Bradley McIntyre and Patrick Gandini are walking in some big shoes.

Both are studying at military academies that have produced three presidents, among other notables.

McIntyre, 21, is in his junior year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Gandini, 20, is in his sophomore year at the U.S. Naval Academy. When they graduate they will receive commissions as officers in addition to their diplomas.

But last week they were home for Thanksgiving.

“It’s been nice to be home,” said McIntyre. “It’s been interesting to be back in home town wearing the uniform. We went to get pizza at a local place the other night and everyone was really supportive ... It’s been really nice to connect again.”

The cadets are back hard at work now.

All they had was a brief break, now it’s back to school

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