October To Do List for USNA Applicants

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in October:

• • Happy Birthday, USNA!
  • Happy Birthday, US Navy!

Now check October’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

More articles worth reading:

• Patriotic Music for your USNA Dream
• The Sailor’s Creed: What it Means to be in the Navy
• Successful USNA Grads

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application—

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.

September To Do List for USNA Applicants

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in September:

• The Congressional Interview
• The Congressional Interview–Part I
• How to Prepare for the Congressional Interview–Part II
• How to Prepare for the Congressional Interview–Part III
• The Day Navy Colors Were Born
• Labor Day: Honor American Warriors
• 9-11: We Remember
• POW/MIA Recognition Day
• Constitution Day!

Now check September’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

More articles worth reading:

• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan
• You Want to Be a USNA Midshipman? Start Today
• Five Popular Excuses for NOT Going to USNA–Still

…and a few videos:

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application—

From the perspective of a high school student who was accepted. 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.

August To Do List for USNA Applicants

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in August:

• • Plebe Parent Weekend–August
  • Plebe Parent Weekend is Past; Reform is Coming
  • USNA Midshipmen Sign 2-for-7 Contract
  • The Day Navy Colors Were Born
  • Navajo Code Talkers Day

Now check August’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

More articles worth reading:

• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• USNA Facebook page
• Class of 2019’s 2-for-7 signing
• Popular Excuses for NOT attending USNA
• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan

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Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

July To Do List for USNA Applicants

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in July:

• July 25th: Remember the Pueblo
• You Know You’re a Plebe when…
• Plebe Summer Care Packages: What to Send
• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• 33 Rules (aka Rates) Plebes Must Follow
• What’s My Plebe Doing Today?
• Plebe Parent Weekend
• Plebe Parent Weekend is Past; Reform is Coming

Now check July ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

If you aren’t already there, your job is to keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear. Here’s how:

Share this:

It’s America’s birthday and I’m celebrating. My Army Sergeant son is in Japan–Okinawa. My Navy LT CDR daughter’s in the DC area. I thank both of them and all those soldiers who fought for America’s uncertain future so long ago.

God be with all of us.

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For all my efriends from Canada, Happy Canada Day (though I’m a bit late):

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.

Share this:

June 20th

Observed each year on June 20th is National American Eagle Day. This day is set aside to honor our national symbol, raise awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle, assist in the recovery of their natural environments and take part in educational outreach.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-american-eagle-day-june-20/

https://tofinophotography.wordpress.com/tag/eagles/

FLAG DAY: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO WE CELEBRATE IT?

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:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Share this:

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.

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application–

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.

• The Naval Academy Candidate Book: How to Prepare, How to Get In, How to Survive

A general and useful overview of the USNA application and the academy in general

More articles worth reading:

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in June:

• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• You Know You’re a Plebe if…
• D-Day: June 6th
• Flag Day: June 14th
• 4 Posts about I-Day
  • Are You Going to I-Day? Part I
  • Going to USNA? Ready for I-Day–Part II
  • USNA I-Day For Parents
  • You Know You’re a Plebe when…
• Plebe Summer starts
• Plebe Summer Care Packages
• Summer like a Midshipman

Now check June’s ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

June To Do List for USNA Applicants

• Gen. Patton’s Address to the Third Army
• Must-read Books Before Entering USNA
• Popular Excuses for NOT attending USNA
• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan

---

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a columnist for TeachHUB, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

More articles worth reading:

Here are important events you’ll want to read about in May:

• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• Commissioning Week
• Herndon Climb
• Military Appreciation Month
• Service Selection: SWO
• Didn’t get in USNA? Try NAPS
• What happens after USNA Graduation
• Armed Forces Day
• Memorial Day

Now check May ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

May To Do List for USNA Applicants

• Book Review: Master and Commander
• What to do once you’re accepted
• Your daughter is going to USNA. What’s ahead for her?

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.

Share this:

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:

• Plebe Summer–It’s coming!

• You Know You’re a Plebe when…

• Plebe Summer Care Packages: What to Send

• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…

• 33 Rules (aka Rates) Plebes Must Follow

• What’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:

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application–

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.

Share this:

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.

First Steps:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.