West Point

On Monday morning we headed to West Point for a tour with the family. Several years ago, Greg and I tried to get in, but all we got was escorted off after the security asked us for a military ID that we didn't have. oops.

This time, we were escorted by Colonel Stiles - class of 1959. West Point is so impressive. The Plebes (new cadets) were there already learning the ropes. Plebes reported to West Point on June 28th this summer for Beast Barracks. They looked so hot and miserable. According to a "Cow", a junior, we spoke with, this year's incoming class has about 1400 students, one of the largest classes in history.

The other cadets, sophomores to seniors, are scattered around the world for the summer taking advantage of other training opportunities. They all report back to West Point for the academic year the beginning of August.

I feel extremely fortunate to have visited such an important historical place steeped in tradition and mystery. We were doubly lucky to visit with Howard and Eileen who fell in love there and were eventually married in the Catholic Chapel at West Point in June 1959, four days after Howard graduated.

We were also able to meet up with a childhood friend of mine, Bobby (now Bob) Underwood. He graduated from West Point in 1999 and is now teaching Philosophy there. It was really great to see him after nearly 15 years!

Cadet Chapel


These are the stairs that Howard used to sneak down during chapel and go back to bed.
Strength Development Center donated by Howard's class of 1959
Boxes used for box jumps - a lot nicer than the ones we used at Crossfit HEL.

Bob Underwood and meFloor at the Association of Alumni building
Checking out the view of the marching Plebes from atop the new library
Father and son
George Washington's statue and Plebes resting in the shade. Washington Hall is in the background where Howard says the whole Core of Cadets, about 4800 students, are fed in less than 30 minutes.
View of the Hudson
Greg and Eileen
A very tired baby