They got to do more "fun" things.  She particularly enjoyed rappelling down that 75-floor cliff and the rifle qualification.  When we talked with her about a week ago she reported that her platoon was the best in her company (Golf), and her company was the best so far in Beast.  She wasn't aware that they might get to lead the march back from Lake Frederick, but was excited with the news.  Her ankle and respiratory problems have apparently been overcome, and she was also excited about being able to make up an 8-mile march that she had missed earlier.  Tiffanie hasn't been able to play much tennis during Beast (gee really?), but hopes to help the USMA women's tennis team bring back its share of trophies during her next four years.  On Plebe-Parent Weekend she is scheduled to be with the team for an away match against Lehigh University in the Bethlehem PA area, so we won't be able to take part in the PPW activities.
Charn McAllister:  It seems that Beast has gone well for Charn, all things considered.  He has stayed healthy and even maintained a bit of humor in his letters / postcards.  His first squad leader turned out to be an excellent leader and someone that Charn respected.  It was a good introduction to the leadership at West Point.  The memorization has been endless, the sleep short, and physical training a challenge, but he says that the rewards are great.  He did have a "run-in" with a cake; apparently the slicing was something less than equal!  His family is anxious to hear the whole story when they see him and give him a  big hug on Acceptance Day.
Greg Van Bemden:   After loosing a lot of weight in the beginning, Greg was able to start putting it back on.  He really enjoyed mountaineering; they even let him repel going down upside down, he said it was Australian style?  Greg said the gas chamber was awful but he was glad he had done it.  He is looking forward to getting his Hummer license and running the bayonet assault course at Lake Frederick.  He can't wait for Beast to be over.  Greg's new company will be D-1.
Gary Whidden:  Gary has reported his experiences at West Point as being very challenging

every day to be the best he can be. Some of the highlights of Beast Barracks have been mountaineering and rifle marksmanship.  Gary likes the physical challenge of West Point and the emphasis placed on the total person.  He hopes to participate on the Sprint Football team and weightlifting this year.  We will be taking a few days to see him on Acceptance Day.  My wife and I are looking forward to this very special day in his life.  I asked him a few days ago if he thought he had made the right decision about attending West Point.  His answer was, absolutely.