Parent planning questions

Sponsor Question

I was wondering about the selection of sponsors and how that works. My son wants to be a pilot, and it would be cool if his sponsor was a pilot (or former pilot), so he could find out more about the selection process, and even better if the sponsor becomes a mentor. But I heard the sponsor selections are random, and DS could get anyone.

My former college roommate and her husband, both retired military, live in CS and offered to be DS's sponsor. They are super nice and would be EXCELLENT sponsors, offering a homey atmosphere and lots of support. They could choose DS by name. Neither is a pilot though, and they are retired Army, not AF. (We are also a retired Army family.)

Should I go with them and the supportive atmosphere, knowing he'll be taken care of, or should he try for someone who is an AF pilot? If the purpose of the sponsorship program is for support and time away from USAFA, then I would go with my friend and her husband . . . . and hope that DS would develop a mentor relationship with others at USAFA. Anyone have some advice?

Thanks!
 
I was wondering about the selection of sponsors and how that works. My son wants to be a pilot, and it would be cool if his sponsor was a pilot (or former pilot), so he could find out more about the selection process, and even better if the sponsor becomes a mentor. But I heard the sponsor selections are random, and DS could get anyone.

My former college roommate and her husband, both retired military, live in CS and offered to be DS's sponsor. They are super nice and would be EXCELLENT sponsors, offering a homey atmosphere and lots of support. They could choose DS by name. Neither is a pilot though, and they are retired Army, not AF. (We are also a retired Army family.)

Should I go with them and the supportive atmosphere, knowing he'll be taken care of, or should he try for someone who is an AF pilot? If the purpose of the sponsorship program is for support and time away from USAFA, then I would go with my friend and her husband . . . . and hope that DS would develop a mentor relationship with others at USAFA. Anyone have some advice?

Thanks!

The purpose of a sponsor family is to give the cadet a home away from home. They don't necessarily provide career advice. The mentorship will occur within the Academy itself. I would recommend going with your college roomate as a sponsor. Best wishes. :thumb:
 
I was wondering about the selection of sponsors and how that works. My son wants to be a pilot, and it would be cool if his sponsor was a pilot (or former pilot), so he could find out more about the selection process, and even better if the sponsor becomes a mentor. But I heard the sponsor selections are random, and DS could get anyone.

My former college roommate and her husband, both retired military, live in CS and offered to be DS's sponsor. They are super nice and would be EXCELLENT sponsors, offering a homey atmosphere and lots of support. They could choose DS by name. Neither is a pilot though, and they are retired Army, not AF. (We are also a retired Army family.)

Should I go with them and the supportive atmosphere, knowing he'll be taken care of, or should he try for someone who is an AF pilot? If the purpose of the sponsorship program is for support and time away from USAFA, then I would go with my friend and her husband . . . . and hope that DS would develop a mentor relationship with others at USAFA. Anyone have some advice?

Thanks!

Does your son want them to be his sponsors? I have had 2 people offer to ask for my son by name but he has asked me to tell them both no thank you. He wants to be on his own and not feel like someone is reporting back to Mom.

In my case they are both more acquaintances than good friends so I understand his hesitation. We do have other friends he would love to have be his local sponsor but they are a few hours away so he's asked them if he can come for long weekends and shorter holidays when he gets to leave.

Sounds like a great set up to me but I'd follow your son's lead on it.
 
I was wondering about the selection of sponsors and how that works. My son wants to be a pilot, and it would be cool if his sponsor was a pilot (or former pilot), so he could find out more about the selection process, and even better if the sponsor becomes a mentor. But I heard the sponsor selections are random, and DS could get anyone.

My former college roommate and her husband, both retired military, live in CS and offered to be DS's sponsor. They are super nice and would be EXCELLENT sponsors, offering a homey atmosphere and lots of support. They could choose DS by name. Neither is a pilot though, and they are retired Army, not AF. (We are also a retired Army family.)

Should I go with them and the supportive atmosphere, knowing he'll be taken care of, or should he try for someone who is an AF pilot? If the purpose of the sponsorship program is for support and time away from USAFA, then I would go with my friend and her husband . . . . and hope that DS would develop a mentor relationship with others at USAFA. Anyone have some advice?

Thanks!

Your son will get a sponsor sign up form--it will ask a few questions for them to help make a good match (as much as possible). For example, if your son wants a family with or without other kids, pets, religious preference (if any), hobbies (my son got a family that also run a lot), etc. He could probably write in a preference for a pilot, but there is no guarantee. There is also a spot to request a specific family if you have someone in mind, but I believe they have to be part of the program to be assigned. Not all of the sponsors have a military background (my son's doesn't), but just want to be a help to cadets. Often the sponsor has more than 1 cadet, so the cadets can go together for a break from the academy. Your son may want to sign up for a sponsor, but also keep your friend in mind as a backup. Not every sponsor/cadet relationship is a great match, no matter how hard they try. And some cadets find they want to get away as much as possible while others may just visit every now and then.
 
In agreement

I am in agreement with both posters........The pilot thing will take care of itself. Your getting the cart way before the horse. There are many,many things to be done before he gets to the plane. Between you and me within the first few days after I Day he will at least question himself privately if he made the right decision ( they all do, even the best of them) You should ask him what he wants as far as your friends being his sponsor or not. Mine had one his first year but is on his own now.
 
Well, the absolute best sponsor family in the entire world will be short two kids come May 23rd!!! These people were just fantastic! My twins, plus girlfriends and other friends, had dinner there (again) just yesterday!

My sons' sponsor family were friends of friends, now have become the dearest of all friends, and the most appreciated.

They have done all kinds of things for my kids besides providing a haven:

Got cakes and pies on their birthdays
Have an "open door" policy regarding my kids and anyone they bring over
Gave my kids their own rooms! (don't have that at home!)
Baseball games and other sporting events
dinners out
Church activities
...

I could go on forever!

My sons have each asked their sponsor dad to pin on their butter bars at commissioning. (He's retired Army JAG colonel)

Encourage your child to get to know his sponsor family! My sons' family NEVER once reported back to me about anything they did or said. But have become a deeply admired and cherished part of our extended USAFA family!
 
Well, the absolute best sponsor family in the entire world will be short two kids come May 23rd!!! These people were just fantastic! My twins, plus girlfriends and other friends, had dinner there (again) just yesterday!

My sons' sponsor family were friends of friends, now have become the dearest of all friends, and the most appreciated.

They have done all kinds of things for my kids besides providing a haven:

Got cakes and pies on their birthdays
Have an "open door" policy regarding my kids and anyone they bring over
Gave my kids their own rooms! (don't have that at home!)
Baseball games and other sporting events
dinners out
Church activities
...

I could go on forever!

My sons have each asked their sponsor dad to pin on their butter bars at commissioning. (He's retired Army JAG colonel)

Encourage your child to get to know his sponsor family! My sons' family NEVER once reported back to me about anything they did or said. But have become a deeply admired and cherished part of our extended USAFA family!

They sound wonderful. I've been praying my son will get an awesome sponsor family. Maybe they'll get yours! :biggrin:
 
:yay: dh got approval for our trip from his gaining commander and I found travel insurance that covers military duty.

I get to buy our tickets!! We're on track for making it to PW!!:thumb:
 
:yay: dh got approval for our trip from his gaining commander and I found travel insurance that covers military duty.

I get to buy our tickets!! We're on track for making it to PW!!:thumb:

Yahoo! Doin' the happy dance for your family.

:jump1::jump1::jump1::jump1:
 
Yahoo! Doin' the happy dance for your family.

:jump1::jump1::jump1::jump1:

Thank you!

Even happier news...fencersmother saved me $700 on room reservations with her recommendation and today I found a website that gave buying airfare tips...and saved $500 by booking 2 itineraries instead of 1!

Tip I learned and want to share with other families..search one passenger at a time or if you have children travelling, 1 adult and 1 child. My airfare came up way cheaper that way. I was surprised to notice though that our airfare is about 1/3 of what the taxes and fees are for international travel. :eek:
 
Thank you!

Even happier news...fencersmother saved me $700 on room reservations with her recommendation and today I found a website that gave buying airfare tips...and saved $500 by booking 2 itineraries instead of 1!

Tip I learned and want to share with other families..search one passenger at a time or if you have children travelling, 1 adult and 1 child. My airfare came up way cheaper that way. I was surprised to notice though that our airfare is about 1/3 of what the taxes and fees are for international travel. :eek:

Interesting about using 2 itineraries! Too bad I already booked PW, or I would try it. If I looked now, I would probably be depressed by how much I've overspent! :shake:

And congratulations to your son, by the way! Its a great journey he will be embarking upon!
 
Let's see... what was that phrase I was searching for?? FINDERS FEE?

:shake::yllol:

So glad things are working out for your visit Proud Mom. I'm one proud mom too and am happy to pass the mantle on to you! :)
 
Let's see... what was that phrase I was searching for?? FINDERS FEE?

:shake::yllol:

So glad things are working out for your visit Proud Mom. I'm one proud mom too and am happy to pass the mantle on to you! :)

I'll buy you a donut and a coffee at the breakfast buffet at the hotel during the weekend. :biggrin:

I did just buy the tickets. I'm so mad at myself though, I did not book them last night on the 2 separate itineraries and they were back up the $400 today!:frown: (same site that gave the single passenger tip said Tuesdays were cheaper. Not true in my case, but they were right about the single passenge. Tickets were considerably cheaper if you buy one ticket at a time.)
 
Interesting about using 2 itineraries! Too bad I already booked PW, or I would try it. If I looked now, I would probably be depressed by how much I've overspent! :shake:

And congratulations to your son, by the way! Its a great journey he will be embarking upon!

Well I didn't book it last night...waiting to confirm with hubby AND same tipster said cheaper tickets on Tuesday. Lost my savings. :bang:
 
In-Processing Picnic

Hi parents,
I found this via the USAFA Parents Facebook page.
http://www.usafacpc.org/calendars/

Click on the CPC Calendar link, then scroll down to the space on the table for In-Processing Picnic 2012. There's a link for a pdf with more information. It's a picnic for parents of Class of 2016 to attend after their new "doolies" board the bus on June 28th.

Below the Inprocessing info there's some basic info on the Swearing In Ceremony on June 29th.

Looks like the Colorado Parent Club does some very nice things for other parents as well as for cadets.
 
Great link YorkieMom75! Thanks!

On a similar note, I was wondering where any families who are accompanying their appointees to I-Day are planning on staying. My husband (an 81 grad) will be with my DS. I'll be home with our other children. They are hoping to arrive on the 25th and I told him I'd canvass the forum to see where the majority are staying. My DS is on the Facebook group, but I don't know if he's heard anything yet. Wow, it's coming fast!
 
Will be accompanying my DS. My wife is staying behind. We are staying at the Embassy Suites the night before.
 
Swearing In Ceremony

Does anyone know what time the swearing in ceremony is on the 29th? We are wanting to stay for it but are not sure what time to make our return flight for.
 
Does anyone know what time the swearing in ceremony is on the 29th? We are wanting to stay for it but are not sure what time to make our return flight for.

Its early--last year it began at 8:30 a.m. Get to the Chapel wall early for a spot!
 
Its early--last year it began at 8:30 a.m. Get to the Chapel wall early for a spot!

AFAYahoo is right. This year it's at 0830 also. The CO Parents' Club put out the time on their website (see my previous post on the I Day BBQ). They also recommend getting there early to view it from the Chapel wall.
 
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