The Flight - (Korea) Day 1

A picture from my window seat after we landed in Korea.

It kind of looks like a prison...hmmm

We boarded a big Boeing 747 plane and I was glad that there was a blanket and pillow on the seat…it turned out to get pretty cold in the middle of the flight. I'm also glad I brought a little U-shaped blow up pillow. That thing turned out to be awesome and after you take all the air out of it, I was able to store it in my pocket. I was very lucky to get seated in an exit row. This row had more leg room than I've ever had on a plane. I swear I could have laid down on the floor and took a nap there was so much room. Speaking of naps, I ended up sleeping quite a bit on the flight. I was drifting in and out of consciousness the whole flight. Each time I opened my eyes there was a different movie or TV show playing. One of the times I woke up just in time to get served food. Imagine that…getting free food on an airplane. I haven't had that happen in a long time. Chicken with some pasta in a white sauce…not too bad. Ironman 2 was playing, but I have already seen that movie. After that Toy Story 3 came on which is a movie I want to see, but I wanted to see it uninterrupted so I just listened to my music and fell asleep again. I'll be able to enjoy that movie at a later date.

We landed in Japan at Yakota air base. Everyone had to get off the plane at this point. Those who were staying in Japan went to one room and the rest of us went into another. We waited for a couple of hours I guess for the crew to clean the plane and unload some of the luggage. After that we were loaded back into it. The flight to Korea was almost two hours. This was enough time for them to show Alice in Wonderland, I did the same thing I always did and just fell asleep.

We arrived at Osan Air Base in Korea where we all unloaded and then had a customs brief. We had to fill out some forms stating that we were not bringing anything illegal into the country such as swords. Just in case you had a sword or other contraband such as drugs, guns or porno, there was a box where you could drop it all off before going through customs. Once through we boarded three buses that took us to Yongson base. The ride was an hour or so. For most of the trip I just stared out the window looking at the landscape, the architecture, and all the signs that had crazy writing on them that I couldn't read. Holy cow I'm in Korea!

Once we arrived on base we were all given a brief and had to fill out a few forms. We were then given a room in a hotel on base. This was nice, I was able to take a shower and then grab a bite to eat. My first meal in Korea…a personal pizza from the Pizza Hut in the hotel! I plan on experiencing the food and everything that Korea has to offer, but just not today. I am tired and I just wanted to grab a quick bite and get back to my room to crash. I have to be up tomorrow at 6:30 AM for breakfast, then it's a day of in-processing. The strange thing is that the uniform tomorrow is civilian clothes…interesting…but I'm not complaining.

We had a great view of Mt. Fuji while flying over Japan

robbijaq@comcast.net

I wish you the best of luck as well as the best of everything else.  I have been tracking your progress since the beginning and have been extremely grateful for all that you've shared.  My 18-year old son started basic at Ft. Benning around the time you were leaving there and your writings have been very insightful to me, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated them.  You assisted me in my quest to become a knowlegeable and good soldier's Mom.  I shall keep you, your wife and children and all your families (yours, your wife's and your Army family) in my daily prayers as you begin this new journey as a well-trained brave American soldier.  "Thank you" are two very small words but filled with an overflow of gratitude for you and all soldiers in all branches of the military.  Do take care.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 05:54 AM

Rick Clark

Thanks so much for the updates, I'm a 36 year old contemplating joining the Army and these journal entries have been awesome.  Thank you and good luck in Korea!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 07:45 AM

Brandon

Thank you both for the comments. I started the journal because I myself was trying to find information about what it's like going through basic and just being in the regular army. I thought it may be a good resource for others and it gives my friends and family timely updates on what I've been doing. I think it also is a great way for me to vent sometimes to relieve some stress :) The updates may be a little sporadic at times until I get into some permanent party barracks here and get internet in my room.

Your thanks are very much appreciated. I never realized all the sacrifices our military personnel made until I joined myself.

robbijaq* I wish your son the best of luck and thank him for his service to our country.

Rick - It's been quite a ride so far. I'm glad I've been able to give you some insight as to what it's like. Let me know if you do decide to go in :)

Thursday, December 2, 2010 - 11:48 PM