Just call me KILL'A

Today I started Combatives level 1. It smoked me, my hands are sore, I have a brocken blood vessel on my head and scratches on my neck and face. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. In my last bout of the day I went up agaist a dude that was easaly 240 lbs. He never got me to tap out, but I was close the whole time. I was lituraly fighting for breath. HOLY COW, when a man like that put his wieght on you, forget tecnique, all I could do was keep his body 2 inches off my face so I could breath. At one point I had gottin out from under him and mounted his back for the rear naked choke. All he did was fall on his back and I was crushed once again. I cant wait for tomarrow. Once I pass this course I will be able to give combative classes to my company. If you were wondering, in the army there are 4 levels of combatives; each higher level becomeing more advanced and limited in number. There are only 80 level 4 instructers in the whole army. I'll see you onthe other side.

everyone leaves-all the time

They say the army is an ever changing machine. Its true and this past week has been one big reminder of it. I have said goodbye to three great people this week. Monday I said good bye to Adam Free. SPC Free was our medic is second platoon. He and his waif Cassi were both good friends to Shannon and I. Cassi is heading home and Adam is going to Germany and hopefully make the change from enlisted medic to warrant officer pilot soon. Wed I said goodbye to Lammers the Shammers. SPC Lammers was a driver for 2nd platoon and made everything enjoyable. We use to burn everything wee could find in the burn barrel behind our hooches. I also has to say goodbye to Ray Helvig. SSG Helvig was my first every team leader. He was always a role model for my military life. He taught me a lot and much of his teaching methods and equipment standards I use and teach to my new guys. Sgt Halfmann and Spc Free doing some target practice
I even had to say goodbye to the creepy Romanian Santa
Theres only 4 left from the 2nd platoon 1st squad from Afghanistan; soon to be only 2. From left, Sgt Ressler (recruiter orders) Sgt Dunbar (ETSed) SSG Hedgepath (recruiter orders) SPC Chaput (?) Sgt Cunnin (staying put) PFC Anderson (HHC) SPC Johnson (ETS)


Every ones leaving, BYE BYE EVERYONE!

Stinker

The past few months I have been struggling to get myself into the SAPPER course, which has been a goal of mine since I first got to the 37th. If you didn't already know being a Sapper in the engineer world is equivalent to being a Ranger in the infantry world. My unit has limited slots for the next school, only 6 openings for a Battalion of 400 plus. And as of last Friday I was told they will only be alloying guy in need of no train-up will be considered, meaning-not me. So this has bummed me out. The best time to get a slot for SAPPER School is immediately after a deployment. So this has shrunk my likelihood for becoming a Sapper anytime soon to the size of an ant brain.
As a back up plan I have submitted a packet for the WLC (Warrior Leader Course). This course will teach me valuable skills I'll use as a NCO (Non Commissioned Officer). I'll be happy as long as i still get at least one school under my belt.
On the plus side I know I'll be at Nic and Jen's wedding and that is awesome like a opossum.

Why HELLO...

Hello people, this is Sam. Convinced to start this blog by my wife (Shannon) and sister (Kate) i will open with a riddle.

two coins add up to 30 cents

one is not a nickel

what coins are they?

This blog will consist of what means the most to me, God-family-the army-and of course, my car. So if your still interested, hang around for some writing that will challenge both your mind, your head and... your brain.