<p>Amen to you all and very sound advice Native Texan...Even though most of our kids attending SA's are pretty locked on---THEY ARE STILL COLLEGE KIDS, which is something we parent's tend to forget. :D</p>
<p>Just love those delusional parents....</p>
<p>First: Annapolis: A Drinking town with a sailing problem! All there is to do, just like many college towns, is to go out drinking. Plenty of opportunity to do so prior to the 21st birthday. </p>
<p>On your 21st birthday weekend - the Dant even offers your Mid a drinking party where you can experiment to find our how much it takes for you to get drunk or act stupid - not that most of us didn't know way before her little experiment. Hey even know a few Mids that crashed the birthday party just for the free alcohol on the yard!</p>
<p>Remember, plenty of over 21 plebes too! (If you are wondering where your angel is getting their stuff)</p>
<p>Plenty to be found and used in the hall too!</p>
<p>Thanks CurrentMid...... </p>
<p>I am glad someone in here has the nads to tell it like it is.........</p>
<p>Although never being at a Service Academy, I learned real quick as a 17 year old Marine in 29 Palms CA, and Okinawa on the "finer things in life". </p>
<p>It was really a good time. I was "Honorably Discharged", over 21, and enrolled at the local college. The incoming Freshman really paid attention to what we had to say. As a matter of fact, I think there were some co-eds that opted out of college and went Military.</p>
<p>We had our moment in the sun at son's graduation last weekend. We too have experienced all too many people who do not understand the academy choice. Son's graduating class is only 39 and 3 are going to academies (2 WP, 1CG). Member of local congressman's interview committee (and a Naval Academy grad) presented the appointments to the three duing the ceremony. He gave a passionate speech about the gruelling application process, the selectivity, and the personal commitment and sacrifice these boys are making. By the time he introduced the first appointee the whole place was on their feet roaring wtih applause. Very satisfying and very well deserved for all 3.</p>
<p>Something that ****es me off, alot of times when people ask me where I'm going, I tell them West Point, and they ask me "Oh is it because it's free?"</p>
<p>I had a full scholarship to an Ivy, do you really think I'm choosing West Point because it's free?</p>
<p>When people respond that I must be proud, I respond that I am proud that he wants to serve. I find that politely reminds people that this is much more than "free" college. These are America's best and brightest who not only qualify, but have made a very big decision at a very early age.</p>
<h2>My son, the diplomat.</h2>
<p>Leaving the airport, going back to the Academy (KP). Arrives in New York, and waiting on his baggage to arrive. Even the USNA mids were surprised to see a Navy uniform getting on the jet to JFK. </p>
<p>A little old lady... (now, don't be offended. I DID have to get clarification-- since MOST teenagers would put their parents in that category as well)... Anyway,
I real little old lady (all gray hair, a bit frail) at his destination was wrestling her bag off the luggage carousel.. The bag probably weighted about as much as she did.</p>
<p>My son offers to help, and fetches the bag for her, and gets it all set up. She gratefully thanked him, looking carefully at his uniform...
"Thank you young man... Did you fly the airplane?"
"No 'mam. Just happy to help".
"Well, thank you for serving in the Army".
(Pauses just a fraction of a second... Is cover is in place, with the fouled anchor?--check, is emblem on front w/golden eagles?--check, are shoulderboards still present with propellers?--check)
"'Mam, we're proud of all those who choose to serve"
-- WOW. nicely stated! (He just HAS to take after his Mom for that!)
So, the nice little old lady walked away feeling good about thanking our servicemen... and my son walked away knowing that there are a lot of people like his dad who need to get their eyeglasses prescription checked.</p>
<p>And although many parents are confused, he is absolutely locked on there at KP looking towards active duty service.</p>
<p>
[quote]
"Thank you young man... Did you fly the airplane?"
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Several years ago, my son, along with the Army Golden Knights, was a part of the pre game festivities at Yankee Stadium for Military Appreciation Day. He, in his flight suit, and I, during the game, went to the concession stand where we were met by a youngster, program and pen in hand for an autograph, who asked; "hey mister, did you jump out of the airplane?" to which my son replied that, no, he was piloting one of the four F-14s for the flyover. The kid's resonse was "Oh, you had the easy job, huh?", pulled the pen back without getting an autograph, and walked off. If only I had had a camera.</p>
<p>These comments amaze me!
I guess it makes me feel a little better about the fact that DS has never really gotten any recognition for his appt. On the HS Senior Honors Ceremony, they didn't even get the name of his school correct. The kids getting the $500. scholarships got rousing applause while everyone just seemed confused about his appt.</p>
<p>I have comforted myself in knowing that HE doesn't care. He's never been one to toot his own horn & isn't that comfortable when someone else does either. Sometimes I'd like for him to get a little credit for what he's doing tho', especially since he made a 4.0 this semester.</p>
<p>Ok - that's my vent. Thanks. Probably wouldn't make a hill of beans to DS, but I feel better knowing someone else out there understands all that he is sacrificing & working for. I'm sure when he tosses that cover into the air it will all be worth it.</p>
<p>I was walking with two neighbors recently. Since we all have college age sons, the conversation turned to what they would be doing this summer.<br>
When I said my 1C NROTC mid would be doing an EOD summer cruise, one neighor asked what that was. </p>
<p>Before I could reply, the other neighbor (who has made remarks in the past about S going to sch. for free and to whom I had previously tried to explain EOD) jumped in and said "He wants to blow people up". Arrgh...</p>
<p>Sorry to hear the stories of how one has to tuck their tail when answering a simple question of WHERE they are going.</p>
<p>Pardon my french...F--k 'em...BE PROUD and with chest out and chin up...announce WHERE you are going. No need to get defensive because any response to WHERE other than something to the effect of "Congratulations" is THEIR PROBLEM/ISSUE/INSECURITY and don't ever forget that.</p>
<p>As for the little old lady....it can be obvious to those with some or a lot of military experience but to MANY others...it is not so obvious and some will merely LUMP all service into "the army." Glad to hear that your son didn't not feel compelled to correct her as he was probably exhibiting some sensitivity to her age/ignorance/??? and gee was it really necessary to correct her? It's debatable.</p>
<p>We've had our share of those that dont have a clue!! But what I find truly refreshing is the reaction we get from those that do. "WOW!!!" "How proud you must be" and so on.</p>
<p>The Sergeant Major of the Army installation I live on was at some meeting in the city with the Colonel of an Air Force base near by. The Sgt Maj. and Col. where talking about the kids at school and where they were going to college. Sgt. Maj. said I was going to the Air Force Academy. The Col. got real ticked and said Hey, that kid stole my sons appointment!! End of meeting.
Its a bit more funny because I received letters of recommendation from many people on the installation, but not the Sgt. Maj. because Im not going to West Point! </p>
<p>As for all the congats, I actually dont really like it all that much. I don't really like standing out in the crowd. And I just dont really know what to say back to them. Almost everyone here knows where Im going because my dad has to tell everyone. But there is still a lot of explaining of what Im actually doing!</p>
<p>I was trying to explain to my dentist that I needed xrays of my teeth to take up to the Merchant Marine Academy. "Well, how long are you going to be stationed there? You should have enough time to come home and get your teeth cleaned." I tried to explain the academy so she'd understand better upon which she responded with, "Well! You must be a tough girl enlisting in the Marines like that!" Good thing there was a pick in my mouth for the rest of the time in the chair.</p>
<p>I feel sorry for those trying to explain USMMA. Getting the idea of USAFA across was difficult enough...even with some veterans.</p>
<p>I agree somewhat with Viper. Sometimes it's nice to get compliments, but often times it's awkward...at least for me.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I feel sorry for those trying to explain USMMA.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You eventually give up hope and simply say yes when they ask if you are going to be a marine. Life becomes much easier after you start doing that.</p>
<p>I was at a wedding a few weeks ago in my chokers, and I was asked three times what it was like to be a Marine. The first time I heard it, I thought the girl was trying to tell a joke. The third time I think the guy was taken aback by my reaction, which was mostly out of disbelief, but I recovered quickly and apologized... I didn't think that there was a more recognizable military uniform than the Navy's chokers or summer whites.</p>
<p>-to be fair, the girl, who claimed that she had seen Top Gun several times, thought the movie was about the Air Force. Then she asked when they said they were Navy. The uniforms and aircraft carriers aside, I was still able to quote the line in the bar with Kelly McGillis... Suffice it to say my roommates down in Florida have corrupted me with Top Gun trivia in the past year.</p>
<p>At least she didn't ask what it was like to be in the army.</p>
<p>It really does amaze me that in this day and age or internet an all that so many people know absolutely NADA about military academies! Good line of discussion!</p>
<p>Its a bit early for us but my son just got back from the USNA SS. Look like he's going to apply for the 2013 class. One of his friends implied that he wanted to go to USNA becasue he could not get in a regular college. My son is a bit of a smart ass (and this worries me-with respect to him being a plebe) replied said because I want to go somewhere where I can respect most of my classmates and the professors.</p>
<p>His girl friend (former girl friend) asked him what Navy was and what did it do? Like I said former girl friend.</p>
<p>Regards</p>