<p>For those of you who collect challenge coins, the 2007 Commemorative 2" Challenge Coin is now available from the IN/KY/TN Parents Association. Jamzmom brought the 2006 Coin to my attention on this forum last year (a few still left) and my son wanted one. This year's coins have the Class of 2007 crest on one side and the USMMA crest on the other. Order online <a href="http://ahallstrom.com/usmma/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://ahallstrom.com/usmma/index.html</a></p>
<p>Upcoming graduation reminds me of another gift idea (although not a graduation gift). "Presidential Honors" is the latest USMMA Regimental Band CD. There are 25 musical tracks interspersed with 6 brief highlights from President Bush's Kings Point graduation address. The entire CD, both music and remarks is inspiring and uplifting with favorites like Stars and Stripes, Scotland the Brave, Amazing Grace and some lesser known gems. You may recall that the Regimental Band presented President Bush with the musical score to a brand new march: "Presidential Pets March." I won't spoil it for you, but this unique and enjoyable march is on the CD. Cost of a CD is twenty dollars which includes shipping. Checks should be to "Music Program NAFI" and sent to CAPT K R Force, USMMA, Kings Point, NY 11024-1699.</p>
<p>I bought the coin for my son and it was a big hit. I figured since he's starting his KP journey in 07 the coin was a good commemorative for him. Also, it's a very nice coin~!</p>
<p>If you are a military band CD collector, consider some of the previous USMMA Regimental Band CDs (cost for each and ordering same as above):
1. Heroes of New York [a salute to the heroes of 9/11]
2. Music of Marines: United States, Royal and Merchant
3. Heave-Ho: Marches From Around the World and Historical American Circus Music
4. Oceans of Glory</p>
<p>suzannegra, I must mention the marine knife Jamzmom recommended. It is a useful tool for the sea year cruise. The Colorado USMMA Parents site makes it available.</p>
<p>Even though he was issued a marine knife, my son was very pleased with this model because of its quality, endurance and ease of handling.</p>
<p>i have a spyderco. it's an amazing knife and comes in handy quite often</p>
<p>ok...there are different ones to from which to choose. Which one is the best choice and when should it be given? Take at indoc....send after indoc? Thanks!</p>
<p>Those knives come highly suggested. KP2001 suggested a good knife when we were asking questions about it a few years ago. He was right on the money. I got son the stainless steel one on his birthday to take out for his first sea year. He hasn't lost it yet. :rolleyes: Said its 100 times better than the Plebe knife for cutting & splicing ropes & lines. </p>
<p>Suzannegra, I'd probably wait to order one until he is getting ready for sea year. He'll have to carry around his Plebe knife everywhere he goes for a long while.</p>
<p>Thanks! Was thinking about birthday in September, but if I should wait till next year no problem!</p>
<p>Any suggestions on what kind of boots to get for sea year and where to order them? My son tells me that the boots midshipmen are taking on cruise are other than plebe issue.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on garment bags? My son says the midshipmen are using heavy duty garment bags for regimental storage of uniforms, etc. Again, what and where to get?</p>
<p>Hadn't heard a thing about the garment bags Atlsmith. Thats a new one to me. As to the boots, son is still wearing his issued steel toe & they look pretty beat up but he loves them. His sea partner had a new pair of Red Wings when they left. Those are great work boots. You can order those on-line but it is best to go to a Red Wing location and have them measure his foot for the width as they have so many varied sizes. Make sure they are steel toe as well.</p>
<p>Red Wing are excellent steel toe boots thats what i am bringing to sea with me. Very comfortable and just all around great. THe plebe issued boots are HORRIBLE and very uncomfortable. </p>
<p>I second getting a good sharp knife. Doesn't matter what kind as long as you know it won't go dull on you. The plebe knifes i actually think come to you already dulled up. might be a safety issue since some find plebe year depressing and who needs a sharp knife when your depressed...spyderco knifes are very good tho. my roomate had one and it could cut through anything and are good for uniform stuff like IP's.</p>
<p>You can't beat a Spyderco but mine mid preferred her Gerber Knife and Her Letherman Tool -- also she carried her own Crescent Wrench on Sea Year. Her dad carries Spyderco and Benchmade knives.</p>
<p>As far as boots -- She replaced her Plebe Workboots with a pair of Timberland Steel Toes that she purchased at Bob's Store. </p>
<p>FWIW, everyone probably has their own preference and those were hers.</p>