Update from Cam #4

Like clockwork, I received another phone call from Cam this morning. This time we had the luxury of speaking for a whole 10 minutes! It was nice to finally get a chance to have a conversation and not just a few rushed sentences! Here’s what he has been up to this past week:

--They practiced ‘zeroing’ their rifles this week in preparation for the upcoming marksmanship test. Cam was able to zero his rifle on his first try. They also had the opportunity to shoot a 50-caliber gun, which he was very excited about.

--During additional hand-to-hand combat training this week, Cam was easily fending off the all guys he faced. He was, however, taken down by “two big guys” that blind-sided him in a double-team attack.

--Cam is no longer squad leader as the ‘privilege’ is rotated among the squad to give everyone the experience. However, several of the new squad leaders still come to him for guidance and advice.

--He has been attending the Lutheran church service every Sunday morning since arriving at Ft. Jackson. He has met two other future OCS cadets at the church service that are in different companies than he during Basic. Looks like he’ll be headed to Ft. Benning (where OCS is held) in December with some friends.

--The ‘mail rules’ have been augmented recently. The Drill Sergeants have randomly chosen days where a song must be sung before the soldiers are given their mail! Cam said he was able to come up with the “Cougar Fight Song” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” in order to earn his mail on singing days. I suggested “I’m a Little Teapot” and “Jingle Bells” for his next round. Cam said that he’s not sure how much longer the singing for mail will continue as there are more than a few tone-deaf guys in his platoon.

That's the current scoop.

P.S.

If you get a chance, please say a little birthday prayer for Cam this week. He turns the big 2-9 on Halloween!