8/18/07

Dearest Jessie,

Saturday here at processing is pretty relaxed. We woke up at 5:30 instead of 4:30 and we stood in formation for 1/2 hour and then went to chow (breakfast). After chow we marched a little bit, cleaned up the grounds for a while, sat in the barracks for about an hour and then went back to chow. We now have one hour before we have to get back out other for drill. So I decided to get a jump on your letter today.

Wearing these new dog tags really makes me feel like a real soldier. They have my full name, SSN, blood type, and religious preference which is written: "CH-Jesus-CHR-LD." Did you know that my blood type is O positive? I didn't. Does that mean only O positive can give to me or how does that work?

I've been telling all the guys that my little girl can say "doggy." I can just imagine her doing it. Is Maren holding her head up any better?

The drill sergeant we have today is really cool. Just now he marched us around for a while and then sat us down for about an hour and just kicked back and talked with us. I didn't know a drill sergeant could make a joke. He was telling us how to make the most of our lives and to live within our means. And then said how best to take the most advantage of the Army.

I don't think you have to worry about the chance that I might die anymore. When I become an officer - all these people talk about is that the difference between officers and enlistsed men is officers plan what the enlisted will do. It is amazing how many people are coming into this Army. There are 90 people in my platoon and we all came in on the same day. I got side tracked - whatever I do as an officer, I'm pretty sure I will stay clear of the danger. Let all the enlisted men learn to drive the tanks and go into battle. I will help plan how that works.

I had a really good missionary experience last night with my bottom bunk buddy - Private Jordan. He is from South Carolina and is very religious, but open minded. He says he is non-denominational. He is very curious about the church because he has heard only what other people have told him. So I had him read the account of Joseph Smith receiving the Book of Mormon and the testimony of the 3 and the 8 witnesses. He had a lot of questions. So I am hoping we will be able to go to church tomorrow.

I just got done talking to you - it's Saturday night - and I'm happy. I love you so much.

There is a private here that is very Christian from Kansas. There is also a young kid from Idaho who hasn't served a mission yet. They were talking about the Book of Mormon and before I even went over there I knew what was going to happen. It was pretty much a bash without Bibles. He would bring up bogus Christian/Anti stuff and I would expalin how that was crap and he is a really nice guy but it makes me so mad when he says I'm part of a cult. So I'm trying to de-stress into this letter. I just gave my Book of Mormon back to the fellow from West Valley that is having a hard time here. I gave him Ether 12 to read. He said he will have his mom send him a Book of Mormon once he has an address.

I am still so wound up. I feel bad and frustrated for those people. Their religion is so worthless. Say the words "Lord Jesus I accept you!" and your saved! That is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard in my life.

I just hope that it will work out in the next life for people like that. These privates also like really dirty jokes. I try not to listen, but sometimes it's during formations.

I'm thinking of shaving my legs. The tall socks we wear hurt my leg hairs, but if I did that would be one more thing for the drill sergeant to single me out for.