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Thanks everyone for your kind words of encouragement and information. This is definitely a great support group for Navy Dads!

Below is a transcription of my son's first letter home from boot camp. Thought I'd share it...

Dear Mom and Dad,

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks here at the Great Lakes. It seems every passing day blends in with the past few weeks. It’s not too bad here, we PT fairly easily except when we get in trouble for talking or some such thing, then the PT is enough to make me sweat! Haha! We’re marching better every day now, I secured the guidon position for the moment. The guidon essentially drives the division from the front right side, I even get to carry our divisions flag! That’s pretty cool.

The food is good and healthy as can be, I’ve actually lost a little body fat because there’s no opportunity to snack on sugary filled foods. The Recruit Division Commanders aren’t too bad, sure they yell some, but that’s just their job and if you follow protocol they’re really helpful. With my position as guidon I can’t hold a staff job, but I’m being noticeable and helpful in any way I can so I’ll get advanced to E-3.

I took the DEP test and although I don’t know for certain I think I passed.The test wasn’t too bad and I was well prepared after all, now I just have to pass the PFA. I’m not worried about my abilities, just about losing on a technicality. Anyways, long story short, things are going well here and we’re trucking along nicely. It’s not what I would call “fun” but I’m not hating it and I can’t wait to see you guys at graduation.

So what’s going on in the world? They don’t tell us much in here, we just have bits and pieces occasionally, I’m dying for some current events, haha! We went to chapel today as well, I’ve never appreciated praise and worship so much after not having any music for 2 weeks. Anyways, times almost up so I have to sign off, I love you guys and I’m thinking of you all the time.

Sincerely,

Shawn