Last Days in Kentucky

It's been a long time since the last update because we have not heard much from Tim in the last week or so. He called last night while I was at my bike race. Here are the highlights per Debbie:

• Tim is essentially done with his official training as of Wednesday. He received his unit's saber insignia in a short ceremony.
• Over the Memorial Day weekend they participated in a field exercise in which they were closely observed and graded on performance. Tim said they got very little sleep and were pushed very hard. They returned from this exercise on Sunday evening.
• Yesterday they completed a grueling 20k "ruck march". They had to carry 40 lbs packs, wear body armor and carry their guns over a series of hills. It was very hot.
• Tim passed his official physical fitness test (push-up, sit-up and 2 mile run). He placed 9th overall out of about 300.
• For this last week they will cleaning and painting the barracks. Shortly after they graduate and vacate the building, it will be torn down as all training is being moved to Ft. Benning, GA. Why paint it? It's the Army...
• He seems to be doing well. As you might expect, glad that he has officially "made it" in terms of passing. Ready to come home and have a normal life again.

Update

Sorry, but there's not much news to report lately. We didn't get a phone call from Tim this weekend. He had mentioned last week that some extended field exercises were planned, so it is possible he is on an Army "camping" trip. We received only a couple of letters this week. In one of them, Tim indicated that he had not received any mail for a number of days. I've written him a number of letters the last couple of weeks, so they must be holding his mail for some reason.

His last letter indicated they were driving Humvees and the Bradley.

Sunday Phone Call

Tim was able to call Sunday evening and we spoke for about 40 minutes. He said that he was reasonably healthy and that he was doing okay. However, we could sense that he was struggling a little - I think he's just worn out from the work, lack of sleep and constant stress. At one point he said that an extra hour of basic training would be too much to handle. He's very, very eager to be done. Apparently the drill sergeant told them the last week was easy, so Tim is thinking that he has only 2 1/2 weeks of tough training, plus the final week. I hope he is not disappointed.

This week they will be driving the Bradley, which he is looking forward to. His final P.T.test is coming up, also. Going from memory, I remember the following:
1) He enjoyed the letters sent from Aunt Debbie's class. He passed them around to others, also.
2) Claims to have gained 11 lbs (6 at Family Day, plus an additional 5).
3) Does not expect many additional freedoms when they move to Gold phase.
4) Moved into another bay and is bunking with his friends Roddy, Mackey and another fellow.
5) They took away all of his non-prescription drugs - no self-medicating.

Please remember to write him some words of encouragement these last few weeks. I think he can use it!

Weekend Phone Call

Tim was able to call on Sunday to wish his Mom a happy Mother's Day. On the one hand, we are happy to report that he finally received a pass for a few hours on Sunday. His plans were to watch a movie (on base) and to order Chinese food. On the other hand, we are disappointed to learn that his troop seems to be in semi-permanent punishment mode. He said that last week was among the worst weeks since has has been there. They have been required to stand on Red Line for hours at a time, multiple times per day. He said that it has become a privilege to clean the barracks. Also, it seems that he is not getting his mail. For example, I've written him at least 8 letters since Family Day and I think he has only received a couple of them.

Other news: 1) the weather has been warmer  2) he is counting down the days (a little over 4 weeks remaining)  3) he seems to be healthy (finally!)  4) he's looking forward to more training on the Bradley, especially firing the big gun on the top  5) was excited to hear about Steve's debate tournament win in Indianapolis (regional champion)

New Letter

Yesterday we received a letter dated 4/29/11. Here are a few highlights:
1) "My favorite part of Family Day was getting to feel like a normal person again."
2) The drill sergeant told them the last week of training was easy - all graduation prep.
3) They've been training on the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (1st picture)
4) ... the Javelin anti-tank missile (2nd picture)
5) ... the Automated Net Control device (3rd picture)
6) When he wrote the letter he had hoped to get a weekend pass. When we spoke with him on Sunday we found that he didn't get one. Has has only had one pass other than  Family Day.

 LARS3Javelin
ANCD (scans radio frequencies)

Phone Call

We spoke with Tim on Sunday afternoon. He called from his mobile phone and told us they had use of them for 30 minutes. Unfortunately, he said that things after Family Day are much like they were before Family Day. That is, no special privileges. However, their training is now mainly by platoon, rather than by troop, so there is less waiting than before. He enjoys training on the Bradleys but has not been able to drive one yet. He seems to be healthy and doing reasonably well. The weather is still rainy down there, and he is getting a little tired of being wet. He asked for information about his unit in Texas, but we weren't able to find much on the Internet. He has just a little over five weeks to go.

Here is the emblem of his Texas unit - the 112th Cavalry.

Letter Received

We received a short letter from Tim last night. It is our first letter from him since Family Day. He had a really nice time at Family Day is is very thankful for the support. It sounds like he's doing okay and is getting re-adjusted to Army life. This week he has been training on the Bradley Fighting vehicle (see picture). He wasn't sure if he was going to get to drive it, or simply ride in it. Of course, he was hoping to drive it.

A couple of other comments. Please try to write him a letter if you can. I'm sure he can use some extra support these last few weeks. They really like to get letters - the longer the better according to Tim. All of the guys are pretty tired and stressed, so it would help if you could encourage him.

Also, Tim and I were looking at his pay stubs (which are mailed to our house) over the weekend and we realized the budget crisis has affected Tim directly. The government is withholding a portion of his pay, which is listed as "gov't debt" on his pay stub. Presumably they will reimburse him for these amounts when the budget is passed. Fortunately, Tim does not need the money at the moment, but consider the impact on service families which have very little income. Something to think about...