<p>Well folks, it’s been an exciting, rewarding, and fun 3+ years, but all good things must come to an end. I’ve decided to leave my post as volunteer moderator and advisor here on the USAFA forum because I’ve been nominated for a position at the Academy and should be on the permanent staff there by December. (no, it’s not the Superintendent or Commandant) Therefore, I no longer think it’s appropriate that I pass out advice–it may be interpreted as official and is too closely connected to the actual Academy. I didn’t do a very good job of disguising my identity from the start (many of you over the years have discovered by true identity), and frankly I’m surprised that someone at USAFA hasn’t said something to me about the forum. I’ve let the College Confidential folks know and will probably help them find a new moderator. </p>
<p>I hereby designated my “UNdaughter,” UNcynical, as the Acting Forum Moderator and I’m sure she’ll do a fine job. </p>
<p>For those applying to USAFA, I wish you the best of luck. I honestly and uncynically believe that the Blue Zoo offers the finest undergraduate education (education in the broadest sense) in the World and will continue to do so despite occasional hiccups in the media. I look forward to seeing many of you roaming the Fairchild Hall. My office will always be open to College Confidential veterans–just be ready to do a few pushups for the fun of it. Please ID yourselves. I’d really like to know that we met on this board.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for your interest in the Aluminum Womb and (hopefully) your eventual service. It’s a great opportunity, a marvelous life, and a tremendous challenge. I hope that I helped some very deserving, high-quality students find their way there and that they’ve made themselves, the Academy, and the Air Force better for it.</p>
<p>DocFrance</p>
<p>(PS - I’ll still be reading the forum occasionally and just MAY pass along a PM or two when I have to!)</p>
<p>Wow. A sad day indeed for CC (surreptitiously wipes away a tear), but great news for USAFA. Thanks for all the coaching and advice, and best wishes in your new role.</p>
<p>You have been an incredibly valuable source of information for candidates, nominees, appointees, cadets, and parents----all! We appreciate your volunteer service to this forum. I've only frequented this board recently, but have gained a wealth of information in a very short time. Thanks again for your service, and I look forward to looking you up at Fairchild one day, even if I am......</p>
<p>jutanothermother</p>
<p>BTW---Can you tell us the position for which you have been nominated, or is that not yet public record?</p>
<p>Best wishes are sent your way Doc! You're an institution upon itself to this forum and the new generation of applicants/parents won't know what they've missed. Hope Dooley gets a new position too! #1 USAFA Mascot! They're getting a good man (& dog) on their team!</p>
<p>UNcynical, you're the new information central! Good luck and keep up the good work of watching out for everyone here! You've been great as well. I'd passed along this forum to a few kids who are interested in your Academy because I know how well you help with questions. </p>
<p>Even though we've a son at another Academy, its always interesting to glean information about how its done at the AFA. Cool place! Thanks for all you've done and will do.</p>
<p>famnet has posted the position and I wish you well Doc - your help has been priceless over the last year as we went through the application process, BCT and now the start of classes - bon voyage from one of those helicopter moms who finally hovered away - at least until PW</p>
<p>Thanks doc for all your help on these boards. I remember stumbling across this site years ago and asking if what I would have to do to become qualified. You helped me out there, and have still been here giving out good advice since. Hearing someone like you who has been through the academy and believes that it's the best institution out there has convinced me that it is the place I want to be. If I have my way, falconhopeful10 will be "roaming the Fairchild hall" next year. You can expect a visit ( and as many push-ups as you like ) from someone very thankfull for your help.</p>
<p>Doc - I want to thank you for your faithful service to the cause. Your advice, wisdom and refereeing skills have made this site a joy to visit. I hope my son has the opportunity to meet you next year and thank you in person.</p>
<p>I have greatly appreciated the insight and advise that you have provided, both in response to my queries as well as to others (where I learned the answers to questions that I hadn't even thought of yet). Although your presence in this forum will be missed, I wish you the best in your new role.</p>
<p>Another mom from a different academy just wants to say thanks for all the good advice you have provided. Your love for the AFA is obvious to all. You made me laugh quite a few times. (I still chuckle when I remember your response to finding out that the new boots would not need polishing.) I certainly will miss hearing from you and wish you well in your new role.</p>
<p>First off, congrats Doc! I found out a couple days ago but didn't want to spill the beans. ;) For all of you who're wondering, according to my sources, the Dean just approved his nomination for professor as well as head of the astronautical engineering department here at the Academy. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!</p>
<p>I figured you'd be leaving this site once you officially got the position, however, I did NOT expect to be granted the privilege of being the acting mod here until a new one is found. I'm quite honored by that actually, so thank you. I'll frequent this board (as long as my computer chooses to navigate the web quicker than it was earlier today!) and pass on info I've learned during my time her so far as well as during the application process. Now obviously that doesn't come anywhere near a couple decades of AF experience, but I'll try my best. ;)</p>
<p>I'm sure I'll see you around, Doc. When you get settled here in a few months, I'll be sure to come by for some pushups.</p>
<p>You'll be a great acting moderator. You have been one of the most informed, balanced and helpful student on these boards. You're a great representative for not only the AFA but also a terrific example of the maturity that one will find in the students attending a service academy.</p>
<p>Contratulations Doc!. That's quite an honor. Thanks for your advice over the past couple years. My son is now a fourthclass cadet and the info you provided to this forum really helped along the way.</p>
<p>I am arriving to this board just as you are leaving, but you were still able to help out our son who is still in prep school. Good luck in this new challenge and I hope I get the chance to meet you one day.</p>
<p>Doc, while our focus has been on USNA, we have often perused these other sites cause they all have offered such important info that is applicable to any of the academies- have much appreciated your comments and insights, and wish you all the best-</p>