My air conditioner was out in my apartment for almost two weeks. During this time I finally received word from Nate that he is receiving my letters.
He says people have admired the address book that I gave him just before he left. Nate passed his APFT events. He did 47 push-ups, 43 sit-ups, and ran 2 miles in 16:08. They had the possibility of going to white phase a week ago but a few men goofed off and a few got caught with contraband and trying to cheat at a PT test. Next when they were completing obstacles he had his first accident. He was descending a 10 foot wall by rope when the rope basically fell! He landed flat on his back from about five feet up and hit his head. There was bleeding involved so they had him stay in the hospital. The main injury from the accident was a strain in the muscle in his right leg he later learned could actually be a stress fracture he is feeling. He got about four days of no running, jumping, marching, and a good meal.
The guys all decided they were going to make a list of the top ten things they miss. His list is as follows:
1. My family
2. Fulfilling meals
3. Church (FCC)
4. Comfortable sitting
5. Peace
6. My family
7. Treats
8. Reading
9. News
10. My family
They practiced zeroing weapons, where he learned even better the meaning of “hurry up and wait”. Nate zeroed his weapon in 15 rounds, the average being about 35, however he could not sit in the shade until his battle buddy zeroed his weapon. It, of course, took the other guy 55 rounds.
This Sunday, Father’s Day, I received a phone call from Nate. They have finally gone to White Phase! This means that he has extra privileges and I can receive a phone call every Sunday. This also means that we can send Nate books as he will have more spare time at night. On the day that they phased to White they learned “react to near ambush” and “squad assault” then got MREs and for the first time got to eat everything.
