Duty Honor Country
"TheArmyGoesRollingAlong"
Music By:The U.S. Army Field Band
West Point Parents Club
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| Handbook |
| Firstie Parents |
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Congratulations
CLASS OF 2010
Compliments of West Point Parents Club of Greater Cincinnati
Index
HISTORY OF THE WEST POINT RING
THE WEST POINT MEMORIAL CLASS RING PROGRAM
CADET ACCESS TO EARLIER INFORMATION
HOWTIZER YEARBOOK and PERSONAL HOWITIZER ADS
WPPC GC JUNE 2010 MEETING June 13, 2010
PAY ADVANCE AND LOAN RE-PAYMENT
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THIS BOOK CURRENT
Well, here you are, parents of a soon to be Firstie! Later next year on May 22, 2010 you will be the proud parents of a 2nd Lieutenant. Wasn't it only yesterday that you lined up to enter Eisenhower Hall only to say your quick good-byes and turn to watch your child descend the steps to their future? Those same young adults, who worked so hard to get into West Point, are now working just as hard to get out. They have learned so much, grown in a million ways, and matured into wonderful young men and women.
The West Point Parents Club of Greater Cincinnati hopes that this handbook will serve as a guide throughout your cadet's last year at West Point. Often parents have more questions during this year than during the second and third years put together. Newsletters will keep you posted on upcoming events and schedule changes, but the following pages should give you a brief insight of what to expect.
It is never too soon to start planning for graduation. Often the cadets have too many other things to think about and it is left up to us to make the arrangements. This handbook is designed to give you an idea of what you should be aware of as the year progresses. You should receive graduation information from West Point in late February (2010) but we are including a link to the 2009 graduation information so that you can look at that as a review of the events to come. Have your cadet obtain a schedule of graduation week activities (available in early spring 2010) so that your family can plan ahead. The Academy usually sends these to parents the first week of April. As graduation time draws near, anxiety and emotion can run high. Plan ahead so that you can sit back and enjoy this experience. When your cadet steps out of ranks to receive the final salute from the Corps at the Graduation Parade, it's time to give yourself a pat on the back for also making it through four years at the Academy.
Remember arrive early every where during Graduation Week.
The first major event of your Firstie's year will be Ring Weekend - August 21 to 23, 2009. Though your cadet is considered a Firstie or first classman after the graduation ceremony at the end of his/her Cow or second classman year, Firstie year is a reality when he/she receives their class ring. Some cadets may want to invite their parents for this; others may prefer to have just their boy or girlfriends. Up until three years ago and again last year, the festivities begin on Friday afternoon in the open-air concert area of Trophy Point with a private ceremony for Firsties only; this is when they receive their coveted rings. Two years ago everything was done on Saturday. Check with your cadet to see what is planned for this year. This was a private ceremony until the Class of 98 voted to allow family and friends to observe the ceremony. Parents, friends and visitors can watch from the surrounding hillsides. If you can find out from your cadet where he/she will be in the formation you can try and get a location suitable for photos. If you plan to meet your Firstie after the ceremony, pre-plan a meeting place. It is a good opportunity to take photos after your cadet gets his/her ring.
Even though you may have been at West Point a number of times over the last three years, this may be the first time you will see the lowering of the flag. This event occurs daily and is an integral part of out cadets' lives. It is touching to watch all activity stop, everyone focus on the flag and witness this very solemn moment. A cannon sounds; To the Colors is played by the Army Band; the Flag at Trophy Point is lowered; and everyone within earshot, uncovers, stands at attention facing the lowering Flag and salutes. It is a reverent moment during a busy day and is a subtle reminder that the Flag and all it symbolizes is why our sons and daughters are at West Point.
After the ceremony, the Firsties go to "the area," and other locations, where the Plebes will admire their new rings and greet them with the "Ring Poop". Dropping to one knee, the Plebes will chant:
"Oh my God, sir/madam!
What a beautiful ring!
What a crass mass of brass and glass!
What a bold mold of rolled gold!
See how it sparkles and shines!
It must have cost you a fortune!
May I touch it please, sir/madam"
After that, the Firsties are free to spend the weekend with you and their dates.
On Saturday, there are various open houses, followed by a formal dinner and ball. The banquet is similar to the Plebe Parent Weekend Banquet. As a reminder, it is August and the Cadet Mess is not air-conditioned. Women should wear long gowns or cocktail dresses; for men, dark business suits are in order. Cadets will be attired in their India whites. All Firsties have the option of having their pictures taken inside a 9-foot, 500 lb. replica of their class ring. The lines for this are extremely long, so take your camera to the ball at
Eisenhower Hall and get your own.
HISTORY OF THE WEST POINT RING
As far as records show, the U.S. Military Academy was the first school in this country to use rings as a class symbol, the tradition beginning with the Class of 1835. With the exception of the Class of 1836, which chose not to have class rings, and the Class of 1879, which chose cuff links, each class has worn rings to symbolize their pride in West Point and each other.
Until 1969, the style of the rings was selected informally, but that year an organized meeting was held for deciding upon the design. Thus began the Ring and Crest Committee, the members of which are chosen by each class during Cadet Basic Training.
After considering crest designs submitted by members of their class, the committee formally announces its choice during Plebe-Parent Weekend. Each class ring must have incorporated within its design: an eagle, the American flag, an officer's saber, a cadet saber, the class motto and year and "USMA".
Since the Class of 1917, rings have borne a class crest on one side and the crest of the Academy on the other. Although the design is uniform for any given class, the content of gold and type of stone is the choice of each individual cadet. Legend has it that one cadet chose a small stone from "the area" to represent the many hours that he had spent there walking off demerits.
A cadet who resigns or is separated from the Academy prior to graduation forfeits the right to wear the class ring. It is customary until graduation for the ring to be worn so that the class crest is most easily seen by the wearer; after graduation, the ring is reversed so that the Academy crest is the one nearer the heart.
Each class since 1835 has chosen its own motto, usually in Latin on the earlier rings, although one was in French and one in Scotch. Now the Motto is in English and usually rhymes with the year.
Note: The Class of 1835 adopted the first "West Point ring," none of which are known to remain in existence. All that remains is an impression of the crest in sealing wax. From this, we may determine that the stone was oval and the crest included the class motto, "Amicus Periculique Foedus (Danger Brings Forth Friendship)" and the class year, 1835. The first extant ring is from the Class of 1837 - a simple, 19th Century gentleman's "pinkie ring" bearing a design with a sword piercing a book, attributed to the French philosopher Voltaire.
THE WEST POINT MEMORIAL CLASS RING PROGRAM
West Point invented the concept of the class ring in 1835, and her graduates have all experienced the thrill of finally earning the right to wear their own West Point class ring with pride ever since. They all were proud to receive their ring, the symbol of membership in the Long Gray Line. Perhaps they would have been even prouder had their new class rings included traces of the gold from rings of past graduates - some of whom served many years before their parents or even grandparents were born. Would not such a "Memorial Class Ring" be even more significant?
The Memorial Class Ring program was initiated with the Class of 2002. Basically, the program whereby graduates may bequeath (or graduates' descendants may donate) West Point class rings for the specific purpose of incorporating the gold into the class rings of future graduates. These graduates would then wear rings composed in part of gold from class rings worn by hundreds of West Pointers who since have joined the "ghostly assemblage."
The program is administered by the AOG and publicized to graduates and their heirs. A designated agent has been tasked to receive and safeguard the rings. Periodically, all of the old rings collected during a given period are melted into a gold ingot. A portion of this "Memorial Gold" ingot is then delivered to the manufacturer selected to make the rings for a given year and melted into the gold procured by the manufacturer. Because the Memorial Gold has intrinsic value as well as sentimental value, the monetary value of the Memorial Gold provided is credited to the program and the rebate used to reduce the cost of today's rings (about $1,000) and/or to produce mementos/plaques to be given to descendants who have contributed rings.
A running roster of the old rings used is kept and presented to each cadet when he or she receives a class ring.
Hopefully, this program makes West Point class rings of the future even more meaningful than those of the past, because all the new rings contain traces of the rings of West Pointers who have gone before.
Donating a class ring to this program is purely voluntary on the part of a graduate or heir. Stones from rings can be removed before donation to be kept by the graduate's family and heirs, or it could be used as part of a memento as noted above.
At the ceremony marking the melting down of the donated rings and the gold of the Class of 2003, the family of General Andrew S. Low, Jr., USAF, USMA Class of 1942, read a particularly poignant story about General Low's ring which was confiscated after he was captured by the Germans following the explosion and crash of his plane during a bombing run in WWII. In a strange twist of faith, on the third day of his interrogation, a wounded German flying officer visited him. After making small talk (the German officer spoke English), he pulled General Low's ring from his pocket and dropped it inside General's Low's clothes, saying "I am sure this means something to you, and it means nothing to them. Hide it, and do not wear it until you are free".
Though most USMA graduates do not have such amazing stories to share about their rings, each USMA class ring calls up its own memories for it wearer. The ring represents the blood, sweat, and tears spent over four years at the Academy, along with the promise of a lifetime of service to the nation, and the bond which exists among all West Pointers, living and deceased, The Class Ring Memorial Program symbolically strengthens the bond between the Class of 2010, the classes that preceded it, and all the classes to follow.
Usually in late August or early September, the Firsties have an opportunity to order their Army uniforms. The Class of 2009 was the first class not to be required to order the green uniform. The new "Class A" uniform looks a lot like the old dress blues, but with a straight tie. If the cadet elects to choose one of the tailors, such as Haas or Jacob and Sons, the cost is more, but the work is excellent and usually includes lifetime tailoring. The uniforms are also available through the Post Exchange for less. The lower cost, we are told, reflects garments of somewhat lesser workmanship with no fitting included; the cost of alterations would be the responsibility of the cadet.
Please note that the parents of many former graduates have indicated that their cadets were very glad that they spent the extra $$$ to obtain the tailored uniforms. Those that opted for the PX models faced stock shortages and fitting woes.
Throughout the first three years at the Academy, each cadet is given information from branch representatives and faculty members as to the merits of each branch and the particular talents required. By the end of October, a Firstie must select a Branch. The Branch Notification Ceremony presently takes place in late November before Thanksgiving Leave.
After much anticipation, the cadets of the graduating class receive their Army branch assignments, which spell out the futures of the soon-to-be USMA graduates for at least the next five years. Traditionally, the majority of the class receives their first choice from among the many branches offered to the grads for their service obligation. For a few, there may be a measure of disappointment. Not that there's little to select from. Each has a wide range of choice among a variety of combat arms and combat service and/or support organizations that collectively comprise the greatest fighting outfit on the face of the earth, The Army of the United States of America. The most popular choice by far, (and the one for which there are the most "slots"), is the Army's main combat branch, that of the "foot soldier," more traditionally known as the Infantry. Other popular branches include Air Defense, Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Engineers, and rounding out the combat arms choices, Field Artillery.
In the fields of combat support and combat supply support, there is also a wide array from which to choose: Adjutant General Corps, Chemical Corps, Finance Corps, Medical Service Corps, Military Intelligence, Military Police, Ordnance, Quartermaster, Signal Corps, and Transportation Corps.
There is an additional branch, which no cadet can elect to enter directly after graduation, Special Forces ("The Green Berets"). It requires additional training and experience before one can apply for service in this branch.
Typically, on this very special night, members of the graduating class assemble in Ike Hall, and with traditional West Point Fanfare, as one, they ceremoniously open the envelopes that contain their branch insignia that reveals how, in only a few months from then, these young future soldiers will begin their Army careers. A soldier's branch of service is dear to his/her heart, for it spells out the special skills and duties to which the new Army Officer will dedicate him or herself for at least the next five years.
Post selection is made by the Firsties in February, except Aviation candidates who do not select post until they have completed their aviation training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The post selection announcement is made by the Army in April.
The following two websites can provide some information on the various branches along with their insignias.
http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/branches/BranchandCollarInsignia.htm
http://www.us-army-info.com/pages/branches.html
This is the last season you will be able to go to West Point for a Football game while your son/daughter is a cadet. If you have not gone in the past three years, make a point to attend a game. If you have not attended an Army/Navy football game, this is the year to do so!
GO ARMY BEAT NAVY
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for your Firstie to start cleaning out his/her room early. From a slightly filled bag on R-Day, their possessions have expanded greatly. Encourage your cadet to begin sending/bringing things home at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or any other time he/she might come home. Continue to encourage as you can. On graduation day, new 2LTs will be seen leaving West Point with their cars filled to the top of the interior with boxes, uniforms, computers, etc.
Cadets can have personal items shipped either home, to Officer Basic Course (OBC), or their first assignment via a shipping company. ADVICE: DO NOT SEND ARMY UNIFORMS VIA THE SHIPPING SERVICE. ITEMS MAY NOT ARRIVE IN TIME FOR OBC.
Another option is for the cadet is to have his/her vehicle weighed empty then loaded up and paid by weight to take their belongings to their next assignment. Have your cadet figure out what is best for him/her, but do start early.
This event is celebrated by the cadets in February (February 26, 27, and 28, 2010) and commemorates the mere 100 days remaining until graduation. It permits the Firsties to reflect upon their four years at the Academy.
The celebration begins on Friday night with the 100th Night Show at Ike Hall. The 100th Night Show - written, directed, acted, and produced by the Firsties - has its traditions dating back to the late 19th century. It has evolved from a series of short skits to a full-length musical comedy and depicts their years at the Academy. The show presented on Friday night is open only to Firsties and their guests. Like Ring Weekend, 100th Night is more cadet-oriented, although many parents do attend.
Saturday is free during the day. In the evening, a formal banquet is held in Washington Hall for Firsties and their guests. This is followed by a formal ball; cadets will be wearing their full-dress uniforms. Dark suits for men and dressy attire for women would be appropriate. While the ball is in progress, the 100th Night Show is presented once again and is open to the public and to the underclass cadets.
For those parents who wish to attend 100th Night don't expect your cadet to stay with you the entire weekend. Cadets may want to be with their fellow cadets. It is slowly sinking into their heads and hearts that their Academy experience will soon come to an end.
Cadets usually have two photos taken for their Firstie year. In the second semester of cow year, the Howitzer (yearbook) photo is taken and the recommended deadline according to the Howitzer staff is May of the year prior to graduation. If a graduating Firstie has not had his/her portrait taken by spring break of their Firstie year, the Howitzer is forced to use a plebe year portrait.
The second photo, or the "Graduation Photo" can be taken anytime, but the recommended deadline for this portrait is spring break of their Firstie year. Your cadet needs to make an appointment at Academy Photo for the sitting. Traditionally your cadet is in full dress gray over either white or gray, tar bucket in hand along with the cadet sword and red sash. Remind your cadet to have the proofs sent home, so that Mom and Dad can pick out their favorites. Retakes are available if you are not happy with the proof portraits. Prices vary according to the package you choose. By having the pictures done early, you will be sure to have them ready in time for graduation. A nice idea is to send a wallet size photo included with your cadet's graduation invitation or announcements.
Academy Photo
PO Box 102
West Point, New York 11996
845-938-3448
http://www.academyphoto.com
Right after spring break, the Firsties gather for a panoramic class picture. In the past this photo was available through
Panorama International,
P.O. Box 650063
West Newton, MA 02465-0063
888-969-0879
http://www.panfoto.com
It is never too early to make reservations at a hotel or motel for graduation week. If you do not start early, you will have a real project on your hands when you get started.
By now, most of you should have your hotel or motel reservations made or have an idea were you are going to make them for graduation week. Some hotels and motels take reservations several years in advance: some will not take them for the current year until 8:00 AM on January 1. Most motels will have a 3 or 4 day minimum stay, so check with your favorites now and see what regulations they have. It is never too early to you're your reservations. Even at the last minute there is usually no problem finding accommodations 25 to 30 minutes away from West Point.
In the spring, the Academy will mail you a Graduation Week Schedule. You will see that there are activities during the entire week before Graduation. Some parents do attend for the whole week and some come for just Friday and Saturday or a long weekend. The various attractions include academic open houses, Glee Club / USMA Band / organ concert, awards ceremonies, USMA bookstore, Cadet Parachute Team demo, Cadet Drill Team, museum, Tower Suite restoration, and much more. If your cadet should be receiving awards, these ceremonies are held Tuesday PM (athletics), Thursday PM (department - academics), and Friday AM (stars, wreaths, etc.). For a preview of the week's activities, consult the Class of 2009 graduation week official booklet and schedule at this link:
http://www.usma.edu/Class/2009/gradbooklet091.pdf
Regardless of how much time you choose to spend there, you will want to arrive no later than 9 am (0900 hrs) on Friday for the big parade. There is also an awards parade on Thursday around 10 AM which includes a terrific demonstration by the Black Knights, the Army Parachuting Team and the Pershing Rifle team.
During Grad Week be sure to take advantage of the Firstie Club. Prices are reasonable and the Club is open to the families of graduating cadets for lunch and dinner. Be sure to stop by the Highland Falls liquor store to purchase a bottle of the Class of 2010 Wine (approximately $15.00).
Your flower needs can be met by the flower store in Highland Falls.
The official graduation schedule sent by the Academy should arrive to you by mail in the spring of 2010. The booklet contains a letter of invitation from the Superintendent, a complete schedule of events, with notes, exceptions and alternate plans for weather and an official parking pass for graduation day. Also included is a schedule of Chapel services and Shuttle Buses, and telephone numbers of restaurants, motels, cadet companies and other post facilities. Recommended dress is described along with directions to West Point from all the major airports.
When you get to West Point during Grad Week, locate a current issue of The Pointer View, the post newspaper; if there are any schedule changes, you will find them there. Another source for changes and information is the Cadet Hostess at 845-938-3104, available to answer questions regarding the schedule and activities.
CADET ACCESS TO EARLIER INFORMATION
In February, our cadet forwarded an e-mail titled "Grad Week Schedule" she had received from the "chain of command." For parental purposes, this e-mail was mostly accurate. At the end of the e-mail, it stated that Firsties could log onto the "class directory" to get information regarding class activities for graduation week.
In May our cadet forwarded a nine page schedule. This schedule gave every detail starting with term ends and ending at 7 PM (1900 Hrs) on Graduation Day. This schedule gave the times of every mandatory meal, every practice parade, every parade, book sales, etc. The schedule is more than you want to know, but it gives you an idea of all the activities and tasks that your cadet must tend to during graduation week. It is a very busy time for your cadet.
Remember, ask your cadet for the information, but give him/her the time they need during this very fast paced period of time.
Most activities during graduation week require tickets or reservations.
Cadets are issued four (4) tickets for Thursday's parade and the same for Friday's. Tickets are checked for seating in the grandstands for these parades.
Cadets may reserve spaces for three (3) banquet tickets on Friday evening (Wine Glasses). Overflow tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis at the West Point Club and when that is full (750), tickets are sold for an additional "overflow table" at the Thayer Hotel. Encourage your cadet to track down tickets for additional family members from cadets who do not need what is allocated to them.
Cadets receive ten (10) tickets for reserved seating for graduation. In 2009, the seats were assigned and situated behind the appropriate Cadet Company. There will be general admission tickets available at the gates if you have more than 10 in your party. Nobody has to sit outside. It's just that the reserved seats are closer and better for this once in a lifetime event.
Suggestions and advice regarding parking during graduation week:
1. Arrive early for all activities.
2. Plan on walking
3. The parking permit sent with the official graduation booklet is good only on graduation day.
4. Parking on Thursday and Friday should be no problem as long as you arrive early.
5. Handicap Parking: If you have a "handicap parking tag", use it. If you have elderly or handicapped guests and they have a tag, remind them to bring it. A map included in the grad week booklet gives details of available handicap parking.
On Graduation Day handicap parking is reserved in H Lot located on Stony Lonesome Rd. Anyone possessing any state handicap license plate or placard is authorized to park in the handicap parking area.
Anyone wishing to obtain a temporary handicap parking pass for a serious condition which would prohibit the use of regular parking and shuttle bus service must have their cadet request the handicap pass through his/her Tactical Officer. Special handicap parking passes (in a color different from the regular graduation pass) will be issued although the Military Police will honor the handicap plate issued by your state for special parking. This may change from year to year so be sure that your cadet checks on this. Make sure that your cadet has checked out arrangements for the handicapped and remember that much of the Academy is not handicap accessible. It would be good planning to have an able-bodied family member responsible for helping the infirm members.
Recreational vehicle parking for cadet families is authorized for graduation week at North Dock. During graduation week, the graduation shuttle will service North Dock area. A parking pass is required to park in this area during grad week. Recreational vehicle parking at North Dock is on a first come first serve basis only. This is not an authorized tent camping area.
" Bring a towel to wipe down the bleachers if it has rained the night before.
" It is VERY IMPORTANT to be at the stadium before the cadets' march-on. Note: If the President is speaking, you should allow much more time due to the heightened level of security.
" Keep tissues handy at all times, it's an emotional time and you will find tears flowing.
" Ask your cadet what his/her schedule is, namely graduation practice, so you can attend and watch if you choose. It is a great opportunity to see where your cadet will be seated and get an idea where you will sit. The same goes for the graduation parade rehearsal.
" By knowing your cadet's schedule, you can arrive early enough on graduation day to see your cadet's final march with his class around the reservoir to Howse Field (the staging area prior to cadets marching on for Graduation).
" Plan to meet your new 2LT at a specified spot after the ceremony is over. The cadets know where their family's assigned seating is located and many just come up into the stands after the ceremony.
" BE FLEXIBLE with your plans, remember your cadet is graduating and is in the process of saying goodbye to all their friends. Your cadet needs to be able to have some time of his/her own to do what he/she needs and wants to do.
" Bring extra rolls of film, including batteries. The stadium sells film but not batteries.
" Organization is the key to a successful graduation experience. Try to have your plans worked out ahead of time and you'll enjoy graduation.
" It cannot be over stressed how important it is to be early for all the events and activities during graduation week.
" Cell phones are very helpful to keep in touch.
" Bring and wear sunscreen.
" Wear comfortable walking shoes, fashion statements are not advised.
" If you have lots of family and/or friends coming for Graduation, distribute an agenda, map, and meeting places and times. Let them be on their own, so you do not miss anything.
REMEMBER! ENJOY THE DAY! IT IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT!
The Cadet Glee Club has a concert on Tuesday evening at Eisenhower Hall Theater. If you arrive early for Graduation activities, plan on catching this awesome concert.
Each Regiment has an opportunity to attend the Superintendent's reception - usually 1st and 2nd Regiments on Wednesday afternoon and 3rd and 4th Regiment on Thursday afternoon. It is usually held at Quarters 100, in the garden area, or Eisenhower Hall. Last year, it was held at Quarters 100. The reception is an opportunity for cadets and parents to meet and mingle. Dress is business casual (dresses/suits/jackets/ties).
Keep in mind: the superintendent's reception is required for all Firsties. Each cadet and his/her family go through a receiving line to meet the Superintendent and his wife. Bring your camera, photos are permitted.
Usually on Thursday evening, about 7:30 PM, the Most Holy Trinity Church, Cadet Chapel and Jewish Chapel all hold Baccalaureate Services. You must get there early. There is no view from the seats in the back. If you have attended services with your cadet at West Point before or simply want to give thanks in this manner, services at the chapels are available at this time. These are very special and very moving ceremonies and are not to be missed. Make every effort to attend.
The best Parades are the Alumni Parade on Tuesday morning (if you arrive early) and the Superintendent's Parade on Thursday. Both are not as well attended, but you can see your cadet march on and off just as they have done over the last four years. This is also another great photo op.
This is the final parade held specifically for this graduating class of cadets. They bid farewell to the corps with a final salute and are on their way. It is held on the Friday before graduation, usually at 10:00 am (1000 hrs) on the Plain. If you plan to arrive on this day, plan to be there before 9:00 am. Do not try to drive on Post; go to Buffalo Soldier Field to park (No Parking is permitted on the lots in the area of the Plain) and take a shuttle; one runs every 20 minutes, but the lines will be long. Plan to arrive early for all activities because seats fill fast. Although your cadet will probably be able to get you approximately 3 tickets in the reviewing stands for the parade, you will find that 'squatters' often infiltrate the bleachers and fill the seats; the stands will be very crowded. For additional family members, there is ample standing room around the sides of the field. Feel free to bring folding chairs and blankets. Bring your camera.
The Graduation Parade is probably the most meaningful parade for Firsties. The particular sequence of music for this ceremony is not used for any other parade. The battalions march onto the Plain to the tune of "Stars and Stripes Forever" change to "The Dashing White Sergeant" as the initial line is reached. The band troops the line to the "Graduation March" consisting of the first eight bars of "Home Sweet Home" followed by parts of "100 Days 'til June," "The Wedding March," "The Girl I Left Behind Me," "Auld Lang Syne," and concluding with the entirety of "Home Sweet Home." The First Class forms for "Front and Center" to their "Alma Mater." The First Class Cadets then form a reviewing line, which stretches the length of the Plain, and the Corps (the three under classes) pass in review to the "Official West Point March." As each company comes abreast of the first cadet of the graduating class, it executes "eyes right" and holds the salute until the last graduating cadet is passed. Those graduating salute by uncovering to honor their company as it passes their position in line. And with that, another Class joins "The Long Gray Line."
As the Corps marches off the field, The First Class, which is still standing in front of the bleachers, is dismissed. Most cadets search for family and friends and to have yet more photos taken, usually with friends and roommates. This is an excellent photo op. Your Cadet will be wearing the same uniform as for graduation. If pictures are taken at this time, perhaps your new 2LT will be able to leave the graduation ceremony sooner and get a jump on checking out of the barracks tomorrow.
If the weather should be hot - water is a must! There are no fountains on the Plain and you will be in direct sunlight for three hours! Small plastic bottles work great.
After the parade the Firsties join their parents and guests so it is important that you set up a meeting area with your cadet before the parade.
By 11:30 Hrs, the parade will be history and you will have, hopefully, found your cadet. There are some nice shade trees behind the reviewing stands; these provide a cool place to chat and take additional pictures. Keep in mind that you will probably be hot and tired and will need to get back to your room to change for the banquet. Remember that although this is a very special day for you, the regular community will be getting out of work and there will be traffic as they work their way home. Leave extra time for driving back and forth.
This is a dressy affair with long or cocktail dresses for the women and dark business suits for the men. Usually each cadet is allowed to purchase 3 guest tickets for the banquet. Some Firsties will only need 1 or 2 tickets and your cadet can ask around and pick up an additional ticket or two from others. The Firstie can also purchase tickets for the over-flow banquet at the Officers' club. These are on a first come, first served basis as there are only 400 seats there. The Academy in the past has arranged for family members who do not have tickets to the banquet to attend a satellite banquet at the West Point Club. The tickets will be sold only to cadets and are limited to six (6) tickets per cadet. The meal is the same as served in the Mess Hall and there is an audio hook-up so the speeches can be heard. The Academy will make announcements (via e-mail) to let the Firsties know what arrangements can be made. Make sure your Firstie is aware of what you need.
After the banquet there is a formal reception and dance at Eisenhower Hall, usually from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. This is a great time to meet with old friends and share memories.
Graduation takes place at Michie Stadium and is usually scheduled for 10 AM with the march on beginning at 9:40 AM. Under normal circumstances Graduation is open to the public. Additionally, the ceremony is usually available for viewing in Christ Arena, Holleder Center, which may be an option for the less stalwart if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The doors open at 8:30 AM. Dress comfortably for the weather; in the past, the weather was hot and humid. The Visitor's Center is a good alternative for those not wishing to deal with the weather or the hike to Michie. It is open, air-conditioned and the ceremony is televised on a big screen television.
Make sure to ask your cadet where he or she will be seated. Cadets are usually grouped according to companies, and each is assigned to a specific seat of a certain row. If you have a good pair of binoculars, you might even be able to find your cadet on the field. For some reason, with 1,000 identical full-dress uniforms, they all tend to look rather similar. All cadets' names are announced individually when receiving their diploma.
After the customary opening remarks and presentations, the featured speaker will give the graduation address. The ceremony is not elaborate, but is impressive and solemn in its tone and setting. The members of the graduating class are about to assume the positions of responsibility, which they have worked so long and hard to achieve; their cadet careers are fast coming to an end as they await the presentation of their diplomas.
Usually several dozen distinguished cadets receive their diplomas first; then the rest come forward in specified order. After all of the diplomas are presented, the Superintendent gives the commissioning Oath to the graduates. The First Captain then announces, "Class Dismissed," and the graduates toss their white caps high into the air.
While the diplomas are being presented, many children will gather on the field; eagerly awaiting the traditional "Hat Toss." Each one scrambles for a white treasure to take home. All cadets have their names inside their hats and some will even write a special note to the children who will catch the hats. If you are taking along children to the graduation it may be wise not to get them too excited about "getting a hat" as there are age range and size range restrictions. Teenagers are too old and toddlers are too small. All children must be as tall as a certain wooden cadet at the location where they are told to meet. Listen to the announcements made prior to the ceremony for instructions.
NOTE: If the President of the United States happens to be the speaker, be aware that security will be very tight. You will have to walk through a metal detector, have your handbag (and any other bag) searched, and have your camera examined. Because of all of this extra processing time just to get inside the stadium, you may want to arrive much earlier. The entire area will be crawling with Secret Service men and women and there will be sharp-shooters in high places. Some of the reserved seat assignments will be changed for "security reasons." Even after you are actually inside the stadium, if you stray outside of the security perimeter (perhaps looking for a restroom), you will have to pass inspection a second time.
Final Note: Many parents have reported that because this can be a very hectic and emotional day it is suggested that you order a Graduation Video when they are offered so that you will have a lasting memory of this day.
We all have seen images of proud graduates in full dress gray over white (or, occasionally all white) holding aloft a long, white cylinder containing their West Point diploma. And some may have taken a moment to look at their own or one framed upon a graduate's wall. But how many are aware of the history of that proud piece of parchment, and the significance of the symbols engraved thereon? Would it interest you to know that the diploma received today is essentially (but not completely) unchanged since initially designed by William Proctor of New York City and accepted by the Academy on 27 January 1823?
First the changes, numbering only three, in the graphics: Originally, an eagle with wings unequally outspread and head turned back rested upon the crossed flags at the top of the diploma. Then, on 13 October 1898, the Academy crest, including the now-famous motto of "Duty, Honor, Country," was adopted and replaced the eagle for the 1899 diploma. Since the crest contained a heraldic error (both the eagle and the helmet of Pallas Athena faced to the "sinister" left of the wearer), it was replaced on 2 July 1923 with the current Academy crest with the eagle and helmet correctly facing to the wearer's right (and the viewer's left-the probable source of the original confusion). This error, by the way, was detected by CPT George M. Chandler in 1922. Needless to say, if you should chance upon a Class of 1923 (the class graduated on 12 June that year, before the correction was made) or earlier diploma with the crest facing to the viewer's left, it is not genuine. Likewise, if you should find an 1898 or earlier diploma with a crest (facing in either direction), instead of a somewhat contorted eagle, it, too, is suspect.
Text changes are likewise quite minor. In 1909, wording regarding promotion in individual branches changed to promotion in the U.S. Army. Although all graduates since 1823 received a diploma with the word "Degree" on it, the Academy was not accredited until 1925 (in part to allow cadets to compete for Rhodes Scholarships), and the Academy did not receive authorization from Congress to grant a Bachelor of Science degree until a few days before graduation in 1933. The first diploma to so state was awarded to the Class of 1934, but in 1937 Congress awarded the baccalaureate degree retroactively to all graduates still living. With the wartime increase in class size, all diplomas from 1947 on were no longer hand signed. In 1948, the font called "Script" replaced the earlier "Old English," and wording concerning "promotion in the Army of the United States" changed to "appointment as a commissioned officer" in 1970.
Finally, in 1980, the pronoun "her" was substituted for "him" on appropriate diplomas.
Now for the other illustrations on the diploma: On the left side are the armor, shield, helmet and sword of an ancient warrior, plus the fasces (bundle of sticks surrounding an ax) of the Roman legions and a standard bearing the likeness of Nike, the Greek winged goddess of victory. She is holding a laurel wreath of victory and a palm frond. Opposite, on the right, are the accoutrements of a "modern" (1823) warrior: A drum, flintlock rifle, cartridge case, a brace of flintlock pistols, a saber, sword, horn and a shako with the diamond-shaped USMA insignia (in vogue from 1822 to 1839).
Along the bottom of the diploma, resting on a mat of olive branches (peace) and oak branches (strength) are a number of items directly related to cadet academics and training: an open geometry book; a mortar with rudimentary theodolite (to measure the angle of fire) and mortar rounds; a cadet with musket studying a fortifications diagram resting atop a fascine (field expedient earthworks reinforcement); a telescope; a globe of the world; books; chemical retorts; a protractor; a sketch of the Cadet Monument (memorializing CDT Vincent M. Lowe, ex-1820, killed by the premature discharge of a cannon on 1 January 1817); an artist's palette; and a bust of Pallas Athena, undoubtedly used as a subject in drawing class. Centered above all this is a mountain crag with an eagle's nest and an eagle, symbolic of West Point, with cadets engaged in artillery drill near the base. All in all, a very interesting piece of sheep's skin. And, unlike Harvard's, it is in English. This information is courtesy of the Adjutant General's office at West Point.
"THE ALMA MATER"
Hail, Alma Mater Dear, To help us be ever near.
Help us thy motto bear Through all the years.
Let Duty be well performed.
Honor be e'er untarned.
Country be ever armed.
West Point, by thee.
Guide us, thy sons, aright, Teach us by day, by night
To keep thine honor bright, For thee to fight.
When we depart from thee, Serving on land or sea,
May we still loyal be, West Point, to thee.
May we still loyal be, West Point, to thee.
And when our work is done, Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, "Well done:
Be thou at peace."
E'er may that line of gray increase from day to day
Live, serve, and die we pray West Point, for thee
"Alma Mater," the most beloved of all West Point songs has its beginning in a very inauspicious manner. In the fall of 1908, Cadet P.S. Reinecke attempted to write a furlough song in an effort to pass some time while walking the area. Finally he began to march to the tune of "Treuebeliebe," an old favorite composed by Kuecken in 1827. Reinecke gradually developed the words to what we know today as the "Alma Mater." The song, however, died the death of all furlough songs and was not even sung at the graduation of Reinecke's class in 1911. But on 9 June 1912, "Alma Mater" was sung at the Baccalaureate Service and took its place as a musical expression of feelings of every West Pointer toward his/her alma mater.
It is a tradition for the new 2LTs to give a silver dollar to the first enlisted person (from post, in this case) to salute him or her. The silver dollar is generally uncirculated and of the current year although it has been known to be a tradition that a silver dollar be handed down through the Corps. This is best purchased by YOU at HOME, where it will cost only $8 - $11 including box and tax. In the area of the Academy, the same silver dollar can cost up to $25 because of the demand. The WPPCGC gives a silver dollar as a graduation gift to current class members. The coin order is taken at the March meeting of the Club. You may want to contact the Club, and make arrangements to purchase an additional silver dollar for your cadet to give at graduation.
If you plan to attend the Thayer luncheon after graduation, you must have advance reservations - book way ahead. The Thayer will send you a mailing about this.
It is possible to have your family celebration on the grounds of West Point but it is not a simple process and should be begun by February of the graduation year.
The initial contact is the Director of the Fields found in the Dept of Physical Ed. The form he will send to you is the USMA Reg 2106. Your cadet will need a sponsor to send this form through the system for approval. This person could be his original sponsor, a professor, or TAC officer for example.
Popular sites are South Dock and Buffalo Soldier Field. By 3 PM on Saturday afternoon the only people at Buffalo Soldier were the few families tenting so it is nothing like a football Saturday or other college graduations you may have attended where families linger for the day. Tent companies can supply all you need including tables, chairs, linens, grills, china & flatware or paper products.
TENT COMPANIES
Montgomery Hudson Valley Tent. 845 788 3175, 800 255 2698
Newburgh Classic Tent. 845 564 5858
Highland Champion. 845 691 8236
Orange County Rental. 845 342 5611
CATERERS
Nicoles. Rte 9W. Highland Falls. Cold buffet was excellent. They deliver
Pamela's Traveling Feast. Rte 9W. Newburgh. Sit down dinner was excellent
Cadet Restaurant
CB Driscoll. Montgomery. 845 457 1300
There are many restaurants and stores in the area that had signs in their windows about catering during grad week if you want to leave your food arrangements until then or if you have last minute needs.
This is an individual event that some Firsties choose to do and others choose not to do. If the cadets (no, the newly commissioned 2LTs) choose to, they will change into their new uniforms (Greens) in the company barracks. The cadets choose the place and persons (parents, fiancée, etc.) for the pinning of their first bars, their "butter bars." Often officers that cadets have come to know are present and read the commissioning oath while moms and dads or other family members pin the butter bars on the uniform. Popular sites include Trophy Point, the Chapels, the Plain and the statues on the Plain. If this ceremony takes place, your 2LT may elect to do it in his Company Area or with a particular Team, Club or organization/group. At graduation a tradition takes place as old Grads from the class fifty years prior meet each new 2LT as they leave the podium and presents each with a pair of 2LT Bars engraved on the underside with 52-02, 53-03, 54-04 and so on.
The barracks rooms must be emptied by 5:00 PM on Graduation Day. Cadets usually clean ahead of time, wash the floor and walls so that the rooms will pass inspection by the TAC. To avoid the mad dash that afternoon, it is possible for most of this to be accomplished prior to Saturday. Parents need to know about these tasks, because your new 2LT will not be able to leave right after Graduation until he/she returns all sashes, sabers, plumes, signs out, and says good-by to four years of friends.
If you are planning a celebration lunch or dinner take this into account. Your 2LT will not be ready for anything until he/she accomplishes the above mentioned requirements.
This is a nice time to take your new officer out to eat. After an exhausting couple of days, you might not want to begin your ride home until the following day. If you will be driving home Saturday night, you will have to check out of your motel room prior to the graduation ceremony. Be aware that many of the graduates may want to stay for the weekend, primarily due to all of the weddings (of their fellow cadets) that take place in the post chapels during the remainder of the weekend. Some families get together and have group parties at various hotels, function halls, etc., talk to your cadet about what plans they may have following the graduation ceremony.
You will want to finish Graduation Day off in a manner that is best for the safety of your family and group. Do not let your graduate try and drive that afternoon to some distant location. Graduation week has been an extremely hectic week for your 2nd Lt. and he/she wants to leave and get away as soon as possible. Encourage them to take the night off and celebrate this once in a lifetime occasion. It is best to start off the next morning refreshed.
As mentioned earlier, the WPPC of GC presents silver dollars to the membership graduates. Gifts of money are always appropriate for grads, especially since space may be at a premium for a year or more. 2LTs will have some opportunity now to actually wear civilian clothes occasionally and some sporting goods may also be nice.
Laptop computers make a great grad gift so that your new 2LT can stay in touch (cell phones are also not a bad idea).
Order a gift saber from the C store early in the year. Parents can call 845-938-2121. Sabers purchased from the C store are cheaper than those through the AOG gift shop. Different displays for the sabers are also available. Tar buckets, Plumes, and Red Sashes are also available through the Cadet Store.
Your cadet will receive a diploma and Commissioning Certificate. If you are buying frames from the C store or the mail order forms you will receive, you will want to order both frames so that they match each other as there are several vendors and styles available.
HOWTIZER YEARBOOK and PERSONAL HOWITIZER ADS
To obtain a copy of the 2010 Howitzer for yourself, a form will be sent to you in the early spring. It is easy for this form to get misplaced among all the graduation information you receive. Howitzers can be ordered by contacting Directorate of Cadet Activities @ 845-938-2780 or www.Usma.edu/uscc/dea/pubs/. There are two types of advertisements that can be placed in the Howitzer Yearbook: Defining Excellence Advertisements and Friends and Supporters' Information. This information will be useful if you would like to make your cadet's 2010 Howitzer have a real personal touch recognizing all his/her hard work over their four years at West Point. All information can be found at the following website. http://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/Pubs/Howzhome.html
Usually within 30 to 60 days after graduation, the new 2LT heads off for the OBC (Officer Basic Course) in whichever branch he or she has chosen. There are sixteen different branches and the OBC can vary from several months to a year or more. Creature comforts are not exactly the order of the day; but, compared to the austere life at the gray Academy, anything could be considered an improvement.
Following their leave, the new lieutenants, depending on their chosen branch will be off to various Forts and Army installations across the country to begin their Branch OBC. This is the preliminary training all new officers receive before they move to their permanent Post, or PCS (Permanent Change of Station). Except for Aviation, the officers already know where this will be.
Since they are only to be at OBC for a relatively short period their duty station is designated "TDY (Temporary Duty). As such, they reside in special quarters called BOQs (Bachelor Officer Quarters). The quality of these accommodations depend on their particular location, but they are sometimes described as similar to typical efficiency apartments, although they are probably like a hotel room with a bath, small fridge, sink, stove and microwave.
Aviation, the only branch that does not follow the above protocol, has an immediate PCS since their specialization flight training requires a protracted stay (about a year or so). All aviation officers report for Army flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. They may stay in BOQs for a brief time until they locate off-post housing. They begin receiving housing allowance in their pay once they have documented their living arrangements. Housing allowance is based on the particular location of the instillation and varies greatly depending upon the State in which the Post or Fort is located. Aviation officers receive their OBC Training in between their various flight school phases; so, by the time they earn their wings and receive their final training for a specific aircraft they will fly, they are ready to report to their future post.
Enjoy the company of your new 2LT and again, Congratulations!
WPPC GC JUNE 2010 MEETING June 13, 2010
Remember to attend the June 2010 meeting /picnic of the WPPC of GC to honor and congratulate your cadet.
Whether reporting for TDY or a PCS, the new Army Officer will be moving his/her personal effects from the Academy using one of two services. The Army will store and/or move an officer's belongings for them directly from the Academy or the officer may choose to assume that responsibility Him/her self and be reimbursed for expenses after he/she reaches his/her post. This is referred to as a "DITY" move (Do-it-yourself).
This involves some planning on the new officer's part and, of course, some paper work. Briefly, it involves having the vehicle(s) weighted at a certified station empty, and then having it reweighed after it is loaded.
The Army reimburses the officer based on the weight of his/her personal items. The officer must keep a careful account of all expenses for gas, mileage, tolls, etc. At the end of the trip, the officer will submit them for reimbursement.
While your new 2LT was a cadet, he/she received inexpensive term life insurance through the military. The cadet determined the amount of the coverage and the cost was deducted from their cadet pay. The same option is available to the new 2LT after graduation. A term life insurance policy can be purchased with up to a $400,000.00 limit.
PAY ADVANCE AND LOAN RE-PAYMENT
To help the new 2LT get established at their new posts, before leaving West Point, the Army offers the graduates an advance if they want it. This is repayable over a 1-year period once the officer starts receiving his/her regular pay. It is automatically deducted. All officers receive a one-time uniform allowance about $200.00.
At the same time, the officer's Cow Loan (if he/she elected to take it) begins being due. This payment, like the advance, is payroll deducted. Since the loan is sizable, the deduction is sizable as well.
While the loan rate is very low (1%), it has to be repaid in a relatively short time. The amount is deducted from one of the two monthly paychecks, not split between the two. It is important for the new 2LT to remember to expect this debt since for the first time he/she will be responsible for many of the additional expenses that he/she has not had to consider during the 4 years at the Academy, where virtually every aspect of the cadet's life had been overseen by West Point. After all, the new 2LT is out on his/her own now, and is expected to attend to all these details himself/herself!
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2010
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THIS BOOK CURRENT
This handbook continues a tradition begun nearly eight years ago when Tom Prem, the proud father of Capt. Adrienne Prem, a 2003 graduate of West Point decided that a handbook was needed for Firstie Parents.
Pris and Tom decided to share some ideas and information that they had gathered about the Firstie year at West Point and all the unique experiences involved. As time has gone by, we have tried to refine the information and add to it. Things change! The secret is to be flexible and to pay attention to the instructions you will be receiving from the United States Military Academy and your Cadet.
We hope this booklet will serve as a guide to help make your Firstie year memorable, exciting and as stress free as possible for your cadet, you and all your family and friends.
This booklet is based on information from The United States Military Academy, other West Point Parents Clubs and the experiences of the members of the West Point Parents Club of Greater Cincinnati.
We need your help to keep the information in this booklet current and up to date. Please call or email us with any changes to the information in this booklet so we can update it for next year's class.
GO ARMY!! BEAT NAVY!!
1. Always arrive early for events.
2. Be prepared for any kind of weather
3. Pre-arrange meeting places before hand, especially after the Graduation Ceremony
4. Tickets are needed for both Parades, the Banquet, and Graduation. Do not forget them!!
5. Parking pass
6. Bring your hotel confirmation number
7. Bring plenty of film and an extra battery for the camera.
8. Wear comfortable walking shoes
9. Check and verify times of all events.
10. Keep a cooler of drinks and snacks in your trunk
11. Grant Hall, Ike Hall, Officer's Club for lunch and refreshments.
12. Camera
13. Binoculars
14. Tissues
15. Pencil and paper
16. list of cell phone numbers
17. Sun block
18. Bug repellent
Attitude
By: Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.