<p>Hi,</p>
<p>"Father Fergi" made it past the measurement stage and is now officially the old man plebe!! Woohoo - I am so proud of him - just one question - do any of you out there know how I can find out what squad he is in? I know he is K - 19 (being a former submariner he is a little superstitious about that one!!)</p>
<p>Thanks for any input!!!</p>
<p>FergisMom,</p>
<p>I can't answer your question but just want to say "Congratulations!" You have a marvelous son. Please let us know how he's doing.</p>
<p>momoftwins,</p>
<p>Thanks for the kudos - I think he is pretty amazing, but then I am totally unbiased - right?? ;) Can't wait for a letter and then parents weekend to see him in the flesh. He has been in the Navy for almost 3 years, but for some reason his leaving this time was really hard for me - maybe it is because he worked so hard for this and now it is finally happening.......</p>
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do any of you out there know how I can find out what squad he is in? I know he is K - 19
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</p>
<p>If you're trying to find him, K-19 is all you need.</p>
<p>Is there something specific you're trying to do, like spot him in a company photo or something?</p>
<p>middiesmom: in answer to your last question -- the lowdown on PPW -- here's a recap from last year.</p>
<p>If you are coming from out of town you should arrive on Thursday because you do NOT want to miss the PEP workout that starts at about 5:45 Friday morning. (We live locally and still chose to spend the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at a hotel in Annapolis just to be fully immersed in the weekend.) If you can afford one of the hotels that is within walking distance to the Yard I highly recommend it -- then you aren't at the mercy of the hotel shuttle buses. If you have your pass already you can drive onto the Yard, but I wouldn't recommend it -- Leave your car at the hotel parking lot and travel on foot if possible.</p>
<p>If you haven't made your reservations yet -- do it now!</p>
<p>It will be HOT and HUMID, maybe rainy, maybe sunny, but HOT HOT HOT. Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes -- you won't need to dress up for anything.</p>
<p>On Thursday afternoon, if you get in early, there is "registration" and some parents exhibits you can browse on the Yard itself, but registration isn't really necessary for anything (we didn't register). You can use that evening to orient yourself to the town, which is lovely, and enjoy the waterfront, watch boats maneuver up and down "Ego Alley" on Spa Creek, and get to bed early.</p>
<p>I'll say it again -- don't miss PEP on Friday morning. Try to be there before the plebes arrive. They will bound onto the field with high energy and form up in lines by company so knowing your kid's company will help you find a place to sit or stand with a good view. The workout lasted about 1 1/2 last year -- stretches, calistenics and running several laps around the outer perimeter of the fields. I've said it before on these boards but one thing I'll remeber all my life is the SMELL of 1200 plebes as they ran along the seawall -- it preceeded them by 100 yards! During the workout, you will probably be treated to running commentary by the officer in charge of PEP complete with statistics on how many situps, pushups, flutter kicks and miles-ran that the group as a whole have accomplished. The stats on increase in fitness over the 6 weeks are cool too. </p>
<p>Don't expect to talk to you plebe during PEP -- at best they will catch a glimpse of you out of the corner of their eye but they will stay focused on the workout.</p>
<p>After PEP, the plebes disappear and you are on your own until noon formation. You can get breakfast at the Drydock restaurant in Dalgren, but you can also exit by Gate 1 (closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians.) Gate 1 is just 2 block from downtown where you will find a Starbucks and several restaurants open for breakfast. Always have your ID (driver's license) on hand for entering the Yard on foot.</p>
<p>At noon the plebes will form up in Tecumseh Court and then be dismissed -- this is the big moment! I can't begin to describe what you will feel as you see your child walking toward you, smile as wide as the sky, in his/her summer whites. Your heart will practically burst with pride and joy. </p>
<p>Last year they were allowed liberty from after noon formation until 10 at night. Even if your child is generally not a "talker" chances are they will be bubbling over with a million things they want to tell you about. Just sit back, listen and enjoy! </p>
<p>What you choose to do on Friday depends on your child's preferences. Chances are they will want: food, a LONG shower, a nap, and lots of time to talk. (If you have a daughter, Friday afternoon is a great time to treat her to a pedicure -- you won't believe the beating their feet will take!) Don't feel you have to plan much -- stroll around town, go back to the hotel for a nap, get a nice dinner, and make sure to leave plenty of time to get them back to the Yard early.</p>
<p>(Its funny, by the end of Plebe year they will be very comfortable cutting it close when they return to the Yard, but on PPW they will want to have at least 1/2 hour cushion to make sure they aren't late.)</p>
<p>There will probably be a parade on Saturday morning on Worden field. If you haven't seen one yet it is interesting, but be aware that parades are not fun for your kid -- they are hot, tired and get very stiff from standing at "parade rest" for long stretches. The re-affirmation of the Oath comes next (probably in Alumni Hall). This is again difficult for the kids -- last year many passed out during the ceremony from heat and exhaution. Don't worry -- the ones who are starting to faint will be gently caught by their classmates and led off the floor to get water and recover.</p>
<p>If the pattern from the past few years holds, they will be dismissed after the Oath and granted overnight liberty and not be due back on the Yard until 6 on Sunday. (Think about this when you book your room -- be sure to have space for them to sleep over in comfort.) </p>
<p>It may seem like a lot of time, but it passes quickly. Some of you might want to do some sightseeing -- or even drive up to D.C. -- but follow your child's lead. Sleeping late, a movie at the mall, a little shopping, some good meals and lots of talk might be all they want. Remember -- they have been scheduled every minute of the day for 6 weeks and "downtime" is a real treat.</p>
<p>Don't worry about bringing civilian clothes from home -- they won't be allowed to wear them. They sleep in their workout gear (clean of course) and have to be in uniform when they leave the hotel. They may have some items they want you to buy for them like cleaning supplies for their room or a computer printer, but wait until you get here to do any shopping. You can get anything you need locally, and what they want may be dependent on who they are rooming with (some only buy 1 printer for the whole room for example).</p>
<p>So, don't stress about what to bring -- be prepared for HOT and HUMID, be prepared to walk a lot, and be prepared to listen. It will be one of the best weekends of your life.</p>
<p>I am in mom heaven! I just saw a picture of Jake on the Thornton website. He looks fabulous. I am so thrilled that they also have his daily schedule. Pistols/rifles today for him. He will at least love that.</p>
<p>I want to express how wonderful it is to get first hand information from others who have gone through this. My son is my only child- and it was very hard to let him go. I am very lucky to have a first cousin living in the immediate area- so the whole hotel thing is one item I don't have to worry about. I made reservations for flights in around 2:00 on Thursday and flights out late on Sunday. Taking my son's girl friend with us as an early birthday present and I am looking so forward to the experience.</p>
<p>I was one of the luchy ones, we came out to view the Academy in December with some of the other football players. They took the time to show us around and really made me feel a part of my son's decision.</p>
<p>This forum is wonderful- just being able to talk with other parents out there is such a support for me. Any other information you might be able to pass along to me would be great. Thanks again- middiesmom</p>
<p>Oregon Mom,</p>
<p>Finding your "Waldo" is about the greatest feeling in the world. Last summer I e-mailed links of my daughter in those revolting glasses to people all over the world. And I thought she looked great.</p>
<p>Middiesmom,</p>
<p>Welcome aboard! You're in for a great ride. And I sure hope your son isn't a very good football player. ;)</p>
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I've said it before on these boards but one thing I'll remeber all my life is the SMELL of 1200 plebes as they ran along the seawall -- it preceeded them by 100 yards!
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<p>Yep!</p>
<p>Just like the Halsey Field House and fresh White Works. You NEVER forget those smells, boy! :D</p>
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Pistols/rifles today for him.
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</p>
<p>ALREADY? :eek:</p>
<p>Wow. We didn't start shooting that quick. Not that I remember, at any rate.</p>
<p>Well he had a stellar career here in Ohio-in fact both Navy and Air Force heavily recruited him last summer-with Navy winning due in part to the coaching staff, location, and asking him for committment in early August. He played both running back and quarterback here in high school - and that's what the Navy coaches have him slanted for.</p>
<p>Okay Twinsmom- now I know who you are- realized where your sons are going. If they play football there- ask them if then know Brian Borkowski- I taught this young man in school and I heard through the grapevine that he'll be playing for Army this year- Go Navy- Beat Army-:)</p>
<p>GO NAVY Momoftwins. LOL That is awesome that Jake has been spotted. He's alive! He's alive! Having that schedule is going to be fun to think about what he's doing & when. Very cool. And oiixxg! What a perfect post! </p>
<p>A special note to FergisMom. You have the most wonderful son. Its not just your imagination. I have so enjoyed keeping tabs on him this past year. I know he will do well. He's been a help to me on several occassions with some questions I had. He's just so loveable & funny, that one. When you next talk to him, tell him his CC family wishes him the best & we said to shake off that K-19 thing!</p>
<p>I beg you guys.... Please ignore any posts from Confused. If you are new here, just know that this kid is trouble & just wants to fight & stir the pot. Hated to dirty up this wonderful thread but wanted to give the heads up.</p>
<p>Ooops! Momoftwins has a daughter at WP. But look out. She could take up football next. She can give people concusions from time to time. ;)</p>
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I beg you guys.... Please ignore any posts from Confused.
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Somebody's got his number. His last thread didn't last an hour! :D</p>
<p>No, it WASN'T me (this time). ;)</p>
<p>Come on! Who was it? Fess up! </p>
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Momoftwins has a daughter at WP.
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Well........ Nobody's perfect. :D</p>
<p>middiesmom - do you live in central, OH? If so, What school district?</p>
<p>Z - I'm glad someone is watching. CC deleted Futurepilot's trash talk yestarday. He probably s**t in his shorts after I figured out who his Congressman is. I'm sure he won't get to be a Page for anyone! :)
Future left a paper trail of his attitude and crude comments that his Congressman's staff will read about. Future has gone into seclusion since 5:30 pm yestarday. He was messing with the wrong Chick! ;)</p>
<p>This is the thanks - double thanks to jakes mom for clueing me into the website with pics of the boys. I found 2 of Bobby and it was great. Thanks again for the info.</p>
<p>No, I live in northeast Ohio- actually Chardon. Where are you from?</p>
<p>Momof3 woulda made a great General! LOL Don't mess with a mom thats had three boys. She'll rip your head off then spit down your neck if you try to be stupid. She's one step ahead of me since I only had two.... :)</p>
<p>middiesmom, you are so fitting in here! Already handing out some good advice I see. Nice huh? Its free therapy for academy parents! You must eat chocolate now to make the transition complete.</p>
<p>(Bill, wake-up. I know you're out there.)</p>
<p>Zap, do you have the girls in tow yet?? Kisses Kisses Kisses!! Tell us what they thought of their room after you get them all tucked for bedtime. Whats for dinner tonight BTW? No gummie bears past 6pm.</p>
<p>Speaking of photos. Somebody post when academies put up new ones. Dying to see!</p>
<p>They overbooked the fracking flight. They don't get in until 10pm now. :mad:</p>
<p>middiesmom,
congrats to you and your son! I actually live in concord and will be doing civil prep for USMA this year.</p>
<p>"Quote:
Momoftwins has a daughter at WP. </p>
<p>Well........ Nobody's perfect."</p>
<p>Excuse me, Z? Just wait until one of your daughters wants to go to West Point. And is nearly perfect enough to be appointed. :) Or to punish you, she'll get a scholarship to UC-Berkeley. :D :D Oh, would there be a lot of folks laughing!</p>