soaringhi

My son, a medical turnback from 2011, did not clear medical yesterday. He was given the choice of another medical turnback, to press on, or go home. He is going home. I don't know what lies ahead for him. I feel that we are in mourning. The USAFA is gone. It has been such a huge part of our life these past few years. I would like to thank everyone here who has been such a great source of support this past year. If I can be of help to any 2012 medical turnbacks, please PM me.

Falcons '11

wow, it's really sad to see that happen to him. Just let him know that at least in my eyes, he'll always be part of the great Class of 2011 (OLDS!!!). Good luck to him in whatever he chooses to do next; we're all cheering for him on here.

fencersmother

So sorry to hear that, Soaringhi. Oh, I can only imagine the swirl of emotions for your family. Prayers from Steeler country.

soaringhi

Thanks for the kind words. Its pretty devastating right now. Best wishes to all USAFA cadets.

potterfan1989

soaringhi's son, I'm really sorry. Its too bad I won't get to see you in those horrible ABU's and I'm sure the rest of the former eagles feel the same.

Dknightfam

Sent you a private email earlier today - this is a backup in case it did not get there. My son called your son a few hours ago to get a direct update....sorry to hear about the dang ankle. What a way to end up losing his dream....

Yes, you are probably in the same mourning phase we were in last year (and a few weeks ago when it became apparent my son would not be able to return). Just keep telling yourself "what's the worst thing that can happen now?" --> oh no, he'll have to go to a 'regular' college - OH MY GOD, NOT THAT!!!

We all have local freinds that have messed up kids (drugs, bad grades, knocked up girlfriends, etc) that you really have to take the time to look at the big picture in a difficult time such as this. Yes, Mike and Brett won't be able to say that they graduated from the USAFA but hey, they were in the top of their classes and were selected by Congress, etc to go to AFA. So if they want a military carreer still (Mike sure does) then they'll just have to take a detour and go via ROTC. Somewhere I read that 75% of the USAF officers are ROTC grads so they won't be in the minority at all.

Let your son know you support him in his future backup plans, give him time to mourn with his buddies (maybe we can get them back together for a longer visit now!) and time will heal things.....

Hang in there and remember the big picture - you've got a great kid with a bright future in front of him still.

Dan & Judy Knight

Gasdoc

Dan -

You've been a great contributer to this forum and I truly enjoyed meeting you and your son at the Navy football game last year. The big picture is a very healthy way to look at it and these young men have the tools to be successful. They'll both make us proud.

soaringhi

Dknightfam - Thank you for the kind words. We are all pretty devastated right now. He did have the choice to stay and push through but I think that his experience in Squadron 41 last year was a haunting memory. He saw that he could go home with his parents now and press on with his life. He was worried that he would be stuck in the "lost squadron" for weeks again, sent home, and then be that far behind again. It sounds like they have changed the required 30 of 38 days this year. They would just help them make it through. I just wish that Brent knew that before he resigned his appointment. Also, this time he was not able to keep his appointment and nomination. He is hoping to get his 2007 ROTC scholarship reinstated - I don't know how realistic that is. He may just have to reapply for 2009. We'll call when it is a little easier to talk. We would love to see your boy visit in Texas before he is off to U of Delaware.

jaywol6443

So I am currently in basic training at the USAFA. I got very ill and was hospitalized. They eventually saw that it was appendicitis and I had to have surgery. I have missed ALL of Jack's Valley and have been in the hospital for over a week and won't be leaving here for another two to three days. I will not be able to do any physical work for 2 to 3 weeks after getting out of the hospital, according to the doctors. Do you think that I will receive a medical turn-back?

Dknightfam

I'm surprised that they haven't told you anything yet. But don't get your hopes up - I think the rule was/is that you had to make it thru about 35 days of the 42 or so BCT covers, and missing all of Jack's (plus the restrictions you're currently under) is probably going to force a turnback onto you. BUT don't dispare, they will be holding a spot for you in next years class (no need to get an appointment again....just show up next June). Good luck and heal up fast so you can enjoy your "free" year upcoming.

go navy81

Our Daughter was on a form 18 for about a week. They thought she had mono. She didnt march out to Jacks (rode the bus) . Her Cadre kept telling her it didn't look good for her to stay.Especially if she missed all of Jack's. Her AOC had called us and said they were running another test and would keep us posted. The results came back negative for the mono . So as fast as she was put on form18 off she went. They got her right back into things out there. So thankfully , she is not going to be a medical turnback. We were also told if you miss more then 8 days of BCT . They would turn you back. But I also believe it is a case by case decision. Her AOC. called right away. So we pretty well in the loop the whole time. Best of luck to you jaywol6443

fencersmother

Oh, Jaywol6443, that's awful. How are you feeling now? You must have been fairly ill to have this long hospital stay! We'll keep you in our prayers. As soon as you are up to it, you or your parents should call your AOC and find out what the story is. They might be dragging their feet to see how you are feeling?
Best of luck for a quick recovery!