Jameson Update II

Sorry for the delay in sending info on Jameson. I have been working a ton of hours and just have not had time to write. I've spoken with him each Sunday evening for 5 min (they are very strict on the time allotment). Each of his calls have been very positive, with a similar theme: it's REALLY hard, but I'm gonna do it!

He has been promoted to Supply Sergeant for his Platoon, which means he handles all the paperwork (ordering/records/requests) and supply needs for his platoon. He is very proud of being chosen for this job. He is also doing well in academics with all A's (100%) at this time. He is writing to us regularly, as well as responding to those who have written him. I will try to tell him he can send us mail for family in Europe, as he can not send mail there (only basic mail stamps), and we will scan it and email it to you.

2 weeks ago, he wrote a very expressive letter about how frustrated he was over a physical exam (the Army Physical Fitness test) He did 90 consecutive push-ups (way over the max), 72 sit-ups (1 over max), and had to run 2 miles in under 13 min (He came in 3rd). After all of that, someone had messed up the records or timing and they had to do it over!! He was sooo frustrated! "But, no biggy, I can do it again. I'll just do more, better. It's not enough to make me want to quit."

In his last letter he mentioned that his Platoon was awarded Honor Platoon, which means as of this Sunday, he will have 10 min on the phone!! Yeah! But he is actually disappointed cause he was hoping to have a personal promotion to Phase II which would give him 5 extra min (total 15 min) each week. He has been recommended for leadership roles and other merits, doing community service and working hard in school. He expressed how down he was that he did not receive the promotion and referred to having to brown nose to get promoted...I'm sure there is a story there that I will hear about on Sunday.

I want to thank everyone who has been writing him...THANKS!! He really appreciates it! They had us send 20 stamped envelopes (with his name in corner) for him to send mail home weekly (minimal requirement). Jamie requested more envelopes last week...he has already sent out his 20. Know how much he dislikes writing, I am very proud of his effort. I know I have not sent as many this last week or two and I think he hasn't received many. The tone of his last letter was very down, and in his letters to Auri he begged her to write him TONS. So, please keep up the mail!!