Military & Maritime College Matriculation Day Coming fast

Lawman32RPD said:
The Fish reported to TAMU on Sunday, 21 August - all 800+ of 'em, the largest Fish class in 25 years. The weather was even more "toasty" than it usually is in College Station in August. Between the heat, drought, and construction, no Fish Fry this year. The review for the Fish will be on Saturday morning and classes start on Monday.

General Ramirez relayed a moving vignette during his address to the Fish parents. My poor reporting skills won't do it justice. While on active duty General Ramirez had attended the funeral in Nebraska of a West Point graduate who was killed in action. The funeral ceremony was held in a sales barn in this small town because of the number of people who attended, more than 500. As the remains were transferred for internment General Ramirez told us that the road was lined with families young and old waiting outside in the harsh January winter, holding American flags as the snow flakes fell, as the family made this last journey with their son. When it came time for General Ramirez to present the folded flag to the family he said he couldn't use the traditional "Thanks of grateful nation" remarks. Instead he got down on his knee and thanked the mother and father for sharing their son with the country. The families middle son went on to also attend West Point.

Now retired from active duty and the Commandant at TAMU General Ramirez was greeting some of the Fish as they were in-processing on Sunday. He asked one young man where he was from, and was told he was from a particular town in Nebraska. It was the same town the funeral referenced above had been held in. General Ramirez said he then looked behind the young man and saw the fallen soldier's mother. Each recognized the other and tears were shed. The general remarked that he told the new Fish, you will graduate or I will be chasing you back to Nebraska. General Ramirez also told the parents about the outstanding and committed alumni network at TAMU and gave some concrete examples of it.

Our child was nervous and told me "what have I done". I assured the kid that most folks felt that way. I recalled for our child that I remembered thinking that very same thing years ago as a police officer as I walked, gun drawn, down a dark alley looking for an armed suspect (he got away) - as I remembered my friends at Boston University were probably at Fathers (a Boston based chain in the 70's) having a beer and wondering to myself "What have I done - why I am in the middle of a small town in New Mexico doing this on a Friday night ?" I assured our child that it was going to work out ok,that following a dream is fine.

Gig 'em !

Lawma32RPD
Click to expand...

Thank you Lawman for sharing this. It gives great perspective. Stay safe out there.
 
bruno said:
You are seeing them- but they are DISABLED (for all the rooms not just the rats)! Apparently you can't build a multiuse residential building in Virginia without installing AC and temp controls- but you don't have to actually allow them to control anything- it's the perfect VMI solution- put the cheese out there then have it snap down on the unsuspecting rat:rolleyes:

and don't get me started on the "old corps". Back in the old Corps when there was just the one "Main sinks" (bathrooms) with about 100 "heads" with no partitions between them, and 100 shower heads with no partitions between them- you rapidly got over your fear of strangers- or else you were just phenomenally constipated:eek: and foul to boot:thumbdown: (And every true Keydet knows what the sink in your Rat room is really for:confused:)

Actually- the biggest improvement to the rooms is the quality of the racks- they now all get wooden racks to put their hay's on rather than surplus metal racks with all of springs missing , woven together with metal coat hangers. You used to have to get a note from Dr Olds in order to get a bed board - the alternative was either sleeping on a C- shaped rack or else forgetting the rack altogether and rolling out your hay on the floor. Ah the good old days:biggrin:
Click to expand...


We had that when I was there too. They made some changes during my last 2 years to accomodate the girls, but the "gang showers" were certainly a part of my VMI experience. The doors on the stalls, in the men's rooms, were also only added when the Barracks was being readied for coeducation.

I feel your pain.:shake:
 
bruno said:
Right now they are sitting on the ship I believe riding out Irene.
Click to expand...

Wow. That seems like an incredible combination of professional development and team building. Obviously we hope everyone stays safe, but talk about perfect timing! :smile:
 
RATS have made it thru their intro - classes started today. I imagine they will come to really look forward to their time in academic buildings!
This milestone also means they have their computers and Dyke's by now - life is getting better!
Remember parents - send those quick, encouraging messages, cards or care packages - they will really be appreciated - even the older cadets -dont think just because they are not RATS they wouldn't like it!
For those RAT parents - hope you are able to attend New Market - it is quite a milestone for your cadet. Traditionally the first home football game is the saturday of new market - the parent council will have their tent up offering bite to eat all everyone - especially the RATS! The parade field will be filled with tailgaters and tehy are very generous to cadets all around! The Institute knows this is first chance for family to see RATS - there is opportunities of time during saturday and again sunday evening - go and enjoy! larrys mom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top