A Ranger and His Love Series - Week 1

Its not hard to imagine the love letters that have been shared between a soldier and his love throughout history. Mike and I have been exchanging these letters for years, and while Mike was in Ranger school we decided that we would share them with you all when he was finished. Most of our communication in 2012 was through these letters. That may be shocking, but when you soldier goes to Ranger school, snail mail is the only way. You go back in time. They practice Vietnam style combat, and we (wives and girlfriends) get to practice Vietnam era communication techniques.

I love writing letters. I'm a big fan of beautiful stationary. I have a collection. Discount stationary is a shopping weakness. Because of my love of writing, I have been writing lovey dovey scribble since Mike was in ROTC in college. He actually wrote back one letter in a romantic, confederate style just for fun. Those of you that know Mike are shocked, right? We have quite a collection, and we store these letters in a bird cage that was used to collect cards at our wedding.

As I was saying, we want to share this mushiness with you just for giggles. Some parts are silly and funny, others heart felt, and still others Army lingo boredom. I apologize for the boring parts. If you are about to go to Ranger school, you might value those sections. We will start at the beginning, and only omit the subject matter that is personally identifying of others, Army sensitive, or just plain private. This series will be posted on RED Friday, that is Remember Everyone Deployed every Friday. When you start your weekend, they are still working. So here goes....

 4th Training Brigade, Attempt #1

                                                                   January 29, 2012 - Report to Ranger school

His Love

Hey Babe-

I hope you are holding up okay. T told me what company you started out in so I decided to write just because. I had a pretty relaxing day. I needed a day by myself. I also worked on our taxes. We're still waiting on a couple documents and then we'll be done. Easy! Well keep up all your hard work. Ellie, Chloe, and I are waiting on you. Love you!!!

<3 SJ

January 30, 2012

His Love

Hey Babe!

I know I'm getting way ahead with the letter writing, but I have things to tell you. First, I love you. You are so strong, and I need your strength! I mean that both figuratively and literally...haha. Yesterday, I got the jeep key stuck in the ignition. Oops! I just wanted to back up a few feet and move the jeep over (G kind of parked towards the center of the driveway.) Anyway, I couldn't move the seat up, couldn't take the E-brake off, and then got the key stuck. I thought it would be simple. J couldn't fix it either. I'm going to call G. J couldn't get the E-brake either so....Other news. Less funny. More serious...Please pray for him....

Keep up the good work. I'm praying for you. Have you beat that cold yet? Love you

<3 SJ

February 1, 2012

His Love

Hey Babe-

Well it's Day 3 "RAP" and no call!! It seems slightly odd to be happy to not hear from you, but I'm glad cause that means you're doing well. Things are going pretty good here, I guess. I was four days late so I was freaking out last night thinking for sure I was pregnant after I started puking! Turns out it was bad crab. I'm in the process of getting my doctor's appointment so hopefully I'll have news on the baby front during your pass when we talk. My Wednesday/Friday kids are still terrible. I kicked two out today. I feel like I failed them, but I did the right thing. I finished the kitchen drapes yesterday. I've also been doing great things with our budget so we won't have to worry about re-supply between phases. I love you bunches and I'm praying.

<3 SJ

February 4, 2012

The Ranger

Hey Babe,

I'm soo sorry it took so long to write this. I haven't really had the free time to, and when its time to sleep, we kinda just pass out. So anyway, i miss you everyday; I love you so much. Ranger school so far isn't bad. At this point Pre-Ranger was harder. I know it will pick up soon though...

So I can't get a straight answer on how you can send me mail. They keep saying its on the website so if you look it up, I'm in B Company.  How is work going? Oh tell G and M I met Chaplain K and went to his service in the field. It was a great break and time to re-focus. I'm doing good, just hungry and missing you. I love you so much.

Love,

Mike