My son's birthday is June 1st so five of the last six years he has been at training or on duty. The first year he was away(3/c summer) he was in Ketchikan, AK for six weeks. We got in touch with the local IGA and they were able to deliver three birthday cakes to the base so everybody could get a piece! Only time he's been home was right after he graduated. So it's doable but it takes a little effort on everybody's part.