I know it wasn't the Plebe Parent's Weekend everyone imagined earlier this year, but I know they had their computers and phones for a few hours yesterday to call home and/or video chat. How did it go? I know this week is sort of 'reform' for the Brigade and they will get their computers and phones back in a week or so. Hope everyone's Plebes are doing well and staying healthy.
How did the phone call home go?
- Thread starter NavyHoops
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Satisfying. It makes it easier when we can tell he is where he belongs.
We talked briefly the week before. But, this was much more relaxing and "normal". It was also good to see him in uniform.
It was even better getting to hear him open up about the trivial things, rather than just skim over the obligatory parent/son info.
Example:
They see the normal menu items (the ones they have to memorize for chow calls) to include Chicken cordon bleu, baked cod, winter vegetables, and something... but due to covid logistics, they got spaghetti for the 3rd night of the week instead. Even so, he was definitely reluctant to complain about anything... just in case anyone was listening outside their dorm room.
So far, his company has been somewhat spared from illness/injuries. (KNOCK ON WOOD). I saw where one company basically got iso'd on Friday or Sat. Maybe the whole company, or at least half???
We talked briefly the week before. But, this was much more relaxing and "normal". It was also good to see him in uniform.
It was even better getting to hear him open up about the trivial things, rather than just skim over the obligatory parent/son info.
Example:
They see the normal menu items (the ones they have to memorize for chow calls) to include Chicken cordon bleu, baked cod, winter vegetables, and something... but due to covid logistics, they got spaghetti for the 3rd night of the week instead. Even so, he was definitely reluctant to complain about anything... just in case anyone was listening outside their dorm room.
So far, his company has been somewhat spared from illness/injuries. (KNOCK ON WOOD). I saw where one company basically got iso'd on Friday or Sat. Maybe the whole company, or at least half???
whataluckymom
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I'll tell ya - 3.5 hours never flew by so fast! We had a family video chat for the entire time. He talked pretty much non-stop with a huge smile on his face the entire time! We got a tour of his room, he showed us his issued gear, met his current roommates, and heard all about their adventures so far. His only complaint (which is hard to characterize as a complaint, really) is that since they are running by company instead of by speed groupings, they're running slower than he's used to. It is definitely comforting to know he feels at home, and he's confident in his decision. I'm grateful to the administration to allow us the time with him!
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She likes the thick sliced turkey and kaiser rolls because of the light Tangy sauce they include with it .... and she also mentioned the Fajitas are really good.
I only talked to her very briefly in the 2 prior phone calls as I am usually outside working, and I texted her as such, so she spent all the time talking to my wife who is inside the house.
Anyway, yesterday morning I texted her and told her that I wanted to “Hear her Voice”, plain and simple. (DW told me that the Plebes would have their phones for a much longer time yesterday.) She told me everything they were doing, and all of the challenges. She is loving it .... and I heard for the 1st time that she turned her ankle inward 2 weeks ago carrying the 150lb guy on her back — wife didn’t tell me because she and daughter didn’t want me to worry. It was a bad sprain and X-rays were negative. She is doing everything and the USNA doctor is monitoring it, although it is still swelling and hasn’t completely healed — They are limiting her if she tries to push too hard.
I can gauge how things are going down there by the Nuances in our conversation. I ask all kinds of questions, “Lay-of-the-Land from a Distance” types of questions. She was surprisingly open. They are managing things very well down there. I feel really good about it.
I learned that her 1st roommate decided it wasn’t for her, and DORed. I am more sad than DD is. She said “Dad, it happens”. I don’t know if it was during ROM or a little after, but she said some folks can’t take being yelled at .... Sigh.
.... We laughed a Lot in the hour that we spoke yesterday ... being shaken in the morning to blaring sounds of Celtic Tribal Music, and besieged by the blaring Cacophony of Rudyard Kipling’s “Boots” poem being read allowed in this 1915 loop recording — She’s taking it all in stride.
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She likes the thick sliced turkey and kaiser rolls because of the light Tangy sauce they include with it .... and she also mentioned the Fajitas are really good.
I only talked to her very briefly in the 2 prior phone calls as I am usually outside working, and I texted her as such, so she spent all the time talking to my wife who is inside the house.
Anyway, yesterday morning I texted her and told her that I wanted to “Hear her Voice”, plain and simple. (DW told me that the Plebes would have their phones for a much longer time yesterday.) She told me everything they were doing, and all of the challenges. She is loving it .... and I heard for the 1st time that she turned her ankle inward 2 weeks ago carrying the 150lb guy on her back — wife didn’t tell me because she and daughter didn’t want me to worry. It was a bad sprain and X-rays were negative. She is doing everything and the USNA doctor is monitoring it, although it is still swelling and hasn’t completely healed — They are limiting her if she tries to push too hard.
I can gauge how things are going down there by the Nuances in our conversation. I ask all kinds of questions, “Lay-of-the-Land from a Distance” types of questions. She was surprisingly open. They are managing things very well down there. I feel really good about it.
I learned that her 1st roommate decided it wasn’t for her, and DORed. I am more sad than DD is. She said “Dad, it happens”. I don’t know if it was during ROM or a little after, but she said some folks can’t take being yelled at .... Sigh.
.... We laughed a Lot in the hour that we spoke yesterday ... being shaken in the morning to blaring sounds of Celtic Tribal Music, and besieged by the blaring Cacophony of Rudyard Kipling’s “Boots” poem being read allowed in this 1915 loop recording — She’s taking it all in stride.
That is what DS had mentioned as well. He has gained 10 lbs and feels completely out of running shape.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Since mine is in iso we have been google meeting each night so Sunday’s call didn’t actually happen (his phone stopped charging last week). He is mentally strong and has a good attitude. His company has a great sense of humor. He wants to get back to regular schedule and looks forward to the ac year getting rolling. Really wants to get to the range to qualify.
Glad to hear all the positives. I know its been a crazy year. For those who got video I am sure it was nice to see some faces, a little of their lives with their rooms and room mates and uniforms. I know it wasn't a trip to Annapolis for a giant hug in summer whites. Although it sounds like food has been a little hit and miss, but to us Old Grads... King Hall is so much better than what we even had.
Heatherg21, my guess is they will hold some Saturday morning sessions for those like your DS in iso to get qualified. USNA is usually really good at ensuring they get to. USNA budgeted and ordered the ammo for this, so if I had to make a guess, he will get his opportunity. Sorry he is iso.
Good luck to all the Plebes as they wrap up a strange Plebe Summer and transition to the ac year. It's always an interesting transition for each Plebe.
Heatherg21, my guess is they will hold some Saturday morning sessions for those like your DS in iso to get qualified. USNA is usually really good at ensuring they get to. USNA budgeted and ordered the ammo for this, so if I had to make a guess, he will get his opportunity. Sorry he is iso.
Good luck to all the Plebes as they wrap up a strange Plebe Summer and transition to the ac year. It's always an interesting transition for each Plebe.
I think all the companies will be doing this for the fall, assuming they are supposed to do each one.. They only got scheduled for 2/3 or so of the stations they normally would due to the ROM. And, then several have been rained out. So, I am sure every company has a few make-up classes to do the courses or sail or shoot or whatever.
Old Navy BGO
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Frankly, with the COVID lockdown, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more opportunities for upper class Midshipmen to go to the range, sail , or engage in other activities . Locking 4000 18-24 year olds behind a wall is dangerous ..and if the Administration doesn't provide ways to blow off steam, the Midshipmen will come up with their own ways...... and that never ends well !
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Boxing smokers!
Food-related events - luaus, bbqs, food trucks.
COVID Games.
Outdoor concerts.
I am sure this Dant will engage Brigade leadership on creative ideas that can be coupled with a health and safety plan.
whataluckymom
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DS "heard a rumor" that the range would possibly be open during the ac year on weekends in light of the Yard restrictions.
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Perhaps I'm out of line, but I really doubt that people will get the opportunity to qual if they missed it. Anyone who missed the range for this, that, or the other over 2023 PS was just out of luck. @Heatherg21 your son's best bet is to get involved with the Semper Fi Society, pay the trivial dues, and go to the range if they go during fall semester.
whataluckymom
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Everything is different in COVID-world. So many things are being done that were never done before. I think there's a decent chance of the ones that missed getting to do those activities. It will be interesting to watch and see what the academic year and Yard-liberty-only weekends bring in terms of creativity.
Normally I would agree with you. But nothing is normal this year. As we knew in years past if a Plebe missed the range they would just go with another company. With that not happening and so many who probably missed the range compared to years past, I would think everything is on the table. Not like the weapons detailers have any where to go on a Saturday morning! I am sure it will all get worked out and do what is best.
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In a normal year, I feel like attention would be paid to those details of what plebes did what. But not this year. There are literally 100’s that have cycled through iso (unscientific data there...). With various stages of processing through the summer stuff.
I also think it depends on the company. Some have a significant number of plebes not doing things (shooting for example). And some have one plebe. It would makes sense to me, that if an almost whole company missed out, they could maybe still get it in. But if they have ONE plebe, they are out of luck. My theories are based upon how my own guy was the only one from his company, and was not assigned tasks or assignments, or included in things virtually like some are now that are in iso. My guy was bored out of his mind. Didn’t even have reef points to study...whereas the ones there now I’ve read are very structured and have tasks and assignments. Getting rated virtually, etc. I’m not complaining but my guy was basically forgotten. It is what it is...but he has never caught up. And it’ll affect his plebe summer aptitude. He still isnt 100pct and is getting checked out at Walter Reed. At this point, I’m just wanting his health to return.
I also now have a whole different outlook, opinion and perspective about COVID.
My point, is that I feel like they are really just trying to get through this, rather than making sure everyone has their key points hit. No Oath thus far for mine, and I would have thought that would have happened for sure. Weird. But now they are moving on to the more important reform of the brigade. The Supes last strategic point of 3, that he layed out early on when this hit.
I also think it depends on the company. Some have a significant number of plebes not doing things (shooting for example). And some have one plebe. It would makes sense to me, that if an almost whole company missed out, they could maybe still get it in. But if they have ONE plebe, they are out of luck. My theories are based upon how my own guy was the only one from his company, and was not assigned tasks or assignments, or included in things virtually like some are now that are in iso. My guy was bored out of his mind. Didn’t even have reef points to study...whereas the ones there now I’ve read are very structured and have tasks and assignments. Getting rated virtually, etc. I’m not complaining but my guy was basically forgotten. It is what it is...but he has never caught up. And it’ll affect his plebe summer aptitude. He still isnt 100pct and is getting checked out at Walter Reed. At this point, I’m just wanting his health to return.
I also now have a whole different outlook, opinion and perspective about COVID.
My point, is that I feel like they are really just trying to get through this, rather than making sure everyone has their key points hit. No Oath thus far for mine, and I would have thought that would have happened for sure. Weird. But now they are moving on to the more important reform of the brigade. The Supes last strategic point of 3, that he layed out early on when this hit.
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“They see the normal menu items (the ones they have to memorize for chow calls) to include Chicken cordon bleu, baked cod, winter vegetables, and something... but due to covid logistics, they got spaghetti for the 3rd night of the week instead.”
I pulled this out of a post and didn’t quote the forum member so that I wouldn’t take away from the positive things in the post. I just want to pass on something for the future officers. Menu items run out all the time aboard ship. There are lots of dirty words and phrases associated with that. Lots of times the cooks will put out peanut butter and jelly which could possibly be better than what they originally had. They might put out uncooked hot dogs floating in warm water on the steam line. They might put out cold cuts (we don’t call them cold cuts, it’s one of the dirty words) for sandwiches.
Meanwhile in the ward room and chief’s mess, the meal went on as planned and the khakis walk out plump and happy. The ward room has different cooks, CS is their rating, and a different menu. They do breakouts separately and it’s easier to bring up the correct portions for 22 officers compared to 350 crew. Yes it’s simple math for both but it happens. Often. So if someday sailors get back to the shop after lunch and are grumpier than usual and the chow is the reason, it’s a good idea not to mention the French onion soup, fresh garden salad, buttered rolls, and oven baked chicken that was served family style in the ward room.
I pulled this out of a post and didn’t quote the forum member so that I wouldn’t take away from the positive things in the post. I just want to pass on something for the future officers. Menu items run out all the time aboard ship. There are lots of dirty words and phrases associated with that. Lots of times the cooks will put out peanut butter and jelly which could possibly be better than what they originally had. They might put out uncooked hot dogs floating in warm water on the steam line. They might put out cold cuts (we don’t call them cold cuts, it’s one of the dirty words) for sandwiches.
Meanwhile in the ward room and chief’s mess, the meal went on as planned and the khakis walk out plump and happy. The ward room has different cooks, CS is their rating, and a different menu. They do breakouts separately and it’s easier to bring up the correct portions for 22 officers compared to 350 crew. Yes it’s simple math for both but it happens. Often. So if someday sailors get back to the shop after lunch and are grumpier than usual and the chow is the reason, it’s a good idea not to mention the French onion soup, fresh garden salad, buttered rolls, and oven baked chicken that was served family style in the ward room.
Great perspective. Was pondering this reading about the Ike being at sea for so long. I know they had resupply along the way, but it’s still hard to keep things fresh at a certain point. Plus it just gets plain old eating the same rotation after a few weeks. Being a ship was the first time I had ever discovered rice is a breakfast food if you throw in raisins, cinnamon and sugar from last nights left overs!