Each Company at West Point has an alpha-numeric designation. A1 starts the Corps; I4 ends it.
There are four regiments. When I was a cadet I was in Company E2. We were The Dogs. I lived in the second regiment. My classmates remain some of my closest friends even today, 39 years later.
Colin is in Company F4, The Frogs, as are his friends Chris Welker and John Janigian. These men graduate in 14 months. Years from now, they will still know each other and love each other.
Why is this important?
Well, it's important that such camaraderie of recent Generals like Schwarzkopf, Petraeus and McCrystal be understood in the light of their cadet days.
More importantly, generals of earlier history like Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, John Pershing, George Patton and those names so well known from WWII - all hung together as young men, as cadets. And went on leave together.
Susan and I were with "heirs" of these men tonight. Young men of integrity, growing into leaders that America needs.
On "Spring Leave", known to other college students as spring break. When others went to FL, these three came to Idaho. To be with my family.
How glad we are that they did.
Den
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