The emotional roller coaster of being a Naval Academy parent has never been more intense than the past few weeks. Yes, Plebe Summer was a shock. Yes, Plebe Year was grueling. Yes, there were a million and one moments where we all thought our hair would burst into flames over the latest "OMG" moment. All … Continue reading The only “must-see TV” of the pandemic – how to watch the Naval Academy Commissioning ceremony

I'll admit that I've been pretty selfish these past few weeks. My focus has been on my kids and their respective senior years. MidSib received her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Prep School, but her prom (named America's Best Prom by Reader's Digest) and her graduation hung in limbo. We've sat in … Continue reading Bravo Zulu, VADM Buck and Captain Buchanan

24 April 2020 The Honorable Larry Hogan 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD Governor Hogan: These uncertain times require bold, thoughtful leadership and I am reaching out to you and the good people of Maryland that while you continue to keep yourselves safe, you work to allow a brief return to a modicum of normalcy and, … Continue reading An open letter to Gov. Larry Hogan and the people of Maryland

As they often do during this time of year, my thoughts turn to my mother, who passed away on Easter Sunday when I was 11 years old. As the news we've all been dreading came to pass - that the Academy would cancel all public events for Commissioning Week for the Class of 2020 - … Continue reading Easter, COVID-19, and the Naval Academy Class of 2020 – a plan from my parents

The Naval Academy taught the parents of the Class of 2020 to be flexible. We got through Plebe Summer. We got through Plebe Year. We rode the roller coaster through summer training and Alpha inspections and restrictions and Army-Navy games and 1,000 other things that all seem like distant memories now. None of that prepared … Continue reading Being a 2020 Naval Academy parent in the time of COVID-19