First Letter in my army life when I arrived at Fort Irwin, California. I was in a unit Called Operations Group. My new home was called NTC or National Training Center.

 

7 Feb 2004

 

Captain,

            I was disappointed that you and Gloria weren’t at my graduation. I guess because it would remind me of who I used to be. I’ve changed since I’ve been in the Army, and I am not quite sure that I like the change.

            Before graduation the entire unit marched to the meeting hall. I saw parents and love once pointing out their soldier in formation. I was looking around to find you and Gloria. I didn’t see you, but I did see my parents.

            During graduation the soldiers all set in the respected platoons. Awards were handed out. I received none.

            After graduation I hung out with my parents. They were proud, but for some reason I didn’t want to stick around. I got the impression that no one that I met cared about me.

            I was in my parent’s car, when I decided to go back. Afterall, when you are thrown into a situation and you suffer with others you tend to meet people you will never forget. I just wanted to say goodbye. I figured I will never see them again.

            I went back no said much to me but I did introduce some of my roommates to my parents. My roommates were all in the national guard so they were able to go home after graduation. I had to get on a plane to California.

            My mom met my battle buddy’s mom. My mom wanted to exchange contact information but my battle buddy Von had something to say about it. He demanded that they didn’t so I figure I will never see him again. He lives in Tennessee.

            My parents brought my CD’s and some books. I missed music especially jazz.

            Finally my parents did drive me to the airport. There were hugs and kisses all around and then I left feeling alone.

            You and I use to discuss this that we would just fade away from each others lives. I guess that is what is happening.

            After the plane ride to California, myself and about four other soldiers from Fort Knox rode on a bus to Fort Irwin. On the way in there were crosses along side of the road. They were soldiers that died their from drinking and driving or so we were told.

            Fort Irwin is nothing but a desert. Instead of grass there are gravel beds. I already miss the buildings in Richmond. Luckily there is a bar about a block away from the new barracks. My self and another new soldier went for a couple drinks.

            The place was mostly dead except for us and a table of good looking girls. The soldier I was with debated rather he should take off his wedding ring. I told him that he shouldn’t so he didn’t.

            We later met a soldier who was in our unit. He told us that our job was to be , in his words, “glorified taxi drivers.” We were told by a drill sergeant back in basic training that we would be in OPFR which was a training unit. We would train units going to Iraq and it would be like playing lazer tag. We all thought it sounded cool but this was not the case. I don’t mind so much because I enjoy driving.

            As far as Fort Irwin goes, it is dead. Nothing on top of nothing. I can’t help but feel like I have experience a buzz kill or even a let down. I was trained to go to war and there is none here to fight just the boredom. I have about two years of this nothing.

 

Would love to hear from you.

 

, Jason