Mail is Gold

Ben finally got his first mail on Friday (7/10). Hoo! Hoo! The mail actually came in on Thur at 9:30 pm but the lights were out at 9 PM. It took about 5 days for letters to get from TO to GA. He was thrilled. Mail is so precious to them since they could have no other outside contact at this point. So keep you fan mail going!!!
They had their first APFT (army physcial fitness test) on 7/10 and he came in first out of 33 guys in his platoon. That comprised of 2 min push-ups (86), 2 min sit-ups (76), and 2 mile run (14:14). I guess the physical training isn't too bad for him. But the language...his DS used "F" words 180x in 15-20 minutes. That's got a hurt the ears!
The kids in his platoon are driving him crazy. Many don't want to be there where as he does. When they learn how to be clean, then they won't get smoked anymore! Then, he will be able to go to Bible study or see the chaplain once his platoon is out of the 'red phase'.
On a good note, the Bible's been opened up a lot more, and several guys have come to him with questions. He ask you to pray that God will use him, and for him to be open and share his knowledge with others. He found a "Guide Post" magazine the other day so that was good. Someone was trying to convert him to Islam the other day.
His normal day begins at 0430-0500 hr with a granola bar or milk then off to PT (physcial training). After PT, they change into ACU's and sometimes full battle rattle (flack vest, helmet, camel back, vest, etc) then do their training. Have MRE (meals ready to eat) or lunch, continue training, dinner, then lights out at 2100 hr. They have to do 1 hr guard duty at night. Then it starts all over again.
He has to do a lot of laundry because all the sweating during training they do. It completely drains him with full gear. He is at a whopping 117 lbs. now!