Now in the throes of November, we train our eyes on Thanksgiving which will provide another glimpse of how life connected to a military academy and the military changes your perspective. As a kid, Thanksgiving meant two things - football and food, plenty of both. Upon becoming a parent, it provided a welcome respite from … Continue reading The challenge of being thankful

November arrives on The Yard and even though it doesn’t usher in a new season, it brings its own winds of change. The brilliant colors of October begin to fade, the days become shorter, and the wind comes off the Severn just a bit colder. All of that can bring about a subtle shift in … Continue reading Those Dark Nights of the Soul

It’s often said that a person doesn’t get appointed to a military academy, an entire family gets appointed. Sure, the son or daughter does the really hard part - they endure Induction Day, live at the bottom run of the ladder during that first year, balance a staggering academic load with military duties and extracurriculars, … Continue reading My commissioning as a military parent feels complete

Despite the fact that I document (or have documented) a fair amount of both my kids' experiences at their respective academies (as well as their journeys to those academies), neither one has a particular interest in my writing. Oh, they are fully aware that I write about their lives - and supportive of it - … Continue reading My daughter told me not to write this post

I'm humbled that a handful of USNA parents reach out to me every so often to talk about their Mids' experience. One such exchange last year featured a Plebe parent whose son was having his share of challenges. The conversations eventually led to the Prayer for a Plebe. Those of you who've had that type … Continue reading A ’25 parent made my day