GRADUATION

Editor's Note: We are not sure if we will keep the blog going every week. Now that Jordan has graduated from Basic Training we will be able to hear from him whenever he wants. He received his cell phone today and has already texted us to say he was processing to his Tech School which is there at Lackland Air Force Base. He will be there another 9 weeks but it won't be as strict. He will then receive orders to got who knows where in the world. We will keep everyone posted about that. Below is our experience going to San Antonio to see Jordan graduate. What an awesome experience!

We flew in Wednesday. We checked into our hotel and then headed to  

Lackland Air Force Base. We drove around and made sure we knew where

we needed to be for the next day.

Thursday we lined up to see Jordan for the first time running and saying "jodies" or 

cadence. It was a thrill to see all the trainees in formation.

After the run we had some time to go to a briefing and find our place for the

coin ceremony. This is a ceremony where their Training Instructors present them 

with the Airman coin. They are now Airmen and not trainees.

 It is a moving experience as they play God Bless America

and Proud to be an American. Hard to keep a dry eye. After, we were able to go and

tap Jordan and see him for the first time and hug him. It was quite emotional. 

It was hard seeing other trainees without family there. They had to be tapped by a 

brother so they could come out of attention. I'm sure it was hard for them to watch 

all the families greet their Airmen. I wanted to hug them all for their hard work and 

diligence.

We were able to take Jordan after that and be with him on base. He only had a base

pass so we couldn't take him off base. We only had him for a few hours as their flight

didn't pass an inspection and so they had to be back early. We were sad but understood

that it was all up to their instructors that day.

Friday was the big parade day. We were able to see Jordan march in his blues and 

repeat the Airman's creed and take the oath once again. We were able to go onto the 

field and tap him again. There was a sea of blue and we had a hard time finding him.

Jordan and his proud mom.

Father and son in blues.

We met other Airmen brothers and their families.

We were able to go and see his dorm and where he has slept, ate, marched and lived

for the last 9 weeks. After seeing his living quarters, we were able to take him off base 

since he had a town pass. We decided to go to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. He wasn't

really excited and we think he was tired too. We took him back to our hotel and let him surf

the net and just relax. He fell asleep on the way there and we knew he just needed some

down time. We took him to dinner and then back to base where he walked back with 

his brothers to his dorm.

Saturday, we were able to have him at 9 a.m. We decided we would get breakfast and

then go to Sea World. It was Here's to the Hero's day and all military and their families

got into Sea World free. We decided to take advantage of that along with a ton of other

Air Force Families. We stayed for awhile and then decided to leave and let Jordan have

more down time. He fell asleep in the car again. I just felt bad for him and that he just needed

sleep. I had Dad just keep driving like when you were little kids. We went to dinner and then

on to our hotel to just chill. We took Jordan back to base to pick up his backpack and boots

he had ordered then off to meet with his brothers to walk back to his dorm. (they always have 

to walk with another brother or wing-man. Kind of like having a missionary companion)

On Sunday we met him for church. What an amazing time. We had an opening song and prayer and then split into groups. The female trainees to Relief Society, the men to priesthood and any trainees that were not members met with the Elders. It was interesting how they had it all split up for anyone who attended. After the first hour, it was testimony meeting and

the trainees and Airmen testified at how much prayer had got them through their training and

that having the gospel in their lives was a blessing. It was quiet and the spirit was very strong.

It was hard to get through the songs. We were able to be with Jordan for a while this day but 

only on base as he only had a base pass. We had lunch with him and drove around base and

took him to meet up with some brothers he could walk back to the dorms with. 

We were sad to leave him but could feel that he really wanted to get back to the life he was used to. 

Our trip was truly and eye opener for me and such a great experience for all of us. 

Airman Chadwick and Airman Peshard.

They are rooming together at Tech School.

GETTING COMFORTABLE

Dear Airman Chadwick fans,
Jordan is feeling very comfortable in his situation right now. He hasn't written since the first part of October. He has called each week and we have been able to talk to him. He is very upbeat and positive. He loves his life and his brothers. He called on Saturday for a short while and talked about us coming this week to his graduation. They were able to have patio time which is where they are outside at a bunch of phone booths to make their calls instead of their cell phones being given to them. We were hoping for another call so that he could tell us if he needed us to bring him anything. We will wait till the last minute to see if we get another call  to pack some things for him. Of course, he may be okay too since the Air Force has and will supply all he needs for the next few years of his life except maybe civilian clothes. He will probably not be wearing those until maybe December.
This is how our week will go.
Wednesday
Leave Salt Lake at 9:55 a.m. arrive in San Antonio at 12:30 p.m.
Get rental car and go find a few floral shops to check out.
Locate our hotel which is only 1/2 mile from Lackand AFB.
Relax
Thursday
Airman Run-we get to see Jordan for the first time running in formation with his flight at 8 a.m.
9 a.m. briefing
10 a.m. graduation ceremonies
11 a.m. we get to be with Jordan till 8 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. graduation activities again
11 a.m. we get to be with Jordan till 8 p.m.
Saturday
We can take Jordan off base all day till 8 p.m.
Sunday
We will go to church with Jordan and then be with him till
we need to get to our plane at 4:30 P.M.

Jordan will be coming home on December 22 for his Christmas leave. He will return on January 2nd.

MIDWEEK/SATURDAY CALLS

Thursday, October 4, 2012
We are the luckiest parents in the whole wide world. We received a call from Jordan today.
His flight was able to earn a 1 hour phone privilege. His TI said that they would have to divide the time into two days. He will call again in the next few days.
He still loves basic training. He says they have community prayer everyday. Even though they are all different religions, each person takes a turn praying that day. He also says they have bible study. They gave him a NIV of the Bible. He had to go to the BX (Base Exchange or store) to get a King James Version, the one he is used to. Only the New Testament came with his scriptures from the missionaries.
He is starving for news. He doesn't hear anything at Basic and wants any news that is happening around the world or at home.
He received his dress blue uniform this past week and his name badges. You could hear the smile over the phone.
He did get in trouble for not saying the right thing on Wednesday. The lady that was questioning him asked him for a 341 (a piece of paper that you are supposed to carry around with you for discipline. You are supposed to carry two around with you at all times and when your instructor asks for one you are supposed to give them one.) He answered that he didn't have any 341's because they were in the laundry and he washed them. She then asked for another 341 when he gets them. I guess he and his dad will be checking their laundry more carefully now. (Daryl washed his cell phone while in Kansas)
Jordan mentioned that one of the "brothers" was going to be recycled or sent back to the first part of training but he decided to pray and that helped him out. He had never prayed before and he feels that helped him to do better to not get sent back.
Jordan is also training in some of the same places that his Dad did. He and Daryl have a lot to talk about when it comes to all the activities that he is doing.
Jordan was advised by his dad to volunteer for everything that he could and that would give him new adventures. He has been taking that advice and has been doing a lot of different things.

Update: Saturday, October 6, 2012
Another Phone Call came our way on Saturday. Right after Conference started. Knowing this might happen, we taped Conference.
Jordan was able to call and talk for 40 minutes. A record!
He was able to talk to Jodie and his grandpa for a few minutes. He replayed the 341 story for his dad who we had just picked up that morning from the airport. It was like a mini reunion.
We were so glad to hear from him again and that he was alright.
Although Conference was Sunday, he said they would go to church anyway. He wasn't sure what they would do. He and the other Latter-day saints were going to investigate the Buddhist church after the LDS church. I guess a lot of them were talking about how it is "just meditation" and "very cool". Well, he will see for himself. We will look for an update on that adventure.
He had an 18 hour day doing KP last week. He said it wasn't his favorite but he worked hard anyway. I guess volunteering isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
We talked about conference and the news about Elders and Sisters and the new age requirement to go on a mission. It was a surprise for all of us.
Jordan is doing well and enjoying his life in the military

Today we received mail from Jordan.
He received his package with notepads and pens and envelopes and I had a few questions written inside one of the notepads.
Here are the questions and the answers.

What is your favorite activity at Basic?
Eating and writing letters

What is your least favorite activity at Basic?
Down time when nothing is happening

Who are some of your new friends?
My wing man Andy Iteah, Ian Shay, Jonathan Martinez, Tripp, Paschard, Arroyo Jerella and 42 other brothers

When do you get your mail?
Everyday if I have mail to get.

How do you like the uniforms?
They are winter uniforms and its 90 to 100 degrees so they aren't my favorite but I like em

What is your Training Instructor's name?
Staff Sergent Amoral

What did the Air Force issue you for clothing?
Physical Training clothes, towel, uniforms, boots, rain parka, whitey tighteys (they didn't have any boxers at the time)

What do you sleep in?
Underwear and t-shirt

When can you write letters?
Whenever we have personal time

What duties have you had?
Bed Aligner and I help everyone else when I'm done

I will send more questions and see what I get back. If you have any you want answered, let me know.

Jordan's letter to Stacie

Dear Stacie,
How's it going? How's school?
My school is called war skillz. Cool huh!!
Anyway, guess what I've only seen one or two girls that wear their hair up. Most of them wear their hair like you!!!!

How's your little Doggie Quiver?
Hows the Kitty?
How are voice lessons going? Are you improving?
You know I haven't gotten a letter from you yet and if you
don't send me some I won't bring anything back for Christmas.

Well, it's night time here and I still need to write Jodie.
Write Back
With Love, Brother Jordan

SECOND SET OF LETTERS FROM JORDAN

We received letters and our phone call this past Saturday. What a great day. Daryl received a call from Jordan first since he is in Kansas and I got to use the rest of the minutes after that. He is doing fine other than being sick. You will read all about it in the letters below. 
To Mom

Dear Mother,
How are you? I'm fine. It's actually pretty good here. Everyone here are brothers. We act like it too. The food is actually good. I've already told you all about this kind of stuff but I know you want to hear about church and how it is.
Church was awesome. Loved every second of it. It is the second week and it was my first time going to church. There were a lot of trainees there and some families. Some trainees spoke and we had sacrament as usual but since I hadn't been to church in a while and my dorm is sort of a have of sin and evil, I really felt the spirit at church. It's the most spiritual experience of my life. When it was time for the closing song, we sang "did you think to pray" or something like that. I can sing it, I just don't remember the title. 
I miss you guy's so much. My words are a little sloppy because its night time and this is the only time I can write letters. Right now everyone is asleep and it is 21:16. (9:16 p.m.) Night time is a good break from the profane and evil language everyone uses. 
I need to know about my real brother in Mexico. I wonder about him a lot. Right now I have a total of 51 brothers. I used to have 52 but one got injured and was medically discharged. He was a good guy. Its amazing what kind of relationships are made in just two weeks. There is one less bed in our dorm and everyone feels it. When one gets hurt or needs help, ten jump to their feet in order to help a fellow brother. 
I've also had many missionary experiences. Like there is an agnostic brother that sleeps next to me named Ian. He asked about my faith and what latter-day saints were all about. I answered his questions and gave him a Book of Mormon to read and he takes it everywhere with him like I do mine. He has a lot of questions and is halfway trough 1st Nephi. I hope this "investigator" comes through. Anyway, I also need a ward directory and family contact list so I can write letters and see how people are doing. 
Well, I hope this reaches you before our next phone call. 
Love your guts, 
Your Son,
Jordan

Hey Dad,
How's work? My job is fine. I get paid to fold stuff and clean floors. 
Didn't want to tell mom but you're probably going to tell her anyway, I've been sick for a few days. I had to go to the dispensery to get some meds for a cold. 
Anyway, we had steak today for lunch. It was pretty good and we can have as much food as we want we just have to eat it all in five to ten minutes. 
Our TI (training instructor) yells a lot. Our brother flight has a TI that is really funny and awesome. He passes out mail sometimes to us.
BMT is just a mind game except for the food is not. Actually, the first week I couldn't go to the bathroom for 4 days. Now I am on a regular schedule. Thank heaven. 
Right now I'm sitting in the dorm doing nothing. Our TI was asleep after we came to the dorm from lunch, so we worked in our personal areas for an hour and a half. Well, got to go.
Send me more letters.
I would like one or two from Stacie and Jodie.
Love, Jordan

LETTERS HOME

Dear Followers,
Below are a couple of letters that we just received from Jordan via snail mail. The first letter was written on tiny little notebook pages (see below) date unknown. That's Jordan. He said there was a stationery shortage at the shopette. The second letter was written on the 12th of September.

Hey, I only have 10 minutes so....Having a good time. If you go on you tube and type in Drill instructor angry that is what my TI is like. One guy in my flight has been to jail for a few days. (don't know how he got in the Air Force) He says that Basic Military Training (BMT) is like jail but a little bit better. I like a firm bed and the guys in my flight hate the food. I kind of like it. A lot of the guys ask why I don't swear and I say it is against my religion which brings up me being LDS. I have 3 LDS guys in my flight. We've had a lot of missionary experiences. We even reactivated one of the lesser active LDS guys but we couldn't go to church because the chapel guides didn't come to take us to church. Over all it's really rough but I have only been yelled at once and I haven't had any 341's pulled (341's are when you get in trouble and they pull this card that you carry. They may write something on it or not) Well, anyway, we also are packing around our M16's. So its all cool. My job around the dorm is to align beds. It's a fun and easy job. PT (physical training) is hard but fun too. Got to go. Miss you all. Love, Jordan

Hey Family,
How is everyone? How's my brother in Mexico? Speaking of my brother, everyone here is my brother. The camaraderie here is really intense. The concept of a wing man is very important. Everything we do we have to have a wing man. I now understand why missionaries have a companion. Like I said, we've had a lot of missionary experiences but I have a hard time with the way people swear every other word. I can deal with it but not being able to attend church on Sunday really makes it worse.
For those who don't know the chapel guides that were supposed to pick us up and take us to church had KP (kitchen patrol) so we couldn't go. We were not allowed to go by ourselves.
When you get around people that have almost no moral standards its really important to keep to your standards. Others outside the church really watch us and if we slip up even once it reflects a bad image about us.
I hate to mention it but my flight is turning into a lazy flight and doesn't want to do anything but somehow we get stuff done. BMT is hard but it has really changed my outlook on life and what I need to do in order to fulfill my calling in life.
I hope everything is going well with the ward and the family. Remember to write. I can have family and relative and friends pictures so I would love to hear from everyone.
Love you all,
Jordan

Odd photo I know but this is the most Jordan has written to us in a long time.

The content is also very impressive coming from him too. I'm sure his eyes have really been opened

as he says in his letters above. We are truly blessed to have him as a son. 

WEEK 2

Jordan called today! Saturday. We were very surprised. We were expecting him to call on Sunday. He said they only had 10 minutes to talk because his whole flight failed their first inspection. He wasn't very happy about this. He explained that Basic Training is like jail without bars but he loves it. I asked if this made it so he wanted to come home he said no, of course.
Daryl asked about his physical training and he said that one day they will run and the next day they will do push ups, sit ups etc; He says they have to hurry to eat and he thinks he is losing weight because he isn't getting a lot of food because of rushing to eat. Really, what fat would he be losing. He was skinny as a rail when he left.
He is headed to church tomorrow at 7 a.m. He will be going with two other members from his flight. He has started reading the Book of Mormon with his military scriptures when he gets time.
PLEASE SEND HIM LETTERS! He would like some letters. He needs them to be in #10 envelopes with writing/typing on white paper. He has seen what happens when other airmen get small packages with other items in them and it isn't very pleasant. After Basic Training he can receive packages, pictures and other items. For now, everything in a plain white envelope. He also said they are having a small contest of who gets the most letters. I think with all the people he knows, relatives and the ward, he should win by far.
Well, write him when you can and we will keep everyone updated on his progress.