February, 2002; Page 3

CLASS OF 2002

“TIL DUTY IS DONE”

Misty Cantwell: Misty is most anxious for June to arrive. She has a lot to keep her busy in the meantime. She is Battalion Commander this semester. She was graduation speaker for the local school’s DARE program. Next week, she’ll head to Texas A&M for a Leadership Conference. Over spring break, she is heading to Bosnia. In between that, we believe she still has an academic schedule to fulfill, though we’re not sure that is her number one priority at the moment. The big things for the wedding have been taken care of for quite some time, now she is busy trying to get the “little things” done. Time has gone by so quickly, at least for Mom and Dad.

Ned Hull: Ned’s attention is now on flight school and the new horizons that lie beyond graduation – the rest of the semester represents, at best, a minor annoyance. Except, that is, for team handball, trips to the University of Maryland, Spring Break, and other non-academic pursuits. We are sure the other Firstie parents share our amazement at how quickly we have arrived at this point. The momentum is building with respect to the myriad activities and details associated with wrapping up the USMA experience. It almost seems appropriate that there be this final, down hill-like burst of activity to punctuate the “roller coaster ride” that we have all associated with West Point. It’s been great, and we feel that Ned, along with the others, now have a deep understanding and fully appreciate just how significant this opportunity has been.

Abraham Skellinger: Abraham is looking forward to graduation- we all find it hard to believe the four years are almost over. He will have approximately thirty friends and family in attendance at graduation including at least 5 aunts and uncles from Iowa, California, and Mexico. He branched infantry so will be reporting to Fort Benning after his time off.

Robert Decker: No news received

Jon Paul Lavendeira: No news received

David Nelson: No news received

Nicole Robbins: No news received

CLASS OF 2003

“PROTECTOR OF THE FREE”

Whitney Hall: Whitney has been busy on the Internet looking for Subaru Outbacks as that is the car she wants to buy with the $25,000 Cow loan from USAA. Classes are going fine thus far and I hear no complaints. She has Margaret, a Yuk as a roommate in addition to Leah who is a Cow. Paintball and practice are her stress relief diversion. Peggy Swanson reminded me at the last parent’s meeting that her son Mark and Whitney were in the January 2002 issue of Paintball Sports International magazine. There were two stories about the big game hosted and organized by the West Point Paintball Team. The 500th Night weekend was a highlight in January with multiple trips to NYC.

Kevin Manley: Kevin really enjoyed his 500th Night weekend. His girlfriend visited and they went into NYC and ice-skated at Rockefeller Center. He has also been busy with ordering his ring and the cow loan. He has resisted the urge so far to plan to use it for a car and says that he will hold off on the car until graduation. Let’s hope he makes it. He is trying out for the Sapper Leader Course, and if he makes it he will do that for part of the upcoming summer. The remainder of the summer he will be a platoon leader at Buckner. Time is really flying for him and for his parents.

Andrew Appleget: No news received.

Gustavo Cobiega: No news received.

Matthew Hirsch: Asked that no news be reported.

Marc Jason: No news received.

CLASS OF 2004

“FOR COUNTRY AND CORPS”

Jennifer Barrow: Jennifer enjoyed Yearling Winter Weekend by staying at her roommate’s house Friday night, the shopping at the Galleria Mall on Saturday. That night her friend, the prior-service Ranger, took her to the Y.W.W. dinner. Jennifer’s grades are now sprinkled with A’s (including one for military intercession). She also might be going to Mexico this spring for a Spanish A.I.A.D. (Academic Individual Advanced Development).

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