Acceptance Day

There doesn't seem to be a right or wrong "blanket policy" on the way to do A-Day. Obviously, some individuals and families would do better with knowing/planning while others would be great with a surprise. We did let our DS know we were coming and it worked out well for us. You just have to go with your DS/DD's personality. Maybe for some it would lessen the stress (at least for the family) but I think the new cadets are gonna be elated to see you either way! I am excited for all of you who are getting to go to A-Day this year. And........Parent's Weekend is just around the corner!
 
Haleym, thanks for sharing that picture. Sure brings back some great memories.
 
Apparently I mentioned that I might come out for A-day. I totally forgot that I had, with the stress of everything else. I told him on DDO that I will definitely be coming and bringing food, so he can gather up some other. It would have been fun to surprise him but I think it is giving him something to look forward to now that he know.
 
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Our son is now a C1C, and my head is still spinning from the speed of the past three years... It truly seems like yesterday that our son was graduating from high school and embarking on his dream... Thankfully, his "dream" of attending USAFA has come true, and he is as happy today as he was on March 2, 2012, when he received his BFE (Big Fat Envelope)- which USAFA no longer sends by the U.S. mail. It is truly impossible to fathom that in less than 11 months, he will be graduating with his fellow cadets from the Class of 2016. We did not attend "I" day, and we did not intend to attend the "Acceptance Day Parade" but a very wise mom (of an older cadet) encouraged me to go...and I did! It was an incredible day, and one that will be "forever remembered" as one of the most memorable days of my life...Our sons and daughters are amazing...and it was very inspiring to watch them march onto the field after enduring BCT, and realizing the magnitude of their commitment to the Air Force. I am not a person that cries easily, but I wept that day, with pride for each and every young person (male and female) that is/was willing to risk their life/lives for this nation and our people. Every single man and woman promises to serve...and is willing to lay down their life for our nation. It is INSPIRING and also HUMBLING! We have been blessed to be part of the rearing of young men and women who will serve this nation...with untold risk and sacrifice to themselves and their loved ones... I am so proud of my sons,(one at USAFA and one in medical school) and your sons and daughters who have promised to give so much (everything)for all of us to enjoy the freedoms that we have as Americans.
 
This is for future readers for future A-Days. I made it out, and it was a surprise. It was a long, expensive trip for me for two hours with my DD -- and absolutely worth it.

I snuck up behind her after the squads were dismissed and simply said "Cadet - lock it up when you hear your father's voice behind you." She jumped up, screamed "daddy" (has not called me that since she was 5), and started to cry -- ran a way, "locked it up", ran away again, locked it up again, and then we were good. Even though she did not expect me to come out, I know she would have been disappointed if I did not.

Although my DD actually liked basic (despite some puking, a pass-out episode, and general pain) and absolutely loved her cadre, despite the yelling and extra bicycle kicks from time to time. My showing up gave her a huge boost that should help her get to PW and keep that positive attitude.

Not all cadets are that positive coming out of BCT and that extra boost could make all the difference. If you can possibly swing it, I definitely recommend making the trip -- it's not for you, it is for your Cadet. If cost seems to be an issue, remember the 100% full ride that your cadet is paying for every day.
 
This is for future readers for future A-Days. I made it out, and it was a surprise. It was a long, expensive trip for me for two hours with my DD -- and absolutely worth it.

I snuck up behind her after the squads were dismissed and simply said "Cadet - lock it up when you hear your father's voice behind you." She jumped up, screamed "daddy" (has not called me that since she was 5), and started to cry -- ran a way, "locked it up", ran away again, locked it up again, and then we were good. Even though she did not expect me to come out, I know she would have been disappointed if I did not.

Although my DD actually liked basic (despite some puking, a pass-out episode, and general pain) and absolutely loved her cadre, despite the yelling and extra bicycle kicks from time to time. My showing up gave her a huge boost that should help her get to PW and keep that positive attitude.

Not all cadets are that positive coming out of BCT and that extra boost could make all the difference. If you can possibly swing it, I definitely recommend making the trip -- it's not for you, it is for your Cadet. If cost seems to be an issue, remember the 100% full ride that your cadet is paying for every day.
That was so sweet of you to do that! Yes, parents of 2020 onward, it means SO much to have family there on A-Day! What a boost to morale it was for all of us to get to see family and show them around (even though we aren't even close to figuring it out ourselves-haha!)! If you can afford it, PLEASE go for the sake of your DS/DD!
 
Yes, parents of 2020 onward, it means SO much to have family there on A-Day

Bailey - Congratulations! Based on all your encouraging posts pre-I Day, I had a feeling you would do well through BCT. I know you love the forum, but just use it for your own therapy -- we can hold down the fort if you do not have time!
 
Yes, parents of 2020 onward, it means SO much to have family there on A-Day

Bailey - Congratulations! Based on all your encouraging posts pre-I Day, I had a feeling you would do well through BCT. I know you love the forum, but just use it for your own therapy -- we can hold down the fort if you do not have time!
Haha, I would never claim to have done particularly WELL in BCT, but I survived! As for the forum, I imagine that as I start getting homework, I may have to step away for a while :(
 
I would never claim to have done particularly WELL in BCT, but I survived
Bailey, surviving BCT with a positive attitude is doing particularly well! Now go to sleep. You have classes tomorrow and the PT card has been revoked!
 
This is for future readers for future A-Days. I made it out, and it was a surprise. It was a long, expensive trip for me for two hours with my DD -- and absolutely worth it.

I snuck up behind her after the squads were dismissed and simply said "Cadet - lock it up when you hear your father's voice behind you." She jumped up, screamed "daddy" (has not called me that since she was 5), and started to cry -- ran a way, "locked it up", ran away again, locked it up again, and then we were good. Even though she did not expect me to come out, I know she would have been disappointed if I did not.

Although my DD actually liked basic (despite some puking, a pass-out episode, and general pain) and absolutely loved her cadre, despite the yelling and extra bicycle kicks from time to time. My showing up gave her a huge boost that should help her get to PW and keep that positive attitude.

Not all cadets are that positive coming out of BCT and that extra boost could make all the difference. If you can possibly swing it, I definitely recommend making the trip -- it's not for you, it is for your Cadet. If cost seems to be an issue, remember the 100% full ride that your cadet is paying for every day.
I 100% agree Blueblood1, long expensive trip here too, totally worth it. I think it gave my DS a boost, a reconnect if you will. He has some new family but I will always be his mom and be 100% behind him. To see him take out his guitar, that I lugged all the way threw 2 airports at his request, and play some rifs, was priceless.
 
I had been told that Chic-fil-A was fantastic.. had some last visit & wholeheartedly agree! Closed on Sunday tho:(

Chic-Fil-A was open early on A-Day last year. We stopped there about 7:00 a.m. and ordered several chicken sandwiches along with large containers of tea and lemonade. I was surprised they would make lunch that early. We were in and out of there quick with a bunch of hot sandwiches for our DS and his friends.
I have to say...my experience this year at A-Day...we ordered Chic-fil-A and had scheduled a 7:15am food pick up, I arrived and waited 40, yes, FORTY minutes for my food. Even worse, there were many other USAFA parents there that had been waiting since their 7am pickup time and didn't get their food until around the time I left with mine, at 7:55. Future parents may want to consider other restauraunts to get food from, The chic-fil-a is a minute from south gate, but I'm SURE there are others that would be a better option, and have better service.
 
I know that Chick-Fil-A location gets slammed a lot of times. Sorry your experience wasn't great..they usually do very well and trying to get lunch items out in the middle of the morning push can present some logistic problems. However, they are great, unselfish supporters of USAFA! My Georgia son would never make it without the hometown restaurant there! Also for future A-Days, the asst mgr told us on Georgia night that another location will soon be up near the Bass Pro off of N. Gate!! This will take some much needed pressure of the N Academy location
 
I went to the one on Garden of the Gods Rd. and was out in 10 min. I'm sure the ones closer to the gates were busier.
 
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