Back in 1997, my eldest daughter graduated from high school and entered the united States Military Academy at West Point. Her summer after graduation was spent doing the cadet version of ‘basic training’.
Kristin had entered the academy with a few challenges. Although stronger than many men, Kris did not like to run. It is to her credit that she conquered that and eventually ran in two Washington D.C. Marathons.
Some people think that she owes a lot to her McFee ancestors who never gave up, others feel it was all due to a unconditional love and acceptance of her mother…. but few knew the real truth as I do…. Kristin loves a challenge.
About this time, the New York Times magazine published an article on the summer basic training of the cadets referred to as ‘Beast.’ I wrote the following:
The Beauty of Beast Barracks
As the father of a daughter who survived this year’s Beast experience, I enjoyed Winerip’s article on West Point’s technique for breaking in plebes.
A big plus for parents: my daughter now knows how to clean her room (in fact, she can clean anything), and her academic work actually gets done!
It was a wonderful article.
Roger Freberg
San Luis Obispo, Calif
The letter had some unintended positive effects.
While many parents and others whined about this or that, my letter engendered sympathy for my daughter… and a protective brotherly nature from the often hazzing upper classmen. They thought that she had already been through enough having to grow up with me as her dad! ha!
Funny, not much Kristin can’t do now.
Roger Freberg