cadet blogs

“A December to Remember”: Army-Navy Week and My West Point Departure

(The Cadet Experience, Class of 2012) Permanent link All Posts

What a month… It started with returning from Thanksgiving leave, a well-deserved five days off that acts as a re-motivator as we all prepare for the two and a half week onslaught of projects, presentations, and final exams that are guaranteed once it is over. Being home for five days was exactly what I needed though: a warm-up for winter leave. Most years, I am more than happy to see the fall semester come to an end. This year, however, is a little more bittersweet than usual.

I have had an unforgettable experience as an exchange cadet at West Point for the past four months. I have met many lifelong friends, learned an incredible amount about the Army, Iraq, and Afghanistan, practiced with USMA’s Combat Weapons Team to maintain my skills for when I return to USCGA, earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency, and I was even filmed as part of a CNBC special entitled the “The Future of Leadership.” There are so many things that have happened to me in the past months that I will never forget. To think that I worked so hard to get into USCGA in the first place and then just tried to survive fourth-class year and on top of that was selected to attend another service academy is incredible for me to reflect upon. The opportunities available to service academy cadets are truly unparalleled.

This week should be interesting. Not only is it the final week of classes in which a ton of work is due – but it is Army-Navy week – the week where the USNA Midshipmen on exchange at USMA will be tormented endlessly. I just hope that the CGA cadets are not included in the tormenting… The Army-Navy game in Philadelphia, next weekend, will prove to be an exciting football game. Navy is generally thought of as being not as good as usual and Army is better than usual this year – this will be a close matchup. My parents will be at the game, as well, since I only live 30 minutes south of Philly and, then, I will get to see them again four days later when I come home after finals. Wow, this will be a busy week and a half! Happy Holidays and I look forward to blogging again next year when I am back home in Hotel Company at USCGA. GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!

More about Hunter.

Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/2/2012 3:51 PM