Robert Update

Happy Monday, September 17, 2007

I am so happy to let you all know that we spoke with Robert for 20 minus yesterday and he sounded great. His Platoon had been moved up to ‘White Faze’ just last week. This gives them some extra privileges. They are now allowed to get their hair cut in a different style vs. shaved! They were also given their cell phones and more minutes to talk.

He told us the problem 2 weeks ago was that they were given a test and the majority FLUNKED. They never get much time to eat, but the Friday before last was about 3 minute, and they were yelled at to get outside. The majority of them could not stand to leave their Oreo’s on their tray, so they stuffed them in their pockets. Big surprise when they got outside and were patted down to see how many broke the rule of no food outside the chow hall. Robert said they were ‘SMOKED’ big time and did not get to move on to the next ‘faze’ for another week.

This past week he said was fantastic. He qualified to be allowed to train with live rounds of ammo. He was also taught to use grenades. They were given medic training in giving IV’s to each other and how to treat open chest wounds. He really is enjoying what he is learning and has made a lot of friends.

Graduation ceremony is 8:00 AM Friday Oct. 18th. They are then given 2 hours to pack up ALL their stuff and get on a bus for the 16 hour drive to San Antonio. They get no time with family the day of graduation. He will not have classes Friday Saturday or Sundays but they still have physical and other special training every day. Sundays are free days. He will occasionally get a weekend pass to be able to come home. We are hoping to drive down to visit him once a month while he is in school, if his study time permits it. He does not know how much free (study) time they will have and I imagine going through LVN Medic Specialist will be difficult.

He has decided as of right now that he will asked to be deployed once he is done with his LVN Medic Specialist training here in San Antonio (72 weeks). H wants to work his way up in the ranks as fast as possible and he said taking a tour is the best way to do that. His next plan is to come back to the states and get his RN and then apply for Special Forces. He is somewhat disappointed that he will spend his first tour in a hospital setting and not in the field. (Mom and Dad are not sorry about that)! He still wants to eventually be at the front pulling our guys out.

Have a great week!

Love and prayers,
Loretta