Cool News, Good News, Bad News.........

Received another letter yesterday. Here's the latest with Michael -

Cool News: He did the obstacle course (like the one you see in the movies, TV, etc). He said it's kind of easy if you don't think and ignore any pains or soreness your body sends to the mind.

Good News: He's feeling better. His fever is gone and so is the sore throat. Thanks everyone for your prayers. They're working! He fought with the pugil sticks (look like giant Q-tips) and he won his fight. Go Michael! I didn't think he could beat the doo-doo out of somebody, but I guess I wasn't giving him enough credit :) He's my H-E-R-O!

Bad News: They've already lost 2 recruits. One due to medical reasons and the other is being charged with fraudulent enlistment. Uh-oh. Also, starting this week the Senior Drill Instructor is going to start cutting recruits who are not disciplined. Michael isn't worried about cutting booted out, but is actually happy that they'll weed out some of the guys that are penalizing the platoon.

Michael needs mail!! While writing this letter they had their 3rd mail call and still NO letters came for Michael. Most recruits have now received something except for about 9 of them. He said they all look forward to it. When a recruit's name is called his face lights up like it's Christmas. The other guys were reading their letters during square-away time. Some were laughing, some looked shocked, one was crying - I think because it was from his girlfriend :) I was especially saddened when I read that part since I've already sent 4 or 5 letters and I know a few of you out there have too. Let's try to make up for lost time and if possible send Michael a card or letter this week. He needs to know that we're thinking about him.

Other News: He says "The Pit" is hell! They do push-ups for awhile and on the way down and up they say, "No Discipline!" Then they quickly get up and do jumping jacks for 60 seconds, then push-ups, then running in place with arms straight out in front of you, knees above the waist all while screaming. After doing this for awhile it is back to push-ups. The process is repeated for about 5-10 minutes depending on how much effort every one puts into it and how much punishment the DI thinks is warranted.
Classes are in full swing. So far he's had Marine Corps History I & II, First Aid I, UCMJ Customs and Courtesies, Request Mast, Terrorism Awareness, and Interior Guard I. He says they're all interesting and alot of info to take in.
Fire Watch duty occurs every 2 nights. Everyone has to do it. He and 3 other recruits are wakened sometime during the night to take a one-hour shift.

Tomorrow he begins Week #3. Be sure to check the Marine calendar to see what he's up to each day.

Julie