Week 5 Activities

Four weeks down and two to go. This week will be full of "Out Door Training & Team Building Drills." These are not pictures of Michael's squad, however; you will get a feel for what the NCs are doing.

Wed. July 20 at Catholic Chaplains Time

The new cadets are in good spirits and enjoy refreshments after the Chaplains service. Rumor has it the Catholic Chaplains time is one of the best on post, based on the treats served. Michael writes often and expresses his gratitude for all the cards and letters he has received from all of you.

This past Sunday was special as it marked the half-way point of Beast Barracks (Cadet Basic Training). We received a phone call from Michael and he sounds great. He was relieved to have his first day off in 3 weeks and the ability to call home. Maybe more importantly he was able to get on Facebook. He thinks the worst part is behind him and he is beginning to enjoy his fellow new cadets. He reports the food is great and he even likes the army MRE's (meals ready to eat).

The next 2 weeks will be out in the field repelling down mountains and marksmanship with guns and big army toys. Please pray for the new cadets and all our servicemen around the world. Go Army!

Michael's Squad Members

On July 15, 2011 all new cadets participated in the first Goeke Challenge with their squad. The competition is timed, but the actual goal is for new cadets to work well in a team. The Goeke Challenge is named after LT Christopher Goeke, who died July 13, 2010, in Kandahar City Afghanistan.

Goeke Challenge

Etiquette Meal

This is not a picture of Michael; however, every new cadet goes through an "etiquette meal". Here a new cadet properly passes and holds a platter to another fellow cadet during the dining etiquette class in the Black, Gray and Gold Room in the Mess Hall. New Cadets learn the American and Continental styles of eating, proper use of utensils, appropriate dinner conversation, mealtime manners, and courtesy at the table. This is part of the "Social Dimension" of leader development at West Point.

Six Mile Ruckmarch

Here are some pics of H Company following their six mile ruckmarch this morning. Michael and his Company are undergoing foot checks on the Apron. Blisters are one of the largest causes of missed training and so the cadre and assigned active duty medics pay particular attention to the feet of new cadets as they do these conditioning ruckmarches. Great job. Beat Navy!

First Phone Call - Wed. July 6 th

Michael called today with his first of 3 phone calls during beast barracks. His voice was strong and he sounded very mature. He is enjoying the letters and jokes and has received mail every day except one. He likes his roommate and says he is talkative. They keep them very busy. He loves the food and has not had a meal he did not like. As expected, he enjoys his time in the basketball gym and is doing very well. The weather has been great at night but the days can get close to the '90's. He is learning not to forget things... he may be learning the hard way. He commented on how hard the gas chamber was and the effect on his body. He survived! When asked if he likes West Point, he replied "ya, I'm getting the hang of it. I'm doing fine. He is looking forward to New York city after beast barracks.

More pictures of Michael

The new cadets marched into the amphitheater at Trophy Point on the 4th of July for a concert and fireworks.

The Gas Chamber Sunday, July 3rd

We received our second letter from New Cadet Michael today. In his first letter he said day one was hard but he was getting the hang of things. The second letter was written on his second day and he said the day went by faster, but he still has six weeks to go. By the time we received the letter week one was gone. Five more to go. He request letters with jokes and movie quotes so he can entertain his sargent and company. Thanks for your prayers for Michael and all the new cadets. Go Army!

Physical Training Test

Michael's company was not on camera, but this an example of the new cadet physical training test. Go Army, Beat Navy!

Swim Test

The swim test is a nice break from the heat. Michael is in the pool. He is 5th from the left.

Weekly Schedule

Week one is just about over. Here's a schedule of what Michael will be doing the next five weeks

Lunch Formation

Company H in formation before lunch on June 30th. Michael and his fellow new cadets are reading from the Plebe Book of Knowledge.

You will find Michael about 4:07 minutes into the video. Enjoy!

"R-Day" Michael Reports to West Point - June 27, 2011

Michael's first day at West Point. After reporting at 7:30 am, like the other 1,250 new cadets, he was issued uniforms and taught to march. Lots to learn in a 10 hour day.

First Hair Cut

The Black Knight basketball team enjoyed BarBQ at the coaches home the night before R-Day. As is tradition, the new cadets had thier heads shaved by the prep school players. Michael and Jalen sport their new cuts in the hotel room.