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WOT 4

WOT 4 is here and I couldn’t be more encouraged. We are officially half way thru- a major turning point. As I noted in an earlier post, I was able to speak with my AB on Saturday. He’s a bit homesick, but loving it. His FLT members have become his family. Unsurprisingly, he continues to love the chow. I guess I would too if someone made me pancakes or waffles every morning. Also, it appears there continues to be chicanery with the protein bars.

This week he’ll be learning about the Airman’s code and how important it is to their culture. He’ll also be learning the different Air Force symbols. Additionally, they’ll be briefed on base liberty this week. In fact, they can also earn base liberty now, which means they may be able to call from the pay phones. If you’re so inclined, you can include a calling card in your letter. As with the previous week, they continue to do PT, dorm inspections, weapons work and their jobs.

Now that he’s in WOT 4 and progressing well, we’re starting to plan our travel. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t wait this long, but the Air Force recommends waiting until this week to purchase tickets. Tomorrow I’ll start looking for hotel and rental car, which will be oh so much fun.

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Meanwhile in Florida, we’re enjoying the cooler temperatures. Piggie and I went for another training run. It was absolutely brutal. Clearly, it’s gonna take some time to get back into fighting shape. Oh well, I’ll keep working away it. Tonight everyone’s home, so we’re just chilling watching Hulu. Have a great night!

Previous Training Weeks:
Week 0
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3

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WOT 3 is Underway

WOT 3 is underway at JBSA Lackland! This week Jake will take his second official PT test of basic training. While he’s already at the prescribed standard, he and his flight are working towards Warhawk status. This means they have to exceed the PT standards substantially. In his letter we received today, he mentioned that he’s closing in on the number of pushups needed for Warhawk status.

WOT 6, or week of training six, will bring the official PT test. This is the one that will determine whether or not they graduate and if they graduate with Thunderbolt or Warhawk status. For recruits starting after January 1, 20202, their final PT will be in week three. The Air Force made the change because too many recruits were coming into BMT ill prepared. To go from no physical activity to the level of fitness required at BMT is a massive leap. Jacob spent months working out in the gym and running in preparation for his departure.

WOT 3 also brings some changes to the uniform. Excitingly, this week brings the issuance of the dress blues. During WOT 5, they’ll be taking their graduation photos in their new dress uniforms. Additionally, this week they’ll get their names on their ABUs/OCPs. I can’t wait to see my airman in his uniform!

In the classroom, they’re continuing to learn about the Air Force and it’s culture. They’re also continuing to practice disassembling and reassembling their M-4s. Additionally, they discuss cyber awareness, basic leadership and character, and warrior role. And of course, the trainees are continuing to drill. Lastly, the best part of WOT 3 is that he should be able to call us this week! We cannot wait!
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Meanwhile at the homestead, I knocked out my BBG workout this morning before heading to yoga. Can I tell you how much I needed yoga after sitting in a stadium and a car for hours yesterday? Maria’s class was the perfect anecdote. Sadly, I’ll be missing yoga tomorrow due to the hockey schedule.

Post yoga, I headed to Boca to meet Mel’s mom T for lunch. We met at First Watch, which is an awesome breakfast and lunch place here in South Florida. I had a deconstructed breakfast burritos and home fried potatoes with coffee. It was yummy and super filling. We had the best time chatting and sharing in our mutual love of J and M. Jake is lucky that his girlfriend’s family is amazing and loves him dearly. Finally, Jake is loving the letters and asks that we spam him with them. Please consider dropping him a note! His address is below.

Previous Training Weeks:
Week 0
Week 1
Week 2

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Introducing Flat AB Jake

Introducing Flat AB Jake our personalized, more handsome and improved version of Flat Stanley. Let me bring the uninitiated up to speed. For those of us whose kids went through elementary in the last decade, we were subjected to literary character Flat Stanley that travels the world. Each kid in class brought a paper Flat Stanley home for a weekend to take wherever they went. The kids would then take pictures or document their travels in a journal. 

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I got the idea for Flat AB Jake through the Air Force Moms BMT page on Facebook. By the way, This group has been a godsend. Instead of the character, you make your airman into a paper “Flat Stanley.” You take them where ever you go and then take pictures. When you write your airman next, you include the pictures of you and your Flat AB.

We made them up on Christmas Eve. I printed two versions a large headshot and a smaller standing pose. I printed it on card stock, so the paper would be relatively firm. My hubby, who is a rockstar, cut them out using an exacto knife. Needless to say they came out better than I expected.  Since we were going to church with Mel, Jake’s girlfriend who we adore, and her family I was able to bring her both versions. She loved them! Fortunately, I was also able to get a picture of Flat AB Jake enjoying her duet (O’ Holy night and it was awesome.)

As we move through the weeks of training, you’ll see AB Jake make numerous appearances. It’s beneficial to always have him near, but it’s more beneficial for him to see he’s always in our hearts and on our minds. We had our first Christmas without him yesterday and that was tough! As a family we did, however, get some pictures with Flat AB Jake.

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We did get the best present a parent could ask for yesterday: a call home from our airman. I was near tears as my phone started to play Teen Spirit, which is my custom ringtone for him.  It was a spiritual experience.  He sounded amazing. To hear the confidence and happiness in his voice was beyond reassuring. I felt a weight literally being lifted off my shoulders as he told us he had found “where he belongs.”  He met the PT requirements his first week out and is now working with his FLT to exceed them together. He is wearing the blue belt as described in my week one post.  Jake described with joy how close he and his fellow airman had become. It was clear in that phone call that he had made several life long friends.


Perhaps the best part of the call was that it happened while we had Christmas Company. Jake has a lot of people in his corner and a lot of them were able to speak with him and wish him well. My sister in law, who is a genius and makes the best cheesy potatoes, suggested conferencing my parent. We were able to do that successfully and my parents were able to hear first hand how well he is doing. More than anything hearing his happy voice made our Christmas wonderful. It’s still tough to imagine that he’ll miss most Christmas celebrations in years to come, but he’s a part of something bigger than himself, loving it and service his country. We couldn’t be prouder of our AB Jake!

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Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Merry Christmas Eve Eve or as they say in Norway merry little Christmas Eve. With only one day left between us and the Christmas holiday, I find myself woefully unprepared. Nor do I find myself with any desire to brave the South Florida retail scene or roads. Of course, after getting a flat tire on my way to yoga, it’s not like I’m super mobile.

I have finally started my holiday baking. Although I’ll be baking significantly less than last year. This year I’ll be baking two or three different cookies versus last years’ smorgasbord of baking. Fortunately, I may even be making a double batch of my famous caramel rolls. We’ll see!! I’m waiting on the final headcount from the hubby.

Today I spent a peaceful, serene day with Ava. There’s something about holding and rocking a newborn that is soothing for your soul. We hung for a bit while mama headed to her doctor’s appointment and vet appointment. Newborns develop so quickly. It’s awesome to see how she’s grown and developed from Friday to today.

I was going to cap my day with a peaceful and zen yoga practice with Debbie at Open Heart Yoga, but my back tire did not cooperate. Instead my knight in shiny armor came and put on my spare, so I could get home safely. Fortunately, I have a yoga silk, so I was able to do some stretching and inversion work.

Meanwhile in San Antonio, Jake started WOT 2 or week 2 of basic training. We’re hoping to hear from him via letter, carrier pigeon, marching band or a phone call. There’s some speculation on the Air Force Mom BMT group that’s the MTI’s will let them call home, but it’s not guaranteed. My fingers, however, will stay crossed in hopes of receiving a phone call. Anything that would help me gauge how he is doing at BMT.  I miss my boy!

 

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Week One

Week one, otherwise known as WOT1, is well underway at JBSA Lackland. The ABs are no longer know as skittles as they’ve been issued their ABUs, PT clothes, sneakers and combat boots. They also had their first official PT test to establish a baseline. Afterwards, the ABs are given a colored belt based on their performance. Hopefully, Jake got a blue or green belt. You can see a video on week one here.

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They also start their military education in week one. This covers everything from who they should salute to the military code of justice. Based on the pictures I’ve seen online, his classroom looks nicer than some colleges. Additionally, he was also issued his weapon a M-4 training rifle. This rifle can’t be fired, but will be used to teach the airman how to disassemble and reassemble their weapon. This week they also learn about nutrition, suicide prevention and reporting procedures.  Lastly, they’re getting used to living in their new digs.  Fortunately, Jake is in the new dorms AKA Disneyland.

We haven’t received any mail yet, but we know he is super busy. We’ve been trying to sending daily letters from all of us. We each write separate letters and mail them together. Today I wrote him a letter from our puppy Athena. Whenever Jake would come from work, school or Mel’s house, Athena would greet him with sneezes. It was so cute! Athena is definitely missing him. Hopefully, he’ll enjoy her letter.

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At the homestead, I’d like to say it is getting easier, but it’s not. The hubby and I find ourselves in our feelings all the time. Fortunately, I’ve stopped eating my feelings. My body is feeling the emotional stress thanks to the autoimmune disease, so I’ve dialed it back a bit this week.

My thyroid is relatively steady, but the symptoms will take 1-3 years to abate. Oh goody, said no one ever. Needless to say, with all that’s been going on, I’ve had trouble sleeping. Consequently, after being inspired by my niece and nephew this fall, I bought a Warmies microwaveable French lavender stuffed elephant. It’s filled with beans or corn and smells wonderful. When you hear it up, it functions as aromatherapy and heat therapy for sore muscles or joints. Needless to say, I’ve been sleeping much better since my I bought this.

I wrote earlier this week about the birth of Sweet Ava. Her arrival has brought so much joy to our world. Luckily, I got to spend some quality time with her and her mama yesterday. It’s amazing how the fear, excitement and anxiety of being a first time mom come back to you after almost twenty one years. In my opinion, there are few seasons in life as difficult or as beautiful as becoming a mom. Consequently, I’m glad that I’m able to help out.

Jacob and I on the Laerdalselvi in Borgund, Norway

Tonight I’m chilling at home watching The Office and missing Jake. He will be at BMT throughout the holidays. If you’re so inclined, please consider sending him Christmas card at the address below:

Countdown to graduation: week 1, 7 weeks to go

Week One video: https://youtu.be/2PPFxVFvBhs

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Week 0

Week 0, otherwise known as the first week of basic, is underway for my Airmen Basic (AB) Jake. During this week, Jake is getting all his paperwork completed, moving into his dorm, getting his vaccinations, his new clothes including his ABUs (camo,) starting PT and of course getting his first Air Force haircut. Unfortunately, the Air Force no longer posts pictures from BMT during those time at JBSA Lackland. I’ll have to wait until graduation to see his new haircut.

While Jake is adjusting to life in the Air Force we’re trying to adjust to our new life at home. To keep myself occupied and sane, I’ve been spending a lot do time at the yoga studio and in the gym working out. During this time, my phone and pocket notebook have been close at hand in case Jake called with his address.

Last night I met friends from Kaplan for dinner and drinks. I sure do miss my colleagues tremendously. It was a welcome distraction for this new military mom. I enjoyed a nice sirloin salad and a vodka soda. The bar had both the Florida Panther game and Thursday night football on, which was awesome.

Undoubtedly, the best part of my day yesterday was when Jake called home with his address. Clearly, this is the best part of week 0. I had my notebook with me and was ready for him. Of course, my dogs thought this would be the best time to bark incessantly at a falling leaf. Nevertheless, I was successful in getting the address. For this call, the ABs have to stick to a script. Fortunately, the recruiter prepared us for this call, so I wasn’t taken back by it. Nonetheless, it would have been nice to ask how he was doing.

One of the most important ways to support ABs during basic training is by sending cards or letters. I know Jake would appreciate hearing words of encouragement from all our family and friends.

Here’s his address:

AB Lorbach, Jacob L

331 TRS/FLT 147 3D1

1320 Truemper ST. Unit 369571

JBSA Lackland AFB TX, 78236-0609

Here’s a brief look at week 0.

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