runningtide
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2011
- Messages
- 17
In the latter posts, it's clear that there are two positions regarding sponsors, and breaking it down.., one is for it, and one is against it. Fact is there is a third position....try it. What I mean is, most Plebes will not really be able to form an opinion until they try it first hand. And face it, as an example, there are many Plebes that if not for sponsors, will spend PPW alone because for one reason or another their parents may not be able to attend. Being alone is simply....alone. And I fail to see any true character building qualities about that position.
Though new to the sponsor program, I also feel I have something to contribute, if needed. Besides being a veteran myself, I've been around midshipman and Naval officers for over 30 years through various encounters with sponsors, and through sailing and other programs around Annapolis. My best friend was a Navy Mustang, who ran Mike boats on the Delta in Nam, and retired as an XO on a fast attach. He also spent over 10 years sponsoring midshipman and coached on the class A's at NAS. His house was always filled with Mids on almost any weekend. They were not there because they needed a hug, but to enjoy some down time, while learning what military life was really like from a man that truely experienced it. And as a vet myself, I'd like to think I could also help a little if the situation surfaced.
I've also raised three wonderful children, my daughter spent 12 years in the Navy before moving on to working with the Dept of the Navy as a civilian and in the process married a Coast Guard Ltcmdr, and a graduate of the USCGA.
I'm pointing this out, because based on my observations over the years, there is no "one" way to deal with Plebe year individually, or for that matter dealing with the transition to military life in any form. Some Plebes for one reason or another, never participate in the sponsor program, others do but don't click with the sponsors and leave it, and then there are others who enjoy the company of the sponsors family, many maintaining that friendship way beyond their Plebe year, and into their Naval / Marine Corp career.
There is another point.., this program is highly supported by the Academy for a good reason. It helps a lot of these young men and women adjust with their transition to military life at the Yard. Granted some don't need it..., and that's fine, but many benefit form this program, and in so many cases, many graduates admit that they may not have succeeded at the Academy without the support of their sponsors.
As most can see.., I have a tendency to "run on" at times, but I guess it's because I've seen the results of this program when it works, and just want my family to be there for those we can provide a little help "getting over the wall."
Though new to the sponsor program, I also feel I have something to contribute, if needed. Besides being a veteran myself, I've been around midshipman and Naval officers for over 30 years through various encounters with sponsors, and through sailing and other programs around Annapolis. My best friend was a Navy Mustang, who ran Mike boats on the Delta in Nam, and retired as an XO on a fast attach. He also spent over 10 years sponsoring midshipman and coached on the class A's at NAS. His house was always filled with Mids on almost any weekend. They were not there because they needed a hug, but to enjoy some down time, while learning what military life was really like from a man that truely experienced it. And as a vet myself, I'd like to think I could also help a little if the situation surfaced.
I've also raised three wonderful children, my daughter spent 12 years in the Navy before moving on to working with the Dept of the Navy as a civilian and in the process married a Coast Guard Ltcmdr, and a graduate of the USCGA.
I'm pointing this out, because based on my observations over the years, there is no "one" way to deal with Plebe year individually, or for that matter dealing with the transition to military life in any form. Some Plebes for one reason or another, never participate in the sponsor program, others do but don't click with the sponsors and leave it, and then there are others who enjoy the company of the sponsors family, many maintaining that friendship way beyond their Plebe year, and into their Naval / Marine Corp career.
There is another point.., this program is highly supported by the Academy for a good reason. It helps a lot of these young men and women adjust with their transition to military life at the Yard. Granted some don't need it..., and that's fine, but many benefit form this program, and in so many cases, many graduates admit that they may not have succeeded at the Academy without the support of their sponsors.
As most can see.., I have a tendency to "run on" at times, but I guess it's because I've seen the results of this program when it works, and just want my family to be there for those we can provide a little help "getting over the wall."
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