Matts job is Munitions Technician. He deals with building and fixing weapons, including bombs. He was transfered to Sheppard AFB in Texas (an hour or so outside of Dallas) on Monday and he sarted his job training today. They put him on swing shift, meaning he goes to class from 5pm to 230am!
I'm thinking he'll really enjoy his job although its nothing we would have thought to sign him up for originally. He likes the idea because this job is on almost every base. That means we get to choose from a wider variety of places to live and Matt piled his wish list with overseas locations.
His wishlist is: Itally, England, Germany (2), Hawaii, Guam and Japan (2). He also put two stateside locations- Hill AFB in Utah and Scott AFB in Illinois. Although its easier and a lot less intimidating to stay in the country I think it would be such an adventure to live overseas. So at this point where ever we are stationed I'll find good things about it.
His official graduation date is set for January 11, 2010 but there is talk about trying to push his graduation up to before Christmas. If that happens I should know really soon. At least, I hope I would know soon.
Matt now has phone priviledges whenever he is in his dorm so we've been talking constantly this past week. He has also been making phone calls to friends and family so you might get one soon!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Parade in Review
Friday was the Parade in Review. This is the official graduation ceremony where the new Airmen get to put into practice many of the traditions they've learned that have been strong in the Air Force since it began. This is another powerful ceremony. The band played several songs, they had a whole flight marching by with everyone carrying flags (so about 50 flags) and the entire group recited the enlistment oath again.
This is a video of the Parade in Review- I only caught the first few groups. Matt is the fourth group back and I believe he was right in the middle. I'm not sure if you can see him on camera but I saw him as he marched passed. I told Emmaline I saw him and it was some how loud enough that Matt said he heard me again and had to struggle not to smile.
Here is another video of everyone saying the oath of enlistment again. Its the same oath as they said at MEPS when they shipped off to Basic but this time they've actually accomplished something and it seems to mean a lot more.
Here are a few cute pictures: Emmaline wearing Daddy's cover, Emmaline and Daddy smiling at eachother, and Matt saluting in his uniform!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
HONOR GRADUATE!!!
Matt graduated as an Honor Graduate! He worked so hard to get this. He had to be in really good physical shape, had to pass with high grades all his written tests and he could not ever fail an inspection. Even then, the TI will choose only 10% of those who qualify for the honor ribbon- resulting in only a fraction of the graduates recieving this honor. I was not sure he was going to get the robbon but I prayed my heart out and I was so proud when I saw he did it!
Here is Matt recieving the honor coin for his accomplishments. You can hear at the end of the video that Emmaline is calling for her dad. Matt got that same smile I saw on him earlier- he wasn't supposed to be smiling but you could tell he could hear her and was so happy. He was trying to keep from smiling but was struggling to do that.
Here is Matt recieving the honor coin for his accomplishments. You can hear at the end of the video that Emmaline is calling for her dad. Matt got that same smile I saw on him earlier- he wasn't supposed to be smiling but you could tell he could hear her and was so happy. He was trying to keep from smiling but was struggling to do that.
Coin Ceremony
After the Airmen run at 8am we waited around on the bleachers for a few hours until the coin ceremony began. It was so exciting to see the airmen all run in, knowing that within minutes I ws going to see Matt. All the Airmen walked in in formation (I was told there was something like 750 graduating this week) and stood at attention. They passed out the coins, retired the colors and had a few really short speakers. After that was all done everyone was allowed to charge onto the field in order to meet their Airmen. I couldn't find Matt- my worst nightmare. And once I did see him, I lost him again because no one was willing to move out of the way for a stroller (shame on them!).
Here is a video of the coin ceremony. Matt was in the second row of the second group. I really don't think you can see his group very well at all but you can see the closest group better.
Matt's flight walking in (flight 692):
Here is a video of the coin ceremony. Matt was in the second row of the second group. I really don't think you can see his group very well at all but you can see the closest group better.
Matt's flight walking in (flight 692):
This is a video of Matt recieving his airman coin. His flight opened rank and he was one of the men you could see just as the first row moved forward.
Airman Run
Congratulations Matthew! You have done so amazingly well...we are all so proud!
Emmaline and I got to watch Matt's Airmen Run at 8am on Thursday. Everyone who is graduating this weekend ran by in formation, turned around and ran back. Emmaline and I tried so hard to find Matt but we didn't see him. He didn't see us either :( but we survived that!
Here is a little note from Emmaline to her daddy before the run started.
Emmaline and I got to watch Matt's Airmen Run at 8am on Thursday. Everyone who is graduating this weekend ran by in formation, turned around and ran back. Emmaline and I tried so hard to find Matt but we didn't see him. He didn't see us either :( but we survived that!
Here is a little note from Emmaline to her daddy before the run started.
This is a video of the first part of the Airmen Run. It was so empowering to see them all running past and they were chanting...it made me feel like part of something really amazing!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Last BMT letter
I think this was my favorite letter of all of them...maybe because I know its the last until I see him!
Dear Britta
Well, this will be the last letter I write during BMT because if I wrote next week it wouldn't get to you before I see you. :)
Well, I got back from BEAST yesterday, we didn't get excellence, but our flight did the best out of the four flights in our sector. WE only had 1 demerit. The hardest thing with BEAST was the weight of all the gear and the sweat factor when we were in MOPP 4, also I had a strap that was twisted and cutting into my head that I couldn't fix for about 45 mins. There was no actual cut or blood but there was a deep, red, indentation afterwards; it hurt!
This week we get to start wearing our blues :) Also we have a lot of evaluations and classes this week. (Drill, PT, etc...)
When you come for graduation please bring one of the cell phone chargers to leave with me while I'm at Tech School. That's what I'm looking forward to most of all as far as my new liberties will be. Yes, I did get your letters during BEAST. Thank you for the letters and thank you for being a strong light and motivation to me. The Lord and you have been a great strength to me here and have helped me push forward and stand tall. THANK YOU!!
This week I'm picking up several pictures of me and memorabilia, I ordered a bit but I figured it would help me share my experience here with you. (Its going to cost $120+ and I 'm just about out of money on the smart card, so all my expenses here on out will need to be on the debit card. Hopefully its not too much.) I bought a few pics, a DvD, a 'year book' and a large collection of photos on a cd. We didn't have a lot of time to think about what to order so I did what I thought was best but I wish I hadn't ordered the pics of me in my blues, because I was wearing my BC glasses and could always get blues pics at any photo place later on. Oh well, what's done is done. :{
This week we watched/are watching Conference (recorded). Some of the talks have really hit me. I'm so glad the church is on the earth and that we have a prophet and apostles to lead and teach us. The church is true. The Lord Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us.
The weather here has been a bit chilly in comparison to a few days ago but its still probably much warmer here than where you are. During BEAST it was still warm and we did have a black flag almost every day (meaning its too hot to do PT and other work that could possibly cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) ~90+ degrees. The last day of BEAST though we had a Huge storm where we were ordered into a hardened shelter for a little over an hour. It became really muddy and messy. I'm just glad that the weather up until the end was nice.
Well, church is ending in a few minutes so I guess I need to wrap this letter up. I love you and hope I get a patio break/base lib so I can call and talk to you a bit more. I miss you and I miss talking to you and hearing your voice. I'll see you later!
Matthew
Matt refers to his BC glasses- for those who don't know- they aren't allowed to wear their own glasses during Basic because of the chance they'd get broken. Instead the military creates these really big, ugly but incredibly durable glasses to give their trainees. They are rumored to be so ugly that they are a form of birth control. Hence- BC glasses. Luckily I don't have to worry about that:)
And...Matt referred to me bringing a cell phone charger but little does he know...I actually bought him a new phone! I hope he'll like it. His old one was about 2 years old and having issues so I upgraded. It'll be good.
When we get all the pics and such that Matt purchased I'll try to put some online. I'm totally excited that he decided to get all those 'memories' and I can't wait for him to tell me all about his experience during basic. (These letters don't really do it justice...)
Dear Britta
Well, this will be the last letter I write during BMT because if I wrote next week it wouldn't get to you before I see you. :)
Well, I got back from BEAST yesterday, we didn't get excellence, but our flight did the best out of the four flights in our sector. WE only had 1 demerit. The hardest thing with BEAST was the weight of all the gear and the sweat factor when we were in MOPP 4, also I had a strap that was twisted and cutting into my head that I couldn't fix for about 45 mins. There was no actual cut or blood but there was a deep, red, indentation afterwards; it hurt!
This week we get to start wearing our blues :) Also we have a lot of evaluations and classes this week. (Drill, PT, etc...)
When you come for graduation please bring one of the cell phone chargers to leave with me while I'm at Tech School. That's what I'm looking forward to most of all as far as my new liberties will be. Yes, I did get your letters during BEAST. Thank you for the letters and thank you for being a strong light and motivation to me. The Lord and you have been a great strength to me here and have helped me push forward and stand tall. THANK YOU!!
This week I'm picking up several pictures of me and memorabilia, I ordered a bit but I figured it would help me share my experience here with you. (Its going to cost $120+ and I 'm just about out of money on the smart card, so all my expenses here on out will need to be on the debit card. Hopefully its not too much.) I bought a few pics, a DvD, a 'year book' and a large collection of photos on a cd. We didn't have a lot of time to think about what to order so I did what I thought was best but I wish I hadn't ordered the pics of me in my blues, because I was wearing my BC glasses and could always get blues pics at any photo place later on. Oh well, what's done is done. :{
This week we watched/are watching Conference (recorded). Some of the talks have really hit me. I'm so glad the church is on the earth and that we have a prophet and apostles to lead and teach us. The church is true. The Lord Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us.
The weather here has been a bit chilly in comparison to a few days ago but its still probably much warmer here than where you are. During BEAST it was still warm and we did have a black flag almost every day (meaning its too hot to do PT and other work that could possibly cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) ~90+ degrees. The last day of BEAST though we had a Huge storm where we were ordered into a hardened shelter for a little over an hour. It became really muddy and messy. I'm just glad that the weather up until the end was nice.
Well, church is ending in a few minutes so I guess I need to wrap this letter up. I love you and hope I get a patio break/base lib so I can call and talk to you a bit more. I miss you and I miss talking to you and hearing your voice. I'll see you later!
Matthew
Matt refers to his BC glasses- for those who don't know- they aren't allowed to wear their own glasses during Basic because of the chance they'd get broken. Instead the military creates these really big, ugly but incredibly durable glasses to give their trainees. They are rumored to be so ugly that they are a form of birth control. Hence- BC glasses. Luckily I don't have to worry about that:)
And...Matt referred to me bringing a cell phone charger but little does he know...I actually bought him a new phone! I hope he'll like it. His old one was about 2 years old and having issues so I upgraded. It'll be good.
When we get all the pics and such that Matt purchased I'll try to put some online. I'm totally excited that he decided to get all those 'memories' and I can't wait for him to tell me all about his experience during basic. (These letters don't really do it justice...)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Phone Call after BEAST
Matt got to call this evening after BEAST week. He said that his team got number 2 overall! I think that means they did a really really good job. He keeps telling me in letters that his flight is known as the laughing stock but I'm starting to wonder how much of that is the TIs telling them they are crappy versus the other flights telling them that.
He told me they have been practicing the graduation ceremony over and over and will continue to because they have to be 100% perfect during the 'real thing'. He also said that one of his TIs said that they don't get an off-base pass on Friday. I'm really hoping that the TI was mistaken. I double checked the schedule the Air Force sent and it did verify that he is supposed to get an off base pass on Friday and Saturday. That doesn't actually mean anything though if his TI won't let him.
We chatted a bit about little things that I don't really remember. Of course he said he misses me and Emmaline and he is grateful for the prayers from everyone. He says he knows it has helped him a lot.
Graduation is in less than two weeks. This week has him doing his final Physical Test. He is drilling all week and cramming in the last classes. Next week he has a few more tests before he recieves his job assignment. So close!
He told me they have been practicing the graduation ceremony over and over and will continue to because they have to be 100% perfect during the 'real thing'. He also said that one of his TIs said that they don't get an off-base pass on Friday. I'm really hoping that the TI was mistaken. I double checked the schedule the Air Force sent and it did verify that he is supposed to get an off base pass on Friday and Saturday. That doesn't actually mean anything though if his TI won't let him.
We chatted a bit about little things that I don't really remember. Of course he said he misses me and Emmaline and he is grateful for the prayers from everyone. He says he knows it has helped him a lot.
Graduation is in less than two weeks. This week has him doing his final Physical Test. He is drilling all week and cramming in the last classes. Next week he has a few more tests before he recieves his job assignment. So close!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Second to Last Letter
The letter I received yesterday should be the second to last letter I receive while Matt is in Basic. There is always the chance I won't get a letter next week or that he ends up sending me a letter that I get while I'm actually in Texas so don't hold me to that.
Dear Britta and Emmaline :)
This is the first time I've gotten to write in 1 1/2 weeks and I'll mail it off tomorrow. My favorite activity thus far has been the shooting range (Thursday). I scored 43/50=Expert! and another badge at graduation! :) Puggle sticks was a mad house, there was very little skill put into it because no one cared if they got hit, they just wanted to pound the other guy. The gas chamber last week was a bit painful, but it wore off after a few minutes but left a good impression to make sure your mask is good.
I've had 2.5 (didn't get to finish one) MREs. They weren't bad, in fact what I had for the most part was pretty good. Today we prepared a lot for BEAST, tomorrow we pack for it and leave early Monday morning. We'll be tested on SABC (Self Aid Buddy Care), defenses and a few other things along with general setting up a base/ tent-city. I just hope we do really well, since we've been the "laughing stock" of the squadron, mainly because we've had so many different TIs who have their own different way of doing things or are just learning to be a TI, which messes us up a fair amount.
Today we had a PLA check (Personal Living Area) (Bed, wall locker...) I was 1 of 3 in about 18 that had 0, nil, zip, none...demerits! That felt just as good as getting expert marksman!
This Sunday the military changed the time we go to church from 1430-1630 (230-430 pm) to about 0750-0950 (715-915), early. we'll probably be watching part of Saturday's General Conference.
Its supposed to rain during BEAST, which would be a bummer and cancel several of the activities out and make it harder to achieve BEAST Excellence.
Some crazy stories or things people have done here...one trainee from our brother flight refused to do several things a TI and higher asked and even talked back to them. He ended up being arrested, put in jail for a couple of days and sent to the 319 TRS (the squadron for the sick, weak or otherwise messed up and require more time to pas basic, even if that time takes a year or more.)
During 2nd week we had an initial PLA check (I had 18 demerits that time, which is bad, but still better than a lot of others in the flight. Well, I had been told that it would be like a whirlwind went through, but it was more like a full blown hurricane :0! (Mattresses everywhere, bed frames including bunk beds knocked over and thrown (one post got bent and several wall lockers were dinged up) clothes dumped on the floor, etc...)
This last week one trainee who had the best looking bed and e-fold was given a 15 minute patio-break. Every trainee's dream. That was a bummer it wasn't me, but it was cool that another trainee did get it.
D&C 121 if thou shalt endure it well...it shall be but a small moment... they friends do stand by thee. (A scripture just brought up during a testimony that really struck me now). :)
I miss you and Emmaline and even our pea-sized-baby-yet-to-be. I love you so much and I'm doing my best to stay strong.
Well, got to go now. :)
Love Matthew
It struck me as funny how many different little smiley faces he added into this letter. Either he's trying to make me feel good or he was feeling pretty good himself!
I must say that I'm totally proud and not at all surprised that he received 0 demerits on his inspection and that he received the marksmanship award. He is a very precise person and those are two things that he'll always excel at.
Only a week and a half until I get to go see him. I hope to have another phone call and letter before then but if not, I'll make sure I take and post many many different pictures when I do see him!
Dear Britta and Emmaline :)
This is the first time I've gotten to write in 1 1/2 weeks and I'll mail it off tomorrow. My favorite activity thus far has been the shooting range (Thursday). I scored 43/50=Expert! and another badge at graduation! :) Puggle sticks was a mad house, there was very little skill put into it because no one cared if they got hit, they just wanted to pound the other guy. The gas chamber last week was a bit painful, but it wore off after a few minutes but left a good impression to make sure your mask is good.
I've had 2.5 (didn't get to finish one) MREs. They weren't bad, in fact what I had for the most part was pretty good. Today we prepared a lot for BEAST, tomorrow we pack for it and leave early Monday morning. We'll be tested on SABC (Self Aid Buddy Care), defenses and a few other things along with general setting up a base/ tent-city. I just hope we do really well, since we've been the "laughing stock" of the squadron, mainly because we've had so many different TIs who have their own different way of doing things or are just learning to be a TI, which messes us up a fair amount.
Today we had a PLA check (Personal Living Area) (Bed, wall locker...) I was 1 of 3 in about 18 that had 0, nil, zip, none...demerits! That felt just as good as getting expert marksman!
This Sunday the military changed the time we go to church from 1430-1630 (230-430 pm) to about 0750-0950 (715-915), early. we'll probably be watching part of Saturday's General Conference.
Its supposed to rain during BEAST, which would be a bummer and cancel several of the activities out and make it harder to achieve BEAST Excellence.
Some crazy stories or things people have done here...one trainee from our brother flight refused to do several things a TI and higher asked and even talked back to them. He ended up being arrested, put in jail for a couple of days and sent to the 319 TRS (the squadron for the sick, weak or otherwise messed up and require more time to pas basic, even if that time takes a year or more.)
During 2nd week we had an initial PLA check (I had 18 demerits that time, which is bad, but still better than a lot of others in the flight. Well, I had been told that it would be like a whirlwind went through, but it was more like a full blown hurricane :0! (Mattresses everywhere, bed frames including bunk beds knocked over and thrown (one post got bent and several wall lockers were dinged up) clothes dumped on the floor, etc...)
This last week one trainee who had the best looking bed and e-fold was given a 15 minute patio-break. Every trainee's dream. That was a bummer it wasn't me, but it was cool that another trainee did get it.
D&C 121 if thou shalt endure it well...it shall be but a small moment... they friends do stand by thee. (A scripture just brought up during a testimony that really struck me now). :)
I miss you and Emmaline and even our pea-sized-baby-yet-to-be. I love you so much and I'm doing my best to stay strong.
Well, got to go now. :)
Love Matthew
It struck me as funny how many different little smiley faces he added into this letter. Either he's trying to make me feel good or he was feeling pretty good himself!
I must say that I'm totally proud and not at all surprised that he received 0 demerits on his inspection and that he received the marksmanship award. He is a very precise person and those are two things that he'll always excel at.
Only a week and a half until I get to go see him. I hope to have another phone call and letter before then but if not, I'll make sure I take and post many many different pictures when I do see him!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hearing His Voice!
Matt called today. I totally didn't expect it (have I really expected any of the calls?). I guess he got a day of base leave and took off to Subway for dinner and hooked up with the payphone to call me. We got to talk for about 20 minutes but he was being nice and wanted to let some of the other guys get a few minutes in before their time was up (he didn't have much longer anyway).
We talked about when we get to see eachother again, how big Emmaline is growing and how much she is learning, what places he is going to put on his dream sheet (where we will be stationed), and more.
He mentioned some good news...he said he put it in his letter that I'll get this week so I get to hear about it twice. But he said that his flight went to the shotting grounds this week (I don't know the official name) and he and 7 other guys recieved the Marksmanship award! I think that means that he shot over a certain number of accurate shots or something. I'm hoping I'll get a good description in the letter. His award is getting to wear another ribbon when he graduates!
His flight is supposedly known as the joke flight because there are so many guys doing stupid stuff. Its a bit sad because I (of course) want Matt to be perfect and part of everything perfect and, well, a joke flight isn't perfect. Just as long as they aren't such a joke that they don't graduate on time!
I write to him several times a week and last week he recieved all my letters but didn't get a chance to read any of them until today. I can imagine that would have been very difficult on him. My letters are generally around 10-11 pages long and I tell him a lot. Reading three or four letters all at once must have seemed like a novel! But he said he really really enjoyed it.
One of my friends, Valerie, sent Matt a picture of Emmaline that he said was so cute. And he said that he loved the other picture that I sent him (just a pic of Emmaline and myself at the zoo).
He wanted to call back and promised he'd try but it was so close to the end of his day and there were other guys wanting to make calls too. I suspect that he wasn't able to get ahold of a free phone to call me back.
Countdown: We'll be in Texas in 17 days!
We talked about when we get to see eachother again, how big Emmaline is growing and how much she is learning, what places he is going to put on his dream sheet (where we will be stationed), and more.
He mentioned some good news...he said he put it in his letter that I'll get this week so I get to hear about it twice. But he said that his flight went to the shotting grounds this week (I don't know the official name) and he and 7 other guys recieved the Marksmanship award! I think that means that he shot over a certain number of accurate shots or something. I'm hoping I'll get a good description in the letter. His award is getting to wear another ribbon when he graduates!
His flight is supposedly known as the joke flight because there are so many guys doing stupid stuff. Its a bit sad because I (of course) want Matt to be perfect and part of everything perfect and, well, a joke flight isn't perfect. Just as long as they aren't such a joke that they don't graduate on time!
I write to him several times a week and last week he recieved all my letters but didn't get a chance to read any of them until today. I can imagine that would have been very difficult on him. My letters are generally around 10-11 pages long and I tell him a lot. Reading three or four letters all at once must have seemed like a novel! But he said he really really enjoyed it.
One of my friends, Valerie, sent Matt a picture of Emmaline that he said was so cute. And he said that he loved the other picture that I sent him (just a pic of Emmaline and myself at the zoo).
He wanted to call back and promised he'd try but it was so close to the end of his day and there were other guys wanting to make calls too. I suspect that he wasn't able to get ahold of a free phone to call me back.
Countdown: We'll be in Texas in 17 days!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Letter 3
I can't believe how fast this week has gone! Matt wrote again but didn't really have too much to say. Here is the letter:
This one sounds like he started in the middle of a thought...I hope that doesn't mean I missed something earlier.
Dear Britta
I'm not back up to where I was with sit ups and push ups, but I've got the mile and a half run time down. The second day of PT I had was so intense, because they pushed us a bit after the normal PT time, my whole body was shaking from pushing myself past muscle failure several times. Since then it hasn't been that horrific.
I'm glad you have family and friends to help you out.
I've made a few friends, mainly Powell, Merriman, and Simpson (their beds are near mine).
The days here are long, but the weeks are short, and its only going to speed up as the next several weeks are packed with stuff from obstacle courses, the gas chamber (this week , or last by the time you get this letter), shooting our weapons (we've already learned to take them apart and put them back together [my best time is 53 seconds and I average just over a minute but we get nearly 4 minutes for the test] and how to clean the M16A2), then its BEAST week followed by all of the tests both physical and written and then I get to see you at graduation!
Wow! When I put it like that it feels like its just around the corner, but it feels like I've been here forever now that I'm used to the schedule/life here.
Oh, Garrett wanted to know where I got the metal wire for the chain mail; I didn't buy it, our group leader did, but I believe he bought it online from a metal company somewhere in Canada. It was 14 gauge steel and cam in a 1/4 mile roll, which was enough for a large shirt and a few small items. It was around $60 and that was several years ago.
Thank you for the smell! (the body spray you put on one of the first letters). I didn't realize it at first, but as I was rereading it for questions I recognized the smell and spent the next several minutes just sniffing the letter and grinning like an idiot. It was great!
Well, I got to go now, so I'll write more later.
Matthew
The second page in the envelope was dated a few days later
Dear Britta
Wow I've been missing you lately. I currently have 2 letters from you that I haven't been able to read yet because of lack of time. We get mail Monday through Friday evenings, even though mail comes on Saturdays, we don't get it till Monday, which is always a big day.
As I've said before there are 4 (including me) married people in my flight, but quite a few others are either engaged or planning on being engaged soon. Not everyone, but a lot of people are curious and like hearing about each others home, family...
You've probably received a letter already to go to a base and get TriCare and ID and all, since I got you in the system yesterday. Life insurance: I'm automatically on some along with Emmaline and that can't be changed but we can elect to put you on if we want, I don't know how much that would be.
Got to go.
Well, writing privileges are pretty much out the window again, even reading is next to nil. I love you and I'll write when I can.
Matthew
Sounds like things are going well for him- he is fitting in with the guys and almost to where he needs to be for physical graduation tests. Remember that you are more than welcome to write to him, I'm sure he'll really appreciate hearing from anyone who takes the time.
This one sounds like he started in the middle of a thought...I hope that doesn't mean I missed something earlier.
Dear Britta
I'm not back up to where I was with sit ups and push ups, but I've got the mile and a half run time down. The second day of PT I had was so intense, because they pushed us a bit after the normal PT time, my whole body was shaking from pushing myself past muscle failure several times. Since then it hasn't been that horrific.
I'm glad you have family and friends to help you out.
I've made a few friends, mainly Powell, Merriman, and Simpson (their beds are near mine).
The days here are long, but the weeks are short, and its only going to speed up as the next several weeks are packed with stuff from obstacle courses, the gas chamber (this week , or last by the time you get this letter), shooting our weapons (we've already learned to take them apart and put them back together [my best time is 53 seconds and I average just over a minute but we get nearly 4 minutes for the test] and how to clean the M16A2), then its BEAST week followed by all of the tests both physical and written and then I get to see you at graduation!
Wow! When I put it like that it feels like its just around the corner, but it feels like I've been here forever now that I'm used to the schedule/life here.
Oh, Garrett wanted to know where I got the metal wire for the chain mail; I didn't buy it, our group leader did, but I believe he bought it online from a metal company somewhere in Canada. It was 14 gauge steel and cam in a 1/4 mile roll, which was enough for a large shirt and a few small items. It was around $60 and that was several years ago.
Thank you for the smell! (the body spray you put on one of the first letters). I didn't realize it at first, but as I was rereading it for questions I recognized the smell and spent the next several minutes just sniffing the letter and grinning like an idiot. It was great!
Well, I got to go now, so I'll write more later.
Matthew
The second page in the envelope was dated a few days later
Dear Britta
Wow I've been missing you lately. I currently have 2 letters from you that I haven't been able to read yet because of lack of time. We get mail Monday through Friday evenings, even though mail comes on Saturdays, we don't get it till Monday, which is always a big day.
As I've said before there are 4 (including me) married people in my flight, but quite a few others are either engaged or planning on being engaged soon. Not everyone, but a lot of people are curious and like hearing about each others home, family...
You've probably received a letter already to go to a base and get TriCare and ID and all, since I got you in the system yesterday. Life insurance: I'm automatically on some along with Emmaline and that can't be changed but we can elect to put you on if we want, I don't know how much that would be.
Got to go.
Well, writing privileges are pretty much out the window again, even reading is next to nil. I love you and I'll write when I can.
Matthew
Sounds like things are going well for him- he is fitting in with the guys and almost to where he needs to be for physical graduation tests. Remember that you are more than welcome to write to him, I'm sure he'll really appreciate hearing from anyone who takes the time.
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