Hey everybody........we received 2 letters from Michael today. Yes, he got mail!! I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that he's finally feelin' the love :) Here's the latest:
Doodoo (Michael said it another way) hit the fan there. The senior DI sent everyone to medical who was coughing. Michael said he and about 30 other guys went to medical after morning chow while the rest of the guys went to close combat training. Michael and the other "sickies" were cleaning the house when the others got back. They were huffing and puffing, soaked in sweat, and looked like they'd just seen the freakin' boogie man. They went to chow and before they entered the chow hall their platoon flag the guide carries was rolled up. It won't be put up until the guys put out. His platoon continues to look terrible marching compared to the other platoons.
The instructor for First Aid III is awesome. He reminds him of Cuba Gooding Jr.
Friday gave Michael a whole new outlook on boot camp. Mail call #5 gave him 4 letters. He says, "it was so nice to read letters and Mom's frickin' novel. Don't worry Mom, I hope you keep writing me like that because it's great to know how home is." He then answered a couple of my questions - "No, I'm not getting ripped yet. Everyone says you get buff once you go up north. I've lost 7 lbs though." Breakfast consists of fruit, eggs, waffles or pancakes, a cinnamon roll and ham, sausage, or bason. Lunch, they're required to eat salad and fruit, then a meat and veggie and dessert which is usually cake or brownies. (I'll bet they aren't his favorite peanut butter brownies) Dinner is the same as lunch.
He said it was really windy and cool that day. They ran a 2.5 mile S&E (strength & endurance). "We ran about a quarter of a mile, then stopped and did an exercise. When I say ran I mean ran and when I say exercise I mean push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, bicycles, and many others. I felt great!" He goes on........
"Tonight we got our stuff thrown everywhere. War bags, hangers, knowledges, and then only 2 minutes to shave, brush our teeth, and shower, all because recruits are retarded and don't sound off. I don't really care though.......I still don't want to be here. When I told my father I was joining he said, "What have you done?" Then he later said, "I ruined his dream of me becoming a musician because he thought that was my dream." Well, I'm starting to believe him. What have I done? Am I really supposed to be here? Why did I quit music? I have no motivation here at all. I wake up everyday and get told to do things and I feel I just do it because I have to....like I'm just going through with the motions... with no purpose. People sending letters keep telling me to stay strong and everything. I'm not going to give up but I'll probably think for the rest of my life, "What if I didn't join?""
His second letter was written on Saturday -
"Things are looking better today. It rained all morning so we did drill in our house. Alot of recruits were IT'd though. IT is Incentive Trainig. Basically it's going to the pit by yourself. You get IT'd for making a mistake over and over again. I would say about 20 guys or more got IT'd. Fortunately, I wasn't one of them. "
"Tomorrow is Sunday! If it weren't for church I don't think I could get through boot camp. Almost everyday we spend an hour talking about different things as a platoon with our senior DI. We've talked about suicide, depression, combat situations, goals as a platoon, and other stuff. Senior DI SS Smack is a pretty cool guy. He's an ideal Marine. He has the look, voice, and presence of a Marine. He has served overseas twice and then decided to be a parent and start his children (recruits) on his path."
He continues on Sunday morning -
"It's Sunday morning. I'm sitting here waiting for church to start. I love Sundays! A typical Sunday starts with chow and then 4 hours of free time. During free time we can go to church or stay at the house and square away your things. After the 4 hours we have afternoon chow. Then we may do drill for the afternoon or other tasks but not PT, work or class. Then we have evening chow and field work. Field work is cleaning the house top to bottom front to back using a small 8" brush and rags. We polish silver in the head, sweep with the brushes, mop floors, scrub soap scum in the rain room, replace toilet paper, and other stuff. Then on Monday morning the company First Sergeant inspects our house and grades us on it. "
"We get our hair cut again this week. I believe we get it cut every 10-12 days. Once we hit 3rd phase we are allowed to grow a high and tight. Personally, I think I look goofy without hair......and my giant portholes don't help either. But, there aren't any girls here except on Thursdays and Fridays. We can't even look at them so.....there is no one to impress with your looks."
"In answer to another one of Mom's questions - Yes, I have been put in a leadership position. I have not been a guide or squad leader, but I was appointed to march a detail fo 10 recruits to church every Sunday. For that 1.5-2 hrs. I am in charge of those recruits. It's not much but it's something. We were assigned fire teams also. A fire team is a group of four of us who work together. A fire team is the smallest group we'll ever be with. It doesn't matter, even if we were fighting in Iraq, there would be fire teams patrolling a certain area and not one giant platoon. My fire team leader is an idiot and will probably get fired. I am second in command as the gunnery so if he gets fired I am next in line to take over."
"This coming week (current week) is going to be long and hard. We have Initial Drill on Saturday Morning. Initial Drill is marching with weapons in front of "judges." The platoon that wins gets bragging rights and the company flag. The losers get the shame, the pit, and the name "Booger Platoon." Knowing my platoon, we'll probably be the booger platoon."
"I'll keep writing if you keep writing. A letter everyday helps the morale. I miss you guys.
Love, Michael"
As you can see, Michael is having good days and bad days. Maybe it's good moments and bad moments. I'm sure that these same feelings are being felt by all the guys. Thanks to all of you who are sending letters. As Michael said, a daily letter helps his morale. Continue the prayers as well. He and his platoon will need them big time on Saturday. Oh how I hate to think of him having to go to the pit again. We know that Michael will march his heart out.
Julie
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Michael's Depressed!
We received another letter from Michael yesterday! I figured he was really homesick or something because we'd just gotten a letter on Saturday. My motherly intuition was right. As you read on you'll understand, as I did that the day he wrote was a tough one.
He had his first class in First Aid II. He learned how to dress different wounds he'll encounter on the battlefield. They watched a movie of an actual wound dressing being performed. He said it was kind of gross with all the blood and stuff. He goes on, "It was weird to think that I may have to perform this someday to my buddy standing next to me or even my buddy performing it on me. The reality is slowly starting to set in. " They also learned how to treat for an amputation, an open fracture, and object impalement.
They had another mail call...........still NOTHING.
Many Marines had told Michael that the thing he needs to worry about in boot camp are the mind games. Now he knows what they're talking about. He's more depressed each day. He's beginning to wonder why he's there. Why would he want to give up all the FREEDOM of civilian life? Back then he could eat, sleep, talk, run, walk, sing, drum whenever he wanted. Now he "wears camo-clothing everyday (and the same ones too), he eats when he's told, sleeps when he's told, pisses when he's told..........all that freedom is gone!"
He knows why he gave up that freedom....so that each of us could have the freedom we do. I am humbled by the fact that not only Michael, but thousands of other men and women have and will volunteered to give their lives for mine. We all know of someone else who did that same thing 2000 years ago. What an honor to have a son who is willing to give his all for ME, for YOU.
He has started to see the pride of the American flag. He realizes that all of his hard work there is what keeps that flag in the air everyday. His senior DI has talked to them about things to think about every time they see it, salute it, and when colors are played. It's brought a whole new meaning to it all for Michael. The senior DI was also quick to point out that they won't feel the full effect of what that flag stands for until they return from war.
The guys were told to make boot camp hard on themselves by removing the things they've had at home like magazines, electric shavers, etc. They area allowed to have these things but are urged to go without them. "Eliminate contact with civilian objects" his senior DI said. Michael said, "Oh well, so far I've had elimination from civilian mail. Oh well."
Ok, how can a mother not be sad for her son? I love him so much and don't understand why he's not getting our mail!! If/when you send a letter DON'T put anything on the outside of the envelope that might bring attention to the DI, such as stickers, drawing, etc. He will pay the price for that. Keep writing and pray that they'll deliver his mail soon.
He had his first class in First Aid II. He learned how to dress different wounds he'll encounter on the battlefield. They watched a movie of an actual wound dressing being performed. He said it was kind of gross with all the blood and stuff. He goes on, "It was weird to think that I may have to perform this someday to my buddy standing next to me or even my buddy performing it on me. The reality is slowly starting to set in. " They also learned how to treat for an amputation, an open fracture, and object impalement.
They had another mail call...........still NOTHING.
Many Marines had told Michael that the thing he needs to worry about in boot camp are the mind games. Now he knows what they're talking about. He's more depressed each day. He's beginning to wonder why he's there. Why would he want to give up all the FREEDOM of civilian life? Back then he could eat, sleep, talk, run, walk, sing, drum whenever he wanted. Now he "wears camo-clothing everyday (and the same ones too), he eats when he's told, sleeps when he's told, pisses when he's told..........all that freedom is gone!"
He knows why he gave up that freedom....so that each of us could have the freedom we do. I am humbled by the fact that not only Michael, but thousands of other men and women have and will volunteered to give their lives for mine. We all know of someone else who did that same thing 2000 years ago. What an honor to have a son who is willing to give his all for ME, for YOU.
He has started to see the pride of the American flag. He realizes that all of his hard work there is what keeps that flag in the air everyday. His senior DI has talked to them about things to think about every time they see it, salute it, and when colors are played. It's brought a whole new meaning to it all for Michael. The senior DI was also quick to point out that they won't feel the full effect of what that flag stands for until they return from war.
The guys were told to make boot camp hard on themselves by removing the things they've had at home like magazines, electric shavers, etc. They area allowed to have these things but are urged to go without them. "Eliminate contact with civilian objects" his senior DI said. Michael said, "Oh well, so far I've had elimination from civilian mail. Oh well."
Ok, how can a mother not be sad for her son? I love him so much and don't understand why he's not getting our mail!! If/when you send a letter DON'T put anything on the outside of the envelope that might bring attention to the DI, such as stickers, drawing, etc. He will pay the price for that. Keep writing and pray that they'll deliver his mail soon.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
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
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
Thursday, September 20, 2007
First 2 Handwritten Letters Home!
Yep, you read correctly.....we received 2 letter from Michael today. I was so excited to read them but didn't want to do so until Ken and I could sit down together. Ok.....I couldn't stand it and called Ken to see if he minded if I opened just one right away :) I had no idea which one was written before the other and I think I chose the second letter. The one we read together tonight was much more upbeat. Anyways, here is the "real" scoop from Michael:
The first week was really long. All he did was sit or stand all day. Not a whole lot of exercise or walking. The worst part was the 5 injections he received. The last one was in the butt which he and his fellow recruits refer to now as peanut butter butt. He said it hurts really badly and feels like there's a lump of peanut butter stuck in your cheek.
He said nobody really remembers what they did each day cause they were so tired. He did know that he was in bed at 8 pm (6pm our time) and up at 4 am (2 am our time). Bedtime is getting better now. They go to bed around 9 pm and are up at 5 am. Every night he lays in his rack, lights go out and taps are played across the depot. It sounds like it's been pretty cool at night there. He says all the portholes (windows) are open and all the guys are freezing. They are allowed to sleep in just skivey drawers and a skivey shirt (underwear and t-shirt). His bedding consists of a sheet and blanket. Many of them are getting sick including Michael. He's had a sore throat and headaches for several days. One recruit in his platoon has pneumonia. None of the guys want to go to medical for fear of being dropped. They have to be "men".
Michael received his "birth control" aka his military eye glasses. Apparently that are very large, baby poop brown and so ugly no female would ever pay him the time of day :)
His least favorite part of the day is chow. He has to hold his tray just right, stand heel to toe and greet the DI's (drill instructors). Then, he eats as fast as he can, back straight, stomach against the table, only use his right hand, heels together, feet at a 45 degree angle, cup centered on the tray, tray on the edge of the table, don't talk and don't look around. DI's are always yelling at someone in the mess hall. Michael's only been yelled at once. However, he's been yelled at twice in the barracks. All in all......he's got a pretty clean record :)
He says boot camp is no ice cream social. It's really hard but mainly because his platoon is kind of stinky. They are the only company who has gotten in so much trouble that they quit drill one day. His second letter explained that on the particular day he wrote, his platoon couldn't march for the life of them. After hours of marching a few of the guys still didn't get it. When one doesn't measure up they all pay the price. After all the various punishments they endured that day they were sent to "the Pit" the following day. He didn't know what the pit was only that it was supposed to be REALLY BAD. He'd heard that usually one or two guys from each platoon will end up there. It's quite unusual for an entire platoon to be sent. OUCH! He must have survived it as we haven't received a call from the Marines.
PT (physical training) is also tough but he loves it. It feels like it lasts forever but at the end he feels like a million bucks....minus the military clothes and sweat.
They've already put him to work performing Fire Watch. It's a job where you wake up and walk around the house making sure everything is secure and everyone is in their rack. By the way.... Michael said the movie "Full Metal Jacket" is only 30% real........plus they leave out alot.......but he says that's Hollywood!
That's it for now. Michael misses everyone SO much and is looking forward to getting some letters from home. Please continue to keep him in your prayers - especially for healing from his illness, strength to endure the punishments handed to him, and a clear mind to take in all that the DI's are requiring of him. Until the next letter comes...God's blessings to you all.
Send letters of encouragement!
Julie
The first week was really long. All he did was sit or stand all day. Not a whole lot of exercise or walking. The worst part was the 5 injections he received. The last one was in the butt which he and his fellow recruits refer to now as peanut butter butt. He said it hurts really badly and feels like there's a lump of peanut butter stuck in your cheek.
He said nobody really remembers what they did each day cause they were so tired. He did know that he was in bed at 8 pm (6pm our time) and up at 4 am (2 am our time). Bedtime is getting better now. They go to bed around 9 pm and are up at 5 am. Every night he lays in his rack, lights go out and taps are played across the depot. It sounds like it's been pretty cool at night there. He says all the portholes (windows) are open and all the guys are freezing. They are allowed to sleep in just skivey drawers and a skivey shirt (underwear and t-shirt). His bedding consists of a sheet and blanket. Many of them are getting sick including Michael. He's had a sore throat and headaches for several days. One recruit in his platoon has pneumonia. None of the guys want to go to medical for fear of being dropped. They have to be "men".
Michael received his "birth control" aka his military eye glasses. Apparently that are very large, baby poop brown and so ugly no female would ever pay him the time of day :)
His least favorite part of the day is chow. He has to hold his tray just right, stand heel to toe and greet the DI's (drill instructors). Then, he eats as fast as he can, back straight, stomach against the table, only use his right hand, heels together, feet at a 45 degree angle, cup centered on the tray, tray on the edge of the table, don't talk and don't look around. DI's are always yelling at someone in the mess hall. Michael's only been yelled at once. However, he's been yelled at twice in the barracks. All in all......he's got a pretty clean record :)
He says boot camp is no ice cream social. It's really hard but mainly because his platoon is kind of stinky. They are the only company who has gotten in so much trouble that they quit drill one day. His second letter explained that on the particular day he wrote, his platoon couldn't march for the life of them. After hours of marching a few of the guys still didn't get it. When one doesn't measure up they all pay the price. After all the various punishments they endured that day they were sent to "the Pit" the following day. He didn't know what the pit was only that it was supposed to be REALLY BAD. He'd heard that usually one or two guys from each platoon will end up there. It's quite unusual for an entire platoon to be sent. OUCH! He must have survived it as we haven't received a call from the Marines.
PT (physical training) is also tough but he loves it. It feels like it lasts forever but at the end he feels like a million bucks....minus the military clothes and sweat.
They've already put him to work performing Fire Watch. It's a job where you wake up and walk around the house making sure everything is secure and everyone is in their rack. By the way.... Michael said the movie "Full Metal Jacket" is only 30% real........plus they leave out alot.......but he says that's Hollywood!
That's it for now. Michael misses everyone SO much and is looking forward to getting some letters from home. Please continue to keep him in your prayers - especially for healing from his illness, strength to endure the punishments handed to him, and a clear mind to take in all that the DI's are requiring of him. Until the next letter comes...God's blessings to you all.
Send letters of encouragement!
Julie
Monday, September 17, 2007
Boot Camp Address Correction
I'm not sure it will make any difference but Michael's Recruiter, SSgt. Hall gave me this address for Michael:
Recruit Huck, Michael T.
3rd BN Lima Co. Plt 3251
36000 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-3251
I would be surprised if there are any other Hucks there, but it would be good to put his first name on it also :)
Julie
Recruit Huck, Michael T.
3rd BN Lima Co. Plt 3251
36000 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-3251
I would be surprised if there are any other Hucks there, but it would be good to put his first name on it also :)
Julie
Saturday, September 15, 2007
First Letter Home From Boot Camp!
Woo Hoo!! We finally got a letter from Michael today. It was dated Sep 9th so it took 6 days to arrive. Ken and I were so excited to hear from him. We sat down, excitedly opened the letter and there it was..........a form letter. Michael was able to write in 3 blank spaces.......... Dear Mom & Dad, Recruit Huck, and added his signature Michael.
Michael is in Platoon 3251 with Lima Company. There are 96 other recruits from various parts of the country who have come together to form one team. They have 2 Drill Instructors and 1 Senior Drill Instructor that are with them 24/7.
In addition to Michael's form letter, we received a letter from his Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Smack of which I'll share some exerpts. He said Michael is undergoing a rigorous trainig cycle that will test him both physically and mentally. The first phase of training will take place at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, CA. Training consists of physical training, close order drill, water survival qualification and an introduction to military life. Extensive classes on Marine Corps history, first-aid, military customs and courtesies and military law will be taught.
The second phase of training takes place at Camp Pendleton, CA and consists of rifle marksmanship and field skills training. The last week of this training is considered the most challenging and difficult event in recruit training, "The Crucible Event." The event will be a defining moment in Michael's life. Upon returning to MCRD the remaining weeks will consist of final evaluations and administrative procedures and preparation for duty in the Fleet Marine Force.
Michael will be facing many obstacles and may experience periods of frustration especially during first phase. Positive and encouraging letters from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his morale and attitude. High morale and a positive outlook are assets for a solid foundation and attributes to successful training. Your role in maintaining his morale and motivation which can benefit his positive development is vital and encouraged.
So, the time has come when we can all send Michael our good thoughts and wishes. Please address his mail exactly as it is here to prevent delay.
Recruit Huck
3rd BN Lima Co. Plt 3251
36000 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-3251
I found an interesting website. http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/RTR/RTR_matrix.htm
It's a calendar of daily activities that Michael is going through at boot camp. Michael's scheduled graduation date is November 30, 2007. That means he is starting Week 2 tomorrow Sep. 16th.
I'll update when I receive Michael's next letter home.
Julie
Michael is in Platoon 3251 with Lima Company. There are 96 other recruits from various parts of the country who have come together to form one team. They have 2 Drill Instructors and 1 Senior Drill Instructor that are with them 24/7.
In addition to Michael's form letter, we received a letter from his Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Smack of which I'll share some exerpts. He said Michael is undergoing a rigorous trainig cycle that will test him both physically and mentally. The first phase of training will take place at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, CA. Training consists of physical training, close order drill, water survival qualification and an introduction to military life. Extensive classes on Marine Corps history, first-aid, military customs and courtesies and military law will be taught.
The second phase of training takes place at Camp Pendleton, CA and consists of rifle marksmanship and field skills training. The last week of this training is considered the most challenging and difficult event in recruit training, "The Crucible Event." The event will be a defining moment in Michael's life. Upon returning to MCRD the remaining weeks will consist of final evaluations and administrative procedures and preparation for duty in the Fleet Marine Force.
Michael will be facing many obstacles and may experience periods of frustration especially during first phase. Positive and encouraging letters from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his morale and attitude. High morale and a positive outlook are assets for a solid foundation and attributes to successful training. Your role in maintaining his morale and motivation which can benefit his positive development is vital and encouraged.
So, the time has come when we can all send Michael our good thoughts and wishes. Please address his mail exactly as it is here to prevent delay.
Recruit Huck
3rd BN Lima Co. Plt 3251
36000 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-3251
I found an interesting website. http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/RTR/RTR_matrix.htm
It's a calendar of daily activities that Michael is going through at boot camp. Michael's scheduled graduation date is November 30, 2007. That means he is starting Week 2 tomorrow Sep. 16th.
I'll update when I receive Michael's next letter home.
Julie
Thursday, September 6, 2007
First Official Day at Bootcamp
Thursday, September 6, 2007
We dropped Michael off with his recruiter in Oshkosh on Monday at 5:00 p.m. He was able to see a few school buddies before his departure which was awesome.
Once we said our good-byes Michael was taken to a hotel in Milwaukee. He flew out to California Tuesday afternoon. I'm not exactly sure what the procedure was but Staff Sargeant Hall said he'd get to the base in San Diego this morning between midnight and 1 a.m. I understand he wouldn't be allowed to sleep for the first 2 days. He was traveling with 19 other recruits from Wisconsin. He is supposed to be writing us a letter to tell us he arrived safely and to give us his mailing address. I guess no phone calls. Anyways, as soon as I get that information I'll post it here so that everyone can send him letters of encouragement. He'll need it!!
I miss him but he left one of his favorite country CDs in the player in my van. On my way to work I turned on the radio and there it was playing his tunes. A nice surprise and a good reminder of Michael. Geesh.... always leaving stuff lying around. This time I'm glad he did :) Oh and speaking of leaving things lying around......yeah......... he left a pile of dirty clothes in his brother's room. Thanks for the memories Michael!
I'll keep ya' all posted. Till then, remember our guy in your prayers.
Julie
We dropped Michael off with his recruiter in Oshkosh on Monday at 5:00 p.m. He was able to see a few school buddies before his departure which was awesome.
Once we said our good-byes Michael was taken to a hotel in Milwaukee. He flew out to California Tuesday afternoon. I'm not exactly sure what the procedure was but Staff Sargeant Hall said he'd get to the base in San Diego this morning between midnight and 1 a.m. I understand he wouldn't be allowed to sleep for the first 2 days. He was traveling with 19 other recruits from Wisconsin. He is supposed to be writing us a letter to tell us he arrived safely and to give us his mailing address. I guess no phone calls. Anyways, as soon as I get that information I'll post it here so that everyone can send him letters of encouragement. He'll need it!!
I miss him but he left one of his favorite country CDs in the player in my van. On my way to work I turned on the radio and there it was playing his tunes. A nice surprise and a good reminder of Michael. Geesh.... always leaving stuff lying around. This time I'm glad he did :) Oh and speaking of leaving things lying around......yeah......... he left a pile of dirty clothes in his brother's room. Thanks for the memories Michael!
I'll keep ya' all posted. Till then, remember our guy in your prayers.
Julie
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