News from Ed

Ed arrived at Fort Benning on Tuesday last week. His recruiter picked him up Monday evening around 6 p.m. and drove him to a hotel where he stayed overnight. There were a total of 5 guys heading to the same place for their BCT ITB/OSUT and they left early in the morning for Georgia.

He didn't get to sleep from the time he left home until 9 pm Wednesday night. Even then, he was only able to sleep until 1 am because he had to stand on guard duty (fire watch) for an hour outside in the freezing cold wearing only sweats.

Because President Bush was visiting Fort Benning around the same time, most NCOs and Drill Instructor were very busy. The sergeant who was seeing Ed's unit through processing put him in charge of everyone.

Today, I received a call from Ed and apparently, he's still waiting to be assigned to his real unit and barrack. Therefore, BCT ITB/OSUT won't start until this Friday. If you've been following the schedule, everything is now being pushed back to a later date. First Aid training hasn't started yet. Other than that, he completed all the check-ups and didn't 'suffer' any pain from the shots (I don't think needles make him nervous at all).

More exciting news from Ed when I hear from him again.

On a more personal note, I have very deep respect for Ed and "our guys and gals" for giving up their comfortable civilian life to serve for their country.