July 21st,

Wassup,
Wow! What a week! It was eventful so I'll start with the clock story. Our detailers put a box over the clocks because it's training time and we aren't allowed to know the exact time. They keep us in the dark all night then wake us with screaming and blowing whistles. One morning I got up at 5am and took a peek behind the box to see what time it was. Apparently I didn't replace the box properly because a detailer noticed later in the day. He guessed it was me because our room is right across from the clock. Going to lunch I  heard yelled behind me, "Who moved my box? Lonsdale?! Did you move my box last night?" Of course I admitted to it because I wanted to be honest but I was still nervous about what they would do. Later they tornadoed our room. My sheets were everywhere, stuff lying on the floor and my shelves collapsed and unhinged. I thought the punishment was pretty much over when around midnight as I was falling into a deeper sleep, the door burst open adn a box flew into the room, then the door closed. He definitely got the message across.
This week we got to tour the YP boats and go sailing which I want to do more of. We also went swimming and learned how to abandon ship properly. We had a bearing competition where two people face each other with mouths full of water and the first person who laughs and spits it over the other, loses. I did my Gollum impression and made a ton of people lose their bearing. It was so good in fact, that a bunch of the detailers stopped me later to do it again. Then later I was nominate for the daily Blue and Gold for my Gollum impression. They made me stand in the P-hallway and do it for about 90 people in the company including the commander. Everyone laughed and now I will probably be known in the Academy for my Gollum voice and beat boxing.
All in all, I'm getting to do some cool stuff though there are tough days where they scream and yell at you. I'm dealing with stuff fairly well and I know I'm developing into a capable Naval Officer and better person. They are letting us grow back our hair on the top of our heads and shaving the sides..." A high and tight" marine haircut which I'm not fond of.
Its crazy hot this week with 70% humidity and 93 degrees. Today we learned how to put out fires on the boat or ship and used the hoses to connect to the fire hydrants. We also did relay runs with fire equipment. I'm tired a lot of the time but it's not something i haven't done before (my mission). I'd like to join the VT-NA club (fight club) or the parachute team. I want to try a bunch of things. We also had an academic brief which was super informative. I spoke in Chinese with the Chinese Professor and read a few paragraphs in Chinese that he gave me. He has placed me in the advanced Chinese class which means I've pretty much completed my minor in Chinese before I've even started. This means that I can start my Masters degree after year 2 because I also validated in a few other classes. My first year is shaping up nicely.
Tonight is going to be especially cool though--we have a brief by Captain Coffey who spent 7 years in a Vietnam POW camp. He will tell us about his experiences.
Well it's hard here but worth it; I cant wait until Parents Weekend, I'm going to live for that weekend because Plebe summer is pretty much over after that.
Love,
MIDN Zach Lonsdale, USN

PS. Our room passed the toughest inspection (Alpha inspection) and I did most of the cleaning  :)

July 7th: First phone call home

The Plebe is alive! But sounding a little hoarse from all the yelling of "Yes, sir!" They got to use cell phones for the 30 minute call home while standing at attention in the yard today. In Zachs words, there have been some tough days and some good days---they go from meal to meal in survival mode for the entire 8 weeks of Plebe summer. Everyone has shin splints. Yesterdays' exercise was led by a tough marine who had them run 4 miles, do sprints then strength training. In spite of the heavy daily exercise, the food is 'pretty good' so our Plebe is even gaining weight. The Maryland weather is so hot and humid that they have to exercise indoors some days. Sweat never dries and after the intense exercise, everyone is physically drained....but the day isn't over yet!

Academic: Next is validation exams to determine for those who have already taken some college, where they can place in USNA classes. The Chinese exam was 'pretty easy' and chemistry not so much. They've been measured for their white dress uniforms which we'll get to see Zach in on Parents weekend in August. Can't wait! He gets to come off campus with us and do normal stuff like go to movies, shop and probably catch up on some sleep.
There is a box over the clock in the hallway so no one ever knows what time it is...not sure why that is. Mornings begin with being shouted at to "wake up!" which is the worst part of Plebe summer thus far. As a result, Zach is up and out of bed before the human alarm clocks arrive...shouting averted.

Shooting: In rifle class there are 3 ranks based on one's ability shooting. The highest is 'expert' which Zach achieved in the M-16 and shotgun categories. Must be all that practice shooting that Richard and Zach did over the years. Another day was a visit to the boathouse which is filled with pictures of Olympian rowers who trained at the USNA. They learned rowing techniques and practiced in a simulator filled with water moving in waves. Apparently it's a one of a kind simulator and the best in the world. Once Zach got the hang of the correct rowing form, he did pretty good! Who knows, if he likes it he may try out for the varsity crew. The height and broad shoulders help too! Overall, he's pretty impressed with the amenities and opportunities at the USNA.

Church: There are about 40 LDS members on campus--they meet every Sunday and have institute on Tuesday nights. A Bishop and some other leaders visit from the local ward off-campus and hold meetings on campus for the USNA members. They have free time until noon on Sunday and time allotted during the week for personal/religious study. Once classes get under way later in August, there will be more personal time though things are still pretty structured.

Other: Well, some Plebes have decided the USNA is not for them but before one can 'quit' the Academy, they meet with the Dean and other leaders for an interview to determine if they just need additional support or if they really have made up their minds. There isn't an attempt to talk them into staying but the USNA wants to make sure that every person leaving is making an informed decision. For those who have decided to leave, they enter Tango company and just convene for meals daily while their paperwork is processed. It's unfortunate really since there are close to 19,000 applicants who didn't get accepted for the class of 2017. The ones who leave are not replaced since Plebe summer is well under way. Though 1200 are accepted yearly about 1,050 stay.

Well, next phone call in two weeks and parents weekend from Aug 8-11 after which we will post new pictures with new hair :) If you plan to write to Zach, he loves to hear your news and if you send a care package, he's loving fruit roll ups and granola bars....snacks are good after intense workouts!

Thanks for the prayers and support! Keep them coming!