O.C. Jones

Charlie's training started this week. He sounds worn out again. They did their water survival test yesterday and he received 50/50 possible points. To complete the test, you had to put on all your gear, jump from the high diving board into the pool, and take off all of your gear before reaching the surface (actually, you had to remove your gear or else you would sink). Another portion of the test was to then swim the length of the pool (I am uncertain what that distance is) with their weapons above their heads and out of the water. Charlie said is was exhausting, but he made it! They have also completed a few obstacle courses and some early morning 5 mile runs. Talk about whipping them into shape!

Because all of the candidate's are competing at about the same level of training, this is a whole new ball game. More competitive, a little tougher and absolutely more is expected out of them all.  Last night when we spoke, he was finishing writing his 1st essay. His composition was about choosing the Hard Truth over the Easy Wrong as it pertains to the Army, and more specifically, Officer Training. He will also be expected to write a book report, more essays and some written tests as his training progresses (on top of all the physical training exams). 

He definitely misses his family and friends so much! Right now he is tentatively scheduled to graduate and be commissioned the week of May 14th. At that point, he will probably be about half way through all of his training. I keep telling him to accept any offer for more specialized training so that he wont be deployed! Selfish, I know, but I am so anxious and scared of that day getting here. Maybe by the time his training is complete our new President might have successfully brought all of our troops home and the war will be over. Wishful thinking on my part? More than likely, but I am always searching for that silver lining. 

On a side note: Jackson starts Tee ball in a few weeks. We went to pick out his cleats and gear last night so we are all set! Of course this is another piece of the puzzle Charlie doesn't like to think about missing, but as life goes, we sometimes have to make choices that keep us from home for an extended period of time. Thus, we miss out on some of the fun stuff.....but I keep telling Charlie at least he will be able to see Jackson on TV one day when he makes it to the Majors! haha!! You just never know.......

Hope this finds you all doing well....until next time....everyone be safe and take care of yourselves.

CC&J