Letter to Home

Here is Nathanael's letter typed as well as I can figure out his handwriting.

Dear Family,
I got your letter (that would my Mom's letter) and I don't really think you would want to know what I'm going through.  I think it's enough to say that the past couple weeks have been terrible in pretty much every way.  I'm getting pretty decent at marching though and I've been issued a brand new MIGA4 rifle so I will be the first to shoot that particular one in a couple weeks when we go up north.  The church here is awesome but it takes everything I got to make it to the next Sunday.  I found a chocolate milk dispenser thing at chow though so I think I will survive.  Is Bruno still around or has he killed over yet?  They say we're at the point where (I can not  figure out what this next word is, it looks like PT, but not sure)  PT gets harder but the rest of life starts getting easier.  We probably should have tied a rope in the shop so I could've learned to climb it, so far that's the only challenge I've failed in.  My body feels pretty torn up so I should be fairly beastly at the end of this.  Well, I got 2 weeks done with 11 more to go so I can't wait to be home.
Sincerely,
Nathanael
PS  If anybody wants to write me feel free to give out my address

First Real Letter From Nathanael

I will retype his letter so all can enjoy it.  Please write to him.  I put his address in the previous post.

To whom it may concern,
I am at boot camp and have been for a week now.  It is exactly how I thought it would be only with better food.  That only makes it harder to finish the meal though because you want to savor the taste.  Church here was really good yesterday and the highlight of the week.  My recieving DI looked a lot like Leondro Barbosa so that was cool.  They have a way to somehow make everything here very unenjoyable especially showers.  I got my wisdom tooth out today so I finally had time to write because it scored me a day of bed rest.  You probably won't get this for awhile though because I still can't send letters.  I really love it here, just kidding.  Can't wait for September 10.  Love Nathanael
PS.  Feel free to give my address to any that may wish to write me
PS  Please never send a package, only letters and pictures are acceptable.

NATHANAEL'S ADDRESS and letter

Just want to make sure everyone has Nathanael's address.  I am sure he would love all the letters that he can get.

Recruit Dees, Nathanael C.
1st RT BN CHARLIE CO. PLATOON 1049
40002 Midway Ave
San Diego, CA  92140-5550

Below is the letter we received from him yesterday.  It was a form  letter that he signed at the bottom. 

Dear Mom and Dad,
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training platoon.  I am fine and in good health.  While here at recruit training I am no allowed to receive certain items such as vitamins, alcohol, pornographic material, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles.  Please do not send any packages (ie cookies, candy, socks, underwear, etc.).  Also prescription medication cannot be sent under any circumstance.  A medical officer authorized to treat recruits will provide all medication to me.  While here at Recruit Training I will not need you to send any money.  I earn enough to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day to day training here at MCRD San Diego.  I apologize that this letter is short but in the beginning we are somewhat pressed for time.  I promise to write later. 

You can reach me at the following address:

The adress is there and he signs on the line underneath.  I will keep you posted on letters that come.

FATHERS

I must start with my own father.  He is the most perfect man that I know.  He will be 87 in August and is in better shape than I am. 

Now I will add pictures of all the other wonderful fathers in my life, from the father of my children to my children that are fathers and I will not forget my father in law who has been gone for many years but not forgotten. 

VerLynn and Lori

Naris,  VerLynn's dad

Deryk, my oldest and now a father of 3

Spencer and Angie,  Spencer is now the father of 2 

Preston and his family.  He is obviously the father of 2

Then there are my two son in laws, this is Micah and his family.  He is the father of 6.

Trevor and his family and he is the father of 2.
I am so grateful for all of the fathers in my life.  I love all of you! 

The Nest Is Empty

Today is a very emotional day for me.  My baby, Nathanael, the youngest of 7 children left early early this morning for boot camp.  He joined the marine reserves and he is now gone.  I can't text him or call him any more until after September.  I will miss him.  How proud I am that he feels the desire to pay back to all those who have sacrificed for his freedom.  I pray that his great grandfather who served in WWI and other ancestors that have gone before him that have also served their country will be with him to strengthen him. 
Thanks Angie for the great pictures you took of him