new cadet to the academy questions

We saw DS on Thursday night but he wasn't released to stay with us until Friday. So yes, you will have your cadet Friday night until you drop them off on Monday afternoon/evening. All cadets must attend the Saturday football game and are released after the game. We all went up to Louisville (between Boulder and Denver) to hang out with friends. Others stay in C-Springs or go to other local places. Freshman are supposed to be in uniform anytime they are out during PW so you might consider that as you book rooms to maximize the cadet's comfort.

As a note, DS grandmother and aunt attended PW with us and both had a blast. So bringing others along is fine. There were lots of girl/boy friends in attendance. Freshman are supposed to eat lunch with family at Mitch's so DS had to get extra tickets for them but no other issues. However make sure everyone dresses appropriately and can walk a good distance as USAFA is spread out.
 
We saw DS on Thursday night but he wasn't released to stay with us until Friday. So yes, you will have your cadet Friday night until you drop them off on Monday afternoon/evening. All cadets must attend the Saturday football game and are released after the game. We all went up to Louisville (between Boulder and Denver) to hang out with friends. Others stay in C-Springs or go to other local places. Freshman are supposed to be in uniform anytime they are out during PW so you might consider that as you book rooms to maximize the cadet's comfort.

As a note, DS grandmother and aunt attended PW with us and both had a blast. So bringing others along is fine. There were lots of girl/boy friends in attendance. Freshman are supposed to eat lunch with family at Mitch's so DS had to get extra tickets for them but no other issues. However make sure everyone dresses appropriately and can walk a good distance as USAFA is spread out.

+1 Blackbird. I would add that if you need assistance walking around campus, they have golf carts that run on the t-zo for those in need of a lift.
 
If memory service me correctly. We flew out on a Thursday and actually met up with DS that night. We met at the Chapel and then headed over to A hall for a bite to eat. Saturday Morning, he sat with us during the parade. He was not allowed to march as he is an IC (Cross Country/Track) and had a meet later that day. He spent Friday night with us and we just needed to get him back in time for the tail gate and march on for Saturday's football game. We were able to attend his squadron tail gate as well. After the game on Saturday, he was ours for the remainder. I attended I-Day, A-Day and PW and if you can swing it, all will offer something unique and different but PW by far is the most rewarding.
 
Hotel and Car

Hi
Great info and it reminded me to go on-line and make my hotel and rental car reservations, which I have now done for I day. I want to get there a few days early to let DS (Sea level kid) get use to the rarefied air at higher elevations. Will be at the Fairfield Inn and look forward to meeting some of you wonderful people.
Regards
John
 
We also hail from Sea Level and the altitude still affects DS. I would have thought that all is cross country and track running would have cured him by now but he says he still gets winded walking up the stairs!
 
Yep. I had one 2 degree comment that he can run a 100mi race at altitude, but he still gets a little winded going up 4 flights of stairs at the academy! You mostly get used to it after a month or two.
Now, if you go back to sea level, challenge someone to a run! Your normal time at USAFA will get cut by like 10%!
 
Hi
Great info and it reminded me to go on-line and make my hotel and rental car reservations, which I have now done for I day. I want to get there a few days early to let DS (Sea level kid) get use to the rarefied air at higher elevations. Will be at the Fairfield Inn and look forward to meeting some of you wonderful people.
Regards
John

Just an opinion, but make sure you check out renting a home vs. a hotel. You will have more room to hang out with your cadet. They can sleep undisturbed in a bedroom when they want. If you calculate the meals you can cook (breakfasts and some dinners), it may even be cheaper than a hotel AND you can get as far from USAFA as your C4C would like. We used VRBO.com and got a great house. Just another option.
 
Just an opinion, but make sure you check out renting a home vs. a hotel. You will have more room to hang out with your cadet. They can sleep undisturbed in a bedroom when they want. If you calculate the meals you can cook (breakfasts and some dinners), it may even be cheaper than a hotel AND you can get as far from USAFA as your C4C would like. We used VRBO.com and got a great house. Just another option.

And just another opinion -- don't do anything at this point that is non-refundable. You have a long 5 months til I-day, and then 6-7 more weeks to get thru BCT to A-day.
Car reservations should not be a problem as long as you don't pay in advance.
Hotels -- some will have a non-refundable policy for PW. Don't know about houses. While I am a huge advocate to get reservations early for lodging, just look at the fine print.

Injuries happen - between now & I-day which can be disqualifying. They also happen during BCT that could result in medical turnback.
And, while no parent expects it to happen, some kids choose to leave during BCT.

Best of luck
 
Hotel and Car

Hi
Good advice and I made sure all can be cancelled 24 hours in advance. It is had to imagine my DS quitting during BCT as he has never been a person to give up when he sets a goal. But still, he is a teenager and as you said injuries do and will happen.
Regards
John
 
We made refundable hotel reservation even before appointment last year (wishful thinking) but held our breath until A day (what a relief). While it is only for a few hours that you see your cadet, A day was really a beautiful thing. To see DS happy in his new home did a mom's heart good. I would vote first for PW then A day a very close win over I day. The best part of I day is the next day when they had the swearing in ceremony. Didn't cry first day but did then, very moving.
 
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