A question for parents of current cadets

shellz

shellz

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5-Year Member
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As I think ahead to Rday and beyond, I am wondering what sorts of things swabs/cadets appreciate most. I know money is a biggie...but what else has been requested most by your son or daughter? Also, do you end up depositing money into their accts. so that they can make it through their first year? 110.00 a month doesn't go very far, I am sure, but their opportunities to spend are limited as well...correct? Just trying to figure out how much we can expect son to "need" his first year at CGA.
Thanks in advance!
:smile:
 
shellz said:
As I think ahead to Rday and beyond, I am wondering what sorts of things swabs/cadets appreciate most. I know money is a biggie...but what else has been requested most by your son or daughter?
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There is a big difference between what to send during Swab Summer and what to send during the year.

Letters every day during Swab Summer. Write every day, expect to get 3 or 4 back. Maybe less.

Don't go overboard on the treats as they only have a drawer a little bigger than the size of a shoebox. Trail mix, jerky, lighters, NevrDull, extra sox/underwear, gatorade powder, body wash, and a photo cube with pictures are a few things we sent.

During the year? Chilis gift cards, Walmart gift cards, Outback gift cards, and special treats once in a while to let them know you are thinking about them. (It's so much easier after Swab Summer when they have their cell phones and email - relying on the US Mail to carry on a 2-way conversation for 7 weeks is horrible!)

shellz said:
Also, do you end up depositing money into their accts. so that they can make it through their first year? 110.00 a month doesn't go very far, I am sure, but their opportunities to spend are limited as well...correct?
Click to expand...

We've never done that, I believe their limited cash from their pay is plenty for their limited needs, as well as their limited opportunities to spend it. We bought his plane tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks so he wasn't hit with that big expense.

shellz said:
Just trying to figure out how much we can expect son to "need" his first year at CGA.
Click to expand...

Figure it out quickly, you only have 80 days left. :eek:

:thumb: :biggrin:
 
cliff bars/power bars etc were a life saver for me
 
I agree-during Swab Summer - letters, cards, some special treats, etc. Even though they may pile up and many be read at the same time. During the year, our Cadet appreciates pre-paid tickets to the movie theater (Waterford 9) and gift certificates for Dry Dock Restaurant inside Leamy Hall (those can be purchased at the MWR office), Best Buy, as well as gift cards to local eateries (Mr. G's, Olive Garden, Coldstone Creamery).
 
Sweetness62 said:
I agree-during Swab Summer - letters, cards, some special treats, etc. Even though they may pile up and many be read at the same time. During the year, our Cadet appreciates pre-paid tickets to the movie theater (Waterford 9) and gift certificates for Dry Dock Restaurant inside Leamy Hall (those can be purchased at the MWR office), Best Buy, as well as gift cards to local eateries (Mr. G's, Olive Garden, Coldstone Creamery).
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Thank you! I will note your suggestions and I am sure son will have a few of his own, once things get rolling.
 
Luigi59 said:
There is a big difference between what to send during Swab Summer and what to send during the year.

Letters every day during Swab Summer. Write every day, expect to get 3 or 4 back. Maybe less.

Don't go overboard on the treats as they only have a drawer a little bigger than the size of a shoebox. Trail mix, jerky, lighters, NevrDull, extra sox/underwear, gatorade powder, body wash, and a photo cube with pictures are a few things we sent.

During the year? Chilis gift cards, Walmart gift cards, Outback gift cards, and special treats once in a while to let them know you are thinking about them. (It's so much easier after Swab Summer when they have their cell phones and email - relying on the US Mail to carry on a 2-way conversation for 7 weeks is horrible!)



We've never done that, I believe their limited cash from their pay is plenty for their limited needs, as well as their limited opportunities to spend it. We bought his plane tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks so he wasn't hit with that big expense.



Figure it out quickly, you only have 80 days left. :eek:

:thumb: :biggrin:
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As always, Luigi, your advice looks good to me. I know he won't have a lot of free time, so it is good to know that his pay should cover his expenses. This momma just doesn't want her kid to "go without", but then again, in college aren't you supposed to learn what it is to be poor? Top ramen, mac n cheese, and finding fun on the cheap? lol....I never really learned that lesson, as I lived at home the first couple of years of college. :rolleyes:

Counting the days....:thumb:
 
Never heard of never dull do the other SA's need it also? 80 days is not alot of time. I do not think I am ready to let him go, guess I need to get a puppy.
 
J Collins said:
but arent most of the items clear coated now adays???
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Not around here they ain't! We have brass all over Chase Hall just waiting to be shined. Back in the dark ages, not sure if they still do this, cadre would actually make the Swabs strip the clear coating off all the brass items (e.g. belt buckles) issued during Swab Summer.
 
Objee: we still delacquer belt buckles and whatnot. they look better with the clear coating taken off
 
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