<p>My son (who I hope doesn’t read this) is graduating soon and heading to USAFA in June. Are there any suggestions from you all (sorry I have lived in Texas too long) about a good graduation gift to give someone heading to the Academy? BTW - if it is an item (like a digital picture frame - I do read the posts) I realize that it likely will be coming up on parents weekend.</p>
<p>Also, I know I have seen info. on this (but have forgotten), what is the suggested amount of cash he should bring with him?</p>
<p>when i was at orientation, the cadet i was with said an extra monitor was really helpful. That way you can have a bigger screen and also have 2 windows up at the same time without having to minimize things. they also recommended at least 1 color printer in the room, so you don't have to walk to the squadron desk everytime you print something. My dad is getting me the extra monitor.</p>
<p>Soaring Dad there is not much they can take with them, and many things need to wait until Parents weekend. I wouldlike to suggest setting aside the money for ski club and the passes they will use next winter.</p>
<p>my parents bought me a printer and a monitor when they came out for parent's weekend as a late graduation present, which i am very thankful for.</p>
<p>might be pushing it time wise, but another cool present is a fmaily vacation or outing of some sort, even if just a weekend or a day, just to do something fun together before he leaves</p>
<p>That's not a bad idea, actually (well, if you like to hike). The Academy grounds are huge. There's a lot of road to bike or run too, plus you don't have to use a pass if it's on base.</p>
<p>For I-day, if he's spending the night on his own, I would say 40-50 dollars max. If he's spending it with a host family, not even that much. Most of the hotels have free rides from the airport and then the Academy usually picks them up. Cadets next year are going to get paid a good amount in the beginning so he's not going to have to worry about cash on hand for school supplies. There is nothing that he really needs except maybe something he enjoys the night before. He won't be going out until parents weekend either, so much money really isn't needed for I-day.</p>
<p>HNeedles - speaking of GPS..........have you ever heard of, or done any, geocaching?</p>
<p>My sister and husband geocache with a GPS and I have been with them a few times. It is a blast! Just google geocaching and you will learn all about it if you don't already.</p>
<p>If you like to hike, be in the woods, etc. you may enjoy this and I am betting there are geocaches on the USAFA grounds somewhere. Also, when you are no longer restricted so much, after Recognition, and can get off base, you have other places to search....then, when you get other Ops assignments all over the states, the world.....more sites for caching!!! </p>
<p>BJ10MOM- yeah i've done that before! it's really fun, we've got a few around here. i'm really excited to do some hiking out there once i get used to the place. i think the GPS will be more of a christmas present; but we'll have to see. i'm also talkin to my parents about a digital picture frame; also a new phone/phone service (depends).. there's alot to be done and so little time!</p>