Another NAVY update

Today marks exactly one month that I said goodbye to Sam (but it feels MUCH longer than that). And I am proud to announce that we are more than half way done with boot camp and I'm praying the time speeds on by. Last week we were able to talk on the phone and said he would call me again next month. It was the most heart breaking phone call of my life. He was pretty down and didn't have many positives to say about his experience so far and so it was really hard to hear and definitely didn't make me feel any better.

Then...this morning. My phone rang at 8:00am exactly. I almost didn't look at it because I was so annoyed. It's Saturday. My only day to sleep in and someone had just ruined it. Despite my anger, I was genuinely curious on who wanted me so early on a Saturday.  Let me tell you, I have NEVER gotten out of bed so fast when I saw the 847 area code. "Sam, Sam is that you?" Nothing could replace the words that I heard next.
"Good morning babe! Sorry I woke you. I love you so much". I have never been so happy to be woken up. We continued to talk for a good 45 minutes- and it was perfection. He has earned quite a few leadership positions and is really succeeding. I could tell that he was happy and proud of all he has accomplished in such a short time. I even got him laughing on the phone!

What he's been doing: PFA's- Physical Fitness Assessments. They include running, swimming, push-ups and sit-ups. He has passed all of his with flying colors. He even said he's the fastest swimmer in his division.

Marching. "We march all the time. The other day they woke us up at 3:30 just to march around for 3 hours until chow"- direct quote

He just started his 4th week which is known as "Hell Week". That is because all of the recruits start to be tested on everything they have learned so far. They must pass with perfection and it can be a stressful yet accomplishing week for them as they discover all that they have learned in just 4 weeks time.

Accomplishments:

Section leader- he is charge of making sure the barracks are cleaned and kept to perfection. (Beats me how he earned this one- as maintaining cleanliness has never been a top priority to him ;) )

"Chatty Kathy"- This is the guy who is in charge of calling the shots during their group tests on the ships. He said he's the guy who barks out orders. (Also an interesting one he earned because he is a big introvert).

Nominated to be an Honor Recruit: This is a BIG DEAL! Very big deal. Not shocked about this one. He is a hard worker and I knew it would pay off. We will find out shortly if he was chosen.

Coming up next: firearms training and testing, gas chamber, final PFA's, Battle Stations 21, and PIR (graduation)!!