Hi everyone,
 
Thanks to everyone for your great words of encouragement and support for Kyle.  I received dozens of messages back since my last message, and I thought it easier to send out thanks to all of you at once.  Melissa and I and Diana, attended the RIP’s graduation last Friday, and it was fantastic.  There was a lot of emphasis on how elite and special Kyle and the other 42 graduates are.  It was very moving when they put on their tan berets and spoke the Ranger Creed.  They each recited a line from the creed.  Kyle then flew home with us on Friday evening and he had to return on the red-eye on Sunday night.  

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UPDATE #3

Hi everyone, Kyle update number 3. 

Kyle is doing great.  He called briefly two weeks ago, and then again on last Sunday.  We were on our way back from a wedding near SF and we pulled over in the motorhome to talk to him.

He has also sent a couple of letters lately. 

All in all he is very upbeat and seems to be enjoying everything.  He loves his rifle (weapon) even though he says it gets tiring carrying it everywhere they go (requirement). He loves the food, the uniforms, even the Drill instructors.  He said they are all very cool.  Even his company commander is cool.  The first day on the obstacle course, the commander went with his platoon and crawled through the mud and did everything right along side them.

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UPDATE #2

Hi again all,

I have further news about Kyle. 

Kyle called again on Sunday 8-19.  He was moved to basic training finally on the 17th.  Monday the 20th would be his first full day.  Also they would be issuing them their weapons (M4).  He is still very upbeat and happy, and was anxious to get started.  His group is about 55 guys.  He is what is know as 11-B (Bravo) which is infantry training for those that are going onto airborne or ranger.  There are no women in his group.  He is in the 54th infantry 2nd Battalion.  His full mailing address is below.  Feel free to send him a short note or postcard.  No naked women.  He is probably suffering pretty hard right now, so any words of encouragement would be helpful.  He did purchase a “camoback” which is a water bag that you wear like a backpack.  Most of his unit got them.  He said so far the drill instructors seem ok, but I am sure that will change. 

He will be graduating from the combined Basic/infantry on November 20/21.  (Days before Thanksgiving) We are hoping to drive to Florida for the IAAPA convention the week before, and then go up to Fort Benning for the graduation.  The other kids and Diana will fly in.  We found a campground/RV cabin site right on the base that we can stay at. 

He also gets a “family day” on October 20th, which happens to be his birthday.  We can pick him up around noon that day and he gets 36 hours leave.  He does have to stay within 50 miles of the base, so we can not even go to Atlanta. 

Thanks for the last kind words from many of you.  I will include your notes in the letters to him.

To send mail to Kyle:

PV2 Griffin, Kyle A.  RN 415

B Company, 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment

8775 Albanese Drive

Fort Benning, GA 31905-4931

Ron and Melissa

The proud parents of Pvt. Kyle Andrew Griffin

Hi all,

Most of you know about Kyle joining the Army, and I want to give those that I know care an update.  I plan on sending out updates on him when I get news. 

He reported for basic training at Fort Benning about 10 days ago.  He is “contracted” to continue into airborne and then Rangers.  We are very proud of him and support him and all the other brave men and women of this country who are protecting us.

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