CC,
Would you please post more info about Thudgate when you have it? Like the location, etc. Thanks!
Most certainly. Thudgate is actually pretty big. Even a google search has a lot about it. It is named after one of the member's father, who was an F-105 pilot (aircraft nicknamed "Thud). This individual was Lt. General George Simler. (Another google search will result in a very prestigious biography). Including time stationed at the academy as the director of athletics and one of the founders of the "Commander in Chief Trophy" given to the winner between Air Force, Navy, and Army. General Simler died in 1972 during a training accident at Randolph air force base. He was scheduled to be promoted to his 4th star later that year. His son mike is a member of our tailgate (Thudgate).
We have this tailgate at ALL home football games, as well as some away games when possible. It is not uncommon to have up to and more than 200 people at one of our tailgates. There have been some really bad weather games when only the die-hard were there, and we maxed out at about 50 attendees. Thudgate is not affiliated directly or officially with the air force, but those who attend are most definitely part of the "Air Force Family". Of all the regulars, many are retired member. A number are still active duty. Some are academy alumni. We have officers, enlisted, current/past cadets, parents, and friends. We really care about the air force, the academy, and the cadets.
Location: Easy. (I'll post an actual map when the season gets closer). Directly EAST of the stadium, is the MAIN LARGE parking lot. The area you see if driving on stadium blvd at the academy. During home football games, the CLOSEST thing you'll see to the stadium from that east parking lot, is a large white tented area. (This is NOT Thudgate). That tent is BETWEEN the main Handicapped parking and the stadium entrance. On the other side of the handicapped parking; "Further east from the big white tent", is a large RV with usually 2 flags flying. The American Flag and the THUDGATE Flag. That's us.
Many members of this forum have attended Thudgate. We know that parent's weekend can be very busy. Especially with each squadron having their own tailgates and parents being pulled to all of them. Thudgate has been a great central place for many parents and cadets on this forum to meet each other in person for the first time. They'll schedule to meet at thudgate at a certain time. Of course, there are some of us who go to all the games and/or when it's not parent's weekend and we are there all the time. Most who have attended get an opportunity to see the real Air Force Family. A couple years back, one woman and her husband came by and enjoyed themselves. Prior to ending the tailgate and getting in to see the game, all in attendance at thudgate get together and have a toast. To those no longer with us; those who have served; and those who are serving now. The particular woman said that after watching the people at the tailgate for about an hour, that 6 months of anxiety and stress (including having to go to a doctor for some medication), disappeared instantly. Not that we do anything special or directly for the cadets; just that she understood the "Air Force Family" and at that point, realized that her son was indeed in very good hands.
That's what Thudgate is all about. It's family. The air force family. And when the navy or army are there to play, they are invited too. (And many do come to our tailgate). And we invite everyone; even the other team. Anyway; I'll give pics and more details when we get closer to parent's weekend. Hope to see/meet you there. Mike....
