He Did It!

Blake graduated this morning from his training to become a topographic analyst in the Army. I think he's happier about this graduation than he was when he graduated from high school.

He leaves tomorrow around 1 p.m. for Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri for about a week of advanced combat training. He says he should leave there about the first of August and he doesn't have to report to Ft. Hood until August 13th. So, that means he will have about 10-12 days to come home and visit his friends.

Blake wants to have the get-together closer into town so everyone doesn't have to drive so far, so we've found a nice park with some bbq pits that we will be scouting out over the weekend to see if it's acceptable. I'll get more into out to everyone on that, but reserve the 9th on your calendars.

Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. They've been a big help to Blake and to us as well. It's been an eventful ride, and I don't think this roller coaster is ready to come to a stop just yet, so keep him in mind.

Countdown

Blake has less than a week left in training. He graduates next Wednesday, and from there, they're sending him to Missouri for more combat training. He'll only be there a week though and then he'll be on to his duty station at Ft. Hood. We're hoping that he gets a leave, but right now, that's pretty much up in the air. He said that even if he doesn't, he's going to use his first weekend pass to come home and see everyone. So the BBQ is still on. We can't wait, and neither can he.

He's being assigned to the 1st Cavalry unit at Ft. Hood. He's very excited about that because of the history of the unit, but it also means he's in a rotation for deployment sometime after the first of the year. We weren't thrilled to hear about that, but he's excited and anxious to start doing the job that they've trained him for.

I've told Blake that he's in charge of getting in touch with his friends, since I'm not sure many of them are checking this. But he's really looking forward to getting back to Texas, although I don't understand why he's so anxious to get back to the 100+ degree heat we've been having.

I've gotten answers back from several of you about the party, and I've passed the info on to Blake. He really wants to see you all. I hope you can be there. If not, we'll make sure you see plenty of pictures.

On a personal note, Blake really sounds good. He's got a purpose and a good career that will allow him to use his head for a change. He sounds confident, sure of himself, and ready for the next challenge. Or, as Blake would say, "Hooah!"

Hope to see you all soon.

Nearing the End

Got a call from Blake last night and he's entering the last part of his training there. So far, he says he's been very successful with what he's trying to learn and is still loving it. Since he's graduating at the end of July, he'll be home within the next few weeks. I know he will want to see you all when he does finally make it home. He's so grateful for the prayers you've sent for him in this training. He's said again and again that he couldn't have done it at all if it hadn't been for your prayers and concerns.

It doesn't look like we're going to be able to go up and visit him before he finishes his training, but he'll be home soon. It's a little disappointing, but we'll get to see Washington someday. We're just not able to get away for a week right now.

Blake has asked for a big BBQ when he comes home. I told him that would be no problem. I'll reserve the pavillion here in April Sound for the night and I hope you can make it up to the lake for adult beverages and burnt cow flesh. Yummo!

Not much more to report. The news is getting sparce now, but we'll all be sitting around and talking with him soon. Hope to see you then.

Till later...