Generic Air Force Basic Training Update

The Sandboxx app sent an update about what Noah did last week (Zero Week) and will do next week (week one.)  It is rather long, but some of you may be interested.

Welcome to the Sandboxx family and your first weekly update. My name is Chris McCool. I served 28 years on active duty in the United States Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. I spent the first four years of my career as an aircraft Communication and Navigation systems technician, followed by a four-year tour as a Basic Military Training Instructor (MTI), then served the remaining 20 years of my career in Air Force Recruiting. I am married to an active duty Chief Master Sergeant, and all four of our boys joined the Air Force. Therefore, we ARE an Air Force family. Over the next eight weeks, I’ll provide weekly updates on your trainee’s basic training schedule. The road to graduation is long and hard, but if successful, your trainee will have the honor of becoming an Airman or Guardian in the world’s most advanced and powerful Air and Space Forces.

Let me first say “thank you” for supporting your Airman or Guardian in their decision to serve something greater than themselves. Also, let me be the first to welcome you to the Air Force or Space Force family. Watching those we care about and love head off to serve in the military is difficult. There are so many unknowns. Sandboxx is here to help make that journey more manageable and support you where we can. I get it because I am a father of four boys who joined the military.

Here’s a video produced by the Air Force with testimonies from parents and influencers like yourself. I hope it encourages you that the decision was good and that we will make it through this journey together as Sandboxx and Air Force or Space Force family.

I asked all of our boys to describe Zero Week, and their responses included, “stressful, chaotic, all over the place, and getting ‘military’ shoved down your throat.” They also said the only time they had to think was when they were at chow (eating) and lying in bed at night. However, they all expressed how quickly they adapted to the environment and stated, “it gets easier.”  

This first update will include “intel” for Zero Week and Week One of training. Basic Military Training (BMT) is 7.5 weeks. “Zero” Week is the “.5,” then there will be seven full weeks of training until graduation in the seventh week. So, this update will be a little longer than the rest. Please read through to the end.

Zero Week

Zero Week is about indoctrinating trainees into the Air and Space Forces' way of life. Immediately after stepping off the bus on Lackland, your trainee was met by Military Training Instructors (MTI), who greeted them with professionalism but quickly introduced them to a sense of urgency, discipline and accountability.

Learning begins immediately. Your trainee was taught to “fall in” to a formation and stand at the position of attention. While at the position of attention, trainees must stand still and remain silent, with their heads and eyes straight forward. This is the beginning of transforming a group of individuals from all parts of the world into a high-performing team that must operate as a cohesive unit. It is the trainees' first opportunity to demonstrate pride in what they do. It also allows the MTIs to maintain order and establish authority over the unit. Once control is established, the MTIs can begin giving instructions without the chaos of 50-60 individuals moving around and talking. They were also taught their reporting statement. “Sir/Ma’am, Trainee LAST NAME, reports as ordered.” This is the first thing a trainee will say when spoken to by anyone in a position of authority or when the trainee would like to speak.

During Zero Week, your trainee received several briefings outlining the rules and expectations required of them throughout their military journey. The Uniform Code of Military Justice is a set of rules that governs the profession of arms. Airmen and Guardians are held to a higher standard than that of the environment they may have grown up in. They quickly learn a standard of conduct that shapes our Air and Space Forces into the most powerful military organizations the world has ever known.

Your trainee received their initial uniform issue, which included their Physical Training Uniform (PTU) and the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). Males received their first haircut, also known as the “buzz” cut. Females learned how to fix their hair to comply with standards. Females WERE NOT required to cut their hair. Additionally, the trainees went to finance to establish their military pay record and direct deposit, where their paycheck is directly deposited in a bank account they set up before leaving for BMT. They will be paid on the 1st and 15th of every month. Initially, their pay may be delayed due to the time it takes for the “system” to catch up, but all the money they are due will be paid before graduation.

Your trainee’s first PT (Physical Training) assessment was also administered during Zero Week. This assessment establishes their level of conditioning and allows the MTIs to tailor the conditioning exercises to each individual so they can be brought up to the graduation standard safely and effectively.

Our Air and Space Force genuinely cares about our trainees, and every opportunity is taken to ensure the trainees are safe and learning resilience. Trainees attended Health, Morale, and Welfare briefings, received a Chapel Orientation, and had the chance to participate in a church service of their choice on Saturday or Sunday. Most trainees will attend a service because it allows them to leave the training environment and socialize with other trainees. It serves as a “safe space” for them. It’s their only real chance to leave the training environment and “relax.”

Zero Week will be stressful for both you and your trainee. Your trainee will get one phone call to one person to let them know they’ve arrived and to share their mailing address. Please update their address in the Sandboxx app or contact Sandboxx Customer Happiness for assistance so everyone in their support network can start writing them letters.

The formatted address will be:

AB Last Name, First Name, MI

XXX TRS / FLT XXX

1320 Truemper St.

JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236-6407.

“TRS” is an abbreviation for Training Squadron, and “FLT” is an abbreviation for Flight. The “XXX” will be replaced with the numbers your trainee provided. So those two numbers are the most important to listen for and to get correct if you receive the call.

Week One

Some of the most basic requirements for this week will be establishing their military personnel record and their medical and dental records. A physical exam, immunizations, and a dental exam will also be completed to establish their military medical record.

This week, trainees learn how the Air Force Core Values apply to everyday life. The core values are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. “What Now Airman” are lessons on integrity. Trainees are presented with scenarios where individuals may have violated standards. Then, the trainees discuss the appropriate action based on our Core Values, the Profession of Arms, and the Standards of Conduct expected of all Airmen and Guardians.

Your trainee will be issued the M-16A2 training rifle they will keep for the remainder of BMT. This weapon does NOT have a firing mechanism to shoot live rounds. Your trainee will receive their first weapons instruction, where they’ll learn to identify the different parts, disassembly and reassembly of the weapon, and weapons cleaning and inspection procedures.

Trainees will spend time in classroom settings learning about the many benefits afforded to them while serving. They’ll understand the differences between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill and be able to decide which one works best for them based on their career path.

When they aren’t in a classroom, they’ll spend a lot of time on the drill pad, learning drills individually and as a team. Drill is the most basic application of discipline. An MTI gives a command, and the trainees respond with precision and urgency. You’ll see what they’ve learned during the graduation activities in Week 7.

While your trainee will be very busy from before sunrise to after sunset, rest assured they are getting plenty of physical fitness, meals, and even sleep! The physical transformation some of the trainees make in 7.5 weeks is remarkable. You may not recognize your trainee when you see them for the first time. By now, they will have had time to get to know their fellow trainees in the flight and are probably even starting to make friends, but a little encouragement from home and their support network goes a long way. When you write your trainee, it is recommended that you keep your “tone” positive and encouraging. They need all the motivation they can get from their support network.

The Twos Aren't So Terrible

I generally don't like t-shirts.  T-shirts with writing are even worse.  However, I couldn't help picking this one up for a dollar at the mom2mom sale 

 last weekend. It fits him perfectly.

"The twos aren't terrible, I'm having a blast!"

As he insists on sitting on the island to eat lunch. 

Drags me where he wants me when I try to tell him one minute. 

Eats his 8th muffin.

Writes on his facae and then tries to tell me no he didn't. 

Disappears and when I find him, he's leaving the garage with a CapriSun informing me, "Mom, c'mon. Let's go drink this little juice in the backyard. "

Insists on wear this shirt, with those pants, then totally loses it when I try to take the shirt off to put a long sleeved one on before bed. Only to wake up in the morning and refuse to leave his room until this 3rd unmatching thing (long-sleeved) is added to his outfit and buttoned properly. 

And then, there's these sweet moments where he just wants to take a picture with his "Llama Llama red pajama."

We take it all in stride around here,  we know the threes are way worse than the twos- and the teenage years will beat them both! Gotta keep it in perspective!

The Integumentary System

I'm hanging out with Micah at the Dermatologist to have a bump on his head looked at.

He makes a comment about how everything in the office has to do with skin. 

I reply, "well....it is a dermatology office."

To which he replies, " Yeah, but do they only deal with skin, or do they deal with the whole integumentary system?"

I had to admit, I wasn't able to answer that question unless he could tell me what the integumentary system consisted of.  

He could. And we determined that they DO deal with the whole system. 

And now I've proven that his schoolwork IS useful in the real world. 

Noah's Address

Noah called last night while I was driving to Adoration. I was glad I was running behind and wasn't to church yet!

It was a completely scripted call in which he stated,  "I have arrived safely.  I am under the excellent care of MSgt (somebody I didn't catch)  and TSgt Lindsey. My mailing address is

AB WILHELM,  NOAH M

323 TRS/FLIGHT 407

1520 TRUEMPER STREET UNIT 369563

JBSA LACKLAND,  TX 78236-6408

I will send a picture."

To which I replied, a picture of your address?

And he said yes and hung up. 

If you want to write to Noah, I'm sure he'd love the mail. Please be kind and don't put anything on the envelope other than the addresses. Don't send any brightly colored envelopes,  packages,  or really anything that will draw attention to him!

There's also an app you can use.  It's called sandboxx,  and you type the letter in there and then they send it to them along with stationary and a stamped return envelope so they can write back easily. It arrives next day, you can add a picture, but the downside is it costs $4.50. If you choose to use this option, let me know first so I can send a link for a free letter (your second letter).

Jude got some new clothes. He likes them very much. As I am trying to foldnthe laundry and put things away, he is trying to change into every new shirt he sees. 

I kept saying no, but this shirt he just lost it over. So I gave in and let him put it over the other shirt. It's chilly now but I'll warm up later, so it kinda works. 

An evening walk before bed. Elijah's over there lying in the grass taking a break. 

The fires in Canada are creating great sunrises and sunsets. 

The sun this morning was an incredible orange color. 

I was looking for Judah and couldn't find him. As I peered around searching, I saw these toes. He was hiding under the pillows on the couch, just for fun. 

The door makes a chime when opened. Judah heard the chime and yelled, "Noah! Noah's home!"

When I reminded him that Noah didn't live here anymore, he replied that he was sad. 

And then he convinced me to give him a popsicle because he was so sad. 

Looks like Noah made it to Texas. 

It's kinda crazy to think he's that far away....and he likely always will be hours or days away. 

Off He Goes, Into the Wild Blue Yonder

Noah's last day as a civilian was spent in anxious anticipation of what the next 24 hours held. 

He had asked for sausage burritos for breakfast, but was too nervous to eat. 

Judah asked him to play cars, and he readily agreed.

This was his hair as we drove to Mass. I think he was so distracted he never even brushed it. No matter, it won't be there in a day or two! 

No pictures, but he served his last Mass, and we briefly stopped by the potluck afterward. (He ate lemon meringue pie, nerves couldn't ruin that opportunity!) 

Then it was home for one last leisurely shower, a double check of his bag, and off to the hotel. 

With a quick stop for one last decent meal. 

Bryan's on a mission (it was scheduled before Noah's ship date. Noah wasn't expected to leave until June.) He said goodbye to his siblings at home and took one last hairy picture with his mom. 

He then headed into the hotel. 

Or tried to, that entrance was closed. 

So we drove around to the other side. We still missed the main entrance, but he made it in this time. Perhaps not the smoothest start to life as an adult, but he'll figure things out as he goes. 

That's it. We won't see him until mid-July at graduation in Texas. (Yes, Texas in July. Ick!) From there he will head to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi for his Cyber training. 

While he's in training, he will get his first duty assignment orders. He's put in for all of the Colorado Springs bases, and anywhere else he may get to ski. He hopes to be skiing somewhere great this coming winter. 

Please keep him in your prayers! 

PARTY!!

MOM! Look those birds are having a party in the yard! 

Speaking of parties...Noah's farewell party is this Sunday from 4-9 pm. If anyone local is reading this, you're welcome to stop by! 

If anyone not local is reading this, you are also welcome to stop by! In leui of that, please feel free to send an email with any well wishes/advice, favorite memories, or pictures. We will add them all to a book,  or send them to him while he is in basic training. 

Here's a new favorite that sums up our life here, taken today-

Judah was wearing his headphones like Noah, walking around listening to his music and singing. 

Urologist Update

We had our post-ultrasound follow-up with Dr Park today.  

He was happy with everything he saw on the ultrasound. He was also glad to hear that Judah was improving sleep-wise and doing great elsewhere. 

I'm not sure if he had his own concerns with the continued hydronephrosis, or if he was making recommendations based on my concerns and the continued discomfort at nights, particularly when he drinks a lot of fluids that day. 

However, he does think intermittent cathing is a necessity in his future. He does not necessarily think it's best at the moment, simply because of the inability to get a 2-year-old to understand what's going; thereby likely causing life-long trauma that may result in him refusing to cath as he gets older. (Sounds like he's seen this before.)

At this time, he has offered an unconventional approach that may have a positive effect on system drainage- botox in the sphincter muscle. This would, in theory, relax the muscle and allow the urine to just continuously dribble out. It works for about 10-12 months, so while it isn't a long term solution, it also doesn't allow a return to status quo if it isn't working. 

The alternative is a mitrofanoff, which is to use the appendix as a connection between the bladder and the abdomen, allowing us to put a catheter through the abdomen, which is less traumatic and easier to do, especially while he is sleeping. But this is a big surgery. And there are many other potential risks to worry about like infection with an opening in the abdomen, as well as infection from cathing. 

So...we appreciate prayers for wisdom as we consider the options. For now, Dr Park advises we do nothing, or try the botox. 

I also spoke to him about seeing Dr Baker, now that she has moved to Columbus. He was completely in favor of seeking her opinion/guidance about Judah's treatments and said he'd be happy to send an email or call with his info. 

Dr Park is such a blessing to have as Judah’s main provider. Please say a prayer of thanks that the Lord led us to him, and pray that he continues to be so good to Judah and his other patients. He really is an admirable example of a good and humble man just trying to make a difference in the world. 

Judah showing off the eggs he gathered while at the Martin's this weekend. 

And a chicken that has been kicked out of the coop and kept trying to get in the house! She knocked on the door for a while, and when that didn't work, she got up there and knocked on the window! Scared us good, let me tell you.  

Oh Happy Day! (Unless You're Micah...or Elijah.)

This is the Joy-filled face of a kid who finally slept. He could not keep quiet during the rosary. He had so much energy this morning, I don't think he knew what to do with himself. 

Mom. You can come down here and read this with me. It's okay. The vacuum won't get you! 

The robot vacuum hasn't run in a couple of weeks, but he hasn't forgotten it. He also always tells us we CAN do whatever it is he wants. "You can get me breakfast." "You can carry me." "You can read this book to me." It always makes us laugh. 

Micah was having a rough day with his science. Actually,  it's a rough year.  It's mostly about the human body and it all freaks him out. He's more squeamish than anyone I've ever known. 

So we sped through the chapter in bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles today and took the test so he can forget it all immediately. Of course, the next chapter probably isn't any better....

Motivated child right here. I had to make her stop doing school at 10pm. She doesnt get to go hang out with her friends tomorrow night if she isn't keeping up and she really wants to. I wish we could have had such motivation all year!

Not pictured, Elijah spent over an hour today peeling garlic so we could make Toum. But Noah had used all the lemons making himself glasses in lemonade. He worked so hard,  because he loves the stuff so much. Yes, Elijah, who is perhaps pickier than Noah lists garlic sauce as a favorite food. Guess it'll be off to the grocery tomorrow morning for lemons! 

Sleeeeeep!

Y'all, it's 730am and this kid isn't awake yet. As in, he didn't wake up all night. He's had 5 "good" nights in a row and now this. (!!!!!)

I do worry a little he's not breathing. So I'm trying to talk myself into trusting that a kid that's almost 2 and a half can sleep through the night without reason to worry. 

Too bad a different kid had me up until after midnight. I could have had more sleep than I even wanted! 

Here's to hope. I'd really like to start going to Adoration during the night. I just need this kid to reliably sleep. And, it makes me hopeful I can soon make progress on all the things neglected these past 2 years. There's still boxes to unpack and lots to organize around here, and I'd love to catch up.