Haven't written in a while, there's just not much to report. Kyle was supposed to be leaving in 2 days but somehow it fell through... again. At the end of the month they are supposed to post the new PJ job openings and try to book one of those for him.
In the meantime, I found this on military.com:
http://www.military.com/air-force-special-tactics/training.html
Pararescue Training
Pararescuemen endure some of the toughest training offered in the U.S. military. Their training, as well as their unique mission, earns them the right to wear the maroon beret. They complete the same technical training as EMT-Paramedics, plus the following physical and specialized training:
Indoctrination Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
This 10-week Indoctrination Course recruits, selects and trains future PJs through extensive physical conditioning. Training accomplished at this course includes physiological training, obstacle course, rucksack marches, dive physics, dive tables, metric manipulations, medical terminology, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, weapons qualifications, PJ history and leadership reaction course.
U.S. Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Ga.
Trainees learn the basic parachuting skills required to infiltrate an objective area by static line airdrop in a three-week course.
U.S. Army Combat Divers School, Key West, Fla.
Trainees become combat divers, learning to use scuba to covertly infiltrate denied areas. The four-week course provides training to depths of 130 feet, stressing development of maximum underwater mobility under various operating conditions.
U.S. Navy Underwater Egress Training, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.
This course teaches how to safely escape from an aircraft that has ditched in the water. The one-day instruction includes principles, procedures and techniques necessary to get out of a sinking aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Basic Survival School, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
This two and a half-week course teaches basic survival techniques for remote areas. Instruction includes principles, procedures, equipment and techniques, which enable individuals to survive, regardless of climatic conditions or unfriendly environments and return home.
U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz.
This course instructs trainees in free fall parachuting procedures. The five-week course provides wind tunnel training, in-air instruction focusing on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense and parachute opening procedures.
Paramedic Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
This 24-week course teaches how to manage trauma patients prior to evacuation and provide emergency medical treatment. Upon graduation, an EMT-Paramedic certification is awarded through the National Registry.
Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
Qualifies airmen as pararescue recovery specialists for assignment to any pararescue unit worldwide. The 20-week training includes field tactics, mountaineering, combat tactics, advanced parachuting and helicopter insertion/extraction.
If you are convinced that you want to be a Pararescueman and join the Air Forces Special Tactics, then its time to contact an Air Force Recruiter and ask about a career in one to the Special Tactics career specialties.
It could be 1 to another 3 months before we have hope of Kyle leaving again as long as they book him one of the soon-to-be-posted jobs. We shall see.
Until next time,
Frieda
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Saturday, July 24, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Today
Kyle just left to go take another PAST. This one was supposed to be the final one where a PJ oversaw it but once again, something must have come up because he's not coming so it's just another practice run. The last ship out date they gave us is still the same though, so I guess that's something. :)
Until next time,
Frieda
Until next time,
Frieda
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Kyle's Birthday!
Kyle's birthday was this week and we spent the day at Space Center Houston! Check it out!
Until next time,
Frieda
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Until next time,
Frieda
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Ol' Switcheroo
In the past week they have changed his ship out date several times. Last week we were told that we would know at least 50 days or so ahead of time so that he can fill out paperwork. Monday we were told July 27th. Wednesday we were told next week. Now we're back to July 27th. I'm not sure what's going on so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Until next time,
Frieda
Until next time,
Frieda
Sunday, June 13, 2010
My Bubbles!
Today we bought Mama a princess baby pool and a bubble gun! As you can see, she had tons of fun... right up until I bathed her before going inside.
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Monday, June 7, 2010
Still Nothing
Still nothing going on...
Kyle went to his meeting with the recruiter today, but no such luck. He was told that he would have to know a definite date about 60 days ahead of time to be able to fill out more paperwork. So he may leave a little later than "the end of the summer"like we were told since we still haven't been informed of a date yet.
On the up-side, we just had an awesome time in Walt Disney World celebrating him making Pararescue! Once again, we went during Star Wars Weekends and had a blast! No sleep, sore legs, and blistered feet but it was worth it.
Will update with some pics later when they're uploaded. You can check out some of our Disney PhotoPass photos here:
http://www.disneyphotopass.com/photoshareslides.aspx?ex_cid=slidesharefb410&photolist=05af1aa2-4e0b-4eeb-9821-6ce943c44803
Until next time,
Frieda
Kyle went to his meeting with the recruiter today, but no such luck. He was told that he would have to know a definite date about 60 days ahead of time to be able to fill out more paperwork. So he may leave a little later than "the end of the summer"like we were told since we still haven't been informed of a date yet.
On the up-side, we just had an awesome time in Walt Disney World celebrating him making Pararescue! Once again, we went during Star Wars Weekends and had a blast! No sleep, sore legs, and blistered feet but it was worth it.
Will update with some pics later when they're uploaded. You can check out some of our Disney PhotoPass photos here:
http://www.disneyphotopass.com/photoshareslides.aspx?ex_cid=slidesharefb410&photolist=05af1aa2-4e0b-4eeb-9821-6ce943c44803
Until next time,
Frieda
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Nothing so far
So it's been about 3 weeks since I've written but that's simply because nothing has happened. We're still waiting for a date for Kyle to take his final PAST and then ship off to Basic. He was supposed to have had a practice PAST this past Monday but it was cancelled... again.
We'll soon to be going to Disney World for a weekend for Star Wars Weekend to celebrate Kyle making it into special ops and to celebrate his birthday. :)
That's about it, just wanted to give an update.
Until next time,
Frieda
We'll soon to be going to Disney World for a weekend for Star Wars Weekend to celebrate Kyle making it into special ops and to celebrate his birthday. :)
That's about it, just wanted to give an update.
Until next time,
Frieda
Sunday, May 9, 2010
No Wimps Allowed
http://www.pjsinnam.com/Post_Vietnam/No_Wimps.htm
This gives a little bit of an idea of what my husband will soon be going through. He's got one more trust before it's official.
Hosted by PJs in Vietnam
Last Update: Monday, July 20, 2009
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue and Air Rescue History
No wimps allowed.
His hands and feet shackled by rope, Senior Airman Todd Popovich, stood by the edge of the pool. His body hurt so much it finally went numb. “I must be crazy,” he muttered as he readied to jump into 12 feet of water. At that moment, he would have given an week’s pay to obtain the secret to Houdini’s underwater straightjacket escape act.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and disappeared into the pool.
Popovich recently took part in one of the most physically demanding courses in the military – a 10-week Pararescue and Combat Control Indoctrination course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The task described above, called drown-proofing, is designed to increase confidence in water and teach students to react calmly and rationally in high-stress situations.
“This training questions your confidence every time you wake up in the morning,” Popovich said. “It’s not if I can do it, but do I want to. It’s a gut check.”
The course recruits, screens and trains pararescue and combat control candidates for Air Force Special Operations units. Pararescuemen are search and rescue specialists with emergency medical capabilities. Their mission is to recover combat aircrews in austere environments. Combat controllers are trained to provide air traffic control support. They deploy to forward locations and establish assault zones.
When he was a security policeman, Popovich idolized pararescuemen. “I needed a challenge,” he said.
He got it.
Popovich’s class started with 76 students. Only 11 survived the grueling schedule.
Before completing the course, trainees must meet final requirements, which include a 6-mile run in 42.3 minutes, a 4,000-meter swim with fins in 80 minutes, and 75 push-ups, 80 sit-ups, 13 pull-ups, 14 chin-ups and 85 flutter kicks in two minutes each. And all of that has to be done in one day.
But the most challenging part of the course is “Motivation Week,” a three-day test of physical will. Popovich had nightmares about Motivation Week. In the middle of one night he saw an instructor standing by his bed. He thought it was a dream. It wasn’t. Next thing he remembered was crawling through ditches.
“It seems like I was running forever,” he said.
Motivation Week cuts the class size quicker than a weedeater slices dandelions. “I cried like a baby afterwards,” Popovich admitted.
“This course is designed to prove that trainees can break from their comfort zone and push themselves to the limit,” said Master Sgt. Rod Alne, flight supervisor. Alne, a pararescueman for the past 20 years, has been to countless operations, including Just Cause in Panama and Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf war.
“I remember doing back-to-back missions in Panama,” Alne said. “Carrying an 80-pound ruck sack, I was fast roping from a helicopter from one building to another during recovery missions. We’d been up for 48 hours. I was mentally and physically drained. During that time, I experienced every emotion one could have. One minute I was excited, next nervous, then sometimes fear would set in. This training [at Lackland] prepares you for that.”
After 10 weeks and an estimated 25,000 sit-ups, 15,000 flutter kicks, 75 miles of swimming and 200 miles of running, indoctrination is over. Those who make it move through the pipeline to Key West, Fla., for scuba training.
Only 55 more weeks before graduation!
Until next time,
Frieda
This gives a little bit of an idea of what my husband will soon be going through. He's got one more trust before it's official.
Hosted by PJs in Vietnam
Last Update: Monday, July 20, 2009
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue and Air Rescue History
No wimps allowed.
His hands and feet shackled by rope, Senior Airman Todd Popovich, stood by the edge of the pool. His body hurt so much it finally went numb. “I must be crazy,” he muttered as he readied to jump into 12 feet of water. At that moment, he would have given an week’s pay to obtain the secret to Houdini’s underwater straightjacket escape act.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and disappeared into the pool.
Popovich recently took part in one of the most physically demanding courses in the military – a 10-week Pararescue and Combat Control Indoctrination course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The task described above, called drown-proofing, is designed to increase confidence in water and teach students to react calmly and rationally in high-stress situations.
“This training questions your confidence every time you wake up in the morning,” Popovich said. “It’s not if I can do it, but do I want to. It’s a gut check.”
The course recruits, screens and trains pararescue and combat control candidates for Air Force Special Operations units. Pararescuemen are search and rescue specialists with emergency medical capabilities. Their mission is to recover combat aircrews in austere environments. Combat controllers are trained to provide air traffic control support. They deploy to forward locations and establish assault zones.
When he was a security policeman, Popovich idolized pararescuemen. “I needed a challenge,” he said.
He got it.
Popovich’s class started with 76 students. Only 11 survived the grueling schedule.
Before completing the course, trainees must meet final requirements, which include a 6-mile run in 42.3 minutes, a 4,000-meter swim with fins in 80 minutes, and 75 push-ups, 80 sit-ups, 13 pull-ups, 14 chin-ups and 85 flutter kicks in two minutes each. And all of that has to be done in one day.
But the most challenging part of the course is “Motivation Week,” a three-day test of physical will. Popovich had nightmares about Motivation Week. In the middle of one night he saw an instructor standing by his bed. He thought it was a dream. It wasn’t. Next thing he remembered was crawling through ditches.
“It seems like I was running forever,” he said.
Motivation Week cuts the class size quicker than a weedeater slices dandelions. “I cried like a baby afterwards,” Popovich admitted.
“This course is designed to prove that trainees can break from their comfort zone and push themselves to the limit,” said Master Sgt. Rod Alne, flight supervisor. Alne, a pararescueman for the past 20 years, has been to countless operations, including Just Cause in Panama and Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf war.
“I remember doing back-to-back missions in Panama,” Alne said. “Carrying an 80-pound ruck sack, I was fast roping from a helicopter from one building to another during recovery missions. We’d been up for 48 hours. I was mentally and physically drained. During that time, I experienced every emotion one could have. One minute I was excited, next nervous, then sometimes fear would set in. This training [at Lackland] prepares you for that.”
After 10 weeks and an estimated 25,000 sit-ups, 15,000 flutter kicks, 75 miles of swimming and 200 miles of running, indoctrination is over. Those who make it move through the pipeline to Key West, Fla., for scuba training.
Only 55 more weeks before graduation!
Until next time,
Frieda
Friday, May 7, 2010
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Do you think I count yet?
Here's an article I found about it:
President Issues Military Spouse Day Proclamation
07/05/2010 5:00:00 +0000US Government
President Issues Military Spouse Day Proclamation
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2010 – President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation declaring today as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
Here is the text of the president’s proclamation:
When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and their spouses and families also help shoulder this important responsibility.
As we mark Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and loved ones of our Nation's servicemembers.
At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers' spouses keep our military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers -- all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities. Many have served in uniform themselves and, understanding the obligations involved, can provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children's life milestones while the other parent is away.
Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and honor the memory of our Nation's fallen heroes, including their own loved ones. They impact countless lives on military bases and in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation. Their contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening our communities and our servicemembers.
My Administration is committed to improving opportunities and quality of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war. We are increasing servicemembers' compensation as well as funding for better housing, job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give servicemembers more time with their loved ones.
There are many ways for each of us to show our appreciation for military spouses. Working through community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique challenges they face.
I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform and their families. They are America's greatest military asset, and my Administration is committed to fulfilling our obligations to them. Today, let us honor the spouses and families who support our servicemembers and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.
G
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2010, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Barack Obama
Got this from:
http://www.articleant.com/p/gov/78296-president-issues-military-spouse-day-proclamation.html
Until next time,
Frieda
Here's an article I found about it:
President Issues Military Spouse Day Proclamation
07/05/2010 5:00:00 +0000US Government
President Issues Military Spouse Day Proclamation
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2010 – President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation declaring today as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
Here is the text of the president’s proclamation:
When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and their spouses and families also help shoulder this important responsibility.
As we mark Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and loved ones of our Nation's servicemembers.
At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers' spouses keep our military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers -- all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities. Many have served in uniform themselves and, understanding the obligations involved, can provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children's life milestones while the other parent is away.
Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and honor the memory of our Nation's fallen heroes, including their own loved ones. They impact countless lives on military bases and in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation. Their contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening our communities and our servicemembers.
My Administration is committed to improving opportunities and quality of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war. We are increasing servicemembers' compensation as well as funding for better housing, job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give servicemembers more time with their loved ones.
There are many ways for each of us to show our appreciation for military spouses. Working through community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique challenges they face.
I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform and their families. They are America's greatest military asset, and my Administration is committed to fulfilling our obligations to them. Today, let us honor the spouses and families who support our servicemembers and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.
G
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2010, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
Barack Obama
Got this from:
http://www.articleant.com/p/gov/78296-president-issues-military-spouse-day-proclamation.html
Until next time,
Frieda
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Goooaaallll!!!!
So Kyle passed his physical test to qualify for special ops! By the end of the summer he'll be on his way for training to be a pararescue jumper!
Bad news: he won't be leaving in about 2 weeks like planned (longer wait).
Good news: he'll be in Special Forces like he wants!
There were four special ops positions that he was testing for and he qualified for the highest one, pararescue jumper! Apparently only 5% of the people who actually qualify for special forces actually make it into pararescue. There is pararescue jumper, combat control, SERE, and combat weather specialist,.
After he's finished his training, he'll officially be able to wear the red beret. He's very proud of himself and I'm proud of him too. He's got one more test to take in a couple of months before he leaves for basic.
He's supposed to call his recruiter on Monday to *hopefully* have a new ship out date. All he's been told so far is that it'll be the end of the summer.
Until next time,
Frieda
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