The journal is a good idea
Shannon -- My grandfather kept a journal when he was stationed in Italy during WWII. We found it in 1987, and enjoyed seeing what life was like for him during the war. He wasn't much for younger children, but I imagine if he had lived to see the three of us graduate from the same high school he did (I was sixty years, almost to the day after he graduated), he would have really enjoyed us.
Jamie -- Hang in there...before you know it, he'll be done with boot camp. You've already been through boxer boot camp, so this can't be much harder. :D You'll find plenty of support among the military wives and other groups on base, post. etc... Good luck and God bless.
Cheers,