Interesting Letters

Four letters today - dated 3/9/11 through 3/11/11. Much of the information in the letters was old news from  when we talked to Tim on the phone Saturday. Here's the new information...

1) Report from rifle marksmanship training: Tim grouped 10 shots within 1 cm from 300 meters, tying a camp record. I guess we'll see if it was luck or if Tim is really a marksman in the weeks to come.
2) 3/9/11 was the first day he's been there without being smoked.
3) Tim is starving for entertainment. Plans on reading the entire Bible while there.
4) He had his first "MRE" (Meal, Ready to Eat). He said they're great - "...pork ribs, clam chowder, tortillas, cheese spread, nuts and raisins.  ...sometimes candy". They are also self-heating. Click here to find out more.
5) Days are passing more quickly. Has been away from home 1 month.
6) Drill Sergeants get a kick out of taking bad photos of privates.
7) Skinny privates (like Tim) do get extra food. He was "forced" to eat cold rice and an eclair.
8) Should now have the privilege to leave base occasionally. Plans to go out to eat.
9) Gear issued to date: Interceptor Body Armor, Advanced Combat Helmet, M68 gas mask, 4 pairs ACU (army combat uniform), 3 long sleeve p.t. shirts, 3 short sleeve p.t. shirts, p.t. pants, p.t. jacket, wet weather pants, wet weather coat, Gore-Tex jacket, green fleece, 3 prs boots, rucksack and sleeping bag.
10) Upcoming training: Hand grenades, machine guns, AT4's (anti-tank weapon), and urban combat classes.
11) Funny Quote: "Don't send me food, though; someone got cookies today and the [drill sergeant] made him stamp on the bag, pass out the crumbs, then sweep them up while everyone watched."


There are new pictures posted on FaceBook. We couldn't find any of Tim, but there are some pictures from the shooting range (most recent photos posted). Tim said they had were in the cold rain 4 hours. We also found a photo of Tim's friend "Reddy" coming out of the gas chamber drill. Click here to see the photo.