I am the newest addition to the 211th MPAD. I have only been here a week, so I'm trying to catch up with the rest of the 211th's training. Even though I'm new here, I already feel at home thanks to the warm welcome I received from the entire chain of command and the Soldiers here. After 8 days, I feel like I've always been a part of the 211th.
Yesterday, we completed our Combat Lifesaver course. They saved the worst for last-administering a catheter and IV to a living Soldier. I share SSgt. Ford's fear of needles and have been known to pass out at the sight of blood, or after receiving shots. (I've done this three different times in my life.) But anyway, like 1st Sgt. Martinez said, Soldiering is "about facing fears." Fortunately, I was able to stick a needle in my class partner, SFC Burke's arms, with ease and administer the IV without letting out too much blood. I think reading the steps to administering a saline lock in our manual over and over again really helped when we had to do the real thing. And I never once felt queasy.
SPC Jon Soles
Print Journalist
About Me
- SPC Soles
- I am from eastern North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1998 and I have been a journalist for 10 years. I've been married to Vanessa, my wonderful wife, for about two and a half years. I like NASCAR racing, music and reading books, especially if they're about politics or history.
1 comment:
Congratulations SPC Soles! If you can trust SFC Burke to stick a needle in your arm, the rest of the deployment will be a piece of cake.
We're glad to have you on board with us and I look forward to having you share you experiences with us.
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