<p>Although USNA '09 was the first class to post on CC (with like 6 or 7 pages), we, USNA '10 were the first full out generation (with over 40 pages). </p>
<p>19 days from now we (USNA 2010) start our I-Day. It been so neat that many of us have formed a family over at CC (Zaphod=dad) Soon we, the new plebes, will have to go and probably won't have much time (if any?) for either CC or this forum . I just want to thank everyone for all the information and support. I would also like to especially thank Zaphod and peskemom for making it such a great time. </p>
<p>If I have time, I will make every effort to help out those seeking an appointment into USNA '11 just as Wheelah did.</p>
<p>HEY! LOLA IS HOME AND I HAVE DONE 4 Loads of laundry ... BTW the USNA Sweatpants and the White USNA UnderArmor White T re completely ruined from Sea Trials! Did your kids clothes survive?</p>
<p>Now to pack Miss Lola for 3.5 wks in Europe! I EXPECT YOU GALS TO KEEP ME COMPANY WHILE SHE IS GONE! :)</p>
<p>Only had one load w/ The Boy. Nick's clothes came back fine. The only thing that smelled was one of his red shirts. However, he took care of the underarmor, since he uses that stuff for soccer. </p>
<p>He came off of the plane wearing his USNA sweatshirt. He said it was the only half way clean thing he brought back. He took zero pictures. </p>
<p>I'll keep you company since mine are going to soccer camp and then onto scuba camp.</p>
<p>To those of you that just completed NASS I, what was the drill for pick-up? I beleive the instructions suggested a noon pickup but was there a closing ceremony of any sorts that locals (like us from NJ) can attend? If so, when does that start? Dahlgren?</p>
<p>There was an assembly in Alumni Hall They had some briefs and meetings with the coaches and awards. It was really boring and most people were falling asleep because of the lack of sleep the previous night. Hahaha all of the squad leaders patrolled the aisles waking kids up. It was okay, not too bad but I wouldn't suggest attending. Wasn't anything special.</p>
<p>We attended last year's NASS #2 closing ceremonies. For the candidates, glitterhairdye is right....it's boring. But for the families - many of them like us who have never really spent alot of time on the grounds ( Well, I hadn't at least...my husband is '72 ...but he wasn't a 'dad' then) just seeing all the Navy folk, observing their interactions was worth it. Also we walked back to Bancroft Hall with our daughter's Squad Leader, and had a nice, personal chat with him. Bottom line? We're still in touch with this midshipman and I doubt that would be the case if we had remained in Southern California and our daughter just flew back alone. </p>
<p>Yes it's a lot of expense and effort for many....but I sure recommend the parents who can, do go to the closing moments of NASS</p>
<p>Hello All we just returned from Annapolis on Friday Son was in NASS1 this is my first post in this forum and perhaps this info will be helpful to the NASS3 bunch (sorry, NASS2).</p>
<p>Drop-off & pick-up: you can drive into the yard for both. We used Gate 3 Gate 1 is closed to vehicle traffic, as others have noted. You can drive to check-in at Dahlgren Hall, but parking is very limited. Best fallback may be to park outside on King George Street (2nd street up outside Gate 3) and walk on in. There are usually a few open slots on KG but you can stay there only 2 hours without a sticker (thats enough time).</p>
<p>Son carried all his gear in a backpack good idea if you have to hike in. His room was on the 4th Deck so that made it easier.</p>
<p>I thought the Closing Ceremony was a must. Also for the kids if they werent too tired to stay awake! Marine Asst. Commandant (COL Fuqua) gave a very inspirational message for the candidates (and parents). Get there EARLY to get a parking spot.</p>
<p>Words from Son: who is too busy trying to make-up a weeks worth of school to post (he doesnt get out for two more weeks). He was in Alpha 2-1. Food is good and plenty of it. Sea Trials is the best part. Be in shape (too late if you arent). Reveille at 0500 and taps at 2200 and they will wear you out in between (no down time). Believe the posts that advise 12 pairs of scivvies and socks he used them all. Gatorade powder to flavor the water and provide electrolytes is a good idea.</p>
<p>Parents Perspective: Our normally uncommunicative son rattled on for 10 hours after we picked him up about all the happenings the adrenalin was still flowing. There seemed to be a lot of horseplay and the spirits were high. It was interesting to see how quick they picked up the lingo decks, bulkheads, ladders, your ballcap is a cover, etc. </p>
<p>On a closing note: I asked Son to get a picture of my old room Im a USNA alumni from several decades ago (OK, it was 1961). Ironically, his NASS room was right next door to our old plebe year room, 3rd wing, 4th deck. Déjà vu all over again!</p>
<p>b&g dad,
That is so cool that your son's NASS room was next door to your plebe year room (considering the fact that Bancroft Hall is the largest dorm in the world--I agree that is very ironic)! If your son receives an appointment, you will have two opportunities to revisit Bancroft Hall: Plebe Parent Weekend, and four years later Firstie Parent Weekend! Good Luck!</p>
<p>Album from pics. are done. Boy took zero pics, like I said before. Am going back to area in July. Will get rest of pics, then. Anyway, site address found earlier in thread if ya'll want to see them.</p>
<p>Sorry to chime in so late. Navy_Hornet (my daughter) was in Session 1, Delta 1-1. I haven't gotten much chance to find out how things went, because she had Girls State and AFASS the two weeks after NASS. She's now getting a much deserved vacation with my in-laws in Colorado Springs (were from Boise.)</p>
<p>I did get out of her that she had a blast and is even more sure she wants to go to USNA next year. </p>
<p>Sorry I wasn't around to talk at you all while they were in Annapolis. Now I have to catch up.</p>
<p>I was at work today and happened upon a couple of co-workers (one male, one female) talking about being drafted (caught the tail end). Apparently, the female, who has two toddlers (boys) was asking my male co-worker how she could make her sons medically non-qualified to be drafted. Ritalin came up as a "sure fire way" to make sure they were never drafted. Swallowing my rage, along with my lunch, I calmly told her that trick doesn't always work, since Dr.'s don't hand it out like candy anymore AND they look at several variables before deeming you "unqualified." </p>
<p>She then asked if my son was still interested in the academy and I told her he was. She asked me if I wanted my son killed. Almost gagging on my meatloaf, and it wasn't the food making me ill, I replied, "No mother in her right mind wants her child killed. However, there have to be those who are willing to stand up and defend so that others may feed their children Ritalin."</p>
<p>She got up and left and I was left to enjoy my meatloaf in relative, non-ignorant, non draft-dodging peace.</p>
<p>Is there a better way I could have responded? I could hardly speak to her after that and still want to slap her sane, since she's already silly.</p>
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Is there a better way I could have responded?
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<p>Frankly, I think your response was brilliant. :D</p>
<p>Sorry you had to go through that. I'm afraid that leftist stupidity is a mental disease, and far too many people who can, unfortunately, vote AND breed seem to be afflicted with it. Hell, we have one shining example as a regular troll on this board, and he's so stupid he actually thinks he's brilliant.</p>
<p>Just ignore the entire sorry putrid stinking degenrate mass of them. They don't deserve their freedoms, and have them only because people like your son are willing to grab a weapon and stand between them and the enemy. </p>
<p>The REALLY pathetic thing is that all too often these IDIOTS are actually ROOTING for the ENEMY. Welcome to life in America with the New Left. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>HEYYY NURSEYPOO!! FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN ON SINCE NASS SESSION 1 (when I started this Blog!) HA HA! Has been crazy month with Lola in Nass, then home for 5 days, then her month in Europe! BUT SHE GOT HOME SAFE AND SOUND JULY 4th! WHATS NEW WITH YOU AND THE BOY? </p>
<p>P.S. Just got an new USNA AFGHAN on EBAY for $10 and New USNA Hoodie fot $10! Lola's room has gone from HULA GIRL Theme to BLUE AND GOLD!! :) (With some RED, BLACK and GOLD thrown in from the GERMANY WORLD CUP SOCCER Souveniers she got while in Euro).</p>