<p>i was down at the waterfront today and while down there at the pool three platoons went down to go for a swim of about 20-30 minutes each. both platoons from first co and one from second co. the kids seem to be much happier now adays and the drill instructors are starting to lay off more and more. i got to talk to a few kids while trying to teach them how to do gainers off the diving board and they said indoc was getting easier and easier now that everyone knows exactly what is going on. more and more kids are laughing and having fun and i can hear them laughing on the decks above my room at night before lights out. just wanted to let you guys know that i'm sure you're kids are doing just fine now. and this being the last week, indoc starts to become more fun with the track meet, swim meet, more recreational activities, and the drill comp</p>
<p>If candidates get their cell phones after indoc, are they allowed to use them on Sundays? and are they still only allowed the one 5 minute call?</p>
<p>I said in an earlier post that i think they can use them but now im not sure anymore. i think that maybe we didnt get our phones back from the CC and CX until we were aloud to go on liberty because they wanted us to have our phones when we went out, but i dont remember if we were aloud to use them before then or not. i do know that i kept mine in my soccer locker in case i ever needed it but i just talked on pay phones until after acceptance day. and no after indoc they can talk as long as they want but still only on sundays</p>
<p>Hi, my husband sent me a link to this site and when I pulled it up on the computer, well I suppose my son registered and had been communicating with you folks before he left for KP. </p>
<p>Those of you who have communicated with him, thanks for the encouraging words he recieved, they are much appreciated. </p>
<p>He sounded great in our short and sweet conversation on Sunday and his letters are laced with a sense of humor and wit that he doesn't show in the pictures on line (he has his game face on in them, it just cracks me up!!) </p>
<p>He has some challenges for sure but overall I think he is loving it. How many people in their lives set such a magnificient goal for themselves and then realize it??? He is living his dream. </p>
<p>I am oddly not having any type of reaction that my friends expect. I haven't shed a tear and don't worry about him all that much, as I said, he is living his dream and I am confident he is doing what he was destined and intended to do from before I was given the privelege of being his mother. </p>
<p>I do have a question. Are the pictures on line orchestrated to look like these guys are at summer camp? Seriously, the pictures in my son's company, well they look like they are having a lot of fun. Dodge ball, ultimate frisbee. There is even a picture of the guys eating rice krispie treats while drinking Capri Suns!! (looked like afternoon snack at summer camp) Swimming, learning to work a fire hose. And with a fleet of floating toys at their disposal, my goodness, I know my kid is in heaven. Even the early morning PT looks good. So my question is are we seeing a really REALLY filtered view of indoctrination?</p>
<p>your seeing the 2 hours a day where they are having fun. i havent looked at the pictures myself, but from what you're telling me, it does sound like a summer camp. but they are having a lot more time of no fun than fun, although this last week becomes much better and the fun does increase</p>
<p>Missed our son's call at 9:36am EDT. Bummer! We misunderstood...thought we heard at the parents briefing on induction day that calls started after 12noon EDT. I hope this is not too upsetting for him and that he gets another chance this afternoon.</p>
<p>Now, the rest of the story. We rushed home from church at 12noon and sat around the rest of the day and evening for the "second" call that never came. Then we found out he called his girlfriend and gave her a brief report: likes it fine, lost his voice.<br>
We give him credit full credit for resourcefulness.
Lesson learned: Be there until he calls.</p>
<p>Friday at noon lunch muster. Yes, I had the camera stuck out of the car window... :D</p>
<p><a href="http://jamzmom.tripod.com/USMMA/%5B/url%5D">http://jamzmom.tripod.com/USMMA/</a></p>
<p>Altsmith, I'm so sorry that you missed your call. A better one will come next time!</p>
<p>Jazzmom really :cool: photos! I want to ask how you got them but then again you may not want to reveal your ways... And I wanted to try smilies.</p>
<p>Sorry, :o correction,Jamzmom</p>
<p>:D Not as good as some of the "official" photos but when you're trying to play I-spy 007 stuff, ya gotta be careful. I thought about doing recon from under the truck but hubby frowned on it big time.</p>
<p>I hope our candidates are having as much fun as we are!:)</p>
<p>Despite my earlier post that we didn't expect any letters because our son didn't want to take any stationery or stamps, we were surprised to receive 2 letters (7/13 & 7/15) from him today. He related some stories about how hard it was, but reflected good spirits, confidence and a sense of humor. He said he read and found encouraging our letters to him. He also asked for letters from friends and siblings. He informed us that they are allowed to receive food packages and requested some treats with enough for his platoon of 29 plus the 3 DIs. He also suggested magazines and other interesting surprises. He noted if he wasn't supposed to have it, the DIs would confiscate it, and he would simply get it later.</p>
<p>It seems obvious that letters and packages are a big morale booster for our sons and daughters. I'm wondering what happens after Indoc and they get their computers. Are they going to be happy with email, or will they still want to receive letters and packages by US Mail?</p>
<p>I found that once the school year begins email and phone calls take the place of letters...but care packages are always welcome.</p>
<p>Ditto. The boodle boxes continue all year it seems. They are always needing something or some snacks. Not like they can hop down to the nearest Piggly Wiggly & get jerky & gold fish. :D But the art of letters seem to go away with email.... Sadly</p>
<p>I am cherishing the letters and the letter writing and will be a little sad when our son gets his e mail. </p>
<p>One letter came from him on the church bulletin and another on his target practice sheet! </p>
<p>Here is an idea I came up with before he left that might be adapted to the present. We had a going away party for him. At the party I gave our guests a blank card and asked them on the spot to write a letter of encouragement for our son. I collected them all at the end of the evening and send out one every day. They will soon be all sent. </p>
<p>I am thinking that I will keep cards in my pocket book. I see so many people that ask how our son is doing. Their intentions are good to write him but like all good intentions, often unfulfilled. I think they will be better filled if they have a blank card already adressed and stamped. </p>
<p>I have been told that the letters are of great importance to keeping up their morale. It is a simple thing I can do to help. </p>
<p>Val</p>
<p>PS. My son has appreciated the biscotti I sent. However I was suprised when he asked me to send personal wipes and swifter dust sheets. Funny what becomes a commodity when one goes to indoc.</p>
<p>When is Indoc officially over? Is it today?</p>
<p>i think sunday</p>
<p>That sounds right they said at the parents meeting that it was 18 days. bvwhite boy how's the weather there? The reports are for rain this afternoon.:(</p>