Dear USNA Admissions Board Members: I STRONGLY recommend that USNA extend a fully qualified offer of appointment to Nicole Fiedler. I have been working with this candidate for 8 months. I am 100% convinced that USNA will be making a big mistake if she is turned away. She is the strongest female candidate I have come across in my six years as a Blue & Gold Officer. I am also a USNA parent with twin sons in the class of 2007. Between my experience as a BGO (and the mids I have helped to gain admission) and my experience as a parent of plebes I probably have a better understanding of the requirements, demands, and rigors of USNA than most outside the yard. On March 11, I sent the candidate an email suggesting that even though she is a good candidate (triple qualified with a nomination) she may not be selected for an appointment because of the competitive matrix that will be applied to all candidates by April 15. The following is an excerpt from her response: �I've thought this over and figured I will just continue preparing myself for everything I need for I-Day. I will still be working out physically but stepping up my training. I've finished high school. I am spending the next 101 days of "freedom" immersing myself in Advanced Chemistry/freshman Chemistry I (I'm getting the book USNA used for '07), Calculus I and II, freshman Physics, and various other engineering books. I'll do everything I can to prepare for my planned Aerospace Engineering major. I'm also studying Reef Points and have most of it memorized. Let me know if there's anything else I can be doing.� Dear board members, I have never had a candidate respond in this manner to potentially bad news regarding their acceptance. Realizing she may not become a midshipman (the battle could be lost) she decides to �fix bayonet� and finish the fight. Nicole is a warrior and demonstrates her maturity, leadership, and character through her actions especially in the face of uncertainty � and defeat. Very Respectfully, Richard Villarreal BGO � San Antonio, Texas �����������������������������������.. Admissions Board- I met this candidate last weekend at the Service Academy Day here in San Antonio. She was one of the few active candidates who chose to come to the event (although it�s designed for High School Juniors). I endorse Mr. Villarreal�s observations. Semper Fi, Bruce Davis Major USMCR 318 Area Coordinator