iDay

I've thought a great deal about what to say of my time in Annapolis last week, and it's very difficult to put into words. Last Thursday, my brother was inducted into the United States Naval Academy, and he's now a week into the horrible experience known as Plebe Summer. It was tough to see him go, but I don't think any of us could be more proud of him.

People that know Brent usually have some very strong words to describe him. Adjectives such as driven, motivated, competitive, committed, and leader usually come to mind and they don't really tell the entire story. I have never seen anyone work harder at reaching a goal and do whatever it takes to be the very best at everything he participates in. Going to the Naval Academy has been Brent's goal for the past 3 years and it's incredible to see everything he did to make sure he accomplished that goal. 

At one point, his schedule included waking before 6:00am to drive to school to catch the bus to go to Governor's School, spending all day in the most difficult classes possible until 3pm, going to cross country practice until 5pm, driving all the way across town to soccer practice with his travel team until 8pm, and coming home to study and work on homework until 1 or 2am. He was also extremely involved with church youth activities and helped out in numerous ways with his Senior class. Actually, it's possible going to the Naval Academy might help Brent slow down a bit.

The funny part about all the stuff he did to get to Annapolis...it doesn't mean a thing now. As a plebe at the academy, he is treated like dirt. Within his first few hours of being there (when he checks in with nothing but the clothes he's wearing), he had his head shaved, received a hideous uniform, and was already being yelled at along with the other 1300 members of his freshmen class. Plebe summer is one of the challenges and processes of joining the academy that breaks you down and helps shape you into becoming a naval officer. It is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding in every way. The program lasts until the second week of August, which is the first time we can come see him at the academy for "Parent's Weekend." At the Induction Ceremony, the plebes take an oath to do everything asked of them to protect our country, and that oath is taken with the utmost seriousness. Plebe summer is the first step in those individuals becoming the leaders of our Navy. 

While it was unbelievable to see Brent take his spot in the formation line to march off following the induction ceremony, I know he is in the right place. He went to a place where excellence is required and where anything but your best is unacceptable. He went to a place where they take the best and make them even better. He earned a spot at the United States Naval Academy. He went where he belongs.