Jonathan hasn't been able to write specifically for this journal so the following are excerpts from his letters:
10Dec06
Bootcamp is tough, but I'm more than ready for it. I'm in a famous, special division called 911 (ship 06). I'll explain more about 911 later. The food is awesome, entrees and sides and salads with every meal.
17Dec06
They're making me write in "recruit handwriting". I do believe that the RDCs are trying to change everything about everybody. But the RDCs are the coolest guys in the world when they're not jumping doun your throat, which actually happensless than you would think. Chief Threat, believe it or not, is almost exactly like Chris Harrington, the way he talks, his attitude, and his teaching methods. 911 is a 900 division, 900's are performing divisions,meaning they are present at every graduation. 911 is a staff division,meaning we'll be dooing staffwork at the graduations, when divisions like073 and 094 are resting, 911 is drilling. but, the food is good. They have grits and sweet tea, even nif it is rasberry flavored. Once I graduate I'll be an Airman.
25Dec06
Merry Christmas from RTC, everybody.
As far as news goes, Ship 06 is commisioned as the USS Constitution. I've got a job in division 911 now. My title is EPO, or Educational Petty Officer At around1000, I've organized agroup study session for thosewho feel that they're behind in their studies. I think I'm going to do this every Holiday routine. Every morning when I wakeup, the same thought goes through my head,"I'm in BOOTCAMP? What was I smoking?" Oh, and as far as mail goes, I can only send mail out on sundays,so if I don't resapond to a question on a letter, that's why. Recruits can only receive mail on weekdays, so a letter that comes in on saturday won't be given to me till Monday. We should be getting a big dinner tonight, I'm looking forward to it. I would much rather be on my way to Burnsville right now, but that will just have to wait. I'm actually having fun up here, can't wait to graduate though. Miss you all.
31Dec06
Hey everybody, Christmas up here was actually pretty good. We had a good breakfast then our 5 hours fo free time. After that we trained for the rest of the afternoon an d went to dinner. We were the first ones there and got all the best food. There was even a group of carolers who sang to us. However, we got a little hot under the collar when they sang I'll be home for Christmas. So how're things back home. I feel like I'm missing out on a lot. Mail isn't delivered on weekends of holidays, which really sucks because of these 3 day weekends. If you could I'd like you to send a few pictures that i can stick up in my locker. Could you post my address on line for me?
Per Jonathans request:
SR Ricketts, Jonathan P. Division 911, Ship 06 Recruit Training Command 3510 Illinois Street Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119
Everyday is pretty much a set schedule here, Graduation should be Febuary 9th, but that is subject to change. P.S. Every night is like Christmas here, Chief Cournoyer sits down with a stack of mail 10 minutes before tapps (lights out) and starts calling out names, You wouldn't believe the excitemant to hear him yell "Ricketts".
07Jan07
My cold got worse yesterday, to the point where our Medical Yeoman put me down for flu sysmptoms and sent me to medical this morning. It kinda sucks, but if im makes me better I'll put up with it. Good news, I'm halfway through Boot Camp. In a month and two days I'll graduate. Then i can show you the picture on my id card with me looking like Lex Luthor. I look forward to seeing you.
10Dec06
Bootcamp is tough, but I'm more than ready for it. I'm in a famous, special division called 911 (ship 06). I'll explain more about 911 later. The food is awesome, entrees and sides and salads with every meal.
17Dec06
They're making me write in "recruit handwriting". I do believe that the RDCs are trying to change everything about everybody. But the RDCs are the coolest guys in the world when they're not jumping doun your throat, which actually happensless than you would think. Chief Threat, believe it or not, is almost exactly like Chris Harrington, the way he talks, his attitude, and his teaching methods. 911 is a 900 division, 900's are performing divisions,meaning they are present at every graduation. 911 is a staff division,meaning we'll be dooing staffwork at the graduations, when divisions like073 and 094 are resting, 911 is drilling. but, the food is good. They have grits and sweet tea, even nif it is rasberry flavored. Once I graduate I'll be an Airman.
25Dec06
Merry Christmas from RTC, everybody.
As far as news goes, Ship 06 is commisioned as the USS Constitution. I've got a job in division 911 now. My title is EPO, or Educational Petty Officer At around1000, I've organized agroup study session for thosewho feel that they're behind in their studies. I think I'm going to do this every Holiday routine. Every morning when I wakeup, the same thought goes through my head,"I'm in BOOTCAMP? What was I smoking?" Oh, and as far as mail goes, I can only send mail out on sundays,so if I don't resapond to a question on a letter, that's why. Recruits can only receive mail on weekdays, so a letter that comes in on saturday won't be given to me till Monday. We should be getting a big dinner tonight, I'm looking forward to it. I would much rather be on my way to Burnsville right now, but that will just have to wait. I'm actually having fun up here, can't wait to graduate though. Miss you all.
31Dec06
Hey everybody, Christmas up here was actually pretty good. We had a good breakfast then our 5 hours fo free time. After that we trained for the rest of the afternoon an d went to dinner. We were the first ones there and got all the best food. There was even a group of carolers who sang to us. However, we got a little hot under the collar when they sang I'll be home for Christmas. So how're things back home. I feel like I'm missing out on a lot. Mail isn't delivered on weekends of holidays, which really sucks because of these 3 day weekends. If you could I'd like you to send a few pictures that i can stick up in my locker. Could you post my address on line for me?
Per Jonathans request:
SR Ricketts, Jonathan P. Division 911, Ship 06 Recruit Training Command 3510 Illinois Street Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119
Everyday is pretty much a set schedule here, Graduation should be Febuary 9th, but that is subject to change. P.S. Every night is like Christmas here, Chief Cournoyer sits down with a stack of mail 10 minutes before tapps (lights out) and starts calling out names, You wouldn't believe the excitemant to hear him yell "Ricketts".
07Jan07
My cold got worse yesterday, to the point where our Medical Yeoman put me down for flu sysmptoms and sent me to medical this morning. It kinda sucks, but if im makes me better I'll put up with it. Good news, I'm halfway through Boot Camp. In a month and two days I'll graduate. Then i can show you the picture on my id card with me looking like Lex Luthor. I look forward to seeing you.
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