Our son joined the Army almost 2 years ago. During the time that he was going through basic training, our main source of communication with him was through snail mail. It was difficult for us to adjust to not knowing what was going on in his life, especially since he was going through such mentally and physically challenging experiences. As a trainee in the U.S. Army, Matt knew to do as he was told, and not do anything that would draw the attention (and possible ire) of his drill sergeants. He also knew that even if he was able to maintain a low profile, if the drill sergeants felt like messing with him, they would do just that!
We were always thrilled to receive a letter from our trainee. We hung onto every word in those letters, both good and bad. We still have all of those letters, and will keep them forever.
Once Matt completed basic training, we were able to communicate through normal channels again-- phone calls and emails. It's so nice to be able to find out what he's up to in a timely manner.
During a recent phone call with our soldier, conversation turned to his experiences during basic training. I retrieved his letters from the cabinet where we keep them and read them back to Matt. Oh, the laughter that ensued! Here's a particularly funny story...
First of all, imagine a young man, 20 years of age. This particular young man is one that does not like to be in the spotlight for any reason, good or bad. He's a "fly under the radar" kind of guy. He is in the midst of basic combat training in the Army.
All of the trainees in his platoon are standing in formation when the drill sergeant asks if any of them know the words to the Army song.
Matt does.
He glances around. He is the only one in his entire platoon that knows the words.
He wonders which option is worse-- no one in the platoon knows the words to the Army song? Or he draws attention to himself by raising his hand?
In an effort to prevent the entire platoon from "getting smoked," Matt offers himself up in sacrifice.
He slowly raises his hand.
He is then ordered to sing the song in front of the entire platoon.
Our son, the same kid that barely will sing "Happy Birthday" above an audible whisper when he is among family and friends, proceeds to sing "The Army Goes Rolling Along" for his drill sergeant.
His performance earned him the nickname "Choir Boy." I wish I had been there to witness it.
The Army Goes Rolling Along
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.
We’re the Army and proud of our name!
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along.
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong;
For where’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.