Advice for class of 26 parents

CrabbittMom

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My DD is class of 25 and I had no idea going on how different it would be as a parent than sending my oldest off to civilian college. I thought this could be a good thread to impart all of our wisdom here or funny stories for the newest group of parents. Or 26 parents ask us anything…

First words of wisdom clear out your calends for the summer because you’ll probably be spending lots of time with your new virtual bestie webguy.
 
Doolie year it is 1000% worth it. After that not really but is always nice to support the school and organization does a ton for current cadets and graduates.
 
My DD is class of 25 and I had no idea going on how different it would be as a parent than sending my oldest off to civilian college. I thought this could be a good thread to impart all of our wisdom here or funny stories for the newest group of parents. Or 26 parents ask us anything…

First words of wisdom clear out your calends for the summer because you’ll probably be spending lots of time with your new virtual bestie webguy.
Not to mention, update your reading glasses..... and maybe practice with some "Where's Waldo Books". If you know, you know...
 
What is webguy?

Webguy takes photos and is offered through the Association of Graduates. There are some photos that are open to everyone, but if you pay the membership fee, there are tons of photos through the summer of BCT, as well as throughout the regular school year. Totally worth it!

The "Where's Waldo" comment is because it is difficult to spot your daughter or son out in the group. It was especially hard with them wearing masks. Our 9 year old son was especially good at spotting his sister and it did become a game.
 
Not to mention, update your reading glasses..... and maybe practice with some "Where's Waldo Books". If you know, you
Not to mention, update your reading glasses..... and maybe practice with some "Where's Waldo Books". If you know, you know...
Yes! And if you have a DS take a 360 scan of his head before he leaves. That way you can reference if that bald kid with the mole behind his ear might be your son. Even then you might be wrong. 😂😂😂
 
24 parent here--- I recommend Webguy. You have to pay for it for the whole four years, unfortunately, which is the only drawback given that it's most useful the first year. It's imperative through BCT, but it's useful after too. After doolie year, I got amazing pics of my DS doing Jump, Soaring (gliders) and powered flight. You can also find pics of your kid taking the AFT and PFT. In addition, joining webguy does entitle you to 15% off anything you buy from the association of graduates store. You will spend a small fortune at AOG when you drop your kid off on I day.
 
24 parent here--- I recommend Webguy. You have to pay for it for the whole four years, unfortunately, which is the only drawback given that it's most useful the first year. It's imperative through BCT, but it's useful after too. After doolie year, I got amazing pics of my DS doing Jump, Soaring (gliders) and powered flight. You can also find pics of your kid taking the AFT and PFT. In addition, joining webguy does entitle you to 15% off anything you buy from the association of graduates store. You will spend a small fortune at AOG when you drop your kid off on I day.

When do you suggest to join...right before
I Day?
 
Even if you are not normally on Facebook join for the summer and then join the USAFA parents groups. Especially the summer squad pages. They will help you figure out what is going on and help narrow the webguy search sessions.

Also take advantage of the parents club get togethers before I day and if everyone is game get the phone numbers of the local basic parents to start a text string.

Having a village of parents who understand what you are going through is invaluable.
 
Highly recommend WebGuy. You can also pay all upfront and save $243, a great value! From publicaly available drill down on usafa(dot)org:

Q: Is there a pay-in-full option? Is there a benefit to paying in full?

A:
Yes. A pay-in-full option is offered for a limited time (March 1 – Sept. 30). You may pay in full for $1,485 (a savings of $243). Please call us at 719-472-0300 for more information or to arrange for your membership to be paid in full at any other time throughout the 4-year journey.

++++++++++++++
Along with all the membership perks, it gets your Cadet a lifetime membership with AOG, so totally worth it.

I also suggest:
Getting your picture download organization READY TO GO. You can even practice with senior pictures and the like.
I wish I had bought DD a new phone before BCT, and then her pictures would not be so filmy/blurry.
My DDs love the snapfish/shutterfly albums I make from their pictures!

Advice for parents, and to no one in particular: Get used to rewarding your Cadet based on thought process and action, not on outcome. Outcome will be the natural extension of the former. It is the good habits - ESPECIALLY with regard to studying, coping, delayed gratification, and learning to pick themselves up and think how the glass is half full. Too often my observation is parents rewarding for "quickly and easily being happy". As my DH says, if we all just did what made us happy, then why are people cleaning toilets? Reward for things like, "That is SO AWESOME you are going early to EI!" and in particular, for making sound decisions and choices. Let them vent - briefly - and then move to how to get in a good mindset.
 
My DD is Class of 2026. I signed up for WebGuy/AOG and its been fun to look over last years pics to get a sense of things. A few tips, there is a lag time from the moment you sign up (pay) to when you have access to the photos. I'm still waiting for the app to work for me. Also, check your spam box for the confirmation emails and validations. I recommend starting the process a few weeks before I Day so that you aren't stressed about it waiting to access those first pictures! Good luck everyone.
 
We got the paid lifetime AOG membership for our son and it was absolutely worth it. Webguy is a great source for pics during Doolie year and beyond. In following years there will be photos of The Air Force Ball, CST, Ring Dance, Commitment, eitc. We also took full advantage of the discount at the AOG shop.

Also, from a parent many years down the road, I still enjoy Checkpoints Magazine (AOG publication that comes with membership) and reading the updates on my kid’s classmates whom I have gotten to know over the years.

Stealth_81
 
We organized letters to our DS from many, many people, spread out over BCT. They live for letters. They don't need to be deep, just contact. You're won't get many in return. They are alive, just busy and exhausted.

Also, determine now how you will handle illness/death with your cadet during BCT. Do they need to know that Fluffy died? Or grandparents, friends? It is important to figure out ahead of time.
 
We organized letters to our DS from many, many people, spread out over BCT. They live for letters. They don't need to be deep, just contact. You're won't get many in return. They are alive, just busy and exhausted.

Also, determine now how you will handle illness/death with your cadet during BCT. Do they need to know that Fluffy died? Or grandparents, friends? It is important to figure out ahead of time.
YES to both of your points! We had friends and family write encouraging notes on 3x5 cards at our DS's HS graduation party. I would send a few each week with our letters.

We had the death/illness discussion with our DS before he left. Since we did have a very close call with one of his grandfathers, we knew if he wanted to be told (he didn't - only if it was mom, dad or brother) so we weren't worried about telling him the news until after BCT.
 
wh
Even if you are not normally on Facebook join for the summer and then join the USAFA parents groups. Especially the summer squad pages. They will help you figure out what is going on and help narrow the webguy search sessions.

Also take advantage of the parents club get togethers before I day and if everyone is game get the phone numbers of the local basic parents to start a text string.

Having a village of parents who understand what you are going through is invaluable.
Which parent group is the official one? Should I have my mom join the USAFA Parent Resource Group of the Class of 2026 group?
 
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