United States Army

In the Army
On 13 August 2002, Chris enter basic training as an 11B MOS (basic infantryman) at beautiful Ft. Benning, Georgia.  98 days later Mom and Dad saw Chris again.  The next day he turned blue (was awarded the blue shoulder cord as a successful graduate of infantry training. The next day he graduated from OSUT (One station unit training). This was the week prior to Thanksgiving.  Mom and Dad stuck around over Thanksgiving staying with Mom's niece and her husband (Jessica and Captain Brian Schmanski.)  They prepared a homemade Thanksgiving feast for Chris and his close buddies. Then Mom and Dad left and Chris entered Airborne Training.  Dad returned for Airborne graduation and pinned on his airborne wings (25 years prior, Dad had earned his own airborne wings.)  Then home for Christmas on leave and back for more training at Fort Benning. Then his first PCS assignment (Permanent change of station) and after another short visit home, he was off to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  (Twenty-five years prior to this, his Dad had also been assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.)  Chris was met by Georgette Ching, Mom's friend from her days in Hawaii.  In early May, Mom got to fly over and visit with Chris and her old friends for a 17 day visit.  Then in early June Chris earned his EIB (Expert Infantryman Badge.)  This is a multi-task skills test that usually takes several years to earn.  In late June, Chris located a very nice 1968 Mustang and he suddenly had wheels again.  Early July and they were wheels up for Australia.  In October he will deploy to Japan.  December is slated for Air Assault training.

Scroll down for more pictures.    Click here to return to the home page.

This link hyperlinks to the 2-27 Battalion web page:   http://www.25idl.army.mil/unit_frame.asp?unit_id=303  Then select "In the news".

Basic Training Girls The Army sure has changed a lot since I was in.	First Hug First meeting after a 99 day separation.	Turning Blue Waiting for Dad to put on his blue infantry cord.	Graduation from AIT Chris is in the back.	Mom & Chris Following graduation.	Soldier Boy Chris is an official 11B, infantryman.	Thanksgiving We had use of Jessie & Brian's home so we cooked a good country meal.
On Leave Chris got to see his Rundell Grandparents as well as Great-Grandmother Liechty.	One Last Hug One last hug at the Atlanta Airport as Chris heads for Hawaii.	Chris Hits Hawaii Georgette and her granddaughter, Jerrin, showed Chris around during his first week-end.	SSG Taylor SSG Taylor congratulates me on earning the EIB. Only 3 of the 20 in my platoon who tried earned their EIB. There was a Master Sergeant and Captain still working on getting theirs.	Expert Infantryman Badge This picture includes a description of the EIB award. You're only allowed to fail two tasks (which I did the first day). You can bet God was hearing from me pretty heavy the rest of the test.	Chris in Australia Enjoying the time off down under.

Return to the home page                         Return to the top of this page