John has begun to get letters from home. It takes about 5 days for them to get to him and then another 5 days for his response to come back. Keep them coming he is enjoying hearing from everyone. He only gets 45 minutes of free time a day in which he has to shower, clean-up his area as well as write so you may not get a response back as quick as you would like.
He has been very busy with all of the various training maneuvers. They do PT every morning then change into their ACU's (army combat uniforms). The uniform includes a helmet, ruck sack and ammo vest. This weights about 60 lbs and then he has his gun to carry too. They load them into a cattle truck/ transport and then take them to various field locations away from the base. They practice using field radios, bayonets, and running the obstacle courses. He said it is just like on the moves. They crawl in the mud under barbwire, climb, run, jump into ravines etc. They are covered in mud from head to toe and wet by the end. Boy am I glad I do not have to do that laundry. They have to be able to read maps, plot points and pick out land marks. He found 2 of the three for his group so is doing very well. One of the hardest drills they have had so far is the Gas Chamber. They marched for two hours to reach the chamber and just as they arrived it started to rain. The ate a lunch of some kind in the field and then stood in formation for another hour. They marched into the chamber and then had 9 seconds to get the mask on and clear they air. He said he thought that he would die. The couldn't breath and when he came our he was drooling, coughing profusely and crying as were others. There was something about the drill that helped to pull them together as a unit. He won't forget that.
They run a lot and John is second fasted now in his platoon. He is running a 7:05 minute mile and the kid who is first runs a 6:05 minute mile. They are always marching, doing PT or something. He will not be able to sit still when he returns. Makayla and I had better get in shape. He will be expecting us to keep up with him. Hope we do not have to start marching and caring packs too.
He is trying to lead and help the other guys in his platoon. He said that about 20% of them get the team idea and about 60% still have away to go. The Drill Sargent's are still coming down on them for any mistake that is made by even a single person. They are still in red phase but should be going to white phase soon. From what John said white phase is not quite as severe. He asked that you all continue to pray for him. He misses everyone and looks froward to seeing each of you when he returns.

Letters from John