[gatotom]

widgeon13, no, I did not attend any academy, my youngest son did graduate from USNA this yr.

I can remember my son calling home in his second yr there, he wanted out, he couldn't stand the petty BS of his fellow classmates who actually came from top racked military officers or congressman.

I reminded him that to make the best sword, the metal must first be pounded very hard, when you struggle, character is built, when it is tough, endurance is built and when you feel pain, empathy for others in simular circumstances is built. He stuck it out and graduated and is very happy with is decision.

One other point I have been telling my children for their entire lives is ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS, its that simple.

and one more thing, always thank people, they do have a choice.