Blake is in Virginia now at Ft. Belvoir. He loves it up there and has gotten to do some sightseeing. Especially with the opportunity he has now being just 20 miles from Washington, D.C.
Last Saturday, he called us to tell us he had gotten a day pass and was in Washington eating lunch. He was going to go to the Lincoln and Washington monuments as well as Arlington Cemetary. Before long, we started getting the pictures from his phone. It was an incredible opportunity for him, and we all had a chance to tell him how much we envied him for being there. Especially since the weather here was so awful that day.
Today I spoke with him and he passed all phases of the physical training (sit-ups, push-ups, and 2 mile run) today. That was one of the obstacles to him getting S.T.A.R. qualification and thereby be eligible for weekend passes and the like. Definitely something worth working for. He did the run almost 2 minutes faster than he did in basic training just two weeks ago. We were floored with this news. He said it was "just easier" to run up there. Haven't figured out the logic behind this, but who cares? He did it and that's all that matters.
He starts his classes soon. From that point on, it's several weeks of training before he's ready for his first assignment.
He has his cell phone now and spends a lot of time text messaging his friends. It's not the same number he had when he was living here, so if you don't have it, just email me and I'll send it to you. Also, we have his mailing address, so if you would like that, just let me know and we'll send that on as well.
Well, more when we know more. Till then. Take care and thanks for keeping up with Blake.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Graduation!
It's finally over. Blake has graduated from basic training and is now on his way to Ft. Belvoir in Virginia. He left Lawton at 12:45 p.m. today and will fly from there to Dallas. From there's it's on to Washington, D.C. and a short 20 minute drive to the base.
His last days were very eventful. Following a briefing from his commanders, we saw a demonstration of what they had been training on. Then, we all got to have lunch together, and I have to admit, it was pretty good. Not the same mess hall food that I remember at all. Yesterday, the graduation ceremony was very impressive. Despite all the talking of what they were going to do and what would be funny, they handled themselves in a very professional manner. It wasn't a joking occasion and everyone there knew it.
After the ceremony, we went to his barracks and got to look around. This was a part that I was very curious about. We have a picture of Blake in his bunk with his personal locker behind him. Dusty is in the background.
After another good lunch with Blake and his new friend, Ethan Williamson, from Maine, we dropped them off to meet up with buddies to finish their celebration and we started back home.
Blake called this morning to give us the news that he was leaving at 12:45 and would call again once he got to Virginia. It's good to see him finished with this obstacle and good, too, to know that he has a cell phone that he can use to call us anytime he wants now (within reason). We'll let everyone know as soon as we get his new mailing address so you can write him up there.
More info when we get it. Till then, thanks for keeping up with Blake throughout his basic training. We'll keep this going through his AIT in Virginia, so keep in touch.
His last days were very eventful. Following a briefing from his commanders, we saw a demonstration of what they had been training on. Then, we all got to have lunch together, and I have to admit, it was pretty good. Not the same mess hall food that I remember at all. Yesterday, the graduation ceremony was very impressive. Despite all the talking of what they were going to do and what would be funny, they handled themselves in a very professional manner. It wasn't a joking occasion and everyone there knew it.
After the ceremony, we went to his barracks and got to look around. This was a part that I was very curious about. We have a picture of Blake in his bunk with his personal locker behind him. Dusty is in the background.
After another good lunch with Blake and his new friend, Ethan Williamson, from Maine, we dropped them off to meet up with buddies to finish their celebration and we started back home.
Blake called this morning to give us the news that he was leaving at 12:45 and would call again once he got to Virginia. It's good to see him finished with this obstacle and good, too, to know that he has a cell phone that he can use to call us anytime he wants now (within reason). We'll let everyone know as soon as we get his new mailing address so you can write him up there.
More info when we get it. Till then, thanks for keeping up with Blake throughout his basic training. We'll keep this going through his AIT in Virginia, so keep in touch.
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