You quite literally have brought tears to my eyes. I am profoundly moved. JT's sister is keeping a scrapbook of the letters we receive from him. I'm going to print that off and ask her to keep it with them. Thank you. JT will cherish that all his life.
After a week of nothing, today we got two letters in one envelope! I think the worst is over. They did the gas mask thing last week. He wrote that it will be seared in his brain forever. It was so totally horrible. But I felt proud knowing he got through it and he has been changed, matured in ways that are beyond description. It is incredible knowing that my son is prepared and preparing further to defend this country from all enemies.
We must do that also. We must impeach many on the Supreme Court. Their recent rulings undermine the work that our sons and daughters in uniform are doing. We must keep faith with our children.
(((Jemian)))
Your son does us all proud. There is not a much higher honor than to defend one's country.
My stepson specializes in WMD attacks and the training is grueling. And frightening. The worst is over for your beloved son.
Regarding the SCOTUS ruling, it is confusing because the 10 Commandments can be displayed on government property but not on courthouses IF the display is an intent for religious purposes vs. legal purposes.
When displaying the Commandments for historical purposes, there is no necessity to have other religions displayed. I am starting to reach an understanding that other religions such as the Jewish religion would want representation on a Courthouse and as long as the Commandment display does not preclude other religions, it is acceptable. I think. I'm still trying to learn about this.
We still have that one on the fridge, along with his "I made it here" postcard.
I saved all Ev's letters too, and will continue to do so after he leaves in August.
I've been told that internet access is readily available in some areas over there so I am hoping he'll be able to keep in touch with us via e-mail, chat, etc.
Re: the gas chamber: he will probably receive a DVD upon graduation, as Ev did, which chronicles the entire boot camp experience. One thing they made a point of doing was film every one of the soldiers as they emerged from the gas chambers. They are told to flap their arms, supposedly to clear the air around them, I guess; some of them are puking; none look too happy. But now when Ev watches it he laughs.
In Ev's DVD we also got to see him rappelling down a wall (he did it in, like, 2 seconds; he was one of the best.:); and there were some shots of him standing in a gym watching other soldiers go through hand-to-hand combat training. He also received a very nice yearbook, and there was a picture in there of him in full BDU's & helmet, holding his rifle.
We were fascinated as we watched this thing; it's quite long and shows just about every aspect of training.