Welcome to the family! Our girl is 6 months from Commissioning....While you wait for your 'firsts' experiences....we are now experiencing our 'lasts'....our last Army/Navy game, our last Messiah Concert....her last semester is coming. It truly is an adventure for not only the mid, but the entire family. The opportunities a USNA midshipman is able to have are so many, so varied that the exponential number of permutations mean everyone has 'THEIR' own memories. Learning to play the bagpipe....travelling to multiple Middle East Countries....studying abroad for 7 months....meeting diplomats and Admirals and Generals and them seeking your thoughts....seeing the Pope in Jordan...singing across the country.....speaking on National radio.....joining the first woman's ice hockey team...sailing...subbing....flying in planes....and this is ONE mid's 3 1/2 years story!!! I am amazed at what our young people learn and become through a 4 year Service Academy education. This is a side to USNA that could be much more highlighted. No ROTC or college program can possibly duplicate what our USGovernment invests in these USNA and other Service Academy adults. We could never, never, never have financed this eduation. It comes from all their hard work and dedication and the investment of the people of the United States of America. God bless us, every one!!!