Email from Dan - Week 2

Hi Folks,

Well, we have started our training in full force. Lots of classes to attend first and then we get into the practical bits. This past week we got more new uniforms (desert cammies) and some added gear. Yup, Joanne, I will need more storage room at home! We are continually amazed at how many different uniforms and added gear the Navy comes up with! I have almost a full closet inside and hang jackets and extras in the garage closet. The funny addition to this latest batch was a sleeping bag. Yup, we have to bring this to an area where it will be over 100 degrees for several months, just in case we have to use it. Hope not!

We had several classes on security and weapons. We will soon spend most of a week shooting the various weapons we will have out there. It will be a very long week, up at oh-dark-30 as Steve Wargo always says, drive an hour plus to the range. But, shooting is always good fun, whatever the weapon. There is a bit more of a serious tone to this considering where we are going.

One thing we have embarked on this week is our morning (up at 4:40 to start at 5am) PT (physical training - I'll to keep the acronyms to a minimum). I finally figured out why I hate doing this first thing in the morning, besides not being awake! I like to exercise after the day ends to unwind and de-stress from anything that had gone on. Plus it is a bit warmer, I so hate being cold. Ha ha, good thing we are not going north to Alaska! I also decided to start wearing my flack vest for an evening walk. This thing weighs a good bit (20lbs plus), so better get used to wearing it now vs cold turkey in the heat. I chatted with Joanne the other eve and walked three miles with it on. Even with the extra exercise, my legs were tired. More additional PT for this ol' man is in order.

Well, that is about all for this week. We have Sun off, our “domestic” day – laundry, grocery shopping and study time.

I hope you have had a blessed week.

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Dan