I started this as a Facebook post, but then it got long so I changed it up to be a blog post. I apologize for the length, but there are many things I want to say and would never be able to get them out of my mouth. As those who know me the best know, conveying my thoughts and feelings in spoken word is not my strong suit, hence my writing it down to tell you. Please know that I probably will not be able to say any of these things to you in person as I will get choked up immediately upon opening my mouth, but will stick to the standards of "congratulations," "very exciting day for you all," and "I'm super happy for you!" Please know that there is so much more behind the typical catch phrases.
First and foremost, to the United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2015, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Congratulations on graduating and on commissioning as 2LTs in the US Army! We are so extremely excited to celebrate with you this Saturday as you receive your diplomas and are commissioned as 2LTs. It will be a day you will remember forever. It is also a day that we are honored to be a part of along with your family and friends.
Next, I want to say a big Thank You to the Class of 2015! Adam and I had no idea what to expect when he began his job as a TAC Officer. My first time meeting many of you was during Ring Weekend which, to be completely honest, was a little bit of a blur and names were forgotten almost as quickly as they were told to me. But I was excited to meet lots of people and their parents in that weekend. However, you quickly became a part of our Army family.
Shortly after Ring Weekend, my dad passed away. Despite the heartache I was feeling, I felt truly welcomed into the Greek family with the flowers and the heartfelt card. I couldn't express my gratitude to you in person then either (and still cannot to this day), so I had Adam read you a letter. I want to share a portion of that letter:
"When Adam talks about the Greeks, it's as a family; one who cares about each other. The kindness and compassion you showed my family and me, shows me what a great Greek family you all are. I know it would make my dad proud knowing what a great group of men and women you are. Hold on to that kindness and compassion that you showed us throughout your time here at West Point and when you leave here and lead soldiers. My dad always said that if the Army had let him lead soldiers forever, then he would have never gotten out and I think he would be proud to know you will soon be joining the officer ranks....Thank you all so much again, and you really are, in my own opinion, the best company at West Point!"
Throughout the fall and winter, we were very luck to be able to go to intramural soccer (brigade champs in the rain), intramural basketball (double reg champs), intramural wrestling, football, rugby, fall softball, soccer, hockey, and men's and women's basketball (it was a bit of a full schedule). We had a blast celebrating with the company champs, and it was our honor to do an ice cream social for double reg champs and dinner for the brigade champs. We are ready make multiple lasagnas, breads, and salads again next year too (yes, I'm already hopeful for big things to come). We celebrated with you during branch night (with no kids, whoohoo!), regimental BBQs, Thanksgiving dinners, and bonfires with our kids. Our kids trick-or-treated with you all and had such an amazing time. They loved all the chem lights and honey buns they got. We were ecstatic to join in the first Falcon Fry to kick off Army/Air Force weekend and I think Adam had way too much fun frying up giant turkeys because he can't wait to do it again. We also had the opportunity to host the Firsties at our house. We had hoped for better, warmer weather, but despite the chill in the air, it was still a wonderful night having you all over to eat, laugh, eat some more, and relax. The December graduation was the kids' and my first look at a West Point graduation. It was an amazing experience and it made us even more excited for May.
In the spring, we got to go to intramural flickerball, intramural floor hockey, Sandhurst competition (the kids and I missed this one but Adam and Chance had a fun time), intramural swimming (though we admittedly cheered on a different company for this one), hockey, men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. We also experienced the Army/Navy club hockey night and held our noses shut (super stinky uniforms from not being washed all year) along with Rob and Jay that we met up with at the game. And despite having to make multiple lasagnas, salads, and garlic bread again, we were so very happy to be able to make dinner for the Sandhurst team who did such an amazing job (and yes, I fully intend on doing it again next year too)! Adam and I had a fantastic night at the 100th Night banquet and show. It was an amazing night filled with laughter and fun with a great group of Firsties that we were so lucky to get to know you all throughout the year. You came out and supported me at Casino Night, and I was incredibly grateful (and still am)! The whole family was happy to join in Easter dinner, cook outs, tailgates, the Cadet Relay for Life (thank you so very much), and Glee Club concerts! It was a fantastic spring.
Aside from all we were able to go do and see, the biggest thing will always be the people. To the Firsties, you have been amazing role models to our kids and just an absolute joy to get to know this year. I know sometimes they hang all over you, but it is only because you have made such an impact on them and they were always so excited to get to go see "their" Firsties. Getting to know you all and see you all compete has been tremendous too. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard Payton announcing herself as a 6'1" senior from Dayton, OH (very big dream of hers to be as tall as Olivia) and announcing Austin as the goalie for Army lacrosse (Sam the boy, not Sam the girl). Yes, Payton has the starting line ups for most teams memorized. I used to think she liked the games just for the popcorn and bottled water until I heard her one day; she sang the national anthem, shouted Go Army, and then pretended to be the players. It was then that I knew that her love of the games and Army extended beyond the popcorn and water and to the players and the game itself. Don't let the kid beefs fool you, you have made a lasting impact and will be greatly missed by these two kids.
While I sometimes focus on the Greeks, there are so many who have had such an impact on us and who are a part of our Army family. We have shared a lot of laughs and hugs, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I've met your parents, grandparents, family, friends, fiances, and girlfriends over this past week and I am beyond honored to have met them. I mean it when I tell them that it has been my absolute pleasure to get to know you and be able to open our home to you over this past year. My parents taught me to care for those around me, and we have been blessed to be able to care for each of you in our own little way (mostly through food). The waves, hugs, smiles, and hellos throughout this year have been some of my favorite things. When you leave here and begin your Army journey, remember, it's not just a job, it's a family.
One day recently as we were driving past the stadium, Payton asked me what was going on. I told her that they were setting up for graduation and that the Firsties were graduating and going into the Army to be 2LTs. Without skipping a beat, she tells me "mommy, I'm going to miss our Firsties. Do you think we'll get to see them again?" I had a simple response for her, "we will miss them too but the Army is a small world and I'm sure we will see them again." She was so happy to hear that. Adam teases me that I need to be sure to wear my waterproof mascara on Saturday. He's might be on to something as I have already gotten teary eyed hearing stories this week, meeting your families, and watching your final parade (however, I'll never admit that he's right). We cannot wait to celebrate tomorrow but know that I will miss each and everyone of you until our paths cross again. You are always welcome to reach out to us with any questions, even with simple things like how to get wrinkles out of your shirts without the use of an iron.
2015, congratulations, thank you, and until we meet again!
First and foremost, to the United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2015, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Congratulations on graduating and on commissioning as 2LTs in the US Army! We are so extremely excited to celebrate with you this Saturday as you receive your diplomas and are commissioned as 2LTs. It will be a day you will remember forever. It is also a day that we are honored to be a part of along with your family and friends.
Next, I want to say a big Thank You to the Class of 2015! Adam and I had no idea what to expect when he began his job as a TAC Officer. My first time meeting many of you was during Ring Weekend which, to be completely honest, was a little bit of a blur and names were forgotten almost as quickly as they were told to me. But I was excited to meet lots of people and their parents in that weekend. However, you quickly became a part of our Army family.
Shortly after Ring Weekend, my dad passed away. Despite the heartache I was feeling, I felt truly welcomed into the Greek family with the flowers and the heartfelt card. I couldn't express my gratitude to you in person then either (and still cannot to this day), so I had Adam read you a letter. I want to share a portion of that letter:
"When Adam talks about the Greeks, it's as a family; one who cares about each other. The kindness and compassion you showed my family and me, shows me what a great Greek family you all are. I know it would make my dad proud knowing what a great group of men and women you are. Hold on to that kindness and compassion that you showed us throughout your time here at West Point and when you leave here and lead soldiers. My dad always said that if the Army had let him lead soldiers forever, then he would have never gotten out and I think he would be proud to know you will soon be joining the officer ranks....Thank you all so much again, and you really are, in my own opinion, the best company at West Point!"
Throughout the fall and winter, we were very luck to be able to go to intramural soccer (brigade champs in the rain), intramural basketball (double reg champs), intramural wrestling, football, rugby, fall softball, soccer, hockey, and men's and women's basketball (it was a bit of a full schedule). We had a blast celebrating with the company champs, and it was our honor to do an ice cream social for double reg champs and dinner for the brigade champs. We are ready make multiple lasagnas, breads, and salads again next year too (yes, I'm already hopeful for big things to come). We celebrated with you during branch night (with no kids, whoohoo!), regimental BBQs, Thanksgiving dinners, and bonfires with our kids. Our kids trick-or-treated with you all and had such an amazing time. They loved all the chem lights and honey buns they got. We were ecstatic to join in the first Falcon Fry to kick off Army/Air Force weekend and I think Adam had way too much fun frying up giant turkeys because he can't wait to do it again. We also had the opportunity to host the Firsties at our house. We had hoped for better, warmer weather, but despite the chill in the air, it was still a wonderful night having you all over to eat, laugh, eat some more, and relax. The December graduation was the kids' and my first look at a West Point graduation. It was an amazing experience and it made us even more excited for May.
In the spring, we got to go to intramural flickerball, intramural floor hockey, Sandhurst competition (the kids and I missed this one but Adam and Chance had a fun time), intramural swimming (though we admittedly cheered on a different company for this one), hockey, men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. We also experienced the Army/Navy club hockey night and held our noses shut (super stinky uniforms from not being washed all year) along with Rob and Jay that we met up with at the game. And despite having to make multiple lasagnas, salads, and garlic bread again, we were so very happy to be able to make dinner for the Sandhurst team who did such an amazing job (and yes, I fully intend on doing it again next year too)! Adam and I had a fantastic night at the 100th Night banquet and show. It was an amazing night filled with laughter and fun with a great group of Firsties that we were so lucky to get to know you all throughout the year. You came out and supported me at Casino Night, and I was incredibly grateful (and still am)! The whole family was happy to join in Easter dinner, cook outs, tailgates, the Cadet Relay for Life (thank you so very much), and Glee Club concerts! It was a fantastic spring.
Aside from all we were able to go do and see, the biggest thing will always be the people. To the Firsties, you have been amazing role models to our kids and just an absolute joy to get to know this year. I know sometimes they hang all over you, but it is only because you have made such an impact on them and they were always so excited to get to go see "their" Firsties. Getting to know you all and see you all compete has been tremendous too. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard Payton announcing herself as a 6'1" senior from Dayton, OH (very big dream of hers to be as tall as Olivia) and announcing Austin as the goalie for Army lacrosse (Sam the boy, not Sam the girl). Yes, Payton has the starting line ups for most teams memorized. I used to think she liked the games just for the popcorn and bottled water until I heard her one day; she sang the national anthem, shouted Go Army, and then pretended to be the players. It was then that I knew that her love of the games and Army extended beyond the popcorn and water and to the players and the game itself. Don't let the kid beefs fool you, you have made a lasting impact and will be greatly missed by these two kids.
While I sometimes focus on the Greeks, there are so many who have had such an impact on us and who are a part of our Army family. We have shared a lot of laughs and hugs, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I've met your parents, grandparents, family, friends, fiances, and girlfriends over this past week and I am beyond honored to have met them. I mean it when I tell them that it has been my absolute pleasure to get to know you and be able to open our home to you over this past year. My parents taught me to care for those around me, and we have been blessed to be able to care for each of you in our own little way (mostly through food). The waves, hugs, smiles, and hellos throughout this year have been some of my favorite things. When you leave here and begin your Army journey, remember, it's not just a job, it's a family.
One day recently as we were driving past the stadium, Payton asked me what was going on. I told her that they were setting up for graduation and that the Firsties were graduating and going into the Army to be 2LTs. Without skipping a beat, she tells me "mommy, I'm going to miss our Firsties. Do you think we'll get to see them again?" I had a simple response for her, "we will miss them too but the Army is a small world and I'm sure we will see them again." She was so happy to hear that. Adam teases me that I need to be sure to wear my waterproof mascara on Saturday. He's might be on to something as I have already gotten teary eyed hearing stories this week, meeting your families, and watching your final parade (however, I'll never admit that he's right). We cannot wait to celebrate tomorrow but know that I will miss each and everyone of you until our paths cross again. You are always welcome to reach out to us with any questions, even with simple things like how to get wrinkles out of your shirts without the use of an iron.
2015, congratulations, thank you, and until we meet again!
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