Korea?

So Macade called me last night to warn me that he may not be home very long before he ships out to Korea. I don't know who he is talking to but I do know that things are heating up in that part of the world. He said they are telling everyone to be prepared. As it was, he said maybe 80% of the soldiers he is with are shipping to Korea as soon as they are done training. I told him not to worry and that we would pray that he will be safe wherever they decide to send him. I think he is more worried about spending some time at home before shipping out.
Macade is doing very good. He has a lot of down time which is hard for him but he still remains pretty upbeat. He is really stressed out about coming home and trying to adapt to life again.
They have made him a "flag folder". I asked what that meant and he said he was the flag folder at funerals. I, of course, panicked and asked just how many people were dying there. He laughed and called me silly. I guess when they are called to services of veterans, Macade folds the flag. I felt a lot better then. I think he finds it a great honor to do this for the veterans of our country. His love of the flag is just growing and growing. So everyone make sure you have your flags ready for when he comes home. So far, graduation is still on July 23rd. However, it IS the Army and they can change plans pretty quickly.
Thanks again for all of your support of our soldier. We love him and we are Proud!

Nothin to report

So, as you can see, AIT (advanced individual training) is much less exciting than basic training. Macade is enjoying it a lot but he loved BCT! I think it was the structure of the place in general. He has a lot of down time in SC, but I think he is learning a lot. I just spoke with him and he got 100% on 2 tests today! Yeah for him! He has a big inspection tomorrow and was cleaning like crazy hoping to pass this test too. Then he will get to wear civilian clothes after school and listen to his i-pod and such. He has a small room that he shares with one other young guy and he likes that a lot too. AND, he says he has earned himself the new PT nickname. He is now Mr. 300 to the Drill Sergeants and commanders. I like it that he is working hard to put his name out there. Anyway, it looks like he will be home in mid-July. We are very excited to get him home and get him busy. I also met his unit folks the other day when I stopped to pick up his patches and pins for his uniforms. They told me they are not on the schedule to ship out any time soon, but a new schedule is coming out in September. They were thinking early 2011.???
So, he is good. He always wants me to tell everyone hello and that he loves you all!
B

Training under way

So Macade has had 2 test this week already. He started his training to be a 63 Bravo. (Light wheel mechanic.) He says it's a little boring right now but that it will get better. I keep asking for his address and for some reason he is hesitant to give it to me. So, sorry everyone. I think he is a little homesick and he tells me it's kinda hard to get letters even. So, I will be patient and grateful that I bought him a new phone to keep in touch.
He is still doing really well in PT. He maxed out at 300 on Monday! Who knew!?
He is hearing a lot about how they are desperate in Afghanistan for mechanics and they shortened his already short training. I don't know how long he will be home in July. His first deployment could come pretty quickly. He is not afraid though. He is more than willing to go and serve. It is what he is training for and he is anxious to be busy.
Thank you all again for your support of Macade. I am sure he feels it.
B

Fort Jackson

So Macade made it to South Carolina last Friday night. He says it is really hot but I wonder if it's just cause he has to wear that uniform (ACU's). He is doing OK. It's always a little stressful for him the first few days as he is totally lost. Tonight when I spoke with him he was a little better than yesterday. He is bored though and cannot wait for his training to get going on Friday. He also knew his grad date. July 23rd. I asked if he would be able to come home on the 24th and he said, "hopefully right after graduation!" It is nice to have a date to look forward to. (Maybe one of my blog savvy friends could help me put a countdown on this blog.) He has decided to try to be a NCO (non-commissioned officer) by the end of his first year. He has talked quite a bit about going active duty army as well. The Special Forces are a huge pull for him! I know he could do it and they would totally want him there with his PT scores. Anyway, PVT Moore is alive and well and I think there is a part of him that is enjoying being on his own. He does get homesick and I think that is why he tries not to call or write too much. I will post an address as soon as I get own. (He's a little slow now that he has his phone.)
Thanks to all of you that show your support of Macade every day! He loves you and misses you a lot. I am so grateful to all of you too!
B

Check this out!

Check out my other blog to get the update on Macade this week!

heressomemoore.blogspot.com

The Countdown is on!

So, it actually has been since the day he left, but we are really down to 5 days now!!! So excited to go to Missouri and see our soldier! He called again last night and says they are just preparing to graduate now. He is so excited to be done and you can hear in his voice that he is really proud of what he has accomplished. I don't know if he will be honor grad but they are awarding him with a special badge to wear on his uniform that he gets for being the highest in his class in physical training. OF COURSE, they are giving it to him before we can make it there to watch! Why is the Army so on top of things?!! Anyway, he is excited to get on to SC where the whole coast is on fire and heading into hurricaine season. (That's the mom in me.) He just wants his ipod and camera and the new phone I bought him.
Can't wait to see him!

One small step for me...

One GIANT step for Macade!!!
I got a pic! It's just one and was sent from a camera phone, but it was manna from heaven for me. Look at his chubby little cheeks!!!
He got an off-post pass this morning and RAN all the way to the PX. He and his buddies loaded up on Red Bulls and Reeses peanut butter cups. Just as he was chowing down some Drill Seargents walked in and he swore into the phone. But in the end, the DS's just told them to not bring any of that !@#$ back to the barracks.
He is so happy this morning! He is a Squad Leader now and he just couldn't be happier.
And I am pretty darn happy too!