Dear Sweetheart;

On Friday ( AUG .6th) I got my FIRST letter(s) from Den! I was starting to get sad because it seemed like everyone in Dens groups moms, or wives were getting leters except for me! I was sarting to lose hope! Then all the sudden it was my turn! It was so good to hear from him! It has been a LOOONG 3 weeks, to not talk to him! So I was very thankful that I finally got something! I had to read the letters at work, because I waited for the mail-man every morning before work. So I kinda pushed it! lol. But it was worth it!
In his letter he said " Everything is OK, hard at times. but he's OK." I'm on a website with other wives, and moms of recruits in the Navy Basic training. And when they got their letters they would say that their guys said that some of the guys are getting in trouble left and right. I was starting to worry, because the thought of my husband getting yelled at and belittled made me sick to my stomach. So as I read on he said "I feel bad for some of the people here because the drill instructors are pretty hard on them. Though I don't think he minds me, so thats good." What a relief! I am so happy to hear that. He told me a story in the letter that made me kind of choke up. I'll start from the begining. Before Den left I asked him what he does about his garments. Since in he book it says they provide new underware for them. So he text his recruiter and then not even 2 minutes later, he called and wanted to know if Dennis was "pulling his leg"? He had never heard of garments. So Den had to explain them and then the guy said he'd find out.
Well he said that he could take his own garments, and they'd even let him wash them in a seperate washer and dryer. So he did. And he said that when he got there the guy told them to strip from their civilian clothes and underware so they could be in Navy gear. Well the guy asked Den what the crap (edited) he was wearing so he had to explain. So he said ok, well you can stay in them for now. So then the petty officer later saw him and asked what the "crap" he was wearing so he had to explain for the 3rd time. And the officer seemed to be okay with that. Well a couple days later some guy who is in charge came to Den and said that he appreciated the reasoning for the garments, and showed him a paper that said religious garments are only to be worn on Sundays. Then told him that if he had further problems with it then Den could go to the main guy who's in charge of everything. So Den again went in and explained the reasoning why he needed his garments. And the guy pretty much told him; well, you either wear the undies we give you, or you can go home. The guy put that Den was arguing with him on his reason for getting sent home. Well his Officer saw that and said, "he wasn't arguing, He just wanted to know why he can't wear them". So the next day, the Officer called Den into his office and told him that "he was very impressed with him, and that if he were in Dens place he'd want someone to do what he was about to do for Den, for him." He said that " I'm putting my neck on the line, and I will allow you to wear your garments. Just please wear our issued ones when you do PT (physical training)." Den said absolutley!
I finally got a call today! And to hear that story again in conversation. Made me one proud wife! When I answered the phone I didn't recognize his voice. He was selected to be the "Team Motivator" so he has to yell at the other guys for not paying attention or listening, or just bad mouthing...so I had to keep asking "What?" Because, I couldn't hear one bit of him. He's doing super well. He said that his Drill Leader went up to him and said "Harris, do you know what the difference between two weeks ago, and now?" Den answered "No" he said " Your always first to help, you always have a good attitude, and you never let anything get to you, keep up the good attitude I'll make sure your promoted to an E-3!" Oh what a relief that he is doing so well! And to hear him and talk to him was just what I needed! I really hope those kids don't ruin it and change the graduation date. I cant stand 10 weeks instead of 7! I can't wait to wrap my arms around him and give him one big smooch! I am so proud of him for doing so well! At least I can expect a letter each week! PHEW! Tomorrow, is exactly ONE month until I get to see him again! WOOO-HOOO!!!