Two more letters

Can you believe Spencer has been gone for one month and actually in basic training for 3 weeks. He has 6 more to go!

I have actually received two letters since the last time I posted. No phone calls, but at least we are hearing from him.

It sounds like he is doing good. He has just been describing, in detail, what they have been doing. It sounds like he takes it all in stride. In the letter I received Monday, he was telling us how some of the guys in his platoon had things on them that they shouldn't, such as extra gloves and food, and therefore, the whole platoon has to pay. So what sounded like forever, they had to do push ups, sit ups, they got their lockers emptied out on the floor, etc. He went on and on and I am feeling so bad for him. Then he ends his letter, "It was fun and we all survived". Sounds like a soldier who's adjusting pretty well, don't you think?

Then in his letter today he was excited because he had passed his physical training test and had actually shaved a minute off his 2-mile run. He ran it in 14:25! Pretty impressive! He then went on to describe going to the gas chamber. He told us how he was so nervous and how when they had to take their masks off they have to keep their eyes open and look at their Sgt. He said everyone was coughing , but he didn't cough once. He said it burns so bad when you breath and it burns your eyes so bad. He said he just took slow breathes and stayed calm. He said when his Sgt. led them out he said there were guys who were uncontrollable but Spencer, feeling victorious, yelled, "Terminators" (that's the name of his platoon) when he reached the door. He said as soon as they got outside he started laughing and smiling! He faced the giant and won! You could tell from the letter how proud he was! I can tell he loves the challenge.

Well, the next 3 weeks will be rifle training. Wonder what stories will come out of this training?

As always, thanks for your prayers. I know I feel them and by the way it sounds he does too.

Until the next letter or phone call,

Dawn ~ "Proud Mom of a U.S. Soldier"