He died. In Afghanistan. While serving in the Marine Corps.
I'm not sure why it's taken me so long.....Or why I'm even writing, blogging. Grief just came knocking, and pushed itself through the door. I'm stunned and once again, swimming through the fog. It's been 4 years of haze. I guess, maybe I could'nt write it. Til today.
So many days have come and gone. I'm not sure where this is gonna go. Fair warning. It is what it is. I wish I could promise you rainbows, unicorns, and an occasional bump in the road. The truth is, the road forced us to take a HARD LEFT.
Chris and I miss him hard and to the core. I'm just waiting for, when time heals all wounds, he's in a better place, and thinking, maybe, another kid will take this pain away.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, November 2, 2009
11.02.09
Hi everyone! I know it has been a long time since we have posted but wanted to up date you about PVT Suter. He is in good spirits and enjoying his SOI (School of Infantry)training which he will graduate in 1 month. He is an assaultman - #0351(25 in his PLT or Co., can't remember) - ITB(Infantry Training Battalion), Alpha Co., (300+ boys), weapons platoon (100+). He has hiked and ran many miles through the hills of SD, shot rifles, AT-4 rocket launchers(he said he was the first one to do so, hitting perfect target- but was a dud!), and this week among other studies, vehicle Identifications, his specialty being European. He will soon know where his PDS (Permanent Duty Station) will be. For some reason he feels like maybe it will be Hawaii but no one knows in the Alpha Co. yet. He says there are a lot of classroom and have high expectations of themselves in order to pass-last week before passing, he was @ 96% and that was not good enough - for them. I'm happy that they are taking pride and expect nothing but perfection.......As they are getting combat ready in SOI, the attention to detail will be life and death later. We love all the Marines-especially the ALPHA Co., and furthermore: the weapons platoon. We pray for your safety and join you in Simper Fi.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
09.06.09
Dear Everyone,
Thank you for all of your letters while I was in boot camp. You honestly will never know how wonderful they were for me to be able to read. Let me describe for you something. While I was in "Marine Week" or the last week of boot camp I saw a first phase recruit. He had jumped off of a third story balcony and killed himself. I won't describe it in any more detail because some people may find that disturbing, me being chief among them. But that is the kind of thing that happens when you are as depressed as you are at boot camp. One little thing could just set you off mentally at any moment. Now I will take some time to describe the crucible. In the first two days you hike about 60+ miles around the hills of San Diego, CA. We were split up into "Crucible Groups", which in turn split into two "Crucible Squads". Each Crucible Squad had about twenty to thirty members of it. There was also one Drill Instructor per Crucible Squad. So what we would do is we would go and hike with our day packs, back track. On Monday, the day before the Crucible we did the gas chamber, You go in in Camis and a gas mask. CS isn't really a gas, its actually more of an airborne dust if that makes any kind of sense. It is a severe irritant. People in America have different reactant levels to it ranging from, totally unaffected to severely affected. I was one of the severely affected ones. It didn't help that my Senior Drill Instructor loosened my mask and broke the seal and my mask didn't work in the first place. My skin was burning, I was vomiting, snot was coming out of my nose and I was crying, but I never once tried to get out. So as I was saying. We hike around with about 30 - 40 pound packs depending on what's in them. Every so often you'll stop at a challenge. Some of these challenges are individual but almost all of them require intense teamwork. In front of each one is the citation of the Marine it is named after. So you'd do the challenge then keep hiking. That was the first two days. It probably doesn't sound that bad, but believe me it was. On the third day you get up at 2:30 in the morning, stage your gear, then take your 115 pound main pack on an 8 mile hike to the "Reaper!" I won't lie there was one point when I reached out my hand and touched the Reaper. By the way, I forgot to mention the whole time your carrying an M16A2 service rifle, regulation weight: 18.6 pounds. It is slung over your shoulder the entire Crucible. The Reaper is just the first hill, but the Reaper Challenge is 7 hills. I'm not really allowed to describe to you what happens on top, that is for Marines only. Sorry. Then you do the 10 mile hike back to the parade deck. That was just miserable. I hated every second of it. Because we put all of our energy into the reaper itself. Then there's the EGA ceremony and warriors breakfast. Again I'm not supposed to describe them. But that was basically the Crucible. I forgot to leave out the details of it being 57 hours with only 5-6 hours of sleep and 2 1/2 meals. But yeah, that too. It was all worth it to be a United States Marine.
Once again, thank you for your letters. I'll write something else up here soon.
To all the Marines who may have read this, Godspeed and remain forever Semper Fidelis.
Pvt. Suter, World's Finest United States Marines
Thank you for all of your letters while I was in boot camp. You honestly will never know how wonderful they were for me to be able to read. Let me describe for you something. While I was in "Marine Week" or the last week of boot camp I saw a first phase recruit. He had jumped off of a third story balcony and killed himself. I won't describe it in any more detail because some people may find that disturbing, me being chief among them. But that is the kind of thing that happens when you are as depressed as you are at boot camp. One little thing could just set you off mentally at any moment. Now I will take some time to describe the crucible. In the first two days you hike about 60+ miles around the hills of San Diego, CA. We were split up into "Crucible Groups", which in turn split into two "Crucible Squads". Each Crucible Squad had about twenty to thirty members of it. There was also one Drill Instructor per Crucible Squad. So what we would do is we would go and hike with our day packs, back track. On Monday, the day before the Crucible we did the gas chamber, You go in in Camis and a gas mask. CS isn't really a gas, its actually more of an airborne dust if that makes any kind of sense. It is a severe irritant. People in America have different reactant levels to it ranging from, totally unaffected to severely affected. I was one of the severely affected ones. It didn't help that my Senior Drill Instructor loosened my mask and broke the seal and my mask didn't work in the first place. My skin was burning, I was vomiting, snot was coming out of my nose and I was crying, but I never once tried to get out. So as I was saying. We hike around with about 30 - 40 pound packs depending on what's in them. Every so often you'll stop at a challenge. Some of these challenges are individual but almost all of them require intense teamwork. In front of each one is the citation of the Marine it is named after. So you'd do the challenge then keep hiking. That was the first two days. It probably doesn't sound that bad, but believe me it was. On the third day you get up at 2:30 in the morning, stage your gear, then take your 115 pound main pack on an 8 mile hike to the "Reaper!" I won't lie there was one point when I reached out my hand and touched the Reaper. By the way, I forgot to mention the whole time your carrying an M16A2 service rifle, regulation weight: 18.6 pounds. It is slung over your shoulder the entire Crucible. The Reaper is just the first hill, but the Reaper Challenge is 7 hills. I'm not really allowed to describe to you what happens on top, that is for Marines only. Sorry. Then you do the 10 mile hike back to the parade deck. That was just miserable. I hated every second of it. Because we put all of our energy into the reaper itself. Then there's the EGA ceremony and warriors breakfast. Again I'm not supposed to describe them. But that was basically the Crucible. I forgot to leave out the details of it being 57 hours with only 5-6 hours of sleep and 2 1/2 meals. But yeah, that too. It was all worth it to be a United States Marine.
Once again, thank you for your letters. I'll write something else up here soon.
To all the Marines who may have read this, Godspeed and remain forever Semper Fidelis.
Pvt. Suter, World's Finest United States Marines
Sunday, August 30, 2009
8.27.09
Congratulations to Jake & FOX CO!
Good job to the new MARINES! It was reported on Marineparents.com that Fox Co looked right and tight coming down the Reaper at 7:30 AM and kicked off the ceremony at 8:00. After all these weeks, they are officially United States Marines! 75 ( we think) in Jake's PLT and 500+ in the FOX CO. WOW!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Boys, Don't Fear the Reaper!!!
Jake and his platoon started The Crucible today at 3:00 am.
"The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.
The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way.
The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.
Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values the USMC wants recruits to adopt.
Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path."
The Reaper
4/10/2008 By Cpl. Carrie Booze , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO —
As the recruits of Company E scaled the mountainous terrain of Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., they anxiously anticipated one hill that would grant them the title Marine, the Reaper.
On the final day of the Crucible, a 54-hour field event in which recruits apply all they have learned during boot camp, Co. E stepped off at 2:30 a.m. to tackle a 9.7-mile hike that includes a 700-foot tall mountain dubbed the Reaper.
“Recruit training is full of stresses and physical challenges that all lead up to the Crucible,” said Gunnery Sgt. Wilbert Hill, chief drill instructor, Company E. “The Reaper is the final test in the Crucible, and finishing the Reaper hike is a major accomplishment.”
The Reaper is a legend at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s boot camp because of how steep it is, said Hill. He said the recruits know about it before they arrive to the depot.
“Before I came to the depot I heard that even though the hike is only 10-miles, the Reaper was very challenging and the entire platoon would be hurting after it,” Pvt. Travis Duncan, Platoon 2102, Company E.
In preparation for the Reaper hike, the recruits tackle 3-mile, 5-mile, 5.7-mile and 8-mile hikes, carrying full combat-loads throughout training.
The amount of gear the recruits carry depends on the season, said Hill. During the winter, the recruits’ packs weigh between 65 to 75 lbs each because they must carry heavier cold-weather clothing.
“Most of the recruits are intimidated by each the hikes, but as they complete each of the conditioning hikes they build their confidence to tackle a longer one,” said Hill. “By the time they reach the Reaper hike, they are eager and ready to get through it.”
During the Crucible, the recruits are tested on their teamwork and leadership skills, said Hill. They read award citations at each obstacle they face on the Crucible to learn from other Marines heroic actions, said Hill.
At the peak of the Reaper is Col. Merrit A. Edson’s Medal of Honor citation. Edson Range was named after this heroic Marine.
After the recruits storm the final hill of the Reaper, they read his citation.
During the battle of Guadacanal, Edson’s Raider Battalion, consisting of two companies from the 1st Parachute Battalion, was guarding an airfield when they were attacked by Japanese forces. Under Edson’s leadership where he was encouraging, cajoling, and correcting as he continually exposed himself to enemy fire, his 800 Marines withstood the repeated assaults of more than 2,500 Japanese soldiers. Edson was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his honor, courage and commitment.
“When I finally made it to the top of the Reaper, I was so proud of myself,” said Duncan. “It was a great to finally accomplish something I never thought I could do.”
Although all recruits strive to make it to the peak, due to the physical rigors, some may not.
Dehydration is one of the major safety concerns during the hike. The recruits must fill two canteens before beginning the hike. The company stops four times throughout the hike to allow the recruits to adjust their gear and drink water.
During the hike, there is a lead safety vehicle that carries extra water and sets the recruits’ hiking path. A rear safety vehicle follows the platoons in case a recruit gets injured and cannot complete the hike.
“If a recruit does not complete the final hike, his reason for not finishing and past performance in recruit training will be reviewed. The series commander will determine whether they graduate or not,” said Hill.
Upon completion of their final hike, the recruits are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and are officially declared United States Marines.
“When I received my eagle globe and anchor, I had tears in my eyes,” said Duncan. “It was strange to hear our drill instructors praise us on our performance during the hike. That moment made all of the hardships, stress and physical pain worth while.”
"The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.
The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way.
The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.
Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values the USMC wants recruits to adopt.
Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path."
The Reaper
4/10/2008 By Cpl. Carrie Booze , Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO —
As the recruits of Company E scaled the mountainous terrain of Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., they anxiously anticipated one hill that would grant them the title Marine, the Reaper.
On the final day of the Crucible, a 54-hour field event in which recruits apply all they have learned during boot camp, Co. E stepped off at 2:30 a.m. to tackle a 9.7-mile hike that includes a 700-foot tall mountain dubbed the Reaper.
“Recruit training is full of stresses and physical challenges that all lead up to the Crucible,” said Gunnery Sgt. Wilbert Hill, chief drill instructor, Company E. “The Reaper is the final test in the Crucible, and finishing the Reaper hike is a major accomplishment.”
The Reaper is a legend at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s boot camp because of how steep it is, said Hill. He said the recruits know about it before they arrive to the depot.
“Before I came to the depot I heard that even though the hike is only 10-miles, the Reaper was very challenging and the entire platoon would be hurting after it,” Pvt. Travis Duncan, Platoon 2102, Company E.
In preparation for the Reaper hike, the recruits tackle 3-mile, 5-mile, 5.7-mile and 8-mile hikes, carrying full combat-loads throughout training.
The amount of gear the recruits carry depends on the season, said Hill. During the winter, the recruits’ packs weigh between 65 to 75 lbs each because they must carry heavier cold-weather clothing.
“Most of the recruits are intimidated by each the hikes, but as they complete each of the conditioning hikes they build their confidence to tackle a longer one,” said Hill. “By the time they reach the Reaper hike, they are eager and ready to get through it.”
During the Crucible, the recruits are tested on their teamwork and leadership skills, said Hill. They read award citations at each obstacle they face on the Crucible to learn from other Marines heroic actions, said Hill.
At the peak of the Reaper is Col. Merrit A. Edson’s Medal of Honor citation. Edson Range was named after this heroic Marine.
After the recruits storm the final hill of the Reaper, they read his citation.
During the battle of Guadacanal, Edson’s Raider Battalion, consisting of two companies from the 1st Parachute Battalion, was guarding an airfield when they were attacked by Japanese forces. Under Edson’s leadership where he was encouraging, cajoling, and correcting as he continually exposed himself to enemy fire, his 800 Marines withstood the repeated assaults of more than 2,500 Japanese soldiers. Edson was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his honor, courage and commitment.
“When I finally made it to the top of the Reaper, I was so proud of myself,” said Duncan. “It was a great to finally accomplish something I never thought I could do.”
Although all recruits strive to make it to the peak, due to the physical rigors, some may not.
Dehydration is one of the major safety concerns during the hike. The recruits must fill two canteens before beginning the hike. The company stops four times throughout the hike to allow the recruits to adjust their gear and drink water.
During the hike, there is a lead safety vehicle that carries extra water and sets the recruits’ hiking path. A rear safety vehicle follows the platoons in case a recruit gets injured and cannot complete the hike.
“If a recruit does not complete the final hike, his reason for not finishing and past performance in recruit training will be reviewed. The series commander will determine whether they graduate or not,” said Hill.
Upon completion of their final hike, the recruits are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and are officially declared United States Marines.
“When I received my eagle globe and anchor, I had tears in my eyes,” said Duncan. “It was strange to hear our drill instructors praise us on our performance during the hike. That moment made all of the hardships, stress and physical pain worth while.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
Where's Jake?!!!
We pulled this picture from a video that MCRD does with all of the different recruits. You can find the complete video here:
http://www.devildogs.info/Fox%20Company.htm
2135
See if you can find him!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
8.13.09
Dear Dad,
Thanks for all the Warhammer stuff! I've really appreciated it. I really understand what you used to say to me about how immature I was before I came here. I really was just a child trying to be treated like an adult. After these 2 1/2 months though, I have become a grown--- man. I think you'll notice when I come home. I'm going to try call you guys.
I have a buddy here named Clapper. We are probably gonna catch dinner with his wife and parents if you guys don't mind-He's one of my best buddies here. He is a commissioned painter for Warhammer figures. I think you'd have a very good time assembling and painting. From what I hear, It's a great stress reliever. I kinda of like a stressful environment now. It's my natural habitat. How is work treating you, stressful? I know you understand a high stressful life, at least someone does. My views on everything have shifted so completely, here's an example of a cadence for you..........
Cadence
That's just an example-
There re just many things we can't get here. I have a gift for mom and a gift for you when you come see me on grad day! Love you.
Rec. Suter Jake
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