2 fun things today

This came in the mail today. Its a postcard on light weight cardboard.
It says: "hey mom and family, This is the back of the M.R.E. box. how cool is that huh? I thought you guys would like this. lol. so not much for a long letter but just that it came on an M.R.E. well, hope you're doing good. Love you tons. Love Nic."
How fun. It made us smile. It reminds me of the cardboard boxes he and Robert Hoggan lived in a couple of years ago.

Then, he wrote a letter to Mr. J and his fifth grade class. I just mailed it a week ago Friday. I am impressed he got it and wrote back so quickly. Here are some parts from it:
"Mr. J. and class,
Thank you for all the letters. I really enjoyed getting them. It made me smile reading them and remembering when I was in Mr. J.'s class. wow time flies. Make sure you all live your life to the fullest and live every moment. I will try and answer each one of your letters."
(Nic wrote about a 1/2 page to each of the students that asked him questions. I'm just going to write a few things I thought everyone might like to know and I am not going to put the kids names)
All of the letters he writes start with him thanking them for writing to him and for their support.

"being in the army is different. It's pretty fun for the most part but yes, we have our boring days. Yes, all we wear every day is a camo uniform which is called an ACU (army combat uniform). Yes, when it's cold I have a heavy field jacket. Yes, we have spices for our food. We have seasonal, salt, pepper and sugar. Our drinks are like flavored water. lol. What did I do yesterday? I did an assault course where I got to kick in doors and all that fun stuff and tomorrow I get to throw grenades.

No, we don't get to play sports. We can run around the track or do pushups and situps. I usually do about 200 pushups a day. Yes, I have eated M.R.E.s about 20 times. I love them. When they wake me up they just come over the intercom just like what you have at your school and wake us up. If we sleep in we don't get to sleep the next night.

I'm not sure what fort Jackson is like because we are locked down to the training area, but as far as where I am, it's very nice and very green. It rains A LOT! We wear all the heavy equipment so we get used to it because in Iraq we have to wear it all day. We sleep so close to our rifles just for practice in case I was in Iraq and got attacked I would be able to get it asap.

I'm not into books too much. I love the Harry Potter books and my favorite is My Side of the Mountain! That has always been my favorite and I read it in Mr. J's class. Does he still have you guys read it?

I hope I get a pillow soon, but I am getting used to not having one. 250 pushups isn't too bad. You just break them up and just keep thinking "never quit!" I would give anything to have school food over this food. Do you guys still get the hot dogs with mashed potatoes and cheese? That was my favorite. That's way cool you are graduating D.A.R.E. Good job! Remember follow your dreams. You can do anything you set your mind too!

No, I don't have a camera. I am not allowed to but when I graduate I will have my mom take pictures and bring them to your class. That is so funny the boys fell asleep. If people fall asleep here you have to do tons of pushups.

That is so cool that you want to join the air force. The military is a great career and will take care of you. Just follow your dreams.

It's not bad not having a pillow just because I have gotten used to it. I absolutely love the army. It's the greatest choice I have ever made. It's hard but it's making me a soldier. Its both hot and cold here. Its crazy. No, my clothes aren't all heavy, just the stuff I add to them. They are extremely comfortable.

Thank you all for writing me. I really appreciate it. I hope school is going good and you are enjoying it! Just remember you all can do anything you want to. Just set your mind to it! Never give up. I would have never thought when I was your age that I would be where I am today. Just live your life to the fullest and have no regrets. If I can when I am home I will come visit you all. I will have my mom bring pictures in. Sincerely, PFC Fowler"

What a great guy! I am really proud of him for writing to them. He did an awesome job.