This has been a tragic week in regard to accidents, a Nevada National Guard Tank rolling over leaving one soldier dead along with the accident at WP. My heart goes out to all the families. We can do better when it comes to training guidelines.
Got a text from an unknown number last evening. Was my son saying he is safe. Was a huge relief, as he is in the same training as the cadet who died, and likely knows him/her fairly well. We had deducted that my son was in the field yesterday morning, and likely not amongst those involved, based on some insight shared from one of his roommates, who is on a leadership detail at WP right now, and had a bit of contact with other cadets in the field. Also, my son completed the land navigation component of this training last week, and the accident happened in route to LN.
While it is a relief to know my son is safe, my wife and I both concluded immediately after getting the text that there is no opportunity to rejoice. Another family is being tortured by a lost too awful to contemplate.
When I received the news of a fatal accident during summer training at West Point, my heart absolutely sunk thinking about the possibility that it could involve my son. I received a text with confirmation that he was safe, but that other family got the opposite news, and it is painful to even think about that. Moreover, something like this puts perspective on life in general, but also reminds all of us that when our sons and daughters are commissioned, and then at some point deployed, nothing can be taken for granted. These waiting gamesqt occur when you are waiting to find out if your child is safe are tough.
Prayers carry the day.
Received the same type text from our son last night who is in the field as well. Relieved yes, but still thinking about the family getting the call. Then came the announcement and the photo of the cadet. Our prayers are with the family.Got a text from an unknown number last evening. Was my son saying he is safe. Was a huge relief, as he is in the same training as the cadet who died, and likely knows him/her fairly well. We had deducted that my son was in the field yesterday morning, and likely not amongst those involved, based on some insight shared from one of his roommates, who is on a leadership detail at WP right now, and had a bit of contact with other cadets in the field. Also, my son completed the land navigation component of this training last week, and the accident happened in route to LN.
While it is a relief to know my son is safe, my wife and I both concluded immediately after getting the text that there is no opportunity to rejoice. Another family is being tortured by a lost too awful to contemplate.
When I received the news of a fatal accident during summer training at West Point, my heart absolutely sunk thinking about the possibility that it could involve my son. I received a text with confirmation that he was safe, but that other family got the opposite news, and it is painful to even think about that. Moreover, something like this puts perspective on life in general, but also reminds all of us that when our sons and daughters are commissioned, and then at some point deployed, nothing can be taken for granted. These waiting gamesqt occur when you are waiting to find out if your child is safe are tough.
Prayers carry the day.
Received the same type text from our son last night who is in the field as well. Relieved yes, but still thinking about the family getting the call. Then came the announcement and the photo of the cadet. Our prayers are with the family.
With any luck, the Army would have done it the usual way - not a call - sending an officer or senior enlisted assigned as the Casualty Assistance Officer, along with a chaplain, to do the formal notification of the PNOK. These days, it’s a race with social media. It’s sad to contemplate how in some cases, some “helpful” person who gets early wind of the deceased’s name, shares it on social media, and the NOK hears about it by reading “So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers” post.
I am confident the minute USMA chain of command got confirmed word, they scrambled to coordinate the CACO (insert Army term) team. It’s something with which the military has vast and deep experience, and it’s taken very seriously. The cadet’s name would not be released until the PNOK was informed.
Many of the regular posters on here will have had experience being a CACO (or the Army term) or coordinating the required sequence of events for casualties such as this. I remember each and every one of mine. It becomes the primary duty if you’re assigned. The parents will be supported every step of the way.
Both the scene, and the Hospital are in restricted areas which undoubtedly helped the situation.With any luck, the Army would have done it the usual way - not a call - sending an officer or senior enlisted assigned as the Casualty Assistance Officer, along with a chaplain, to do the formal notification of the PNOK. These days, it’s a race with social media. It’s sad to contemplate how in some cases, some “helpful” person who gets early wind of the deceased’s name, shares it on social media, and the NOK hears about it by reading “So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers” post.
I am confident the minute USMA chain of command got confirmed word, they scrambled to coordinate the CACO (insert Army term) team. It’s something with which the military has vast and deep experience, and it’s taken very seriously. The cadet’s name would not be released until the PNOK was informed.
Many of the regular posters on here will have had experience being a CACO (or the Army term) or coordinating the required sequence of events for casualties such as this. I remember each and every one of mine. It becomes the primary duty if you’re assigned. The parents will be supported every step of the way.
Something that struck me, was how quiet the media actually was about this. I was was thinking that either they were being respectful, or USMA was successful in keeping things quiet until proper notifications are made. Or both. But in this day and age, info is leaked and DOES get out. This was properly and reverently hush-hush (as it should be). Generally the media reports “unconfirmed” information. Nothing was reported. I found that both beautiful, hopeful and amazing. The respect for the institution, family and friends.
The lock down can be a dual edged sword. The kids soon figured out during deployments that a missed Skype meant that something bad happened on the base and a long 24 hours followed. We lived in a neighborhood with gold star families so it wasn’t unfamiliar.With any luck, the Army would have done it the usual way - not a call - sending an officer or senior enlisted assigned as the Casualty Assistance Officer, along with a chaplain, to do the formal notification of the PNOK. These days, it’s a race with social media. It’s sad to contemplate how in some cases, some “helpful” person who gets early wind of the deceased’s name, shares it on social media, and the NOK hears about it by reading “So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers” post.
I am confident the minute USMA chain of command got confirmed word, they scrambled to coordinate the CACO (insert Army term) team. It’s something with which the military has vast and deep experience, and it’s taken very seriously. The cadet’s name would not be released until the PNOK was informed.
Many of the regular posters on here will have had experience being a CACO (or the Army term) or coordinating the required sequence of events for casualties such as this. I remember each and every one of mine. It becomes the primary duty if you’re assigned. The parents will be supported every step of the way.
The West Point Parent Club of NJ is where the Morgan family are members. So we are the collection point for any letters or cards that anyone would like to send to the family.
If you message me, I will provide the mailing address.
Note, I am the club vp.