The Latest from Mike

We received a letter yesterday from Mike, which we loved. He sounded like he was doing really well. He was actually writing the letter from church, his one real place of calm and peace in his life right now. He told us that when he graduates he'll be wearing his dress blues since it will be winter. He likes them better than the whites, so he seemed excited for that.

He was also excited because the next day he was going out for the live-fire with the 9mm pistol and the M600 shotgun. He explained, "If I get 148 points, I get a ribbon for marksmanship. If I get 210, I get a ribbon with an 'S' on it for sharpshooter. If I get 240 which is a perfect score, I get a ribbon with an 'E' on it for Expert Shooter." He really wants the ribbon and would love lettering in it. We'll have to see how he does.

He is counting the days. Sunday would be 27 days left of Boot Camp. He told us he misses us and can't wait to see us. He said, "I'm a new man, and I'm growing up and getting stronger." I could tell just from the way he writes.