1. Your name (as you would like it to appear on the website):

Karyn

2. Where did your soldier attend basic training?

Fort Knox, KY

3. When did he attend basic training?

Jan 3, 2008 to May 1, 2008

4. How often did you hear from him? (Phone and letters)

One short phone call on Sundays and letters once or twice a week.  When basic was over and he was in advanced training, phone calls came more often and lasted longer.

5. How long was it before you heard from him the first time?

A few days

6. How long did it take to receive a mailing address for him?

About 2 weeks

7. Were there any restrictions on what you could send him?

Yes...only letters and photos

8. Were you sent information about family day and graduation?

Yes...he sent the info with his letters

9. Did he have a family day? If so, please describe.

Yes....it started on Friday morning at 10 am.  There was a short presentation that was informative and amusing.  He was released immediately after on a 3-day pass.  He had to be back by 4:30 pm on Sunday.  He had to wear his Class A uniform when outside the hotel and he was not allowed to drive, drink alcohol or smoke.

10. Please describe the graduation ceremony.

There was a family dinner the night before from 6 til 9.  You also had a chance to buy pictures of your soldier in his Class A uniform.  Graduation began at 10 am the next day and lasted about an hour or so.  The theater was dark and pictures did not turn out well.  Video was pretty good.  He was released immediately after graduation.

11. Is there a website for his basic training unit? Is there a place to see pictures of his training online?

Fort Knox has a website full of information

www.knox.army.mil

12. Any other tips or information?

Elizabethtown was a good place to stay.  There is a mall, Wal-Mart, Target, movie theater, lots of restaurants, etc.  The base is about 30 minutes away.