Recognition!!!

Mikeandcris

Mikeandcris

Parents of 2014 Grad and F-15 Pilot
10-Year Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
366
Recognition begins Thursday March 15. When it's completed sometime on Saturday, the class of 2015 will be "recognized" as upperclassmen. Among other things, this means being able to wear civilian clothes, actually wearing your backpack on your back rather than carrying it in your left hand, no longer running the strips of the T-zo, no more beatings, and finally able to close their dormroom door during the day. We recall the phone call we got from our son after he was "recognized" last year and the elation we heard in his voice was priceless. Our thoughts, prayers, and wishes go out to 2015...you're only a couple days away from your prop and wings. Similarly, our thoughts go to all the parents of 2015 who've survived a long year supporting your cadet. We'll certainly be having a toast in honor of 2015, their parents, and the rest of the wing this weekend.
 
Hope they don't mess it up like the class of 1994, whose recognition got canceled on the last day!
 
skydivingkittens said:
What happened?
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On the last day of Recognition, all of the freshmen, minus one squadron went up to the Flatiron to "prove" that there was nothing '91 could do to stop them being recognized. They were chanting "You can't stop the (blank) clock", to which the wing commander responded to them that night with, "Class of 1994, the clock has been stopped." They were freshmen for another week. We joke that "what is the worst they can do, beat us?" when we start to come up with crazy ideas of what to do during recognition to make it ours. '91 proved that there was something more that they could do, so that is held over the freshmen as a nice little reminder that it is not over until it is over.
 
My DD is off the grid until Saturday. Can't wait to hear from her. Good luck and congrats to the Class of 2015!
 
My daughter is off the grid as well. About an hour ago I received a text saying, "By Momma :( "
Thank you to all of you who wished 2015 good luck! That is very sweet :)
 
Good luck Class of 2015! I'll be glued to my screen waiting for Webguy to post photo of recognition.
 
Believe me the HUGE smiles will be worth the hard work!!!! They are on the home stretch now.:thumb:
 
jackson1989 said:
Believe me the HUGE smiles will be worth the hard work!!!! They are on the home stretch now.:thumb:
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I hear that it is one of those things that you're glad you went through, but are glad you don't have to do again. I also hear that it defies description. I'm just anxiously awaiting DS's phone call tonight. Thanks for your post, jackson1989.
 
skydivingkittens said:
What exactly do they do during recognition?
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It is 2.5 days of being tested physically and mentally prior to being recognized as upperclassmen and earning their prop and wings. Like many things in life, it can only really be understood by those going through it.
 
Officially: "The fourth class year ends with "Recognition," a physically and mentally demanding several-day event which culminates in the award of the Prop and Wings insignia to the fourth class cadets, signifying their ascension to the ranks of upper class cadets. After Recognition, the stringent rules of the fourth class year are relaxed." As for specific activities, they often aren't discussed to "keep the mystery", though cadets will often share the details with parents and friends after it's over. Webguy does a nice job of explaining much of it on his blog, which is accessible when you join AOG. He also posts pictures. Needless to say, when the 4th class cadets finally get their prop and wings, they've definitely EARNED the honor and the genuine feeling of accomplishment. Congratulations to all!
 
Good luck, Class of 2015. It will soon be over and you will be getting the calls. I remember two years ago when my DD went through it. The call was priceless. He was so happy and proud of his accomplishment. He said it was probably the best thing that he ever went through, and I remember him talking a lot about 'team' and his class getting through it together.

Bill
 
Oops. I meant my DS who is now a 2 degree. He is also really looking forward to graduation this year when he and the Class of 2013 become Firsties.
 
Mikeandcris said:
Officially: "The fourth class year ends with "Recognition," a physically and mentally demanding several-day event which culminates in the award of the Prop and Wings insignia to the fourth class cadets, signifying their ascension to the ranks of upper class cadets. After Recognition, the stringent rules of the fourth class year are relaxed." As for specific activities, they often aren't discussed to "keep the mystery", though cadets will often share the details with parents and friends after it's over. Webguy does a nice job of explaining much of it on his blog, which is accessible when you join AOG. He also posts pictures. Needless to say, when the 4th class cadets finally get their prop and wings, they've definitely EARNED the honor and the genuine feeling of accomplishment. Congratulations to all!
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There are also over 100 photos on USAFA's official facebook page. Check 'em out!
 
Quite possibly the best feeling ever! So exhausted, but it was so worth it and it can only be understood by those who go through it. I could tell you exactly what we did and it would have little to no meaning to anyone but the 26 of us that went through it together.
 
cadet15 said:
Quite possibly the best feeling ever! So exhausted, but it was so worth it and it can only be understood by those who go through it. I could tell you exactly what we did and it would have little to no meaning to anyone but the 26 of us that went through it together.
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Other than the 46,000+ of us that went prior!!! :thumb:

CONGRATULATIONS!!! :groupwave:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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