Parents of incoming Plebe Candidates, Class of 2016. A clarification is in order. The creation of a Facebook page has never been intended to “replace” this forum. The intent of it was to add a “face” to the name and “handle” of a person, so as to encourage friendships, a support system in the same geographical area, and a “venting” platform when needed. During Indoc it was nice to meet some of those same faces who had become familiar, and although it still felt awful to watch your kid disappear behind those doors, at least some of the faces around you seemed "known." We have accepted other family members as well as the parents of the candidates, so they could follow closely the progress of their favorite nephew or niece, their cousin, their brother or sister who by leaving home, have also left behind siblings who miss them greatly. Many times having a good connection with families who live close to the Academy may help when students live too far and need a friend or a contact near the academy, who can reach out and help during the holidays or short breaks. This forum and a Facebook page are two different sources of information entirely. I strongly encourage any incoming parent to stay on this forum, consult it, gather information, listen to the opinions of the people who have been there and more often as alumni have lived through it, because their opinions are straight forward and unbiased, then join the Facebook page to meet and greet other incoming parents and their families. After all, from the little we have learned about the Academy, we understand KP is all about team work, companies, battalions, camaraderie, help and support each other, and we think our families should all learn the same as our kids. The big picture in fact is that all of us, whether on this forum or Facebook, want what is best for our kids, we want to learn as much as possible so not remain in the dark, feel isolated and ignorant about all the changes and improvements that happen daily at KP. I for one am thankful of what I have learned consulting this forum. Thank you~