The USAFA Arizona Parents Club

Parents Weekend

It was a fun time -- if a wet one -- for all on Parents Weekend! We hope you enjoyed your time with your cadet and were able to participate in the many activities up at the Academy. I'll never forget the sight of the entire Cadet Wing running for cover from the torrential downpour that occurred at noon formation!

Unfortunately, the afternoon parade had to be cancelled.

We had over 90 people attend the Extreme Pizza Dinner Buffet and almost everyone agreed it was a great idea and that we should do it again next year. The food was great, and the small dining room encouraged people to mingle and get to know each other. The weather even held out to allow some to dine outside on the patio.

We had over 120 members and their families enjoying the Falcons' first football victory this year. Unfortunately the cloud ceiling was so low we were unable to enjoy the usual air show and performance by the Wings of Blue pregame. But we were all surprised when the flyover occurred just before the kickoff of the second half.

Holiday Greeting Cards are available now by the USAFA AZ PARENTS CLUB. This is our major fundraiser (in fact our ONLY fundraiser) for the year. Proceeds go to funding the exciting All Academies Military Ball, which we will host for the year 2004, sending out "goodies" to our cadets and all our other activities. Of course a portion of each package sold goes to the Dennis P. Rando Fund (which helps Cadets travel home under last minute hardships and bereavement conditions). The cards come in bundles of 20 for $19.50. Shipping starts at $3.95, depending on the number of boxes ordered. The order forms are available on our website.

We have a new, unique 2003 card, along with some popular designs from the past few years. You will be able to order cards at the All Academies Picnic on November 2^nd. Order before the December 6^th cookie packing and you can save the postage and pick them up at the Cookie Packing! You can also order online at our website www.usafaparents-arizona.org Don't be left out...ORDER EARLY! For further information contact Bob & Ellen Wallace at az.sun@mindspring.com

We hope everyone is making plans to attend the first-ever All Academies Fall Picnic on Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 5pm at the Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59^th Avenue (& Mountain View) in Glendale, AZ. Bring your favorite dish to share, CD's, games, etc. Please contact Ruth at 602-971-5597 or ruth@klenkjanzik.com for information on what dishes or supplies are needed. The USNA, West Point, Merchant Marines & Coast Guard Academies have been invited and have received a good response from their membership. We hope to "show" them up by having the most members there. So come and support your Parents Club and show USAFA pride by wearing your name badge. Holiday Cards will be available to order at the Picnic.

The December Cookie Packing will be on Saturday December 6^th at 10:30 am at the home of Bob & Marjean Mueller. 19020 N. 68^th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308 phone number 623 561-0749. Directions:

Please bring 8-9 dozen treats individually-wrapped 5-6 per Ziploc sandwich bag, ready to pack. Extra snacks are appreciated to fill up the boxes. Please also bring a dish to share for the Pot Luck lunch that will immediately follow the packing. Holiday Cards will be available for purchase and pick up.

Everyone was very generous last May and the Cadets were very thrilled to receive their boxes. I received many thank you notes from the cadets. If you are unable to attend, you may deliver your treats early or send a monetary donation to help with the cost of mailing and purchasing other treats. Send monetary contributions to our treasurer: Andrea Chisolm at 3057 E. Robin Ln. Gilbert, AZ 85296. Please mark on the check that it is a cookie packing donation.

Be watching your mail for your invitation to the All Academies Ball. Plan to attend this wonderful event. More information will be forthcoming.

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Thanksgiving Break: 11/25/03 after LMD until 11/30/03 by 7pm

Final Exams: 12/13/04 through 12/19/04

Christmas Break: after last Final Exam the week of 12/16/03 and return by 7pm on 1/6/04.

Spring Break: Friday 3/19/04 after LMD until Sunday, 3/28/04 by 7pm.

Spring Final Exams: 5/15/04 through 5/21/04