April 6th.
This is from Jeremy's Dad.
Jeremy made us proud. He looked fantastic as he stepped up to receive his award for Academic Excellence from the Rear Admiral. There were only 6 award recipients, one in each category out of all the 9 Divisions graduating. Jeremy didn't parade with his Division as he was playing his trumpet in the recruit band. The ceremony lasted an hour an a half. It was very inspiring to see some 600 young people mainly in their twenties, clean, disciplined and there by their own choice to defend our country. They went through the rigors of basic training and I'm amazed at the amount they learned in such a short time. Jeremy wore a ribbon with colors for serving in time of war with an "S" on it for achieving Sharp Shooter level. After graduation the families of the honorees were taken to a private reception where we were introduced to the Admiral and his staff and the officers that had worked over, I mean trained the recruits. The spirit of the recruits and their commanders was infectious. Their bearing and courtesy to civilians was absolutely wonderful. And we couldn't help but come away with the feeling of respect for these outstanding people and the Service that they represent.
We were able to spend time with Jeremy after the graduation on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning for breakfast. We met all his requests which were simple; food (including a good steak) long HOT showers, a swim and a couple of naps on a real bed at our hotel. We made it to the movies Saturday afternoon too.
Since the graduation he has started A school, which is his technical training. The conditions are not as spartan as they were before graduation. He shares a suite with 3 others (instead of the eighty or so previously.) There are still many rules to follow, and duties to perform in addition to his classes. The amount of free time and leave will increase as time goes on. He asked me to thank all those that have written to him, and said he will soon be able to use email and have a phone. In the mean time his new address is:

SN Falk, Jeremy
320A Dewey Ave.
BEQ 6301 RM#527
Great Lakes, IL 60088

He now has a locker and a microwave in his suite. So we were able 
to send him a care package.
Well, that's all for now, perhaps Jeremy will be able to send the
next missive.

April 1st
A final letter before graduation. Sorry I couldn't write last week as had two big events on Monday and I spent the time getting ready. We had our final personnel inspection and our final compartment inspections. We passed both. On my third and final test I only got 4.8 (missed 2 questions) which was a little disappointing since I felt I did well. However I'm still the Academic Honor winner for our grad group (9 divisions total) so you and I get to hob nob with the special guests (officers etc.) after the graduation ceremony. The ceremony starts around 9am, you'll want to be there by 8am though so as to get the special seating for award winners families. The weather here has been all over the place, hot and cold with occasional thunder storms, so I've no idea what you should pack. I on the other hand, have the luxury of being told what to wear each day.
When you come you can bring me goodies but I can't take them back to the barracks, so no Costco bags of things. My next Navy check should be larger since I'm not buying uniforms for a while. I'm not sure what the restrictions will be for liberty weekend. We'll get a brief before you come.
As you asked;RDC's are Recruit Division Commanders, the Navy version of Drill Sergeant. Ours are great (yes, even with the occasional yelling) and I'll introduce them after graduation.
We have our final event 'Battle Stations' tonight. It starts around 8m and lasts for 24 hours. Lots of running, teamwork exercises (fire fighting, line handling, water survival, etc.) and no sleeping. Should be lots of fun!
Looking forward to seeing you and performing in graduation. And taking real hot showers in your hotel.
Until then, time to shine my boots.
Jeremy

Jeremy phoned home.........
His voice was hoarse and he hadn't slept in 2 days. However he was in high spirits even though he said he was exhausted. So far he has performed in 2 graduations and they are practicing for his graduation this Friday the 6th. His position is 2nd trumpet but they moved him from in from the outside line as he has trouble marching in step and playing his trumpet at the same time. (Some thing like he can't walk and chew gum.) He will be getting one award and all his scores have been good.
We (his parents) are flying out for the graduation and will stay the weekend, as we hope to catch as much of his free time as the Navy will give him. It is his birthday today but all he wanted is to be taken out for a big steak. We will take pictures and if I can figure it out I will post them. After the graduation we can all feel safer in our beds knowing Jeremy is out there protecting us.
Jeremy's dad