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.