17 Seconds Can Change A Life
Meet David. David is my friend Lena's husband and he's in basic training in the Army. David is just about ready to graduate, but there's one little snag. It's a 17 second snag. An important 17 second snag.
My husband was supposed to graduate from Basic Training on September 19th. He has completed all of the requirements...field training, obstacle courses, written tests, weapons qualifications, etc...But could not pass his PT test when it came to graduation week. He has to run two miles in 17 1/2 minutes and he was a minute over. So, he stayed at Ft. Knox and was told he was going to FTU-a fitness training unit. There they specialize in helping you to pass your PT test. David, and about 15 other "holdovers" as they call them, didn't go to FTU however. They stayed around the barracks and did crap work...painting the walls, washing trucks, and other busy work. They weren't allowed to do PT actually, except the occasional trip to the weight room. But no running except for the 2 or 3x a week PT tests, which David has continued to fail...though improving his time each test. He's now 20 seconds over on his two mile run. He's a very tall man, 6'0, and in great shape, but he has a very long torso and very short legs. He's working on his stride right now and his technique...trying everything he can to pass!
He called last night and told me they sent him to FTU, but that one of the drill sargeants gave him some bad news. That he won't receive another PT test until next Thursday (a week from today) and that is 27 days after his supposed graduation date. The drill sargeant continued on to say that if you don't pass your PT test by 28 days past graduation, you are discharged from the Army. :(
This is potentially devastating news. I know that exceptions may be made, and maybe they'll give him a little more time since he will have only been at FTU for one week, but if he doesn't pass he could be out of a job! Of course, we hope and pray that he passes! With nothing to focus on for a week but fitness hopefully it will be the boost he needs to make a difference and shave off that last 20 seconds. If he does get discharged from the Army, it means our world will be flipped upside down. We'll have no income coming in, and no place to live as it stands, either.
I'm not allowing myself to dwell on the negative possibilities. This is going to be a long week for me, not knowing, and not having any control over anything. All I can do is cheer him on from the sidelines. That's where I was hoping you could come in.
He gave me his new address at his FTU. I was hoping that maybe if he got enough letters of encouragement, it would help his morale and lift his spirits. It's one thing to hear that I'm praying and wishing the best, but it would be quite another to have the surprise of a stack of encouraging mail waiting for him!
I'm asking you to just send a little encouraging note, it doesn't have to be a novel...or a little card...but please don't send any packages :) I'm asking you ONLY to send something if you can get it in the mail on Friday or Saturday and live in the U.S. Obviously after next Wednesday he could be on his way home, or on his way to AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, so I don't want stray mail straggling in after that and being wasted. I have a feeling they don't forward soldiers' mail because they get so much of it after a person has already left the unit. I'm thinking anything mailed by Friday or Saturday will be recieved no later than Wednesday.
So I know that it's short notice, but if you can take five minutes and a stamp to drop a note in the mail today for a man who is committed to helping our cournty, I would appreciate it. I know Lena would too. Please help me help a friend!
What is terrible is they take people with criminal past now but they won't make an exception for someone just a few seconds to slow! Uggh it always amazes me! Have a wonderful weekend
Posted by: Beverly | October 11, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I just stuffed an envelope with a little something for him ... it's mainly doodles from my 4 yo with a big Run, David, Run
:) ... I'm leaving a note for Lena on her blog too :)
Posted by: sara e | October 11, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Oh my! I wish I could send something but it would never get there in time :( Please extend my good wishes to Lena and I'll think of him all day on Thursday - giving him good vibes for wings to carry him through!
Posted by: Andrea Dumalski | October 11, 2008 at 11:16 AM
a note is on its way to David... :)
I was completely inspired by Isaiah 40:31...
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I KNOW he can do it and I am praying this prayer specifically for him that he will run and not grow weary on Thursday.
Posted by: jessie | October 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
David
From my short legged daughter, she says run david run! But she also says to enjoy the moment as the honor he has bestowed upon his country. Do well, and we will cheer, come up short and we will still cheer. Enjoy your moment
Tim
Posted by: tim gerard | October 11, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Wow, wow, this is a real challenge but I am sure David can make it!
Sending him good vibes for his next run :)
Posted by: sabdesbois | October 12, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I sent a note to David. I am a personal friend of Lena's. I really think this is a bummer. It's so sad the expections they allow but they are being SO hard on him for 17 seconds... BEST OF LUCK DAVID!!!
Posted by: OneScrappyMom | October 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I've been following Lena's post on DST and I so feel for her and David. I wish I could do something also, I"m in Australia and a note from me would not arrive on time. I will keep them in my prayers that everything will work out. Go David!! Thanks for visiting my blog, it's always a pleasure to see a note from you :)
Posted by: chantillylace | October 13, 2008 at 12:08 AM
PS, I also meant to say that your new look blog rocks!
Posted by: chantillylace | October 13, 2008 at 12:09 AM