All of your posts are what makes being an ALO so rewarding. Of course, there are times when it feels that as soon as one group of applicants are done; another one starts..... Oh wait.... That's exactly how it is. LOL!!! And that's why it's so important that each of you continue here at the forum. Some parents stop contributing once their little one makes it to the academy. Some stop after they graduate. The reason this forum was successful for all of you in the application process and made the transition easier, is because of ALL of the poster's contributions. No one or two people on this forum can provide all the answers.
Each of you provide a unique experience to the application process. Whether it's being an IC, medical waiver, nomination issue, etc... each person is unique. And each class brings a different perspective on the academy. Rules, policies, different squadrons, and the way the academy changes each year. That's why if you really appreciate what "we" (veteran posters) have done for you or your son/daughter, then the greatest thing you can do to show that appreciation, is to become one of the veteran posters and help the next group of parents and applicants.
There are other forums out there. Many revolve around "Support". Support in making parents feel better about their child's decision to apply to the academy. Help everyone deal with this new way of life. I like to believe that what makes serviceacademyforums unique and different from the others, is that we primarily concentrate on the hard discussions revolving around getting accepted to the academies and ROTC. We are most times straight to the point and a little tough at times. But the application period isn't as long as it appears, and this isn't the time to give inspirational speeches. If you look at the "Acceptance Rate" of applicants who post here or their parents post here for information, I think you'd find a pretty high success rate. (No, I don't have numbers; but each year when I consider how many are accepted to the academies and I see acceptance threads here with SO MANY NAMES, I know we have a high acceptance rate vs posters).
Anyway; I really appreciate all the kind words I've heard here and in person by so many of you. I know that Steve (Flieger), Pima, Cindy, and the rest really appreciate it too. But we really need you all to continue and become part of the experience to help the next generation. As you saw this weekend, the air force and academy is a "Family". It's not something just for 4 years like a college and you move on. So I hope to hear a lot of you posting to help the next set of applicants who are already posting. Thanks. Mike.....