Pat and I were able to go see Cass on Thanksgiving. We only got a half of day with him on Thanksgiving and about a half a day the following day. But we were thankful for the time we did get. At the first of the week they had their pass for Thanksgiving taken away because some of them were caught drunk/drinking. So we were happy to get what we got! We fed him a Thanksgiving meal from Cracker Barrel. Not as good as most of you got I am sure but much better than was the Army fed him.
Right after graduation, his unit was moved into new quarters. Much better than the BCT barracks. Much like college dorms. He shared a room with two others. They had real beds! They shared a bath room with 3 others in the next room. They were able to have TV's with cable, XBox etc. Well, unfortunately that did not last long. They gave them a taste of the "good life" and in a matter of days they were moved back to a barracks because their AIT class got pushed back several weeks. They were bumped for the National Guard and Reserves that were training for Chemical. It seems they have priority. In addition, the MOS was overbooked and they had too many soldiers. Cass and his unit moved around 3 or 4 more times having to carry all their belongs from place to place. The last place he was had like 60 beds in one room. All the electronics locked up. Nothing to do and limited on-base passes. So, even though they had graduated they were being treated like they were still in BCT. Obviously, frustrating. The hardest part is seems in talking with Cass during this time was the waiting. The soldiers were bored, sick of each other and increasing agitated with one another. I was really proud of Cass for the way he handled himself during this time. He was patient and tolerate even though it was such a trying situation.
Finally, they started AIT on December 5th. It as started off slow but at least they were able to get away from the barracks. Last week Cass had a hazmat (spelling ?) certification test. I think it was to be certified as a first responder. He did really well. They are supposed to have driver's training for the Humvee the first three days of this week. I spoke to him this morning and it was -10 wind chill. His Platoon waited out in the cold for 30 minutes to be picked up and they were a no show.
This past Saturday he got to move back into the dorm style housing. He said he slept better Saturday night than he can remember. He has been sick, so he needed it. With 60 people in one room it was difficult to get any sleep. When I talked to him it was always really loud in the background. So I can only imagine how much better life is for him with only two roommates and some peace and quiet and some sleep! I think he had hung on as long as he good, good thing they got moved.
He does have he phone and is generally available to text and talk in the evenings.
BEST NEWS . . . he comes home on Thursday!!!! His dad, Rick, is going to pick him up bright and early. Cass has to be checked out on base. Everyone has to report to one location, so there is going to be a long line to get someone checked out. I am hopeful that he will make it to OKC around 3:00. He says the first thing he want to do is to drive his car of course. He has already made a lot of plan as you can imagine. He intends to make the most of every minute. He has be back in Missouri on January 2nd.
Sidebar, on Thursday Cass and I are going to pick up the puppy we got for Ian for Christmas--Her name is Lucy.
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