<p>
</p>
<p>Great post. Thanks. As should be all those who are associated with USMMA.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, from what I have read on other posts recently, sea year might be something to be avoided.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Tsk. Tsk. Now that’s not a very nice thing to say for those looking into KP by reading these very forums. Remember, you were to make sure not to let false information go unchallenged. People aren’t so daft that they are led astray about the entire sea year experience with a few little sea stories by a few people. You’re a Navy man. You’ve not any sea stories to tell? Would love to hear them. </p>
<p>My son’s & his KP pals curled my hair with theirs & it was awesome. But they’ve moved on to other things now. Yup, I heard the good, the bad, & the ugly. I so wanted to Clorox them clean but alas, the world is out there. No need to cover the thing up if you’re gonna be one who ventures out there in it as an Officer. Learning about the rotgut armpit places of the world could be very beneficial to new Officers. For some candidates, it’s a huge selling point on KP. A recommendation of avoidance? Nah….Just different strokes for different folks. One sails, one flies, one serves at the Pentagon, one serves in Iraq, one serves at a Coast Guard Sector, some teach us to be better people, ect.… I’m so very grateful cause there are KPers in all these places. And they all have one thing in common: Sea Year.</p>
<p>Oh hi Oliver. Want some cake?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>False information? If you feel that it is false, perhaps your efforts ought to be directed at the original poster. </p>
<p>The "daft"ness of candidates should be their decision, not yours as an attempted censor.</p>
<p>Are you attempting to imply that the working environment is not an important part of the decision process in selecting a career?</p>
<p>suzanne - best post - QUALITY OVER QUANTITY - USMMA's size is one of its greatest strengths but possibly it's greatest weakness ($$funding$$). As an educator for over 2 decades, I see and embrace the intrinsic value of these low numbers for many, not only academically, but socially and emotionally. It certainly has been an ace in the hole for my Mid. KP is the only academy he applied to and we could not be happier with the family we've come into and the education he is receiving - most especially the SEA YEAR. "Best kept secret" still rings true.</p>
<p>
Jamzmom, I wouldn't take that sitting down. I think MMAMom just stated that your three layer chocolate cake with tasty butter cream icing is no better than the typical cupcake. Sorry, couldn't resist. </p>
<p>I think with Boss' post, true colors are becoming very clear so I am outta here on this one. It has been fun though.</p>
<p>Proximity to NYC is also a great advantage our Mids have. Two nights ago, my Mid went with some buddies for a taping of the Colbert Report Christmas special (be sure to watch for it - you will definitely hear their laughter if they don't end up on the cutting room floor). Prior to the show during the warmup, Stephen got up out of his chair, went into the audience right to our Mids, shook their hands, expressed his appreciation for their service and chatted with them.</p>
<p>Dough! No 69, you’re doin’ it wrong. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, from what I have read on other posts recently, sea year might be something to be avoided.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That’s the part I wanted to come across as the thing you call “false information” in the KP forums even though its truly just another opinion. I thought I’d fly with it anyway.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The "daft"ness of candidates should be their decision, not yours as an attempted censor.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Nuts. I guess I didn’t come across well when I said:
[quote]
but alas, the world is out there. No need to cover the thing up if you’re gonna be one who ventures out there in it as an Officer. Learning about the rotgut armpit places of the world could be very beneficial to new Officers
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So by now understanding my true feelings about the sea year being something to be avoided bull, the other stuff goes mute. Go forth Mids! Drink it all in!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Are you attempting to imply that the working environment is not an important part of the decision process in selecting a career?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That’s just the most bizarre comment I could ever think of. Well, almost. I’ve seen some others more worthy of that title. Why would I imply anything of the sort when sea year is everything about the working environment of a KP Officer's career? Read more about sea year at usmma.edu. We all know that I’ve said countless times that the kids are out there in the real world, living it, working it, learning it, and most of all gaining the experience early on to come ahead as Officers. They know both the commercial world & the military world. How can that be not important? <em>Jamzmom noogies 69’s fuzzy old bear head</em> </p>
<p>Now Boss, there isn’t anything ugly that I see here so no worries. Its great conversation so far. I’m enjoying it as well as a few others here. 69 comes here to discuss KP issues & voice his opinions just like anyone else.
MMAMom - awesome story. They had to be thrilled. Hope to see the special!</p>
<p>JAMZMOM - please delete from your PM box. It is full (no surprise there..lol) and no longer receiving messages.</p>
<p>MMAMom, soooo sorry. Its been like a fire sale in there. Will make room so resend when you can. </p>
<p>Boss ~ Arrrrr I found thee parrot in me rum again. Could ye tell the scallywag to swab the poopdeck before he re-corks it?</p>
<p>Oh thank heaven! </p>
<p>The following quote has been the cure-all for the tightening in my stomach as well as the urge to hurl something across the room or at someone...the quote being:</p>
<p>"I think with Boss' post, true colors are becoming very clear so I am outta here on this one."</p>
<p>Now possibly all interested....let me repeat...interested...parties can get on with the business of the United States Merchant Marine Academy college confidential discussion group. The reference to such as the MMA is disrespectful and I am so thankful that the slinger of said mud has sailed to..uh shall we say fairer seas.</p>
<p>I am quite appreciative of those who weathered the storm of the naysayer. As a bystander...I say good riddance!</p>
<p>Oh yes and one more thing....let him eat cake!</p>
<p>
<p>Respect seems like a big issue with you. You lectured a cadet recently on another post and now you are questioning me. Please point out on this thread where I was disrespectful to MMA. Please point out where I was a mud slinger. Please point out where I was a naysayer. Did you even read my posts? Or are you simply parroting Jamzsmom’s attempt to misrepresent my statements? Perhaps you should realize that respect is a two way street.</p>
<p>This thread seems to imply that I am an elitist. I am being despaired because I have stated that USNA is the BEST Academy for those wishing to become Naval Officers. Yet, your intent apparently is that candidates should come away from your forum with the impression that USMMA is the BEST for everything. Hypocritical?</p>
<p> [quote=kawalla] the tightening in my stomach as well as the urge to hurl something across the room or at someone
</p>
<p>You are a MMA grad and a Chief Mate on merchant vessel? And a simple discussion drives you to such lengths? Perhaps you should consider getting a handle on your anger management before attempting to be a leader.</p>
<p>Oh hia! Where are we going & why are we in this hand basket again? </p>
<p>
[quote]
This thread seems to imply that I am an elitist. I am being despaired because I have stated that USNA is the BEST Academy for those wishing to become Naval Officers.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Did the flying monkeys make you say that? LOL It reads like you are being despaired because of your own said statement. No kidding! Reread it & see for yourself. I dont think its what you truly meant to say so I wont pick it to complete death. Ill just say that surely the KP kids arent wasting their time running around in those dress whites all the live long day just for looks. I bet my cake could make you not despair so much. Perhaps youd like my cookies better. </p>
<p>
[quote]
You are a MMA grad and a Chief Mate on merchant vessel? And a simple discussion drives you to such lengths? Perhaps you should consider getting a handle on your anger management before attempting to be a leader.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Geez, I hope it is truly not your intent to have this thread locked. Apparently there is more to be said here & the KP community should be afforded the opportunity. </p>
<p>You seem to dwell on several instances of what KP kids & grads say. I think most here would agree that theyve earned that right. Theyre doin it right.</p>
<p>Hey, any of you guys have the number for Chuck Norris? I cant keep offering up cake forever.</p>
<p>Just to set the record straight....my husband posted his reply in Cornmazes in LI using my account. That was his only post. The rest are all mine! I do understand the confusion and will suggest he create his own. </p>
<p>With that being said, I stand by all words that I wrote recently in respect to the climate in the USMMA college confidential discussion room.</p>
<p>I'm just glad I'm not a new parent having to listen to all this bickering!</p>
<p>Finding it necessary to defend my wife. I must reply. </p>
<p>"Please point out on this thread where I was disrespectful to MMA. Please point out where I was a mud slinger. Please point out where I was a naysayer."</p>
<p>1)Your response to Drab's statement that he is tired of the Naval Aviation stuff..." Great post. Thanks. As should be all those who are associated with USMMA." Are you implying that KPers should not pursue Naval flight?
I find this comment disrespectful.<br>
Would it surprise you that an individual that was at school with me now commands the space shuttle?</p>
<p>And on your feeling of being misinterpreted by the scores of responders..."Oh wait, this is the MMA forum standard procedure." Really? Not disrespectful?</p>
<p>2)"Bystanders who have taken neither path. Bystanders with only second-hand limited knowledge of what lies ahead..." I believe we are slinging mud
at cadet parents at this point. Why? These parents wish greater things for their children. Things, that for whatever reason, they were not able to achieve for themselves. Perhaps they were uninformed of those opportunities. In any event, kudos to all those parents who raised their kids in such a way to afford them these opportunities.</p>
<p>3)"Maybe the solution is to fore go the merchant marines and go Navy. "
Are you suggesting that the Navy is the epitome of moral fortitude? I can go on and on with examples to dispute that. Tailhook ring any bells? They were officers I believe. </p>
<p>Lets not condemn sea year because of a few nasty obstacles in our way. Lets embrace it. Sea Year is an immersion into the world. Someone from
Anytown, Usa can see the 3rd world poverty for themselves and gain perspective and appreciation for their own positions in life.</p>
<p>As a new plebe parent reading all of this, (and going back to the beginning of the forum) my admiration has only grown for KP. The fact that my plebe is struggling academically when I know what an amazing experience this place is, warts and all, makes the possibility of my plebe not getting through this place that much harder. We have met numerous alums in researching USMMA, and to a person, they felt KP was a national treasure. We are praying as hard as we can that our plebe gets through, but if that doesn't happen, we have been blessed to have been a part of this special place. So, in no way were we put off with these discussions. To the contrary, it helped us make a more informed decision.</p>
<p>I have to agree with Kathys point. So few words that say sooo much. Its been too silly all over the place for so long. Especially my little acting job in here as I am not prone to pooh-poohing in my own dog house so to speak or playing games. About 20 of 69s last 30 posts are in the KP threads. It was my intent to make busy work here in this thread so the others could go about conversing without disturbing interruption as hes drawn in by controversy. In that, the objective was achieved, if not just for a few days anyhow. Gave the folks in the USNA threads a rest I did! LOL My apologizes to Spica as to the ruination of such an awesome well meaning post. </p>
<p>Mr. Kawalla, what an awesome post. Wish we could welcome you under different circumstances. We all share your beliefs & your frustrations. 69 seems to martyr himself for the sake of a forums ratings, to keep the readers coming in to watch the train wrecks & boost the numbers as hed once said. Apparently, common sense isnt all that common & being mean to people well thats just so easy a cave man can do it. With that said, Ive seen him be so great to the kids looking to apply to USNA. He has helped so many on that front.</p>
<p>I appreciate all the pms & kudos for sinking down to an unwanted level. But yall know that its just not my normal personality. Really does leave bad taste in my mouth. Its obvious that 69 has issues with me, with KP & with some really cool folks on CC per the nasty pms hes sent them but I fear nary a one of us here can help him get it. </p>
<p>This whole ugly thread really does distract from what KP folks try to do here & thats help each other with support. If it continues, I hope it stays contained in this one thread so nothing else turns so vile. I wish you guys could have been part of the group back in the day when it was great. ALL Academy folks hung together as we all have so much in common & we enjoyed talking about all things Service Academies. When it started to go down hill in our threads, I found that KPers have some of the best loyalty I have come across. They can b**** about themselves all they want but when a dubious outsider comes in spewing bilge, its always been an awesome site to see em band together. </p>
<p>GO KP! HANG TOUGH EVERYONE!</p>
<p>I want to actually talk about the actual theme of this thread.</p>
<p>Spica, I believe your post was well said, but not all of us parents are attached at the hip. It's hard when you have a kid in your presence for 18 or so years and then don't hear from him for more than two weeks. The kid is not the only one going through this. It was very difficult for me last year. I hung in there due mostly to support from my friends and this website. </p>
<p>I listened to him complain and tried to guide him when I could, but I stopped at contacting the school or teachers. After all, he is an adult right?</p>
<p>My point of this post is to be gentle with us parents. You can't just stop worrying about your kid even though he or she is growing up. You want to protect and shield them from all the "bad stuff". </p>
<p>I know it's not rationale, but it is reality. I encourage parents to try to let their kids do it themselves. After all, we're not going to be at sea with them, etc. </p>
<p>Spica, we're trying, but we occasionally fall off the wagon.</p>
<p>Smilin' Bob comes in for the beatdown...defends his ladies honor...LOVE IT.</p>
<p>For USNA...we love you sir...you know if you were butter I'd spread you on a biscuit and eat you all up! :D</p>
<p>Ha ha stole than one from a "southern belle" I know.</p>
<p>Not bad for a kid from Ansonia, Conn. Go GIANTS! :)</p>