Parents Weekend - What to Bring?

BlahuKahuna said:
They're definitely allowed to wear PC gear in a sponsor's house or in the hotel room, but if they're unsure, have them reference their 4-degree ROEs.

Saying "they can wear civvies as long as they're sure they won't be seen by an upperclassman" is sort of a ridiculous attitude to have towards blatantly encouraging your child to break academy rules. That's like saying "they can drink underage/cheat on tests/park illegally as long as they don't think they'll be caught."

And yes, I'm aware of the hyperbole.
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Wow, Hopefully you'll let DS or DD to be a little comfortable for a few hours after the hell they've been through the last few months...
 
Usafamom2016 said:
For those who will have sleeping cadets, there is a group of AF parents who will be climbing the incline in manitou springs at 7am Sunday morning. It's quite a climb, but a great workout.
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If you do decide to hike the incline remember to take some water. After you get to the top there is still a 2-1/2 mile trek down Barr trail to the trail head. The trail is tough with all the rocks and roots sticking out of seemingly nowhere. Also, please be aware of others on the trail. Many do training runs up and down the trail to stay in shape for the races on the mountain. Please yield to runners on the mountain. Thanks, WBY
 
We stay in a hotel with a small kitchen, and I like to make some of my son's favorite things. Some of them require a mixer, so I have a little hand held I travel with as most hotels don't have one.

(Every time I think about the fact I have a travel mixer, I laugh at myself. I used to wonder why in the world would anyone travel with that, and now I have become "one of those" :) )
 
For yourself: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a small folding cooler for water!
For your Doolie: special food items that are local or special to your area are usually the best to bring.. Now I do not suggest a Chicago deep dish pizza or Philly Cheesesteak!! We are from the South..so some moon pies, some homemade cookies and such hit the spot! Also making life easy was sweet tea and milkshakes from the local Chick-Fil-A!! Mostly DS slept, have picture of him asleep in car and hadn't even gotten off base after FB game, and slept and slept at hotel on Sat evening, Sun & Mon! 1st PW is the easiest of all ...and from what I hear.. They get more complicated($$) in out years!
 
I remember when my sons were 3*s and we were there at the hotel breakfast, and in walked two doolies from their squadrons, in civilian clothes - khaki shorts, non-Steeler NFL t-shirts (sacrilege!), flip-flops! My two were quite shocked by this, but a couple other older cadets beat them to the doolies' tables. "Four Degree! Have you separated from MY ACADEMY?" One set of parents thought these two upper classmen were surely kidding, but the other set, knew they were not. The doolies hurried back and changed into their uniforms. I wonder, if when they were 3*s or even 2*s - if they saw doolies out of uniform if they were bothered by this?
 
To prevent any problems, or any c4c getting in trouble, they must wear their uniform at all times, they can change into their PC at the hotel or their sponsor's home. As for swimming, yes they can swim, they just need to change back into their PC when they are done.

Making sure an upperclassman doesn't see you in civies, is not a smart idea from the beginning. First of all, everybody takes photos and posts them everywhere. You don't want to wind up with a photo of you in civies eating at a restaurant. Just follow your orders that you were given, and if you are outside the hotel or your sponsor's home, uniform on.

I've known a c4c that went to Denver with their family, and a picture of them showed up on social media not being in uniform. They got in big trouble, especially because it shows deception, & that they were trying to hide it and think they could get away with it in another city.
Just play it safe & truthful, and follow what you were told by your superiors.

****Most of all****
relax and enjoy this time with your family being together.

Don't think of wearing your uniform out as a bad thing, think of it along the lines that you GET THE HONOR to wear it out, and wear it PROUD, as you represent the United States Air Force.
Be proud and strong in it.

I've taken my Dooleys with me grocery shopping, and I can't tell you the number of times someone came up to them and shook their hands and thanked them for becoming a part of the military.

You have become a member/student at one of the hardest institutions to get into, one of the Military Academies. Be proud of it.

I sincerily hope you and your family have a wonderful, relaxing, and enjoyable visit this week.
 
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Our C4C asked just for snowboard and gear (helmet, boots, wear), biking equipment, and minor things such as swimming goggles/protein shaker cup, etc. We expect him to sleep whole weekend but he said he is fine and he will take me mountain biking Falcon trail and go with us wherever we want to, even JV tour. He does not appear sleep deprived and even suggested Pikes Peak hike (No thanks) which is not how we pictured it. We shall see.
 
Our son slept most of the time during PW his Doolie year. If they want to get snowboarding or skiing equipment and clothing, the Sports Authority store on N. Academy Blvd. always has their Sniagrab Sale on Parents weekend (Sniagrab is Bargains spelled backwards). If they are new to these sports or don't mind last year's skis, boards, or clothing, they have great deals (some are 90% off). All of my kids picked up things at the sale every year. Just a suggestion for those parents who want something to do while the Doolie is sleeping!

Stealth_81
 
Except for the mandatory football attendance, mine spent parents weekend eating and sleeping last year (C4C). He left the room once to go shopping for odds and ends. There is no right nor wrong way to spend parents weekend. It is about what they need and want to do. My son knew we were good with whatever he wanted to do, even if was sleep all day.
 
Mine wanted to shop ... and shop ... and shop for "girlies things." By this time, even my tom-boyish daughter wanted to feel like a girl again. This included makeup, perfume, nice smelling soaps, frilly underwear, etc. Haha!

Also shopping for mattress pad, a printer, and other essentials. Then we'd go to a coffee shop, sit back, and chat. Just like old times. :)
 
You guessed it: mine were not the sleeping type. We hiked, toured, rough-housed, and spent way too much money and time at Walmart.

Try to be loose and allow your doolie the chance to relax, in whatever fashion s/he wishes.
 
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