Dropped my daughter off at the USCGA ...

[teamnelson]

Just got back from CT after dropping my daughter off at the Coast Guard Academy. Folks, that was tough. This is our first to leave the house - couldn't be prouder of her, she's a great young lady and made a terrific choice. I have no doubts she'll succeed ... but it was still tough on Papa. I was doing good until they administered the oath of service, and then I lost it. Something special about hearing my child take an oath I've taken numerous times and administered to others. To support and defend the Constitution ...

The next couple months are hell, then she'll get to sail the tall ship Eagle from Wilmington, NC back to home port in New London, CT. Then Academy classes start, and she's got 4 long years of that, and 5 years payback service after that. She's a competitive sailor so I have no doubts she'll be on the team this season, and out of the blue she said she wants to try out for the rifle team ?!? (I think that was just for my sake.)

Yeah, I'm a proud Papa ... but I miss my lil bit today.

[Spirithawk]

I know just how you feel. My youngest daughter has been in the Navy 12 years now and it seems like just yesterday that I dropped her off to be on her way. Not ashamed to admit it. I cried all the way home. Will pray for your daughter's safety.

[williamlayton]

Bittersweet!
She--and the rest--have to do it someday. How else you gonna get some new pistols.
You will get thru it.
Blessings

[jimster]

This is the kind of thing that you will always remember, thanks for posting this. You must have a very special daughter. 
She got this way because of you. You did good.

Jim

[mechanic]

I feel your pain friend.  Yet to come is walking her down the aisle......and GIVING her away!

[teamnelson]

I feel your pain friend.  Yet to come is walking her down the aisle......and GIVING her away!

One of the great things about the academy is that they can't do that for 4 years!

[Sourdough]

I know how you feel when she tole the oath, I felt that when my oldest enlisted in the Navy.  The time will pass pretty fast for you, it'll drag for her.  Then you will be proud again when she leaves the Academy and goes off to duty.  That one won't be quite as hard as this one was.



I'm currently feeling like you have felt since she told you she had decided to go to the Academy.  My youngest son has decided to go into the Marines when he is finished with college.  He has signed a contract already and has made the commitment.  Now we are just waiting like you have been.

[billy_56081]

I know the feeling TN, my daughter is at AIT right now.

[navylawdog]

I know the feeling TN, my daughter is at AIT right now.

Hoo-ah

TeamNelson and Billy_56081-Your daughters made a great decision to serve her country. Along with anyone elses children who have taken the oath. It is a once in a lifetime experience and it won't make you rich, but you know in the end that it was the right choice. I have served for eleven years now and I have days when I wonder why (especially why I went from the Navy to the Army), but in the end I know I made a good choice just to serve regardless of what uniform I wear because it is a privilege and an honor. I hope they feel the same way too.

navylawdog

[billy_56081]

Yep TN I am a proud papa. Both of my kids joined the National guard at 17. That is a pretty big decision for a 17 year old when we are activly fighting a war. I was really proud to watch my daughter play taps at the memorial day service here. A lot of the old Vets were really touched by this.