Thankful for the forums...

[ARMARINE03]

I'm writing this because of what happened 1 year ago. It was on this day DS received the news he didn't want. I had been on the forums since before Christmas of 2022 learning about the process. His Mom had even told me I was going to drive myself crazy trying to read the tea leaves, it didn't work, still here, rooting for all of those in the same spot where we were last year.
This year DS's story had a happy ending and his real journey will soon begin. But if not for this forum, I doubt we'd be here today. He was so laser focused on USNA, that he, we, never considered any other plan. This in spite of the panel at his Congressional interview telling him they'd like to see more from him, a little seasoning. Perhaps a semester in college or a SAP program at MMI or another program. They did give him a nomination, but a couple of months later the TD. Not long after, I went to the forums to work on a plan B, which led to plan C, MMI.

I'm telling you this out of gratitude. The forums are a valuable resource for those that don't know what they don't know. Even now, after receiving his appointment, I'm reading and learning and going through the process with hopeful kids and parents. Some will soon hear the news they want and others will receive the news they don't want. In either case, your journey will begin again. Use the knowledge from those on the forum. Use the search function and guidance from others to help with future plans. Have a plan B, plan C etc. etc. Plan A may not work out, plan B might get you back to plan A, but have a plan. Work the plan, regardless of what letter it is. Good luck to all and thank you to those on the Forums.

 

[bethf]

I'm writing this because of what happened 1 year ago. It was on this day DS received the news he didn't want. I had been on the forums since before Christmas of 2022 learning about the process. His Mom had even told me I was going to drive myself crazy trying to read the tea leaves, it didn't work, still here, rooting for all of those in the same spot where we were last year.
This year DS's story had a happy ending and his real journey will soon begin. But if not for this forum, I doubt we'd be here today. He was laser focused USNA, that he, we never considered any other plan. This in spite of the panel at his Congressional interview telling him they'd like to see more from him, a little seasoning. Perhaps a semester in college or a SAP program at MMI or another program. They did give him a nomination, but a couple of months later the TD. Not long after, I went to the forums to work on a plan B, which led to plan C, MMI.

I'm telling you this out of gratitude. The forums are a valuable resource for those that don't know what they don't know. Even now, after receiving his appointment, I'm reading and learning and going through the process with hopeful kids and parents. Some will soon hear the news they want and others will receive the news they don't want. In either case, your journey will begin again. Use the knowledge from those on the forum. Use the search function and guidance from others to help with future plans. Have a plan B, plan C etc. etc. Plan A may not work out, plan B might get you back to plan A, but have a plan. Work the plan, regardless of what letter it is. Good luck to all and thank you to those on the Forums.

Thanks for sharing this!!!

 

[ARMARINE03]

Thanks for sharing this!!!

I'm happy to do so.There's a lot of great info on here if you know "how and where" to look.

 

[futureusmcmom24]

Aww ARMARINES03 that’s such a wonderful post for all of us to read - thank you!! So happy for your son and your family! What a great inspiration for all of us who wait and wonderful (and often fret!) - thank you!!

 

[Runnerthirteen]

@ARMARINE03 Thank you! Similar story for DS, though he was fortunate enough to get an WPAOG sponsored spot at MMI. This Forum has been a rabbit hole that has caused anxiety and also peace. I will continue to read and be educated by those much more knowledgable than myself. I wish everyone the best!

 

[ARMARINE03]

@ARMARINE03 Thank you! Similar story for DS, though he was fortunate enough to get an WPAOG sponsored spot at MMI. This Forum has been a rabbit hole that has caused anxiety and also peace. I will continue to read and be educated by those much more knowledgable than myself. I wish everyone the best!

I reminded ours, it's never the problems that get you, it's always the response that makes the difference. As with ours, your Son didn't quit. Congrats again on a job well done. I went through the self-reporting page and found you. His journey also begins.

 

[Devil Doc]

This forum is addicting. I've quit, been banned, stayed a while then quit for two years. Was coaxed back by some internet friends and can't not sign in.

I found this site long after my son commissioned. He/we navigated the process fairly well but it didn't work out and he wandered in and out of five colleges before he graduated. He's done well for himself though and I think his unorthodox journey was good for him.

Congrats to your son and the family. Great advice on having a Plan B and Plan C. Mine didn't and that led to the school hopping.

Does your DS want to be a Marine officer?

 

[ARMARINE03]

This forum is addicting. I've quit, been banned, stayed a while then quit for two years. Was coaxed back by some internet friends and can't not sign in.

I found this site long after my son commissioned. He/we navigated the process fairly well but it didn't work out and he wandered in and out of five colleges before he graduated. He's done well for himself though and I think his unorthodox journey was good for him.

Congrats to your son and the family. Great advice on having a Plan B and Plan C. Mine didn't and that led to the school hopping.

Does your DS want to be a Marine officer?

Thank you. He does indeed, Marine Ground

 

[blinkus]

wonderful post!

 

[justdoit19]

Great post @ARMARINE03

I think this place is special. There are other sources of info, but the SAF is FULL of not only good info (and some bad…always check primary sources), but even more so full of people supportive of the SA/NROTC/Other source process. And wow, some ALL STARS that have been there, done that!! @Devil Doc is one of the good ones.

People here care. Understand. And are helpful (usually haha).

Stick around. Pay your experience forward. And before you know it, your name will say ‘5 yr member’

 

[ARMARINE03]

Great post @ARMARINE03

I think this place is special. There are other sources of info, but the SAF is FULL of not only good info (and some bad…always check primary sources), but even more so full of people supportive of the SA/NROTC/Other source process. And wow, some ALL STARS that have been there, done that!! @Devil Doc is one of the good ones.

People here care. Understand. And are helpful (usually haha).

Stick around. Pay your experience forward. And before you know it, your name will say ‘5 yr member’

Because of this community, people will find hope if they don't get the outcome they hoped for. It's an arduous process just seeking an appointment. But even if it doesn't go the you want, there is hope if you're serious about the SA's. Last year I saw kids on their second run, and even thrid run. I read their stories, the advice given and followed along and they made it. We are now one of those families. I plan to be here to help in any way I can. Great group of folks.

 

[THParent]

Does your DS want to be a Marine officer?

Thank you. He does indeed, Marine Ground

I can tell you as a parent of a ground-bound Teufel Hunden (USNA class of '22) it really was fun and exciting watching him go though the Academy and forge lifelong friendships along the way. I hope you get to visit there and take some MIDNs out to dinner and get to know them. When I say it's worth every penny - it is - but you have to take a lot of pennies. Those MIDNs can EAT and (in later years) ring up a pretty good bar tab.

 

[justdoit19]

I can tell you as a parent of a ground-bound Teufel Hunden (USNA class of '22) it really was fun and exciting watching him go though the Academy and forge lifelong friendships along the way. I hope you get to visit there and take some MIDNs out to dinner and get to know them. When I say it's worth every penny - it is - but you have to take a lot of pennies. Those MIDNs can EAT and (in later years) ring up a pretty good bar tab.

One of my fav things to do. Take them out, and listen to their stories and convos. They really are amazing.

 

[EEBTTF]

Another - Thank you for this post! I cant believe how fast the 4 years have gone by. My DS is graduating, commissioning and headed to TBS - he is hopeful that he gets infantry after TBS. Its amazing how things progress and the worries and concerns from 4 years ago are completely different now. @ARMARINE03 - things will work our and I am sure your DS will navigate his choices. One thing is for sure - if he wants to serve, there are a lot of different paths to get there. Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[ARMARINE03]

Another - Thank you for this post! I cant believe how fast the 4 years have gone by. My DS is graduating, commissioning and headed to TBS - he is hopeful that he gets infantry after TBS. Its amazing how things progress and the worries and concerns from 4 years ago are completely different now. @ARMARINE03 - things will work our and I am sure your DS will navigate his choices. One thing is for sure - if he wants to serve, there are a lot of different paths to get there. Good luck and please keep us posted.

Thank you, up to this point mission accomplished. Congrats to your youngin'. Good times after much nerve racking, twitchy, hand ringin', cold sweatin' hard work. I am truly grateful for this site.