for Tuesday July 5th

A report from the Army and Taylor by Steve.

Hi Guys,

We hope everyone has a great 4th of July, , , I have to work, but I'll sneak home for some dinner.

Taylor had 8 minutes to call home today and he's having fun in Basic Training. He sounds great and loves the food. He's a picky eater, , , , so I'd guess he's working out so hard that any food is good food.

He goes to church every Sunday, , , and he loves it because the church has air conditioning and they don't yell if you fall asleep. He has to carry his M16 rifle everywhere he goes, but they don't allow weapons in church so his "Battle Buddy" watched after his rifle.

He's very upbeat and enjoying himself. He tries to remember what the Drill Sergeants yell to make us laugh when he calls, , , and those Drill Sergeants are very creative with their "encouraging words." Luckily Taylor is squared away and hasn't had too much Drill Sergeant "encouragement." He did the Future Soldier program for a year so he knew what to expect and he studied plenty. He started Basic Training as a Private (along with about 30% of the young soldiers in Basic) and the rest started without any rank and no training.

I will have his address later in the week if anyone wants to write him a note, , , no care packages are allowed.

Much Love, Steve

PS: I asked him if they do anything for the 4th and he said the soldiers in Basic get to clean-up after a parade and USO concert.