LongAgoPlebe
I got the skinny about the UODs last night at the sponsor meeting, so I’m clear. Looks like the plebes like to hang in PTs at the house. Capt MJ even had spare PTs for the mids for after football games, since they could not carry them in formation.
As to PPW w/o parents, I’d be more than glad if a few want to spend it with us. I understand why some parents can’t afford another expensive trip, or maybe other reasons preventing them from traveling, but I also can’t imagine a plebes fir liberty after a tough summer, and having to spend it alone in town. I’ll make sure my plebes ask around to see if any of their friends are in this situation.
Thanks again for the help.
2014sponsor
I like the idea of the snacks and the cell phone…both my boys and I will make this happen. Don’t understand the blanket issue…, I would thing we could grab a few seats after meeting and chat there. Maybe you could expand on the blanket issue.
The subject of the autumn conflict with town liberty did come up last night. In fact there was one woman that came down rather hard on commandant Capt Clark about the mandatory formations, etc, that she said limited the plebes access to their sponsors. (Maybe they just didn’t click, because I do know there are only a handful of home games and many of my friends seem to have their plebes over on at least half the Saturdays.) But we are prepared to handle whatever situation comes up. (I hope…)
Menphis9489
I can imagine over 30 years ago things were different at the yard. Some of the examples you do cite seem to be actions of upper class midshipman, like parking their cars at the sponsors. It’s true today that as the midshipman progress thru the ranks, and more privileges are granted, many of them don’t see their sponsors much or at all. And I can well understand some personalities just don’t need what a sponsor has to offer. Keep in mind that this program is primarily for Plebes, who without a sponsor have nowhere to go and kick back, in a friendly relaxed environment. Once introduced, how the relationship develops from that point between Sponsors and midshipman varies across the board, but most experienced sponsors agree it’s a rewarding endeavor for both parties, most of the time.
As to why so many plebes today request sponsors, form my point of view it’s obvious. For the most part, this is their first time away from home, and unlike colleges, their summer is 100% boot camp, with zero liberty. After seven weeks of serious pressure and detailers around every corner, the chance to get 12 hours to relax, raid the fridge, and watch a movie, in a relaxed environment, would appeal to most people. To back it up, as stated by the sponsor staff last night to a direct question from me, there are more plebes asking for sponsors, than sponsors available, but somehow the staff seems to make it work.
As to why anyone would be a sponsor, for most of us.., it’s called heart. I know many cases where the sponsor may feel abused, as you mentioned, and if it gets’s to that point, it’s time for an eye-to-eye with the midshipman. Both parties have the option to end the relationship for any reason if necessary
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For me it’s goes beyond just helping out the plebes as they learn to adjust to a military world. I’m a Vietnam era vet that served two years in South East Asia, before being stationed back in the states. Though my tour was combat free, I lost several friends to the war. But most of all, what hit all military people serving during that time, it was coming home that hurt the worse. I remember a chartered World Airways jet filled with various service veterans returning to Travis AFB in Calif from Da Nang and Kadena . We were about an hour out of Travis when a Marine Officer (not sure the rank) got on the PA and made a brief announcement that went something like this. “Listen up……I have been asked to read this statement from the Department of Defense…., It is recommended the military personnel returning to Travis AFB from South East Asia be made aware of the anti-military climate in San Francisco, as well as many other cities throughout the country. While traveling to their next assignment, the safety of returning personnel, it is recommended that upon arrival at Travis military personnel change into civilian clothes before proceeding to San Francisco and their next duty station.”
There was more to it, but you get the point. I can also assure you that the look on this Marine combat veteran while he read this DoD statement was pure hatred and disgust. I can also affirm that after he finished, there was a resounding response from the 250 military personnel on the aircraft….”F--k them ! Latter as I got on a bus at Travis heading to San Francisco, I did not see a single civilian outfit…
Like all my military brothers and sisters that served during that terrible time in this country, I am committed to never forget the sacrifice of any man or woman that puts on a uniform, and honorably servers their country, and to do all I can to show them the respect and gratitude for their service. I never again want to see our military disrespected by the nation we are charged to protect.
So…, from my position, helping these young people is my way of saying thanks not only to them for the commitment they are taking on, but thanks to the United States Military.
Sorry for the soap box, but please accept my sincere thanks for your sacrifice and service to our country.