Champs06

wow, thanks for the insight guys. a couple more questions on this topic, while we are on it: When do you get introduced to your sponsor families? Do u have any say in who you are matched with? Are multiple cadets ever assigned to a single sponsor? .....Thanks guys, this is really enlightening

KateMac

Sometimes, perhaps most of the time, the families you spend the afternoon with during the change of detail during beast are/can be your sponsor family. (Which, if you like them is why I said earlier to put your best foot forward during that time.)

Sponsors can request specific characteristics, such as sports, religious preferences, gender, home state, etc., but I don't know how often they do. Cadets can, I believe, do the same. That doesn't always work; my daughter's sponsor family normally requests 3 certain elements, and my daughter is none of the above; she did request a sponsor with a dog, but that didn't happen either. They did, however enjoy one another's company during beast and as a result requested each other, which both sides must do if a request is made. So, if you know somebody there and you want them to be your sponsor, you may make that request, but they must request you as well.

Sponsor families sponsor multiple cadets. Some sponsor an entire team. My daughter's sponsor family sponsors at least 15 cadets, although not all of them spend a lot of time at the "home away from home;" some come over regularly, some once in a while, some only for special occasions. Each cadet and family must work out the scenario that meets everybody's needs.

Champs06

Well, I am leaving tommorrow from Seattle to visit my aunt in Boston before I drive over for R-Day,SEE U GUYS THERE!

shogun

My wife and I had the pleasure to host our local West Point Parent's Club Meeting yesterday where we had the chance to meet a number of local young men and women who are headed to R day next week. As expected, the class of 2012 will be well represented. They come from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. For example, one young lady is entering directly from High School with absolutely no military experience at all, another young man will be reporting from the Marine Corps, and a third young lady will be there after a year at USMAPS. All three presented themselves as eager and capable. Our daughter will be there to greet them as a "cadet in the red sash", always mindful that she was in their shoes just 3 short years ago.
And the Corps goes on.....

Champs06

I went to our West Point Parent's Club send-away luncheon June 8th, our regional director among other graduates and cadets were there. It was inspirational, but I know what you mean...the 23 or so accepted candidates were from pretty diverse backgrounds. I think two USMAPS and two or three previously enlisted individuals, however most were like me - Straight out of High School. My mom was in the Navy for 20 yrs., but that doesnt really give me any experience points , i am, however, excited...a little anxious...and very determined

mom3boys

Our parents club had a very nice send off last weekend; very well attended. It was the culmination of a week full of sending off: the congressman, the senator, and the governor! I believe all the GA cadet candidates feel celebrated and wished well. As a parent, it is nice to see this type of support available as we enter these new waters. I was able to see some of my cyber buddies from CC, so I felt like I already knew people. Also, by the time you see the candidates at 4 functions in one week, you feel as if you know them too! See you in NY!

usservicemom

Best of luck to the West Point Class of 2012 and their families on R-Day!

07PETKO

Good luck from USAFA '11!

good student

I am a bit nervous now because a few days ago i either pulled or tore a muscle in my lower abdominals. It feels fine doing normal activities but is pretty tender doing activities like crunches or pullups. How much of a problem do you think this could be?

demosthenes

thats called being sore. get used to it

xcpetersen

Good Luck To Everyone On R-day!!!!

marines4me

goodstudent--you'll be fine. Abs heal very quickly. You should be good to go in 3-4 days. Just don't exercise your abs for that time.

Sponsor-family wise, you can pick up an unofficial sponsor (as opposed to the one that USMA assigns you). My sponsor family is literally like my real family. They make life bearable. They have big parties after every football game, let me come up and spend the night whenever I want (when I have a pass, that is), let me do laundry, and basically just treat me like a member of the family. A lot of sponsors will tell you to call them if you ever want to come up or need something. In 99% of the cases, they really mean it. I met my sponsor through a military club, which, by the way, I would highly suggest participating in if you want extra training and a chance to make some really tight friends (though you'll make those no matter what). Working with the various military clubs put me waaaaaay ahead of the game when I went to CTLT this summer (for those of you that don't know, CTLT is when a Cadet goes to a normal Army unit and either shadows/becomes a Platoon Leader for a month or so).

2012, you'll do fine. The vast majority of Cadets yell/haze because they want to make you better. R-Day is what you make of it--if you're mentally preparing yourself to be yelled at and not do anything right, you'll be ok. And don't worry about screwing up, because you will--everyone does.

And on a separate note, I'm sure I'll see most, if not all of you out there. When Operation Rising Storm comes around, I'll be the short female Cadet with 4 bars yelling at you to get on the helicopter. Time flies--you'll be where I am in 3 short years. I can't even tell you how quickly it passes. Good luck.

xcpetersen

how do you get a sponser?? and does everyone get one?

Anonagron

marines4me, thanks for your reassurance. Our son will be in good hands, no doubt about that. I can't say that I am completely ready to let him go, but I know it is time. That doesn't mean it is any easier on a mom's heartstrings, though. So while I am missing him, I will think about your words of wisdom and choke back some of my tears, and know that as you are yelling at him to get on that helicopter, it is time for him to spread his wings and fly.

Boy, this is hard!

usma2010A4

xcpetersen, everyone gets a sponsor at the beginning of their plebe year. One will be radomly chosen for you unless someone specifically requests you. This normally occurs when you make a favorable impression on the family that hosts you on the ice cream social between the first and second details of beast.

On a seperate note, 2012 don't let life here at the academy get you down. As a member of the CCC (Cadet Chain of Command) I can personally tell you that everyone here this summer wants to see you succeed. Just remember that there is a reason why we are hard on you guys. Keep your sense of humor and don't get overly depressed and you will do just fine. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday, I'll be the guy forming you into files after the bag tagging station and before the bus ride from Ike to Thayer.