Letters (Uniforms, Sleep, and a Cold)

Since Pat has been away he has been able to call twice. Both calls have been brief calls, but either way it was great for all of us to hear his voice, and my guess is he felt the same about hearing ours. Patrick is more interested in hearing about what is going on back home, then talking about what he is doing. But, here are a few things we know about everything so far from his calls and letters.

Patrick has been writing frequently, and has mailed about five or six letters between his parents, Ann and Bill, and myself (sister), Sara. We look forward to getting his mailing address, as we have already written letters that are waiting to be mailed.

When Patrick arrived in Georgia at the military base he was given many shots, as all soldiers are. Between the shots, and leaving home with the start of a cold Pat's cold progressed. However he is staying strong, and staying out of sick bay. Patrick has said he is averaging about 5 to 5 1/2 hours of sleep a night, which probably isn't helping him fight his cold either.

Patrick has made friends with about four guys during his reception week, and he hopes they will remain in his unit once basic officially starts. Patrick thought basic was going to begin Friday, September 7th. This past week he was issued his ACU's, which is his camouflage uniforms you see him wearing in the pictures. He also received his dog tags, and had his military picture taken. This past Sunday, (Sept. 2nd) Patrick attended church on base, and really enjoyed going. He is still very positive and looking forward to actually beginning his training. So far on a scale of 1-5 Patrick is rating his experience a 3. When I spoke to him a few days ago he was very excited to be beginning his training soon.