January 29, 2009
Dear All:
It’s 0312 on Tuesday morning and I have a few minutes before morning formation to write you. Things are going well, but our platoon is getting anxious from all the waiting we do at reception, and we are ready to go “down range” and begin Basic. We are scheduled to ship out on Thursday. I’m doing well so far (getting used to the pressures and schedule more every day). And, there is even a Stewart, a Boyd, and a Perry in my Platoon, so it doesn’t feel like I’m quite so far from home.
But the real reason I am writing is because I now have a mailing address:
SPC Bono, Dominic J.
E CO 2nd Battalion 47th Infantry
RN 209
5375 Hanson Drive
Fort Benning, GA 31905-4930
Please use this address exactly when sending mail. And please do not send any mail until at least next Monday (from this date) to ensure that I am already moved to my new locations.
Hope everything is well at home. I love and miss you. I’ll write again as soon as I can.
Love,
Nick
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
First Letter Home
January 24, 2009
Dear All:
I’m writing this at 8:35 p.m. (2035 hrs) on Saturday night, but I’m not sure when it will get mailed. First, Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and hope you had a great day.
I’ll write as often as I can, but free time is limited and the time we do have is usually taken up with things (like shaving and going to the bathroom). I’ve been in reception all this week and will head Basic Training this coming Thursday. That’s where the real work will begin. In the meantime, I’ve been settling in the routine (wake up at 0330 and lights out at 2100), taking care of the guys in my platoon (90202 BA) (I’m the assistant platoon guard of our bay—an old, very large and very wise black man named Mungo is the bay leader). It’s been busy, but most of the time is spent waiting in line. I’ve never stood up for so long (4+ hours at a time in some cases).
Some other highlights include having only 5 minutes to eat meals so that everything on your plate turns in a sandwich, getting a shot in the ass that left everyone sore for 2 days, and laughing about all of it.
But I’m safe, and I’m surviving. I’ll try to write more soon. Hope all is well.
Love,
Nick
Dear All:
I’m writing this at 8:35 p.m. (2035 hrs) on Saturday night, but I’m not sure when it will get mailed. First, Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and hope you had a great day.
I’ll write as often as I can, but free time is limited and the time we do have is usually taken up with things (like shaving and going to the bathroom). I’ve been in reception all this week and will head Basic Training this coming Thursday. That’s where the real work will begin. In the meantime, I’ve been settling in the routine (wake up at 0330 and lights out at 2100), taking care of the guys in my platoon (90202 BA) (I’m the assistant platoon guard of our bay—an old, very large and very wise black man named Mungo is the bay leader). It’s been busy, but most of the time is spent waiting in line. I’ve never stood up for so long (4+ hours at a time in some cases).
Some other highlights include having only 5 minutes to eat meals so that everything on your plate turns in a sandwich, getting a shot in the ass that left everyone sore for 2 days, and laughing about all of it.
But I’m safe, and I’m surviving. I’ll try to write more soon. Hope all is well.
Love,
Nick
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My New Ship Date?
You probably didn't expect a post from me this soon after my departure. Of course, I expected to be in Georgia right now, undergoing my reception. I suppose we can't always get what we want.
Fortunately for you, you get a great story to start off my trip. Before BCT (Basic Combat Training) even begins, I get a firsthand practical lesson in the military's "Hurry Up and Wait" policy. And, since I'll have to get used to it, I don't mind getting a head start.
My wakeup call came at 0400 hours, and I was shuttled to the federal building for processing and shipment at 0500 hours. Of course, I wasn't in the system yet (I was worried about my documentation getting from OKC - where I originally processed and did all of my MEPS work - to STL in the first place, and this confirmed my fears). I had to wait for a special "records liason" to show up at 0830. By then, he realized that they had all of the paperwork, but that they forgot to read a note attached to my medical records ordering them to "take ownership"/aka, register them in the STL database, so that i could be processed and shipped.
And, since the inspection team designated to check my height and weight left at 0900 hours, there wouldn't be enough time for me to get finished and make my 1200 flight to GA.
Long story a little bit longer, after waiting around for 5 hours, I was informed that my ship date would have to be rescheduled for Tuesday, January 20th. Before long, events like these will become so commonplace that I won't even think to write them down, let alone be affected by them. Until that day, I'll find solace knowing that tax payers are fronting the bill so that I can spend two nights in the Drury Inn downtown instead of just one.
Fortunately for you, you get a great story to start off my trip. Before BCT (Basic Combat Training) even begins, I get a firsthand practical lesson in the military's "Hurry Up and Wait" policy. And, since I'll have to get used to it, I don't mind getting a head start.
My wakeup call came at 0400 hours, and I was shuttled to the federal building for processing and shipment at 0500 hours. Of course, I wasn't in the system yet (I was worried about my documentation getting from OKC - where I originally processed and did all of my MEPS work - to STL in the first place, and this confirmed my fears). I had to wait for a special "records liason" to show up at 0830. By then, he realized that they had all of the paperwork, but that they forgot to read a note attached to my medical records ordering them to "take ownership"/aka, register them in the STL database, so that i could be processed and shipped.
And, since the inspection team designated to check my height and weight left at 0900 hours, there wouldn't be enough time for me to get finished and make my 1200 flight to GA.
Long story a little bit longer, after waiting around for 5 hours, I was informed that my ship date would have to be rescheduled for Tuesday, January 20th. Before long, events like these will become so commonplace that I won't even think to write them down, let alone be affected by them. Until that day, I'll find solace knowing that tax payers are fronting the bill so that I can spend two nights in the Drury Inn downtown instead of just one.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Contact Information
As you know, I won't have access to a phone, email or television for the majority of my training. However, in case of an emergency (or in the off chance that you ran into Molly Sims and she's been dying to get in touch with me), I'll direct you to the following contact information:
Permanent Home Mailing Address:
2280 Wincanton Road
St. Louis, MO 63129
Permanent Home Phone:
(314) 846-8751
Email:
jkbono@sbcglobal.net
dbono101@yahoo.com
dominic.bono@us.army.mil
And, of course, once I do get my mailing address, phone, or any other options for communication I'll post them right away. And I was serious about that Molly Sims thing; if she asks, it's perfectly fine for her to call or write.
Permanent Home Mailing Address:
2280 Wincanton Road
St. Louis, MO 63129
Permanent Home Phone:
(314) 846-8751
Email:
jkbono@sbcglobal.net
dbono101@yahoo.com
dominic.bono@us.army.mil
And, of course, once I do get my mailing address, phone, or any other options for communication I'll post them right away. And I was serious about that Molly Sims thing; if she asks, it's perfectly fine for her to call or write.
My Packing List
One of the biggest questions I've been asked as I get ready to ship tomorrow has been, "What are you allowed to bring?". The easy answer is, "Not much." Below is the official packing list as provided to me by the Army. As you can see, it's the definition of a fresh start.
http://www.futuresoldiers.com/downloads/mso1F4.pdf
On the bright side, at least I won't have to pay all of those baggage charges at the airport...
http://www.futuresoldiers.com/downloads/mso1F4.pdf
On the bright side, at least I won't have to pay all of those baggage charges at the airport...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Personal Statement
I thought that before I even begin talking about my journey, my experiences and my life as a soldier in the U.S. Army, I should give some perspective on why I'm doing this. I could wax philosophical about the role of each citizen in a democratic republic. I could delve into my own personal values and beliefs. I could even even compare the details of my personality as it relates to the life I've chosen. But if I did any of those things all you'd be left with is a boring display of my writing ability.
The fact is, people join the military for thousands of different reasons, yet the end result is always service at a price, and at its most selfless. This I know. And at this point, that is all I know. Three days before my "ship date" and I am as green as they come. But that self-awareness will do me well as an officer.
And so, to answer the question of "Why?", I'll tell you exactly what I was required to tell them. As a part of my application for approval to become an Officer Candidate I had to provide a one-page personal statement. It was challenging because this duty, and this obligation is something I've carried with me for many years; and it's matured as I have. To limit those reasons to a few paragraphs was difficult. But I did it with one idea in mind, and it was a train of logic inspired by Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson was a revolutionary even in times of peace. If you know anything about his mindset, he firmly believed in the inevitable corruption that power breeds, and he felt it was necessary to overthrow entire governments whenever they abandoned the will of the people for their own gains. And he combined that thinking with the elitism of his day. He believed that in the times of the greatest hardship, with the greatest need, and involving the most difficult obstacles, the best and brightest and bravest had a duty to come forward for the benefit of all people. At no time have I ever been so proud to think that there aren't many who are better than me at any one thing, but at the same time, I believe that I have been blessed with so many gifts and opportunities that I have an obligation to step forward, to serve, and to sacrifice for a greater good. And the time is now.
Here is my personal statement:
I am compelled to serve, sacrifice and persevere to ensure the guarantees of freedom and liberty, and to be part of something bigger than my own self. That is a strong statement, but a true one as well. Describing my sense of duty, the calling I have found in military service and the honor I know will come from this commitment to my country is cliché, but there is truth in every such saying. My achievements and education afford me the possibility of success down any path I pursue, yet this is the direction I know I must follow to find satisfaction in my life’s work.
I have earned honors in all levels of academia, and have been in positions of leadership in an array of organizations, but I am more than my resume. For me, being an effective Officer is more than merely holding a higher rank and status. I am applying for this position because I want to earn the opportunity to set an example, with the knowledge that I am resolute in my loyalty to the individuals depending on me to serve them. The commitment to serve this country as an Officer in the United States Army is not one to be made lightly. It is the kind that changes a citizen into a soldier and transitions an individual into a leader of others. More than the pledge of time or personal risk is the awesome responsibility that comes with every commission. Each day the safety and general welfare of many rely on the actions and decisions of a few.
I want to make the point clear that I am not only aware of this responsibility, but feel confident and ready to be accountable on this level. This has been my dream, and I have prepared myself for this role, both on paper and in my heart.
Respectfully,
Dominic John Bono
The fact is, people join the military for thousands of different reasons, yet the end result is always service at a price, and at its most selfless. This I know. And at this point, that is all I know. Three days before my "ship date" and I am as green as they come. But that self-awareness will do me well as an officer.
And so, to answer the question of "Why?", I'll tell you exactly what I was required to tell them. As a part of my application for approval to become an Officer Candidate I had to provide a one-page personal statement. It was challenging because this duty, and this obligation is something I've carried with me for many years; and it's matured as I have. To limit those reasons to a few paragraphs was difficult. But I did it with one idea in mind, and it was a train of logic inspired by Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson was a revolutionary even in times of peace. If you know anything about his mindset, he firmly believed in the inevitable corruption that power breeds, and he felt it was necessary to overthrow entire governments whenever they abandoned the will of the people for their own gains. And he combined that thinking with the elitism of his day. He believed that in the times of the greatest hardship, with the greatest need, and involving the most difficult obstacles, the best and brightest and bravest had a duty to come forward for the benefit of all people. At no time have I ever been so proud to think that there aren't many who are better than me at any one thing, but at the same time, I believe that I have been blessed with so many gifts and opportunities that I have an obligation to step forward, to serve, and to sacrifice for a greater good. And the time is now.
Here is my personal statement:
I am compelled to serve, sacrifice and persevere to ensure the guarantees of freedom and liberty, and to be part of something bigger than my own self. That is a strong statement, but a true one as well. Describing my sense of duty, the calling I have found in military service and the honor I know will come from this commitment to my country is cliché, but there is truth in every such saying. My achievements and education afford me the possibility of success down any path I pursue, yet this is the direction I know I must follow to find satisfaction in my life’s work.
I have earned honors in all levels of academia, and have been in positions of leadership in an array of organizations, but I am more than my resume. For me, being an effective Officer is more than merely holding a higher rank and status. I am applying for this position because I want to earn the opportunity to set an example, with the knowledge that I am resolute in my loyalty to the individuals depending on me to serve them. The commitment to serve this country as an Officer in the United States Army is not one to be made lightly. It is the kind that changes a citizen into a soldier and transitions an individual into a leader of others. More than the pledge of time or personal risk is the awesome responsibility that comes with every commission. Each day the safety and general welfare of many rely on the actions and decisions of a few.
I want to make the point clear that I am not only aware of this responsibility, but feel confident and ready to be accountable on this level. This has been my dream, and I have prepared myself for this role, both on paper and in my heart.
Respectfully,
Dominic John Bono
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)