Specialist Daniel James Love Passes Advanced Infantry Training: July 5, 2009

We were so excited to hear from our daughter-in-law Amy Love today telling us she received a phone-call from Dan. He passed his march and also his last PT run and test and is now finished with all his qualifying requirements and will be graduating on the 17th. Amy said that Dan's platoon was ordered out at 2:30 AM early Thursday morning instead of waiting until midnight Friday. We didn't know the exact time he would march but knew that God would apply all our prayers to the moment of need. We are so relieved to hear it is over and we are celebrating for him.

Now for the rest of the story...Dan could not call for over three weeks and the last letter Amy received said he was still having a lot of pain in his left foot and would have to see a doctor as soon as he got back home. Dan said today that the whole time he was out in the field during his training in the woods he never had any pain! How ironic that we were praying for a pain free march and God gave him a pain-free week! Also the stranger part of this story was that when the Drill Sergeants ordered the soldiers to march out they left in the middle of night Thursday and marched half way and were then ordered to stop and make camp. They did some more training activities and after resting several hours they then finished the last 10 miles back to Post.

We were so surprised and I know David Michael is going to really complain that the army is starting to slack off by giving his big brother such an easy time of it. Personally I believe God just did another miracle for Dan!

Editor’s note: After visiting with Dan at his graduation and hearing his side of the story we learned that his march was extremely hard as well and a number of stronger soldiers than Dan were unable to complete the march.

We are so grateful for God's goodness and that this long summer is finally over. Dan even said that his platoon was going to a baseball game tonight to celebrate the 4th! Hope they each got a hot-dog and cold coke. They sure earned it because after all they did march 20 miles in full gear and packs just not all at one time...

Thank you for all your prayers. We wish we could post some of your urgent requests as well and pass them on to this incredible group of prayer warriors. God is still on His throne and He does move in response to the prayers of His saints.

One funny side-note: Dan keeps reminding his little brother "Mikey" that even though he may be a 2nd Lt. and the first to become an officer Dan will not salute him. As an enlisted soldier Specialist Daniel Love is required to salute David Michael if he encounters him outside in uniform. We are watching this friendly rivalry carefully to see who wins. David Michael said he will make Dan do 50 push-ups if he refuses to comply. Since David Michael will be wearing his uniform for family day we will soon know the outcome. David Michael goes active duty Military Intelligence in September. For a few more days Dan is safe and will get away with his empty threats. I know the love and admiration these two brothers have for each other runs deep so we are enjoying the big talk and know that Dan will snap to attention with great pride to salute his little brother that did the 20 mile Ruck March the old fashion way.

God bless you-all and hope you had a wonderful 4th of July too!

lovingly,

Denise & David and family