<p>My son came home for a couple days liberty, wearing his dress blues. Very sharp. He found that being in uniform has its advantages. He was given a good parking place by a couple of campus cops when he was visiting his girlfriend at State U. Last night he went to his high school’s football game and they let him in free. A bunch of people came up to him at the store and thanked him for his service and wished him a happy Veterans Day! He said it made him feel good and that he made the right decision in choosing to serve his country!</p>
<p>My son had a similar experience last year on his first trip home. We stopped at his favorite restaurant on the way home form the airport. They were packed, but when they saw my son’s uniform the manager seated us right away, ahead of many others, none of them seemed to mind. Then they served us an appetizer on the house. While we were there many people stopped by the table to thank him for serving his country.<br>
Our kids have chosen a tough road, but there are some perks along the way!</p>
<p>One thing my daughter found last year was many kids, when flying in uniform got upgraded to first class on their way home for leave. 
I think it really helps these kids make it through the tough road when every day situations can be turned into a pat on the back.</p>
<p>Here’s an emotional payoff. My daughter was on a club trip and the bus stopped at a rest area. An older lady began talking to her and asked why she was in uniform. Daughter replied that she is a cadet at West Point. The lady then began to cry. She said she lost her husband in WWII, then hugged my daughter and thanked her for her service. </p>
<p>Yup, I cried when I heard about it.</p>
<p>After plebe year, midshipmen and cadets try not to wear their uniforms when they don’t have to - but since 9/11, everyone has been much nicer to those in uniform. In NYC, if in uniform, they can get in free to baseball games, broadway shows (not the biggies), free LIRR rides and find they often are often bought drinks at the bars…</p>
<p>Also good for weddings, funerals, church, etc. </p>
<p>My tear jerker was picking him up at Union Station at first Thanksgiving - seeing him standing there in full uniform - just like in the movies…</p>
<p>Weski! Glad you’ve found this forum! The uniform is pretty isn’t it? I’m all about the bling-bling. Mine jokingly said that he felt like one of those card board stand up things they use at amusement parks to stick your head in & snap pictures. I had the whole family lined up for a photo op with him when he’d gotten home. He just left his arm out & up for the next person in line to take their turn. I tried to put the uniform back on him this morning when he was sleeping but it was a no go. I’m a proud plebe mom so that should explain that! :)</p>