Congratulation to all the new cadets as they completed Cadet Basic Training with a 12-mile ruck march also known as the March Back. The West Point community lined the roads and welcomed the cadets back to post with cheers and well wishes. The cadets have a busy week getting ready for the academic year to start. They have moved to their new rooms and will soon have their computers and communication with the outside world.
Michael got his cell phone back on Monday night and reported the road march went well. He said the basketball coaches marched the 12 miles with the NCs to encourage everyone on.Michael and his roommate from CBT will remain roommate during the academic year. Michael was very excited about that. He got along well with his roommate.
The re-orgy week will keep the new cadets busy with setting up their new room for inspection, picking up class schedules, books and additional uniforms.
Being assigned to a new company brings the challenge of greeting all new upperclassmen and learning their ranks. In addition, they will drill every day in practice for the Acceptance Day ceremony scheduled for Saturday morning. They will take part in the traditional plebe pillow fight on Friday where all the soonto be plebes suit up in helmets and take to the court yard to do battle. The A-Day ceremony will mark the change in status from "new cadet" to "cadet" as they become officially a part of the "Long gray line."Terry and I would like to thank all of you who sent cards and letters during beast. It was your words of encouragement and prayers that help Michael get through it.
May God bless all the cadets in our service academies and all the men and women who serve our country with honor and pride! GO ARMY!
