VMI it is

[pennak]

Originally Posted by larry2013

RahVaMil2009 is correct! The parent council is terrific resource - once your son/daughter accepts their appointment to VMI there are MANY letters you will receive. I was so impressed right from the start, VMI does respect parents, does an excellent job of informing you, along with your cadet. As many have said here, in my opinion, STP is invaluable! I know that Bruno's and RahVaMil2009's posts were so helpful during this time for me - but that was 2 years ago! Can't believe my cadet is almost halfway thru - its a terrific journey - your cadet will appreciate your visits as often as you can get there! For now enjoy these last few weeks! I am happy to answer questions or provide whatever information I can - VMI has so lived up to my son's expectations, their marketing. I realize VMI isn't perfect, but they are most sincere in their desire to try. My son is NROTC and Mech Eng so if you have any questions I am most familiar with those. But my larger pack of neandrothols are from all walks - MO NROTC and AROTC - their majors are all different. STP does give a cadet a head start, historically about 1/2 the incoming class attend. My congratulations to your cadet - it is a journey worthwhile - larrys mom

Larry2013, I am sure I will be taking you up on your very kind and generous offer!!

[bruno]

Originally Posted by patentesq

I thought parents at VMI are required to go through Rat training along with their kiddos! Is this no longer the case?

Hmmm- interesting thought- I need to lose about 20 pounds maybe that's an idea? Maybe an option for making some money for the school while the barracks are empty: "Shape up the VMI way- lose 20 pounds and feel closer to your kid at the VMI spa and chubby farm"
I would still have to get weekly haircuts, but mostly ear trims as opposed to off the top.
On second thought- I'm having visions of that black collar on the blouse- on a woman they call it a muffin top for that roll over the low rise jeans- what do they call it for an old guy turning cherry red with all of that excess neck spilling over the top of the collar? Not a pretty picture I'm afraid.
Nope- Parents need to avoid the Ratline at all costs! Just enjoy seeing young "cosmo" or "cosmoline" at the swearing in Ceremony at New Market or on Parents weekend and be prepared to feed them and their roommates, let them sleep in your Hotel room and be properly awed at their stories (but keep in mind that those stories have a way of being magnified the more times they tell them!)

Congratulations and good luck to those who have decided that VMI is "it". And enjoy your last months in HS!

[bjkuds]

Originally Posted by Bird85

DS received his final TWE from an SA (USCGA) today, so it's definitely on to VMI. DM and I are happy as we live only 2 1/2 hours away and will get to see him more often during his 4 year stay. Many decisions still need to be made (STP, ROTC, major). I'm just glad he can now focus on one plan. Pennak, bjkbuds, et al. - I look forward to our discussions between now and Matriculation.

Bird Congratulations!! Sorry about the TWE though, yet I know it's a great school that is capable of bringing the best out of our kids. Welcome

[Bird85]

Originally Posted by bjkuds

Bird Congratulations!! Sorry about the TWE though, yet I know it's a great school that is capable of bringing the best out of our kids. Welcome

Bjkuds, thanks so much. Sorry for the fat finger in my last post. I misspelled your screen name. Anyway, DS told me he was not "bummed" over the TWE. During this process I believe VMI became Plan "A". We are very happy for him!

[bjkuds]

Originally Posted by Bird85

Bjkuds, thanks so much. Sorry for the fat finger in my last post. I misspelled your screen name. Anyway, DS told me he was not "bummed" over the TWE. During this process I believe VMI became Plan "A". We are very happy for him!

I am glad that he is happy and you have the ability to see him more. I don't think they realize how important that can be, at least mine doesn't think ...or, I should say, didn't consider homesickness etc when visiting schools. I think he is starting to realize how much his life is about to change and is glad he will be 5 hours away instead of a long distance. Having the choice of ROTC/commissioning etc was the big seller. DS is thinking NROTC unless AROTC kicks us a scholarship, then he will try that. He doesn't really know. Navy is a pure guess as to which branch may suit him the best. He wants to serve, but has no idea what he will like and what he won't. He can be brutally honest and I am afraid he might just tell his PMS or Commander that he is just here for the year to check it out. But knowing him, he will give a 100% effort regardless.

[Bird85]

Originally Posted by Bird85

DS received his final TWE from an SA (USCGA) today, so it's definitely on to VMI. DM and I are happy as we live only 2 1/2 hours away and will get to see him more often during his 4 year stay. Many decisions still need to be made (STP, ROTC, major). I'm just glad he can now focus on one plan. Pennak, bjkbuds, et al. - I look forward to our discussions between now and Matriculation.

Good morning. (OBTW, I am quoting my own quote!) Anyway, just to update the VMI SAF world, DS made his final decision over the weekend on the Army scholarship and will be notifying NSTC in writing today of this declination of the NROTC scholarship.

[bjkuds]

Originally Posted by Bird85

Good morning. (OBTW, I am quoting my own quote!) Anyway, just to update the VMI SAF world, DS made his final decision over the weekend on the Army scholarship and will be notifying NSTC in writing today of this declination of the NROTC scholarship.

Cool...maybe my DS can grad a 3 year Navy deal now I'm just glad your DS is able to make a choice that pleases him. That is the goal

[bruno]

For those of you who have decided as the title implies that: "VMI is it" - I Thought that you would find this interesting:

LEXINGTON, Va., May 3, 2011 – Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will speak at Virginia Military Institute’s commencement exercise on May 16. The last time graduating cadets were addressed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was in 2004, when Gen. Richard B. Myers gave the commencement address.

As the highest-ranking military officer in the United States, Adm. Mullen coordinates the efforts of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in advising the president, secretary of defense, and the National Command authorities. His previous position, as 28th chief of Naval Operations, saw him serving as the Navy’s top uniformed leader and representative to the Joint Chiefs.

“Admiral Mullen will address a very engaged crowd of graduates at VMI commencement this year,” said Cadet John Manning, president of the graduating 1st Class. “The Class of 2011 is honored to have the chairman of the Joint Chiefs speak at our commencement. Many of my fellow cadets hoped for him to come, so this news from the VMI administration makes them that much more excited for May 16, 2011.”

VMI’s superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, said Adm. Mullen’s career offers an example of the spirit of public service the Institute attempts to instill in its cadets. “Admiral Mullen has amassed an impressive record that our cadets will find inspiring,” Peay said. “His sterling career exemplifies the very best traits of leadership and character that we take pride in imparting to our graduates.”

As chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mullen has focused his efforts on defending vital national interests in the Middle East, revitalizing the armed forces, and properly balancing global risk. He has placed significant emphasis on the expansion of counter-insurgency warfare training and resources and was an early advocate for a greater focus on operations in Afghanistan.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served on seven warships, three as commanding officer. He holds a master of science degree in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

He and his wife, Deborah Mullen, devote much of their time to advancing warrior and family support initiatives including survivor benefits, suicide prevention, mental health, wounded care, and veteran employment and education.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in VMI’s Cameron Hall. Approximately 300 cadets of the Class of 2011 are expected to graduate, with about 60 percent commissioning into all branches of the armed forces.

[pennak]

Way cool Bruno. Congrats to the Class of 2011! May God go with them.

[bjkuds]

What a great accomplishment, and what an honor to have Adm. Mullen speak. I hope there is someone who can upload it on youtube. I would be interested in hearing what he says.