The United States Military Academy at West Point, with its time honored traditions, its emphasis on excellence in academic, athletic, military and ethical leadership pursuits, and its exceptional contribution to the nation through its graduates, is one of the most respected educational institutions in the world. You are most welcome to join the West Point Parents Club of Illinois in its pursuit of support for the fine young men and women from Illinois who have chosen to attend this storied academy.

The West Point Parents Club of Illinois (WPPCI) exists to serve the cadets of Northern Illinois and their families as an information resource and a support organization during their four years at the Academy. Attendance at West Point is an exceptionally challenging experience both for cadets and their families. USMA’s culture and requirements are not well understood by the public, for it has very little in common with other colleges and universities. As a result, the information shared among WPPCI members along with the support they provide both to cadets and their families has proven to be invaluable over the years.

The WPPCI Calendar

The WPPCI begins its activities in June with the New Cadet Candidate Orientation, which welcomes the cadet candidates and their parents to an important information-sharing session prior to R-Day, the day the cadet candidates first report to West Point. A picnic to welcome the new plebe parents follows in mid-July. Regular club meetings, a tailgate at West Point, and the All Academy Ball occur during the fall, winter and spring months. The WPPCI year ends with the annual Spring Brunch where we honor our Firstie Parents.

Throughout the year, there is plenty of interaction among the parents of each cadet class. Plebe (freshman) parents are calling and e-mailing their mentor families with questions about basics such as making travel arrangements for holidays leaves, mailing packages, and simply understanding Army terminology. Yearling (sophomore) parents are querying Cow (junior) parents about MDS’s, Military Development School. Cow parents are asking Firstie (senior) parents about cow loans and summer assignments. And Firstie parents are asked to share

with the entire club their West Point-acquired wisdom. All of this information sharing is extremely helpful to the cadets and especially their families.

The WPPCI Activities

The WPPCI Mentoring Program – May – Once admissions procedures have been completed for the coming school year, WPPCI members volunteer to serve as mentors to the cadet candidates and their families. These WPPCI mentors telephone cadet candidate families to congratulate and welcome them and to offer their assistance.

Cadet Candidate Orientation – June – This important information sharing session allows cadet candidates and their families to meet and query current West Point cadets and their parents. This informal get-together is generally held at the 1^st Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois.

Parents Club Meetings – September, November, January and March – A Saturday or Sunday afternoon is designated in each of the listed months for WPPCI members to get together to socialize and disseminate information. Most meetings include guest speakers such as former graduates, with insights to share concerning West Point.

Annual Summer Picnic – July – This “picnic” is actually a backyard barbecue at the home of a WPPCI member and is hosted for our members to welcome the new plebe parents. With limited communication with their sons or daughters, this meeting allows plebe parents to learn more about Beast Barracks, the first 6 ½ weeks at West Point. They have the opportunity to share their initial impressions of West Point with other parents who truly understand.

Army-Navy relief from Army-Iraqis

Football Tailgate – Fall – The WPPCI sponsors a tailgate for the Illinois cadets and their friends after one of the early home football games. This feast allows the cadets to get their fill of food from home.

All Academy Ball – December – A formal evening dinner/dance attended by the cadets and midshipmen from all five service academies along with their dates and their parents. It’s also an opportunity for parents to see their cadets in full dress uniform.

Spring Brunch – May – A formal brunch is the setting to honor first class year cadet parents. The club distributes graduation gifts to the parents for their cadets including a flag flown over the nation’s capitol.

WPPCI Resources

Parents Guidebook - The parents’ guidebook is an informational booklet prepared by the WPPCI with pages of practical information covering topics such as hotel and restaurant listings around West Point, definitions of many of the acronyms used by the cadets and the calendar of events for each class.

Annual Membership Directory – A listing of all the parents and their cadets in the club.

WPPCI Web Site – The club’s site, www.wppci.org, provides information concerning club activities as well as links to other sites relating to West Point.