Tour the barracks on Sunday
Not even a shower curtain!
I wonder who makes it all sparkle like that - I bet I know.
A bit institutional, but it'll work
Computers etc come later in the summer
The fan is a hint, there is no air conditioning
A moment of reflection before heading in
Lots of emotion just under the surface
They still don't look like twins
Just a few minutes to go
A friend from High School is also reporting in today
Funny to think that Jake will know every one of these young people very well in a few short weeks.
Walk up to the desk, present your passport
Now, go find a line to stand in
They load them on a bus, and take them to the barracks to begin the (noisy) process - we heard lots of yelling from inside those buildings
Parents drop off "care packages" to be delivered to their cadets
Rear Admiral Scott Burhoe, 39th superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and his staff welcome parents and friends
A look down at the river from Leamy Hall
Home of the USCGA Bears
Recently built Alumni Center
The USCGA Boathouse on the Thames River
Getting ready for a Search and Rescue demonstration
Jake's ultimate goal - the left front seat
Jake is the one almost to the middle of the street. He certainly knows how to carry himself. They're marching out for the swearing in ceremony.
294 were offered positions. We were told that 20 didn't show up. Several were washed out in the first few hours.
They expect to loose about 15 to 20 more over the next four weeks.
There are eight companies - Alpha through Hotel. Jake is in Golf company. You can (barely) see Jake in the 2nd row off her right shoulder.
Jake's right in the center of the picture
They were very, very good.
It was in the mid to upper 80s. There were probably 1,000 or so parents and friends - always in the shade!
The ceremony begins.
Each of the 8 companies with about 35 cadets each marches onto the parade grounds
The "G" on the flag designates "Golf" company
Jake is in the third row from the back. Fortunately he was on the right-hand end so I could get these shots
Dress Ranks
Present the colors
Parade Rest
Open with Prayer
The "Cadre" (the upper classwomen and men in charge of Swab summer) take an oath regarding their duty with the new cadets
"Do you promise to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all foes, foreign and domestic...."
The class photo. I looked and looked and couldn't identify Jake. Dan found him. 4th row 11th from the left edge.
It wasn't a whole lot easier with their hats off
He said he definitely wishes he'd gotten more sleep the night before.
Very tough moment for all.
Lots of emotion - and intensity behind those eyes.
Both of them lost it. Then we lost it.
One last hug before he goes in.
And he's off
We know he'll do great.
Running to the next step in the journey
