I got a phone call from Andrew on Sunday, February 19, 2012. It was amazing to hear from him! He said all the guys are still sick all the time, you just can't shake it since you never really get to rest. He said they have "iron watch" all night long; six men at a time iron and then come wake up the next 6 and so on in 30 minute rotations. He usually gets only about 5 hours of sleep a night. Please be praying for his right leg and groin, they are hurting. I found out he will not be performing with other graduations, just his own. They practice on Saturdays in the drill hall where graduation will be (map to come). He gets another shot this week, will be learning damage control, and will get his next phone call on 7-2 (March 6th, 3 days before graduation) when I will find out his graduation schedule. Now here is the letter....
Happy Valentine's Day!
14Feb2012
Dear Dearest,
Hell week has begun! So far so good. Monday was my PFA. I passed! I'm so thankful. I did 51 situps, 45 pushups and best of all I ran my 1.5 mile in 11:40. Wow did I feel awesome. If you remember, my first time was 15:20. I was sick though.
We then had our uniform and weapons turn over inspection. I got a 4.5 out of 5 on my uniform inspection because i missed my question. Silly mistake. I scored a 5.0 on my WTI. So a great Monday overall.
16Feb2012
Dear Wifey,
So week 4 is just about over. Drill inspection and test #2 tomorrow. Life has been busy this week. It flew by though. Week 5 is coming and I get my second set of shots. Another peanut butter too, the one in my butt. Firefighting and damage control is next week as well.
I got your letters and loved them all. I miss you more and more with every letter. Everyday when I get mail, I hope your letters come most of all. I have received mail from my mom, Aunt Onie, Amanda, Grandma Millie, Drew/Becky, your mom, and my dad. Please contact them and let them know.
I hope by now you have my gift and you love it. I wanted to give you my heart but since I'm here you can use it to read and warm your heart. I think about you often so when you hold it think about me.
Week four was eventful and this was a defining week for division score. Right now, we are shooting for Hall of Fame. To qualify, you need a division average of 4.5 (out of 5). It's super hard. But we are on track. It's an average of test, PFA, Inspections, and street hits. Street hits are like secret shoppers. We have had 0 so far which is amazing. With us being 2/3 the way through boot, we are at 4.8! It's awesome! Very few divisions ever make Hall of Fame so we still have to see how far we can go.
Also, put whatever you want on the blog. I write you so much because I can't write others that write me.
19Feb2012
It's Sunday and hell week is over! It wasn't so bad but unfortunately Hall of Fame may be out of reach. We were doing great until Friday. We had our drill inspection and test #2. After drill, which was sub-par, we now sat at a 4.62, down from 4.88. Time for test #2. This one was the easiest and as EPO I have had the guys studying like crazy. It didn't matter though because we scored a 4.1 average. So now we're even lower. Moral is down and RDC's are pissed.
I'm glad it's Sunday. We are on holiday routine right now. Every Sunday from 0700 to 1300 we can relax but no sleep which sucks.
Some more bad news, we lost our phone call because people talk too much. These kids are killing me. So our next phone call isn't til 7-2. So a couple weeks. (Though Andrew said this, he did receive the call somehow, he explained it to me but I didn't understand through the static.) By the way, I got a 4.5 on the test so I am happy.
A fellow SR (seaman recruit) asked me the other night, "Do you hate this place?" The only way I could answer was, "No, but if I were single it would be a whole lot easier!" See Hun, my mind is only about 50% in boot camp. The other half of the time it's on you. I see you in everything I do here. When it gets hard I think of you. It pushes me, makes me stronger, and motivates me.
You see, boot camp has a "jail-like" feel to it. You don't see the outside that much, only when marching. You can't really do or think much for yourself. They make things a lot harder than they have to be.
So, we have been going to practices for graduation. I'm on Honor Guard and we'll be throwing rifles and you see me front and center! On the back of this page I will draw a diagram of the drill hall and my position(s). Then show you where the best places are to sit!
Please keep writing, about anything, I care about all you do. The more the better. I love hearing about your journeys with school, weekends, and your friends.
I love you so much,
miss you a lot,
3 more weeks and I can hug you.
I miss that!
Love, Andrew S. Muhs
(Had to change my signature because they need to read it)
P.S. I got a brownie this week and it was delicious!
06Feb2012
We earned another phone call because as a division we scored a 4.0 (on a scale of 5.0) on our 1st academic test. I don't know when but keep your phone on. I can't wait to talk to you again and maybe I won't cry this time.
I am so glad God is providing and easing this stressful time. I am also so encouraged to hear the military ID is taken care of. Medical should be taken care of too. I'm not sure about Tri-care standard to Tri-care prime. You may want to call.
I am excited to see you! I have been thinking about The Hunger Games too. Talked to a lot of guys here about it too! Can't wait for the movie.
I hope you received my long first letter. You need to tell me more about your new Bible study. This encourages me. I am excited!
You can always say you miss me. I love to be longed for because I love to long for you and I miss you. Tell Drew Hi and the Navy is different than expected mostly because I'm married. It seems Navy should be #1 but my wife is so much better. I could leave now to be with her. But that may be foolish. I'm praying for your mom. I got a letter from her as well. I loved it. I received one from Audrey too. It was so nice. When I talk to you again ask me about my daily routine. I really wanna tell you everything. Too much to write though. I go to bed (taps) at 10pm (22:00) my time and wake up at 6am.
Andrew <3
07Feb2012
Hey babe,
What a great day today. We took our ID card pictures and went to the reclassifier. Pictures went great. Mine is very serious looking. I get my ID on 4-4. We are on 3-2 now. Reclassification is like a place to change your job. NOT. I have been thinking about changing to MA. But i found out today I'm AV for at least 24 months after A-school which is great. No changing for me. I also found out I'll be in Pensacola for sure. If I am AE I'll be in A-school for about 7 weeks. If they give me AT it's 21 weeks. There may be C-school after too. But I won't find that out until after A-school. So a lot of unknown there. I just received your letter #8 you sent after our phone call. Love the polar bears. Thank you for the numbers.
BIG NEWS!! We did a mock PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment) and as you know I failed my first one. I passed my pushups and situps but failed the run. So tonight we did a practice run and last time I ran 15:290. I need to be under 14:00 to graduate. I was sick the first time around but not this time. My goals are 50 pushups, 50 crunches, 12min 1.5 mile. Well tonight I ran 12:05!!! I was so happy and all my shipmates were excited too (as I was in last place 2 weeks ago). I'm running faster then some 19 year olds. God is good! So I need to cut off 5 seconds by 4-1 which is this Monday (5 days from now). I'm going to try my best. I also need about 15 more pushups too. Thank you for prayers.
I miss you lots and think about you and our love non stop. especially when marching. It reminds me of our walks.
Prayers = next week 4-1 to 4-5 is considered hell week (a lot of tests, drills, and inspection). Pray for a clear mind. I miss your voice, hugs, touch, and killer bunnies.
Love your Andrew!
09Feb2012
Well babe, I definitely get to write more than I get to send. They permit us to write all the time but never collect letters. So you may get a lot of letters at once. Today we did another mock PT and I ran my 1.5 mile in 12:30. I'm doing great. My knees hurt a little so prayers for them. But my goal is under 12 min by 6-2. We also learned about basic seamanship today. Like terms and line handling. The instructor was awesome and I found out I'm the 2nd (out of 82 recruits) fastest knot tier in the division. Pretty rad. Tomorrow we get to go to Marlinspike and test some new skills. // We are passing out mail and I got a letter from Allie. Tell her about the blog and I'll write back on Sunday.// Just received letters from my mom and Melissa (Ashton's GF) My mom printed pics of you in the snow. You'll have to tell me more about it. Melissa gave me Ashton's addy so I'm going to write him. I have been going to church but I may not this week because I need to write/study for hell week.
10Feb2012
Hey babe,
So here is the letter to answer all your questions. I just received #9 and 10. You look beautiful in the snow like always and theres a lot of it. Stay safe. Good luck on the taxes. We should get back money I hope.
So I have probably answered some of your questions in other letters. I write you almost every night. Also, tell Scott I got his letter. I love him. All 80+ guys loved his Halo picture. Also, if others have questions tell them to send them on. I'll answer what I can so here we go on questions...
1. Can I PT on my own?
No I can't. On my own at night I can because the RDCs go
home so many guys stay up and do push-ups, sit-ups and etc.
2. What makes the food so good? Dessert?
Good is great because of the variety and quality. Very much
like the RDC at NDSU. But no seconds. Once you sit down
you can't get back up. I can eat dessert but 4 days ago I was
put on restriction until I pass my run PFA. (I passed the
practice the next day.)
3. What is an RDC?
Recruit Division Commander. One chief and two petty
officers first class. They are with us day in and out just not at
bedtime (taps).
4. What does punishment look like?
We call it IT "Getting Beat" or "IT" (intensive training). I
have yet to be IT'd by my own means. I'm a smart recruit. I
have been IT'd for others mistakes (this really makes me
angry). We do mountain climbers, jumping jacks,8-count
body builders, situps, arm circles, and squats at a super fast
pace.
5. When is my next Try at running?
Day 4-1 this Monday at 0400am. I'll pass!!
6. Do you get 1 pillow?
Only 1. It sux. Sheets and blankets are bad too. I'm always
tired!
7. What does my daily schedule look like?
Well it changes slightly every day but this is the average day.
0600 - Rev (wake up)
0650 - Chow
0730 - 0900 - Class (depends)
0900 - 1100 - Training
1100 - 1200 - Chow
1200 - 1730 - Class/Training
1730 - 1800 - Chow
1800 - 1900 - Physical Training
1900 - 1945 - Hygiene
2000 - 2200 - Laundry
2200 - Taps (lights out)
Things are always in different orders and times but that's a
sample.
8. Do I sneak writing in?
Yes. I write you every night I get a letter from you.
12Feb12
9. What do I wear on a daily basis?
Well I wear my NWU's (Navy Working Uniform) everyday
all day. Look up a picture online. It's a digital camo pattern
blue, black, gray, and green. My name is stitched on it and I
also wear boots everyday. It's pretty comfortable except
when we have to IT in it.
10. What do we drill march in?
We will drill in our daily uniform.
11. When do I tryout for my staff division graduation
performing spot?
Well I made the honor guard so I will be marching in with a
rifle and a super cool uniform. I don't believe I'll be in
sailor mess dress. I may be in my NWU's with a flashy rifle
spinning around and some other cool gear. I'm pretty good
and it's super fun. I'm one of 25 that made it. A lot tried out.
I hope this answers your questions and others that read the blog. If you or others have more let me know. You're wonderful and always on my mind.
Love you,
Andrew
P.S. Got some snow today!
05 Feb 2012
Hey babe,
It's Sunday Feb 05 and I just got back from church. This is the 2nd week I have gone. It's a contemporary christian service and it's OK. Nothing great but I still get away and get to worship. I go with 3-4 other guys. One is Moura. He is an MU (Musician) in the Navy. Awesome voice and a great guy.
Tomorrow is week 3-1. I hear from other divisions we do Marlinspike. It is hands on line/boat drill. Others say it's awesome, fun and challenging. It is skill we need for B/S (battleships). We also get our second hair cut this week. I need it. I'm still adapting to shaving every day. I love the time we talked on the phone last weekend. I'm sorry I was emotional and talked a lot about myself. I just really love and miss you. I want to make sure you are safe and OK.
I am so proud of you and all you do to make yourself an amazing wife and a wonderful teacher. You are the best and I believe you will be rewarded for all your hard work next year in teaching. You have such a big heart and you're very wise.
This last week I have been feeling better. My P/T had been better although my calves hurt and I'm still slow. Because I'm slow, my 2nd RDC (recruit division commander) put me on restrictions. No desserts! I don't really mind, but they are really good. I have eaten more apples and bananas these last 3 weeks than I have in my entire life. Bananas go in my cereal (which I love now) and I have sliced apples at every meal with sun butter. It is peanut butter but with sunflower seed. I love it.
Good news, I got on the Honor Guard for my division. This means I will perform with a rifle at my graduation in a group of about 20. You get to see me. I had practice yesterday and I'm pretty good. This makes me happy.
Week 4 is coming and it's considered hell week. A lot of P/T and tests and inspections. Pray for a healthy body and intrinsic motivation for me. I can't tell you how much I love you!
Love Andrew
30 January 2012
Babe, As I sit around on the floor with 4 friends reading your second letter (I got 1,3,4 first) I love you more and more. I am so glad you are doing well. I am so glad you have godly women to uplift you. I'm on 2-2 and we get a phone call this week. I hope we don't screw it up. We had our first inspection today and I got a 5.0 Perfect score!! One of the only ones along with a few other older guys. I've made quite a few friends, more mentoring kids. Some are so lost and I'm trying to guide them. Tonight we went out for a late march/drill. It was a beautiful night and I could have marched for another 2 hours. Prayed while marching, thought about you and cool night walks in Fargo. Man i miss you!
Sitting here at 930 (2130) under the red light with Rae, Burns, and Rienke talking about life, Gf's, wives (you) is comforting. Rae is from FL, Burns from HI, Rienke from MN and my rack mate Carter from MO.
Our division is supposed to be legit but is kind of goonie. Bunch of kids with a lot of drama screwing up all the time. More to come!
Andrew
January 20, 2012
HEY SWEETS, I LONG FOR THE DAY WE RETURN TOGETHER. I HAVEN'T BEEN ALLOWED TO WRITE BUT I HAD TO START TONIGHT. I WOULD BECOME ABSENT MINDED AND FORGET A LOT IF I WOULDN'T START NOW. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY HANDWRITING TO THIS "RECRUIT STYLE" ! ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE TO WRITE LIKE THIS TO YOU IT'S GREAT PRACTICE! AS YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED, I SENT A LETTER HOME TO YOU. I HOPE YOU HAVE IT BY NOW. I FOUND OUT I GRADUATE MARCH 9TH. NOT THE BEST DATE FOR YOU I KNOW BUT THAT'S WHAT WE GOT.
I'LL START FROM THE BEGINNING. I WAS TAKEN TO DIA AFTER MEPS AND WAS MADE GROUP LEADER FOR TRAVEL. FOUR OF US TRAVELED TO RTC (RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND). I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING ALL THE INFORMATION AND LEADING US TO THE PLANE. MYSELF AND THREE OTHER FEMALES TRAVELED AND ONE GOT LOST ON THE WAY BUT WE LANDED JUST FINE. WE HAD A MEAL CHECK FOR $23 SO WE ATE AT THE MACARONI GRILL IN THE AIRPORT. WE ARRIVED LATE AND MY NERVES STARTED TO SET IN. AS I SAT ON THE FLOOR WITH 100'S OF OTHER RECRUITS I NEVER REALIZED HOW IMPORTANT SITTING "CRISS-CROSS APPLESAUCE" WAS. DAILY WE SIT LIKE THIS, ON THE FLOOR AND WITH MY HIPS IT'S UNBEARABLE! AT O'HARE I MUST HAVE SAT IN SILENCE FOR 2 HOURS WAITING FOR THE BUS. WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO! FINALLY I ARRIVE. JUST LIKE I IMAGINED. A LOT OF YELLING AND CUSSING. WE WENT THROUGH PAPER WORK, PHYSICALS AND BRIEFINGS ALL NIGHT. A LOT OF LINES. THE FIRST WEEK IS CALLED "P" WEEK. I HAVE 5 "P" DAYS. (I'M WRITING THIS NOW ON P-5).
I'M KINDA TIRED FROM THE LONG FIRST DAY. ALMOST 48 HOURS UP STRAIGHT. AS I'M SITTING IN A CLASSROOM-LIKE ENVIRONMENT AT A DESK WITH A GROUP OF OTHER MALE RECRUITS, I SEE ACROSS THE WAY A SECTION OF MEN BY THEMSELVES. (BY THE WAY I'M WAITING TO GET MY DITTY BAG (PT CLOTHES, UNDERWEAR, ETC.) NO UNIFORM YET) THESE GUYS ARE BEING HAND CHOSEN BY A PETTY OFFICER RESEMBLING A SHORT CHRIS ROCK! HE WALKS OVER TO OUR GROUP NOW SEEMING TO BE LOOKING FOR MORE. HE BEGINS TO ASK PEOPLE TO STAND UP FOR: ASVAB SCORE OVER 60 (MINE WAS 66), EXCELLENT SWIMMER (GOT THAT TOO), AND 12 MIN MILE AND HALF (I'M GONE). SO I SIT DOWN AND I'M PASSED OVER. DANG! NOT SURE WHATS THIS FOR BUT I WANTED IN. I GO THROUGH THE REST OF THE NIGHT AND THIS TIME THOUGH HE IS WITH A CHIEF. THEY NEEDED 2 MORE GUYS. HE CALLED ME FAT A COUPLE TIMES, ASKED ME THE QUESTIONS AGAIN, THEN OUT OF NOWHERE HE ASKS MY AGE? "TURNING 27, CHIEF!" I SAID. "YOU'RE IN!" I'M IN? IN WHAT?? THIS STARTS MY JOURNEY IN DIV 917!
January 29, 2012
SO WE FORM UP AS A DIVISION AND BEGIN PROCESSING. EVERYTHING IS FAST PACED AND UNDER STRICT DIRECTION. FOR EXAMPLE, ONLY 5 PEOPLE CAN USE THE HEAD AT A TIME AND YOU HAVE TO TURN IN YOUR RECRUIT PEN TO THE MA (MASTER AT ARMS) BEFORE YOU CAN GO. THE HEAD IS THE BATHROOM. YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE. YOU CAN NOT USE THE HEAD IN YOUR SWEATS. A LOT OF RULES WERE TAUGHT AND MANY ARE QUITE SILLY. AFTER OUR BRIEFING, I STILL HAVE NO CLUE WHAT DIV 917 IS ABOUT. SO WE GO TO MORE BRIEFS (MEETINGS ABOUT RULES AND SUCH) AND THEN TO DITTY BAG ISSUE. I GET THE NECESSARY UNIFORMS FOR P-WEEK (THE WEEK 1 IN-PROCESS). THINGS LIKE PT SHORTS, PT SHIRTS, SHOES, UNDERWEAR, SOCKS, ETC. NO UNIFORMS YET. I ARRIVED WEDNESDAY NIGHT BUT I TECHNICALLY DIDN'T START P-WEEK TIL MONDAY WHICH SUCKS BECAUSE WE SAT AROUND A LOT. DURING THIS FIRST WEEK, WE CAN'T BE BEAT/P.T.'D/I.T.'D (DO ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR BEING LESS THAN PERFECT). WE HAVE TO BE CLEARED BY MEDICAL TO BE FFD (FOR FOR FULL DUTY). SO ALL WEEK LONG (REALLY 10 DAYS INSTEAD OF 7) WE SAT AROUND IN A LOT OF LINES, ON THE FLOOR, ON BENCHES, IN HEIGHT LINES. REALLY BORING AND HORRIBLE ON YOUR BACK AND BODY. WE ALSO MOVED INTO OUR TEMP. COMPARTMENT (OUR DORMS) THE U.S.S. PEARL. WE STARTED WITH 88 MEN. WE ALSO LEARNED TO HYGIENE (OUR SHOWER TIME WE GET ONCE A DAY). WE HAVE 88 MEN TO USE 10 SHOWER HEADS ALL WHILE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC RULES AND HAVING THE HEAD SPOTLESS AFTER. IT'S PRETTY MUCH NEAR IMPOSSIBLE.
DURING THE FIRST WEEK, I WENT THROUGH A PHYSICAL AGAIN, DENTAL EXAM, SHOTS, EYE EXAM, AND HEARING TEST. GOOD NEWS, NO CAVITIES! I DID HOWEVER HAVE A FILLING REPLACE THAT WAS FALLING OUT. WE RECEIVED OUR FIRST SET OF SHOTS ABOUT 5 DAYS AFTER ARRIVING. WE STOOD IN A LINE AND (DEPENDING ON YOUR BLOOD WORK) GOT A SERIES OF SHOTS WALKING DOWN A LINE. I RECEIVED 5. THE LAST SHOT WAS THE WORST. THEY CALL IT A "PEANUT BUTTER" SHOT. ALL OF THE MEDS IN ONE SHOT IN YOUR LEFT BUTT CHEEK. I HURT FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. I ALSO GOT THE FLU SHOT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN SICK FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS. CONGESTED, COUGH, FEVER, AND SORE THROAT. I WENT TO MEDICAL ON DAY 6 AND GOT SOME SUDAFED, COUGH DROPS, AND TYLENOL. AS OF TODAY, I AM FINALLY RECOVERING. WE FINALLY RECEIVED OUR UNIFORMS (NWU'S - THE BLUE DIGITALS) AT THE END OF P WEEK.
WE MOVED AT THE END OF P WEEK TO OUR ACTUAL SHIP, THE REUBEN JAMES SPECIAL UNITS DIVISION. AT THIS TIME, I STILL DON'T KNOW WHY I'M SPECIAL. THE COMPARTMENT IS MUCH LARGER AND WE ARE AT 82 NOW. EVERYTHING ABOUT NAVY LIFE IS ABOUT BEING FAST AND ABOUT DETAIL. BOTH HARD TO DO AT THE SAME TIME. THERE ARE 5 OF US MARRIED, 6 WITH KIDS, 5 OVER THE AGE OF 26. FOR US IN THIS CATEGORY, THINGS ARE EASY. BUT WE ARE A TEAM AND WHEN ONE OF THE YOUNG ONES SCREWS UP, WE ALL ARE PUNISHED. THIS SUCKS BUT WHAT DO YOU DO. WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE HEAD SO IT'S EASIER TO HYGIENE BUT MORE TO CLEAN.
OUR WEEKS/DAYS ARE NUMBERED AS SUCH: WEEK 1 MONDAY = 1-1, TUESDAY = 1-2. I'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE THIS WAY FROM NOW ON. WEEK 1 CONSISTED OF OUR INITIAL PFA (PERSONAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT). I FAILED. :( ! I DID 50 CURL UPS, 38 PUSH UPS AND MY MILE AND A HALF WAS 15:30. SO I ONLY FAILED MY MILE AND A HALF. I FELT HORRIBLE (FROM BEING SICK). I HAVE TWO MORE CHANCES, ONLY THE LAST PFA COUNTS. I NEED TO BE AT 14:00 MINUTES. I BELIEVE I'LL PASS #2.
WE DID MORE PT THIS WEEK WHICH I LIKE. I AM ALSO IN THE DIVISION EPO (EDUCATIONAL PETTY OFFICER). I CAN'T SEEM TO GET AWAY FROM TEACHING. KINDA COOL, KINDA SUX. IF WE EVER HAVE FREE TIME MY RDC'S MAKE ME TEACHER. NOT A LOT TO TEACH AND I CAN'T TEACH WHAT I WANT. BOOT CAMP HAS MORE DOWN TIME THEN I THOUGHT AND I DON'T LIKE IT. OTHER THEN THAT, IT'S BEEN MARCHING AND CLASSES ALL WEEK.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT BUT REALLY ALL I WANT IS TO BE WITH YOU. I MISS YOU HORRIBLY. I BOUGHT YOUR CHAPSTICK TO REMEMBER YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND MY BED IS TOO SMALL. I DON'T FEEL IT'S GETTING EASIER. I CAN'T WAIT TILL 7-5 AND GRADUATION. LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL.
ANDREW
NUGGETS (THINGS TO REMEMBER):
- GRADUATION MARCH 9
- I FOUND OUT DIV 917 IS A STAFFING DIV. WE MARCH AND PERFORM AT MULTIPLE GRADUATIONS INCLUDING OUR OWN. THIS MEANS I MAY NOT MARCH ON BUT BE SOMEWHERE ELSE WHICH I HATE. I WONT FIND OUT TILL WEEK 2. I WILL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE.
- AROUND WEEK 5 I FIND OUT MY A-SCHOOL AND LIBERTY SCHEDULE (WHETHER I'M GRAD-N-GO OR I WILL SPEND TIME WITH YOU ON GRADUATION)
- MAIL
- I RECEIVED MAIL ABOUT DAILY (DEPENDS ON OUR BEHAVIOR)
- I LOVE MAIL AND CRY A LOT.
- I CAN ONLY WRITE ON SUNDAY AND SEND MAIL THEN AS WELL. SO I CAN'T SEND VERY OFTEN. SORRY.
- PHONE CALLS
- I GET THEM!!
- I CAN LOSE THEM ii (upside down ex. marks!!)
- SOMETIMES 10 MINUTES, SOMETIMES 30
- FOOD
- IT'S AWESOME!
- NOT LOSING A LOT OF WEIGHT BECAUSE OF IT.
- PRAYER
- KEEP SICKNESS AWAY
- PROTECT MY BODY AND JOINTS
- PROTECT MY WIFE
- MENTALLY FILL US WITH THOUGHTS OF EACH OTHER
- PATIENCE FOR ALL THE YOUNG KIDS HERE
Andrew called today! His mom also got a letter today which means mine should be here any day! We're in a severe winter weather storm right now - expected to get 22 inches here in CO so I'm thinking my mail may be delayed. He said he wrote me about 6 or 7 pages covering everything about boot camp life but here is some of the information Andrew shared with me; I'm sure some of it may be repeated when the mail does arrive.
The week Andrew got there he was put in a temporary cell where they did all his medical and dental checks. He had to get a shot in his butt that he said hurt a lot!! They also gave him the flu shot which then lead him to being sick. His voice was still all stuffed up when we talked.
He has been placed in an Elite Staffing Division. He was placed here because of his age, skills, running and swimming ability, and ASVAB score. He will have to tryout for the position he will be placed in but he may be helping at Recruit graduations in the coming weeks. He hopes to be able to march with a rifle or sword at his own graduation. He is also an Education Petty Office so he helps teach the other, younger recruits about "the book" of military law, uniform regulations, survival, etc.
He said they sit on the floor all the time and it's killing his back. He can't sit camper style so he said that's one of the worst things. He is still having a hard time sleeping well or ever feeling caught up on sleep. They only do physical training an hour a day, they get three meals a day and he said the food is really good, and he actually has a lot of down time to study.
He has to share the bathrooms/showers with 83 other men. They have 45 minutes every morning to get them all showered, shaved, and the bathroom cleaned. He said he often wakes up at 4:00am to shave and goes back to bed so he has time. He takes about 1 minute showers. There are 16 sinks, 18 toilets, 6 urinals and 2 shower pillars with 6 heads each. They only use 1 shower head though so they don't have to clean the other. He said he gets under the water, lathers up and walks out! Sometimes they have to get ready to fast that he has to put on dirty or sweaty clothes. He said they wake them up and count back from 5; if they aren't up quickly enough then they have to do push ups.
Once a week he has to do a night watch (with a gun) where he has to stand at the door and guard for two hours. He said he just reads "the book" and tries to stay awake. Sometimes he also has to do daytime watch which is in 4-hour rotations.
He is able to get mail during the week but only write mail on Sundays. He loves receiving letters and cards. He is not allowed to get musical cards (lol...Meredith) or newspaper clippings (though the website says he can). He has about the size of a sock drawer to keep all his toiletries and letters.
He said there about 6 others guys around his age and they all sit together at night to read letters and talk about family. He said boot camp is not as hard as he imagined it would be.
He should find out about A-school during week 5; he is starting week 3 this week. He has passed all his inspections and tests with flying colors except his run (he was 1 minute over) and will take his final physical training test during week 7 (only the final one matters). I should expect another phone call on March 6th - 3 days before graduation.
His 2 prayer requests are for his physical health: not only his cold but his back, knees, and calves are killing him. The second is to catch up on sleep.
I think that covers it all!! Keep sending those cards and letters!!
