We Love Our Deployed Kings Pointers!

Jan 19th, 2017 - by Martha McCann, Michael '13
Sponsor: 1st Co Parents
Photos

Thousands of Kings Pointers have enjoyed Cookie Cafe and the lovingly made treats from home while struggling through the daily challenges of life at the Merchant Marine Academy. Often a Midshipman will come into Land Hall with a weak smile, indicating that perhaps it's been a difficult day, sometimes due to academics, regimental stresses or even bad news from home of a sick parent. Parents, don't underestimate the soothing salve applied to those problems by way of a delicious cookie and a cup of hot chocolate. Frequently, a student will let slip that a test given Thursday was especially hard in response to the question "How are you doing today?" Cookie Cafe provides a welcome respite from the worry of that test, if only for a few minutes.

While tests and regimental responsibilities are uppermost in these young Mids' minds, there is another group of KPers that are grappling with the strains of being so far from home - our deployed active duty Kings Pointers. Since 2013, Cookie Cafe has extended its sweet reach to any Kings Pointer we hear about who is currently deployed. Recently we sent cookies to two former Midshipmen - David Taliaferro '07 and Casey Roth Sindorf '13.

David is a Captain in the Army currently serving in Iraq and Casey is a Lieutenant in the Air Force somewhere in the Middle East. Both are serving with a group of about 130 people and it was our privilege to be able to send cookies to both of them to share with everyone in their squad. During David's last deployment to Afghanistan we sent him cookies and then, we were so surprised to see him at Kings Point working as a CO several months later when he returned! He relayed at that time how much it meant to receive such a generous reminder of home and his alma mater.

According to LT Sindorf:

"You all are amazing!!! I got the cookies today and have been handing them out to everyone in my squadron. Everyone says thank you so much! It was so nice of you to put all of this together and for everyone to make the cookies and treats. I've attached a photo of me first getting the boxes. I'll send some more of people enjoying them." - Casey

And from CAPT Taliaferro:

"THANK YOU!!!! We are going to take more pictures tomorrow! I owe you a longer email about all the soldiers' reactions. Needless to say, we are very thankful for the love and support!"

Frequently, we as parents find ourselves holding our breath while our children are at Kings Point, but from time to time we are able to exhale. When your loved one is in a war zone, there is no exhaling. Cookie Cafe is proud to connect with our deployed alumni, sending them our prayers and best wishes, conveying to them that they are not forgotten at Kings Point.

Thank you to all the moms and grandmothers who helped us make these gestures possible.


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