Gift idea for appointee

xsurfer

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5-Year Member
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My son is a 2013 appointee. His mother and I are at a loss as to what sort of gift to get him for HS graduation/congrats on USAFA. Since he will be in Colorado for the next 4 years we thought a snowboard might be a good idea. We realize that he probably won't have time to use it during his 4th class year... or even have it in his room for that matter... but he has expressed interest in learning to snowboard so we thought it might be an appropriate gift. Any current cadets have an opinion on this? Any other ideas are certainly welcome. Thanks in advance!
 
My son is a 2013 appointee. His mother and I are at a loss as to what sort of gift to get him for HS graduation/congrats on USAFA. Since he will be in Colorado for the next 4 years we thought a snowboard might be a good idea. We realize that he probably won't have time to use it during his 4th class year... or even have it in his room for that matter... but he has expressed interest in learning to snowboard so we thought it might be an appropriate gift. Any current cadets have an opinion on this? Any other ideas are certainly welcome. Thanks in advance!

Snowboard is actually a great gift-that is the one thing that we can (and do) have and use a lot.
If he's never been before, perhaps you can arrange for him to rent one first and make sure he likes it (tell him his gift will be a snowboard once he figures out what he likes)
 
we can have boards and keep them in our rooms as 4digs. just have to send up a form that'll take no more than a week to get approved.. and there'll be plenty of time to use it. obviously, we can't go as much as we want to because we dont have a whole lot of passes, and we may be restricted, but for the most part you can go as often as you want (and can afford!)
 
Once BCT is over, and the cadet gets permission, they are allowed a lot of computer peripherals. For my son, we got him a really nice combo printer/copier/scanner. Also got him a really nice guitar. Then, knowing how young people will change their mind a lot; plus how they don't mind as much; I gave him the rest in cash. Actually, I deposited into his bank account. Then if HE wants a snowboard, rent a car for the weekend, etc... He can choose himself. I said "Rest" because I gave his sister "X" amount of value when she graduated High School. Being I wasn't able to give him the same type of items she got, I converted it to a monetary value. Anyway, that is what I did.

Things I had on my list to buy him, but decided to give him cash so i didn't buy him something he really didn't want, were things like.

Digital camera
nice watch
real nice sun glasses
new super duper cell phone

In the end, he used the money on a watch, sun glasses, but DIDn'T get a camera. he said he'd never use it. I got him the cell phone on our own.
 
My sons both play golf and LOVE the links at AFA. We got them each a nice set of clubs which they will take back with them after spring break. We could have bought skis too, which they have used. A nice watch is also good. If your child already has a phone, upgrade his plan.

Of course, they really can't use this stuff during BCT, and some not till later.
 
Snowboards, skis, golf clubs, etc are good.
Musical instruments are good.
computer peripherals (printers, external monitors, etc) are good, although some require permission and have limits (no 47" flatscreens :biggrin:)
 
On some of the webguy pic's of BCT it appears upperclass are wearing what I would have called (loooonnngg ago!) "non-reg" sunglasses. It looked like Oakly Gas Cans, wrap-arounds, or something similar -- I thought I even saw some white frames -- was I mistaken? Or are sunglasses like that (other than the 'aviator' style) okay?
 
On some of the webguy pic's of BCT it appears upperclass are wearing what I would have called (loooonnngg ago!) "non-reg" sunglasses. It looked like Oakly Gas Cans, wrap-arounds, or something similar -- I thought I even saw some white frames -- was I mistaken? Or are sunglasses like that (other than the 'aviator' style) okay?

Taken from the Sight Picture:
Conservative ornamentation on frames and lenses. Authorize conservative
ornamentation on non-prescription sunglasses or eyeglasses, frames may be
black or brown material or gold or silver wire. Brand name glasses may be
worn with small logo on frames or lenses. Logo must be same color as frames
or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn. Conservative,
clear, slightly tinted or photosensitive lenses. Conservative lenses and frames
(faddish styles and mirrored lenses prohibited). No sunglasses (to include
darkened photosensitive lenses) in formation. Not worn around the neck or on
top/back of head or exposed hanging on the uniform. Eyeglasses/sunglasses
will be worn in the manner for which they were made.
 
Thanks to everyone for your input. You've given me some good ideas to think about. :thumb:
 
This is what I want/need:

Nice new wallet/money clip
Money
Snowboard
Money
External Monitor
Money
Digital Camera
Money
A good watch (gave me a Casio G-Shock... I love it)
Money
Printer/Scanner/Copier
Money
NEW CELL PHONE!
Money
 
This is what I want/need:

Nice new wallet/money clip
Money
Snowboard
Money
External Monitor
Money
Digital Camera
Money
A good watch (gave me a Casio G-Shock... I love it)
Money
Printer/Scanner/Copier
Money
NEW CELL PHONE!
Money

There seems to be a common thread in your list here... :rolleyes:
 
Luigi the humidor is for retirement:shake:

Ya think Packer wants Money, maybe he just couldn't think of anything else...maybe he really wants a gift certificate to pet smart:wink:

I remember last yr a cadet asked if she was allowed to bring her cat as the 1 item (NO LIE)...and then there was also another person who asked if they could bring their horse as the 1 item.
 
I've joked about bringing the cat as an item with my mom, though I wasn't actually serious...
 
I remember last yr a cadet asked if she was allowed to bring her cat as the 1 item (NO LIE)...

Apparently, a couple of years ago, someone on our floor actually had a cat. they kept it in a carrier during the day and let it roam the building at night. They eventually got caught. :shake:

poor cat.
 
Got to ask how they passed room inspections...did they just pass the cat room to room? How many demerits do you get for a cat or did the AFA get a lightbulb moment and put it in writing NOTHING THAT WALKS ON ALL FOURS CAN BE KEPT, b/c you know if they just wrote cats and dogs, somebody would def. push it and say it's a guinea pig or better yet how about a miniature horse...they are about the size of a dog!

Back on point...Packermatt wants MONEY:shake:
 
A cat? :rolleyes: Big deal. :wink:

Try keeping a bear. As recently as 1984, a live bear (Objee) was kept on the Academy grounds and occasionally roamed the barracks.

"A bit of history: By 1926, the bear had been the Academy's mascot for sometime in honor of the Cutter Bear, which had served in the Arctic Zone for years.

However, it was during this year that a Cadet by the name of Steven Evans returned from leave with a live bear cub. He somehow talked the Superintendent, Captain Hinckley, into allowing the bear to stay at the Academy. The bear was named Objee, which was short for "objectionable presence."

He had many homes throughout his tenure at the Academy, but the one he spent the most time in, and his last home was the old Academy observatory next to Billard Hall. Although he did not sleep in Chase Hall, Objee was often brought into the barracks and turned loose. He showered in the cadet showers, and was even allowed to eat in the wardroom from time to time. Cadet Objee was particularly fond of visiting cadets during study hour.

Apparently he lived up to his name because finally in 1984 after 27 live Objees, the tradition was ended. Interestingly, the 'last live Objee' quite literally lives at Widmark Farms in New York."
 
Can you imagine that conversation I am ROFL just playing it in my mind...Sir, I will take care of him...he'll be NO PROBLEM or better yet, but SIR, all of the other SAs bring Mascots to their games I was just trying to show initiative and camraderie by obtaining a mascot that will show our strength! I wonder if that cadet ever became a politician or a lawyer, because he definetely could sell it!

Back on topic...Packer wants the MOOLA :wink:
 
This is what I want/need:

Nice new wallet/money clip
Money
Snowboard
Money
External Monitor
Money
Digital Camera
Money
A good watch (gave me a Casio G-Shock... I love it)
Money
Printer/Scanner/Copier
Money
NEW CELL PHONE!
Money

Is this your Christmas list? :p
 
Luigi the humidor is for retirement:shake:

Ya think Packer wants Money, maybe he just couldn't think of anything else...maybe he really wants a gift certificate to pet smart:wink:

I remember last yr a cadet asked if she was allowed to bring her cat as the 1 item (NO LIE)...and then there was also another person who asked if they could bring their horse as the 1 item.

is it pets mart or pet smart? never could figure that out...
 
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