New Year and a lot has happened

Long time no post, A lot has been going on from the last time I posted, Making my way into 4-31, my new unit, finding a group of strong Christians, Crosby and the Penguins dominating the NHL, well you get the idea. I am writing right now at 0555 (5:55AM for you civies), tords the end of a 24 hour shift, so my mind is a little fogged.

for anyone that likes military history and wants some good reading I would recommend reading up on 4-31, a lot of really good history and great stories.

As for the people that want to know how I am doing in my job as an infantry man, well if you want an idea of what the army life is like I would suggest watching this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Iy2HoWJQ0&feature=related WARNING A TON OF LANGUE, however that is how it is in my line of work. this video is for the people that want to REALLY know what my life is life right now as far as work goes.

I have been blessed to find a Bible study that meets on Wednesday and Friday, I have been vary blessed by it, having two home cooked meals a week has been awesome.

May the Penguins rule the NHL!!!

This month we started going to ranges and preping for a fight, It has Been GREAT!!

Also In news I started talking again to someone I knew from California, I have started to court Natalie, it has been great getting to know her more and skyping with her almost every night!! that has been the highlights of most of my days.

It has been a hard two months that I have not posted on this blog, but the other day I realized that it is the small things, like this blog that make life fun and worth living. With that being said I am off to go skype Natalie, I will be posting more soon.

God bless Josiah A. Wallis

Fort Drum, New York

Josiah left for Ft. Drum, New York last Monday. We have only had sketchy contact since but his attitude is good. He could use more sleep and an ability to learn material to everyone's satisfaction (ha!ha!).

Since he is the "new guy", he is now at the beck and call of the rest of the company; Unlike Basic Training when everyone was new and their only task master was the Drill Sargent. Needless to say this poses extra stress.

Processing is a long, drawn out governmental procedure. Enough said. So Josiah is not really settled.

I have been praying for his roommate as normally they are in dorm-like rooms. Well, at Ft. Drum, the rooms are singles! I wonder if Josiah can get along with himself? :)

His company was recently deployed so they are next scheduled for deployment in 2012. We are all breathing some relief but are also aware this may change at any time.

Josiah's internet connection is non-existent but he hopes to reconnect with the rest of the world around Nov. 7th.

For Physical Fitness, normal Army standards are scores around 180 out of 300. Josiah scored 245. The company standards are 270.

Prayer requests:

• Mental, physical, and emotional strength
• Consistent Christian character displayed under stress
• Connection with other believers/strong church
• Internet connection
• Able to learn quickly the needed material

home again

It is nice to be home. I get to sleep as much as I want and eat some good food (and some food I should not eat). But the best part of being home is the ability talk and spend time with friends. I want to thank all the people that have been praying for me and the people that have been asking how I have been doing. Thank you for taking interest and supporting me and other military personal.

One thing that has taken some getting use to is all the people saying "thank you" to me, when I have not done anything yet, I did what any of them or their kids can do. All I did was put my name on paper and did some training that was hard but most anyone could do.

Thoughts on basic training: I believe the term is, "in the world and not of it." and to know what that means in the most extreme ways what the 14 week wake-up call of BCT (basic combat training). But now I know something of the life outside of the home and how much I stand out in a group of non-Christians. One part of my life there That I was not ready for was how many people called themselves Christians and had no clue what it means. Because of this when I get to drum I will not call myself a Christian, because no one thinks of Christians as any different than anyone else, the "Christians" they know do the same sins and fall into their life style just like everyone else. So because of this misunderstanding of what it means to be a Christian I will describe my self as a "disciple of Christ" to simply set my self apart from the "Christians" they know instead of getting put in the same group of people as people that I would not call Christian just by their lack of knowledge about what it means to be Christian and their lack in a lifestyle that honors Christ.

One of the great best parts of BCT was Chaplain Fisher, he is a very Godly man, and God is using him greatly. He was always there for anyone that needed him.

God bless and I will post more later.

PVT Josiah A. Wallis

Yes, Josiah is home

The Turning Blue ceremony and graduation went well as did the traveling from here to Georgia and back again. Since then Josiah (and family) have been visiting with friends and other family members.The Open House went well.

Today we are in recovery mode and enjoying having our son back in the house for a few days.

October 8 update

Yes! A phone call. Josiah was very focused during this phone call. It was going to be short and we had a lot to cover since his graduation is around the corner and our house dynamics have changed. Here is the shorter version spoken from Josiah's perspective (mom's clarification in parenthesis):

Here is what I need to get done after the Turning Blue (infantry designation ceremony): Best Buy, plane reservations for my next duty station and some other errands and downtime with you. Oh, yes, we will visit the Infantry Museum @ Ft Benning.


After the Graduation on Friday I want to be OUT OF HERE! (Which is fine since we were driving home after graduation :).

Saturday, do we have any plans? No--Good. I want to make Dutch Babies with you (fluffy oven "pancakes" drizzled with lemon juice and powdered sugar). But they make not be for breakfast. Closer to noon. I am not really interested in getting up very early.

Then we need to make pizza together. Maybe on Saturday? Oh, how long is Terry staying? I want to make those Stuffed Burgers with him while he is there. (I assured Josiah we would have time to fit in all his favorite foods, but I think I need to start a list).

And Sunday we just have church. (And the Open House Celebration). Oh, yeah. That all looks great.

While Nat(cousin) and Terry are around, I just want to spend as much time with them as possible. I really don't care where I sleep. When they leave, it would be nice to have a few days in my room (which his two nieces are presently using) but I can deal with whatever needs to happen.

I really want to have an airsoft time in our backyard. Please see what you can arrange.

I can have up to ten days off but I may leave after only seven so I can have more time off at Christmas.

As far as I know, my orders have not changed.

Field Training Exercises went quite well despite the weather. 12 mile hike in with 50 lbs packs. 8 mile march back out with packs and carrying monster truck tires, stretchers, logs, etc . . .

The "Higher Ups" will be doing an inspection on Monday. The platoon with the best bay area MAY get to keep their phones.

I spent 12 hours cleaning my personal weapon. (M-4?) Please make sure John Powell knows about this.

Monday is also the BIG Physical Fitness Test. I would appreciate prayers for that.

Time's up. Love you.

Unstatus Report/Rumors??

Not sure what to call this report because we have heard NOTHING from Josiah for going on three weeks. However, I am part of a facebook wall for Foxtrot Families, so I will give you some of what I am hearing from them.

Very few have heard from their soldiers. We suspect there were issues and the company is being "smoked" by the DS. Thus, less privileges and probably less sleep. One reported some soldiers refilled canteens at a faucet and this resulted in more smoke.

Those that did hear said that the Field Training Exercise ended up being quite brutal because Georgia had two tropical storms come through resulting in 36 hours of straight rain--while in the field doing their maneuvers.However, after complaining, they said it was really not that bad.

Honor Hill followed the week of Field Training Exercise. I think this is when they get to drop their packs and run up the hill and receive their infantry pins. I heard reference to "bloody pinning" but no details.

Now they are in a major cleanup phase that any mom would love to see done at home :). They are also practicing for graduation. One week from today our family leaves for Georgia to see our son's ceremonies.

Josiah is in second row, at this end with his arms raised.

For those who did not see my Facebook Posting last Friday, I did see a picture of Josiah at Bible Study. I could not believe, at first, it was him because they just finished their Field Training Exercise and had to be exhausted. But there he is praising God for the gift of strength. Josiah has established priorities of fighting for Two Armies! I do hope God grants him some sleep along the way.

Entering Field Training (FTX)

I heard that the platoon our son is in will be entering their Field Training Exercise today. Since they are strict infantry, this phase will last 6 days and will test all of their months of work gaining skills and physical fitness as well as teamwork within combat situations. It is an opportunity to put everything to the test. This means we will not be getting any phone calls for the next six days however, maybe, a letter is on its way?


Here is a description I found on another website (though this group only had a 3 day FTX.


All of the knowledge you gather throughout basic training will culminate to a 3-day field training exercise (FTX), which combines all previously taught basic combat skills.  During this FTX, you will complete teamwork exercises and missions.  The last night includes the night infiltration course.  During the night infiltration course you will learn to shoot your weapon at night.  If you have never seen a tracer bullet, pop a star wars movie into your DVD player.  This exercise was my personal favorite in the entire 9-weeks of basic training.  Not only is this exercise neat to watch, but it also gives you tremendous confidence in your weapon. 

Letter from Commanding Officer

Today we received the Commander's letter stating his congratulations on our soldier's pending completion of Initial Entry Training.

Anyone may attend these events (of course, we will be there):


14 October 2010, 10:00 AM Blue Cord Ceremony with a Family Day Pass (Blue Cord is only for infantry men and is worn on their dress uniforms).

14 October 2010, 7:00 PM Recall Formation

15 October 2010, 10:00 AM Graduation Ceremony
15 October 2010, 11:30 AM Soldiers Released


Parental Note--We are planning to drive back after the ceremony. We will have an OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, October 17. 2010 from 2PM to 8PM. Snacks available. Potluck Dinner at 6PM followed by a short devotional and prayer time. We would love to see you anytime for however long you can visit with our soldier.

Saturday Evening Phone Call

We were so grateful for a phone call from Josiah this past Saturday.

He said that it was quite hard to return to the base after Family Day but the Drill Sargents made sure they were whipped back into shape :)

His squad has changed as there are men who have been in the Army, but not the infantry, who joined them for this Advanced Training. This has improved their particular squad and has resulted in Josiah no longer being the squad leader which is fine with him.

He told us not expect to hear from him for awhile now as they will be doing CQB (Which means Close Quarters Battles --think Urban Warfare) and then many field exercises (Camping with guns) as well as their harder marches.

He is doing quite well and all the soldiers are counting the days til graduation.

Trevor and Jonathan also spent time talking with him but I do not know the particulars of their conversations.

We did arrange for him to receive some "mushy" letters with scribblings on the back for the DS to read but what happened is the DS read the back of the envelope before seeing the front and when he flipped it, he was so surprised it was for "Wallis" that nothing came of it. BTW--the letter was from our dog, Mysterie, and another from a family from Tennessee--just having fun with him.

Black Phase

Understanding of the AIT (Advanced Infantry Training or Advanced Individualized Training) is increasing as I compare the Army's literature and the reports given by those who have done this training.

Josiah and his battle buddy told me what they were expecting and the Captain, at Family Day, told us what to expect but the actual events will probably prove those expectations wrong.

I think this is part of the training: We say things are going to be easier but they are actually going to be harder and you thought the DS were everywhere before, you will now see them when you sleep (or don't sleep).

As our mailbox remains empty and our phone quiet, it is good to know that our son is being watched every minute :) Less need to worry on our part, right? Or rather, more need to pray.

I do know that they will be having field days/overnights: "Camping with Guns" and extended ruck marches with heavier packs to carry (but still not up to the par of the our soldiers in Afghanistan who carry 65 lbs). More physical training and getting used to doing without and cleaning that which you thought was already clean (I think they should all be required to have a DS inspect their bedrooms).

But at the end of the Black Phase, comes the Turning Blue Ceremony and the Graduation Ceremony (Oct. 14th and 15th). We are planning an Open House on Sunday, October 17th and look forward to celebrating with all of you prayer warriors what God has done to and through Josiah.

36 Hour Pass and Family Day (final installment)

The most treasured times with Josiah were in watching him interact with others and the time he set aside for me to share some thoughts and reflections. Here are little snippets of watching the character and spiritual aspects of my son:

• There was an anticipation that a Drill Sargent would walk into any public place we visited. Never really at ease unless behind a locked door. It is not really a bad attitude. God tells us to be ever vigilant and watchful. Do Drill Sargents have other lives?

• "Yes, Mam." "No, thank you, Sir." "Please, Mam." "Excuse me, Sir." The courtesy was well ingrained, natural, and respectful to ALL. As often as was reasonable, doors were opened or held open for others. These soldiers were just quite mindful of other people.

• Josiah wanted me to go to the Soldier's Chapel with him on Sunday but was willing to defer to me if I wanted to go someplace else. I loved going to a spot that has blessed him so much. By his initiative, Josiah escorted me into the chapel. Sadly, his favorite chaplain wasn't around but the service was a blessing and filled beyond capacity.

• Josiah said he had only one opportunity to go to a civilian place (hospital) while in Boot Camp and then he noticed that things were different--or maybe he was different. He was unsure how to explain it until we visited a food court in a mall. "Mom, it is like people are just kind of wandering. Everything we do in Boot Camp has a purpose and every minute is filled. In Civilian life there is more wandering."

• He shared with me the opportunities he has had to share Christ with others, of how he cannot initiate the conversation but he can answer any questions people ask about God. He has found it a stretching and reinforcing of his faith experience. He also felt the importance of being ready in season and out of season.

• Though there is little time to read or study the Word, he shared ways that God allowed him to meditate on His Word and His Character. Some of what they do in Boot Camp is tedious (marching for hours, cleaning, etc . . .) and he can pray during this time or meditate on God. When he was learning the correct breathing for distance running, he discovered that he could sing, "Our God is an Awesome God" for the correct cadence.

• My observation is that I saw in Josiah a seriousness and purposefulness that was not present before he left for Boot Camp. Yes, he can still have fun, but it was obvious that he tackled, with God's strength, things that were hard and he accomplished them. He stayed the course and, by his own admission, he has drawn closer to God.

An Encouraging Letter from Josiah

9/8/10

Happy B-Day, Jonathan! Hope you had a good and fun day! I will get you something nice when I get back . . .something we can do together.

It has been ok since Family Day, hard but that is to be expected. People in my platoon are still as crazy as ever.

Today we had a PT (Physical Training) test and I did well. I ran 2 miles in 13:27 (perfect being 13 min or less) and sit ups being at 69 (78 is perfect), and 44 push ups (just passable). Editor's note: sit ups and push ups are timed.

One the 2 mile, I ran the first mile in 5:30. Only one PT test left in about 2 weeks.

I really enjoyed and got a lot done on Family Day. I can't wait to see you guys again at graduation. I also can't wait to find out what everyone has been up to.

In this next week we have CQB training (Editor--your guess is as good as mine), ten and twelve mile ruck marches (this is marching with a backpack), and Field Training (the Captain describes this as camping with guns). After that we are done!! Then two weeks of nothing til I can come home. (Editor--the "nothing" is lots of cleaning and turning items in and de-processing and hurrying and waiting).

Josiah "William" A Wallis

Mom keeps learning about Boot Camp (Part 3)

I am missing my son. Great time with him for Family Day. Here I share some more thoughts regarding time with Josiah, Wheeler, and their time at Boot Camp in Fort Benning, Georgia.

• I had the mistaken notion that all of their needs were taken care of while they were in training. They have to provide their own hygiene items and many of their medical supplies (like moleskin for all the blisters they get on their feet). Someone from their squad gets to go to the PX once every two weeks to make purchases for their group. Of course, on the 36 hour pass we made a stop to get running shoes, baby wipes (for field showers and gun cleaning), toothpaste, soap, ziploc bags and a few similar items. A good thing to remember in the for my soldier as well as other soldiers.

• The soldiers typically carry their Camelback water pouches. Water is greatly enforced during training. When without their Camelbacks, they have 12 ounce canteens and are taught to guzzle the water when they have opportunity to hydrate.  Ft. Benning has at least two deaths a year due to dehydration. Josiah and Wheeler said they are much more aware of when they are thirsty than they have been in the past.

•  I found out that hand sanitizer (another item they are required to carry) serves another purpose. If you squirt some on your hands and breath in the fumes it helps you wake up during some tedious training/lecturing. Some college students may want to implement this.

• A few soldiers can't make the cuts and are dismissed from the training; some injured soldiers are rotated back into a week of training with a new group after healing; most of the ones who leave do because they don't want to continue.

• The Captain was brave enough to inform the families of the Gas Chambers and actually show a picture of a soldier leaving the chambers. I will leave the image up to your imagination. They are forced to do certain tasks in this chamber while inhaling the gas. I am going to research and see if I can find out what this gas is, but do I really want to know? Anyway, I suppose it makes sense to train for this sort of thing, but it is not something a mom likes to hear someone is doing to her child.

• Josiah's Battle Buddy, Wheeler, told me that I had better just call him Wheeler (after I asked his first name) because that is all he has answered to for the past nine weeks and was not sure he would respond to his first name.

•  Wheeler informed his girlfriend, Nicole, in a phone conversation that there were NO girls at Ft. Benning unless you count the old lunch ladies!

Things learned on a 36 hour military pass (Part 2)

Bet you caught the (Part 2) so you know that this is the second installment of things I learned while spending time with Josiah and his battle buddy while I visited them in Georgia.

• The first time I asked a question that required a decision, "What do you want to do off base?" resulted in the deer-in-the-headlights look. "Decision, you want us to make a decision?" We laughed at the fact that for the past nine weeks all of their decisions were made for them. We ended up taking turns making decisions.

• First decision was almost whispered from the backseat, "Mam, do you think we could stop to get some coffee?". Coffee was not allowed for these new recruits. I thought the Army ran on coffee. Yes, we stopped for coffee. Starbucks-- because they did not want to be tempted by Krispy Kremes or Dunkin Donuts.

•  The most important luxury was being able to eat at a leisurely pace. In the Army food is more inhaled than eaten.

• Josiah casually mentions a trip to the civilian's hospital. After I heard why he brought this up in the conversation, my motherly instincts took over to discover why he was in a hospital at all! His boots were causing foot issues and he had to get some special insoles. Phew!

•  They did want a few special treats but they were also cautious about the impact of of those sweets. They were very selective.

• Josiah developed so many blisters on his feet that the other members of his platoon always knew he would have some moleskin available. They went through rolls of moleskin and Josiah's blisters became infected. I learned this valuable fact because I noticed Josiah taking some medicine.

• The closest I heard to a complaint was the difficulty they had in resolving some financial affairs because they did not have the information they needed and the sargents did not help them.

• Showing before and after pictures to them was a shock. They honestly had not realized their bodies had changed so much. Here are some pictures of Josiah. What do you think?

the Things I learned on a 36 Hour Pass (Part One)

Between the completion of Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training, most of Foxtrot Company enjoyed a time off base with family. Here are a few motherly musings related to the time. The memory mistakes are all my fault if Josiah checks it for accuracy.

On General Military Topics

• 36 hours military time equals 30 hours civilian time; Time warp whenever a soldier is off base.
• An eight mile march carrying 35 lbs is equivalent to twelve mile march carrying 42 lbs.
• Past soldiers carried quarters for pay phones; now they use cell phones and check facebook.
• When military buses are driven by civilians, everyone has to have a seat. This is a good thing.
• Military driving buses can pack soldiers tightly; But they also can deliver to barrack's front door
• Store everything in ziploc bags when dealing with sweaty soldiers and Georgia humidity to avoid the growth of alien species.
• Baby wipes and q-tips are used for gun cleaning; Baby wipes are also "showers" on the field.
• Past military misconduct resulted in 2 year absence of overnight passes for Foxtrot.
• Past indiscretion resulted in a non-allowance of any Public Displays of Affection on the base--even when greeting your son.

Phone call received

I discovered that the fourth platoon was given phone privileges following their PT test-- based on those results and the BRM results, they were given a 36 hour pass for family day (or not).

The following is snippets from the timed 15 min. phone conversation.

Josiah passed his PT test and received a 36 hour pass. This may be revoked at any time for any reason by the DS. But, Josiah wants his own room at the motel and his laptop so he can skype all of his friends and family that will not be present during family day (and still make it possible for his mom to get some sleep :)

Josiah may not be driving back with us from graduation in October because he does not want to spend nine-ten hours in the car for his ten-fourteen day break and the Army will pay for a plane flight. Details on this front will be dealt with at the Family Day.

He will not be going to California for any of his break time.

He is going to get to work with a grenade launcher soon. He said the specifics about the launcher but I did not follow all of it and it was hurried, broken up communication.

He sounds good.

Letter dated August 22, 2010

Notes from editor: This was received the afternoon of his PT test referenced below. Maybe pray extra for the next one? The comment at the end is for a friend/mentor, Terry, but you can apply it if you like :)
The back of the envelope said, "Send NO food." after I sent beef jerky. So, that is a lesson for mom--do not send electronics, pornography, alcohol, tobacco, cookies or any food. Maybe they need toilet paper?

Letter from Josiah--

8/22
Sorry I have not been able to write.

Before I tell you what I have been up to, for anyone who wants to see a picture of me weekly--Facebook and use the search to look for SFT 15. There should be a group for the 1-50 Bible studies.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Benning-GA/SFT-150/114165781969294?ref=search#!/photo.php?pid=126679&id=114165781969294&ref=fbx_album


In other news, I got a 29 on the BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). That is a good score but not amazing.

The two biggest things I need to ask prayer about is

*PT (Physical Training) test this Wednesday.
*The next request requires some background--The 1-50 battalion is made of six companies: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Echo, Delta, and Foxtrot (Me!). Each company has four platoons: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (Me!). The platoons have 45-55 people in them and each are made up of four squads: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (Me, yet again!).

This week our Drill Sargent fired our Squad Leader and he appointed me as the squad leader. It might sound fun and cool, but really, all it means is that I have to keep an eye on 11 other people and myself and make sure they stay out of trouble. It has been very stressful and I have no experience with anything like it. Please be praying for me.

Oh, and here is one of the targets I shot.

I also want Jonathan to send me a report on the IED that I told him about.


Love you all. Looking forward to graduation and family day!
Josiah A Wallis
"William"

P.S. Tell Terry that I got his letter and the Drill Sargent did not do anything. Better luck by sending a love letter with writing and lipstick on the outside.

No news is good news?

We did not hear from Josiah at all last week--no phone call and no letters. Maybe they all got in trouble and their restrictions were increased? Or maybe no news is good news.

I am still hoping for a phone call today. I am missing those letters.

More free time, can you tell?

August 10th

If you can't tell, I have been getting more free time of late. But before I tell you more, I need to know, Mom, how you are planning to get down here for family day? The reason is someone else here has family, that cannot fly, in Louisville that wants to come down for family day. So he asked me to ask you if you were planning to drive.

Other than that, BRM has been great. Shooting every day has been fun. The day usually goes like this:

0415-wake up, cleaning and getting ready for the day until 0530
0530-0700 PT
0700-0715 Change clothes
0715-0800 Going and getting food
0800-0830 finish getting ready for the day
0830-0900 Getting to the buses.

0900-1600 Getting to the range, start shooting, eat MREs for lunch (good!), keep shooting and weapon drills, get back
1600-1900 Settle down for the day, get ready for the next day, have time to ourselves (if we are lucky and have been good)
2100-Lights out
REPEAT

Looking forward to this Saturday. Going to the Infantry Museum! Supposed to be cool.

Josiah A. Wallis
Josiah "William" A. Wallis

P.S. thanks for the pictures of muttly, hope she gets better (editor's note--our dog, Mysterie, aka "muttly", injured her leg)

Dated August 8th: Letter from Josiah

(Clarifications are added by Mom, the editor, to clarify things for other readers)

Just got off the phone with you guys. Glad I was able to call. Oh, and one thing I forgot to tell you, please tell Terry (Josiah's friend) that I really, REALLY want him to come to my graduation, if he can.

This week we started BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship). We worked in grouping shots and zeroing our weapons. The 5.5 Ground has more power and kick then the .223 that we shot with John (another friend who would take our family shooting).

Other than that: PT (Physical Training) every day, three meals a day--one at the DEFAC (someone else will need to help the editor with that one), one MRE (meals ready to eat) which are better than I thought they would be, and the last one we either go to the DEFAC or bring food from the DEFAC to us.

Where I am living, Sand Hill, is like everything in the Army. It is named for a reason. It is a hill made of sand. And to top it off, no pun intended, we live at the very top of the hill. So, wherever we go is downhill, and when we come back it is all uphill.

We have also had some amazing rain in the area. Kentucky has nothing on Georgia rain.

Hoping to get a ton of letters. Can't wait to see you all again.

Josiah A. Wallis

P.S. Please send me return address labels. That would be a lifesaver. (This was probably intended for his immediate family but if you are writing and include your own address label, you might get a letter from him--never know!).

15 min Phone Call!

Yes! After an absence of letters this week, our family received a 15 min. call from Josiah. They are given a few more privileges. Phew! Here are some notes from the call:

• PLEAD for photographs of family and friends. He said these were the things that seemed to speak most to his heart when he needed to keep going. Send to this address:
  

#451 PFC Wallis, Josiah
F Co., 1-50th IN
9877 Second Armored Division Road Bldg. 3585
Fort Benning, GA 31905-5919

• Asked his dad for a list of verses relating to specific topics (trinity, sexual purity, Jesus is God) as other soldiers are searching and inquiring.
• Cleared up some difficulties we were having with postage and his access to his bank account.
• This entire month's focus is Basic Rifle Marksmanship. Kind of important, I guess :)
• He is loving what he is doing but it is extremely challenging mentally.
• He has the best Drill Sargent.
• He won a competition and was awarded some of the cookies I sent weeks ago.
• Verified that I was coming for the Family Pass Day (over Labor Day) and requested I bring cookies and his laptop.
• Church on the base continues to be a highlight of the week.
• His Drill Sargent says that he has never met anyone who is a committed Christian and been homeschooled his entire life, but the D.S. thinks Josiah has turned out okay.
• Unless the Army changes its mind, he will be deployed to Fort Drum on the northern border of New York (got to protect the USA from Canada :) after his graduation Oct. 15th and some leave time.
  
• He promises to take Timothy (his older brother) down in a wrestling match.
• His nickname is "William" due to the association with Wallis and Braveheart.
• Please, please, please send pictures.
  

Another letter

Jul 28

Good week so far. We did land navigation yesterday and repelling today (my hands and neck look like a lobster).

Next week we start BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship)!!! All of next month (August) will be shooting! Also this week we hopefully will be coming out of red phase. This would make life easier because the DS (Drill Sargent) would not be riding us as much.

The days are going by fast. i can't wait to see you all again.

Josiah A Wallis

I miss you all!

Sunday--Week 2 Complete!!

I miss you all! Today we sit in church at 8:30 after we marched about 2 miles. This week we set off clay mines! (The movies have nothing on real life!--50 m kill zone, 150 possible kill zone)

Not this week but next we start BRM (see last posting if you don't know what this is).

As a group we are becoming closer. It is really great.

Fun story--I stick out like a sore thumb: Never talking dirty, swear or anything like that. One of the DSs asked me why. I said because I am a Christian. Then he asked me if he is going to hell. I told him if he is not a Christian then he is going to hell and then explained to him what it means to be a Christian, in front of the whole platoon.

People are asking me about my faith and some are starting to read Bibles and going to chapel.

It has been a great time, one more week and we are out of the red*, I hope. I will let you know when you can send cookies.

Josiah A. Wallis

*Josiah's mom does not know what "out of the red" means. She will let you know if she finds out.

Cookies are Contraband

Mom's note: I sent a large box filled with small packages of homemade chocolate chip cookies and homemade banana bars so Josiah could easily share with his fellow soldiers. This is the response I received a few days later.

July 21

Do Not Send More Cookies!!!!!!!!! We saw them and then the DS (Drill Sargent) took them away. We are not allowed cookies or sweets at this time, but the DSs are very thankful. Along the same lines, NO FOOD talk. (Bring cookies for family day.)

Can't wait to see you guys. In two weeks we start BRM, Basic Rifle Marksmanship.

Otherwise life is great. Write you later.

Josiah A Wallis

The First Sunday

(Written by Josiah; typed onto the blog by mom; some clarification provided with italics)

Date: Sunday

The first week is over! This week we did some obstacle courses. In the course we raced against other platoons (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). 4th , my platoon, won by a full minute.

Things are getting better. Everyone in 4th knows that I am Christian. I have had lots of questions about it. There are two other people here that seem to be strong Christians.

I got to go to church for the first time today. I LOVED IT! It reminded me of FCC (our former church in California) with only Army in it. Great message, had people get saved, others starting to read the Bible. As for me I read Psalm 91 and marked it in my Bible.

With this letter are three post cards and one I wrote on the first week but never had a chance to send. The first week (and hardest according to Drill Sargent and everyone else), I got three letters and a postcard from Mom (thanks for the funnies). I enjoyed reading notes from my friends in California and Kentucky. I have so many stories to tell you guys.

Josiah A Wallis

P.S. Turtle pie* is what three-fourths of the platoon will make when they get home.

*Turtle pie is a famous Wallis/Biggs boy cousin concoction for holidays. It is comprised of cookie dough, ice cream, a variety of chocolate candies, and magic shell.

Sometime in Week One

This is off of a postcard that Josiah wrote sometime in Week One (I think you can understand how his days are blurring together)


First Week

Thank you, mom, for the notes. So far they have been good. A lot of tests, papers, and lines. Got my uniform today. Going to start my first day of the nine weeks of BCT on Fri. Not meeting anyone I have known before. I do not think any here. Have some great stories, but have run out of room. Please tell Terry not to send his letter for 3+ weeks. Love you all and miss you. Let everyone know that I am fine. Thanks.

Official Army Stationary--Note from Josiah

Note--The dates and content are Josiah's; the typing is Mom's.

12 Jul 2010

Hey I miss you all. This is the first time I have been able to write. There is so much I want to tell you but so little paper.

??July 10--Tuesday?

Sorry about that. Drill Sgt (DS) walked in so everyone stops what they are doing, in this case-writing. On Monday I got my M4 with dot sight! My group 4th platoon, being infantry goes almost everywhere with our weapons and helmet. Today we did an obstacle course. It was fun.

I understand what Terry was talking about when he said, "The Army motto is hurry up and wait." We have about five minutes to eat then you go wait for another 15 before you go onto the next thing.

Oh, and Terry, go on and send me the letter. My DS will have a fun time with it. We have the best DS in the world. They really push us but at the same time they have fun with us. Like we have a guy that is about 6'9", no joke, and another one that 5'0" so they made them battle buddies. They do everything together. In my squad we have one guy that is 36 years old! Also the DS thinks I do a perfect imitation of Elmer Fudd so I am always to to say "you rascally rabbit" in my Fudd voice.

Besides that there has been a ton of PT (you think?). No, more than you are thinking right now. I have really liked it. And it has been good for me.

So much I want to tell you and so little paper. The guys here are starting to work as a team.

Would you guys send me pictures, mainly family, but friends can send them too? The reason that I ask is, at this point, I am running on God, thoughts of my family and friends, and food, when I can get it.

14 Jul 2010
(the only reason I know the day is because I had to do paperwork)

Love and miss you all,

Josiah A Wallis

P.S. Pet Puppy for me.

Address and phone calls

Our Soldier's Address:

#451; PFC Wallis, Josiah
F Co., 1-50th IN
9877 Second Armored Division road Bldg 3585
Fort Benning, GA 31905-5919

Josiah was able to call twice, each for exactly one minute. He is alive and says things are going great. Enough time to remind him we love him and are praying for him.

On Monday, we received a form letter which included this address and a reminder of the importance and difficulty of what Josiah is going through at Boot Camp.

Some important dates:

Sept 4th, Boot Camp ends with a ceremony and family day pass

Josiah then does his Advanced Infantry Training which ends on Oct. 14th with a Turning Blue ceremony and graduation followed by an unspecified leave period.

He is alive!

Josiah had a spare moment and called from Pre-Boot Camp training to let me know that he is alive and doing just fine. He hopes to write this weekend and maybe, then, I will find out how to write him. Of course, this weekend is the start of the real training so we will see if his letter comes written in blood, sweat, and dirt.

Since Josiah set up this blog to be focused on how God is using him and teaching him--I would say that any nineteen year old who has "just a moment" and calls his mom, is honoring his parents and thus, honoring God.

The Lat day

This is my last day on this world, Next time I post on this blog I will be a different person.

Going into this I have a lot of fear, and a lot of hope. I have no clue what is in front of me, however God does, and that is where my strength is. At this great time in my life, where anything could happen, but whatever happens I know that it is what God wants for me and my life. I pray that I would make it, and that I would come out a stronger Christian. Please be praying.

When I am in BCT I will send letters to my mother and she will post them on the blog for me. This way you guys can know what to pray for me. Thanks again.

35 more days

¹ Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.

² He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.

³ O LORD, what is man that you care for him,
the son of man that you think of him?

⁴ Man is like a breath;
his days are like a fleeting shadow.

⁵ Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.

⁶ Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies};
shoot your arrows and rout them.

⁷ Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners

⁸ whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

⁹ I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,

¹⁰ to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant Josiah1 from the deadly sword.

¹¹ Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.

1 The Bible says David but I Remember it as something God does for me

the first 11 verses of Psalm 144 keep being playing though my mind. I pray that God would train my hands for battle, and that what I do over there would matter over here.

When something big is coming, like a trip to another part of the world, something that you know will change your like, to the point that at some times you want to back down because you know how good your life is now, that is, until you tell your self that God has a plan and that whatever happens it is for his plan. This filling is one of the most madding fillings you can have. expectation, anticipation, dread, fear, all flowing in your mind at the same time. It is at times like this that you have to let go. God knows best. As soon as you lose sight of that all the filling, and double guessing starts back up.

Besides my filling I am hoping to get promoted before I leave, all I have left to do is a PT test and one more online test. I will let people know when this happens.

God Bless, PVT Josiah A. Wallis

Two Long Days

The first thing I am going to do on each post is talk about something that God has made me think of. God has really be moving my heart with the last verse of the song, "In Christ Alone" this is one of my favorite songs, the last verse says,

No gilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny.

no power of hell no scheme of man

can ever pluck me from his hand;

Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I'll Stand.

Going into the army as infinity this is a great song; no fear in death, I do not have to fear death, yet welcome it, if that is what God wants for me. Jesus commands my destiny, no matter what happens God is ruling. No scheme of man can ever pluck me from his hand, I am safe, and nothing can change that. This last verse of the song I have written in the front of my Bible so I will always remember it.

Most people never try to eat breakfast at 4:30 am. And there is a reason. At 4:30 you are not hungry, you just want to go to sleep. The Bacon, sausage, and potatoes that I would have enjoyed usually were so unwelcome at that hour that I felt almost like regurgitating, however I forced my self to eat them knowing that I would need the food to get past the day. As I ate I talked to my room mate. He was trying to get into the MP (military Police). He knew I am a Christian. It's strange, when you are going into the MEPS station you fell so exposed. Usually you would not think of this as a good thing, however for me it was great, why? because that means that everyone else is exposed, so I would start talking to them as we waited to see the doctor, "So what do you want to do in the army/navy/usmc/air force?" they would say something like, "I want to be an ground controller for the air force. (be the person calling in air-strikes)" and then they would have to ask me what I wanted to do, I have them now! "I believe that God is calling me to go into the infinity men." Now I did not go into a complete gospel message, why not? because that would have pushed them away, however they now know I am a Christian, and hopefully they would see the way I act backed up what I had said.

30 days later I was sitting in the same inn cafe at the same time eating more of the same food. This time however I was there to join the army, not just get over another optical. This time my room-mate was a Christian. Last night we had worked out in our room as the Penguins took down Boston 3-0. It was one of the best workout I have ever had. The next day I had another workout, this one more a workout of the mind. The Army had me going to one place just to have me go back to where I started, This lasted for about half the day. Then It was done, I was in, all that was left was to swear in, however my mom could not make it until the 1500 (3:00) swear in. So I waited. As the time came close my mom and brother showed up, then my dad and a good friend, who I knew was coming showed up with a surprise, my best friend who lived about 5 hours away. I was stunned to see him. After a little time I was called to swear in Here are the words I said...

I, Josiah A. Wallis, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

And So I joined the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

As the name of this blog says this is a story about two army, but more importantly it's about two wars. You may be asking yourself, "Is this some sort of fiction that he is going to be telling us?" The answer in NO, this blog will be a telling of my life as I am a part of two armies. The first army is a army I am almost in, The U.S. Army, most of what I will say will be about what I do in this army. The second army is the Army of God, this army is far more imported then the first.

So why am I going in to the U.S. Army? The greatest reason is because the people are so lost, I hope to be a light to the darkness that is the 11B, or the infantry, some have asked me why no go in as a chaplain? Because by most view chaplains as "that holy guy" The Chaplain is some one who comes to them every so often and tells them about Jesus. But as one of them, I will be living with them and working with them, they will be trapped with me and there will be little they can do about it.

So now you have my reasons that I am writing this. I pray that you will keep reading as I keep posting, and that you would gain from what I write.

Josiah A. Wallis