When I learned that my son would be stationed in Georgia for basic training in Special Forces during the months of July and August, I was more than concerned. During any other months, I would not have been as worried. An avid soccer player, Andrei suffered athletic asthma during humid weather in which he had difficulty breathing in his early developmental and even later years.
They say that 95% of the things we worry about is needless worry and, in this particular case, they are right. He is surviving the extreme heat and humidity very well even with full gear and rigorous workouts. His last letter mentioned that on the hottest day of the summer, the Sergeant ordered him and a couple of other men to run an additional 5 miles after 2 hours of very grueling, physical training. He believes the reason he is able to handle such strenuous workouts is because he is in top physical form and also because they keep these young men hydrated. He has probably also outgrown athletic asthma, Praise the Lord!
Andrei has made many friends and looks forward to church on Sunday mornings and Bible Study on Mondays. He has learned to shoot left-handed because his left eye is dominant and he is excelling in marksmanship. One of the most ironic aspects of his training is that he talks little, instead watching, listening and paying attention. That, in itself, has made this experience more than worthwhile because he was always cited in school and college for talking too much! What he has learned from keeping his mouth shut, however, is the ability to study and evaluate others more judiciously. He writes to me about the friends he has made as well as others who suck up' to the sergeants.
And, he has learned that he will get smoked (hazed) for the foibles of his bunkmate or someone else. One young man forgot his belt so Andrei received the punishment.
It has been fascinating to hear about the day-to-day regimen that he and the others are experiencing. From the fact that he loves the food at Fort Benning -- I knew he would because he is a great eater, preferring his mother's home cooked fare to anything else -- to the knowledge that he is finding these weeks tough but rewarding, Andrei is enjoying learning and the rigorous physical training that he is undergoing. I am watching my 22-year-old mature in ways that would not have happened without this type of training and discipline. Having a Marine stepson, I knew that Andrei would go in as a boy and come out a man. And I see it happening in his letters.
I am also blessed that he loves to correspond. This boy, who had no idea how to address an envelope prior to arriving in Georgia, writes incredibly interesting letters and tells me that he eagerly awaits mail call. I miss my son; I am proud of him; and, I can't wait for another letter.
Thanks for reading. I guess it depends on the person. My son likes to communicate. If he had a phone, he'd be talking to me every day if he could. I am fortunate.
We always worry about how our kids will turn out, but in most cases, such as yours, there is no need to worry. I am especially impressed that he shows interest in church and Bible study. I would think that in the military there would be much ridicule, but if there is, it doesn't seem to deter him.
Oh, you don't know the American military and you don't know the Americans. When I was in Canada, I found much less church attendance among my friends and colleagues than I do in the States. Here, those who enlist here tend to be more conservative and tend to be religious. I doubt you will find as many from the left desiring to serve and protect their country.
Two years ago our son Jeremy spent 14 weeks at Fort Benning for Basic and AIT training. He had an incredible experience and made enduring friendships. Don't miss graduation. It is short, but worth the trip to see the birth of our soldiers, our sons.
I think it is the best thing he could have done. My boys have grown up without a dad. No one to take them fishing, teach them about cars or a lot of the stuff guys need. While I coached his soccer team and tried to be mom and dad as well, I know that both my sons have missed the special relationship a boy has with his father. In Andrei's case especially, I believed that the military could help in ways I could not. (Although my 86-year-old dad took him to a shooting range and taught him to fire a gun last year. That was cool!)
Very inspirational, Nancy! I must say, Andrei (which is a beautiful name)has been blessed with great parents and supportive family. Stay Blessed, Nancy!
Thank you and it is a beautiful name. My other son is Nicolai (which he hates because he was teased about it in school). Their father and I wanted names that would not be changed were we to live in different countries. (Their dad is a symphony conductor.)
I am very happy that your son accomplished his goal. I am a Marine, originally from Georgia, and enjoyed the four years I was in. I am glad that he is doing well. I can relate to your story, because I too went in during the summer months and it was a scorcher. Hydration is priority number one. Semper Fi delis!
James, yes, I can imagine that you can empathize, although Andrei hasn't finished his goal quite yet. He wants to be in Special Forces which is very difficult to get into. He likes a challenge, thought, and we will just have to see if he has what it takes.
» left by Melissa from Ashland, OH (51 days 16 hours ago.)
Thank you for sharing Nancy. My 20 year old son left just yesterday for Fort Benning. We are very proud of him for going and are excited to see how he changes as he becomes a man and serves our country. Thanks for your story. It's all very new to us right now as he is the oldest child of five. Melissa
My apologies for not responding sooner. You will enjoy the graduation. I hope you plan to attend. And your children will enjoy it as well! The new museum is fabulous.
» left by Lisa Sessions from Deltona, FL. (23 days 4 hours ago.)
Hi Nancy!
I loved your article! Our son just finished Basic Training and is in AIT now and we feel the same way. He has matured so much in his letters and phone calls. He didn't know how to address a letter either and he liked to sleep in!! He told his Dad that he missed mowing the lawn and taking out the trash and he is sorry he gave him a hard time through the years when we would ask him to do things because that was the little stuff and what he's doing now is the big stuff. Its really hard because I worry about everything and I am trying not to worry, but I know if he has to go overseas, especially Afghanistan I will be a wreck. I would love to talk to some Moms that are going through it to see how they deal with it but I have to stop worrying about it right now since it hasn't even happened. He is doing great in basic and we are so proud of him. We get to go see him next week for his 36 hour pass, we can't wait! Thank you for sharing your story. Lisa
It is exciting to see the transformation. I am also concerned about the deployment of our young people to Afghanistan. This should be the top priority of our President who is straddling the fence in this case. Supreme leader? I question that.
» left by Margaret from Idaho (2 days 21 hours ago.)
I really enjoyed reading your article. My son is 18 years old and left for Fort Benning this morning. He signed up for Infantry. I'm just so worried about the future for him and wonder how to shake that feeling.
I pray every day and I think about him a lot. Once you receive a letter, however, you will feel much better. At some point, they will let him call you. That is a wonderful day! And, if you attend the graduation, you will know that he is in good hands. We can only pray that our President will do what McCrystal asks (and more!). Thanks for sharing.
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