I remember last year when I found out I was an alternate. It was almost as bad as not being on the list at all- or so I thought. I got selected this year, and I know a big part of it was that I was an alternate last year. If you were selected as an alternate, don't give up! There is still a chance of going this year, so get all your paperwork in ASAP. The sooner you send it in, the higher priority you get if they need to fill a gap. I hoped I would get the call, but had to get my package ready this year and reapplied. A year goes by super fast, and now here I am as a selectee. Don't be discouraged, and keep your hopes high because next year you have a big advantage because you are an alternate. Just wanted to drop that note because I know how I felt last year with being sooooooo close!