Proud of 'me boy! :)

Jennie@ifish · 02-08-2004, 03:50 PM

David is very interested in playing in a military band. He's a saxist, and very good.

Lately, he has been getting letters from Westpoint! :smile: One personal, one brochure. Do all kids get this stuff? My oldest son, Andrew, did not. But then again, he struggles, due to his disability.

The letter begins, "Because of your high scores in standardized testing..."

I am so proud of him. Is there a chance??? :smile:

I would be so very, very proud!!!

He is a TAG student, and although a bit lazy, is very intelligent and I think boot camp and military would be very, very good for him! :smile:

David is only a Freshman. Why do they start this so early?

Signed,
Proud Mom. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[ 02-08-2004, 04:51 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

Birdnest · 02-08-2004, 04:00 PM

Very cool. I have nothing but respect for those who can contend with the kind of academic challenges placed on those folks in that kind of environment. No doubt our academies have produced some of the most profound leaders our country has ever known.

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

STGRule · 02-08-2004, 05:39 PM

That is too cool [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Joe Schwab · 02-08-2004, 05:58 PM

Great Jennie! Not all kids get these letters, only the ones with top scores. To get into the Academies it also helps to have political pull.

With David's good grades and musical skills there are the conventional routes also. I was an Air Force Recruiter and we had special slots for bandsmen to fill. They were highly recruited and the selection process was very thorough. But the prestige of being in the U.S. Air Force, Marine, Army or Navy Band was really something. He has some real options to pursue! Best of luck. As one said "people call me lucky, and the harder I work the luckier I get."

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Jennie@ifish · 02-08-2004, 06:02 PM

That saying is GREAT! I will have to tell the kids that one! I love it! :smile:
Jen

happybrew · 02-08-2004, 07:32 PM

I had a friend who was in an Army band. To my knowledge, those who play the instruments are enlisted, not officers, but I could be wrong. But West Point would be a great way to go. I think you need a recommendation from a member of Congress to get in, but it's good that they're looking for him, rather than the other way around.

happybrew

lost_sailor · 02-09-2004, 08:14 AM

One thing to remember about the military is that sometimes you have to go somewhere and get blown up.

Jennie@ifish · 02-09-2004, 08:50 AM

...and sometimes some people realize this, and decide that our country is worth that risk.

You know, as the Mother of a son considering this, I did have to think about that. It's not a pretty thought, yet somewhere deep down, there is an incredible pride that comes with these choices.

Jen

lost_sailor · 02-09-2004, 08:58 AM

Of course! But if one of my kids is going to sign up, I just want to make sure they understand that.

Same deal with law enforcement or firefighting or any other such heroic line of work. Here's to the heroes

Steeliefly · 02-10-2004, 08:16 AM

Jennie - as a retired military officer, you certainly should be proud of your son. No, the academies do not notify a lot of kids that they are interested in them. He can get an outstanding education and a ton of personal discipline at the Point. A suggestion - you may want to contact the offices of our state senators to see if they would endorse his application. This would be a good move if he is serious about looking into West Point. Further, letters of recommendation from his school officials would be good as well. Getting into West Point is competitive, and most people pull out all stops to get their kids in.