By Shawn Blackhawk

Growing up in America's Heartland, Shawn Blackhawk used her poetry from an early age to express herself. Her philosophy has always been: "I'll try anything once." She uses her words like a brush, painting vivid pictures, evoking as much emotion from her readers as she can. She appreciates struggles, as they pave the road to triumph, and firmly believes that the darkest parts of the human mind and soul are the only way to eventually celebrate the light. She has been recognized for Illuminating Digital Publishing Excellence by Jenkins Group (eLit Awards) and was the 2011 Silver Medal Finalist for the Electronically Published Internet Collation (EPIC Awards).

If your niece or nephew is joining the military, let me start this with: congratulations! You must be quite proud.

The first part of becoming a member of our armed services is also one of the hardest. It's hard to leave home at 18 to enter a world you've heard about, but have never experienced anything remotely like. And basic training is tough. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, it will be one of the toughest times your niece and nephew will face.

First, there is the physical training: running, jumping, treading water, crawling through mud, climbing ropes, more running, sit ups, chin ups, push ups. Then, there are classes, tests, quizzes, and recitation of codes. They’ll have spot drills at 10 p.m., just after lights out, and they are already exhausted. There are three-minute, freezing cold showers, and high carb foods chowed down at rates that would makes most people sick. Once basic training is over, depending on what they've signed up for, they will head to A School where they will begin the mental training needed for their specialty. If they are "grunts" (infantry), they'll get their first posting/ship assignment.

You’ll learn that basic training will be the hardest part of your niece’s or nephew’s military career. You'll want to check in as often as possible, hoping to ensure their safety. Your nieces and nephews are in well-trained hands, but don’t wait eight weeks before checking in on them. But do take a deep breath, count to ten, and trust that they're okay.

How to Make a Difference

Send care packages, emails, handwritten letters, and texts.

For the care packages, is there a favorite book or good luck charm? I also recommend prepaid cards for online music, books, study guides, maps, cell phones or calling cards. If they have access to a car, whether on their own or through a bunk mate, pre-paid gas cards and movie theater cards are helpful to have on hand. Getting away once in a while rocks, especially if there is a Denny's, T.G.I. Fridays, or Applebee's nearby! In those cases, a gift card to eat out is a godsend—so are gift cards to Target, Walmart, or CVS/Walgreens.

The on-base shopping may not have certain brands of personal products they like, and being able to get those is an incredible way to still feel like you are part of the world. I recommend sending medicated powder, gelled shoe inserts, anti fungal creams, a favorite toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and a high quality antiperspirant/deodorant. If they are training in a woodsy, rural area, consider sending flea and tick collars for around their legs. You could also send antiseptic cleanser/creams that are approved for open wounds, such as blisters on feet or rope burn on hands.

I would not suggest sending lots of food. First, it's may get stolen. Plus, basic training is meant to get you in shape, and too much junk food negates that and can lead to extra laps. Whether it's your food or not, you train as a unit. If one person on the team fails, everyone fails.

Finally, I recommend you always include a handwritten letter and a few pictures inside your care package so they know you are thinking of them, missing them, and are proud of them.

Let them know the world is cheering them on. OohRah!

Photo: nuttakit
Published: April 16, 2013