Day 5 (4/15/16)

Today Trent will move from the Recruit Training Depot and be transported to Camp Pendleton about 60 miles away. Upon arrival the recruits will meet their Drill Instructors that they will be spending the next 12 weeks with.  These are the men who while shape them into Marines. 


This is also the day he will be tested on his physical ability by performing his Initial Strength Test.  This test I'm not overly worried about, he has been tested in the past and has exceeded the minimum requirements.


I have immersed myself in reading and learning everything I can about Boot Camp and what he may be experiencing.  I have joined two Facebook pages, one for recruit parents and one for his group called the Echo Co MCRD San Diego.  He is part of the Echo company and will be assigned his Company and Platoon in the next day or two.


I also learned that he likely received a shot in the last few days that is referred to as Peanut Butter.  The reason it's called this is because the consistency is thick and takes a long time to injected in his rear. Apparently it is quite painful and the pain lasts for about a week. My understanding it is administered to prevent illness due to living in close quarter and consists of high doses of antibiotics.  I'm sure he loved that little adventure!


I have been journaling everyday so I can keep in the loop of what is going on in the news, life, etc. He has zero contact about the outside world, he is living and breathing Boot Camp only! I have been including scores the and standing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and any other lighthearted news I think he would find interesting. 


I have learned from my research and group participation that I can call his Recruiter on Tuesday to get his mailing address.  If all goes as planned his first letter will be in the mail on Tuesday.  Once I have that information I will add it to a post in the blog.  My request is that all of you will please write to him. I have learned, mail call is truly their highlight of the day.  Imagine how disappointing it must be for those recruits that don't receive much mail.  I plan to make sure he receives at least one letter a day! I'm busy writing them now in preparation to send!  All I know is that is going to be ALOT of letters and will take some major discipline on my part!! I may need to organize a list of people who will take a day or two so I know one is going out each day.  Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list! One last thing about letter writing, please do NOT use colored envelopes, stickers, any decoration on the outside.  If the Drill instructors see anything out of the ordinary white envelope, they will single him out and make it a more challenging day for him!  I guess this is their form of teasing! ;-)


I'm excited that today David and I will be heading to Jacksonville to spend the weekend with Betsie and Bobby.  It will be a welcome change to spend some time with my daughter and help me to not be consumed wondering what Trent is going through at various times throughout the day.


Happy Friday!