Saturday, February 18, 2012

My Soldier, Private First Class Ehmann

Private First Class Ehmann; 
Caleb Schneck and  Bryce Ehmann, with Capt. Yaw, who swore them in.
I just returned from a trip to Missouri to see my son, Bryce, graduate from basic training and AIT.  He enlisted in the Army National Guard in August 30, 2011 and left home for basic training September 12, 2011.
He had a short block leave during training in December and came home for the Christmas holidays.
He brought me his official picture when he came home. I took a picture of it with my iPhone.
Private First Class Ehmann

They now post pictures during training on Facebook and I snagged a few that had Bryce in them.  Here are two from the 701st Military Police Battalions Facebook Page:
Bryce is the red face peeking out around the leg.
Bryce and his platoon mates during the field training exercises.

He also sent me this one:
Dress uniform, before adding ribbons.

Then I took a bunch while down at Fort Leonard Wood for Family Day and Graduation.
Family Day. The ribbon on the left is for Marksman with two different weapons. Above his name is the MP emblem.
Wearing the rank of Private First Class.
Bryce at the MP Memorial.
Bryce at the Camp Museum MP exhibit.
Bryce and I at the Family Day Banquet.
Then on graduation day I took several pictures including one of his platoon during the ceremony.
Bryce is in the back row, because of his height. In front are Drill Sgt. Desimmon and Drill Sgt. Roderiguez.
Private First Class Ehmann with Drill Sgt. Roderiguez.
Both Drill Sgts. told me that Bryce was a good soldier, and they were pleased to have him.  Drill Sgt. Roderiguez said he was quiet.  I guess she did not get to experience him at his wildest, with a bunch of boy scouts playing video games. 

If you have not guessed by now Iam very proud of my soldier.

Lastly, here are Private Schneck and Private First Class Ehmann after graduation in their dress uniforms. They certainly look a lot more grown up than they did in August.
I am very glad to him home for now and looking forward to spending time with him, as I know Caleb's mom is as well. These two fine young men are here to serve in the Army National Guard of Alaska and the United States of America. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wanda's Vegetable Stew

I have been making a new vegetable stew this winter that Tom loves.  I have modified it a few times to get it just right and now think I have perfected it.

-->
Vegetable Stew
By Wanda

2-4 cloves garlic
2 - onions
4 - packets chicken bouillon
5 - 6 cups water
1-2 tsp. Thyme
1-2 tsp. Basil
1-2 tsp. Black pepper
½ -1 tsp. Sage
1 tsp. Rosemary

4 - 6 – carrots (depending on the size.)
1 – turnip
1 - red pepper
1 – yellow pepper
1 – orange pepper
1 - butternut squash
1 - parsnip
4 – small red potatoes
2 – med. sweet potato
1 – med. Zucchini




Start by chopping and sauteing two onions in just a tiny bit, less than a tablespoon of olive or grape seed oil; along with two to four cloves of garlic, depending on the size.

Then blend the onions, garlic, chicken bouillon, 3 cups water, thyme, basil, black pepper, sage and rosemary until smooth.

Pour the bouillon mixture into a large pan.

Chop the carrots, turnip, red pepper, yellow pepper, orange pepper, butternut squash, parsnip, small red potatoes, sweet potatoes, and zucchini into small bite size pieces.  This is the most time consuming part of this recipe.

Add the chopped vegetables to the bouillon mixture, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for several hours, or cook in a crock pot all afternoon on medium heat.

This makes about 8 servings, so I freeze half and make dinner and lunch for Tom and I out of half, saving the rest for another day when I do not have the time to chop all vegetables.




It Is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to Pay Off Your College Loan

  There is a key point that the leftist are totally missing in their, asinine argument, saying that the government should pay off student lo...