PATIENCE MY BOY, PATIENCE!

Hey Gabe, 

Whats up buddy?  Your dad was really upset by your phone call yesterday.  Don't get impatient now, you've come so far, and you've set your goal, but its not going to happen overnight.  You have to learn how to be a soldier before you can go out there and actually BE a soldier.  Just passing basic training doesn't make you a full fledged soldier.  There is so much you have yet to learn... IMPORTANT things that can mean the difference between success and failure, or even life or death.  Slow down son, the time will come soon enough, but you have to be prepared.  You will do nobody any good by rushing in with good intentions alone.  Take the time, train all you can, listen and learn!  You don't have to be a hero, but if you must, then do it right.  Start from the ground floor and work your way up.  You will probably have to do things you don't like doing, things that have nothing to do with what you signed up for, but it all goes together.  Stop thinking about the air medals and start thinking about the mission. Like I said, your time will come soon enough.  Don't be so eager for War son, its not all glory, its a horror I personally I hope you never have to witness.

Love you always,

Mom