July 7th: First phone call home

The Plebe is alive! But sounding a little hoarse from all the yelling of "Yes, sir!" They got to use cell phones for the 30 minute call home while standing at attention in the yard today. In Zachs words, there have been some tough days and some good days---they go from meal to meal in survival mode for the entire 8 weeks of Plebe summer. Everyone has shin splints. Yesterdays' exercise was led by a tough marine who had them run 4 miles, do sprints then strength training. In spite of the heavy daily exercise, the food is 'pretty good' so our Plebe is even gaining weight. The Maryland weather is so hot and humid that they have to exercise indoors some days. Sweat never dries and after the intense exercise, everyone is physically drained....but the day isn't over yet!

Academic: Next is validation exams to determine for those who have already taken some college, where they can place in USNA classes. The Chinese exam was 'pretty easy' and chemistry not so much. They've been measured for their white dress uniforms which we'll get to see Zach in on Parents weekend in August. Can't wait! He gets to come off campus with us and do normal stuff like go to movies, shop and probably catch up on some sleep.
There is a box over the clock in the hallway so no one ever knows what time it is...not sure why that is. Mornings begin with being shouted at to "wake up!" which is the worst part of Plebe summer thus far. As a result, Zach is up and out of bed before the human alarm clocks arrive...shouting averted.

Shooting: In rifle class there are 3 ranks based on one's ability shooting. The highest is 'expert' which Zach achieved in the M-16 and shotgun categories. Must be all that practice shooting that Richard and Zach did over the years. Another day was a visit to the boathouse which is filled with pictures of Olympian rowers who trained at the USNA. They learned rowing techniques and practiced in a simulator filled with water moving in waves. Apparently it's a one of a kind simulator and the best in the world. Once Zach got the hang of the correct rowing form, he did pretty good! Who knows, if he likes it he may try out for the varsity crew. The height and broad shoulders help too! Overall, he's pretty impressed with the amenities and opportunities at the USNA.

Church: There are about 40 LDS members on campus--they meet every Sunday and have institute on Tuesday nights. A Bishop and some other leaders visit from the local ward off-campus and hold meetings on campus for the USNA members. They have free time until noon on Sunday and time allotted during the week for personal/religious study. Once classes get under way later in August, there will be more personal time though things are still pretty structured.

Other: Well, some Plebes have decided the USNA is not for them but before one can 'quit' the Academy, they meet with the Dean and other leaders for an interview to determine if they just need additional support or if they really have made up their minds. There isn't an attempt to talk them into staying but the USNA wants to make sure that every person leaving is making an informed decision. For those who have decided to leave, they enter Tango company and just convene for meals daily while their paperwork is processed. It's unfortunate really since there are close to 19,000 applicants who didn't get accepted for the class of 2017. The ones who leave are not replaced since Plebe summer is well under way. Though 1200 are accepted yearly about 1,050 stay.

Well, next phone call in two weeks and parents weekend from Aug 8-11 after which we will post new pictures with new hair :) If you plan to write to Zach, he loves to hear your news and if you send a care package, he's loving fruit roll ups and granola bars....snacks are good after intense workouts!

Thanks for the prayers and support! Keep them coming!