Send us Fan MailPlanning for Commissioning Week 2026 can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this milestone alone. In this comprehensive episode, I sit down with Lori Coogan, Director of Parent Programs at the Naval Academy Alumni Association, to break down everything you need to know for this monumental week in May.As someone who's guided countless families through this experience, Lori brings invaluable insights from the recent Commissioning 101 event held at the Fluegel Alumni Center. We cover the essential details that will help you plan, prepare, and fully appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.Essential Planning Information You'll DiscoverComplete schedule breakdown from May 15th through graduation day on May 22ndParking strategies and driving restrictions on the Naval Academy groundsTicketing process for graduation ceremony and superintendent's garden receptionBlue Angels show logistics and traffic considerationsPost-graduation planning for the ceremonial hat toss and first saluteManaging Expectations and EmotionsCommissioning Week represents the culmination of four years by the bay, and emotions run high for everyone involved. We discuss how to balance family time with your midshipman's desire to celebrate with classmates who will soon scatter across the globe. This perspective helps create realistic expectations while honoring the significance of lifelong friendships forged at the Academy.Here is the Alumni Association expo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5wWsQvEESoThe Vermeer Group is a residential real company matching military families with trusted real estate teams across the country.  If you have any real estate questions at all, please text Grant at (650) 282-1964 or email [email protected] To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedInThe mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all.  He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.Connect with Grant on LinkedinAcademy Insider WebsiteAcademy Insider Facebook PageIf you ar...