<p>Includes Information booklet for new cadets, Parents Almanac, and parking permit for R-day. It's starting to get even more real.</p>
<p>Showed up here in California today as well.</p>
<p>Man, I really want to get my mailbox address! Everyone's asking me for it! Any idea how soon it'll come?</p>
<p>All will come in due time. You will not know your P.O. Box until R-Day. If your parents go to R-Day with you they will be able to distribute it. If not, then you will have to do it on your own, when you have time to write someone. There will be a station set up in the basement of Ike Hall to distribute the addresses on R-Day. If your parents go to R-Day you may want to have them avoid the lines and get your address later in the day and take in some of the other programs, sites, etc. after the 90-second goodbyes. As you may know, phone calls will be limited to 3 during Beast, so this will not be a good way to distribute your address.</p>
<p>You may want to do anything you can to minimize attention. All mail should be in white envelopes. You will be known as New Cadet [last name] until after A-Day, then you will be Cadet [last name]. That means no first name in the addresses. You will not have a first name after R-Day. Also, patriotic stamps work best. For the guys, no purfume or kisses on the envelopes from girlfriends. Welcome to the Army!</p>
<p>Good luck to all of the Class of 2009!</p>
<p>The mailing we got yesterday says that we will be mailed the PO Box number for our new cadets prior to R day. ??</p>
<p>When we attended a graduation/going away party last June for a friend who was on his way to WP, they had index cards with his preprinted name and WP address on it (and instructions to reproduce exactly as printed.) So last year, at least, they knew in advance of R-day. The same request for plain white envelopes and patriotic stamps.
CM</p>
<p>They must have changed last year. Up until 2003 (when my son entered) they distributed the addresses on R-Day. The New Cadet's P.O. Box was typed on an index card. Tickets for the Oath Ceremony (in case of bad weather) were attached to the address card. Again good luck to the Class of 2009.</p>
<p>Thanks GEB. Any advise for the parents on "what no to miss" during R day? For many of us it will be our first trip to WP.</p>
<p>Class of 08 parents got the index card with the New Cadet address and the rain tickets at Ike Hall, too.
R Day is a bit of a blur because it is wrapped up in a lot of emotion. USMA has so much history that just being there is an experience. Try to get back for Plebe Parent Weekend. You can eat at Washington Hall with your Cadet and walk through the Cadet area and visit in the barracks, a fantastic experience.
On R Day, when the New Cadets march out from the salley ports to take the oath you'll be trying to spot you cadet, which is close to impossible. My husband wore a very brightly colored hat and stood near the Commandant's house and my son spotted him. My husband didn't recognized my son with his new haircut and BCGs.</p>
<p>Shogun:</p>
<p>R-Day is an emotional experience. It will be the culmination of the journey to West Point, but the beginning of a new adventure not only for the New Cadets but also for the parents. Be prepared, when waiting in the long line to go into Ike Hall for the initial briefing you will think that you will have plenty of time with your New Cadet as you wind up the hill because you are still a long way from the entry. But suddenly you will be divided into four lines and ushered through the exit doors of the auditorium. A brief talk by an officer and Cadet, then you will get to take part in the gut-wrenching 90-second goodbye. Then the adventure begins.</p>
<p>There is so much to do and see as far as programs go for the parents on R-Day. See the Superintendent's quarters and attend his briefing. The Commandant will also have some remarks along with the Superintendent. Take in all of the programs and do not worry about trying to see your New Cadet during the day. (We spent much of the day hoping to see our son on his way from Thayer Hall to the barracks and left disappointed.) If you have not been to West Point before take the opportunity to take a tour of the Post. In 2003, the Cadet Store was open to the parents and was a great place to get West Point items at the Cadet price. It is also open to the parents on Plebe Parent Weekend but then you must be accompanied by your Cadet. I have been told that the Cadet Store may not be open to the parents this year. </p>
<p>Do get a good spot for the Oath Ceremony. If you want to get a good view of your Cadet it is best to be by the road between the Superintendents Quarters and Trophy Point. However, if you are not by Trophy Point you will not see the Ceremony. Buy the DVD from Academy Photo and you can see it all later. If you want to stay around after the Oath Ceremony, you can watch the Retiring of the Colors and the after dinner formation of the New Cadets. You will not be able to see your son/daughter after the morning goodbye except from a distance.</p>
<p>A-Day is a special time to spend a few precious hours with your now Cadet. Plebe Parent Weekend is also a great time to see some of the areas normally not accessible to the public such as the barracks and the company areas, meet the instructors, TACS, and your Cadets new friends. Enjoy, the time at West Point goes by so very fast. Our son is finishing his second year and it seems like R-Day '03 was only yesterday.</p>
<p>Another one today! It included a note and a book that is to be read prior to arrival at West Point. The book is written by a USMA grad and entitled "In Search of Ethics". Enjoy! :)</p>
<p>My daughter was given that same book at IAW last June at WP. The author gave a lecture at the ethics class she attended. He inscribed it to her and signed it inside the cover. Pretty neat.</p>
<p>Ooooh, they actually send us a book? I haven't gotten mine yet. </p>
<p>BUT, I have heard it from a reliable source (the President of the Alabama Parent's Club as well as a Cadet working Beast I) that we can get our mailbox number after June 5th. I was told to call the Admission's Office.</p>
<p>Shogun,</p>
<p>My daughter has the same book. She was in the Ethics class also. </p>
<p>lapunkprincesa,</p>
<p>I guess I'm not surprised that you have "summer homework" to go along with the running and push-ups to get ready.</p>
<p>Hey, the green/gray booklet we got mentioned that it might be a good idea to get a passport. Anyone actually doing that?</p>
<p>I don't know, but people are asking me too.</p>
<p>I'm going to renew my passport picture before I leave, and have my parents bring it to me on A-Day.</p>