Wanted to take this chance to say "thank you" to the guys on here that have reached out in support over the last several months leading to my daughter's induction into the USNA.
The Class of 2020 was inducted at 6:00 PM yesterday after experiencing their first 10 hours of being a "plebe." There are 1184 members of the class including a record number (319) of women. Over 30% of the incoming class will be DI athletes and that includes 42% of the women. Both of those figures lead the NCAA. There were over 17,000 applications for the Class of 2020 and about 25% of the incoming class turned down an offer from an Ivy League institution to attend the Academy.
Less than 1/2 of 1% of our nation chooses to serve in the military and it was inspiring to spend the day around a bunch of kids (and their families) who have made that commitment.
The day ended with an F4 flyover and the Oath Ceremony held in Tecumseh Court of Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the world where all 4000+ midshipmen call home.
After not seeing our girl for 10 hours, the transformation had already begun to take place as we got to spend a final half hour with her and her new plebe summer uniform replete with "Dixie Cup" hat and government-issued "birth control" eye glasses.
She is thrilled to be there and ready for the challenge and as hard as it was to say goodbye knowing that we will not see her for 7 weeks, truth be told I think she was glad to see us go so she could get on with it.
It was one of the milestone days of my life. Sending your first kid off to college is a big deal to begin with, but knowing that her transformation to adulthood will be complete in the next few weeks, and that she is truly independent...well, she is still a little girl in a pink dress to me, so that part is hard. But, I am immeasurably proud of her and excited for her and wanted to thank you guys for your support.
Support her all you can. Plebe year is difficult but from what I've read between you and RC she is excited to be there and that is over half the battle.
As an aside, I don't know if it's still holds true, but for us, in the second year, they surgically repaired the eyes. No BCD's needed after that.
However, I am aware that things can---and eventually will--go "wrong."
It's better than my undergrad institution...I remember riding through campus with my parents and seeing the frat house with the obligatory "Mom and Dad---Your Daughter will Sleep Here" signs.
Ugh.
Couldn't be happier for your family.
Just remember in four years you'll be saluting a freshly commissioned Ensign, USN.
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...table is set for one less person tonight. I have to say, that really hits home. The best way to explain my emotions is that I miss the 18 year old a little, but I miss the 8 year old so much it hurts.
Just remember in four years you'll be saluting a freshly commissioned Ensign, USN.
Or a Marine Lt.
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In comment 13018340 Maryland Giant said:
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...table is set for one less person tonight. I have to say, that really hits home. The best way to explain my emotions is that I miss the 18 year old a little, but I miss the 8 year old so much it hurts.
Just remember in four years you'll be saluting a freshly commissioned Ensign, USN.
Or a Marine Lt.
Ha, in Ronnie's mad plan.....
I have the utmost respect for your kid, you and your wife. It's quite an accomplishment, honor and commitment to attend any of our military academies.
My classmates and I were commenting on how strange it is to think that most of the plebes of the Class of 2020 were barely infants when we went into our own I-Day 18 years ago. Most of my classmates are out, but many are still in and are close to being O-5s (Commanders in the Navy and Lieutenant Colonels in the Marine Corps). Where does the time go?
Your daughter has taken her first step on an amazing journey. I am so thankful each day the opportunities I was afforded because I was able to attend such an amazing institution, and your daughter will feel the same, even if she may not be feeling so great in the next few days...:) And for me, having my twin go to our rival institution made my own journey even sweeter, especially during Army-Navy games. With that in mind, if your son ever wants to talk to someone about West Point, Army infantry, or Army Special Forces, please let me know, as I'm sure my brother would love to answer his questions.
As always please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can do to assist you or your daughter during her time at the Academy.
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My classmates and I were commenting on how strange it is to think that most of the plebes of the Class of 2020 were barely infants when we went into our own I-Day 18 years ago. Most of my classmates are out, but many are still in and are close to being O-5s (Commanders in the Navy and Lieutenant Colonels in the Marine Corps). Where does the time go?
Your daughter has taken her first step on an amazing journey. I am so thankful each day the opportunities I was afforded because I was able to attend such an amazing institution, and your daughter will feel the same, even if she may not be feeling so great in the next few days...:) And for me, having my twin go to our rival institution made my own journey even sweeter, especially during Army-Navy games. With that in mind, if your son ever wants to talk to someone about West Point, Army infantry, or Army Special Forces, please let me know, as I'm sure my brother would love to answer his questions.
As always please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can do to assist you or your daughter during her time at the Academy.
Nicely done Ronnie!!!
One of the eagle scouts from our scout troop just graduated. He accepted a posting as an Osprey pilot in the Marines. Something his dad never saw coming.
May God bless her, keep her safe and i thank her for her service and dedication.
Surface Warfare seems most likely. But, you never know.
Some advice I can give is try to keep her even keel through the 4 years. There will be ups and downs and very likely she'll be thinking of leaving the academy on a few occasions. Most importantly, make sure she takes full advantage of everything the academy has to offer. As in any college you get out of it what you put into it, but I feel this is even more so at the academies.