my experience
our cadet was just recognized so here are some things we learned along the way...
1)read the forums-lots of useful info and insight. i dont know how past parents survived without the internet LOL. and facebook - look at all the resources there too. we have made many friends there who will forever be friends.
2)webguy - a must! i cant imagine going through bct without it. prepare for pretty much a useless summer because you will spend so much time trolling that site. just dont get fired from work.
3)
http://write2them.org/ - easier than snail mail. its not free but worth it many times over.
4)Large USPS flat rate boxes - worth the $18 when you can put in as much as will fit in it. we sent so much stuff after BCT.
5)remember that letters go to USPS PO Box and UPS/Fedex packages goes to PAK Mail. look for the actual address online.
6)dont ignore phonecalls from strange area codes - DD/DS could be borrowing someones phone. they will sometimes do that at the rodeo and sponsors house the first time they ever get out. we got calls from TX, WA area codes.
7)make reservations for parents weekend YESTERDAY. prices go up significantly.
8)did not attend A day - 50/50 recommendations here
9)book a place away from the academy for PW - my kid wanted to get as far away from there LOL.
10) I-day was weird - felt like a carnival at first, fun and festive then your DD/DS goes up the stairs then comes down the other side then it feels like you lost your kid at that carnival. utter panic and sadness ughhh. trip back to hotel was harsh and empty. plane ride home to the east coast was worse LOL. and nothing ever prepares you for it.
11) its a roller coaster for sure - never understood what it meant until you ride it. lots of ups and downs, frantic phonecalls, injuries, frustrations but also a lot of triumphs and successes. they actually grow up.
12)spend a few days before I-Day at COS. time to maybe look for PW hotel locations, go to garden of the gods, pikes peak or just chill with your child and also get used to altitude. or just let them eat their last decent meal haha.
sorry for the long post. hope it helps someone.