4.20.10

Hello to One and All,

Ok, so week 15 had but a few highlights to speak of. First, it is over and it went quickly, yeah! Second, Ryan's class achieved Senior status. This includes changes to their uniform only, not any changes to their privileges yet. They are wearing new hats,an American Flag pin and yellow tabs added to their shoulders. Senior status means something, as the last class did not achieve Senior status until week 23, so Ryan's class is doing well. When they gain Senior privileges they will be able to wear civilian attire after 5pm and be able use the rec. room, which includes a TV, pool table etc. And finally, Ryan had a pre-qualification with his pistol, shotgun and rifle. Ryan did well of course, shooting with 100% accuracy and also qualifying for the sharp shooter competition. The sharp shooter competition will be held in the next few weeks and will give the winner recognition and an award at graduation. Even though Ryan is a contender he does not anticipate being named sharp shooter.

Week 16 has started with a Bang! or maybe I should say Bang! Bang! Ryan is 2 for 2 on tough tasks so far this week. Yesterday, Ryan PASSED his pistol qualification! The test consists of different shooting techniques, left -handed, right-handed, from the hip, from the ground and an obstacle course. Each having different time allowances such as drawing and shooting 3 shots in 5 seconds or less and of course accuracy on the targets. Nice shooting Tex!

Cadet Roscoe P. Coltrane PASSED Code 3 pursuit driving today! (Hot pursuit!, gga gga gga - watch out good'ol boys). I haven't talked to Ryan about the details of passing this driving,but I know that it consisted of clearing intersections while driving with sirens and chasing his instructor. This is a huge relief that he passed on the first try as they only get 2 chances to pass code 3. It's great that the 3 main driving tests are behind him. A sad fact from this week - 7 more cadets from Ryan's class failed on high speed yesterday and went home. Even though Ryan continues to pass and excel at each task, we are both so grateful for everyday that he is there. He is so blessed to have this opportunity and proves every day that he belongs there.

Later this week Ryan has shotgun qualification and...finally the first of three awful experiences. This Friday you may want to say a little prayer for Roscoe as he will be pepper sprayed and tested on his ability to function after being sprayed. One cadet got sprayed yesterday and was miserable all day and his whole face was swollen! Surprisingly, this is the worst of the 3 awful experiences, the others being tear gas and getting tased! Take your pick.

Such a great week this week and it is only Tuesday! I hope you all got over your pernicious case of "The Mondays" and have a great rest of the week! Ha Ha!

Love,

Amy