First Letter From Boot Camp

I thought I would share parts of Dallin's first letter home form Basic Combat Training. He is at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina for 10 weeks for Army National Guard. When he first got there, he started with a cold that he hasn't been able to shake yet. We get a phone call at the end of Week 4 and Week 8. Can't wait!

Hey Mom & Dad -
I'm writing to you on my second fire guard shift at 2:00 AM, sitting next to my post, with arms hurting from so many pushups. Pretty crazy, huh? We got our rifles today and I feel great! We were shown how to strip it down to every last part and how to properly clean every individual piece. So when they are not threatening to kill you (no really, they do threaten to kill you! Like break your neck, crush your skull, etc) you are cleaning your rifle and fixing your living space like a madman. But even though I feel great, I'm fairly certain that I have infected five more people in my platoon with the cough and sniffles I STILL have. Even after 4 days, they refuse to die down! It kind of stinks but it hasn't even impeded my ability to learn one bit!

We have three Drill Sergeants (sergeant is a sucky word) named L, M, and P. I actually really like them! They are all still in their 20's and unlike the older geezers they connect with us. DS M.'s favorite phrases to use are "doggone", "hoooooly shiz" and "it would behoove you". So far he is my favorite. Something funny about my platoon is that there are 60 people in it and all of them are 17-21 (22 of them are 17!). In total, there are 413 people in this basic, and 112 are 17 (another 84 are 18 and another 62 are 19)! We have actually broke the record for the youngest basic training ever! Oh yeah, the reason I took two shifts this morning is because if I did, I wouldn't have to do it for a whole week. A week off of fireguard is a huge deal! I was the only one that wanted to, though.

.....

Write me back! Love you! Dallin
P.S. This is cool paper, Kadi is gay, the end.

Nutella, Welcome to the Family

I think Tal looks a little guilty.

Nutella has officially become a part of our family. When we run out, it's tragic! I just bought a large bottle and had successfully hidden it until Kadi found it. It won't last long now - especially with a new bunch of bananas that I brought home today.
Kadi and I discovered it make a delicious quesadilla. Spread on half a tortilla, marshmallow cream on the other half, fold over and heat in the microwave until warm. Mmmmm....

Basic Training

Today I sent my son off to Army National Guard Basic Combat Training. It's hard to believe I have one son on a mission and another son at Boot Camp.

We are so proud of him. He has talked about being a soldier since he was little so we have had plenty of time to get used to the idea. It's just unreal that the time has already come. He is still a little young. He will come back from 10 weeks in South Carolina and enter his senior year at high school. After graduation, he will train for his career and it's only after that point that he is available for active duty. THAT will be another challenge for me to survive!
I am comfortable in his decision and we fully support him. Not that it won't be hard - like letting him out the door this afternoon for Basic - but I am reassured that the Lord will care for him.

Please keep him in your prayers and I will send out his address when we get it. He can get cards but no treats or care packages.