Death of a Grandparent

M

monkemunk

New Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2023
Messages
7
To add some context I’ve been given and accepted an appointment to the class of 2028. There is a very good chance that saying goodbye to my grandfather before I leave for bct will be the last chance that I see him. Sorry for such a grim topic but I haven’t been able to find any answers to my question in regards to if I can take a couple days to go to a funeral/celebration of life during the academic year as he isn’t technically immediate family. I understand that it would probably be impossible to leave during bct but I couldn’t find anything about the rest of the year.
 
Per USAFAI 36-3536, Allocation of Cadet Time:
1.5.8. INDIVIDUAL REQUEST: DEATH OF NON-IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER(GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS AND CLOSE FRIENDS) with the following conditions:
1.5.8.1. Emergency excused absences for death or serious illness of immediate family members can be referenced in the Cadet Standards. No SCA is required in this case.
1.5.8.2. AOCs are responsible for entering the electronic USAFA Form 17 in CAMIS as soon as practical, but no later than 24 hours after their cadet’s departure from USAFA.
Funerals for individuals listed above must go through the Scheduling Committee for votes.
1.5.8.3. Excusal not to exceed 3 duty days for most circumstances. If a blue weekend follows the service, AOCs may approve excusal until Sunday.
1.5.8.4. Coordinate, in person, with AOC, instructors, coaches, intramurals/RECONDO, and airmanship.
1.5.8.5. Responsible for all graded work prior to departure and upon return.
1.5.8.6. Make-up Commandant’s Time/Military/Squadron training.
Keep in mind this is not authoritative guidance and instead what will happen in most cases per the regulation.
 
monkemunk said:
To add some context I’ve been given and accepted an appointment to the class of 2028. There is a very good chance that saying goodbye to my grandfather before I leave for bct will be the last chance that I see him. Sorry for such a grim topic but I haven’t been able to find any answers to my question in regards to if I can take a couple days to go to a funeral/celebration of life during the academic year as he isn’t technically immediate family. I understand that it would probably be impossible to leave during bct but I couldn’t find anything about the rest of the year.
Click to expand...
Yes, you can get leave to attend funerals of close family members. I know many cadets who have had to do this.
 
T-37IP said:
Yes. The question you need to decide on with your family is, if he passes during BCT do you want to know. It's OK to not want to know until after. BCT. There is no right or wrong answer, just make sure you and your family are on the same page.
Click to expand...
This. I think that it's smart to be thinking about this now.
 
Dear MonkeMunk: Congratulations on your appointment! Wish you every success. As to your question, we have some direct experience on this subject, unhappily. DS - USMA Class of 2022 -- left for Beast only days before his grandmother was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer. We knew it was unlikely she would last more than one month. DS and "Oma" talked a few times before DS left for R Day, said their goodbyes over Facetime as she lived in Europe. Both left nothing unsaid. As the days were getting fewer, I contacted the Red Cross about what was to come. Red Cross contacted his Beast Company Chaplain. Chaplain rang me. I gave him the report. He gave his cell number to call him as they were in the Field part of Beast. Oma passed. Call to Chaplain. Chaplain talked to DS' cadre told them the situation. Pulled DS off of whatever training they were doing. Chaplain had DS call Europe from the Chaplain's own cell phone to talk to my wife (Oma was her mother). They talked for about five minutes. Chaplain prayed with DS for a few minutes. DS rejoined training -- in total about 15 minutes. That they left nothing unsaid before he left was key. Good luck. Get after it.
 
PhilaMan23 said:
Flipping the script kinda, would someone be a loud to take leave for a wedding?
Click to expand...
If you look at the link I posted and control f “wedding”, you will find what the normal procedure is for those. I went to a wedding recently so it is possible.
 
We were in the same situation in 2019. We elected not to say anything to our DD due to focusing on her BCT. The next day out of Jack's valley; we called her and told her. Her fellow classmates surronded her with support and love. Not every decision is the same for each cadet but we wanted her to focus on the task at hand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top