Your son/daughter has an appointment, what now?

[Walman888]

Congratulations to all who have received appointments - many many more will be coming out in the next few months.

For those who have appointments, LOA and are even on the Waiting list - there are things you can be doing now to make "crunch time" easier....

Parents - Yes, this is your childs journey but the paperwork is overwhelming. Your child will probably have questions and need your guidance and assistance with a couple of things -

1. Medical Forms. It's a good idea now to schedule an appointment for a physical and get "caught up" on all the teenage shots.
Even going to a civilian college there will probably be some required.
Some vaccines require a series of shots and some may not be readily available at your family doctor or pediatrician. Many communities have a Travel Immunization center that can help you.
Females should also visit the gyn if necessary. If cramps and/or heavy periods are a problem and could interfere with Summer Training the gyn can help out here before going away.

2. Visit the Dentist - I know West Point requires panoramic x-rays to be sent. It's a good time to get that cleaning and any issues resolved.
If wisdom teeth need to come out then do it now.

3. Eye Exam - you will get a form for the eye doctor to complete if your child wears glasses - this is so they can make the lovely BCG's. Good time to schedule that eye exam.

4. Passport - it's a good idea to go ahead and get that passport now, before going to the academy. Then if an overseas opportunity arises they have it.

5. For USMA candidates - you will get a boot/shoe authorization letter. You can get these if/when you visit WP or a number of military installations. You can also order online. If you order from a military installation or online they will be much much cheaper.
After the boots/shoes are acquired it is your son/daughter's responsibility to properly break in their feet.

Spring will be upon us soon - spring sports, spring vacation, AP tests, graduations - a little planning now can help to aleiviate a lot of stress later!

In regards to Point 5, If you know now, and you and the New Cadet decide on Durashock low quarter shoes (Most do). Shop and purchase now. From the beginning of February and later the more common sizes simply DISAPPEAR from the market. Every year there is a serious scramble to find the Bates Durashock shoes. Beat the rush. It seems a small thing but in April- May it sure isn't.