Great story Fred! Fun fact - my mom is from St. Louis and her father and his brother used to work at Lambert Field putting the “socks” on fixed wing aircraft back in the day. My dad took some lessons in an old Cessna and we got to fly over the Grand Canyon in one of those helicopters with a glass bottom when I was about 5! What a thrill! I can see the appeal and having spent more time in helicopters doing Army Support while in the Air Force, they are so fun to ride in. Watch out for that spring weather! 🌪️
He gave me an old photo of Elinor Smith taken there and he also was pals with Jimmy Doolittle’s boys. I feel like sharing history creates dreams for others - great stories should be told! 🚀
A bit embarrassed to comment every time, but your articles are wonderful! This story made me feel like I’ve met your dad but also left me curious for more. Have you written a book about your time at West Point and Army career? Because I know for a fact that over 10K USMA & OG moms, dads, family in Facebook groups alone would eat that up!
Nothing is more satisfying than reading Old Grads’ academy experiences while your cadet-candidate is at Beast (and beyond) and your writing style would perfectly quench the thirst of many who feel shocked and overwhelmed that this was their kid’s choice of college!
No matter if your academy experience was good or bad, your Army career was exceptional and says so much about you as a person. How amazing that the little boy flying in a chopper above St. Louis would go so far in his dreams and, in honor of his dad, share his dreams with the world?
If you haven’t written this book, please strongly consider it ASAP!
Thank you. I’ve actually got a memoir being shopped right now by an agent that we are optimistic will be picked up covering my journey and my unique Iraq experience that continues even today. I really appreciate your comments. Don’t stop! It makes this worth it to get support like yours.
That’s wonderful! I hope the story you shared here is in there!
Tell your agent that I’m certain you’d have buyers on our mom’s page alone (7K+) - just reference West Point on the cover or in a background photo lol.
CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT! ⭐️👏
ps: sad that you felt turned away by that AFA cadet but curious why you didn’t apply anyway?
How many more “kids” did he discourage?
Impactful for me to read that as my Firstie has talked to students in schools these past few years as part of USMA’s LEAD program. I am biased but pretty sure he wasn’t like that guy haha.
Great story Fred! Fun fact - my mom is from St. Louis and her father and his brother used to work at Lambert Field putting the “socks” on fixed wing aircraft back in the day. My dad took some lessons in an old Cessna and we got to fly over the Grand Canyon in one of those helicopters with a glass bottom when I was about 5! What a thrill! I can see the appeal and having spent more time in helicopters doing Army Support while in the Air Force, they are so fun to ride in. Watch out for that spring weather! 🌪️
What a cool connection. I imagine we saw them all those years ago. Thank you.
He gave me an old photo of Elinor Smith taken there and he also was pals with Jimmy Doolittle’s boys. I feel like sharing history creates dreams for others - great stories should be told! 🚀
FP,
Another piece that evokes so many emotions. You write so beautifully and with such heart.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
A bit embarrassed to comment every time, but your articles are wonderful! This story made me feel like I’ve met your dad but also left me curious for more. Have you written a book about your time at West Point and Army career? Because I know for a fact that over 10K USMA & OG moms, dads, family in Facebook groups alone would eat that up!
Nothing is more satisfying than reading Old Grads’ academy experiences while your cadet-candidate is at Beast (and beyond) and your writing style would perfectly quench the thirst of many who feel shocked and overwhelmed that this was their kid’s choice of college!
No matter if your academy experience was good or bad, your Army career was exceptional and says so much about you as a person. How amazing that the little boy flying in a chopper above St. Louis would go so far in his dreams and, in honor of his dad, share his dreams with the world?
If you haven’t written this book, please strongly consider it ASAP!
Thank you ⭐️
Thank you. I’ve actually got a memoir being shopped right now by an agent that we are optimistic will be picked up covering my journey and my unique Iraq experience that continues even today. I really appreciate your comments. Don’t stop! It makes this worth it to get support like yours.
That’s wonderful! I hope the story you shared here is in there!
Tell your agent that I’m certain you’d have buyers on our mom’s page alone (7K+) - just reference West Point on the cover or in a background photo lol.
CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT! ⭐️👏
ps: sad that you felt turned away by that AFA cadet but curious why you didn’t apply anyway?
How many more “kids” did he discourage?
Impactful for me to read that as my Firstie has talked to students in schools these past few years as part of USMA’s LEAD program. I am biased but pretty sure he wasn’t like that guy haha.
Thank you for sharing this personal insight, Mr. Wellman!