First Week of Basic

Patrick called me tonight at 7:30!  He said that the first week of Basic Training has "been a blast."    (He would say that!)  They've been doing a lot of physical training because some of the privates were not in proper shape.  Patrick says that they will get to the "soldiering" soon.  They were issued their M-4s yesterday, and he really liked that!  He also likes his drill sergeant, who was a special forces candidate.

They have been given an entire extra minute to eat now. :)  They now average about three minutes of actual eating time.  Patrick said that the other day he only had about thirty seconds.  Of course, he sees this like a game, so it's lots of fun for him. The food is really good, which I was glad to hear!

He's getting about six hours of sleep per night, so that's pretty good.  Now that does not count the nights that they wake them up with a bull horn for a midnight run.

I'm getting his address in the next day or so.  I'm not going to post in on the blog, so if you want it, let me know.  He said he would love to get letters from everyone.  He would especially like some motivational quotes and encouraging verses.

A Brief Talk

Patrick called me today!  We only talked for 21 seconds.  He called to say that he was in Day 0 of basic training and that it was a lot of fun.  He sounded good, but he said to keeppraying for him.  Wake up is at 0430 (4:30AM).  Please keep praying for his strength and stamina!

The First Phone Call

Patrick called today!  Ok, so this is not exactly the first phone call, but today was the first time we got to talk.  He called me at school on Friday, but he only had time to say that he was almost finished with reception and they would soon head out to basic.  Today he had more time to tell me about what he's done so far.

They arrived in Missouri at around 2:00 AM on Tuesday.  They were briefed until 3:30 then sent to bed.  Their wake up call was at 4:30 AM, and they stayed up until 2100 (9:00PM)!  Things leveled out after that. 

Their cafeteria time is also interesting.  He said that when they are getting their food, they have to always carry their tray with two hands.  By the time they sit down, they only have about 2 1/2 minutes to eat.  Does this bother him?  Not at all!  His words were, "it's actually a lot of fun." 

They are divided into six groups, and Patrick is the "bay leader" for one of the groups.  I know they filter any questions through him, and I believe that he is responsible for their actions.

Church was good today, he said.  He has also been allowed to keep his bible, and he has been so far been able to read it daily.

Patrick sounded really good on the phone. He was thankful for everyone's prayers and asked that we keep praying for him.  I already can't wait until next week when we get to talk again!

What He's Doing

**Patrick is not in this picture.**

Here is a summary of what Patrick has been and will be doing for the next couple of weeks.

• Your Soldier will arrive at a reception station at one of the military installations.  They are assigned to a unit and will  undergo around 4 days of in-processing.  
• Your Soldier will complete administrative and logistical processing, receive a haircut, have uniforms issued, and have a personnel record file created.  Additionally, Soldiers will have medical, dental screenings, and records created.
• All Soldiers in the first few days will also begin learning the Army Values.  The Army wants to continue building on the values that are already instilled within each individual and give them common ground, beginning their transformation from civilian to Soldier.  These Army Values are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
• Basic Combat Training, also known as BCT, is an unique challenge that few Americans have experienced, it is a significant time in their life.  The Basic Combat Training experience is meant to be rigorous and challenging.  During this time period, individuals are assisted to adapt to a new career and life for their families and themselves.  A typical BCT day is early mornings, long days with information overload, and late nights.  
• The BCT experience is designed to assist a Soldier through a transformation that yields experience and skills required in today’s Army.  We are confident that as a Soldier progresses through training, he or she will grow in self-confidence, individual knowledge, and physical strength.  Led by Drill Sergeants, your Soldier will have leaders that are confident, strong, and will never require your Soldier to do anything they will not do themselves.  This group of Drill Sergeants and support personnel will be with your Soldier from the time they arrive to their graduation date from Basic Combat Training.

One Man Braver

Well, it's official. Patrick has left for the Army! The army is now one man braver. He is heading to Montgomery for tonight. He will leave there in the morning, board a plane, and it's off to Fort Leonardwood. He was really excited!

This reference from C.S. Lewis's The Voyage of the Dawn Treader best explains Patrick. Reepicheep is about to cross over into Aslan's country, his life's greatest adventure. However, once he crosses over, he can't return to Narnia, so his friends are terribly sad. "Then he bade them goodbye, trying to be sad for their sakes; but he was quivering with happiness."

Thank you, everyone, for your great support! Stay tuned for more updates on The Peake family's newest adventure!

**UPDATE**

Patrick is in Missouri. He made it about thirty minutes ago. He had time to write me quickly on facebook, and it's off to the races! I should hear from him again around Sunday.

More Tri Pics

Patrick and Alex aftter the triathlon
Patrick on the run...sorry it's sideways

Triathlon Fun

On August 13, Patrick competed in his first triathlon! It was in Guntersvill, AL, and Team Magic put on the event. Patrick had to swim 600 meters, bike 16 miles, and run 3 miles. He finished in 96 minutes, which was a little better than what his goal time was. Here are some pictures to chronicle the event.

(Above) Patrick entering the swim. (Below) Patrick and Alex

Team Patrick

Team Patrick again