Day 36 - 40 (May 15 - 19, 2016)

Hi All,

Life is moving along as are the days in boot camp for Trent. Communication has been limited from him since he his move to Camp Pendleton on Saturday - May 14.  I know he was anxious about this because he will begin doing more Marine "stuff".  They are instructed on how to use their weapon (M-16 Rifle) with a dry shoot and siting in their rifles among other things.  This past week was referred to as Grass Week.  They do not use live ammunition this week, that will come in the next week or two.  From what I've read, this is an intense time for the recruits.  They are focusing on precision because they will be tested in the coming weeks on marksmanship, etc.  They MUST get a passing score and the higher the score the better the standing they achieve.

I have to share a funny story, a while back in a letter to Trent I told him I was planning on have shirts made for graduation.  I've read that many families do this so their son can find them in the crowd.  there will be hundreds if not a thousand plus people there.  I let him know I would send a picture of the shirts once I had the design and colors selected.  I didn't think much about it and then the last letter I received from him was this (see below).  Nothing else just what you see! I guess he doesn't want us to wear shirts! LOL

Monday, May 16 was Trent's 29th birthday.  In case you were not aware. you cannot join the Marine Corp. after the age of 29.  He is considered the OLD man and is giving a great deal of grief from the DI's about his age.  Since he was doing "Marine stuff" on his birthday, I'm hoping it was a good day for him!  I sent him the birthday card below.  I'm sure I will get chewed out for this one.  That was not my intent but after his last rant about sending pictures, this one will likely get me in big trouble.  Unfortunately I had already sent his card before I received his letter about sending too many pictures.  Oh well, just a little more DI grief for him. I had so much making the card and it made me feel like I was giving him a gift for his Birthday!

I'll update again when I FINALLY receive another letter!