August, 2003; Page 6

(2006 Cont.)

time at Daytona Beach and at a couple of friends’ lake houses. It didn't take long getting used to him being home, and it was almost harder to see him leave for Buckner than it was for Beast, especially for our five and seven year-olds.

Carl enjoyed Buckner this summer. He was physically rusty from the leg injury but was able to max the APFT when he returned. He enjoyed being in the same platoon as Matt Green. He told us that pre-infantry week reaffirmed that he wasn't meant for branching infantry, and the helicopter ride he got to take over West Point reinforced his desire to fly.

We visited him at Ft. Knox. CALFEX was spectacular!

We enjoyed visiting with Carl as well as the Green's and some of his buddies. He got to leave a couple of days early from Buckner to play a tennis tournament in Newburgh. The tennis coach made the arrangements while on vacation in Maine. Carl and two other cadets arrived with no money wearing their Army black to learn that the entry fee was $50 each and the posh club required all white tennis clothes. A dad of one of the cadets was able to find them white t-shirts and gym shorts with no pockets.

Carl was both anxious and excited about getting his plebe during Reorgy Week. The new cadet told Carl he was one of the worst in his company during the first detail but was named most improved new cadet in the company for the second detail. Carl is looking forward to the responsibility this year.

CLASS OF 2007

"ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEVER SURRENDER."

Jen Hansen: Jen Hansen successfully completed BEAST in CBT Company D-4 and is off to a good start in the academic year in A-4. She was pleased that she was in the same CBT Company (and squad) as Cadet Ross Maybee. His expertise due to 3 years of prior year service experience came in quite handy. It rained a good deal of the time during their Camp Fredrick experience, but then, a little rain never hurt anyone. We went up for the march back and were quite impressed with the smell emanating from the new cadets (soon to be plebes) as they marched into post.

We then ventured into New York City for a little R&R prior to A-Day. Unfortunately, the blackout occurred as we napped in our hotel room on Park Avenue. We were able to stay in our room and watch the traffic gridlock and mass of humanity on the streets below. The next morning we lugged our baggage down 9 flights of steps

to find a car to take us back to Garrison, where we had left our car (trains were not running) everything worked out fine, and we made it back for A-Day. A-Day was quite impressive and since the plebes were released very soon after the parade, we enjoyed a nice two days with Jen and Ross.

Eating was the theme for the weekend as well as a couple of trips to the PX for needed supplies, haircuts, etc. Jen was able to take quite a few pictures during beast - which will be a lasting reminder of her experiences. Basketball conditioning has already started and Jen is anxious for an outstanding year.

Jennifer Thomas: R-day we arrived early; 6:45, excited about being there and getting started at West Point. As we rounded the corner to Eisenhower hall we saw an endless line waiting to enter, but we were surprised to wait less than an hour. Once we were inside we sat through our briefing and the 60-second good by and when we came out there was already no line left. This was our first wake up call as to how efficient West Point really was. Then we had all day to tour the campus and view the exhibits, we were overwhelmed at how warm and open everyone was. We arrived at the parade 2 hours early hoping for a good spot and stood with a kind gentleman in uniform. We chatted as we waited, he turned out to be Chaplin Harris and asked me about Jennifer and which company she was in. After the parade we drove back to Florida, I will never make that drive again!

One week later I got a call from Jennifer, too early I thought, but she told me that an officer had pulled her out of ranks to talk to her (she was sure she must be in trouble) and he asked her name and told her of a visit he had had with me at the parade and said he would be her sponsor family. So that was how she got a sponsor early and I got an early call.

Jennifer loved repelling and it turns out that she is a skilled marksman. She even placed advanced French for her language. When I went up for R-day (I flew) she was out right away after the parade so we were able to spend two great days together.

Teresa Zambrano: Tere went into R day with a very positive and excited attitude. She was happy that because of a mix up she never had to report to the “Cadet in the red sage”. She enjoyed the rigors of Beast, especially individual tactics training. She went as far as saying that if women are ever able to branch infantry, she would. She suffered an injury (dislocated hip) during close Quarters combat during the first detail and was placed on medical profile for about a week. She was able to push through it. About a week before the end of Beast she was having pain again and once more placed on profile. However the only part she missed and will have to make up is the March Back.