Remember the Alamo ... and Andrew

Yesterday morning our doorbell rang just as we were getting ready to walk out the door for church. Greg answered and it was a kind gentleman from somewhere in our neighborhood, who handed us a letter from Andrew and said it had mistakenly been delivered to his house. We were so grateful to him for bringing it over. I sure hope the Air Force is more efficient at keeping track of our son than the Postal Service is at keeping track of his letters! Somehow I think they will be.

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Dad and Mom,

Well I just finished my boot shine and I'm getting ready for bed now. I have not gotten but maybe 3 hrs sleep a night since I got here. Since I am dorm chief I have to stay up and check all the night displays for off duty inspections every morning. My TI told me and the element leaders that until we got the inspection down below 3 demerits we had to stay up while everybody else slept. Well sure enough we got a minus 2 last night so I get to sleep tonight.

The main thing here is attention to detail. It is a constant battle to keep things on point. And as dorm chief I get in trouble when anybody in my flight does wrong. Every time a trainee does a facing movement wrong I have to do push-ups. So it is very stressful because I have to constantly stay on my guys.

Dad you won't believe it!!! Yesterday I had everybody in the day room, which is like the briefing room. And we were just studying and stuff so I stood up and gave a mini gospel message. They all listened so attentively and I told them that if they needed me to pray for them or whatever, to just come to me. I also told them all that I would appreciate it if they didn't curse around me. They all respected it and I have already prayed with 3 guys. I am praying that the Lord will give me the opp. [opportunity] to lead some to His saving grace. It is just so hard because we don't have much time to talk. We are always so busy.

We got our blues uniforms yesterday. It was so awesome. We don't get to wear them until 6th week but we got issued yesterday. It is amazing all the stuff they give you. Lightweight jacket, all-weather jacket, service coat, 5 shirts, 3 trousers, low quarters and tons more. We also got our 2nd issue boots yesterday. So now I have 2 sets of boots to keep shined and my dress low quarters. I am one of the best shiners in my dorm. I can get those boots sparklin'.

We also got our name tags on our camo uniforms yesterday. Yesterday was a good day because it was a big milestone. This week is also a big inspection week. We get inspected like every day and they are strict. After they do the inspection they tear everything up so you have to refold it all again. It really stinks but oh well, I guess it's part of it.

I'm really excited because on graduation day y'all get to come and see my dorm during open house. My bed has to look perfect every day. The corners are called hospital corners. Basic is really going by fast. I can't believe 3rd week is almost over. We go to warrior week next week. We leave the squadron on Sunday afternoon and get back next Fri. We go out to the other side of the base about 20 minutes away. I've heard that it is fun and it stinks. It just depends on the weather.

We get black flags pretty much every day after lunch. It is so hot. On black flag you can't march or anything outside. Most afternoons are in the classrooms. Which gets really boring. I broke down and reassembled my M-16 in under a minute yesterday. Also I am going to get warhawk status in PT. That's the highest there is. That means I get extra town pass on Sun. of grad. weekend. And I get a really cool plaque.

Well the last thing I need to tell you is today my name got called over the intercom to go to the front desk. So I went and there were 9 other trainees there. They picked the 10 top trainees to have breakfast with the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, which is CMSgt [Rodney J.] McKinley. And also a bunch of other Command Chief Master Sergeants. They are coming to do a review and they asked to have the Top 10 come down for breakfast. They are just going to be asking us questions and doing a review of the squadron. So I am really getting nervous. I spent extra time on my boots and getting my uniform ready. I can't believe they picked me. I mean, this is a once a year thing. It's a really big thing. Most of the men that will be there work in the Pentagon. We also get a special coin from the Department of the Air Force. It's gonna be nice to actually eat a nice slow breakfast for once.

We usually get like 3 minutes to eat breakfast. As the days go on we get more and more time to eat and more privileges. We get to drink gatorade now instead of water. It tastes so sweet. The food is actually really good here, you just have to scarf it down.

Well, I have so much I wish I could tell you but I need to sleep. I am glad y'all are having fun in the pool. I wish I could. How is my truck doing. I miss it. But I miss y'all more. Especially Alicia. Please keep an eye on her for me.

I get so many letters every day from people in the church, and Audrey and Steph and grandparents and Alicia. But I don't have much time to write back so just relay the info on and tell them I am sorry I can't write them. I do write Alicia though. I should get a phone call soon so beware. Maybe Fri. Please keep writing, it is a huge encouragement. Even though it makes me cry, I love hearing from home. I miss y'all so much and I can't wait to see you in 3 weeks. And I'm so glad you are staying until Saturday. I hope that is okay. Well, pray for me and I love you. Stay safe on those ladders, Dad.

Love,

Andrew

p.s. Please don't forget my cell phone charger.