best friends forever

Daniel and Tiffany have been best friends for nearly 10 years. They have attended church together, been to church camp together, and even went all the way to the Ukraine together last summer on a mission trip. So as a result, it really didn't come as much of a surprise that they kept in touch when Daniel left for Army basic training several months ago. Since Daniel left, she has flown three times to see Daniel in Missouri and Colorado. This past weekend, she flew with me to Colorado Springs to see Daniel, and they announced that they are engaged! They are planning a wedding for December 26, 2010 in Santa Fe, Texas. (Daniel chose the date in honor of his great-grandparents' anniversary.) More details to come ...

skype

Daniel now has Skype. If you aren't familiar with Skype, it is a free way to communicate across the internet. Just go to www.skype.com to download the free software. It is very user-friendly and easy to use. Also, if you have a webcam on your computer, Daniel can see you and vice versa. It is helping to cure a lot of the loneliness and homesickness that he feels, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. Daniel's username on Skype is: Daniel.George.Hart

some years are harder than others

As I dropped Abbie off at school yesterday morning and drove on into work, I reflected back on the past 14 first days of school – back to when Daniel started kindergarten. Abbie started 6th grade this year, and this was the first year that Abbie didn’t want me to walk with her to her first class. She is becoming so independent. My “baby” is growing up. I also reflected on the fact that next year, she will enter junior high, which I remember as the most treacherous years of my education (and Daniel’s). Although it is a year away for Abbie, the anxiety still overwhelms me sometimes.

I thought back to Daniel’s first day of kindergarten. Lee and I took our son to his classroom and the teacher asked Daniel “if he had anything for [her].” Daniel told her, “No.” Then I realized that she was asking for his school supplies and told Daniel to give them to her, so Daniel opened his backpack and shook his supplies out at the teacher’s feet. I knew then that it was going to be a long year! By the end of the first day of school, his teacher called me and said that we “needed to do something.” That afternoon, he was put on the wrong bus home. It was every kindergarten mother’s worst nightmare. I thought to myself, “It has got to get easier! Next year, I will be better prepared.”

However, each year when I have dropped my children at school, there has been some anxiety in one form or another. Sometimes it is as minor as, “will she make new friends since she knows no one in her class?” And other years more severe as, “what can I do to protect him from the bullies?” But each year I have lovingly placed my children into the hands of the school system and trusted God to protect them. And God has been faithful to do so!

After Daniel graduated, I realized that there were no more “first days of school” for him and breathed a sigh of relief … and sadness for that chapter of our life had ended. I knew that he had become a man, and I thought that many of my responsibilities as his mother had ended. I soon realized that there would be more “first days” – his first day at work, the first time I put him on a plane to fly halfway across the world to do missions work, and the first day that I watched him walk around the corner to board a bus that would take him to Army basic training. Each of these firsts came with their own sets of challenges and varying degrees of anxiety. And I think to myself again, “It has got to get easier!”

Daniel has overcome and exceeded everyone’s expectations with each new “first.” He has experienced new firsts since arriving at Fort Carson – some more difficult than others. (I’m flying to Fort Carson over Labor Day weekend to help him with his first car purchase.) There are still many more “first days” to come. I think about other “firsts” that are in Daniel’s future – in particular, his first deployment. And I think to myself again, “this is the most difficult ‘first’ yet!” But I believe, as always, GOD will be faithful to protect him, and that gives me peace!

I reflect today realizing that my job as Daniel’s parent has not ended. My responsibility for his everyday needs has passed, but my duty to love him and support him is never-ending. I pray for him daily, and I trust God to protect him.

no greater love

This weekend was a time of remembrance. I have always considered myself to be patriotic and grateful for the sacrifices made. My great-grandfather and grandfather served in World War I and II (respectively). Fortunately, both of them returned home safely, but they were willing to lay it all on the line. My great-grandfather even took the phrase, "never leave a fallen comrade" literally as he pulled soldiers from a tank that had been mustard-gassed during the war.

I am thankful for those who have died for my freedom and those who are laying it all on the line. But I don't think I ever really understood those sacrifices and heroism as much as I do this year. My son (and others like him) are true American Heros!

On Sunday, I attended Memorial Day services at our church. There was a lot of patriotic music sung, as there always is for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, but this year instead of just singing the words, I listened to them a little more closely. Tears came to my eyes as we sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and I could hardly even mouth the words when a young child sang God Bless America in front of the entire congregation. (I wonder if she truly understands how blessed we really are.)

Then I wondered, why do we say to each other, "Happy Memorial Day." Is it truly a "happy" day? Are we happy because we have the day off from work? Surely we're not happy because so many have died? So why is it that we say, "Happy Memorial Day"? We are happy because we're free. We're grateful for those who have given the greatest sacrifice, and we're blessed. Hopefully, we're humbled by the men and women who have died for our country. Perhaps for many, their death meant going on to heaven where they are truly free! (That would be a happy day!!!)

Daniel told me several weeks ago: "IT IS AN HONOR TO GET TO BE DEPLOYED!" You see, it isn't a matter of "have to" for our men and women in uniform. When asked why he joined the Army, Daniel's answer has nothing to do with income, college, retirement, or anything else tangible. He will look you straight in the eye and tell you "BECAUSE I LOVE MY COUNTRY!"

I can't honestly say that I look forward to the day when my son will be deployed and be in harm's way, but I'm starting to understand what it really means and why he has to do it. You see, he loves this country so much that he is willing to lay it all on the line. He is willing to die so that you and I can be FREE! What greater sacrifice and honor could there be?

Why is he willing to die? He tells me it is because he has been overseas on mission trips and even to areas of the United States where people don't have the freedoms that we take for granted. He knows that not all are qualified to serve in our military, and he feels privileged to be among those who are qualified. He truly appreciates what he has, and he is determined to defend it. Some tell me that he is only 19 years old and thinks that he is "invicible," but I disagree. Daniel knows that he is putting his life on the line, but he is honored to do so for YOU! Daniel tells me that he has been called by God to serve! This is his mission field!

Today, I ask no more than this. Don't let your honor of our military be reserved only for those holidays dedicated to them. Whenever you see a soldier in uniform, remember to thank them for their service! And when you don't see them, remember to pray for them! It truly does mean the world!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (NIV)

huge thank you!

Last Wednesday, we took Daniel to Bush Intercontinental Airport as his leave ended and he was headed to his first duty station at Fort Carson. We arrived in plenty of time for his 2:15pm flight. American Airlines gladly accepted and checked his three very large pieces of luggage (carrying all of his personal and military gear with him) at no charge. The ticket agent even marked his luggage sith "priority" tags so that it would be among the first luggage off the plane and onto the conveyor belt when he arrived in Colorado Springs.

I watched sadly and proudly as he passed through security and out of sight. (I managed not to cry until he was completley out of sight.)

Although Daniel has flown alone before, he had never gone out of such a big airport with several terminals. I was a bit nervous for him, but we left him in the proper terminal, and I gave him maps and directions for the DFW airport to help him find his connection. (He was to have a 2.5 hour layover in Dallas, so I figured he had plenty of time to find his gate there as well.) We had considered booking him on Continental Airlines because they had non-stop flights, but the flight was about $100 more than the comparable American Airlines flight.

Once Daniel was beyond security, he re-set his watch to Colorado time. He then determined that he had time before his flight to go to the USO and relax for a bit. (At Bush Airport, the USO is in Terminal D, but he was departing out of Terminal A.) He checked his watch and then proceeded to log onto the internet. At about 2:00pm Texas time, he thought he would go ahead and move back towards his gate (thinking that he still had over an hour until flight time because he had reset his watch). When he arrived at the gate, he discovered that he had just missed his flight. He was absolutely devestated and angry (with himself) for his mistake and worried that he was going to be AWOL if he didn't find some way to get to Colorado Springs that night.

Fortunately, the American Airlines agent near the gate saw his frustration and began to assist him. She did some checking and got Daniel on the 4:15pm flight to Dallas, where he would still be able to make his connection. Unfortunately, this meant that he now would only have 30 minutes to make his connection at the huge DFW airport. Daniel then called me to let me know what happened. I began to explain to him that he wasn't going to have much time for his connection and that he should talk to the flight attendants on board to try to get permission to be one of the first ones off the plane in order to make his next flight. He understood, and we were both grateful that American Airlines was making these arrangements for him at no extra charge.

While I was on the phone with Daniel (and trying to get him to calm down a bit since he was still frustrated with himself), the American Airlines agent came over to him where he was sitting. The agent told him that he wasn't going to be on the 4:15pm flight afterall, but instead they had put him on a 6:15pm non-stop flight which would get him into Colorado Springs about 30 minutes later than his originally scheduled arrival time and handed him his new paperwork. Again, she told him that there would be no charge for this change, and she even offered to escort him to his new gate (in a different terminal).

Since I was still on the line, I began to search frantically for this new flight. I didn't think that American Airlines had any non-stop flights from Houston to Colorado Springs (and I was right). I couldn't figure out what they had done. I asked Daniel for the flight number for his new paperwork, and he told me it was flight 2116. I searched for that flight number, and American Airlines didn't have a flight that corresponded with that number. I asked Daniel to look at his paperwork again, and he discovered that it was a Continental flight. American Airlines and Continental had worked out some sort of deal to get this young soldier on the non-stop flight FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE TO DANIEL!

A short time later, Daniel and I hung up the phone and the American Airlines agent escorted him to his new gate. Daniel called again to let me know that he was at the gate, and I told him that he did have time to go back to the USO and relax from this ordeal since he had a 3 hour wait for his flight. Daniel was too nervous at this point to venture far from his gate, but he did find something to eat in the terminal.

I can't say enough good things about American Airlines and Continental for how they handled this ordeal and how well they treated Daniel. Truthfully, I don't know if the fact that Daniel was active duty military and traveling in uniform had anything to do with how well he was treated, but regardless, both airlines went above and beyond the call of duty to get Daniel to his destination on time!

family day/graduation pictures

Sorry for the delay in posting pictures from Daniel's family day and graduation.

Sign at the entrance to the base.
Sign on base announcing Daniel's Company's family day and graduation.

Daniel's company with one of the drill sergeants, just before they released the guys to us on family day.

Daniel and his Grandma. He told her that he was sad that Grandpa couldn't be there to see his accomplishment, but she assured him that Grandpa would be VERY proud!

Daniel and his little sister. She missed him a lot.

Daniel with his parents. We are soooo proud of him!!!

Daniel with his best friend, Tiffany. She surprised him with her attendance, although Daniel says he wasn't really surprised because "she wrote on page 15 of her letter that she might come."

Daniel announcing his name, rank and hometown, just before he got pinned with his castle signifying that he is now an Army Engineer Soldier.

Daniel with one of his drill sergeants after graduation. They are now "equals" in that they are both Army Engineer Soldiers. (Of course the drill sergeant does still outrank Daniel.)

Daniel with his Company after graduation. This is the last time he stood with these guys that he has lived with for the past 15 1/2 weeks.

Army Mom's Creed

I am the mother of an American soldier.
I am a support system and a member of a family
much larger than my own.

I serve the people of the United States and teach my children
the importance of the Army values.

My son's heightened morale will remain my mission
For I understand that he will not be successful in fulfilling his duties
If I stray from mine.

I will never give up
Nor will I allow my fears
To prevent the accomplishment of my duties.

I will never allow my son to forget
The importance of his role as a soldier.

I am disciplined. My faith in God
will allow me to remain steadfast
Despite the loneliness and stress
that are constantly confronting me.
I will depend on HIM so that my son can depend on me.

I will ensure my son never doubts
that he is a priority in my life.
I will maintain my family, my home, and myself.
My son will never have to wonder where my devotion lies.
His focus will remain on the security of a nation
While mine remains on the security of our family.

I will remain faithful in my encouragement and my support.

I am the mother of an American soldier!

Engineer Hymn

I found the words for the Engineer Hymn that the new Army Engineer Soldiers sang at their graduation:

Men of honor, stop your dreaming,
Can't you see their bayonets gleaming,
See their warrior pennants streaming,
To this battle field.

Men of honor, stand ye steady,
It can not be ever said ye,
For this battle were not ready.
Sappers will not yield.

Hear the cannon pounding, pounding.
From the hills resounding, sounding.
Sound the horn, and forward toward,
The mighty force surrounding.

Men of honor, stand ye steady,
Ye shall ever be at ready,
To the frightful foe afore Ye.
Sappers will not yield.

Men of honor, start replying,
On courage and strength relying,
To the fray ahead be flying.
Sappers will not yield.

Men of honor, those before ye,
Fought and died as Engineers for the,
Nation that we hold so dearly.
Sappers will not yield.

Hear the cannon pounding, pounding.
From the hills resounding, sounding.
Sound the horn, and forward toward,
The mighty force surrounding.

Men of honor, on to glory,
This will ever be your story,
Keep these stirring words before ye.
Sappers will not yield.

family day and graduation

Last Thursday and Friday have probably been among the most emotional and proudest days of my life. On Thursday, I got to see Daniel for the first time in 15 weeks. Then on Friday, I got to see him become an American Combat Engineer Soldier. These events rank right up there with the emotion I felt at his birth and his baptism. I sent away a boy, and the Army returned to me a Soldier!

Wednesday morning, Lee, Abbie, Tiffany (Daniel's best friend), and I set out by plane from Santa Fe, and my mom set out from Lubbock. We met up with my mom in Dallas and flew the rest of the way into St. Louis together. We easily found our luggage and our rental van and enjoyed some yummy St. Louis barbeque at a place called Bandana's near the airport. After filling our tummies, we were all anxious to get on the road to Fort Leonard Wood.

Upon arriving at St. Robert (just outside of the base), we got checked into our hotel and headed right out again to go tour the base. We immediately noticed an abundance of tatoo parlors just outside the gates. We passed through the security checkpoint, which just required that everyone over 16 years old show a photo ID. On base, we found Daniel's training area and the small PX as well as a group of soldiers standing outside the small PX holding a gold guidon flag. I presumed that was Daniel's platoon because they were in the final "gold phase" of their training. (Daniel later confirmed that it was his platoon that we saw, but he didn't see us.) We circled the block several times to see if we could spot Daniel, but all the guys looked the same. We finally left and headed to Cracker Barrel for supper and to Walmart for a few "supplies" (bottled water and of course tissues).

That evening, Daniel called us from his cell phone. (This was the first time he has had his cell phone in 15 weeks.) He talked to everyone, except Tiffany (because her attendance at his family day/graduation was to be a surprise). The phone was then passed back to me again, and Daniel asked me to pray for him, which I did (of course), and we all cried a little.

Finally, the day we had been waiting for, arrived on Thursday! This was the day that we would see Daniel for the first time in 15 weeks! We arrived at the Abrams Theatre on base at about 11:00am for our 12:00pm family briefing. They finally let us into the theatre at 11:45am, but Daniel wasn't in there. A few people from Daniel's chain of command spoke to us about what he had been through and done for the past 15 weeks and then gave us the list of rules for our soldier (no driving, no tattoos, no drinking, and must be back in the barracks by 8:00pm). Around 12:20pm, we we turned loose to go find our soldier outside. We found them standing in formation, wearing their trench coats, with their backs to us. We watched for a little while and gradually got brave enough to walk around them. After what seemed like forever, the drill sergeants released the young men. Tiffany spotted Daniel first and went to him. Daniel then came and gave us all long hugs before we loaded into the van.

Once we got in the van, I gave Daniel his Army ring which had arrived at the house via UPS. I noticed that he had another Army ring on his finger, and I asked him about it. He told me that he had been holding it for a friend, and he passed it to Tiffany. (And we all smiled and cried a little more.)

Daniel directed us to the large PX on base where we ate lunch in the food court. Then Daniel took us on a tour of the base, showed us his barracks and where he had done much of his training. We then returned to the hotel for some pictures and relaxation. Daniel enjoyed junk food that he hadn't experienced for the past several weeks, and we all enjoyed spending time with him. We had supper at Ryans, then Lee and Tiffany returned Daniel to the barracks in plenty of time for his 8:00pm curfew.

Friday morning came and we were anxious for Daniel's graduation. The line to get onto the base was a little longer, but we still arrived in plenty of time. Knowing that there would be a long line and that we wouldn't be permitted to enter the theatre until 9:45am, we sat in the van for a little while. Once we got into the theatre, we passed out the tissues and waited patiently for the new combat engineer soldiers to arrive.

We got to watch a short video/commercial about "Army Strong" and Army families, and the tears began to flow. Finally, the soldiers marched from behind the stage singing a cadence with the drill sergeant. (I'm trying to find the words to the cadence as it was quite amusing.) The soldiers marched into their reserved seats and followed the drill sergeant's orders. Next, the soldiers arched their backs and yelled back in unison towards the drill sergeant some motivational words about combat engineers. (I'm trying to find these words as well.)

We then all stood for the National Anthem which was sung by nearly everyone in the theatre while the flag was spotlighted and a prayer was given by the chaplain. Appropriate recognitions were given and Daniel's commanding officer gave a very nice speech, which included, "These guys came to us as a box of spare parts from the bargain bin, and the drill sergeants were commanded with turning them into soldier engineers." There was also a wonderful recitation of the Soldier's Creed and display of soldiers wearing the uniforms of the combat engineers from World War I to present (including the same uniform that was worn by Daniel's great-great grandfather John Daniel Whitlow during WWI).

Next, the honor graduates were recognized and finally it was time to pin Daniel and all of the others in Charlie Company 35th Engineer Batallion with their castle pin which identifies them as combat engineers. Each new engineer stepped onto the stage, stated their name, rank and home town, and then was pinned by a drill sergeant.

After the new engineers took their seats, they were given a charge by their commander and sang the Combat Engineer song and the Army song, loudly and in unison.

Finally, the soldiers marched outside into formation and the family members were allowed to leave as well. Again, we waited for what seemed like an eternity to take our soldier engineer home with us. Once the drill sergeants turned them loose, we took several pictures of Daniel with his battle buddies and drill sergeants. We then found his bags (3 large, heavy duffle bags of uniforms, paperwork, etc.) and loaded it all into the van and carried our soldier engineer away from Fort Leonard Wood for the last time!

On the day of his graduation, Daniel wanted to go to GW Pizza for lunch (home of the 30" pizza). As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, Daniel promptly went to the bathroom to change into civilian clothes for the first time in 15 weeks. After lunch, we headed on back to St. Louis to prepare for our return trip the following day.

Daniel has accomplished only what a very small percentage of men and women are able to accomplish. He is an American Soldier Engineer! I am sooooo proud of him!!!

Daniel is now home with us for 13 days. He has to be at Fort Carson (Colorado Springs, CO) by May 6 to begin the next step of his mission also known as his military career!

Easter pictures

The wife of one of Daniel's battle buddies lives in Missouri, so she went to see her husband on Easter. She and her husband have both been very kind to Daniel (and me) as we are learning to be "Army Strong!" While she was there, she took a couple pictures of Daniel for me. (It actually looks to me like he has put on a little weight, which is a very good thing in Daniel's case.)

I can't believe that graduation day is finally almost here. We will leave one week from today to go see him! I can't wait to hug him and tell him in person how proud I am. My boy has become a man! And not just any man, but a U.S. Army Soldier! Congratulations PV2 Daniel G. Hart!

following in his great-great-granddaddy's footsteps

Daniel is named for his great-great-granddaddy John Daniel Whitlow and was born on his birthday (February 6). Among his many accomplishments, Dan Whitlow was a sergeant in the United States Army during World War I and was mustard-gassed during the war (and survived). Daniel has always loved hearing his great-grandmother tell stories about her father, and, although Daniel never met his great-great-granddaddy, he considers him a hero. (Grandma has been careful to point out to Daniel that Dan Whitlow wasn't perfect -- none of us are -- but he was a fine man who did many great things.)

While at basic training, Daniel asked for pictures of his great-great-granddaddy as well as his great-grandfather who was a Navy veteran of World War II. Fortunately, his great-aunt Nancy, who is the family geneologist and historian was able to provide him with those pictures. Below are two of the pictures that she sent to Daniel.

When recruits receive pictures at basic training, the drill sergeants look at them to confirm that they are appropriate (i.e., not pornographic, terroristic, etc.). When Daniel's drill sergeants saw this picture of Sgt. Whitlow, he asked Daniel who it was, and Daniel told him. Interestingly, they were able to determine from this picture (specifically, the castle pin on his collar) that Dan Whitlow was a combat engineer. (This is the very same job that Daniel is training to do in the Army!)
Looking at the picture of the tank that Dan Whitlow operated during World War I, I am very grateful that the Army now has newer/heavier looking equipment to protect our soldiers! (See my blog post from yesterday for a picture of the buffalo that Daniel is learning to operate.)

ARMY STRONG

HE DID IT! Daniel called twice yesterday. He passed his final OSUT(AIT) PT test. He did 44 pushups (for 63pts), 61 situps(for 73pts), and ran 2 miles in 14:34 (more than a minute faster than required for 78pts) for a total score of 214pts. (He needed at least 60pts in each category for a total of 180pts to pass.) This is what they call "ARMY STRONG"! I am very proud of him!!! HOOAH!!!!!

Although he has now met all the requirements for graduation, he is a little anxious about the 15K ruck march/FTX and his rifle inspection. Army training is all about pushing them to their limits and then a little bit more. He's previously done a 5K ruck march and a 10K ruck march ... now he gets to put them both together.

This week he is learning to drive the "buffalo," which is used by combat engineers to find and disarm IEDs (improvised explosive devices). This vehicle makes me feel a lot more confident about the protection he'll have while performing that dangerous but very important work.

Family Day/Graduation is April 22/23. I can't wait to see him!!! We'll have a couple surprises for him as well!

After graduation, Daniel will be able to come home with us for about a week before reporting to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

first picture

I am soooo happy that Daniel finally sent me his first official Army picture. This picture was taken his first week at basic training, and they weren't allowed to smile. Nevertheless, I am happy to have it. I am soooo proud of him.

Please be in prayer for Daniel as he takes his final PT test on Saturday. He is still a tiny bit short on his pushups and his run. I believe that he can do it, but more importantly, Daniel knows he can do it.

Daniel has the most wonderful battle buddies. They really encourage and help each other through the difficult times and rejoice with each other in the good times. The wife of one of Daniel's battle buddies spoke to me yesterday. She lives in Missouri, so she is going to try to go see the guys on Saturday when they (hopefully) have an on-base pass. She wanted to know what Daniel's favorite treats were, and she is going to take the guys an Easter basket. I am so grateful for her.

God has always been good to put just the right people in my path at just the right time. And I am thankful!

a poem

A friend sent me a poem today (posted below). It really fits how I have been feeling lately in light of the fact that I know that Daniel will be deploying soon. I have run the gamit of emotions while he has been at basic training, only to realize as his training is drawing to a close what all this really means.

I have missed Daniel terribly and worried about him often over the past 11 weeks. And I beam with pride about what he has accomplished. I look forward to seeing him very soon (only one month from today). I can't wait to see how handsome he looks in uniform and to see the young man that the Army has turned him into.

But then I start to think. Basic training has probably been the safest place where an 18-19 year old young man could be. He is under the strict supervision of drill sergeants and isn't permitted to get out line. Even the simple issue (such as the wrong platoon number on his incoming mail causes him to have to do pushups). Basic training is all about discipline, direction, leadership, teamwork, and learning to be safe and stay safe. They are preparing him for deployment. Even typing that word causes me to pause and tremble with fear. It is a frightening word. I worry endlessly about what that means and the dangers it entails.

But then I am reminded that Daniel truly has a great calling. I remember the story of Abraham and Isaac where Abraham was called to sacrifice his son. I think about the fear that must have been running through Abraham's mind and heart, but the fact that he trusted the LORD and was obedient. In the end, GOD did provide the sacrifice. Daniel truly has taken a similar step of faith, and I applaud him for that. As his mother, I know that I must be as Abraham was and trust GOD with my son.

Therefore, to the Army (and to all the citizens of the United States), I say today --

I Give to You, My Son

I held him as an infant; I hugged him as a boy
and through the years he has become my greatest pride and joy.

I love him more than I can say, his life more precious than my own,
but gone are the whims and notions of the little boy that I had known.

For the years have passed so quickly since the time it all began
and now he stands before me with the conviction of a man.

He wants to serve his country, he states aloud with pride
as I try to sort out the emotions that I'm feeling deep inside.

A union of uncertain fear, which I cannot control
and the allegiance which lies deep within my patriotic soul.

I trust that my years of guidance will serve as a strong foundation
as he performs the duties requested from his beloved nation.

God please guide him as he travels to the places our soldiers have bled
and walk with him through pathways where those heroes' feet have tread.

Oh Sweet Land of Liberty, humbly I give to you, my son
praying you'll return him safely home when his work for you is done.

girl scout cookies

I forgot to mention a cute story that Daniel told us on Sunday. Apparently, one of his Drill Sergeants has a daughter that is a girl scout. She came up to the base and sold girl scout cookies to the recruits. The Drill Sergeants let the guys buy them AND EAT THEM! (It was the first junk food that they were allowed to have since arriving 2 1/2 months ago so I'm sure she got a lot of sales!) Daniel bought peanut butter patties.

After the guys ate their cookies, then the Drill Sergeant made them do extra PT (physical training) to "work off the girl scout cookies." Daniel said, "It was worth it!"

Daniel got his orders

We got two calls today from our SOLDIER! He got a 12-hour on base pass and spent most of it at the USO. He said he got to eat "real food," which included pizza and Chinese food. He also got to spend a little bit of time on the computer (for the first time in 9 weeks). He has asked us to send him his computer in a couple weeks. (He'll be allowed to have it as soon as he passes his PT test.)

Speaking of his PT test. He passed the PT test to get through the basic training portion, but now he has to pass a more difficult PT test in order to become a combat engineer. He needs to be able to do 42 "proper" pushups (meaning that his body must be completely straight), 53 situps, and run 2 miles in 15:54. He is 4 pushups short of his goal, and he will have multiple opportunities to pass the test before graduation on April 23.

He has been issued and is wearing his beret. This is HUGE for the new soldiers. It is one way that they are distinguished on base from the recruits.

He hasn't mailed me any pictures yet. I did get him to agree to put one picture of himself in an envelope and mail it to me this week. Actually, I'm thinking of mailing his a pre-addressed, postage paid envelope for him to send me the pictures. When I finally do receive pictures, I'll definitely post them here.

Now for the real news ... Daniel has received his orders. After graduation, he will be headed to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From there, he is expected to deploy in the late fall or early winter to Afghanistan. Daniel is disappointed that he didn't get stationed at Fort Hood, as he really wanted to be closer to home, but Fort Carson is certainly closer than many other places he could have ended up. Not to mention prettier! I'm already planning a summer trip.

today's the day

Today's the day ...

Today's the day that my wonderful husband and soulmate Lee was born 47 years ago. I am so very blessed to have him in my life! We've been together nearly 15 years and married 14 years in May. He is my best friend. I love him more than words can express. I don't know what I did to deserve him. God has been so good to us both. I am especially grateful for the fact that, he chose Daniel to be his son and me to be his wife. He is the most wonderful husband and father to our children that I could ever ask for.

But this blog isn't about Lee ... Today marks another incredibly important day in our family's history ...

Today is the day that Daniel has taken his next important step. Today, Daniel became a SOLDIER in the United States Army. This is the day that he has been working for and looking forward to for the past nine weeks. Today is the culmination and recognition for all that he has accomplished. Today, even his drill sergeants recognize him for the strong and courageous young man that he is. Today, these new soldiers are issued their berets and are permitted to wear their class A (dress uniforms) for the first time. It is an incredible honor for them. They deserve to be proud of what they have accomplished. I am very proud of what he has accomplished! He has overcome far and beyond what any of the "experts" thought he could do. He even exceeded my expectations, but we never ever gave up on him, and we never ever told him that he couldn't do anything. He now has six weeks of job skills training to be a combat engineer. He will learn to build bridges and other structures, drive bulldozers, and blow things up. He will continue to train with his same drill sergeants, but they will seem to be more human now. Lee and mom and I will travel to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for his family day and graduation on April 22/23. I can't wait to see him!

I am so blessed to have two such amazing men in my life. They are truly heros! Not only in the sense of their official duties -- Lee as a firefighter and Daniel as a soldier -- but also heros in the fact that they are true men of God. They never give up on themselves (or me). They are an inspiration to others. And I am proud to call them mine!

Confidence Course

This is a story from the Fort Leonard Wood publication and it is specifically talking about the unit that Daniel is in:

http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11826&Itemid=39

"the rock"

During one of my conversations with Daniel this week, we were talking about nicknames. I asked him if his drill sergeants had given him any nicknames, and he said that they were calling him "the rock," because he is hard-headed. I told him he comes by that trait honest, and it isn't completely a bad thing.

We also talked about how "the rock" should actually be perceived in many ways as a good thing. I reminded him that Jesus called his disciple Simon Peter the rock, and that Peter was quite hard-headed. Hard-headedness doesn't mean that he is unteachable, much to the contrary. The rock is a firm foundation, and I believe that Daniel has that. He comes from strong roots, and as he grows, he will learn that more and more. He is unwavering in his beliefs which is all very positive. I believe he is now convinced that being "the rock" is a good thing. He will truly be one that his comrades can count on.

hospitalized

We got a surprise phone call from Daniel on Tuesday evening. He was in the Army hospital. They didn't know if it was cellulitis, contact dermatitis or something else, but obviously, the Army doctors felt like it was serious enough to keep him for a few days.

Daniel had told us on Sunday that his hands were starting to "crack." We just figured that they were chapped due to the cold, dry temperature and suggested that he use lotion. He took our advice, but apparently it was too late. The lotion caused the redness and irritation to spread to his entire hands, and they swelled up to the point that he couldn't wear his gloves. His company went on a ruck march on Monday, and by the time they arrived (about 7.5 miles), his drill sergeants felt that his hands needed to be looked at by a doctor and took him by truck back to the Army hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel was very disappointed about being hospitalized, but he took it in stride. He seems to have received good care. They ran a few tests and treated him with steroid cream. The swelling went down and his hands began to heal. Now, he is only complaining of itching, but he understands that is part of the healing process.

Daniel was discharged from the hospital on Friday after lunch, just in time to return to his company for their first class A (dress uniform) fitting. I know he will look soooo handsome!

While Daniel was in the hospital, he was able to call us every day, several times a day. I was glad that I could hear from him and be kept up to date on his health. I am very grateful that he received such good care. And, of course, I'm glad he has been able to return to training, although I will miss getting to talk to him daily. He did tell us that they are expecting an 8-hour on-base pass on Sunday (as long as no one messes up), so I will look forward to talking with him then.

a veteran's salute

I sent an email to the church prayer group today, requesting prayer for Daniel as he is struggling at this point in his training. I received this fabulous email in return. He asked me to send it on to Daniel, and I intend to do that!

We that have been where he is now, know that the job is hard, and time to sleep and rest is short. What he is going through is not only a test for him, but this is to show him, that he can do much more than he thinks he can. The strength he possess is much more than he normally would ever use. Basic is meant to show him this. After basic, the service will become more like a job and not a test. I used to say, "I wouldn't wish "Basic," on my worst enemy!" It is more than tuff! He must remember it is only a learning / teaching time and what he learns will benefit him the rest of his life. He must use his strong ties to the Lord now and always. It will get him through anything! Those of us, brothers and sisters, that have been there, and are still there, will always support him, respect and honor him as a patriot. One that loves his Lord, and under God, his country.

In the service, a salute is only to someone you think very highly of and really respect. I salute Daniel, for what he is doing now and what he will be, after he accomplishes this job and his duty. I salute his mom, for giving such a great son, to serve the Lord and our country. If it wasn't for the Lord, and those that serve, we would not have now, the freedoms we have in this great country. The Boy Scouts said it pretty good. Daniel, do your best, to do your duty, to God and country. Most of all, I believe this with all my heart. Stay close to the Lord. All things can be done through him.

Our prayers are with you, and all those like you. Be proud of what you are. An American, under GOD, that loves the Lord!

God Bless,
Jim Cowart
U.S Army Veteran
1968-1971

homesick

I got my second phone call from Daniel yesterday afternoon. He called during a church dinner, but Lee and I excused ourselves and went outside to take the call. (I did share the phone call with his dad this time.) Daniel purchased a pre-paid cell phone at the PX and used it to call home. They aren't allowed to have their personal cell phones back yet. I was grateful that Daniel did this because our connection was so much better than it is on a payphone using a calling card.

They had gotten a 3-hour on base pass, and I think the guys hardly knew what to do with themselves without the drill sergeants in their faces. Most of the guys used part of their pass to get some "real food." In fact, someone even ordered a 4 FOOT PIZZA from a pizzaria on base that was shared among the guys. Daniel said that the food in the chow hall is terrible.

He had a lot information, but sadly, he was very homesick. He misses us, and of course I miss him too. Towards the end of our conversation, I could even begin hearing the tears in his voice. He knows he is in God's will, and he knows that he is doing the right thing, but I think it is harder than he thought it would be. (Unfortunately, recruiters do tend to sugarcoat the training.) All I could do was continue to encourage him. He did say that he had connected with some other Christian friends in his platoon, and I encouraged them to pray together and continue to support each other.

Daniel is not quite half done with his basic training. He has been gone for 7 weeks tomorrow, and he has about 8 1/2 weeks to go. However, in less than 3 weeks, he will officially be a SOLDIER!

I spent most of our conversation encouraging him and telling him how proud we are of him. He did ask for more pictures, so I will try to get those out to him today or tomorrow. This growing up is harder than I thought it would be.

As for the latest news from Missouri, he did say that the weather had warmed up some. He also said that he shot marksman and qualified with his rifle last week. He missed passing his PT test by only 3 pushups this time. He did enough pushups, but they weren't proper pushups. He will still get several more chances to pass. He said the hardest part so far has been the "ruck march." They marched for 5K last week carrying their packs weiging 60-85 lbs. on their backs. Today, they are going to do the same thing, except they are going 10K.

According to the drill sergeants, they are all going to go to Fort Hood and then expect to be deployed in about 3-5 months, but that it is "subject to change." I've been warned by seasoned Army parents that drill sergeants will tell the guys stuff like this to prepare them for war, but they really don't know anything about the guys next assignments and when/if they will be deployed. Daniel won't receive his actual orders until about a month before graduation. (I didn't tell Daniel this because it is important that he continue to trust his drill sergeants, and the drill sergeants certainly could be right.)

Daniel has asked for prayer for strength to pass his PT test and for personal courage to get through the training. I know he can do it!

He did tell me that he will be sending me the pictures of him in uniform this week. As soon as I receive them, I will scan them and post them for all to see. I am soooo proud of him.

growing up

I read a great quote from another Army Mom today: "Being cold or scared are really ok on the road to growing up. We all went through times like that and we made it!"

I never really thought about it that way. I've spent many days since Daniel left wondering ... Is he cold? Is he scared? Is he tired? Do his muscles ache from all those pushups? Will he make it? Now, after reading this other mom's quote, I realize that the answer to all of those questions at one time or another since he left is YES. But now I am turning my focus into realizing that it is okay. It is okay and yes, even good for him to be cold or scared. Life isn't always comfortable. But he will learn that he can survive and even thrive under in those difficult and scary things. And he will be even stronger for it. It is part of growing up!

I look back and remember booboos and emergency room visits. I remember toothaches, tummy aches, and sleepless nights. I remember scaring away the monsters under his bed and teaching him to say his prayers. All of this, all though it may not always be good, it is always okay, and it is part of growing up.

Daniel is turning into a man! And not just any man, but an American Soldier! It is hard to imagine my young boy in his diaper and Barney slippers now wearing camouflage and combat boots. I know that it won't always be easy, but it isn't my job to make it easy for him. It is my job to love him and encourage him whenever he falls or fails, and that I can do!

And, I guess realizing all this today is part of my growing up! I'm learning to be the mom of a Soldier!

first letter

As promised, I am posting the full content of Daniel's letter here. I'm also posting a picture of his letter. :)

Dear Mom, Dad and Abbie,

How have ya'll been?

I've been good. Red phase has been going well. The whole company has been through the gas chamber and through group training exercises and obstacle courses and have done grouping just yesterday on Saturday the 6th. Tomorrow on Monday, we are going zeroing in our weapons and on Tuesday, we are going to the first firing range to get a pin point on our weapons.

Also, yesterday my birthday wasn't that bad. I had to do eighty pushups for the letters because they said 3rd platoon and not 2nd platoon.

My first PT (physical training) test I ran 2 miles in 17:22 minutes, pushups - 29, and situps - 55. My score isn't that bad, but I need to work on it a little more.

There's a chance by the end of this week we'll be in white phase since last week we didn't do it. Since I've been the platoon guide, I've been working my rear end off to get us there this week.

The drill sergeants are not that bad either. Their names are SSG Fritch, SSG Moyer, and SSG Johnson. Our platoon motto is "We stand ready to deploy, engage the enemy of the United States in hand-to-hand combat." It came from the Soldier's Creed where it says, "I stand ready to deploy and engage the enemy of the United States of America in close combat."

I love you and hope to see you in nine weeks along with grandma.

Love, PV2 Hart, Daniel G.

P.S. Could you send some family photos and also thank Aunt Carolyn for sending the letters as well as thank all the church members. Also, who won the Super Bowl? Send the Cherry Halls.

first phone call

I got my first phone call from Daniel today. I am sooooo happy to hear from him. He was only allowed to talk for about 5 minutes, but he sounded very proud and confident (and a bit hoarse). I'd been warned by many Army moms (and a few dads) that the first phone call or letter I would receive would probably be along the lines of "what did I get myself into" or "get me out of here." My conversation with Daniel this morning was nothing like that.

The most exciting news at all is that he is PLATOON GUIDE right now. (He says that being Platoon Guide is "hard work" which is why he hasn't been able to write yet.) The organization structure is such that each company is broken down into platoons (each with a platoon guide) and each platoon into squads (each with a squad leader). Daniel is the platoon guide responsible for his platoon, and he reports directly to the drill sergeants. He is allowed to delegate to the other recruits through their squad leaders, but ultimately he has to make sure that things get done within the platoon. If things don't get done, he is held responsible. I can understand where this could be very time-consuming (and, at times, frustrating). But it is also a very high privilege for his drill sergeants to give him this assignment. It shows that he has shown his drill sergeant that he has "leadership potential." I am very proud!

I did ask him about the weather, and he said it is colder than he thought it would be. He said that the did the obstacle course in 5 inches of snow. BRRRR!!! But he also said that the gas chamber "wasn't that bad."

They are in "white phase" right now, which is weapons training. He really seems to be enjoying it. I asked him if his platoon was getting "smoked" a lot, and he said, "not as much as we were the first three weeks." ("Smoked" is the term used for doing extra physical training ("PT") as a consequence of doing something wrong, or sometimes just because the drill sergeant is exerting his authority and discipline.)

Of course, I told Daniel repeatedly how proud I am of him and that I love him very much. He asked about the family, and I told him we are doing great and that we are praying for him and think about him often.

IMPORTANT: Anyone who has his address needs to know that he is in 2nd platoon -- not 3rd platoon. Also, please put a large "2" on the back of the envelope and circle it.

There is so much more I would have liked to have had the time to say to him or ask him. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and a poor connection, we weren't able to talk long. I am thrilled that I heard from him.

Please keep writing. He has gotten our letters (even though we were addressing them wrong). I know that the cards and letters are an encouragement to him.

19 years ago today

19 years ago today, I gave birth to my first born. I promised to love and protect him always. I promised to teach him many things (and he has taught me many things). I was just 22 years old myself, and I didn't really know what I was doing. But I knew that I loved him, more than I even loved myself at that point in my life. What a blessing he has been (and continues to be).

Daniel has grown into an amazing young man. A young man who loves his family and loves GOD. He knows where his strength comes from, and he gives back at every opportunity. He is the most generous and thoughtful young man that I know. (Perhaps I'm just a bit biased?)

Today, I reflected on my duty and responsibility to protect my child. I am thinking about the high likelihood that he will probably go off to war in defense of our country and the freedoms that we love so much (and often take for granted). And I realize that I won't be able to always protect him. That is a hard pill to swallow. I want to protect him. I feel that I need to protect him. I wish that I could protect him. But instead, I must trust. I have to trust that he is doing exactly what God has called him to do. He has made wonderful choices to this point, and I must trust that he will continue to make great choices. I trust that the military will provide him with the equipment and training that he needs to defend our country and to remain safe in doing so. I have faith that God knows where Daniel is and what he is doing, even when I don't. And that, although I feel like no one could love Daniel as much as I do, God loves him more!

I also looked again at the Soldier's Creed. Today, the words that stuck out to me were: "I will never leave a fallen comrade." These words bring me comfort. Although I would never wish any harm to come to Daniel (or any of his comrades), I get comfort in knowing that, in the event that the unthinkable does happen, he would not be alone. The soldiers take this creed very seriously.

This brings to mind an even greater comfort which is that I know that Daniel will NEVER be alone. He is in God's will, and God will always be right by his side. And more importantly, I know that Daniel knows that.

I expect that Daniel has probably received many birthday cards. Thank ya'll for sending them. I wish that I could make him a strawberry cake or take him for a favorite meal today, but instead I just offer him my love and neverending support, as he spreads his wings and follows his dreams.

at least now I know he is okay

Today is one month since Daniel left, and I still hadn't heard anything from him. I tried calling/emailing his recruiter and emailed the commander, but I still got no response. I just wanted to know that he is okay.

Finally, I got advice from a very seasoned Army dad on the Go Army Parents website. He suggested that I contact Daniel's unit chaplain and that the chaplain could find out what was going on for me. This dad was even able to provide me with a phone number for the chaplain's office, so I nervously dialed the number. (I certainly didn't want to cause Daniel additional hardship or trouble by "checking up on him.")

The chaplain's office was very kind and helpful. He took down my information as well as my son's information and said that he would call me back in 10 minutes. After about 12 minutes, he called. He said that he had spoken to Daniel's unit commander and confirmed that Daniel is okay -- not hurt or in any trouble. He also told me that because I had called, it was likely that the commander would get a message to Daniel that his parents were concerned about him, and he needed to call home.

Lastly, the chaplain's office told me that if I don't hear from Daniel in the next week, I can call back. He said that he has authority to request a meeting with any recruit and that he could get Daniel to come to his office and call me. Hopefully, we won't get to that point.

good days and bad days

Daniel has been gone for 4 weeks today, and I still haven't heard from him. However, I am starting to have more good days than bad days with regard to how I'm handling it. Of course, I miss him all the time, but I'm not freaking out about it quite so much. I have a peace of mind that he is doing what he has been called to do, and that he is doing a good job of it. Thank you for your prayers!

Daniel will be 19 on Saturday (Feb. 6). He has overcome so much and made some wonderful choices. I don't know why I would believe that he isn't continuing to do well and continuing to make good choices.

According to information that I've been able to find only, this week at basic training, they will move into "white phase" for the next 3 weeks (hopefully). (White phase can last longer than 3 weeks if it takes them longer than that to become proficient with their weapons.) White phase is where the drill sergeants become more of an instructor and are a little less "in their face." That's not to say that they won't still be yelled at and doing more pushups than they may have thought humanly possible before they left, but the drill sergeants are beginning the process of building them back up and turning them into into United States Army Soldiers!

I've also learned two things this week with regard to Army terminology. First, Daniel is not at boot camp, he is at basic training. The US Navy has boot camp, but the training that US Army Soldiers receive is basic training, or more specifically, basic combat training. Also, I learned that Daniel is not officially a solider (yet). They become soldiers around the 9th week of basic training. At which time, they will recite the Soldier's Creed and be issued their berets (the hats that they wear with their class A dress uniforms). Until then, they are "privates" or "recruits" or *bleep* [censored]. (I've been told this is a very highly emotional day for the new Soldiers!) For those who haven't seen or heard the Soldier's Creed, this is what it says.

THE SOLDIER'S CREED

I am an American Soldier

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States

and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and

mentally tough, trained and proficient

in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms,

my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy

the enemies of the United States

of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of the freedom and

The American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

(I could hardly even type that without tears coming to my eyes.) My plan is to break it down and comment on various phrases from the Soldier's Creed in future blogs.

Regardless of whether or not Daniel is a Soldier yet, or whether or not he is at boot camp or basic training, I am still incredibly proud of him! I know that he will continue to make good choices, and I still hope that I will hear from him soon!

a favor for a friend

A wonderful friend of mine has asked me to post this link. Her daughters love to wear bandanas (and look awesome in them I might add). She has always been supportive of me, and this is the least that I can do.

http://www.onlybandanas.com/

starting to freak out

Daniel has been gone for 3 weeks today. I think I've been doing really well and actually been pretty patient waiting to hear from him. The last time I heard from him was on the bus between the airport and the base on Jan. 5. Since then, I've received the form postcard and the form letter from his commander, but nothing directly from Daniel.

I have made connections with the mother and the wife of two soldiers in Daniel's platoon. They have both received phone calls and letters, so I don't think it is a matter of the guys not earning the privilege.

The tip of the iceberg on my worry train was last night. I saw a facebook post from the mother of one of the soldiers in Daniel's platoon. She got a letter from her son that he has injured his knee and and is currently in physical therapy. I am shocked that she wasn't somehow made aware of this until she got her son's letter four days after the fact. I would certainly think the Army would've let him call under those circumstances?

I'm starting to freak out that Daniel is hurt or for some other reason isn't participating with the rest of his platoon? I've sent him postage stamps and a calling card. My mind is probably just getting the best of me, and I need to stop worrying ... please pray for peace and comfort for me, and that Daniel writes or calls his mother soon!

missing him

I posted on Facebook this week about how much I was missing Daniel. Shortly thereafter, a good friend sent me this message that made my day:

In John 16, where Jesus was trying to explain to the disciples about how he would be gone from them and He would return, they were confused. He explained to them that they would be very sad for what the world would do to Him (Jesus). Then he continued. May His Word touch your sadness and replace it with peace. Denise

[from The Message] John 16:

21-23 "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have rigght now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.

23-24 "This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and He'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"

I still haven't heard from Daniel directly, but I have made contact (via Facebook) with two other people who have loved ones in Daniel's platoon. This does make me feel closer to him, and I am getting some information via letters they've received from their loved ones.

I shared Daniel's address with several people today at a family get together as well as at church. I hope that ya'll will write to him soon. Regardless of whether or not Daniel is able to write back, I know that he appreciates it. Please know that although Daniel can't have any care packages yet, he can receive: cough drops, mole skin (cut in the useable sizes since they can't have scissors), long distance phone cards, and postage stamps.

I also encourage you to share scripture with Daniel. You can do so either in your letters, by posting comments to this blog, or by emailing me directly at lyndalhart@gmail.com.

According to information I've been able to find, this coming week may be the worst week of bootcamp yet. One of the things they'll have to do this week is go into a gas chamber with and without a gas mask! Daniel can use all of the prayers and support that we can send to him. The following week (if they pass all of the requirements this week), they will move into "white phase" which is slightly calmer with a few more freedoms.

Daniel is an incredible young man who has never given up and always follows what he believes is God's perfect will for his life. I don't expect that to change! I am grateful for your prayers, and I know he is too.

You can do it son!!!

understanding the mission

I know that God's plans are not always for us to understand. I struggled with Daniel's statement that God called him to join the Army, and in particular the Corps of Engineers. I struggled because I know Daniel's heart and his love for people, especially those who are hurting. I didn't understand, but I trusted that Daniel is in tune with our Lord and knew what it is he is supposed to do.

Then 8 days ago, the hurricane hit Haiti. My heart broke for the people who lost their loved ones and their homes. I remembered how the Texas Baptist Men come to the rescue of those who suffer loss such as these. But then something even more miraculous happened. I learned that the Army Corps of Engineers was going in to help. Yes, I had previously heard about the Army Corps of Engineers helping others in times of disaster, but lately everything Army-related has been about the war in Afghanistan. It didn't even occur to me at first that they would be going into Haiti to help the people recover from their terrible loss.

All of a sudden, Daniel's "calling" became clear. Of course, since he is still at boot camp, he won't be going to Haiti (or anywhere else) until at least May. But doing rescue and clean up work is right up Daniel's alley. He truly has a heart for people, and I know that God will use him wherever he is sent.

Thank you God for using the tragedy in Haiti to reveal to me just a part your master plan!

Thank you Daniel for following God's will, even when we (or I) may not understand it. I struggle with seeing you as a young man (as opposed to just a boy), but your amazing strength and obedience to God truly reveals that you are indeed a man of God! I pray constantly that God will continue to keep you safe and comfort you as you follow his will.

a "gift" for Daniel

Daniel's 19th birthday will be February 6. Because he is in bootcamp, we can't send him any type of tangible gift. But what we can send him is love and notes of encouragement. My goal for Daniel's 19th birthday is to try to find 19 people who will send him a birthday card. It can be any type of card EXCEPT cards that make noise or have confetti in them. It can even be homemade. If you would be willing to participate in this birthday gift for Daniel, please send me an email at lyndalhart@gmail.com and I will send you his address.

I just got his address!

I just got Daniel's mailing address. I am sooooo happy that I can finally start writing to him! If you would like to write to him directly, please send me an email at lyndalhart@gmail.com. I have been advised not to post his address on a public forum or website for his own protection. Unfortunately, there are crazies out there who would like to threaten harm to our soldiers.


Alternatively, you can post on this blog. Just click on "comment" underneath any of my posts and send a message to him (or me). I plan to print all messages that are directed to him and will include them with my letters.

I just looked up Daniel's unit on the base website. This picture is the symbol for his particular training company. They are called "the Crusaders." It reminds me of pictures I've seen in Sunday school growing up of the Armor of God. He even has a cross on his chest. Coincidence? I don't thinks so ...

Meeting other parents in the same boat

Today, I found another parent of a 21b (combat engineer) future soldier who arrived at Fort Leonard Wood on the same day that Daniel did (Jan. 4). We connected through the Fort Leonard Wood page on facebook. We are thinking that our boys may be in the same unit. I am so glad to have another "connection" to Daniel.

I am still hoping that I get a real letter or phone call from Daniel soon. I am so anxious to hear from him. I know that he is safe and incredibly busy in intense training, so I feel a bit selfish about needing/wanting him to communicate with me. I trust that God will keep him safe and that Daniel is doing everything that he needs to do to be a well trained soldier.

I noticed when writing to the other mother that I "met" through facebook that I kept referring to our sons as "boys." I am still having some difficulty seeing him as a young man! But I know that is exactly what he is. He is a man of GOD! And he will soon be a solider in the US Army. (I've been told that he isn't officially a "soldier" until after his 9th week of training, which is the end of the boot camp portion of his training and the beginning of his combat engineer training, although he'll be training with the same drill sergeants for the entire time he's there.)

I am so proud of the decisions that Daniel has made and the decisions that he continues to make. I love him soooo much! He has been called by God, and he is doing what he has been called to do. What else could I ask?

I got "the Postcard"

I am so excited that I received "the Postcard." This is the form note from the Army that lets me know that Daniel has arrived safely. He isn't able to add any personal comment or information, and I don't have his address yet. Nevertheless, I am still excited to have some (any) communication from him.

The front of the postcard is addressed in his handwriting to "Mom and Dad" (not our names). This made me smile! Yes, I cried a bit too ...

The remainder of the postcard is a pre-typed military form (other than his signature at the bottom). This is what the postcard says:

"I have arrived safely at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I am undergoing my initial processing at 43d AG Bn (RCPT) prior to beingg assigned to a unit for training. I will only be here 4 or 5 days, and then I will ship to a training company. Do not write to me at the address on this card or to the 43d AG Bn (RCPT). I will send you my mailing address within the next week when I am assigned to a training comapny. Also, I will inform you as to the date that I am graduating. Fore more information on my stay at Fort Leonard Wood, go to www.wood.army.mil/grad.

If I should be needed at home because of serious illness or death of a member of our immediate family, contact the Red Cross Chapter nearest home, explain the emergency and give them my name, rank, social security number, and military address. They will contact the Red Cross Field Director here and the Director will inform my Commanding Officer and me. This is the only way I can get an emergency leave."

Also, I noticed that the postcard is postmarked January 8. I am pleased that it arrived quickly. I am also surprised that the base was open that day since it was soooo cold that day.

In any event, I am very happy to know that he is safe and will be shipping to his unit soon (if not already). I'll let ya'll know when I have his mailing address or receive any future letters or calls.

Pictures!

No, I don't have any pictures of Daniel. I don't even have an address yet. I'm stalking the mailman. I think I'm going to go ahead and start writing to him anyhow, then I will have some cards and letters ready to go as soon as I do get an address.

In the meantime, I found these pictures on the Fort Leonard Wood facebook page (see link below). Although I don't think Daniel is in any of these pictures, it gives me some comfort knowing what he was going through and doing last week. The machine to measure their feet and tell them which running shoes to buy is very interesting. I can't wait to ask Daniel about that.

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=95922720027#/album.php?aid=139893&id=95922720027

It is my understanding that Daniel will ship "down range" either today or Friday to begin his actual training. He is going to be a combat engineer, so he'll get to do some of the other training shown in the pictures, including driving the bulldozer. I know he'll enjoy that! He'll also have to participate in some of the less-desirable training, including going into the gas tank. Ick!

As part of my letters to Daniel, I plan to include "surveys" that I hope he will complete. I want to ask him specific questions about his experience. I'll post his answers on here as well. If there is anything specific you'd like to know from him, please post a comment here or send me an email and I'll include it in one of the surveys for him.

I am very grateful that Daniel's recruiter was pretty honest with him about what to expect. I am also especially grateful and proud of my son and others like him are willing to make the sacrifice! Please continue to keep Daniel (and all of his "battle buddies") in your prayers.

Church

I went to church today. Many people asked about you, and we told them about your swearing in, hearing from you on the bus to the base, and about the weather in Missouri (based on what we've heard/read on the news). I am looking forward to hearing more from you soon ... at least the postcard with your address so that I can begin writing to you directly. I went and purchased 9 cards to send to you over the next several weeks as well. Tonight, we had dinner at church as well. It was interesting because we didn't have to bring anything this time. They had lots of leftovers from several funerals in the past couple of weeks.

I hope that you got the opportunity to go to church today as well. I remember when I was in bootcamp that Sunday was one of the sanest/calmest days that we had. I also remember the church servicess being very exciting, energetic and uplifting. I hope it was the same for you! I know that you will have many opportunities to share your faith in bootcamp and beyond, and I'm sure you will be an encouragement to others. You are an amazing young man!

This weekend, Abbie picked out a new build-a-bear that she bought with her own money. This bear (actually a dog) has patriotic fur. She bought Army BDUs for it, complete with a dog tag. She named it "Bubba Dawg" and pretends like it says, "Hooah." We are trying to teach Abbie how to say "Hooah!" with gusto, but she hasn't quite caught on yet.

For those who don't know about "Hooah!" here is the best definition I've been able to find. (Perhaps you can let me know how accurate this is when you get a chance to write.)

Hooah [pronounced who-a] used by soldiers and refers to or means anything and everything exceept "no." Soldiers acknowledge a mission to be accomplished, a job well-done, or any occasion imaginable with a loud HOO-AH! It is an affirmation that the soldier fully agrees with and supports the idea or intent expressed by the person to whom the response is addressed. It applies not only to the letter of what was said but to the intent as well.

Lastly, I found the words to the "Army Song" this weekend. I was particularly impressed and smiled when I read the final verse. It fully agrees with your affirmative statement that you are "called by God" to serve in the U.S. Army:

Men in rags, Men who froze
Still that Army met its foes
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in GOD, then we're right,
And we'll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.

I believe in you son! Although I haven't heard from you yet, I receive comfort knowing that you are in God's will. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe! I love you!!!

4:00 a.m.

4:00 AM! That is the time that I have woken up every morning since Daniel left home on Monday. At first, I really didn't think much of it. But it has happened EVERY morning. I haven't set an alarm clock, and I've never had an issue with waking up before the alarm clock in the past. I concluded that this is a GOD thing. (Yes, I'm slow sometimes ...) You see, it is my understanding that reveille for Daniel is at 0400 (or 4:00 a.m. to you non-military types). So I have decided to use this time, every morning, to pray for Daniel (and his "battle buddies") to have a good day.

Daniel, you continue to be in my prayers. (There are dozens of others praying for you as well.) I am so proud of your heart and the decisions you are making. You are truly a servant who will be used by GOD in may great ways. I love you!!! I can't wait to get your address so that I can start writing to you directly.

high of 6 degrees

Weather.com predicts a high of 6 degrees in Fort Leonard Wood tomorrow. Who is going to be there to make sure Daniel wears a coat? He needs his mommy!

In all seriousness, I've been told that this is unseasonably cold weather even for Missouri. Fortunately, his temperatures are predicted to get up into the high 30s next week. It will be like a heat wave for him after this week.

On a separate topic, I was told before he left that he would get a "three minute phone call" to let me know that he had arrived safely. The last I heard from him, he was on the bus between the airport and the base. I can only assume that he arrived safely. (I'm sure I would have heard if he didn't.) I know that there are a lot of rumors and speculations about what really goes on at boot camp. Perhaps this was just another rumor? I'm sure looking forward to hearing something ... ANYTHING from him.

If you would like his address to write to him directly, please post a comment or email me at lyndalhart@gmail.com and I will send it to you (as soon as I receive it). For his protection and safety, I have been advised not to post his full address publicly on any website. (Unfortunately, there are weirdos out there who wish or threaten harm to our soldiers.)

Swearing In

"I, Daniel George Hart, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, SO HELP ME GOD."

I was so busy watching my son as he is taking this important step and taking pictures of him that I nearly forgot to take pictures of the Major who was administering the oath.

Two Things

Yesterday when I got in my car to go see Daniel get sworn into the Army, I discovered two things sitting in the front seat. Daniel had cleaned out his jeep because we are selling it from him while he is gone. Most of his things he took into the house, but he quietly left his Bible and his graduation tassle in the front seat of my car. I really thought nothing of it, even thinking that he had just placed them there possibly out of laziness of not wanting to carry them in the house or maybe not knowing what to do with them? This morning on my way to work, I thought about them some more as they still sit in my car. These two items represent Daniel's two biggest accomplishments to date -- his faith in Jesus Christ and his graduation from high school. He is now off taking the next biggest step of his life. I feel honored that he has entrusted me with these items until he can return for them.

Daniel's Next Great Mission

I have decided to set up this blog to try to keep Daniel's friends, family and supporters up to date on Daniel's next great mission. It is also a place for me to journal my thoughts and prayers for him as he leaves. Feel free to post comments, and I will print them and send them to him with my letters. I'll also post his address here as soon as I have it so that others can send letters as well. However, please only send letters -- NO CARE PACKAGES (YET). (I will let you know when care packages can be sent.)

Daniel left on Tuesday morning for Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to become a SOLDIER. I think this goal means as much to him as any other title he has ever received, except of course CHRISTIAN. In fact, Daniel has told me (and others) that GOD has called him to the Army and that he sees it as his mission field. I know that Daniel can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to and that God will protect him and will use Daniel for HIS glory!

These last two days have been an emotional rollercoaster already. I miss him terribly. Many people have told me that it is "just like sending him off to college," but I disagree. College is certainly a depature from home and moving on towards independence. However, in college, it is unlikely that you will have to get up at 0400 and have people yelling at you at all hours of the day and night. Most people at college don't care how you make your bed (or if you make your bed), and no one is going to make you do pushups or step into a gas chamber. Furthermore, he is not preparing for the corporate world outside of college, but rather for the cruel likelihood that he will be deployed to war in order to serve and protect all citizens of the United States. And he does not do this for a paycheck, but rather because it is what he has been called to do. In all due respect, I believe that what Daniel (and others like him) are undertaking is much different from leaving for college. Nonetheless, Daniel is part of a small breed who are qualified and choose to volunteer for this service. I am so very proud of him and all that he has overcome so far.

It is my intention that, as I receive letters from Daniel, I will type them into this blog to keep everyone informed. In the meantime, the best thing you can send to Daniel is your prayers and encouragement!