Tuesday, November 15, 2011

One Down

Three moments in the past months have rendered me speechless. The first two moments were when different Doctors confirmed the same diagnosis. The third was when I got a message from Kip Zechman last night.
Ring Figure, borrowed from marchingpost.wordpress.com 

Kip, a Junior at VMI, had noticed the fifth item on my list. In short, Kip invited Amanda and I out to dinner with his roommates and family. Invited us to the Ring Figure Ball. And then asked that Amanda and I be the first couple through the ring.


As a VMI grad, I've had my doubts about what the Institute is doing, how it prepares its cadets for the world outside, and - on occasion - doubts about the type of person it spits out every May. I used to sum up my views by telling anyone who asked that, for me, VMI seemed like an unsupervised boy scout camp. In my mind, that atmosphere changed with the appointment of LTC Eric Hutchings as the Commandant of Cadets. As commander of the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, it was obvious Hutchings had what it took to turn things around when he arrived back at his Alma Mater. 


I'm proud to count these cadets men as my friends, and I'm awfully proud to have a ring that bares the same name as them.


Now, important question: tux or kilt?

15 comments:

  1. Kilt for sure ;-) Bergine

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  2. Definately a kilt..show off those beautiful legs uncle Tony

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  3. feckin shop in town can't get it here by Friday

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  4. hmmm. great idea from Claudia. anyone know a VMI piper with a 30"...okay, 35" waist that's about 6' tall?

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  5. That's awesome, so happy you guys get to do this! Sounds like you've got some wonderful people in your corner. :) Can't wait to see pictures!

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  6. It has to be a kilt! don't let the Scots down and make sure you get loads of pics for the overseas crowd!!!!!

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  7. How cool for you!!! Please wear a kilt. And please share photos!

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  8. kilt Tony, see there's a pattern here in the comments! You and Amanda have a fantastic night with your friends

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  9. Defo kilt, if only we'd known we could have brought you one - have a fab night x

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  10. Kilt rental and overnight express!

    http://www.scottishkiltrental.com/Virginia.html

    http://www.scottishmerchant.com/kilt_rentals.php

    fy

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  11. Katie Morgan (NOT the porn star)November 15, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Kilt!! And Amanda *needs* the dress she posted earlier. A must. Please post pics of the two of you walking through the ring.... Love ya!

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  12. Well done Kip, roommates and families.

    T. you are one of the few men we know that can actually wear the kilt, look very relaxed AND look the business. If you can get one in time....

    We all look forward to pictures of the event.

    aola
    M&D

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  13. It has to be the Kilt!!!

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  14. John and Linda LicataNovember 16, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Kilt! Kilt!!! Kilt!! Kilt!! By the way, have a ball!!! [yuk, yuk...}

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