here. I'll most likely be a 2nd class, with my Surface and Air warfare quals. Not to mention all the deployments!
Things are slow right now, still a lot of settling in and training to do, but I can't wait until I'm finally working on board the ship and fully experiencing all the amazing culture that Japan has to offer. Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Yokohama, all the cuisine, Sumo wrestling, Karate, Kendo, learning the language, soccer and baseball games, castle tours, festivals, deployments around Asia and beyond, etc etc etc! So much is going to happen in the next 3 years. I just have to stay motivated and make the most of my time here. Let's get started!
1.2.11
snowed in
Was supposed to leave today for the airport. Fly to Japan tomorrow. Now, due to what could become the worst blizzard in Chicago history, I'm stuck on base for the foreseeable future. I was finally ready to leave, and now more frozen waiting. It could be worse, they could have had me stay at the airport and wait forever for a flight to become available. In any case, it seems as the long goodbyes will have to really wait another week.
22.1.11
20.1.11
back by popular demand (or just joe)
Been meaning to update for a while. Finally getting around to it, thanks to JPFS.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
2.1.11
back to it
Officially settling back in to the barracks in Great Lakes. Shore leave was nothing short of an amazing time, thanks to all my friends and family for making it so great. Yes, leaving today was pretty painful, especially knowing that it'll be twice as long before I have a chance to return. But after seeing my shipmates again and mentally refocusing on the task at hand, I'm ready to do this. Only one test left in Corps school, a brief stint in dental clinicals, and then it's graduation on the 25th, with an expected Japanese sojourn by the end of January. I had 2 weeks to do 2 months worth of catching up in, but I feel I made the most of it. Things will surely be different when I return home next, but it is what it is. I wish I could take all of my friends and family with me, but that's not how the Navy works. Instead it's almost time for me to finally make a name for myself, serve my country overseas, and start living the dream. I'm going to miss my friends and family more than they or I could possibly realize, but I also look forward to the hard work worth doing ahead.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
27.12.10
home for the holidays
So it's been a while since my last post. A lot has happened since then, so lets get the official record up to speed.
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
9.12.10
the best is yet to come
So while I'm exhausted and excited and still in disbelief, and despite having told most of my friends and family asap, here's the official update.
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
2.12.10
220-2
Clinicals secured! Dental begun! Class 220 graduating! It's a turbulent and freezing time in Great Lakes.
First off, we finished Clinicals. The last week was slightly discombobulated. I spent Monday in 200H taking a SOAP notes class (don't ask), Tuesday in 200H in the dental department, and Wednesday somehow back at the VA on the gen med floor. Working in dental was actually pretty awesome. I got to observe up close some routine but fascinating dental procedures, and learned how to file medical records (not glamorous but SO very important to know).
While the rest of 220 spent today in the outbrief and picking up plane tickets home, the HMDA's finally split off to form 220-2, dental strand! And we're all going to be in amazing shape, because dental classes are on the 12th floor of 200H. We spent the morning being briefed by two Chiefs, both giving us great advice and FINALLY shedding some light on this mystery that is dental training. I'm feeling a lot better about getting the dental training, as it sounds really interesting, and will only enhance our repertoire in the field (and help us get promoted faster!). As for orders, our friendly lady in charge of contacting the detailer said we will have them before the holiday exodus, and that we COULD even have them as soon as tomorrow. I'm doubtful, so expect something more in lines with next week. Wednesday or Thursday is my guess. Test 1 is already on Wednesday, and Test 2 is the day before we leave on exodus, so it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before shore leave. Graduation is set for the 25th of January, after which I will go straight to my first duty station, or be put on hold like a few shipmates from 220.
Speaking of 220, bravo zulu shipmates for making it to the very end of Corps School, and good luck to all at your first duty station! I'm going to definitely miss some of you, but its a small navy, so I hope to see you out in the fleet one day.
First off, we finished Clinicals. The last week was slightly discombobulated. I spent Monday in 200H taking a SOAP notes class (don't ask), Tuesday in 200H in the dental department, and Wednesday somehow back at the VA on the gen med floor. Working in dental was actually pretty awesome. I got to observe up close some routine but fascinating dental procedures, and learned how to file medical records (not glamorous but SO very important to know).
While the rest of 220 spent today in the outbrief and picking up plane tickets home, the HMDA's finally split off to form 220-2, dental strand! And we're all going to be in amazing shape, because dental classes are on the 12th floor of 200H. We spent the morning being briefed by two Chiefs, both giving us great advice and FINALLY shedding some light on this mystery that is dental training. I'm feeling a lot better about getting the dental training, as it sounds really interesting, and will only enhance our repertoire in the field (and help us get promoted faster!). As for orders, our friendly lady in charge of contacting the detailer said we will have them before the holiday exodus, and that we COULD even have them as soon as tomorrow. I'm doubtful, so expect something more in lines with next week. Wednesday or Thursday is my guess. Test 1 is already on Wednesday, and Test 2 is the day before we leave on exodus, so it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before shore leave. Graduation is set for the 25th of January, after which I will go straight to my first duty station, or be put on hold like a few shipmates from 220.
Speaking of 220, bravo zulu shipmates for making it to the very end of Corps School, and good luck to all at your first duty station! I'm going to definitely miss some of you, but its a small navy, so I hope to see you out in the fleet one day.
29.11.10
thanksgiving/last week of clinicals
Entering the last week of clinicals after a great 4 day Thanksgiving weekend. Sad I couldn't be home, but glad I had my navy family to spend it with. We spent Thanksgiving day at the "world famous" Brat Stop (www.bratstop.com), enjoying good food, great beer and of course football. Carbone's dad even won 2 lobsters from a crane drop game where you actually catch the lobsters. Yeah, it was kind of awesome. The rest of the weekend was spent eating and drinking around Chicago, including picking up the new TR book (yessss!). Only through the prologue, which details Roosevelt's African Safari, but so far its amazing. Today we were re-assigned clinical destinations, so I've said goodbye to the VA and hello to 200H. It's really more a class than clinicals though. Oh well, it should only be until Thursday, which is when we are supposed to class up for dental. "Supposed to".
Special thanks to Mama Dehn and Christine Perez for sending me super sweet delicacies! The south east wing of 129 is about to plump up for winter. Speaking of which, I could really use some PT after that long weekend... hopefully my next update will be in the dental phase!
Special thanks to Mama Dehn and Christine Perez for sending me super sweet delicacies! The south east wing of 129 is about to plump up for winter. Speaking of which, I could really use some PT after that long weekend... hopefully my next update will be in the dental phase!
21.11.10
clinicals
So we're into clinicals now. I'm assigned to the VA, or rather the hospital complex formerly known as the VA. It's now the Lovell Federal Health Care Center, named after the famed Apollo 13 astronaut (and Navy captain!). He was actually in town to dedicate it a month or so ago, but sadly I could not catch a glimpse of the legend as I was in class. Anyway, right now I'm working on the general med ward, which isn't so bad. The Nurses are great and keep us busy, and they call us Corpsman which is awesome. Most of our work is pretty routine, such as linen changing, patient transport, hygiene etc., but sometimes we get to do cool things like draw blood samples. We muster at 0545 and don't get back to the barracks until around 1630, so the days are long, but it's good to finally be doing some hands on health care. It's going to be a short week of clinicals due to Thanksgiving break, and then next week we should only have 3 days at the most before graduation/dental begins.
Despite the Terps football heartbreak on Saturday night, I still would have given anything to be back at the game with my friends. It sounds like they had a good time though, which is great. Still not sure what I'll be doing for Thanksgiving or the rest of break, but rest assured it will include watching an entire game of football (which I haven't done since before joining) and purchasing Colonel Roosevelt, the final book in the TR trilogy. Talks of Milwaukee are also abound, so we'll see.
Looking forward to more time in the hospital and the upcoming break. And of course still missing everyone terribly! December 17th is less than a month away
Despite the Terps football heartbreak on Saturday night, I still would have given anything to be back at the game with my friends. It sounds like they had a good time though, which is great. Still not sure what I'll be doing for Thanksgiving or the rest of break, but rest assured it will include watching an entire game of football (which I haven't done since before joining) and purchasing Colonel Roosevelt, the final book in the TR trilogy. Talks of Milwaukee are also abound, so we'll see.
Looking forward to more time in the hospital and the upcoming break. And of course still missing everyone terribly! December 17th is less than a month away
17.11.10
Life rolls on
HM exams over. Finished with a 97.67% average from 12 tests. First place in my class, which is all good and dandy but really doesn't matter at all in the long run. Proud of all my other shipmates who finished with good GPAs. Tomorrow we finally start Clinicals, with dental to start at a still unknown time, possibly the 2nd of December. Don't expect any juicy updates from clinicals! It's called HIPAA and its kind of a big deal! Don't want to lose/never receive my caduceus. Shaved the stache today. It was fun growing one, and it might come in handy if I stick around long enough to make Chief, but its back to smooth lip sailor business.
14.11.10
wrigleyville weekend
Great weekend. Friday night most of our class ended up in Highwood, indulging in some Goose Island ales and karaoke at our favorite Irish pub. Saturday I finally visited the famed Wrigleyville with some shipmates. We had sushi and then saw Brian Posehn do standup comedy at the Cubby Bear, directly across from Wrigley Field. Hilarious show, I was literally laughing the entire time. After the show I got to meet him, and he told me that he likes Dream Theater, so all is well in my world. Today was a typical Sunday, filled with laundry, some studying, and "The Town" at Ross Theather. Great movie. Tomorrow is our LAST full day of class, and then its Test 12 on Tuesday and straight in to clinicals after that. Dental should be doing our clinicals with the rest of the class, but we'll see if they drop any last minute changes on us. I'm also planning on bringing some pizza to my last night of night study tomorrow, to celebrate all the good times we've had (pff). Our duties as EPO's don't end there though, as we are expected to come help the other classes on their night studies. If I can even remember what was on test 2!
So lets finish this exam and be that much closer to graduation!
So lets finish this exam and be that much closer to graduation!
9.11.10
good start to the week
Parenteral medication lab on monday, aka sticking people with needles! It was short but surprisingly satisfying. We got to inject normal saline into the deltoid (intra muscular) and the posterior upper arm (subcutaneous). I can't wait to do more of the hands on work once I finish Corps school. Speaking of finishing Corps school, today we secured Test 11, which means only one more test to go before HM clinicals (not thinking about dental training right now). Test 11 is feared throughout the school as the corpsman killer because so many people fail. The class before us had 13 or so failures, but our class rocked the hell out of it! I got my 4th 100% of school, and we had almost a 90% average as a class. Overrated test to say the least.
Good lab, perfect test, Cowboys at 1-7. Good start to the week! This Thursday we have off because of Veterans Day, which means we only have Wednesday, Friday and Monday to learn Test 12 material before we test on the 16th. So close to the end.. of the beginning. Anyway, I'm excited and pumped to be almost finish testing and start HM clinicals, hopefully I'll get assigned to Red Rover back at RTC and get to stick recruits all day. Obviously still no word on orders yet, that won't come until dental.
Good lab, perfect test, Cowboys at 1-7. Good start to the week! This Thursday we have off because of Veterans Day, which means we only have Wednesday, Friday and Monday to learn Test 12 material before we test on the 16th. So close to the end.. of the beginning. Anyway, I'm excited and pumped to be almost finish testing and start HM clinicals, hopefully I'll get assigned to Red Rover back at RTC and get to stick recruits all day. Obviously still no word on orders yet, that won't come until dental.
4.11.10
busy november ahead
Haven't updated in a while. Internet card decided to fail (are you kidding me Clear??), and I've also been busy as all hell as usual. Test 11 on Tuesday, going into it with a 98.3% average. It's supposed to be the hardest test in Corps school, but my entire class has duty weekend so I'll have no one to go out partying with, and thus hopefully more productive study time. We'll see about that! Didn't have much time to worry about the midterms, kind of pissed I didn't get my shit together and absentee ballot, but all Maryland decisions went the way I'd have voted anyway. Don't want to get political, all I hope is that Congress can get their act together and do SOMETHING productive for the country.
This time next month my class will have already have graduated and I'll be starting my dental phase. Looking forward to Thanksgiving break for some R and R, and even more looking forward to the holiday exodus! Thanksgiving I plan on frequenting the local watering holes and picking up the new Theodore Roosevelt book, which I will devour in my limited free time. Also in November I hope to attend an ITT sponsored trip to volunteer at a local animal shelter, and participate in Project White Hat at the downtown Children's Hospital. From what i hear, we all dress up in our blues and spend the day playing and chilling with the kids in need of some good company. I also started donating part of every paycheck to the United States Soccer Foundation, which ensures underserved communities have easy and affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development. I love that the Navy gives us the easy opportunity to give back to the community and country.
That's all for now!
This time next month my class will have already have graduated and I'll be starting my dental phase. Looking forward to Thanksgiving break for some R and R, and even more looking forward to the holiday exodus! Thanksgiving I plan on frequenting the local watering holes and picking up the new Theodore Roosevelt book, which I will devour in my limited free time. Also in November I hope to attend an ITT sponsored trip to volunteer at a local animal shelter, and participate in Project White Hat at the downtown Children's Hospital. From what i hear, we all dress up in our blues and spend the day playing and chilling with the kids in need of some good company. I also started donating part of every paycheck to the United States Soccer Foundation, which ensures underserved communities have easy and affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development. I love that the Navy gives us the easy opportunity to give back to the community and country.
That's all for now!
21.10.10
quick update
Corps school has been super busy, so there isn't a whole lot to report on. 99% on Test 7, 97% today on Test 8. Starting to feel a little burned out, more fatigued, but I'm sure the upcoming weekend will help a lot there. Our schedule between now and the end of didactic is going to be more non-stop studying and testing, but that also means we'll be done exams before Thanksgiving. Then it's on to clinicals, and dental, and dental exams and clinicals...
And with that, I think I'll get to bed early!
And with that, I think I'll get to bed early!
13.10.10
orders...
but not for me! So today my class picked orders. That is, those of us not HMDA. It was exciting to see where a lot of my fellow shipmates are going, but also disappointing that I have to wait another 2 months to find out for myself. I have shipmates going to the Japanese mainland, Okinawa, North Carolina, Florida, Bethesda, Hawaii, California, and a few lucky individuals going FMF. No ship billets, as expected. Good luck to everyone once they get to their new duty station, but we still have a lot of Corps School left to get through!
In other news, I had a great weekend. Started off with 100% on test 6 on Friday (98.7% average, #1), and then I immediately fled to downtown Chicago to meet up with my family who flew in for the weekend. Friday night we had dinner at a great Italian restaurant, followed up by The Second City comedy show at 11pm. Hilarious as expected, with some great topical jabs at the "tea party". Saturday we walked up Michigan Ave, taking in the sights and visiting the Nike Store to stock up on US Soccer jerseys. That evening was USA vs. Poland at Soldier Field. Very entertaining game, we should have won but a 2-2 draw in a friendly isn't so bad. Both teams played to win, which I liked, and the crowd was about 75% polish fans (chicago!). After the game we walked around Navy Pier for a bit before taking in some drinks and eats at this awesome Irish Pub, which I'm going to have to visit again. Sunday was back to base, where the rest of my shipmates were stuck during duty weekend.
Test 7 is this Friday, and since we had Monday off due to the holiday, we've been cramming new material like crazy. Probably going back downtown this weekend, and maybe to a Chicago Fire/DC United game?? We'll see!
In other news, I had a great weekend. Started off with 100% on test 6 on Friday (98.7% average, #1), and then I immediately fled to downtown Chicago to meet up with my family who flew in for the weekend. Friday night we had dinner at a great Italian restaurant, followed up by The Second City comedy show at 11pm. Hilarious as expected, with some great topical jabs at the "tea party". Saturday we walked up Michigan Ave, taking in the sights and visiting the Nike Store to stock up on US Soccer jerseys. That evening was USA vs. Poland at Soldier Field. Very entertaining game, we should have won but a 2-2 draw in a friendly isn't so bad. Both teams played to win, which I liked, and the crowd was about 75% polish fans (chicago!). After the game we walked around Navy Pier for a bit before taking in some drinks and eats at this awesome Irish Pub, which I'm going to have to visit again. Sunday was back to base, where the rest of my shipmates were stuck during duty weekend.
Test 7 is this Friday, and since we had Monday off due to the holiday, we've been cramming new material like crazy. Probably going back downtown this weekend, and maybe to a Chicago Fire/DC United game?? We'll see!
29.9.10
IV lab, true courage
Today we had our IV lab, and I must admit I really enjoyed it! I had no trouble hitting the vein or inserting the catheter with hardly any blood spill. A lot of the students were freaking out about sticking each other, and yes we practiced on each other, but it's really not that big a deal. Like so many things in life, confidence in your task will see you through! Studying all the material is great, but when we finally get to put it into practice and gain these valuable skills that could potentially save someone's life one day, THAT'S what I'm here for. Ok, IV's can be very routine and mundane in a hospital setting, but in the field they can be the difference between life and death. We also learned and practiced immobilizing head and spine injuries today, and got to hit up the gym during class hours, so really it was a great day. Later this week is musculo-skeletal injuries, including a splinting/immobilization lab, and then Test 5 on Monday. My average after 4 tests is 98.25%, which I'm obviously very happy with. Our class picks orders in 2 weeks, which of course I will NOT be doing because I'm dental. It should be interesting to see where most of our class ends up assigned to in the fleet. Hopefully good things come to those who wait, and my orders in (hopefully) December are awesome. And HOPEFULLY they announce the holiday exodus schedule soon so I can buy a plane ticket and figure out when I'm going home to Maryland!
On a serious note, I'd like to express the admiration I have for some of my fellow shipmates whom I now call friends. The Corps School curriculum is very demanding, and requires a lot out of us both mentally and physically. I can often devote my full attention to studies and life here in Great Lakes, but for some of those around me they are balancing this life with the one back home. Absent wife and kids, financial concerns, and personal tragedy are just a few of the major burdens that my friends here have to deal with while they work full time on becoming a Corpsman. Despite this, they still manage to carry on and move closer to entering the ranks of the most decorated rate in all of the armed services. I can not imagine the hardships they must endure, but I'm proud to serve along side of them, and I admire the courage they display every day just by being here and accomplishing the mission at hand.
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
-C.S. Lewis
On a serious note, I'd like to express the admiration I have for some of my fellow shipmates whom I now call friends. The Corps School curriculum is very demanding, and requires a lot out of us both mentally and physically. I can often devote my full attention to studies and life here in Great Lakes, but for some of those around me they are balancing this life with the one back home. Absent wife and kids, financial concerns, and personal tragedy are just a few of the major burdens that my friends here have to deal with while they work full time on becoming a Corpsman. Despite this, they still manage to carry on and move closer to entering the ranks of the most decorated rate in all of the armed services. I can not imagine the hardships they must endure, but I'm proud to serve along side of them, and I admire the courage they display every day just by being here and accomplishing the mission at hand.
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
-C.S. Lewis
22.9.10
A day in the life of a Corps student...
Killing some time before Taps, so i figured I'd give all of those who follow this blog (and thus my life) a glimpse into what it's like to be a Hospital Corps student. Assuming anyone does actually read this! So I hope you understand military time, because that's actually how I think now.
0520: Wake up
0520-0600: Shave, dress, clean room so it's inspection ready
0610-0700: Chow
0700: Muster in the classroom
0700-1030: Classroom didactic instruction (or the occasional lab)
1030-1200: Chow
1200-1530: Classroom didactic instruction (or the occasional PT session from HM1)
1600: Liberty call Liberty call! Free time begins, civilian clothing authorized
1600-1730: Run errands at the big Nex across base, PT, Study, or relax
1730-1900: Chow
1900-2100: Night Study. As EPO I have to help conduct this every other night
2100-2130: Hygiene
2200: Taps Taps, lights out
That's basically how most of the days during the week run. Now that we've got our phase 2, weekends involve a lot of eating, sleeping, and finding fun off base. This weekend will also involve a lot of studying, as Test 4 is on Monday. So there you have it. Today we spent the last half of class PTing and practicing our firefighter carry on the beach. For something we might be practicing in combat one day, it was way too much fun. I'm thinking about practicing it on my fellow shipmates in the barracks, although then we might end up practicing our first aid skills too.
0520: Wake up
0520-0600: Shave, dress, clean room so it's inspection ready
0610-0700: Chow
0700: Muster in the classroom
0700-1030: Classroom didactic instruction (or the occasional lab)
1030-1200: Chow
1200-1530: Classroom didactic instruction (or the occasional PT session from HM1)
1600: Liberty call Liberty call! Free time begins, civilian clothing authorized
1600-1730: Run errands at the big Nex across base, PT, Study, or relax
1730-1900: Chow
1900-2100: Night Study. As EPO I have to help conduct this every other night
2100-2130: Hygiene
2200: Taps Taps, lights out
That's basically how most of the days during the week run. Now that we've got our phase 2, weekends involve a lot of eating, sleeping, and finding fun off base. This weekend will also involve a lot of studying, as Test 4 is on Monday. So there you have it. Today we spent the last half of class PTing and practicing our firefighter carry on the beach. For something we might be practicing in combat one day, it was way too much fun. I'm thinking about practicing it on my fellow shipmates in the barracks, although then we might end up practicing our first aid skills too.
18.9.10
phase 2
Secured test 3 yesterday, which means we also got our phase 2 liberty cards. Phase 2 = no weekend curfew, and CIVILIAN clothes! Yes, we do look sharp in our NSUs, but it felt pretty good to put on a pair of jeans and walk around in a Who t-shirt. I got a 97% on test 3, missed 2 questions, even though at least 1 was a computer error that effected the whole class. Second test in a row this has happened. Is it crappy? yes. Do I really care about not having perfect scores anymore? no. Doesn't change the fact that I'm still going to do the best I can on every test and lab, and get those top of the class orders! It's good to not be type A :-)
Our focus is not shifting from the anatomy and physiology to the EMT related material, which is good because this is the section I don't know a lot about and am most eager to learn. I'll probably hit up the "Brady" book we got while I'm doing laundry, see what kind of good stuff we're getting in to.
HM1 (our active duty instructor) has been on leave all week, so we haven't PTd as a class in almost 2 weeks. I really enjoyed the beach workout he put us through, so unlike most of the class I can't wait for him to get back on Monday and start whipping us back into shape. Yeah, I've been PTing on my own, but not nearly as much as I'd like due to studying and EPO duties. Having an FMF instructor means you get the good PT workouts during class hours. Last time he worked us out, I had trouble walking down stairs for a week. Love it.
Our focus is not shifting from the anatomy and physiology to the EMT related material, which is good because this is the section I don't know a lot about and am most eager to learn. I'll probably hit up the "Brady" book we got while I'm doing laundry, see what kind of good stuff we're getting in to.
HM1 (our active duty instructor) has been on leave all week, so we haven't PTd as a class in almost 2 weeks. I really enjoyed the beach workout he put us through, so unlike most of the class I can't wait for him to get back on Monday and start whipping us back into shape. Yeah, I've been PTing on my own, but not nearly as much as I'd like due to studying and EPO duties. Having an FMF instructor means you get the good PT workouts during class hours. Last time he worked us out, I had trouble walking down stairs for a week. Love it.
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