Sunday, November 2
"Dear Mom,
"So I have not heard from you since my last letter so I'm sad about that. But I am super happy that I only have 2 training weeks left (and one Marine week). I was thinking and I would like a Snickers on Family Day. So, I'm trying to think about what to write so I think I will tell you what we have done.
"I have had my blood drawn last Friday. We took our MCMAP test (martial arts) and I passed. Other than that, we have been drilling a lot.
"Next week is finals week. Tomorrow is Final Drill. The next day is Final Practest. [Note from mom: that is how Jake spelled it... I don't know if me meant practice or if it really is practest and is something Marine that I don't know about...] Then some time later in the week is the Final PFT. After that we will prepare to go up north for the Crucible.
"I am really excited to almost be out of here. I can't wait to see all of you in 3 weeks. Hey I was just thinking, how is the car coming? How if life? Anything new? Well, I just wanted to tell you I love and miss you.
"Love,
"Rec Jacob Turley"
I was so sad when I read that he had not received any letters from us. I write him the same days every week and the week before the day he wrote this letter, we all wrote in a card to him on FHE so... I have decided that he probably got lots of letters the Monday after he wrote this letter.
I guess this week (what is left of it) must be Finals Week. Probably lots of testing and making sure that he had learned all that he has been taught. Then next week will be the Crucible in Camp Pendleton. I hear that really pushes their endurance. Pray for him.
On another note, I received a phone call from Jake last Wednesday when Alexis and I were in Utah. I was in a very noisy grocery store, my phone ring was turned low from earlier in the day (not to disturb Theo) and I missed his call. I was so bummed. He sounded good, but a little sad that he did not get to actually talk to me. His message said something about me avoiding his phone calls. So he has not lost his sense of humor.
I can't believe that this time next week I will be packing and getting ready to drive to San Diego to see him. Looking back, it has gone by fast. I am very happy, especially since he seems to have done really well with everything. We will see though when we get to speak with him face to face. I wonder if his story will sound a little different away from the DI and the base. Thanks to everyone who has continued to write him even though I am fairly certain he has not written anyone back. He loves us and needs the support!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Latest Letter
"Dear Mom,
"I want to say I am real sorry about not writing more often but I never have time to anymore. So today is October 26 (I think.) I wish I had your last letter in front of me but I will try and answer some of your questions.
"I think just some jeans and a t-shirt would be good. I think I want to buy new clothes at the exchange or the base. Also, I will get the clothes I wore here back at the end of training. But I would like to buy all new clothing because I don't think they will fit. As of right now, I weigh about 165 and when I got here I weighed 190. Also, I would like to buy some new shoes.
"Okay so I just got back from church and am reading your letter. On the 20 November when we get to hang out, the church provides lunch if we want. About graduation, I think after the actual thing, I can leave as soon as possible. If we went to Disneyland on Friday how many days would we go? Like California Adventures on Friday and Disneyland on Saturday? And what day are we coming back?
"If I get Recruiter's Assistance it would start after my 10 days of leave. Also, if I were in school, during Christmas almost all schools close down for it. So I am almost positive I will be home for Christmas. I have also heard MCT does not pick up classes in December. So I might get the month off.
"About my car, have you talked to Dad about it? Well, I just want something to get around in.
"Anyway, I want to tell you a bit about what I have done this past 2 weeks. Two weeks ago was Field Week. We shot rifles the first half and slept in the field the other half. It was so cold in the field. Well, I have to go. Have to be done and online now.
"Love you lots,
"Rec Jacob Turley"
Wow. He has lost 25 pounds in 9 or 10 weeks. Sort of makes me want to go to boot camp... nah... maybe jaw surgery would be easier. It would be nice to think that we can plan on him for Christmas, but I sort of think that might be a little optimistic on Jake's part. We will see. I also think it is a little funny that Field Week does not seem to be as much "fun" as Jacob thought it would be (in an earlier letter.) I can't imagine that it was fun at all. And it makes me sad that he was cold.
"I want to say I am real sorry about not writing more often but I never have time to anymore. So today is October 26 (I think.) I wish I had your last letter in front of me but I will try and answer some of your questions.
"I think just some jeans and a t-shirt would be good. I think I want to buy new clothes at the exchange or the base. Also, I will get the clothes I wore here back at the end of training. But I would like to buy all new clothing because I don't think they will fit. As of right now, I weigh about 165 and when I got here I weighed 190. Also, I would like to buy some new shoes.
"Okay so I just got back from church and am reading your letter. On the 20 November when we get to hang out, the church provides lunch if we want. About graduation, I think after the actual thing, I can leave as soon as possible. If we went to Disneyland on Friday how many days would we go? Like California Adventures on Friday and Disneyland on Saturday? And what day are we coming back?
"If I get Recruiter's Assistance it would start after my 10 days of leave. Also, if I were in school, during Christmas almost all schools close down for it. So I am almost positive I will be home for Christmas. I have also heard MCT does not pick up classes in December. So I might get the month off.
"About my car, have you talked to Dad about it? Well, I just want something to get around in.
"Anyway, I want to tell you a bit about what I have done this past 2 weeks. Two weeks ago was Field Week. We shot rifles the first half and slept in the field the other half. It was so cold in the field. Well, I have to go. Have to be done and online now.
"Love you lots,
"Rec Jacob Turley"
Wow. He has lost 25 pounds in 9 or 10 weeks. Sort of makes me want to go to boot camp... nah... maybe jaw surgery would be easier. It would be nice to think that we can plan on him for Christmas, but I sort of think that might be a little optimistic on Jake's part. We will see. I also think it is a little funny that Field Week does not seem to be as much "fun" as Jacob thought it would be (in an earlier letter.) I can't imagine that it was fun at all. And it makes me sad that he was cold.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Two... two... two letters in one!
So we FINALLY received mail yesterday from Jake. Yeah!
"Hey Mom,
"How are you? How is life? Well, I'm feeling really good. Today is Sunday [from Mom: I think maybe October 5??] which means the DIs leave us alone for about half the day. Sorry I have not written in a week but we have been real busy. Last week is known as "grass week" which means you take your rifle and sit in the firing position all day.
"We have also been on two humps (hikes). A 3 mile and a 5 mile hump. Tomorrow we'll start Table One which means we wake up, eat chow and then shoot all day. I have really enjoyed the last week.
"The next week is "field week." We will be sleeping outside and running around with camo paint on our faces (sounds like fun to me). After "field week" we will be on our way back to MCRD San Diego for 3 weeks. We are getting close to the midpoint and this is supposed to be the fastest part of boot camp.
"I can't wait to see everyone. I miss you all so much. I'm really excited to go to Disneyland, too. So tell everyone I love them and thank you for the letters. It's nice to read something and not think about boot camp for a few minutes. Alright, got to get back to training. Love you lots and lots.
"Rec Jacob Turley
"Tell Bree and Theo I said HI!"
"Dear Mom,
"Okay so I wrote the other letter last Sunday and forgot about it until now. Sorry it is just this week went by so fast and I completely forgot about mailing it. So today is Sunday and I missed church because we went to chow late so I am kinda sad about that, but it does give me time to write you!
"Well, I'm one seek closer to seeing you guys! I'm excited aobut seeing you. So this [past] week was Table One. It went by so fast. I really enjoyed shooting all week. We each shot about 350 rounds all week. It was lots of fun. Friday was qual day and I just barely qualified but I qual'd and that is all that matters to me.
"I was thinking I really want a banana cream pie when I get back.
"Anyway, next week [this current week] is field week which means we get to sleep under the stars. One day next week we get to run around in camo paint by ourselves. Next week sounds like lots of fun.
"I can't wait to see everyone. I love and miss you all so much.
"Love,
Rec Jacob Turley
"P.S. Will I have a car when I get back? Like will the Supra be fixed? Also, there is a thing called Recruiters Assistance where you can live at home for a month that I am thinking about. Anyway, I love you all."
Yeah! Finally mail from Jacob. Also, as he does not mention the fires at all, I guess they have not affected the recruits. I did receive a brief email back from the Sr DI and he said that everything is on schedule.
"Hey Mom,
"How are you? How is life? Well, I'm feeling really good. Today is Sunday [from Mom: I think maybe October 5??] which means the DIs leave us alone for about half the day. Sorry I have not written in a week but we have been real busy. Last week is known as "grass week" which means you take your rifle and sit in the firing position all day.
"We have also been on two humps (hikes). A 3 mile and a 5 mile hump. Tomorrow we'll start Table One which means we wake up, eat chow and then shoot all day. I have really enjoyed the last week.
"The next week is "field week." We will be sleeping outside and running around with camo paint on our faces (sounds like fun to me). After "field week" we will be on our way back to MCRD San Diego for 3 weeks. We are getting close to the midpoint and this is supposed to be the fastest part of boot camp.
"I can't wait to see everyone. I miss you all so much. I'm really excited to go to Disneyland, too. So tell everyone I love them and thank you for the letters. It's nice to read something and not think about boot camp for a few minutes. Alright, got to get back to training. Love you lots and lots.
"Rec Jacob Turley
"Tell Bree and Theo I said HI!"
"Dear Mom,
"Okay so I wrote the other letter last Sunday and forgot about it until now. Sorry it is just this week went by so fast and I completely forgot about mailing it. So today is Sunday and I missed church because we went to chow late so I am kinda sad about that, but it does give me time to write you!
"Well, I'm one seek closer to seeing you guys! I'm excited aobut seeing you. So this [past] week was Table One. It went by so fast. I really enjoyed shooting all week. We each shot about 350 rounds all week. It was lots of fun. Friday was qual day and I just barely qualified but I qual'd and that is all that matters to me.
"I was thinking I really want a banana cream pie when I get back.
"Anyway, next week [this current week] is field week which means we get to sleep under the stars. One day next week we get to run around in camo paint by ourselves. Next week sounds like lots of fun.
"I can't wait to see everyone. I love and miss you all so much.
"Love,
Rec Jacob Turley
"P.S. Will I have a car when I get back? Like will the Supra be fixed? Also, there is a thing called Recruiters Assistance where you can live at home for a month that I am thinking about. Anyway, I love you all."
Yeah! Finally mail from Jacob. Also, as he does not mention the fires at all, I guess they have not affected the recruits. I did receive a brief email back from the Sr DI and he said that everything is on schedule.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Update
Well... the title is really accurate. I don't have any updates. Since Jake has been at Camp Pendleton we have not received any mail. Boo.
I did email his senior D.I. this morning though to ask if the fires at Camp Pendleton and surrounding area will delay graduation. Hopefully he will respond quickly. And hopefully it will be positive news.
It is a little disconcerting for me to not hear from Jake. I know that he is fine because otherwise I would hear from someone... but receiving a letter from him just is so very reassuring. Maybe there will be one today.
I will let you all know what I find out.
I did email his senior D.I. this morning though to ask if the fires at Camp Pendleton and surrounding area will delay graduation. Hopefully he will respond quickly. And hopefully it will be positive news.
It is a little disconcerting for me to not hear from Jake. I know that he is fine because otherwise I would hear from someone... but receiving a letter from him just is so very reassuring. Maybe there will be one today.
I will let you all know what I find out.
Friday, September 26, 2008
This Weeks Letter...
"Dear Mom & Bree and the Middletons,
"Sorry that this is only my third letter. I would write more but we never have time. Anyway, thanks for the letters and the picture of Theo. I love getting mail.
"For Alexis, the chow here is good. And I have eaten mashed potatos and even brownies (once). The brownie was really good.
"So I don't know much about Family Day other than I get to see you. And I am excited about Disneyland. (Can't wait.)
"The second phase starts next Friday when we pack up and drive to Pendleton. Don't worry about the address it is the same, they just forward it. Yes, Pendleton will be lots of rifles and hiking. (Marines call it "humping it".)
"Joe's good. He has gotten some mail, too. And hey! Make the letters as long as possible.
"Church is good. I like that there are no DIs and I like the talks.
"One question. Who is coming to graduation? GDad and Gma? UB & AA? Dad and Debi? Theo?
"Anyway, I want to tell you all I love you and miss you all so so much. I can't wait to see all of you in 2 months (and go to Disneyland :) Well, got to finish getting ready for tomorrow.
"Love your favorite recruit,
"Jacob Turley
I am always relieved when I get a letter from Jake because it means he is okay. And he sounds upbeat and happy so that is also reassuring.
It looks like letters will arrive on Thursday so if you are following this blog, look for updates (letters) on Friday. Thanks again to everyone who is writing him. He appreciates it and so do I. Anyone who thinks they are going to go to graduation, either let him know or let me know. (Except those people I already know about.) Love you all, too!
"Sorry that this is only my third letter. I would write more but we never have time. Anyway, thanks for the letters and the picture of Theo. I love getting mail.
"For Alexis, the chow here is good. And I have eaten mashed potatos and even brownies (once). The brownie was really good.
"So I don't know much about Family Day other than I get to see you. And I am excited about Disneyland. (Can't wait.)
"The second phase starts next Friday when we pack up and drive to Pendleton. Don't worry about the address it is the same, they just forward it. Yes, Pendleton will be lots of rifles and hiking. (Marines call it "humping it".)
"Joe's good. He has gotten some mail, too. And hey! Make the letters as long as possible.
"Church is good. I like that there are no DIs and I like the talks.
"One question. Who is coming to graduation? GDad and Gma? UB & AA? Dad and Debi? Theo?
"Anyway, I want to tell you all I love you and miss you all so so much. I can't wait to see all of you in 2 months (and go to Disneyland :) Well, got to finish getting ready for tomorrow.
"Love your favorite recruit,
"Jacob Turley
I am always relieved when I get a letter from Jake because it means he is okay. And he sounds upbeat and happy so that is also reassuring.
It looks like letters will arrive on Thursday so if you are following this blog, look for updates (letters) on Friday. Thanks again to everyone who is writing him. He appreciates it and so do I. Anyone who thinks they are going to go to graduation, either let him know or let me know. (Except those people I already know about.) Love you all, too!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
More Mail
"Dear Mom,
"I want to thank you and everyone for the letters. And I miss you very, very much. So I think this letter will be for the blog.
"So I arrived at MCRD San Diego at around 3pm. A DI (Drill Instructor) came on the bus, told us to get off and onto the yellow footprints. Then they took us inside and gave us a few bags to carry. Then they had us make our phone calls. After that they had us sit cross-legged against a wall for about an hour. (It sucked.)
"Since we were the first bus load to arrive, they had us do some filing. We filed papers for about 8 hours. If someone would have given me the option, I would have quit right then. That was the worst experience I can think of in my entire life. Then they got all the recruitees together and marched us to the chow hall for morning chow. The rest of the day we set up our house and bunks. The rest of that week was spent running around getting x-rays, shots, peeing in a cup, doing papers, drawing blood and a few other things.
"Oh. Did I mention that the first day we didn't sleep? That Friday, we met our real DI and moved into our house. [That would have been August 29.] If you want to know what Friday was like, watch Full Metal Jacket.
"The past two weeks went by real fast. One day we got our rifles and learned how to march with them. We had a lot of classes; some about first aid, history, the Corp values, and a whole lot of other subjects. We have also had a few martial arts classes.
"It is Monday, the 15th, I think and Saturday will be initial drill. That is pretty much the end of Phase I.
"Next week is swim week. And that Friday we will be going up north to Camp Pendleton for a few weeks. I am really excited for our time at Camp Pendleton.
"So, I want you all to know that I love you and miss everyone a lot. And I want to thank everyone for the letters. They help a whole lot.
"Love, Your Future Marine,
"Jacob Turley
"PS Mom, I forgot to cancel my gym membership. If you could try and get it cancelled or have Dad put money in my bank account [:)] that would be much appreciated.
"PSS Give Theo lots of love for me."
Again... lots of love for Theo. Only. Well, not really. I can tell that he misses all of us. Maybe more accurately, he misses the comforts of home, but I think that means he misses us. And I also think that he sounds really good. I am amazed that he writes longer letters than I thought he would; something for which I am truly grateful.
To everyone who has written letters to Jacob, thank you. And please continue to do so. He seems to really like getting mail.
"I want to thank you and everyone for the letters. And I miss you very, very much. So I think this letter will be for the blog.
"So I arrived at MCRD San Diego at around 3pm. A DI (Drill Instructor) came on the bus, told us to get off and onto the yellow footprints. Then they took us inside and gave us a few bags to carry. Then they had us make our phone calls. After that they had us sit cross-legged against a wall for about an hour. (It sucked.)
"Since we were the first bus load to arrive, they had us do some filing. We filed papers for about 8 hours. If someone would have given me the option, I would have quit right then. That was the worst experience I can think of in my entire life. Then they got all the recruitees together and marched us to the chow hall for morning chow. The rest of the day we set up our house and bunks. The rest of that week was spent running around getting x-rays, shots, peeing in a cup, doing papers, drawing blood and a few other things.
"Oh. Did I mention that the first day we didn't sleep? That Friday, we met our real DI and moved into our house. [That would have been August 29.] If you want to know what Friday was like, watch Full Metal Jacket.
"The past two weeks went by real fast. One day we got our rifles and learned how to march with them. We had a lot of classes; some about first aid, history, the Corp values, and a whole lot of other subjects. We have also had a few martial arts classes.
"It is Monday, the 15th, I think and Saturday will be initial drill. That is pretty much the end of Phase I.
"Next week is swim week. And that Friday we will be going up north to Camp Pendleton for a few weeks. I am really excited for our time at Camp Pendleton.
"So, I want you all to know that I love you and miss everyone a lot. And I want to thank everyone for the letters. They help a whole lot.
"Love, Your Future Marine,
"Jacob Turley
"PS Mom, I forgot to cancel my gym membership. If you could try and get it cancelled or have Dad put money in my bank account [:)] that would be much appreciated.
"PSS Give Theo lots of love for me."
Again... lots of love for Theo. Only. Well, not really. I can tell that he misses all of us. Maybe more accurately, he misses the comforts of home, but I think that means he misses us. And I also think that he sounds really good. I am amazed that he writes longer letters than I thought he would; something for which I am truly grateful.
To everyone who has written letters to Jacob, thank you. And please continue to do so. He seems to really like getting mail.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Family Day
Okay... I found the information on Family Day.
Family Day is November 20... and begins with an optional breakfast from 6:30 -9:00 am at The Bay View Restaurant. There will be shuttle buses from the restaurant to take us to the next event. (Jacob does not get to attend this with us.)
The briefing and welcome begins at 9:30 am at MCRD. We learn the dos and don'ts for Visitor's Day. Then at 10:30, the recruits will participate in the Motivational Run... this will be the first chance that we get to see Jacob. The next scheduled activity is not until 12:30 so I am not sure what goes on for two hours but I sure hope that the recruits do not run for two hours!
At 12:30 to 1:00 there is a Liberty Formation which is a ceremony where the recruits change from recruits to U.S. Marines. Then at 1:00 to 6:00 Jacob will be given Liberty and can hang out with us although he may not leave the base. There is a lunch held at The Bay View Restaurant where we can meet the Drill Instructors from 2:00 to 5:00. From 4:00 to 6:00 there is a Family Open House where all the families can meet. At 6:00, Liberty ends and Jake returns to the barracks.
The schedule for Friday is breakfast from 6:30 to 9:00; again, optional. At 8:00 there will be a Color Ceremony... raising of the flags and a performance by the Marine Band and Color Guard. We are allowed to arrive at the reviewing stands at 8:45 and the graduation ceremony begins at 10:00. Then lunch follows at 11:00 and Marines eat free! Then I think we get to take Jake and go, but not sure on this just yet.
You can read all about it at http://recruitparents.com/bootcamp/graduation-sd.asp.
Family Day is November 20... and begins with an optional breakfast from 6:30 -9:00 am at The Bay View Restaurant. There will be shuttle buses from the restaurant to take us to the next event. (Jacob does not get to attend this with us.)
The briefing and welcome begins at 9:30 am at MCRD. We learn the dos and don'ts for Visitor's Day. Then at 10:30, the recruits will participate in the Motivational Run... this will be the first chance that we get to see Jacob. The next scheduled activity is not until 12:30 so I am not sure what goes on for two hours but I sure hope that the recruits do not run for two hours!
At 12:30 to 1:00 there is a Liberty Formation which is a ceremony where the recruits change from recruits to U.S. Marines. Then at 1:00 to 6:00 Jacob will be given Liberty and can hang out with us although he may not leave the base. There is a lunch held at The Bay View Restaurant where we can meet the Drill Instructors from 2:00 to 5:00. From 4:00 to 6:00 there is a Family Open House where all the families can meet. At 6:00, Liberty ends and Jake returns to the barracks.
The schedule for Friday is breakfast from 6:30 to 9:00; again, optional. At 8:00 there will be a Color Ceremony... raising of the flags and a performance by the Marine Band and Color Guard. We are allowed to arrive at the reviewing stands at 8:45 and the graduation ceremony begins at 10:00. Then lunch follows at 11:00 and Marines eat free! Then I think we get to take Jake and go, but not sure on this just yet.
You can read all about it at http://recruitparents.com/bootcamp/graduation-sd.asp.
Graduation Day
I just found out that Jake's graduation from boot camp is November 21, 2008. It is the Friday before Thanksgiving in San Diego so hopefully with all of us knowing this early, we can all make plans to be there. I know that Jake wants all of us to be there to see him graduate.
There is also something called Family Day which I don't anything else about at this time. In a letter I received from his company commander, it referred to "enclosed material" which I did not receive. So I am trying to find out more information and will let you all know.
Keep Jacob in your prayers. I appreciate all the support you are giving to him.
There is also something called Family Day which I don't anything else about at this time. In a letter I received from his company commander, it referred to "enclosed material" which I did not receive. So I am trying to find out more information and will let you all know.
Keep Jacob in your prayers. I appreciate all the support you are giving to him.
Monday, September 8, 2008
A REAL Letter
Today we received an actual, handwritten letter from Jake. Yeah! Here is what he had to say:
"Dear Mom,
"Hey, its me your favorite son. Just wanted to tell you I love you and miss you a whole bunch. Also I want you to know I'm alright and actually having some fun. I'm sorry I have not written you until now but this is the first time I have had free time. And I think I am graduating on the 22nd or 21st but I don't know for sure.
"As for my address, it's in a typed up letter sent a few days ago. But ya, I have been having some fun. We have only PT'ed twice. The rest of the time we are marching or eating. So, I'm sorry about my penmanship (Note from mom: be glad I am typing this instead of scanning it in) and how scatter-brained I am. So I just wanted to tell you and everybody else I love you and miss you lots.
"Jacob Turley
"P.S. How is Theo doing?
"P.S.S. Sorry about the phone call I had just been running and was out of breath."
Things I have learned: Jake likes the word "so". He loves us and misses us. He is even having fun. Something that I am very happy about. And, last but not least, Theo is maybe the most important one of all of us since Jake only inquired about him.
Just kidding... sort of. Actually, I love it that he loves little Theo. He is a good uncle.
"Dear Mom,
"Hey, its me your favorite son. Just wanted to tell you I love you and miss you a whole bunch. Also I want you to know I'm alright and actually having some fun. I'm sorry I have not written you until now but this is the first time I have had free time. And I think I am graduating on the 22nd or 21st but I don't know for sure.
"As for my address, it's in a typed up letter sent a few days ago. But ya, I have been having some fun. We have only PT'ed twice. The rest of the time we are marching or eating. So, I'm sorry about my penmanship (Note from mom: be glad I am typing this instead of scanning it in) and how scatter-brained I am. So I just wanted to tell you and everybody else I love you and miss you lots.
"Jacob Turley
"P.S. How is Theo doing?
"P.S.S. Sorry about the phone call I had just been running and was out of breath."
Things I have learned: Jake likes the word "so". He loves us and misses us. He is even having fun. Something that I am very happy about. And, last but not least, Theo is maybe the most important one of all of us since Jake only inquired about him.
Just kidding... sort of. Actually, I love it that he loves little Theo. He is a good uncle.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mail! Sort of...
Aubree retrieved the mail this afternoon and came running back to the house. A letter from Jacob! Yeah! And the envelope was a bit bulky indicating (you would think) a long, newsy letter. Not so. Sigh.
The letter was actually typed written, double-spaced and a form letter. Here is what it said:
"Dear ______________, (Jake wrote in "Mom" here)
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training platoon. I am fine and in good health. While here at Recruit Training I am not allowed to receive certain items such as vitamins, alcohol, pornographic material, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles. Please do not send any packages (i.e., cookies, candy, socks, underwear, etc.). Also prescription medication cannot be sent under any circumstances. A medical officer authorized to treat recruits will provide all medication to me. While here at Recruit Training I will not need you to send any money, I earn enough money to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day-to-day training here at MCRD San Diego. I apologize that this letter is short but in the beginning we are somewhat pressed for time. To talk to other parents you can go to www.recruitparents.com and go to the message board link. Also My Senior Drill Instructor's e-mail address is Pierre.Tedtaotao@usmc.mil. He said you could e-mail him with any specific questions you may have. I promise to write later.
You can reach me at the following address:
Recruit Turley, Jacob C
1st BN Delta Co Platoon 1065
4000 Midway Avenue
San Diego, CA 92140-1061
Sincerely, "Jacob Turley"... this part was his actual signature.
Then there was another letter enclosed from his Company Commander. It had a lot of information about what was happening (sort of) but mostly said that my recruit could use positive letters from home. Please feel free to send Jake a letter. I don't know how often he will write anyone, except of course me, but it would be great for him to hear from you all and feel of your love and support.
The letter was dated August 29 so maybe Friday's are the day they write. We'll see.
The letter was actually typed written, double-spaced and a form letter. Here is what it said:
"Dear ______________, (Jake wrote in "Mom" here)
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training platoon. I am fine and in good health. While here at Recruit Training I am not allowed to receive certain items such as vitamins, alcohol, pornographic material, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles. Please do not send any packages (i.e., cookies, candy, socks, underwear, etc.). Also prescription medication cannot be sent under any circumstances. A medical officer authorized to treat recruits will provide all medication to me. While here at Recruit Training I will not need you to send any money, I earn enough money to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day-to-day training here at MCRD San Diego. I apologize that this letter is short but in the beginning we are somewhat pressed for time. To talk to other parents you can go to www.recruitparents.com and go to the message board link. Also My Senior Drill Instructor's e-mail address is Pierre.Tedtaotao@usmc.mil. He said you could e-mail him with any specific questions you may have. I promise to write later.
You can reach me at the following address:
Recruit Turley, Jacob C
1st BN Delta Co Platoon 1065
4000 Midway Avenue
San Diego, CA 92140-1061
Sincerely, "Jacob Turley"... this part was his actual signature.
Then there was another letter enclosed from his Company Commander. It had a lot of information about what was happening (sort of) but mostly said that my recruit could use positive letters from home. Please feel free to send Jake a letter. I don't know how often he will write anyone, except of course me, but it would be great for him to hear from you all and feel of your love and support.
The letter was dated August 29 so maybe Friday's are the day they write. We'll see.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wake up Alarm
This morning I was leaving the house for work at exactly 8:00. As I left my bedroom and got closer to the front door, I heard a sound... like a cell phone ringing. Since Aubree was at school supposedly with her cell phone and mine was in my purse, I was momentarily stumped.
Then I knew. It was Jacob's cell phone letting him know it was 8:00 (on Sunday, August 24) and time to get up. He had set the alarm to go off even if the phone was off. So I went into his room to turn the alarm off and have a little cry. I miss him.
The alarm is ironic since if what his recruiter told him is true, Jacob has not slept since Monday morning. He gets to sleep tonight.
Then I knew. It was Jacob's cell phone letting him know it was 8:00 (on Sunday, August 24) and time to get up. He had set the alarm to go off even if the phone was off. So I went into his room to turn the alarm off and have a little cry. I miss him.
The alarm is ironic since if what his recruiter told him is true, Jacob has not slept since Monday morning. He gets to sleep tonight.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Recruit Jacob Turley
At 4:07 my cell phone rang. I answered it to hear the following:
"Hello. This is recruit Jacob Turley. I have arrived at MCRD in San Diego safely. I will begin my training on Friday. You will receive a post card from me within two to three WEEKS with my address. My graduation will be.... (long pause during which I could hear lots and lots of other recruits saying the exact thing Jake had just said to me). If details of my graduation change, you will be notified. Bye, mom."
I tried to get an "I love you" in there but I am quite certain that he did not hear it.
Ok. I waited all day (almost) for 37 seconds of my son's voice; something I won't hear for about three months. He sounded... rushed. Also a little confused while he was waiting for someone to fill in the obvious blank where a date was supposed to be. Such is the life of a military mom.
"Hello. This is recruit Jacob Turley. I have arrived at MCRD in San Diego safely. I will begin my training on Friday. You will receive a post card from me within two to three WEEKS with my address. My graduation will be.... (long pause during which I could hear lots and lots of other recruits saying the exact thing Jake had just said to me). If details of my graduation change, you will be notified. Bye, mom."
I tried to get an "I love you" in there but I am quite certain that he did not hear it.
Ok. I waited all day (almost) for 37 seconds of my son's voice; something I won't hear for about three months. He sounded... rushed. Also a little confused while he was waiting for someone to fill in the obvious blank where a date was supposed to be. Such is the life of a military mom.
Day One - Patience
So. Before Jacob was born, I used to pray for patience. Then the Lord sent me Jacob and I truly began my search for patience. It seems that I still have much to learn in that department.
I thought (notice the past tense) that Jacob would arrive at MCRD in San Diego sometime this morning, stand on yellow (gold?) footprints, call my cell phone, and then read from a scripted card letting me know that he was safe and about to embark on his new adventure. And to not send food or bulky items. And then hang up.
Thus far, none of the calls I have received this morning have been the one I am anticipating... waiting on... you know, being patient for. It seems that Jacob will not be the only one who grows/changes over the next 13 weeks.
I thought (notice the past tense) that Jacob would arrive at MCRD in San Diego sometime this morning, stand on yellow (gold?) footprints, call my cell phone, and then read from a scripted card letting me know that he was safe and about to embark on his new adventure. And to not send food or bulky items. And then hang up.
Thus far, none of the calls I have received this morning have been the one I am anticipating... waiting on... you know, being patient for. It seems that Jacob will not be the only one who grows/changes over the next 13 weeks.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Minus One Day
Today Jake left for San Diego with nine other "poolies". He begins boot camp tomorrow at MCRD which I think is Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. I get to talk to him tomorrow when he makes the one (and only) phone call telling me that he has arrived safely and will send me mail. Not email. Snail mail.
I decided that I would begin this blog so I could post his letters and have a record of the next 13 weeks. I sure hope he writes...
Even though my intent is to record Jake's experience, it will unavoidably be from my perspective. So for this, I apologize in advance for any "mom moments" of weakness. What can I say? I love my son and miss him already.
I decided that I would begin this blog so I could post his letters and have a record of the next 13 weeks. I sure hope he writes...
Even though my intent is to record Jake's experience, it will unavoidably be from my perspective. So for this, I apologize in advance for any "mom moments" of weakness. What can I say? I love my son and miss him already.
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