Texas T

Thank you to all of you who have replied. Some of you may remember us, his parents, as the souvie people for the Blue Stars for a few years. Andy is now at BAMC, Brooke Army Medical Center, in the burn unit. He had severe inhalation burns to his lungs and burns to his face and arms. He lost his lower right leg, and his lower left leg bones were both broken. His lungs are now fully recovered, his facial burns are doing very well, his skin grafts are complete and healing well. His appetite is not fully returned, so he remains a bit weak, but has begun some light therapy. His broken left leg is still a work in progress, and he hasn't been fitted with a prosthesis yet for his right leg. He has a very long road ahead, but he is a strong and heroic young man, with a strong and supportive wife and family. Just thought an update was in order for those who expressed an interest. Please keep praying for him.

Awwww C'mon Dave, GO FOR IT LOL

Yup yup!

Gobsmacked I am!!

Bless you for doing twenty years! I might have too if circumstances had allowed. Oh well....

It's heartening to know that at least some people in the activity can see and appreciate this. Just saying...

Stay safe Tim.

And thanks to Terry for another great article. Terry is sure to have interesting stuff all summer long.

Hey we'll sell whatever makes money for the Corps! Well, wait a minute... within reason... I think...

"Why do you belittle the idea that people might not want their information stored and shared? That they are interested in corps A only and not B, C or D?" I didn't mean it to belittle the idea. Just attempting a little levity. What I meant was that you would need a method of obtaining permission to be included on such a list, and also deal with the legality of a possible minor needing parental permission, etc. which could certainly bog down the process. I,m all for the right to privacy and all manner of political correctness.

Yeah, if they could get by the "privacy of information" fanatics.

Yes, and if the list/database was searchable, such as by instrument, hometown, etc. then a director could target say the instrument they needed to fill a hole, or local kids who might be likely to accept the invitation.

Well, part of my suggestion was to allow the adults, who are actively searching for candidates, to pursue the contact, rather than expecting a kid who has already stuck his neck out to audition, and failed to make the cut, to explore all the other corps that may welcome them.

Seems like there's always lots of holes to fill. How about if there was a master list, or database, of auditionee's that were cut or didn't make it, maintained by DCI, with the individuals consent of course. Just name, phone number, instrument, and hometown, for instance. Give corps directors access to the information. Let them call, based on hole that needs filled, proximity to corps hometown, or whatever. Maybe some kids would consider a second choice if it seemed like a corps WANTED them. And the director could make his pitch to the individual about gaining experience, etc. Just a thought...

Im impressed... really!

With cell phone cameras!!

The membership increase becomes effective next year (2008).

Please keep this a positive thread. I'm reall psyched about the concept of this show. What a great summer ahead!

I hope I can get someone I know to read this. Someone who is already finishing their first year of college and will be half way to an Associate Degree, and wants to join the military in the worst way. I'm recommending finishing school and marching junior corps while it's still possible. The military can wait! B)

SUWEEEEEEEEET!

YUP!

I think you answered your own question!! School options will be available. Marching ageout year will not. Having said that, you're a big kid now. It's YOUR choice. Best of luck.

I KNOW... I KNOW... I bet they'l start out from San Antonio Texas! After they all get there... and practice for a few weeks........... B)

I felt the same way the first time I stumbled onto this type of situation. I was totally amazed that some members were even including links to their personal sites in their signatures! I thought these links would let me learn a bit more about some great kids. Some of them were quite a shock! The only good thing about my experience was that it became a "real life" lesson for my own kids about how easily peoples opinions about them can be influenced. I've never said anything to the people I've discovered things about that I didn't want to know, but I hope they read posts like this and reconsider how they are presenting themselves, and like it or not, representing their corps, not to mention their families. <**> <**> <**> <**> <**>

And it helps to have an excellent relationship with a school in Minneapolis with excellent facilities, and people who can make it happen there! I would discount any rumors of a move.... totally.