Some great old Provan family photos

Uncle Al emailed me a number of new photos this morning that I thought you would all like to share with us. ENJOY and thanks Uncle Al.

Hunter is a Marine

This week we went to Beaufort, South Carolina to see Hunter graduate from Marine Corp Basis Training at Parris Island. It was a great time and most of Hunter's family was able to attend. We stayed in a nice house, that Bobby arranged, on Hunting Island with a beautiful view overlooking the marsh and sound. I took over 250 photos this week and I've uploaded 230 of them to this site. Click here to go directly to the web album.

Hunter's USMC Graduation

SCHEDULE FOR THOSE ATTENDING HUNTER'S GRADUATION

Family Day

Please register before noon at the Douglas Visitor Center.

• 6:30 am- Java Café open in Visitor Center
• 7 am - Moto Run on parade deck
  
• 8 am- Museum opens
• 10 am - 7 pm Marine Corps Exchange open
• 10 am Bus Tours depart Douglas Visitor Center (limited seating available)
• 11 am Q & A with company staff about recruit training in the All-Weather Training Facility
• 1 pm - Liberty Brief
• 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm Barracks Open House
• 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Observation of events at Leatherneck Square
• 1:30 pm - 5 pm Combat Water Survival training at indoor pool and static weapons display at Weapons and Field Training Battalion ISMT. (Rifle Range)
• 2:30 - 6:30 Buffet dinner available at Traditions and Brig-n-Brew
• 7 pm Family Day ends

Graduation Day

The Morning Colors Ceremony (flag raising) with musical accompaniment by the Parris Island Marine Band is held Friday at 7:45 a.m. in front of Barrow Hall.

Graduation is held Friday mornings at 9 a.m. on the Depot’s Peatross Parade Deck and lasts about an hour. In the event of inclement weather, graduation ceremonies will be held in two or three indoor locations, which will be announced on the morning of graduation at the Visitors Center.

Please call the Douglas Visitor’s Center at 843-228-3650 for last minute information.

Hunter is a Marine Now!

Hunter was able to call Chelsea yesterday and talk for two minutes. He is doing well and made it through the Crucible OK!!! The Crucible was his right of passage into the Marine Corps, and now is officially a United States Marine. Thank you for remembering him in your prayers over these past few months. Please also continue to pray for him throughout his entire military carrier.

Many of us will be traveling to see him for Family Day Thursday and Graduation on Friday at Parris Island, SC. If any other family members would like to attend, please contact bob@gilkenson.net to arrange for accommodations. All are welcome. Hunter said he wants to see a lot of "Gilkensons" there.

CRUCIBLE THIS WEEK

Hunter will be doing the Crucible this week beginning at 2:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Please be in prayer for him as he goes through this 54 hour test. Below find a description of the Crucible. Even though it is going to be a very difficult time for him, he will be named a United States Marine on Saturday after the completion of the Crucible. So, it is a very exciting time for him as well. All the hard work of the past few months are starting to pay off.

The Crucible -

The Crucible is a test every recruit must go through to become a Marine. It tests every recruit physically, mentally and morally and is the defining moment in recruit training.

The Crucible takes place over 54-hours and includes food and sleep deprivation and over 45 miles of marching. The entire Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help each other along the way.

The obstacles they face range from long marches, combat assault courses, the leadership reaction course, and the team-building warrior stations.

Each Warrior Station is named for a Marine hero whose actions epitomize the values we want recruits to adopt.

Bottom line -- The Crucible is a rite of passage that, through shared sacrifice, recruits will never forget. With that memory and their core values learned in recruit training, they can draw upon the experience to face any challenge in their path.

NHS Induction

Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character! Those are the values of the National Honor Society. This week, Michael Gilkenson was honored to be selected as a representative of those values at Milton High School. On Thursday the 18th of October, Michael and 48 of his school mates went through their induction ceremony. Congratulations Michael, your family is very proud of you.

Update From Hunter

Received a letter from Hunter. He reports that the schedule is a little off on the updates I have been giving you. He said the this coming week will be Team Week, then a week and a half of finishing up all the training. After that comes the Crucible. He is excited about getting his Eagle Globe and Anchor, which is basically when he has earned the right to be called a Marine. He will get this on November 10th, which is the anniversary of the Marine Corps. So, it will be an extra special day.

He also let us know that he developed Cellulitis. Below is an explanation of what Cellulitis is. He said they have given him an anti-biotic and the pain is gone. He didn't say where on his body he developed it, just that he was OK. He is also having a dry skin problem. "Welcome to the Gilkenson family of dry skin"...lol

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a spreading infection of the skin that usually begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling, and redness on the skin. As this red area begins to spread, the person may develop a fever, sometimes with chills and sweats, and swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands") near the area of infected skin.

Unlike impetigo, which is a very superficial skin infection, cellulitis refers to an infection involving the skin's deeper layers; the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria involved in cellulitis is Staphylococcus ("staph"), the same bacteria that causes many cases of impetigo. Occasionally, other bacteria may cause cellulitis as well.

Where does cellulitis occur?

Some cases of cellulitis appear on areas of trauma, where the skin has broken open, such as the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds. Many times, however, cellulitis occurs where there has been no break in the skin at all. In such cases.

Happy Birthday Hunter

Hi All, I wanted to give you another update on Hunter's training as well as a reminder that Hunter's 19th birthday is October 14th. I am sure that he would love to have a bunch of birthday cards, as he will miss being able to celebrate at home. If you have misplaced his mailing address, please see the August 24, 2007 post below.

As far as what to be praying for:

Hunter has been doing Marksmanship training all week.

He will continue with the marksmanship training on through all of this coming week. This week is what is known as "Firing Week" in the Corps.

Next Saturday, October 13, 2007 - A 10-Mile Conditioning March.

HUNTER'S TRAINING UPDATE

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post Hunter's schedule for the week last weekend, or the beginning of this week. I have been traveling.

Hunter has been in a Marine Corps history class and doing initial drills this week. Yesterday and today he is in swim qualifications. Please remember to pray for Hunter daily. He has specifically asked for us to continue to pray for him as he completes basic training. The following are the training activities for the remainder of this week and next week:

Friday, September 21, 2007 - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Test

Saturday, September 22, 2007 - Pugil Sticks III

Sunday, September 23, 2007 - Church Services, Test Review and Corps Values

Monday & Tuesday, September 24 & 25, 2007 - Swim Qualification Completion

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - Clothing Issue

Thursday, September 27, 2007 - Individual Photos

Friday, September 28, 2007 - PT (Physical Fitness Test)

Saturday, September 29, 2007 - 6 Mile Conditioning March (With Full Pack & Gear), Marine Corps History IV & V

Letter from Hunter

We got our first letter from Hunter today. If you would like to read it, click here to download the file.

Hunter's Training 9/10 Thru 9/16

To the right you see the M16A2 rifle. Hunter reports sleeping with his within 5 feet of him every night. All marines are marksmen first, then whatever their special job is 2nd. Upon completing boot camp Hunter will be an expert in the use of this weapon.

For those of you praying for Hunter, here are the activities as scheduled on the Parris Island website for the coming week:

Monday, September 10, 2007 - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Uniform Code of Military Justice

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - Pugil Sticks II, Gas Chamber (Hunter will be put in a gas chamber with a gas mask on, teargas will be released and he will be forced to take off the mask and then evacuate the chamber)

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - Counters to Strikes and Chokes

Thursday, September 13, 2007 - Corps Values, Confidence Course

Friday, September 14, 2007 - Marine Corps History III, Leadership

Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 3 Mile Conditioning March, Marine Corps History IV and V (two months until family day)

Sunday, September 16, 2007 - Church Service, I believe they get a free afternoon this day (two months from graduation and a 10-day leave)

Remember that along with these things he is under constant physical and psychological conditioning.

RECEIVED LETTER FROM HUNTER

We received a letter from Hunter today. He seemed to be in good spirits, and can see the light at the end of the 3-week tearing down they do to new recruits before the build up process begins. He asked me to post on the gilkensonbolgspot that "Things are going good".

They have been allowing him to sleep from 9 pm to 4 am every day. I guess 7 hours isn't bad, but he said he is going "full speed" from 4 am to 9 pm. He mentioned blisters on his ankles and having to wear the same camouflage for days. He also mentioned trying to follow orders as best he can, but still being "quarter decked by his DI until his arms fall off". I didn't know what quarter decking was, so I looked it up on the net. What I found is below:

Drill instructors are not supposed to use profanity, nor are they allowed to physically touch a recruit (other than for safety reasons, such as on the weapon's range). So, how to they maintain discipline? In the other services, it may be push-ups, or possibly some running. In the Marine Corps, you get "quarter-decked."

Your three drill instructors work as an effective team. The senior D.I. gives most of the commands and orders. The "second hat," or "Heavy A," singles out those who seem to be having problems understanding simple shouted English and administers note-worthy tongue-lashings. To keep things interesting, the "Third Hat," administers the physical discipline, known officially as IPT (Incentive Physical Training), unofficially known as "quarter-decking."

IPT consists of prescribed exercises (a maximum of five minutes outside in "the pit," no maximum inside). Exercises one can expect if one is "quarter-decked" are: bends & thrusts, leg lifts, side lunges, mountain climbing, running in place, side straddle hops, and push-ups, done as fast as the D.I. can "encourage" you to. D.I.'s use a combination of individual and group IPTs to keep the platoon "on their toes."

I will update with his daily activities for next week over the weekend.

Bob

Hunter's Training 9/3 thru 9/9

The following are the daily activities Hunter's training class will be involved with throughout the coming week. Please continue to lift Hunter up before the Lord in the coming week. Pray that the Lord will sustain his strength both mentally and physically.

Monday, September 3, 2007 - Pugil Sticks I, and First Aid II

Tuesday, September 4, 2007 - Upper Body Strikes, and Marine Corps Uniforms

Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - Marine Corps History II, and Terrorism Awareness

Thursday, September 6, 2007 - First Aid III, and Throws & Falls

Friday, September 7, 2007 - Inoculations (pray that Hunter will not have any reactions)

Saturday, September 8, 2007 - First Aid IV, V, VI

Sunday, September 9, 2007 - First Aid Practical Application

HUNTER'S TRAINING

For anyone praying for Hunter this week:

I have reviewed what Hunter will be training for via the Parris Island website, and thought it may help everyone to know what to pray for. Along with what is mentioned below is the constant physical and mental conditioning that is going on throughout the entire 13 weeks of Recruit Training.

Today-Tuesday, August, 28, 2007 - Fundamentals of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and INT Guard I & II

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - Customs and Courtesies

Thursday, August 30, 2007 - Bayonet Techniques, and First Aid I

Friday, August 31, 2007 - Marine Corps History I, and Weapons Handling

Saturday, September 1, 2007 - Intro to Corps Values, M16A2 Preventive Maintenance

Sunday, September 2, 2007 - Customs and Courtesies Practical Application

Ooh Rah

Hunter's Parris Island Address & Update

Below please find Hunter's Address, and the description of the training Hunter is going through at Parris Island. There are specific do's and don't's outlined in the information here as well as the letter from his Commander. Please read before sending Hunter any letters. Be sure only to send letters (no gifts, supplies or food).

Please forward this to anyone you know of that might be interested in writing Hunter as he goes through his training.

Bob

Address:

RCT Gilkenson Hunter R 0020

PLT 3096, CO Kilo, BN 3rd

Parris Island, SC 29905-3096

Training:

Recruit training, often referred to as boot camp, is 13 challenging weeks. As soon as recruits arrive at the Recruit Depot, training commences.

Week One Through Four

Recruits arrive at boot camp. Gear is issued, and a battery of physical examinations is conducted to ensure safety. The Initial Strength Test (IST) is then administered, and recruits learn the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. They also learn weapons handling from trained experts and complete the 11-obstacle Confidence Course. During this time recruits can receive letters but nothing else — so please don't send gifts or supplies. This is Recruit Training, so don't address letters with "Marine" or a rank, like "Private." This is a title they will earn after they successfully complete training.

Week Five Through Nine

Recruits hone their close combat skills and master Marksmanship Training, learning the four shooting positions. Every Marine is a rifleman first and foremost. It is during this time they will develop proficiency and confidence with their weapon.

Week Ten Through Thirteen

Recruits engage in simulated combat and Basic Warrior Training. Each Recruit must then pass The Crucible — a 54-hour exercise of physical and mental strength that emphasizes teamwork, determination, and discipline.

At the Marine Corps Recruit Training Emblem Ceremony, new Marines receive the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem from their Drill Instructors. They have now earned the right to be called a United States Marine. It will be a proud moment for your son or daughter, as well as yourself.

Dingmans

Here are some old photos of Dingmans that Uncle Al sent.

MILTON HERALD Milton wrestler takes state Greco-Roman title

MILTON HERALD Milton wrestler takes state Greco-Roman title

July 03, 2007
Milton High School wrestler Michael Gilkenson, a rising junior, won the state Greco-Roman Wrestling title in the Cadet 135 pound division June 16.

This is Milton's first independent state wrestling title in recent history.

Gilkenson also won the Silver Medal in Freestyle at the same state tournament.

"Michael's accomplishment is a direct result of his effort to become a better wrestler. He has set a great example for his teammates," said Milton Wrestling head coach Billy Bradach.

Gilkenson has been wrestling for about two years and made an impressive showing last year for the Milton Junior Varsity Team, with a record of 22 wins, 2 losses, and 7 pins in the 125 pound weight class. He also won first place in the Fulton County JV Tournament in December 2006. Gilkenson was tapped to wrestle in two Varsity weight classes, 119 and 130, during the 2006-2007 school year where he scored five pins.

Gilkenson's high school career record includes 34 wins and 10 losses, with 12 pins and 5 major decisions. He was named Most Valuable Wrestler for the Milton JV Team last year.

Coach John Hanrahan, a former NCAA wrestling champ who runs Hammer Wrestling in Alpharetta, made this comment about Gilkenson's accomplishments:

"Michael's Greco State title is the result of his dedication and working extremely hard in the wrestling room. I've been impressed with Michael's no fear attitude coupled with his natural ability to execute the complex Greco-Roman throws."

A younger brother, Matthew Gilkenson, a rising freshman at Milton, also competed in the tournament where he placed 5th in Greco-Roman and 4th in Freestyle in the Schoolboy 95 pound division.

Vickery Lake Pre-closing Photos

Mom & Dad closed on their new home in Cumming this morning. I took these pictures after their final walk through. It's going to be nice having them close by.

Email from Johnny 06/26

I've included some video from a local news station that shows some of what is going on.



Hey Uncle Steve,

Just letting the family know that I'm fine and my home isn't in danger. However, this is the wildest thing I've seen up close. The fire as of 3 pm jumped the break and was blown NE toward town. My co-worker ,George, and I went to his house to find a road block and sekorski hook heli's flying 100' above. We told sheriffs we were Forest Service and they let us through to his home with 2-5 min to collect valuables. I got my bike and pedaled out very quickley. I was stopped by a abc news reporter from reno at the road block and told them what I saw. I was about 4 streets down from the blaze and could hear trees exploding! Sounded like a shot gun. I won't be that close again, don't worry.:) Clean up will be my part of the operation and will be felling the hazard trees and restoring polluted stream and lake zones. I have a Forest radio and I'll keep you posted.

Johnny

Tahoe Update 6/26

Ok heard from Johnny tonight.

They have almost a thousand firefighters in the area so there was no need for anyone on his trail crew to go out and fight the fires.

The fire is still burning but with the low winds they have been able to set up perimeters around the populated areas.

His main job will be taking down half burned trees and other debris that presents a hazard after the fire is out.

As the fire continues to burn it will run into a massive amount of firefighting equipment to the south and west, granite mountain tops to the north and Lake Tahoe to the east. So it's only a matter of time before it has no place to go.

He is doing well and will keep us informed.

John

Johnny and the Lake Tahoe Fires

I asked John to give us all an update on Johnny and how the fires that are raging in the Lake Tahoe area are effecting him. Keep him in your prayers. Here is the latest from John:

I don't know much at this point.

I spoke to him at about 5:30 am his time this morning while he was getting ready to go to work. His forest service office is in Meyers and his home in S. Lake Tahoe. The fire is burning in the middle of these towns so his route to work was in question.

He felt like his home would be ok because its in a densely populated area that they would start back fires to protect if they had to.

He did know that the crews that had gone to work on Sunday were already 14 hours into their shift and needed relief. He could be digging trenches and helping out wherever needed. He was sure he'd be involved in the clean-up and water run off issues afterward.

He said he had some friends in Meyers that already lost their homes. They had about a 3 minute warning from time to get out until house totally engulfed in flames.

So he said he would call tonight if he could and give me an update if he could. I'll try and send you something when I hear and I will see if he can send you an e-mail update himself.

John

Photo of Vickery Lake house with Landscaping

Went for the home inspection on Thursday the 21st. The landscaping was finished. Here in a photo of the house with grass.

The Gilkensons' have produced a Wrestling State Champion

I am very pleased to be able to report that the Milton Wrestling Club has produced our first state champion in as long as anyone can recall. This weekend the Milton Wrestling Club had two wrestlers competing in the Georgia State Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling Tournament. Michael Gilkenson won the Greco-Roman Gold Medal in the Cadet 135 pound division. Michael also went on to win the Silver Medal in Freestyle. Matthew Gilkenson also competed in the tournament where he placed 5th in Greco Roman and 4th in Freestyle in the Schoolboy 95 pound division. A big shout out to both these warriors for an outstanding performance and for making Milton Wrestling proud.

The Milton Wrestling Club also has 4 wrestlers competing this coming week at the National High School Coaches Association, National Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We all wish Ty Nielson, Brett Hanley, Matt Schneider and Michael Castanaro much success. Please stay tuned to the Milton Wrestling Blog for updates on their progress this weekend and next week.

Vickery Lake Update, June 10th

These photos are from Sunday, June 10th. 18 Days and counting. Everything looks great. Sorry the photos are cloudy, but I took them with my mobile phone and there must have been dirt on the lens.

Vacation Pictures

We went on vacation to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina the first week of June. Here are a few photos I took one evening at diner and a couple more too.

Message From Heidi :Hey Hey from Huaraz, Peru

well hello,
i am in an internet cafe and i can look out the doorway and see the andes mountains its absolutly breath taking! we spent a couple days at basecamp in lima and i love the new place its really nice and really pretty the orphange that we are working with is awesome! the kids are older than in the one last year so the girls that were about 8 to 12 were teaching us dances and we were teaching them the electric slide and how to do cartwheels! then we went to yungay which was an 8 hour bus ride and the last four hours are going through the mountains and yes i was one of those kids who got car sick! but i didn´t throw up but i just had to sit there but it was ok i made it and have felt great other than that the food hasn´t bothered me at all and i finished my antibiotic and still feel good no sore throat! yungay was really pretty and last night we camped which was soo fun! we camped at 13,900 ft! haha the stars and the glacier lakes were crazy beautiful! i got a hot shower today which made me very happy! we are goin back to lima tomorrow and i think i can call in a week of so maybe on father´s day but no garuntee i´ll call both of yalls cell phones so keep em with ya! i don´t know when i will be able to email again. email this to anyone you think will want to here from me! God is teachin me to love others in a new way that is rocking my world!
i love you all! thanks for prayin!
In Him,
Heidi

Vickery Lake Update, June 1st

We took a drive past the Vickery Lake construction site today. The house is coming along very nicely as you can see from the photographs. The countdown can begin: 28 days to closing.

Vickery Lake Update, May 15th

They have the drywall up and the siding was mostly up. The close date is schedule for June 25th, so they are going to be working really hard for the next 5 weeks. Look for more updates next week.

Vickery Lake Update, April 22nd

We got a chance to go by the construction site today for the first time in 2 weeks. The roof is on and the electrical and HVAC rough in looks complete. We aren't sure what they'll be working on next, but we'll check it out and post again in a couple of weeks.

My Fall 2006 visit to NJ

Last fall I went to New Jersey to visit my Mom & Dad. While I was there we visited some memorable places from my childhood and the cemetery where many of my family have found their final resting place. I borrowed a camera from Mom & Dad to capture a few of the memories. Check out the album...I'll fill in some of the blanks in the captions with help from Mom & Dad.

Vickery Lake Update, April 8th

From VL040807

We all took a drive past the Vickery Lake house today, Easter Sunday 2007. Things are coming along nicely. It looks like most of the rough plumbing is complete, the fireplace box has been installed, and the felt has been put on the roof. I expect the shingles to go on the roof soon. We'll visit again next week.

Cape San Blas

We spend spring break this year camping at Cape San Blas on the Florida Gulf Coast. This is our first time camping here since 2005, but we have visited this location at least 6 times in the past and it is our favorite place to camp. It is very remote, the beach is pristine, and it is teaming with interesting wildlife. Take a look at the photos we took one evening while waiting on the sun to set.

Vickery Lake Update, March 30th

We all took a ride past the construction site last night. They are moving along quickly. Most of the windows have been installed, the plumbing is roughed in, the sheathing is all on, and the house has been wrapped. Just think, 2 weeks ago they had just poured the foundation. The weather here has been perfect for building. I suspect the roof will be shingled by this time next week and the electrical will be roughed in. Stay tuned for more updates.

We are headed off for a couple of days at the beach. I'm sure we'll have more updates when we return.

Click here for more photos.

Vickery Lake Update, March 24th

Matthew and I took a ride past the Vickery lake construction site today, and we were surprised to see how much has been done. Click the Photo to see the rest of the pictures.

Michael's 16th Birthday

Click the photo to see the pictures taken at Michael's 16th birthday party.

What is a Blog or Blogging

This was an interesting question that I was asked yesterday. I knew what a blog was, but I could not do a good job of describing it to someone else, so I went to Wikipedia. In case you are interested, here is the definition:

A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual although some focus on photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting), and are part of a wider network of social media.

The term "blog" is a portmanteau, or, in other words, a blend of the words web and log (Web log). "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Announcing the Gilkenson Family Blog

I've been blogging on a couple of other sites recently so I thought I'd bring the advantages of blogging to the family. We can use this to post updates very easily. I'll be happy to give any family member that wants it the permissions necessary to post. I would especially encourage those living away to post and keep everyone updated on what you are doing. It can be as easy as writing an email to post here and the archives will keep posts as long as we want to keep them. I just posted some photos of Mom & Dad's new home. They poured the foundation today. Go to the blog and check them out. Please bookmark gilkenson.blogspot.com.

I have also used the new Gilkenson Google Group distribution list to keep you informed every time a new posting is placed on the blog. You can add additional email address to the distribution list simply by typing them into the space provided on the blog.

Enjoy,

Stephen

Vickery Lake Update, March 17th

March 17th

Michael and I took a ride past the Vickery Lake construction site today and they had poured the foundation. It looks like it was poured within the last 2 days.