Garratt Begins AIT in Maryland

Garratt called us on Tuesday evening. He arrived at Ft. Aberdine Maryland on Saturday morning. He told us an interesting story about getting there. He said they had been up most of the night before, cleaning and preparing for graduation and moving. After the graduation exercises, they left for the airport, arriving around 11:00 AM. Their flight was scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM, but was delayed due to mechanical problems. They finally got on their way around 8:00 PM but missed their connecting flight to Charlotte, SC. There was only one more flight to MD that night, but didn't have eight seats available, and they all needed to stay together. So they went to the USO, which Garratt said is very nice. He said it makes waiting at airports so much better. They went back to check on the flight, and they were all able to get on, and Garratt got first class seating! He said he was too tired to enjoy all of the free food, so he slept. They arrived at the base at 3:00 AM and completed in-processing by 5:30 AM.

His barracks consist of three beds (not bunked), desks, chairs and lockers and their own bathroom. He said the food is really good. The fort is quiet compared to Ft. Knox, because they are closing down many of the AIT's there. Some of the groups got to Ft. Aberdine and had to move on to Ft. Lee, VA.

They are left to themselves from 5-21:30 each night, and then it's lights out. They also have weekends off. He said in a few weeks, when he has proven himself, he plans to go to the Washington D.C. temple. He said the church is very close by.

The P.T. is more intense and longer in duration. He also lifts weights. He is surprised at how frugal he has become. He went to the commisary to buy deoderant, and looked for the least expensive one rather than his favorite brand. He said he's becoming like Wes.

He began his training on Tuesday. He will learn acetylene, tig, mig, arc and one other type of welding. He said they will be welding uranium armor for tanks. There are also ten marines in his class.

His address is: Pvt. Ogden, Robert
A-Co, 16th ORD BN PLT#1
APG, MD 21005