A New Platoon and Lots of Shells!

I have been moved from the Data Platoon within MWCS-28 to the Satellite Platoon within MWCS-28. It is a much smaller shop compared to Data and for that fact alone I am glad. I will also have the opportunity to learn new equipment which will make me that much more useful to the Marine Corps. I was told this was only a temporary move, lasting only about six months, but I hope to learn much within that time.

Shortly after arriving to my new platoon I went to the rifle range for a couple of weeks. There we shot hundreds and hundreds of rounds on our M16-A4 rifles. We shot the known distance course (Or Table 1) from distances ranging from 200 Yrds. to 500 Yrds. There are several positions you shoot from and these include the prone (flat on your stomach), the sitting, the kneeling, and the standing. Each target is white with a black center area and has various point values for different parts of the target. The score for Table 1 and Table 2 are combined to give the actual score and designation as either a Rifle Marksman, Rifle Sharpshooter, or Rifle Expert.

Table 2 consists of firing at 25 Yrds. and 100 Yrds. and is focused on firing in combat. There are a few drills that are learned which include the "Controlled Pair" which is two well aimed shots to the chest, the "Failure to Stop" drill, which is two well aimed shots to the chest and one shot to either the head or the pelvis. There are also multiple target engagements and moving target engagements. Table three is very similar to table two but includes a few more drills. Table three is not used in the scoring process. I received a combined score of 313 which is classified as a Rifle Expert. The highest score possible is 350.

In addition to improving my rifle score I'm pretty sure I'll be moving up to the rank of Lance Corporal in March. I can't wait! Currently we are on another field op and after this I will be taking courses to learn to drive a Humvee. The training opportunities are endless but I am grateful to be learning new things and improving on things I am already familiar with.

One Year Later

It has been exactly one year since I joined the United States Marine Corps. On this day last year I was in the processing phase of recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. I remember the fear of uncertainty as I began that journey. The biggest fear in any new situation seems to be that of uncertainty.

Many of the friends that I went to school with are now being deployed to Afghanistan. People that I work with have left for Afghanistan and more are on their way. I am not wondering if I will go but rather when I will go. I know that the day is coming; if it were today I would gladly accept my orders and begin preparation to go. Yet, that fear of uncertainty would no doubt be there. In friends that I have talked to I have detected a hint of uneasiness as well.

On the flip side, I have talked to a few people who have come back from Iraq. They enjoyed it and have often stated that they wouldn't mind going back. I'm sure there were times when things were tough, but overall the experience was good for them.

Many times in life we let fear hold us back and rob us of experiences that although are tough for awhile, ultimately mold and shape us into better people. We have nothing to fear at all if we know we are in God's will. The uncertainty that we feel is not a feeling that God is familiar with. Though we have no control over what may come our way, we can rest in knowing that there is One who is in control of it all.

Quite frankly the job is a little mundane and the hours are long. But there is a truth that I am experiencing and developing in my life. That of a self sacrificing love for others. As I work with my fellow Marines and those who are above me and I learn of them, grow with them, and labor with them. I on more then one occasion have found myself thinking as I interact with these people, "I would die for them." Not in a way of pride or arrogance and not in the plural sense of the Marine Corps as a whole, but rather the individual Marine. In my young life I have not been in a profession or job where that thought would ever enter one's mind. You don't normally have to think of dieing for your Co-worker selling life insurance. You don't envision an attack at the counter of Geek Squad as you troubleshoot computers. But in this line of work, although minute, the chances of being placed in those situations is real.

I love what I do and I love the people that I work with. I hope that this next coming year will bring new experiences that I can embrace without that fear of uncertainty, but rather a dependence on the One in control of it all. I also hope that the lessons that I am being taught continue and that I recognize God's hand in them all.

To all reading,
Good Day!

MCAS Cherry Point, NC

Well the journey to becoming a fleet Marine has ended. Every Marine with a non-infantry MOS (Military Occupational Speciality) must complete three things in order to be a fleet marine. Bootcamp, MCT (Marine Combat Training), and MOS School. It was not very long ago when I was borded a plane and then a bus to begin the journey of becoming a United States Marine. A lot has happened since then and everything that I have been taught and trained to do has culminated into me being stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina.

After leaving Twenty-nine Palms, CA I was able to go home for less then a week. It was a good time being home even if it was just for awhile. I picked up some things, packed up my SUV and drove two days to North Carolina. While the drive was long it was a very scenic drive. The hills and the leaves changing provided a nice atmosphere compared to the blandness that was in Twentynine Palms.

I arrived at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station), at 11:15pm on Oct. 7. I checked in at the TEQ or Temporary Enlisted Quarters, bought McDonalds, and called home letting them know I had arrived safe. I ate my food and went to bed. The next day would be early and long...and uncomfortable. I had to keep my Service Alphas on until about 1500 that day so I could report to the Sgt. Major and First Sargent. On top of that the AC where my shop was had just broke.

I was given a list of places that I needed to stop by and check in at. To this day, I have yet to finish it, but the majority of it has been compleated. I am with a communication/data squadron and enjoy the shop and people that I will be working with, though it will take a while to get completly comfortable with what I will be doing as there is much that I still need to learn.

The base here is really nice apart from the constant sounds of jets and planes taking off. Things are somwhat spread out so I am fortunate to have my vehicle here.

I miss the people that were in my class in Twentynine Palms and I wish them all the best. There are a few from my class that are here as well, yet we are in separate shops and I don't see any of them very often.

The Marine Corps birthday is on November 10, and this year we will be celebrating it on November 4th. There is a ceremony that takes place as well, and not to long after arriving I found out I would be in that ceremony. I am not sure what exactly I will be doing but I will find out this coming week when practice starts.

I don't have any pictures of the base yet but I'll try and post some soon. My address has changed as well and if you wish to write feel free!

PFC Cuestas, Joseph
MWCS-28 Data
PSC Box 8071
Cherry Point, NC 28533-8071

A Brief Update

Well....we're down to the last mile on the journey in Twentynine Palms. Graduation is less then two weeks away and then off to home for just a few days. We're closing alot of loose ends here and making alot of final preparations before graduation. We'll be taking a few class photos which should be very memorable as well. We've finished all testabe courses and overall I ended up with the second highest GPA. Overall, I am happy with how I did, but I know I could have done better.

This coming week we have a final Personal Fitness Test, which includes max crunches in two minutes, max pull ups, and a three mile run. The score for this is the deciding factor for who gets the top spot in the class. We also have a Charlie and Alpha Inspection this week too.

Graduation is set for Oct. 1st and we will all be leaving Oct. 2nd. I plan on being home for only about three or four days before heading to Cherry Point, NC where I will be stationed for the next few years. I will be part of the Marine Wing Communication Squadron. I'm not sure if being part of the air wing means I have to like flying...I hope not! While I requested to stay on the West Coast I am happy with where I am going. It is closer to home and a change of scenery from the brownness that is Twentynine Palms. I wish I could visit home longer, but I suppose thats what holidays are for.

As bad as Twentynine Palms is...I will miss it Not so much the place, but rather the people. I wish you all well...may God keep us safe and happy!

Class 26.5

Class 26.5 has been my family for the past few months. I remember very distinctly when it was finally time for class to start. I had grown accustomed to the routine that I had already fallen in and like anything new that may come into a person’s life, I felt a little apprehensive. Since that time I am thankful for the class that I am in and for the instructors that have been put in charge of us. We have been through a lot as a class. Some hard times, and some really good times. Either way we each pushed each other to continue pressing on.

Physically I am doing well and am seeing progress, although I have a long way to go. The pictures are from a five mile run that we did along the ridge line of some of the hills/mountains that surround our base. The terrain and the sand really make it hard. Believe me when I say I surely wasn’t leading the pack.

Academically I am doing well too. Since my last posting I have become fully A+ Certified. It is an entry level certification that shows the Marine Corps and the Civilian world I am skilled in computer repair and troubleshooting. We have also finished the CCNA courses which introduce us to networking fundamentals and the beginnings of understanding and setting up a network. It was split into 4 parts called Modules, with the 4^th module being voluntary if you qualified based on your class average. Each module was at most 11 chapters long. It was very tough to study like I knew I should because it is just so time consuming. Nevertheless, I was able to do fairly well in it.

I am still number one in my class, but I say that in humbleness knowing that at anytime I could become prideful and arrogant and lose my spot. I still need to study hard to keep that intact and if my instructors see fit, they may reward me with a meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal.

Currently we are studying Microsoft Server and after that we will be studying Microsoft Exchange. Once again we will be graduating October 1^st, 2009 and after that it will be off to my first duty station. I hope and pray that I get stationed at Camp Pendleton, but I suppose wherever I go I can make the best of it.

I have learned a lot while being here in Twenty-nine Palms. Both inside and outside of the classroom. Things in the Marine Corps can be really tough. Physically, mentally, and emotionally we are challenged. I suppose it would be the same for anybody who is living. Life is tough! So many decisions, so many choices. Thank God for the Light that lights our path! Though life is tough I am so thankful for it. August 26, 2009 will begin my 25^th year of life. If only it didn’t have to begin in the middle of the desert!! Then again, some of God’s greatest leaders were shaped and formed on the backside of a desert where the only place worth looking, was up! May I continue to look up.

School Has Started!

Upon arriving in Twenty-nine Palms, CA I was placed in SRC or Student Receiving Center for about a week. After that I was put in BMAT or Bravo Marines Awaiting Training. For about three or four weeks, I forget. My last week there I was assigned to work with MCTOG, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group. There I helped fix the computer communications system used by Officers and High Enlisted Marines for there training and simulation exercises. It was a lot of fun and gave me a glimpse of what life in the fleet will be like. Long hours and lots of computers!

After MCTOG I started classes for 0651, Information Systems Specialist. We are using the Cisco Curriculum for all of our studies. We finished "IT Essentials" a 16 Chapter book in a week and two days! It was a lot in a little amount of time. I was able to finish that course at the top of my class. Me and three others in our class of twenty-eight will be able to take the A+ Certification test as a result of our high scores. We are currently studying for CCNA and are on Module 1. CCNA deals with networks and how they work. There is a lot of conceptual ideas that need to be grasped in order to understand how a network works, and lots of Acronyms that need to be memorized. This is new territory for me but we are taking it a chapter a day or a chapter every two days which makes it a little easier.

I have also been promoted from Private to Private First Class. July 4th, 2009 was my six month anniversary of being in the Marine Corps. So far up to this point I have enjoyed it. There have been moments when things were really tough but when its all said and done you realize that we are a lot more capable then we think we are. My goal right now is to excel in my classes and finish first. To do this will not be easy as there are a lot of smart people in my class. Even then I'd rather have this goal then be one of the many in my class who are content with simply getting by. If I can achieve this goal and am found to be in good standing with my Instructors, I may receive a Meritorious Promotion to Lance Corporal. My second goal is to be able to receive as many certifications as I can while I'm here.

As stated earlier, I'll have a chance to get my A+ certification soon. I think we will have the chance to get our CCNA certification and our Microsoft Exchange certification as well. To simply pass a course Cisco requires a 70% or higher. The Marine Corps requires 85% or higher to try and receive a certification. This goal seems more attainable but is still going to require a lot of work.

Graduation is set for October 1st, 2009 and after that I will receive orders for my first duty station. I have requested to remain on the West Coast but as with any request the needs of the Marine Corps comes first.

The days are long here and almost every hour is filled. If I don't write much know I'm studying! To all who read...Semper Fi

My Piano Arrangments

This is a playlist of favorite hymns I have arranged for the piano. I enjoy playing the piano but have not had much time to play since I joined the Marine Corps. I have a few other arrangments as well but I have yet to record them. The "I Will Follow Medley" is a live recording of me and a friend on two grand pianos, which is why it sounds different. I apologize for the inconsistencies on the volume levels between songs but these were recorded at different times on different keyboards. I hope you enjoy, if you want an MP3 version let me know and I'll send you the link to download it. To all who listen....Enjoy!

Draw Nigh

by
Joseph Cuestas

You’ve read all the verses, you’ve heard it preached. You’ve sat through the classes and if asked you could teach. You’ve read all the books and heard all the stories. You’ve heard countless accounts sharing His glory. It seems to make sense and you believe it all true; yet you wonder why God never speaks to you!

You see the joy that others have and the blessings given from on high. You see the faithful carry on and to the Savior draw ever nigh! You see His hand lead and guide others on their way; you see His goodness, grace, and mercy compelling them to stay. With all that you see it’s hard to deny it; He’s real! Praise God Jesus is true! Oh, heavy heart of mine, why does He never speak to me…only you!?

Where is my joy and where is my leading? Where are my blessings? Please, tell me I’m pleading! Where is Your goodness and where is Your grace? I beg You my Savior; show me Your face! Why do You hide and make it so hard to be found? Why!! Dear God help me or forever I’m bound!

Oh, child of Mine; I hear your cries. Lift your head, calm your heart, and dry your weary eyes. Lay here by My side and I’ll answer all your ‘whys’.

“I saved your soul with Blood shed by men. You ask for goodness; be glad I let them! You ask for grace, yet you fail to see; though once destined for hell, it shall never be! “Amazing Grace,” you should shout, yet, you wallow in tears. The grace that I’ve shown you can’t be measured in years! Countless blessings I had for you every day, but you wandered and you left Me; I asked you to stay! In all that you read and heard about Me, though given by men, it was My plea!

Crowded out by the world and the sin in your heart, the joy found in Me had to depart. I was grieved and saddened by the choices you made; things would’ve been better if with Me you would’ve stayed! Your ‘Whys’ have been answered, you know what I’ve spoken is true. What you choose to do next is all up to you. Whatever you choose let this fact be known, you’ll reap much more then you’ve ever sown!”

I trembled at His Words and I felt so ashamed. I caused my dear Savior such grief and such pain. “Forgive me,” I shouted from the depths of my soul! “Cleanse me, use me, and make me whole!” At that Instant I saw Him with unfettered eye. “Dear Child I’m here, draw nigh!” I took one step forward and stopped in despair. “Dear God you’re so far; this trip I can’t bare!”

“Draw nigh,” He said, “one step at a time; for as you draw closer so will I. Stay faithful, stay strong, keep pressing through; just a little farther now, you can make it too!”

With His words leading me I followed His plan and before to much longer we walked hand in hand. He guided me and led me with His Spirit so strong; such joy, such peace here, why’d I ever mingle with wrong?!

Dear Christian, dear friend, dear fellow man; with all that you see and hear…draw nigh! Quit living for self, quit living to please, seek God on high and draw nigh! If you’re questioning God, or are lost in your sin; if you don’t remember your last time with Him. If the pride in your life is leading you away; if you fear your Savior will not stay…Draw Nigh!

Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. There’s no other way to make it through. Try it another way and you will fail; draw nigh to God and you will prevail! Quit looking around, quit questioning why. Quit the sad song; quit the loud sigh and just simply….Draw Nigh!

True happiness, true peace, true joy from on High comes only when we as His Children die to ourselves….and Draw Nigh!

As a Burning Candle

by
Joseph Cuestas

A candle lit by flaming fire, burns with no thought of itself.
It spreads its light as far as it can, conquering the darkness of earth.

As long as I need it, it burns steady on, wavering not, nor dimming with time. Yet, moment by moment that flaming fire eats at the wax and lowers the wick, it’s plain to see this candle won’t stick!

Complaining never and arguing not, it burns steady on, until all is gone.
The remains are few, yet the light brought forth remains, forever lingering on. For from its one flame many were lit, and the candle though gone shines forth in the other sticks.

So the lives which we live, once lit by the fire of His Spirit, shines forth among men for all to be seen. Giving off the Gospel light never to cease nor to dim. 'Till the time comes fast approaching when our wick is about to end. We gave all that we had, we spared not one part. We were consumed with a love for others, and now we’ve burnt out. As a candle burns for the benefit of others, seeking no gain for itself, so we who are lighted with the Gospel fire give all, though it cost us our self!
___________________________________________________________

II Cor. 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

To all who spent of themselves to give for me....Thank You!

Twentynine Palms, CA

Now I have left Camp Pendleton and have arrived in beautiful Twentynine Palms, California, home of…Sand!! I am literally in the middle of a desert! The lows are around seventy and highs so far in the high nineties to low hundreds. From what I hear it’s only going to get hotter!

I’ll be here for a few months at the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School (MCCES). I will be studying to be a Systems Information Specialist (MOS 0651/0656), and from what I was told earlier today from our Sergeant Major is the toughest course at the school currently. I have overcome many obstacles in the past and with help from on high I can overcome this one too! I have yet to learn when classes will actually start and depending on when they do start will determine how long I am in Twentynine Palms.

I am looking forward to school and am excited about everything I will be learning. We will have lots of PT or Physical Training every morning and will also be doing a lot of MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). Before I leave here I hope to advance to a gray belt!

My Address here is:

Cuestas, Joseph

Loc. #609 MCCES

Twentynine Palms, CA 92278

Feel free to write or email...I have more time now, so I'll be glad to respond!