We've received a few letters and phone calls within the past two weeks, some of which I would like to share with those who are interested.
24 April 2006
"...keep writing; it's the only encouragement I have for the most part. The TI's (training instructors) are very oppressive. (What did he expect?!)
"I did get one compliment today at chow. When we leave chow hall we have to give a salute to the TI and do a facing movement and walk out. Usually everyone gets screamed at and just shakes it off. But, today I did my salute and right-face and while I was walking out the TI said, "Good, very sharp. I like that." It took everything I had to maintain my military bearing and not go running, screaming, and throwing my hands in the air as I was so excited. (Hm. I never got that response when I gave him a compliment!)
"I stopped counting (group flight) punishment push-ups...three days ago. The last count was 300. I've never had to do any personally for my own mistakes, but most of the flight has. We don't do normal push-ups; we do some and then go half-way down and hold it until we don't feel we can take it anymore and then we do some more. It's pure torture. Half the fly was crying out in agony today while we were doing them. I'm glad I got into shape (before going in). It's not quite as bad for me..."
I had written a spoof form letter after not hearing from him for the first three weeks. When he finally got it, he not only filled it in and sent it back to me, he asked me to send him another one since it was quicker to write, answered all the questions I had, and gave him more time to write other things. In the quotes below, the italicized parts are the answers he wrote in.
30 April 2006
"Dear Mom, Dad, Jonathan, Lydia, and Andrew:
"Hope all are well. I am doing better every day. I am averaging 5-7 hours of sleep per night, and the food is great..."
"In my spare time I like to (fill in): What spare time? I have to read my Bible after lights out with my flashlight when the TI leaves. A lot of people do that."
"The most difficult part about bootcamp has been (fill in): Lack of sleep: being tired all the time; but I'm getting used to it."
"Some of the things I'd like to do for graduation week include:
[x] Alamo [x] River Walk [x] Other: eat at good restaurants. I'm sweets deprived. I think I need some ice cream." (For a real giggle, read the article entitled "Surviving Air Force Basic Training Graduation" at this link: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcejoin/a/afbasicgrad_4.htm. It is uncanny that Sam should refer to eating ice cream. He did not read this article before he left!)
He had Warrior Week last week, and I am anxious to hear how that went. It was difficult to not hear from him on Mother's Day, but each time I thought of him I prayed for him. Then, I prayed for the other three and thanked my God for the most beautiful, wonderful four children in the whole world that any couple could be blessed with.
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Hi Marcia,
ReplyDeleteThis is Mendi. MMom's is still down and this is the only way I can think of to try to reach you. I have a couple of good photos of your family and thought you might like them. I also wanted to say hi and tell you how wonderful it was to meet you. I really hate to post my e-mail address on a blog, so maybe you know some other way we can exchange that. Would also love to have a de-brief session! I'll keep looking in here, so if you get this just respond and I'll see it.