<p>I call him "ours" because even though it's my dd that has applied, he seems like he belongs to the whole family. Anyway--he and his wife drove up for my dd's senior music recital tonight! It's quite a long drive, over some mountain passes, so we were really touched that they came. These B&GOs really put their heart and soul into their jobs.</p>
<p>yes they do- and it sounds like you have a gem in yours! Our son was also very, very lucky!</p>
<p>Our BGO has also been outstanding. Our daughter called him yesterday to share the exciting news about her Nomination letter, and then the call from the Congressman's office telling her that USNA had her Appointment in the mail. He told her how proud of her he was....and to keep him informed of her upcoming dates...things like high school award night, etc. We told him already we want him there for her June 2010 graduation!</p>
<p>PM- that is so great to hear- these people are amazing! </p>
<p>As you know, our son is in the foundation program, and so has a new BGO this year- but his BGO from last year presented his Foundation Appointment at the senior awards day, came to his lax championship final, and joined us at his graduation party...even a card at christmas time in response to a note our son sent to him! It has been a great relationship- and his new BGO at the foundation program has been equally attentive. </p>
<p>Good friends of ours told us that thier son's BGO also joined them at their son's graduation ceremony....the one 4 years later down in Annapolis! Since he was a retired Marine, he even got to swear him in and was the receipient of the silver dollar for the first salute!</p>
<p>navy2010 wrote "Since he was a retired Marine, he even got to swear him in and was the receipient of the silver dollar for the first salute!"</p>
<p>The US Navy does this still? How cool, it's a very, very old tradition! I'd love to here more details.</p>
<p>Moominmama: I will do my best to oblige!</p>
<p>What I can add to this is that her son graduated 4 (or maybe it was 5) years ago, and at the time of his graduation his BGO traveled down from eastern LI to Annapolis for the graduation, donned his uniform, and swore him in. His parents pinned on his butter bars. </p>
<p>A silver dollar is still given to the first uniformed officer to salute the new 2nd Lt or Ensign! These traditions are still alive and well at USNA, now strengthened by the Chain of Gold- a relatively new tradition that links the incoming class with the graduating class T-50 years (gold from class rings of that year are melted into the gold that forges the new class rings)- thus, a golden bond. </p>
<p>The rest of his story is just as interesting, and perhaps worth sharing, as there is an end to all this worry and hard work! </p>
<p>He went on to graduate study after USNA (Johns Hopkins if I recall) to study nuclear physics for 18 months, following which he served on a nuclear sub for 2 tours of duty. I don't know where he landed immediately after that, however he is now teaching at USNA- still single, but who knows for how much longer! As for his parents, they both retired in June of 2005 at age 55, sold their house on LI during the summer, and bought one of those new condos being built behind the mall in Annapolis to be closer to their only child! Their christmas card mentioned they were enjoying the games and activities on the yard, and their son is teaching them to sail. Having been very active in the USNA parents club on LI, they are considering becoming sponsor parents, and if so, we hope to link up our son with them (they have known him since he was born). She keeps reminding me, "what else are friends for!"</p>
<p>Military traditions- gotta love them!</p>