Saturday, March 10th

Andrew in his Navy Service Uniform, also known as his "Peanut Butters"

With his parents before they head back to ND.

Chicago's BEAN in Millennium Park

Marisa and her dad with the BEAN

Andrew having a true Chicago Dog - smothered in pickles, hot peppers, onions and everything else gross!

Us with a great view of Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a great day in the Windy City!

Finished our night having Chicago style pizza.

GRADUATION March 9, 2012

Navy Bootcamp at RTC, Great Lakes, IL....WooHoo!!! 

Andrew came out with the Honor Guard and marched the drill deck for pictures before graduation began.He found us right away because we were sitting VIP because of his dad's Colonel rank. He snuck out and came up to us in the bleachers before graduation started!  I was so surprised and we got to talk :)

  second row, second from the left

They looked great with their rifles!

Graduation begins!  The 50 state flags march in and shape spelling out "NAVY". It was impressive, one of my favorite parts of the performance. 

In march all the divisions.  There were a total of 487 graduates this day.  They came in from the 35 degrees outside wearing their black coats.  They then took them off and piled them in a heap behind their division lines.                                

Here comes the Honor Guard.... Andrew is now second row, second from the right. They will be inspected by a Colonel.

This is one of my favorite pictures from graduation. I love all the flags in the back.

Looking sharp!

 

This is another part of the Honor Guard that did rifle throwing and spinning... pretty sweet!

If you remember, Andrew was selected for DIV 917 which is the staffing division.  I was pretty impressed with my focus skills on this shot!

Our first embrace since he left January 11th! 

Andrew and his parents, Steve and Meredith

Andrew with my dad and me

  

 I am so proud of Andrew, my Navy Sailor!!

2 letters received 3-1-12

We are officially T-7 days to graduation (march 9th)!!! (Marisa writing this)

 
22Feb2012
Dear Marisa,
       I received 4 of your letters yesterday. I guess since the long weekend mail got backed up.  I also received mail from your mom and my mom as well.  Your mom sent me a long letter about Christmas and had copies of thank you cards from Teen Challenge. It was awesome to see their gratitude.  My mother sent me a picture of you with my flowers. You are so beautiful.
       I love so much talking to you the other day on the phone.  Only another week or so till the next phone call, then I'll have my orders.
       President's Day was so very boring and I hate these days. Not a lot going on and too much down time. I did received another ribbon for my pistol shooting skills.  That's 2 now. One for joining the Navy in a time of war and marksmanship ribbon.
       We took our division picture today and got a chance to order pictures and a DVD. Don't get too excited because I drop $210. But you will be so happy with the purchase. I got you a surprise. We can also buy more pictures later when you come here. I got 4- 8x10 for you and our families along with others.
       I ran 5 miles yesterday and PFA weigh-ins are tomorrow. First time I get to see my weight since MEPS. We start damage control and firefighting these next two weeks. I'll finish more then. I love you and hope I dream about you. 
  
23Feb2012
       Hey Hey, So today was the big day. Weight-in's! So I didn't eat breakfast and went to Freedom Hall with the divisions to have my final weigh in. If I failed I would be set back until I passed. So I stepped on the scale and..... 207. WHAT!! I didn't even lose a pound. Now I'm worried. So I have to be taped now. I have to be under 22% body fat.  If you remember I was 21% with a 16in neck and a 38in waist. Now I get taped and I'm a 16in neck and a 36in waist. I'm so happy.  Now what this means is although I'm not losing weight, I'm losing body fat, even better in my opinion. I'm getting stronger. I have come to the realization that I may not be under 200 ever. So that's ok with me.  Needless to say, I passed and I'll graduate on time if I pass my final PFA on 6-2 and battle stations. I'm good to go.
       I have a few guys here that wanna write to Jilayna and have her write back. So there are letters inside for her. Kinda weird but whatever.
       We start damage control today and firefighting. Seems pretty good. The gas chamber is this Monday. I'm nervous. 
       Have you played on your Kindle any more? We got a bit of snow today. Any more there? We got beat a few days ago for some kid's stupid disrespectfulness and not following instructions. It was long and my uniform was soaked. Gross. Have you been working out?
       I miss your smile. I miss your smell. I miss our naps. I miss tacos. I miss Hunger Games reading sessions. I miss your body warmth. I miss kissing. I miss sharing things with you. I miss movie nights. I miss church with you. I miss being loved. I miss my best friend.
       This place is so close to being over but then more time apart. At least you can travel and talk to me on skype. Have you thought any more about a new computer for you? Or are you ok with the desktop? I just want to be sure we can skype everyday.
       What about a dog or kids? j/k I have been thinking a lot about our family and future and lovely wife. I talk about you to the guys all the time. I love you so much.  (He drew a picture of a big hug with outstretched arms).
Your hubby/Adventure partner for life.
Andrew


26Feb12
Hello Lady,
       It's the end of week 5 and week 6 starts tomorrow. I'm almost there and it feels great. This will be an exciting and intense week of training. This week is firefighting. We also have gas chamber tomorrow. I'm nervous. I hear mixed reviews from other divisions. This week also consists of Test #3, final PFA (the one that counts), and our last inspection. For this inspection, we have to get into 1 of 3 uniforms correctly. Then they inspect us and answer a question. This is the "PI" part. PI is personal inspection. Then right after we have our DMI inspection. Dynamic Material Inspection where we have to fold and stow the uniform we just put on correctly. This is all timed as well. 20 minutes for each inspection. Plenty of time for me but others struggle.
       So today (Sunday) I spend my time taking a long shower (only on Sundays), shining my boots and dress shoes, writing my amazing wife, and I'll go to church soon. I'm trying the gospel service this week with a few of the black guys I met here. The guys are awesome and they assure me I won't be the only white person.
       I got your letter and the one with the puzzle (crypto) was awesome. You forgot to write the clue down but me and some fellow recruits mastered your puzzle. They loved it and many had never seen one!
       You asked some questions so I'll answer:

• We did go to the USS Missouri and shot the 9mm and shotgun. I scored marksmen which is like 3rd place. I couldn't see the target at 15yards very well.
• I did not have to get glasses/BCG's. And we were one of the first divisions to try out the new frame because BCG's are phasing out. They are small square black frames.
• Firefighting is this week at the USS Chief.
• Gas chamber is tomorrow.
• Marlinspike is a practice for basic seamanship skill to tie the ship to the docks and what not.
• Battlestations is my final test a week from tomorrow (3-5-12). I am up for 48 hours. We start on a ship using all the skills I have learned. It is on 7-1.
• We only swam once to pass the test. Super easy for be since my mom made swimming a huge part of us kids' lives so no problem there. We don't swim at all here. The test was three weeks ago.
• The ceremonial drill guard is not what I'm on. I'd love to be in Navy Honor Guard some day.

Changes/Learned
I want to talk a little about how this experience has changed me:

• First, being married has to be the best part of my life. Being around all these kids really draws me closer to you.
• I have come to realize that Navy will be more difficult than I thought with deployments and moving. I'm really going to need you to be by my side. You're amazing already but it will be hard and besides Christ, you are my everything.
• I have learned I love cereal.
• I have learned that I'm wiser than I thought.
• I have learned that I'm organized and a great teacher.
• I have learned that I am week and have weaknesses, you being one of them. I often cry because I never realized the impact you have on me and how concerned I am for you.
• I have become more of a worrier.
• I have learned I am a control freak and you lose all control at boot camp.
• I have learned I'm an individual more than a team player. I need to change.

       You need to give my mom a message and thank her for all the letters. I miss my weekly phone calls with her and her letters really help. I like to know what's going on and can't wait to see them in two weeks.

       It may be good idea not to send (and tell others) any letters after March 3rd. Mail will be forwarded to me at A-School but don't know when. Can't wait to talk to you on 7-2 (March 6th). Love you so much. Thanks for all you do and the long letters, they help me so much.


Love, Andrew

Phone call 2-19 and Letter received 2-24

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!

Received 4 letters on 2-16-12

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!

Letter #3 received 2-9-11

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

Letter #2 received 2-6-12

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