7-17-09 Hanny to my parents

20:30(military time)
Hi Dad,
How are you doing? I did receive your letter which really made me happy. Thank you for writing to me.
Basic training is mentally, emotionally, and physically hard. The yelling, the push ups and sit ups anytime we do something wrong, shower in less than 1 minute...I literally swallow my food so I can get out of the dining facility upon Military Training Instructor (or MTI) order: it is definitely stressful. I have not pooped for an entire week because I was so on edge and stressed. I guess it is normal for any new trainees not to use the bathroom (latrine) for a week. After 2 weeks, I got used to the MTI yellings and it doesn't even bother me anymore.
I received letters from Amy and the kids. They are all doing very well. I wake up every morning at 4:20 am, beginning with physical training (pushups and situps for 45 min, jogging the next day for 30 minutes), then I go to class and fold T-shirts in a perfect way, cleaning the dorm, doing laundry...everything in the dorm has to be clean with perfection otherwise we do push ups. There are times when I am wondering what am I doing here? Then I sing Primary songs to remind myself that Heavenly Father will give me strength to endure to the end of Basic Training. I found out that when I am at the service of my flight members (50 of us) I am more happy and less homesick. I am the guy who folds the majority of the flight members sand T-shirts because I can do it fast and with perfection. My nickname is Terminator or Tahiti. They have a hard time saying my last name. Surprise!!!:) My MTI calls me by my last name and says it correctly. I am happy. Anyhow, BT is very hard but I'm doing ok. Mom, I love you very much. I miss both of you, Mom and Dad. I'll see you soon as an AIRMAN.
Hanny