Mailed blog – written by Julian

14 Feb 11

My face is beaming right now.  It’s Valentine’s Day and even though I’m ending the day completely exhausted, I feel great because I know I am so loved.  Seven letters came my way today (three from Mom & Dad, Mary, Aunt Glo, Aunt Gayle, and Sharon V.)!  Okay, Gomez just busted me for writing this with a goofy grin on.  The timing was perfect as tomorrow morning we start a three-day exercise out in the field and I really needed the energy from the letters you guys send.  Thanks!

Today was a long day of waiting.  We got fitted in our dress blues, or Army Service Uniform as they’re technically called.  They do a pretty good job of getting all of us in fitted and altered.  My uniform is snug as a bug, so that’s good incentive to stay fit and trim.  While it’s nice to have this uniform (it’s pretty expensive if you have to buy it yourself), I will never get to wear it in its current state.  We will be graduating in our ACU’s (camo).  Bummer, I know.  There was a rumor going around that you don’t wear your dress uniforms if you graduate during a time of war.  Not sure if there’s any truth to that, but stay tuned.  The next opportunity I have to wear a dress uniform will be at my graduation from Officer Candidate School (OCS) and the uniform I got today will have to go through a major makeover for that event.

The hall in which we waited for our alterations had big photos of 9-11 displayed on the walls.  The tears of frustration from that day are still fresh in my memory.  Seeing those photos reminded me how I felt.  Here I am today, preparing and strengthening myself to stand up and ensure that never happens to our country again.  It feels good to be carrying out in action what I have always believed in my heart; this country is worth fighting for.  All the cold nights, tummy grumbles, and never-ending fatigue are far worth the price of freedom.  God Bless America!