Class of 2021 R-Day

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wp0524

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Does anyone know when R-Day is for the Class of 2021? My parents have been asking and I haven't been able to find it on USMA's website. I think I read July 3 on the forum at some point, but I can't seem to find that thread again. Thanks.
 
The official calendar has not yet been published, but the Thayer Hotel has it published as July 3, 2017
 
When I was there for my DS's overnight drop off they mentioned that July 3rd is R-Day this year.
 
IF my son gets the appointment and I can only afford the trip once, would it be better, as a mom, to drop him off for R day or to be there for A day?

I know WP will cover the cost of him getting there if he takes his receipts, but not the cost of my trip.

Thanks.
 
I would suggest going for A-Day. On A-Day you see your candidate cadet join the entire corp and become an official cadet. On A-Day weekend you also get to spend some time with your cadet on Saturday and Sunday. I know it is over thinking things, but we also want our DS to face the challenge of CBT without us parents around. It is time to break away from us and face life and a new army life on his own accord. We tell him we will show up on A-Day to celebrate his achievement of successfully completing CBT.
 
TexasJuneBug said:
IF my son gets the appointment and I can only afford the trip once, would it be better, as a mom, to drop him off for R day or to be there for A day?

I know WP will cover the cost of him getting there if he takes his receipts, but not the cost of my trip.

Thanks.
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This is a great question. On R-Day, you appear for the morning brief in an order of first letter of your last name and the time assigned. (It could be another method for reporting also). This is to prevent a zombie hoard overwhelming everyone. You'll listen to a short brief then your moment to say "good bye, good luck, I love you, don't forget to write". The next time you "may" see him is at the review later in the afternoon.

I think A-Day is a much better time. You'll be able to take your Plebe to dinner. They will want to get away and be able to get of their uniform in your hotel room, eat and sleep. Board games are fun with a pizza. They do have to be returned in the evening. There will be tours offered throughout the post that are interesting.

Plebe parent weekend is another high-light. You'll dress up and eat in Washington Hall. You'll get the opportunity to keep the stem ware that has the class crest etched in the glass. (This the only opportunity for this. They will not be for sale later).

Also, before R-day, you'll be allowed on the your class FB page and communicate with other families. You'll look forward to meeting the others during the 47 month journey.

I would say;
A-day
PPW
R-Day

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Thank you both! Lots of good information. One more question, what/when is plebe parent weekend? Is that A day?
 
I agree with Ice64. You will get much more time with your cadet on A-day. Whatever time your cadet is scheduled to report on R-day is basically the last time you may actually see them. (an occasional glimpse as they report to stations or while your in the stands and they march onto the field) My DD orignially did not want us to be present for R-day; she wanted the separation to be at the airport whereas her/my emotions wouldn't be affecting her as she was entering the briefing room as a civilian and leaving as a new cadet. We did end up going to both days and I kept my emotions in check; however, it is difficult to see the cadets march off the field and the doors closing on A-day. That moment was filled with such pride I had for all the new cadets as their 47 month journey officially began.
 
You all should book the Thayer now--and for graduation (it will seem silly but really I did it for my 2016 on R-Day--and was thankful to have that issue settled for the entire four years--and when I needed another room, they found one for me.). If the dates change, the Thayer will simply move your reservation. For the big days, you want to be inside the gate at the Thayer.
 
Oh, and A Day versus R Day...go for A Day! On R Day, they are nervous and don't want to talk--you stand in line, you drop them off--and then you do not see them again, cannot talk to them or anything. Say your good byes at home and let them go. For A-Day you get to hang out with them, go shopping, go to the movies, hang out at the hotel and watch them eat and eat and eat--and sleep in the car. There is so much wonderful time together.
 
DrMom said:
You all should book the Thayer now--and for graduation (it will seem silly but really I did it for my 2016 on R-Day--and was thankful to have that issue settled for the entire four years--and when I needed another room, they found one for me.). If the dates change, the Thayer will simply move your reservation. For the big days, you want to be inside the gate at the Thayer.
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I called yesterday and the Thayer is already booked for 2020 graduation.
 
ROXANNE--Did you ask to speak to the woman who coordinates the graduations for the Thayer (Nicole) I have her number...PM me on the FB WP Moms page. Get on the waiting list. You all have a long way to go. Figure out how many rooms you need and call, leave your name and number and how many rooms you want. You will get in. People's needs change--even in the next month or two as the kids change their minds or decide to do a mission or something. 2020 is a long way from today.
 
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Instead of staying at the Thayer, you can rent a house near WP. (think airbnb) We are doing this for PPW. The price is terrific, the house is literally a block from WP and we will have much more space this way. I mention this to note that there are plenty of options aside from the Thayer, so don't panic.

As others have already said, you will see your cadet more on A day vs. R day. A day is part of a weekend. At the end of A day you will have to bring your cadet back to WP, but you will be able to see your cadet the next day also. So it really is a lengthy time that you can have with your cadet.

PPW will take place during the spring semester of your cadet's plebe year.
 
TexasJuneBug said:
IF my son gets the appointment and I can only afford the trip once, would it be better, as a mom, to drop him off for R day or to be there for A day?

I know WP will cover the cost of him getting there if he takes his receipts, but not the cost of my trip.

Thanks.
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Does anyone mind elaborating on WP reimbursing an appointee's flight? This is the first time I'm seeing this information, and I could use some insight onto the validity and details of such an arrangement. Simply linking me to another page or thread suffices as well. Thanks.
 
I've mentioned it elsewhere, but perhaps check airbnb for the dates, though they fill up fast as well.
Also, I know some who keep a trailer over by Camp Buckner.
 
Also, no emotional sabotage around R-Day. It is truly gut wrenching to send your Beloved Child into a difficult program where he/she will be pushed to the limits--try not to add to the burden by saying how much you are suffering. My mother slipped a seven page, hand written on legal paper letter into my bag when I started at USNA. To this day I did not appreciate it the added burden of knowing how sad she was that I had left home. There is no time for that. Say your Good-byes in advance--and then focus on "I love you. You've got this." Just like sending your kid into the championship match--it isn't about you. So, if you have to pick between R-Day and A-Day. Go for A-Day on R-Day your kid needs his game face and champion mindset. If he goes early he will meet up with other cadet candidates--they can be nervous, excited, and quiet together while getting ready for the big game.
 
DrMom said:
Also, no emotional sabotage around R-Day. It is truly gut wrenching to send your Beloved Child into a difficult program where he/she will be pushed to the limits--try not to add to the burden by saying how much you are suffering. My mother slipped a seven page, hand written on legal paper letter into my bag when I started at USNA. To this day I did not appreciate it the added burden of knowing how sad she was that I had left home. There is no time for that. Say your Good-byes in advance--and then focus on "I love you. You've got this." Just like sending your kid into the championship match--it isn't about you. So, if you have to pick between R-Day and A-Day. Go for A-Day on R-Day your kid needs his game face and champion mindset. If he goes early he will meet up with other cadet candidates--they can be nervous, excited, and quiet together while getting ready for the big game.
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Great advice!

As you get closer to R-Day (a week before) your CC will start to pressurize and get their game face on. They will be short, have a tude, unconcerned about your thoughts and distant. Don't take it personally! Don't make it personal! Your CC is looking forward to their new adventure and challenges. You the parents will be going back home to where you raised them.

They are becoming responsible adults just like the way you taught them.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
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