AUGUST 2014 SUNRAYS | 41
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West Point Graduation
Submitted by Terri & Gary Anderson, N11
The four-year wait finally came
to an end as we drove the 40
miles along the Hudson River in
the beautiful green mountain-
ous countryside of New York to
attend the West Point Academy
graduation of our nephew, Mat-
thew Wheeler.
Approximately 28 family mem-
bers—his grandmother, aunts,
uncles, cousins, and friends—
gathered to celebrate the occa-
sion with two days of various ac-
tivities. On our first morning, we
attended the graduates’ last pa-
rade. Before the parade, we were
surprised by a parachute jump
from a plane behind the stadium
with 12 men and women gliding
onto their spot on the grounds.
While that was impressive, noth-
ing could top the parade of the
“Long Grey Line,” cadets in their
parade uniforms graced with the
black-plumed hats.
The next morning was gradua-
tion, with even more waiting—
first, to go through security and,
next, for the graduates’ entrance.
Then came the guest speaker, the
President of the United States—
thankfully, the Jumbotron made
it easier to see the stage! After
his speech, diplomas were expedi-
tiously distributed and the Presi-
dent shook hands with each of the
1,085 graduates. After all grads
received their diplomas and they
were dismissed, the caps went into
the air!
After graduation there was a
change of uniforms for Matt, and
then it was off to the law library
for the Commissioning Ceremony.
His father, Matthew (IV), wore
his white Naval Officer’s uniform
and looked on with Matt’s sister,
Lauren, as their mother, Linda,
pinned the Second Lieutenant
bars on Matt’s shoulders. It was
emotional to hear him then take
the oath to his Duty to Honor his
Country.
The next morning, we said our
good-byes and began the return
home. It won’t be a long good-bye,
as Matt’s first assignment is to Ft.
Hood—so, you might periodically
see Aunt Terri and Uncle Gary
with a tall, blond young man!
The Bell Boys Visit Sun City!
Submitted by Barbara & Philip Dorrah, N10
It’s time for another fun day in Sun City for the Bell
boys—Caleb, Christian, Caden, and Carson—who
are visiting their grandparents, Philip and Barbara
Dorrah. Their parents, Corey andMillicent Bell, live
in Round Rock.
Often, the boys can be found sharpening their shoot-
ing skills at the basketball goal located across from
the tennis courts. Since each boy has his own ball,
no time is wasted waiting for someone to finish
his turn shooting layups. As soon as the boys tire
of layups, they take their balls and dribble off in
whatever direction each one chooses. After about 90
minutes of steady dribbling, shooting, and chasing
loose balls, the boys are ready to move on to their
next favorite activity at Sun City Texas—eating at
the City Market.
Gary Anderson (right) with nephew and recent
West Point graduate, Matthew Wheeler.
In the photo, Barbara Dorrah and Caleb Bell (back),
and Caden, Carson, and Christian Bell (front).
