A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Before I post Cindy’s latest letter, I’m going to assert my digital supremacy at ASP. I have nothing but respect for anyone that joins the military with good intentions. I have even more respect when that person is 41 years young, has seen combat as a civilian, and still decided to join the military with good intentions. As you’ll read, Cindy is coming home the way she left – a civilian. But, she’s OUR civilian and we love her to death. I’ll just tell you now that any comments to this post that are anything but supportive will be deleted. And I don’t care that you think it’s censorship. I’ll save you time and agree that it is this time. Yes, I can be an arse sometimes. This is one of them. I cannot be any more proud of a true patriot than I am of Cindy Morgan. She has earned my eternal support and gratitude. To me, she doesn’t need a basic training graduation to carry the title “Soldier”.
March 27 Letter #8
I got the news yesterday that I am coming home. I was hurting real bad Sunday and my DS told me to go back to TMC. DS�B� told me to get a second opinion, since the physical therapist said what she did. So I went back to the TMC yesterday and saw a doctor. Between the x-rays they took and a few weeks ago of my hip and the x-rays last week of my lower back, they have found that I have arthritis in both, the left hip and the lower back. The doctors gave me two choices. Well first he told me he was going to give me an EPTS (Existing Prior To Service) discharge. When the tears rolled down my face, he said there is one other option. I could takes shots in that hip, in the hope that it would ease the pain enough for me to get through BCT. But, it would take several months for them to start working, and I would have to restart BCT. The shots are painful and we don’t know if they would help, so I let him start the paperwork for me to be discharged.
I know, I have complained about many things, but getting out is not what I really wanted. As I explained in the last post, I can go back to Iraq as a civilian, in service and support to our country. I know there are going to be those that are going to give me some hassle over being discharged. But let me say this, At least I tried. Several of the people in my platoon have told me that they could not see their mom’s trying to get through basic. As much as I have caught a bit of negativity from some, they are now very supportive.
Y’all have to understand that there are those that fake things to go to TMC or to get out. Now, that they all know my problem is real, they are sorry to see me go and many give me a bit more respect. Some of them did not know that I am 42 years old.
I do want to thank all those that are writing to the females in my platoon. I have had several come to me and tell me that they have received letters from strangers. You should see their eyes light up to read a letter from a stranger telling them how proud they are of them for joining the Army. I have found that many of these kids have never had something like that. So to those of you that have written already, Please keep it up. and for those that haven’t, but want to. Please let me know and I will send you a name.Well y’all take care. I hope to be home in 3 to 6 weeks. And a great big thanks to everyone for their support
Cindy
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Terri
I for one am DARN proud of Cindy. She gave it her all and that’s a hell of a lot more than some people can say. You’re right CJ, Cindy HAS more than earned the title of SOLDIER.
SGT White
Cindy,
Much respect for attempting a task that is no easy feat even for an 18 year old. The hallmark of claiming the title ‘soldier’ is not physical but rather mental. Having the mental fortitude, ‘guts’, to move forward through perseverance is the true hallmark. I too am proud to call you a fellow soldier. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Tracy
CJ~in my mind this is YOUR house. You can delete or ban as you see fit.
Cindy~I am PROUD of you Cindy. I could never have even attempted Basic (and I’m 8 years younger!). You have earned the title of “Soldier”. I sent my letter to one of the females today. I hope she gets it soon!!
AttackGypsy
Cindy Honey, I wish you could have stayed. I am very proud of you. We’re the same age, and I couldn’t see myself enlisting. (Not from willingness, but for physical reasons) You did more in the short time there than I could even dream.
CJ: You pay the bills, you make the rules.
Bob the Liberal
Miriam
>> We love you and are proud of you, no questions asked. I know it’s a great disapointment for you. Anyone who disses you for trying is an idiot.
Miriam
OOOPS, I wanted to give Cindy hugs, but the computer didn’t like it. Oh, well, huggs anyway.
LL
Cindy, you did good. Sometimes the body fails when the spirit does not. Good on you for trying, which is more than many, many people do. We look forward to having you back with us here in blogland.
Kat in GA
(((big giant hugs))) I am so, so sorry Cindy! I know how much you wanted to stay in! ((more hugs)) We are SO proud of you though – you have our highest respect and we appreciate you so much. (hugs)
tankerbrosbrat
Thank you CJ!
As for Cindy? I will always have the utmost respect for you….no question of that. I KNOW you are disappointed right now but I also KNOW that labels don’t matter at all.
It is what is in your heart that truly matters – and you, in my heart will ALWAYS be a brave warrior. To me, you ARE the heart of the brave warrior.
Sometimes things don’t seem to go the way *we* want them to, or as *we* plan, but I believe we do find where we are meant to be, and I have NO doubt at all, that you still have many great things to accomplish.
Thank you {{{{{{{{{{{cindy}}}}}}}}}}} bratty hugs and love for you..
chrisntx
Cindy, You are an amazing women. You are only 4 months younger then me, and there is no way I could have made it as far as you did. You have my utmost respect for even attempting this journey. Never think of this as a failure, you have touched many lives there at basic. You have given some of the other recuits hope and leadership. God Bless You, and keep you strong. Stand PROUD a Soldier you are!
Sharon M
Cindy,
You didn’t choose arthritis. That is something you have absolutely no control over. I only have it in my elbow and know how painful it is. You did good girl. I’m very proud of you. Anyone gives you crap, have them come see me.
And good job CJ.
Hugs,
Sharon
kasee267
Cindy,
I am sorry this did not work out the way you wished, but you have always had my utmost respect and admiration, and you will continue to have that from me!!
I also admire you enormously for trying!!
Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do next!
Hugs,Kathi
CriticalFacts
Stuff happens … and who knows why … it just does!
But, I look forward to reading your regular posts again.
CJ
Sorry for being such a miser lately.
Sharon M
But you’re a lovable miser
sue
Cindy, you are amazing whether you graduate or not. You have done something many of us wish we could do, but just aren’t able. You are a hero to us all just for the attempt, and then for gutting it out as far as you did. We couldn’t be more proud of you. You keep your head held high and you reach for the next star! Lots of hugs!!
yankeemom
Cindy, you have my utmost respect for doing all you have done and more than likely will be doing in the future. You’ve stepped up and did your best (which is pretty darn awesome, btw). Arthritis is no fun and I’m sorry it was that that made this go this way. But you still have your spirit.
You did good and made us proud ~
Donna
Cindy,
I’m so sorry to hear about the arthritis. I know how badly that you wanted to stay in the Army. Don’t fret however, you are just as much a hero in my eyes as you were before. You have tried what many people would not attempt to try at this time in your life. At least when you look back, you can say that you tried to do the training and you would have, I have no doubt if not for the arthritis.
Just look toward the future with a smile and just think that you have your whole life ahead of you to do what you want with your life!
Take care of yourself and know that we all wish you only the very best and can’t wait for your posts again here at ASP! Hugs to you too!!
Beth A.
What you did BEFORE trying to become part of the Army was gutsy enough; you are one resilient woman, Cindy! I am proud to know of you thru this site, and look forward to reading more from you in the future. Whatever it holds for you, you’ve shown that you’ll give it your all.
Bravo, White Rose.
Chad
Wow, Cindy gets big “ups” from Texas.
SK
Cindy, what you have done to date is nothing short of inspiring! I’m terribly sorry you’re coming home under these circumstances, but I can’t imagine anyone not being proud of you for your efforts. If such a person exists, they certainly aren’t worth your time. ((HUGS)) to you for all that you’ve done!!