<p>I guess with 800 kids to get through in one night it would be tough to pick and choose who gets recognition. Our sons HS graduating class was less than one tenth that size and despite being a bastion of left wing conspirators I have to give them credit for going above and beyond when it came to recognizing the accomplishments of the kids. His BGO came and made a great presentation; probably all the more compelling as our son was the first graduate of his HS to attend the USNA. </p>
<p>Our son was really looking forward to his day at the range, so when I noticed his company group photos from the range were posted I expected to see his smiling face. He really enjoys shooting, built his own tricked out M4 during his senior year. Back in the stone age I used to be a firearms instructor and shot competitively for my detachment, I tried to teach him what little I remembered and he was certainly hoping to get his double Es. </p>
<p>Only problem was his face was no where to be found on any of the photos; company or his squad. He wasn’t in any pictures… Knowing he would have shown up on crutches to shoot even if he broke both legs, we were at a loss to explain his absence. We finally heard he pulled a long watch that day so he could not qualify. He was assured that once the Academic year started someone would get him to the range, along with other Mids on watch or SIQ. </p>
<p>That day could not have come fast enough, as he’d often get the “What? No ribbons…did you miss everything??</p>
<p>Day finally comes in September with yet another snag, “Time to go” as in “NOW” so they head to range but he’s not able to get back to his room for his glasses… problem is he can’t see much past the end of the sights. He manages to qualify Sharpshooter on rifle and Marksman on pistol, but he’s still kind of down about it. </p>
<p>Story does have a happy ending, he went out for Combat Arms and shot one more time with his glasses on, he got his double Es.</p>