<p>Since this forum has become part of my USAFA extended family over the past year of academy applications, waivers, appointments, and inprocessing, I wanted to update you on the demoralizing phone call we got last night. </p>
<p>Some of you may recall that my son Mike had to go thru the DODMERB/USAFA waiver process to get his knees’ blessed because two years ago he had had minor surgery on both knee caps to re-position them (growth issue). Since then, however, he ran on his HS cross country team, played JV tennis, etc. without problems. Apparently the stress of BCT PT, intermurals, standing on hard concrete all day, etc. exceeded what his knees could withstand and he has spent the last couple of days on restricted duty due to pain and swelling. A call last night from his OCS first informed us of this situation, and more devestating, that Mike was going to be given a Medical Turnback because of his knees, effectively ending his BCT / Class of 2011 participation. :(</p>
<p>Obviously we’re very disapointed for Mike and hope that when he get’s home that we can find out what’s still wrong with his knees and get them fixed to the USAFA’s satisfaction. And due to the need for 14 signatures on a MT form, Mike sit’s with USAFA2010Dad’s son and other turnbacks in the “Lost Wing”, killing time until the paperwork/tickets to return home is finalized (rumoured to be 7-10 days). At least they have returned his cel phone to him though it’s gonna be tough sitting there knowing his new squardron mates are “enjoying” Jack’s next week without him.</p>
<p>USAFA2010Dad’s already been a great help to us on understanding this situation but if anyone has any words of advise for MT’s like us we’d love to hear em. In the meantime, good luck to the rest of the CC kids - look forward to thier call’s on Doolie Day and tell em to think about the “Lost Flight” (as Mike has called it) during thier march to Jacks on Monday.</p>
<p>Dan and Judy - our hearts break for you and Mike. What a disappointment for him. I know he gave it his best. Please keep us informed...
We'll be praying for you.</p>
<p>Know anyone that needs a soon-to-be-unused hotel reservation for PW? Or three plane tickets Philly-to-Colorado? And of course those three football game tickets we just bought thru our parents association....</p>
<p>Dan & Judy - hang in there. To quote my son Jeff when we first got this year's call (this is his second turnback), "it's not the end of the world". Mike will heal, and he'll be stronger and wiser upon his return.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear of any medical turnbacks-I'm sure Mike has already grown
from his shortened " BEAST" experience and it will serve him well as
God opens whatever door is in store for him and your family.
Continue to remain strong .</p>
<p>Like we discussed last night; enjoy the extra time with Mike while he gets better, and god willing prepares for 2012. It is such a mixed blessing; We would kill for Sara to be home right now. I know that doesn't make things any better, but time will heal things.</p>
<p>Dear Dknightfam, I just got home and read your news. I do not know you or your son, but I am so sorry. I know God can and will work out His plan for Mike. Please know that we care and are disappointed with you.</p>
<p>Dknightfam - I just heard the news this afternoon via my stunned cadet. I can't express to you our heartfelt concern and disappointment for your family and especially for Mike.</p>
<p>All of you are part of this "family" - nothing changes that and the support continues to be there now as before.</p>
<p>USAFA2010DAD - We have a more distant relationship with you than Dknightfam so we don't know your situation as well. But, we are just as concerned and are there to support your family and your son. You, too, are still "family". </p>
<p>What courage it takes for a young person to persevere and then have a second turnback. In our thoughts and prayers, too.</p>
<p>We met a Basic at a Parent's Club meeting who finished BCT last year but he contracted mono and was deemed unfit to start the academic year. He spent the year working at a civil engineering firm and when we saw him on I-day he appeared confident and ready to go...and in the end thought he was stronger because of the experience.</p>
<p>Dknightfam, the Air Force is loosing a great Basic from the Class of 2011 and a pair of super parents as well from its family. We wish Mike the best and are sure that the future will be bright for him! He has what it takes, that's for sure!!! Best of luck to you all. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the near future. Being an old Navy guy, I wish you "Fair winds and following seas!"</p>
<p>Dear USAFA2010Dad - Somehow I missed the sad news of your son's second turnback. I know you are proud of his response to such a disappointment. I know I would be. He must be a great young man. May God bless him and direct him into the path that He has prepared for him.</p>
<p>USAFA2010Dad - I have seen you post many times and you have been a great help to us "new guys". We are so sad with you, that your son is going through this again. We know there is a plan for you and him and we will pray to that end. I hope you and the Knights can be a comfort to one another. With Jack's Valley coming we may all hear of other medical turnbacks to come. Hopefully there will be few...</p>
<p>Dknight and USAFA2010Dad: just read this news. I will add my best wishes for you and your sons. I hope that 2012 is a possibility but if not, I hope that these fine young men will be even stronger for having gone through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. And thanks for all your incredibly helpful and positive posts.</p>
<p>BTW - while the regualar cadets leave the campus for a welcome break tomorrow to sponsor families for Doolie Day Out, I have heard that the MT's are NOT eligible. Can anyone confirm/deny? I.e. is S unday just another day stuck in an empty dorm room waiting for paperwork to be worked on again Monday?</p>
<p>While it won't help this gang, perhaps if any of you have upper echelon contacts out there it would sure help the next group if someone suggested that this would not be a good policy. Many of the kids sitting in limbo are probably very frustrated right now with thier helpless situations, and sitting around with nothing to do for a week or two is probably not going to help them decide to attempt a return next year.</p>
<p>Just my thoughts on the matter.....</p>
<p>PS to DS522etc - my son saw your daughter S at church the night before and said she looked like she was hanging in there. He hadn't talked to her, however. I suggested that he did if he saw her again....</p>
<p>Dan is away and I am trying to navigate this web site on my own. Ido not usually use the computer at all, so bear with me! The guys stuck in "Mission Support" have been there for many days with nothing to do. After speaking with our son, we feel his distress and frustration with just sitting around and waiting to go home,especially since he is not getting any real medical care, just basic pain relief. We feel the sooner he gets home and gets the necessary medical care, the better. I have heard that if we call the Inspector General and voice our concerns, it is possible that things may get speeded up(squeaky wheel?) Does anyone have any info on this, or a phone number I can call? Is this a good idea, or will it loook unfavorably on him later? I'm not sure what to do, I just know we need to get him home and get medical attention. Thanks for your help.</p>