June 14, 1956: The date the U.S. Army flag “was dedicated and unfurled to the general public,” the Army says on its website.
November 11, 1956: The date “The Army Goes Rolling Along” was made the Army’s official song.
Enjoy this slideshow of flags I’ve seen around the nation:
Posted in history
Today is the Army’s 244th birthday (2019)— a day to celebrate the service and sacrifices of men and women who have worn the nation’s uniform since 1775.
Two hundred and thirty-seven years ago, our Nation’s leaders established the Continental Army, beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great country and her citizens. Today, we celebrate the continued honor, loyalty and bravery of our Soldiers in this noble calling. Our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 238th birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, families and civilians – who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong.
We also celebrate local communities for their steadfast support of our Soldiers and families. We are “America’s Army: The Strength of the Nation.”
The U.S. Army will celebrate its birthday on June 14, the same day as Flag Day. Here are some important figures and dates for the military branch.
468,579: The total number of “active duty military personnel” in the Army, according to the Defense Manpower Defense Center (DMDC). Of these, there are ten generals, 50 lieutenant generals, 121 major generals, and 133 brigadier generals.
336,619: The size of the Army National Guard.
190,350: The number of people in the Army Reserve.
69,872: The amount of active duty women (including commissioned officers, enlisted ranks and cadets) in the Army.
Posted in history
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment in time and money because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more before achieving your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.
A general and useful overview of the USNA application and the academy in general
Here are important events you’ll want to read about in June:
Now check June’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
June To Do List for USNA Applicants
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
Here are important events you’ll want to read about in May:
Now check May ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
May To Do List for USNA Applicants
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment in time and money because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more before achieving your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college. Read More…
By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your BGO Interview. You’ve attended a Candidate Weekend Visit. You have one big job remaining: Keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear.
If you’re the parent of a child who has been accepted, it’s time to start thinking about Plebe Summer:
You Know You’re a Plebe when…Plebe Summer Care Packages: What to SendYou Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…33 Rules (aka Rates) Plebes Must FollowWhat’s My Plebe Doing Today?If you’re just starting to think about attending the US Naval Academy, here’s your guide to making that dream come true:
Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application
…and then read these posts:
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money to achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.
March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day – when we pay respects to service members who distinguished themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. Citations for Medal of Honor recipients describe feats of courage, strength, and resilience. Recipients overcame the paralysis of fear, and in some cases, they persevered in spite of wounds that would normally be so painful as to be disabling. Some of these heroes willingly gave their lives for the sake of their buddies.
From my friends over at ArmyLive , here are eight surprising facts about the award.
1. The earliest actions for which the Medal was awarded took place before the Civil War
Bernard J.D. Irwin was an Assistant Surgeon in the Army when he voluntarily went to the rescue of 2d Lt. George N. Bascom who was trapped with 60 members of the 7th Infantry. Irwin and 14 men began the 100-mile trek to Bascom’s forces riding mules. After fighting and capturing Apaches along the way, as well as recovering stolen horses and cattle, Irwin reached Bascom’s forces and helped break the siege. The Medal of Honor was awarded to Irwin on Jan. 24, 1894 – more than 30 years after he performed his heroic deed.
2. Originally, the Medal of Honor was only awarded to enlisted service members.
On March 3, 1863, this was extended to include officers as well.
3. There are three versions of the Medal of Honor: U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.
Members of the U.S. Marines Corps and U.S. Coast Guard are eligible to receive the Navy version. Each of the armed services maintains their own regulations governing the award.
4. Only one woman has received the Medal of Honor and her award was temporarily rescinded.
President Andrew Johnson presented the Medal of Honor to Dr. Mary E. Walker on Nov. 11, 1865 for her work as a Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon in a series of battles from First Bull Run in 1861 to the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. Caught by Confederate troops and arrested as a spy, she also spent four months as a Prisoner of War. Although her award was rescinded along with hundreds of others in 1917, upon the passage of legislation that stated the medal could only be given to persons who had engaged in “actual combat with an enemy,” Walker’s Medal of Honor was restored on June 10, 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
Because of her selfless service during the war, Dr. Mary E. Walker became the only woman in U.S. history to receive the Medal of Honor, which was rescinded in 1917 and restored in 1977.
5. The Medal of Honor recommendation process can take in excess of 18 months
It requires intense scrutiny every step of the way because of the need for accuracy. The following organizations and individuals play key roles in the Army Medal of Honor recommendation process: the Soldier’s Chain of Command, a Member of Congress, Department of the Army Personnel Command, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense and the President. To see a visual depiction of the process, visit http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/steps.html
6. Children of Medal of Honor recipients are not subject to quotas if they are qualified and desire to attend the U.S. military academies.
Colin Romesha, son of former Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha, is escorted off the President’s podium during the Medal of Honor ceremony in honor of his father at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 11, 2013. Romesha received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions during a daylong firefight in Afghanistan in October 2009.
7. Medal of Honor recipients have uniform privileges
They are allowed to wear their uniforms at any time or place they choose, unlike other military personnel or retirees.
For the eighth, please visit ArmyLive! for their great article on this topic and more.
Posted in military lifestyle, news, patriotism | Tags: medal of honor
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to-earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.
Here are important events you’ll want to read about in March:
Now check March’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your B&G Interview. You’ve attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. Here are a few items you want to think about in February:
Beyond those, you have one big job remaining: Keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear. Here’s how:
Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Freshman Year HSHeaded for USNA? Prepare Yourself Sophomore Year HSWant to Attend USNA? Prepare Yourself Junior Year HSHeaded for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Senior YearWhat’s it Like to Parent a Midshipman?Now check February’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
February To Do List for USNA Applicants
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in humor, Monthly events, USNA
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.
Here are important events you’ll want to read about in January:
Plebe Parent Weekend–AugustPlebe Parent Weekend is Past; Reform is ComingUSNA Midshipmen Sign 2-for-7 ContractNow check January’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
January To Do List for USNA Applicants
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:
If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.
Here are two books to get you started:
From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.
Posted in Building a Midshipman, candidate fitness assessment, freshman year, Junior Year, military academies, senior year, service academy, Sophomore Year, To Do List for Academy Application, US Coast Guard Academy, usafa, USNA, west point | Tags: military academy, naval academy, United States Naval Academy, USNA
I’ll be taking a week (or so) off–until after the New Year–to rework my website, work on writing projects with a deadline, and wish my military children could be with me, here. I may drop in on you-all as you enjoy your holidays, but mostly I’ll be regenerating.
I wish you a wonderful season, safe and filled with family.
See you shortly!
This is one of the most popular military Christmas poems I’ve seen. Here’s it’s history, from “A Soldier’s Silent Night”:“The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C., under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.”
Schmidt’s original version, entitled “Merry Christmas, My Friend,” was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December, 1991.
As Leatherneck wrote of the poem’s author in 2003:
“‘Merry Christmas, My Friend,'” has been a holiday favorite among ‘leatherneckphiles’ for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out over 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer’s Christmas holiday decorations inspection…while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks’ annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section.”
Posted in military lifestyle, patriotism
December 8th, 2018 is the 119th annual Army-Navy Game, at noon in Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia PA, noon PDT.
This is an American college football rivalry game between the teams of the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and the Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis and has come to embody the spirit of the United States Armed Forces. Navy leads the all-time series 60-51-7. Army won last season’s meeting 14-13.
Here’s a video that embodies the rivalry. Watch it, then watch the game:
Here are Army-Navy Spirit Spots:
Posted in Uncategorized
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on December 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American servicemen and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in history
By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your B&G Interview. You’ve attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. You have one big job remaining: Keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear. Here’s how:
Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Freshman Year HSHeaded for USNA? Prepare Yourself Sophomore Year HSWant to Attend USNA? Prepare Yourself Junior Year HSHeaded for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Senior YearWhat’s it Like to Parent a Midshipman?Now check December’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:
December To Do List for USNA Applicants
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
Posted in Monthly events, USNA
You absolutely gotta get into the Naval Academy? Start here. Find out why you should want to attend USNA, how to get in, what's the lifestyle, how to get started, problem-solving if you're stalled. Post questions for your unique situation.
A personal note:
When my daughter wanted a book on how to get into the Naval Academy, all she could find were books that told her how hard it was, how selective they were, how very few could achieve it. My daughter brushed them off, but I wondered how many kids would be discouraged by that approach and decided to write a book explaining how to achieve the goal, not why kids couldn’t. I stressed how teens can solve the problems that stood in their way rather than why they couldn’t, how they could get where they wanted to go rather than why they couldn’t get there. That worked for my daughter and I had no doubt it would work for others. From what I hear from readers, it’s true.
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