Missive from Edward

Dad and I got a letter from Edward Russell today.  What a surprise!  I had just talked to Meridth, and she also had heard from him, but didn't  have an address yet.  Well, guess what?  There wasn't a return address on this letter either.  So we still can't write to him, although we can hope he is feeling the strength of our prayers.

So,  I hope he doesn't mind me sharing his thoughts.  Here's what he had to say.  February 17.

"Hey you guys!  Greetings and shalom from Initial Entry Training.  Lots of cursing.  Lots of shoving.  Lots of 'getting smoked'.    One 'gets smoked' when one messes up.  There will be push-ups, shouting and possible embarrassment.  All in all, the last three days have been stressful.  But, you know, it's good.  I'm confident that things will work out well, and I'll grow and gain from this experience.  Ironically, I haven't even started yet.  Because of the three-day weekend, and the four-day processing period, I won't officially start in Echo Company util Thursday.

The men here are quite dissimilar to me, but I'm certain that the esprit de corps will make us fast friends, or at least battle buddies.  As you might expect, aggression is the name of the game and I feel myself compelled to step  up and sound off.  I know that right now Mom is tearing up, and thinking about her special boy and how gentle and sweet he was.  Attention Mom:  I WILL NOT CHANGE!  It's just a job--something I'll do and peel off when I'm done.

So yeah, I'm taking it one day at a time.  Tunnel vision, just focus on the task at hand.  Surprisingly, mental fortitude is really important.  Warning:  head games ahead.

Love you guys,   Edward R. Gimbel

P.S. No address yet.  Sorry Ma!  I'll send it when I can."