Facebook groups?

WP2023 said:
Thank you all for your help; it is much appreciated. For the mom’s guide, I thought I read that there will be a new edition next year so I was thinking about waiting, but I’m guessing I should get it now based on your comments.
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Most of what you need to know happens plebe year, so I'd recommend now.
 
DrMom said:
To second @mom3boys --who has done serious social media leadership to create and maintain a group of more than 5000 moms in which the attitude is one of sharing, respect, and love.
Just last night a mom wrote in wanting to learn if there were any resources or suggestions to help her and her family attend a special event with her cadet--in that the family has a handicapped child who can do everything during that weekend but not the one event (a formal dinner)--within five minutes, three women had volunteered to assist this family.
When my own #1 graduated and was en route to his first duty station, he was in a pretty serious multi-car accident. He thought he was fine. He thought he could handle it--but then he found himself at a gas station in the rain in a rural area without a car and without a plan. At 21 and only having lived in the US to go to USMA, he suddenly realized that a little help at the end of a long day would be 'helpful' and much appreciated. Using the power of the WP Moms network, a dad picked him up within 15 minutes of the call. He was invited to stay at their home while he figured out what was going on with his car and with his insurance--and let his first duty station know he would be later than expected.
No one has to use social media. The emails from the Parent Liaison can be enough. However, the FB groups can help the cadet--things like 'no wheelie suitcases' and 'put everything in big ziplock bags' for R-Day. Figuring out how to get your plebe home for Thanksgiving (did you know that the MDDCVA parents club runs buses? that USMA has buses to the airports? what time to book a flight?) However, it can help with the where to be, when, and what to wear--where to stay/not stay--and frankly, for those few occasions when a mom or family spends time at a West Point event (R-Day, A-Day, Ring Weekend, Graduation)--and the cadets are off doing their own thing (school/parade practice/formation/etc)--it becomes a reunion of friends.
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I would totally agree with you and Mom3boys. As a plebe mom almost 2 years ago, I got a lot of help and answer from moms' page, from trivia things like what to wear for Aday, where to find best food around West Point to more serious things like how and when to book a ticket for cadet home on holidays...some firsties moms even went out of their way to write my DS letters of encouragement when he was at Beast. I am forever grateful for all of your help, you moms rock!!!
 
Good idea - The Mom's Guide to Surviving West Point is a tremendous resource. If possible, read it now before your child leaves for WP.
 
bookreader said:
Good idea - The Mom's Guide to Surviving West Point is a tremendous resource. If possible, read it now before your child leaves for WP.
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In the midst of reading the book. They should send it out with each acceptance. :D Thank you for the great suggestion!
 
Mem2026 said:
In the midst of reading the book. They should send it out with each acceptance. :D Thank you for the great suggestion!
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I am so glad you are enjoying the book. The authors are working on an updated edition and one of the authors is the founder of the West Point Moms Facebook page.
 
Since this was bumped.
Everything you need is put out by USMA, but….
You may miss out on things if that is the only place you get your information. The social media side can be… trying. I’ve heard of some pretty offensive stuff on the Mom’s Page. DW won’t go near it. But you can gain insight from these platforms such as the class page. Where to get catering? How to get transportation to/from USMA (there is a ride share FB page for Cadets). Where to eat. (Hint- no matter what your garbage disposal Cadet might say don’t eat at Dong Fongs). Where to stay and make reservations? For example, if you are looking right now for 2022 graduation, good luck. The nicer places go two years out.
Many examples of information. Social media is like any other type of media. It can be good and bad. Go for the news, ignore the commentary.
 
In defense of the WP Moms page, every post is now screened for being 'cadet or USMA related' and anything offensive or not helpful is removed immediately. The days of 'Figure it Out' are long gone. Over the past 10 years the community has grown to more than 6000 moms. Also, the class page is essential as it is run by the official West Point Parent Liaison and a great deal of class specific information is shared there.
 
DrMom said:
In defense of the WP Moms page, every post is now screened for being 'cadet or USMA related' and anything offensive or not helpful is removed immediately. The days of 'Figure it Out' are long gone. Over the past 10 years the community has grown to more than 6000 moms. Also, the class page is essential as it is run by the official West Point Parent Liaison and a great deal of class specific information is shared there.
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Good to hear. There was some pretty nasty stuff written about some people.
I agree about the class pages. A little more free reign on the “informal” class pages, but still pretty much class related.
 
mom3boys said:
In 2008 I started West Point Moms so moms who've been there, done that could help the newbie moms (I was the newbie mom at the time). We are an unofficial page. Our mission is cadet and mom support. While SFRanger calls us a "useless waste of time," I would disagree. Is there drama sometimes? You bet. Put a bunch of opinionated people in any room--real or virtual--and watch the drama develop. However, if you care about finding support and people who can guide you through some events and emotions you've never experienced, the moms are the BEST. For those who have no idea what the moms have done, let me toot our horn for a bit.
  • We bonded over a severely injured soldier in the early days of our group. We prayed around the clock for him. We learned about Fisher House...then we held a 5k in 2012 and raised $50,000 for Fisher House foundation.
  • We rescue stranded cadets all over the country with one quick post: My cadet needs help...does anyone live in _____.
  • We immediately find resources. Ex: Cadet X's mother is about to die...we need to get 3 cadets home NOW...who has FF miles?
  • We help each other. Ex: Mom is extremely poor, has never been to WP in 4 years...can we find the $ to get her to graduation. We filter this through the parent liaison or the local parent club.
  • We put info in one place to help people find what they need. We have travel info, food delivery, links to official sites.
  • We have spawned numerous groups. For example, West Point Moms bake sends THOUSANDS of boxes each year to deployed soldiers of all branches. WP Items for Donation is a mini raffle/auction site where crafted items raise funds for cadet clubs/groups (i.e. OCF, parachute team, softball, etc) to pay for food while traveling or other expenses related to the group/ministry. West Point Parents Prayer page, where you know people will pray for you, no matter what or when. Over 400 moms sent me prayers when my brother died unexpectedly last week. There are many other groups...including support for moms of cadets who separate.
Social media is not for everyone, but SF Ranger is just wrong when he calls the moms' page useless. Hundreds of other moms would also disagree.
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I know THIS NEW mom appreciates all the info from the Veteran moms that have walked before me. I thank you VERY MUCH!
 
WP2023 said:
Thank you all for your help; it is much appreciated. For the mom’s guide, I thought I read that there will be a new edition next year so I was thinking about waiting, but I’m guessing I should get it now based on your comments.
Click to expand...
It's a great resource. I read it in 4 hours. I am reading again, for the second time. LOVE it!
 
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