I've written many times about the endless cycle of life at the Academy. Being an optimist, I always believe the last stretch of USNA-induced stress will be the last. That has yet to be the case and the start of the 2019-2020 academic year was no exception. We were sad when he packed up his … Continue reading An unexpected, yet welcome phone call

It was a year ago that I pressed the button on Amazon.com and did something I always thought I'd do - publish a book. Like everything else associated with the Naval Academy, it created a roller coaster ride. I've been humbled by the number of people who've purchased the book and even some who've asked … Continue reading A blur of a year in the books

A while back, I published a prayer for the USNA Class of 2020. It was just one of those times when I just had to write something in a way that all writers must do. As I often do with pieces I write, once I completed it, I walked away, then came back to it for another … Continue reading The Class of 2020 Prayer is now a video

I left the house like every other morning, except this time, it looked like there was a garage sale going on near the front door. To exit the house, I had to navigate an intricate maze of large duffel bags, suitcases, boxes, garment bags, and backpacks. As I walked toward the end of the driveway, … Continue reading My Firstie’s parade of lasts is underway

Well, the Mid Sib's tour of military academies is finally complete ... sort of. Late last summer, we took a weekend jaunt that allowed her to explore both West Point and the Coast Guard Academy. This summer, she was invited to attend the Air Force Academy's Summer Seminar. So this was different, because we didn't … Continue reading Mid Sib behind enemy lines: Air Force

As a writer, there are times when you struggle to find the words. There are times when you fight to find the motivation to put pen to paper (even though that's mostly a virtual exercise these days). Then there are times when you feel as if you don't take the idea in your head and … Continue reading A Prayer For The Class of 2020

If it's summer, that means it's time for summer training and to welcome the Class of 2023 to the Naval Academy family. Induction Day is within reach, which means we'll soon be in the throes of Plebe Summer. Welcome aboard, Class of 2023! Here's a laundry list of some Plebe Summer resources: First, we have … Continue reading Ready for Plebe Summer – including a new podcast