I-day is a day and time of Mixed-emotions. Initially, my son wanted to let the air force pay for a plane ticket for him. Well, after I said that was pretty silly, considering we only live 2 1/2 hours from the academy, I started to realize where he was coming from. When I left for basic training in 1979, I didn't want my parents really taking me anyplace either. Not even to the airport. Instead, I had them take me to the train station, and from there I got to the airport. And I will NEVER forgive myself for that day. As a 17 year old, I knew why I was doing it; but I wasn't considerate of my mom and dad at all. So, any of you heading to the academy, consider your parents, and let them do whatever they want.
I know I didn't want my parents taking me, because I knew that no matter how TOUGH I thought I was, I would get all emotional and probably break down. Well, that's a pretty small price to pay considering how much it hurt my mom. So; after my son initially said he wanted to fly down, and I mentioned that driving there is only a couple of hours and it didn't make sense to fly, I thought about it and told him what I just said here about my parents and when I left. I could deal with it OK. I spent 21 years in the air force, I'm a guy, and I knew exactly where my son was coming from. It wasn't that he didn't love us or anything; just that he didn't want us to see how hard it was for him too. I explained what it would do to his mom. (Just like I unfortunately did to my mom). He understood and agreed to let us drive him there.
Mind you all; I understand that not everyone can drive their soon to be cadet to colorado springs. And many can't afford to have the family go there on I-day with them. I'm simply saying that "IF you're a Cadet Reading this"; to let your parents be part of the decision. And CONCEDE to what they want. You'll be able to be on your own soon enough.
For us; it was the LONGEST, yet SHORTEST 2 1/2 hour drive in our entire lives. I, my wife, my daughter, and our son drove down. And it was about the quietest drive anyone could imagine. What could we say? My son didn't want to hear anything about what was to come. We've already talked about what to expect many times before. Mom and sister didn't know what to say. So it was very quiet. The only icebreaker we had, was the football team had a breakfast for all the new players PRIOR to in-processing. This allowed us a little unwind time in a somewhat neutral environment. We then went to in-processing and stood in the loooooong line. And everyone was quiet. None of the parents nor soon to be cadets knew what to say. But you could tell that they needed each other there. When we finally got inside, we had about a minute or two to say goodbye before he went upstairs. Lot of hugs. Lot of teary eyes. After he went upstairs to start processing, I told my wife and daughter to follow me outside and around back. We eventually was able to see him come outside with others; get some nice historical information from past graduates, and eventually "Walk over the bridge" to his new life. We watched him get on the bus and we finally left.
So even though there wasn't anything special about the trip, being together as a family was important for that first academy experience. So IF you can follow your son/daughter to the academy; and combine it possibly with a vacation or other trek; then great. You should do it. if you can't, for whatever reason, that's fine. But try to make your son/daughter's send-off a family event, and take them as far as your can. Even if it's only the airport. Which means, giving yourselves plenty of time before they have to go through security and boarding where you can't follow. Maybe go to the food court and have some breakfast or whatever. Maybe walk around and chat. And if you can't take them to I-day; PLEASE, do everything in your power to make it to parent's weekend. Your son/daughter may not say it much or often, but they really need you. Maybe not to do things for them; but to know that you're there supporting their decisions, and there to lean on. Even if they never do it or say it; knowing you're there, just in case, is what they need. So make it to parent's weekend at least. Plus, you'll have a great time there too.
It's going to be a very stressful day on I-day. So, in the period of time of departure, parents need to let their son/daughter know you'll always be there for them, but don't become a wreck in front of them. They need to feel inside that this is the right decision. On the days right before I-day; ALL LOGIC goes out the window. You are in 100% emotion mode. Both cadets and parents. And you cadets to be; let your parents be part of as much of the process as they can be and want to be. If you don't, you will regret it. I have. It wasn't quite the same as what you'll be doing; but I still should have let my parents be part of it more instead of just saying what I wanted. Best of luck to all of you. Mike...