[ohioWfan]

Yesterday we got this postcard from Eric. On the back of it he said, "....we just shot our M16's in our protective masks, and this is what we looked like! Cool, eh? And, of course, I am BAD to the BONE!"

Eric's in Blue Phase now, the final phase of Basic Training, with only 3 weeks to go before graduation. (THANK YOU LORD!!!)

He is still loving it! In the next 3 weeks he will work with grenades and rocket launchers, go on bivouac, and go on 10k and 15k marches in full gear.

He passed his M16 marksmanship test on the first try, though he wanted to score higher (he doesn't want anybody to do better than he!).

He's enjoying being in the PT stud room with only 4 guys and says he sleeps better there.......wonder why? He still thinks the food is good, and is getting more homesick, but says that knowing that he'll see us in three weeks makes it OK. He's also still involved in Bible studies with some of the guys, and was going through Romans with a 27 year old friend who hadn't read a Bible since he was a kid.

I know that you'll forgive my pride when I say.....God is going to use this young man in a mighty way! He is so thrilled to be where God wants him to be, and would like continued prayer for protection against the language and sexual jokes, for the guys he's sharing Christ with, and for him to be used by God in the next few weeks.

Thank you for your prayers!!! You are faithful friends, and I thank God for each of you!!

[NordP]

There's no doubt that your wonderful son is performing a very special task for the Lord, as well as for our country. Our prayers are with him and you!

[kayak]

BAD to the BONE! Love it!!!

Eric stays in my prayers ..... as do his mom and dad!

*hugs*

[McLynnan]

Terrific report on Eric. Sounds like he really enjoys the macho boom boom stuff. I will continue to keep him in my prayers.

[GOP_Lady]

God bless and watch over your son and his fellow troopers.

[MamaB]

What a wonderful story!!! Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I think all our military people are very special!!!

[jtill]

Since everyone on the Dose and all the ATRWers are holding Eric in prayer, and we all wait for updates on his basic training, I thought you would enjoy this little tidbit I received in my e-mail today:

Mr. and Mrs. Braithwaite Backus,
Bald Buzzard Ridge
Mountainville,
RFD 2

Dear Ma and Pa:

Am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Army beats working for Old Man Minch a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. ( ! ) but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things -- no hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. You got to shave, but it is not bad in warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, beef, ham steak, fried eggplant, pie and regular food. But tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit between two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed.

It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches," which, the Sgt. says, are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys all get sore feet and we ride back in trucks. The country is nice, but awful flat.

The Sgt. is like a schoolteacher. He nags some. The Capt. is like the school board. Cols. and Gens. just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bull's-eye is near as big as a chipmunk and don't move. And it ain't shooting at you, like the Higsett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. you don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellows get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving son,

Zeb

P.S. Speaking of shooting, enclosed is $200 for barn roof and ma's teeth. The city boys shoot craps, but not very good. - Z.

[MJY1288]

Absolutely great news. It's obvious Eric is a leader and I will continue to pray for him as he makes you, and all of us proud of him.

OWF, In three weeks... The boy you watched get on that bus, headed for boot camp, will come home a man. He will go far because of the fine upbringing you and Mr. OWF provided for him.

God Bless the OWF family

[mamaduck]

thanks for the ping oWf, wish i had time to visit tonite, but I don't . . . you all have a great evening!

[Bahbah]

May God bless and keep your young man.

[SuziQ]

Bad to the Bone; I love it! God Bless Eric and y'all. It is so good that he's in such peace with himself at Basic. You know that with God's Blessings he'll continue to do well!

[justshe]

YAHOOOOO! Only 3 more weeks! Congratulations on raising what is obviously a WONDERFUL son!

[Mo1]

WOW .. what a kid you got there .. you and Mr.O must be feeling mighty proud of him

I'll continue to keep Eric in my prayers

[admiralsn]

Sounds great. How is your daughter doing?

[hoosierpearl]

Prayers for Eric, for protection against what I know he must face. Prayers that those in the military would not need prayers for protection against the language and sexual jokes.

I love Eric's attitude. I'm sure that will be a big help to get him through his training and glad he finds things to enjoy. I believe most drill instructors would love to train people who enjoy the training!

[GUIDO]

Thank you for your continued update on Eric. I am glad to here he is doing fine and lucky you will get to see him in 3 weeks. I know you don't believe this but keep busy and it will be here before you know it. Praise God for the work he is doing in His name and for the USA.