[KathyM]

He won't be going to Iraq. He's going to Yemen - I think that's good. It's not really safe, (they've had some trouble) but it certainly isn't as dangerous as Iraq or Afghanistan. He told me not to worry because he's actually excited about going.

He trained with the Navy Seals in Pensacola and did really well, but he kept drowning - they had to keep reviving him. He's a strong swimmer, but only in pools - not raging seas. He was allowed to stay in the Air Program because he never gave up, even after drowning. He transferred to the Air Electronics Program in Washington.

The kid has always had incredible coordination and stamina. He scored "expert" on M9 and M16 guns (above sharp-shooter). He'll be working in Auxiliary Special Forces, so he'll only have to go on patrols occasionally.

I think it's strange they are still using the M16. Isn't that the gun that kept overheating and jamming during Viet Nam?

He leaves next week.