R-day

June 27, 2011. R-day. Richard's R-day weekend actually began on June 21 when he, mom, and dad departed Ocala, FL in their mini van and headed for Williamsport, PA to pick up Grandpa Richard. Cadet Richard had been invited to attend a RISE event for students who had participated in the diversity recruiting event the previous January. They accepted because it gave them and Richard an opportunity to warm up to the whole ordeal of seaperation. Dad decided to ask Grandpa to accompany them to New London, and he was thrilled with the prospect of seeing his grandson off to a service academy. So, first stop was Williamsport, PA.

Next stop, New London, CT. The weather was beautiful. We all participated in meetings and workshops designed for new cadets and new cadet families. Apparently, there is a high drop out rate among students of minority and students who are 1st generation service academy. So the workshops were geared to prepare all parties of what was to be expected. The cadets engaged in team building activities and a lot of Q&A sessions. We were all a bit stressed, but having Grandpa along really helped a lot. He was a calming presence and helped keep our minds from wandering to the melancholy side. We went on a shopping spree in the Exchange and spent well over 100.00 on USCGA parphanalia. Grandpa bought numerous decals for his vehicle, Grandma's vehicle, and various and sundry other vehicles parked in the lot of his local hangout. (More than a few men have wandered back to their cars outside of the Polish Club in Williamsport only to find a mysterious USCGA decal on their rear windshield.) And Dad bought 2, count em, 2 coffee mugs, 3 tee-shrits, a blanket, and a neck tie. We were the first to get the still warm Class of 2015 tee-shrits with all the cadets' names printed on them. Richard's name is the first name from the left, fourth row down.

Finally, R-day arrived. And Richard had orders to report to Leamy Hall at 0840 sharp. We all went in the large college style hall, for it is a college after all, and watched as our little boy stood in line with all the others and worked his way to the front. Then he was motioned to step forward and hand his folder of papers to the young cadet officer at the desk. All was in order, and he was told to move through the glass doors and line up on the outside patio with the others. There he stood, while mom, dad, and grandpa all watched with bated breath as he stood at attention in the blazing sun. Soon all of Hotel Company Swabs were lined up. "Right face." "Forward march." Gone.