Parent planning questions

Thanks

Christcorp said:
Yorkie, just so you know, once he gets to the academy, it doesn't slow down. We, (Parents), get older, and it happens really fast. You'll wake up and visit him for "A-Day and/or Parent's weekend". Then it will be thanksgiving, then christmas, then spring break, then summer break. I woke up the other day and my son finished his last class and went fountain diving (Tradition among firsties who are finished and ready to graduate). Next weekend I pick up a plane full of relatives and drive down to the academy for graduation. I swear we were just at his High School State Football Championship Game a couple months ago.

My biggest problem which most parents go through their first year at the academy, is that i won't get to see him as much from now on. We only live 2 hours away from the academy. We always had/have season football tickets. We'd see out son almost every weekend through christmas. The only thing going for us when he graduates is that he's continuing his education and going to grad school. So flying to/from Los Angeles isn't as bad as visiting Columbus Mississippi. But we will survive.

Just wanted to say that up until the last 6 months, it was like standing in line for a roller coaster. The last few months you actually got on the ride and started moving pretty good. Once he gets to the academy, the ride is going to start some of those really fast drops. There will be a couple of slow downs as you climb the next peak, but it speeds up again. Before you know it..... the ride is over. Then it's time to get on a different ride and see how that one is. Have fun; the price of admission to this theme park is definitely worth it, but there's a lot of slow, fast, up, and down on the rides.
Click to expand...

Yes, I understand, and thanks for your comments, ChristCorp. It was like that for HS -- seems like just yesterday that DS was starting 9th grade, had braces and was shorter than me. :redface: Not anymore!! How lucky for you to live 2 hours from USAFA! Congrats on your son's grad school opportunity!

For the other comment on the bank issue, thank you also. DS has a student account at a local bank. We were going to close that, but maybe it's best to keep it open until after BCT. DS has a debit card there, and we can deposit money if he needs it. He doesn't turn 18 until after BCT anyway.

BTW, USAA is our family bank where we have direct deposit, and it is also a good selection for car insurance for when DSs/DDs (or 2LTs) are about to purchase their 1st car. We will recommend USAA to DS as his bank and auto insurance at that time, as they are very "military friendly." Also, they DO NOT charge for ATM use, and if you do get charged by another bank for using an ATM, USAA will reimburse you. That's a pretty good deal, as those $2 charges add up.
 
Immunization records

My DS went to get his immunization form filled out and found out that his Pediatrician only had records dating back to when he was 12 years old and after. We lived in Maryland up to when DS was 4, then moved to CA. I think we had one or two other pediatricians before the last one but I don't remember their names. I'm not sure if they are even practicing anymore as one was almost retired years ago. I specifically requested each Pediatrician to send over their records for the new doctor but I guess it didn't happen!

Is it possible to get new shots for the I-day and just have the doctor fill out the form? If so, is there a place to see what shots are required up to this age? Or is it required for all the doctors' offices to give their information for the form?

Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions!:smile:

Frazzled Mom of Appointee for Class 2016 :redface:
 
attybella said:
My DS went to get his immunization form filled out and found out that his Pediatrician only had records dating back to when he was 12 years old and after. We lived in Maryland up to when DS was 4, then moved to CA. I think we had one or two other pediatricians before the last one but I don't remember their names. I'm not sure if they are even practicing anymore as one was almost retired years ago. I specifically requested each Pediatrician to send over their records for the new doctor but I guess it didn't happen!

Is it possible to get new shots for the I-day and just have the doctor fill out the form? If so, is there a place to see what shots are required up to this age? Or is it required for all the doctors' offices to give their information for the form?

Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions!:smile:

Frazzled Mom of Appointee for Class 2016 :redface:
Click to expand...

Maybe his old elementary, middle or high school would still have his records? Just a thought that maybe you could check with them.

Good luck!
 
Another possibility is, if you have the records, maybe you could take them to your current doctor and they will update the forms. We have always seen military doctors and every time they gave you a shot it was annotated on a record that we kept. Recently(when everything went computerized at our base) they get a new piece of paper with every group of shots that shows most all their immunizations. I ran into the same problem with some of his early baby shots, they would have the last in the series on the computer but not the others. So, I was glad I dug up his old record to take with me. He will be hand carrying both his most current sheet and the record from when he was little to I-Day. He has been told to keep it on his person and not put it in a bag. Hopefully the thought of getting unwanted shots will help him remember that he has them.
 
State Immunizaton Registry

Another resource may be the state immunization registry for the states that you lived in during the time they should have received immunizations... if they were from a private doc. Not sure the DOD health care facilities report to the registries.
 
Yorkiemom, good idea about packing with ziplock bags. Tell your son to save them and use when he packs toiletries etc for Jacks Valley. My son mentioned how all the bags were piled together to be transported to Jacks and a few people had things leak (shampoo etc) on the way down. Putting things in ziplocks hopefully minimizes that.

Concerning cash/ATM card for a bank account--it is probably a good idea to have both. There will be things they need to buy, but during BCT doolies will not be able to go to the ATM whenever they feel like it. They do everything as a squadron or flight, so unless cadre takes you with your classmates, you don't go. Having some cash on hand is helpful. Some things my son bought last year were charged to them (end up being deducted from pay)--I think he said his cleaning supplies, iron, and books for first semester.

attybella, hopefully your son can get his shot records updated by his current doctor. The doctor should know what your son should have had up to now. If there are some he has to repeat, try and do it at home before I Day, to minimize the discomfort on what will already be a stressful day. :frown:
 
Back in the Dark Ages (2008), we sent our (twins, you're right of course CC) sons away with $200 in cash each. We didn't know what would happen during BCT, etc. and wanted them to have enough to get them through a couple days on their own, if necessary.

Shots: mine hadn't had ANY shots and so were on an accelerated schedule during the months before I-Day. I believe they also got a few shots that day (so did kids with complete immunization records - go figure), and one or two after A-Day. One recommendation is to get the shots that make for sore arms (or bums) a week before BCT. No sense having sore body parts BEFORE the yelling starts. ;)
 
attybella,

I know on our kids HS transcripts, they have a copy of their shot records from the 1st one. It is the official shot records that even have the lot number of the shot, plus the doc that gave it on that date and a printed contact name.

Contact the HS. FWIW, our kids went to 3 different HS's in 2 different states and it was in all of their HS records. You must prove current shots to be in school, and they keep an eye on it to make sure you are are current.

The only shots I would think might be an issue if H1N1 and mennoccocal (SP?) since most schools do not require it.

FWIW worth we had the doc download their med records on a CD ROM to keep at home, JIC. You don't know when and if that doc will retire/quit.

For at least AF AD/Ret members they will download the recs for you to hand carry, just remember if your child is 18, you cannot collect the recs without them signing a release, privacy law.
 
Last edited:
PIMA, what you said is one of the hardest things for parents to get used to, I think. If your child is 18, essentially, as far as USAFA is concerned, you're O.U.T. Not that they are disrespectful to parents in any way, it's just that your child is now of majority age, and in the US Military. Mom and Dad - no say, most of the time no info, etc.

Now, I'm not saying I'm guilty of helicopter parenting (well, I'm just not saying it, whether it's true or not :redface:), but for moms especially who have been Junior's Biggest Helper, and for Dads who have been Junior's Biggest Fan, it is sometimes a difficult transition.
 
Fencer,

It is the hardest thing in the world for many parents. JMPO, more so for non-military families, because military families know this issue before they enter.

20 yrs AD dep. spouse and Bullet needed me to sign off on my medical records for release when we moved. He, nor I could pick up prescriptions at the base pharmacy without each other's ID, same with my kids when they hit 18.

Medical privacy laws are strictly adhered to in the AF.

The beauty of this site is people can walk you through the transition. If you look at the appointment thread it is @ 10% of the incoming class. Imagine how the 90% not here are dealing now, and will deal in the future.

I wish the class of 16 cadets/parents the best, but I also hope they realize the appointment was truly the easiest part compared to the next 4 yrs.

I am not meaning to scare anyone. I am just saying there will be great times, hard times, times you will sit by the phone waiting. The end is worth the pits in your stomach, but it is now time to hug, kiss, and let them fly on their own..
 
Pima said:
Fencer,

It is the hardest thing in the world for many parents. JMPO, more so for non-military families, because military families know this issue before they enter.

20 yrs AD dep. spouse and Bullet needed me to sign off on my medical records for release when we moved. He, nor I could pick up prescriptions at the base pharmacy without each other's ID, same with my kids when they hit 18.

Medical privacy laws are strictly adhered to in the AF.

The beauty of this site is people can walk you through the transition. If you look at the appointment thread it is @ 10% of the incoming class. Imagine how the 90% not here are dealing now, and will deal in the future.

I wish the class of 16 cadets/parents the best, but I also hope they realize the appointment was truly the easiest part compared to the next 4 yrs.

I am not meaning to scare anyone. I am just saying there will be great times, hard times, times you will sit by the phone waiting. The end is worth the pits in your stomach, but it is now time to hug, kiss, and let them fly on their own..
Click to expand...

Well said. I do agree that its not quite so hard as a military family. I have talked to a few parents and some of the toughest things they were surprised by in having their kids at the academy were not surprises to me at all.

At the moment I'm so overwhelmed in getting the family moved overseas on short notice orders that the Academy stuff is not even in my radar. He's handling it all on his own. I have a feeling though in about 2 months when I'm finally settling in, its all going to come at me hard and fast and i'm gonna be very thankful for the parents here who have gone before me!
 
Proud mom 2016 said:
At the moment I'm so overwhelmed in getting the family moved overseas on short notice orders that the Academy stuff is not even in my radar. He's handling it all on his own. I have a feeling though in about 2 months when I'm finally settling in, its all going to come at me hard and fast and i'm gonna be very thankful for the parents here who have gone before me!
Click to expand...

PM2016,
We've been overseas twice as a military family, now retired in KS. I know it's a bit easier staying in touch with stateside family now with Skype, email, etc., but since it will be more challenging for you to visit USAFA as frequently as you'd like to, if there's anything I can do to help you, anything I can take to your son, or I can make him a sign or something (we are planning to be there for the march back from Jacks Valley) - you know anything like that, just let me know. Send me a PM. Good luck with your move! Where will this adventure be taking you?
 
YorkieMom75 said:
PM2016,
We've been overseas twice as a military family, now retired in KS. I know it's a bit easier staying in touch with stateside family now with Skype, email, etc., but since it will be more challenging for you to visit USAFA as frequently as you'd like to, if there's anything I can do to help you, anything I can take to your son, or I can make him a sign or something (we are planning to be there for the march back from Jacks Valley) - you know anything like that, just let me know. Send me a PM. Good luck with your move! Where will this adventure be taking you?
Click to expand...

Thank you! You are so kind. this is our 2nd overseas move..spent 4 years in Germany. Heading to England this time. Hardest part this time is downsizing my family from 7 to 4 and getting everyone and their stuff to the right places!

Hold baggage goes tomorrow!
 
Wow, England! How exciting! Another military family adventure, another chapter in your lives, and a little driving on the left side of the road! Good luck to your family, and let me know if there's anything at all I can do for your DS.
 
Proud Mom of Appointee for Class 2016

Pima and AFLEADMOM, thank you for your help! :thumb::thumb::thumb:

As an update and to help all other parents/appointees: I was able to get DS's early immunization records from his HS! Apparently, at least in CA, whatever immunization records we submit to his/her school (even for preschool or Kindergarten) are also submitted up to the next levels schools. DS's HS Guidance Counselor had all his immunization records! (Note: He went to at least three different schools in K and grade school, one in middle school and one HS). The records are consolidated and put into one form. I requested he HS to fax it to me, and I then faxed it to DS's current Doctor's office so he can get updated with any required shots in his appointment with the doctor tomorrow.

I am so grateful for all the help and support from the great folks in this forum. I can't imagine how I would be coping without it! Thank you thank you thank you!!! :wink:

Belated Happy Mother's day to all the super Moms here!!! :smile:
 
Parents' Weekend

If you don't know this already, there's a bunch of info out now on the web on Parents' Weekend, including a 24 page brochure with info and maps, plus a detailed schedule of events.

Go to www.usafa.edu
Click on Parents' Weekend at the right side of the page under Events and Information. You'll see all the info and links from there.

Good luck to all the new Basic Cadets of the Class of 2016! :thumb:
 
I Day Question

Does anyone know what parents should expect on I Day? From what I gather from the paperwork, we will just drop off our cadet and maybe get some parent info in Doolittle Hall. Is there anything else for parents to do that day? I know that the swearing in ceremony is the next morning. I'm trying to figure out if we will leave shortly after dropping DS off, then return the next day, or if there is a reason to stay overnight. We only live about 1.5 hours away. Thanks!
 
USMAMom said:
Does anyone know what parents should expect on I Day? From what I gather from the paperwork, we will just drop off our cadet and maybe get some parent info in Doolittle Hall. Is there anything else for parents to do that day? I know that the swearing in ceremony is the next morning. I'm trying to figure out if we will leave shortly after dropping DS off, then return the next day, or if there is a reason to stay overnight. We only live about 1.5 hours away. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I only live about 2 hours away. Dropped son off. Watched him go through the line and over the bridge at the AOG. Watched him get on the bus and leave. We went to the visitor center cause I needed a new hat, and we went home. Didn't come back for swearing in. (Chances are you'd not be able to pick out your kid anyway). Came back on "A-Day" then again for "Parent's-Weekend". We've had season tickets to falcon games, so we basically saw our son every other weekend during a home game.

If we lived "Airplane Distance" away; in other words not get to see him almost every other weekend in the fall; we'd probably would have stayed overnight, saw the swearing in, and made the remaining time a family vacation. But get yourself inexpensive season football tickets; have fun with us every game with thudgate; visit your cadet's tailgate too; etc... When the season is over, thankgiving will be there so he'll be home again. Then he'll go back and it will be christmas a few weeks later.

Yes; there were times when we wouldn't see him for months at a time; usually January til Spring Break then again until summer vacation. But it's a different scenario when you live this close. Personally, there's not much to stay for the next day after I-Day; unless you spent a lot to get out there. Then you might as well stay the extra day then turn it into a family vacation. But the swearing in ceremony isn't isn't something I'd drive 125 miles the next day for. You'll see him quite often. Again; living local is a totally different scenario.
 
Drop off appointee look at time appontee gets on bus. Leave Doolittle going back down the hill going east follow Colorado Parent club signs which is in camp area on other side of Stadium drive. There will be other parents who have been there and done that ,and there will be ones like you. Falcon mascott maybe there but good fellowship going on. After you spend some time there look at watch approximately 4 to 5 hrs after he gets on bus you will see bct cadets with cadre marching across Tzo from chapel, from your right to left. If they're one of the early ones you may see them before lunch. To give you an idea if they are on the bus at 0900 you'll probably catch them at the Tzo between 1330 and 1430...... It may go faster than this as the class is smaller but it gives a rough idea. Then of course the next morning and swearing in then driving back to Texas with a what do I do now look on my face, but it gets better....Congrats to all who make to I day!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top