Hi Friends and Family,
Thanks for the goodies and cards today! Once again I'm thankful for the show of love and support...
I was excited as I got up this morning to give the "Gas Chamber" a try. We trained for much of the day yesterday and so I felt confident I was ready for our time in the chamber. As it so happened I was in the first group of fifty to go into the chamber. The procedures were that we would go in, line up against the wall, lift our mask (when asked) and state our name, rank, and social security number. (We were to take a deep breath before lifting our mask and reminded not to open our eyes at that time.) No problem right? When I walked into the chamber I could immediately smell the gas...it was a dream-like atmosphere as clouds of gas billowed all over the room. My mask was sealed but the CS gas was so strong I began to cough and burn...The back of my neck became red-hot and I quickly looked forward to getting out of the room. Several soldiers had faulty masks and left choking and in a lot of pain...As my time to speak came I got a good breath of clean air before removing my mask but I took two or three breaths of gas on accident and really struggled to clear my mask before our next test. Oh, the burn!!! It really was not a fun experience. I got it under control eventually and then calmed down as I waited for the next test.
In groups of five we were to remove our mask, take off our helmet, and say our class motto: "To God The Glory!" Afterwards we were to wait in the gas for 15 seconds...You should have seen us busting for the door when our 15 seconds were up...I had snot running all over my face as I left the building but the worst pain was how the gas affected my eyes....Oh, it felt like pins being poked into my eyes. We were told "DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE!!!!" "FLAP YOUR ARMS TO GET THE GAS OFF!!!" I started to wonder if I was going to see again...(Can you imagine how cruel it is when people use gas like this for a weapon? Thankfully the U.S. Army will never use gas in war.)
Troops leaving the chamber. (Me, shortly after regaining my sight...My sinuses are clear at this point.)
We survived and felt much better about 10 minutes after the experience. I heard several of the prior service soldiers comment that the gas today was the worst they had ever experienced. (The powder CS they were using was kicked up in heavy clouds by the fans they had placed in the chamber!)
The rest of the day we learned how to use Army radios and speak in phonetic alphabets...Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot...etc...Now all those old war movies make a lot more sense!
Here is a picture of my squad leader Chaplain Tim Elliott. He is a pastor when not in uniform and does a good job of leading our group...I wouldn't want his stress. At times I feel bad for him having to put up with my hi-jinks but feel confident he'll be singing before our time together is finished! :)
Tomorrow is our first official kick-off to organized PT. I'm looking forward to the challenge. We meet at a little past 5 a.m. and our day ends at 7 p.m. with training in medical first-aid. It will be a long day but we've been promised to have Saturday free...
Hope you all are well!
5 comments:
http://www.t4g.org/
Dave, this is a link that will get you to SGM. Go to the partners tab. Tim
David, I can't even image going into that gas chamber. I enjoy reading your daily entry and looking at the photos. You continue to be in our prayers. Love, Dora
I can still remember my training while in the Army in 1954. Going into the gas chamber also.
I'm glad you're done with that...I was a little "freaked" out for you today! No matter how old we get, you're still my little brother and I don't like the idea of you hurting in any way. You're doing a great job!
Comf
Dave, glad to see you are doing so well. I read this blog every day to see what new adventure you are up to. It's amazing stuff you're doing, and it's amazing to see the power of God work through you. I'll keep praying, and you keep working. God Bless.
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