JDB
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2016
- Messages
- 56
Well, I just returned home from taking my son to R-Day for the Class of 2022. If I'm being honest, it was both incredibly difficult and rewarding to say goodbye (in 60 seconds) and watch my oldest son walk briskly through the doors at the back of Ike Hall. This was the culmination of about two years of research, preparation, and work that he invested in seeking and obtaining an appointment to USMA.
We met many new cadets and their families over the weekend and on R-day as well. Each New cadet we met was impressive, and his/her parents beamed with pride. We met families from virtually every corner of America. This will truly be a unique experience for all of these exceptional young men and women.
We met alumni from the class of 1972, the 50 year sponsor class for 2022, and found them to be inspiring, giving, and immensely capable. The two classes will make a formidable team over the next four years.
There was a parent's briefing late in the afternoon on R-Day that was held by the new Superintendent, LTG Darryl Williams. He was self effacing, charming, and extremely well-spoken. He admitted that he had just arrived and had to get his feet under him, but it was very evident that he is up to the task. Several members of Superintendent Williams' staff also spoke at this briefing. BG Cindy Jebb, Dean of the Academic Board, stood out during her presentation, as well as when she answered questions. She displayed a remarkable command of every subject that she discussed. Finally, CBT Cadet Commander, Cadet Jessica Maddox, briefed us on the highlights of cadet basic training and what our sons and daughters would accomplish over the next six weeks. She walked up and down the aisles using a wireless, hands-free microphone and was absolutely impressive in demeanor and in the substance of her briefing.
The R-Day parade on The Plain was awe inspiring. Watching those 1200 plus new cadets, who were civilians only hours before, march out in formation and take the oath was inspirational. We began our game of "Where's Waldo" from the stands on that Plain. With the help of binoculars, we finally found our New Cadet. Then watching them disappear behind those massive doors at Washington Hall created lump in my throat and a small pain in my heart.
That said, being immersed among faculty, mentors, upperclassmen, and piers like those we saw this weekend will be life altering for these young men and women. If they make it through the 47 month journey, I cannot imagine how much this institution will have changed them. Truthfully, I can't wait to see my DS at A-day and witness the transformation achieved in just six weeks.
I want to thank the fine people on this site for all great information, tough-love admonishments, and encouraging posts that helped to successfully guide my son through the appointment process.
I can't imagine a better place to prepare him for a life well lived. Now the work really starts.
Go Army! Beat Navy!
We met many new cadets and their families over the weekend and on R-day as well. Each New cadet we met was impressive, and his/her parents beamed with pride. We met families from virtually every corner of America. This will truly be a unique experience for all of these exceptional young men and women.
We met alumni from the class of 1972, the 50 year sponsor class for 2022, and found them to be inspiring, giving, and immensely capable. The two classes will make a formidable team over the next four years.
There was a parent's briefing late in the afternoon on R-Day that was held by the new Superintendent, LTG Darryl Williams. He was self effacing, charming, and extremely well-spoken. He admitted that he had just arrived and had to get his feet under him, but it was very evident that he is up to the task. Several members of Superintendent Williams' staff also spoke at this briefing. BG Cindy Jebb, Dean of the Academic Board, stood out during her presentation, as well as when she answered questions. She displayed a remarkable command of every subject that she discussed. Finally, CBT Cadet Commander, Cadet Jessica Maddox, briefed us on the highlights of cadet basic training and what our sons and daughters would accomplish over the next six weeks. She walked up and down the aisles using a wireless, hands-free microphone and was absolutely impressive in demeanor and in the substance of her briefing.
The R-Day parade on The Plain was awe inspiring. Watching those 1200 plus new cadets, who were civilians only hours before, march out in formation and take the oath was inspirational. We began our game of "Where's Waldo" from the stands on that Plain. With the help of binoculars, we finally found our New Cadet. Then watching them disappear behind those massive doors at Washington Hall created lump in my throat and a small pain in my heart.
That said, being immersed among faculty, mentors, upperclassmen, and piers like those we saw this weekend will be life altering for these young men and women. If they make it through the 47 month journey, I cannot imagine how much this institution will have changed them. Truthfully, I can't wait to see my DS at A-day and witness the transformation achieved in just six weeks.
I want to thank the fine people on this site for all great information, tough-love admonishments, and encouraging posts that helped to successfully guide my son through the appointment process.
I can't imagine a better place to prepare him for a life well lived. Now the work really starts.
Go Army! Beat Navy!