Alumni Newsletter February 2018

Transcription

1 Alumni Newsletter February 2018 Dr. Moritz Hunzinger 77 Pictured, left to right: His Excellency Bishop Professor Dr. Tebartz-van Elst (Vatican Minister of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization), His Excellency Ambassador Reichsfreiherr Christian von Mauchenheim (known as Bechtolsheim) of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Dr. Moritz Hunzinger, His Majesty King Yuhi VI. of Rwanda, and the Lord Mayor and Honorary Citizen of the City of Frankfurt Dr. Petra Roth. A Ceremony at the "Circolo della Caccia" in the Palazzo Borghese in Rome was held to bestow the Commander's Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Senator Professor Dr. phil. h.c. Moritz Hunzinger 77. Personal congratulations were submitted by President of Germany and LTG H.R. McMaster, USA, 80, National Security Advisor to the President of the United States of America. 1

2 Shanda Taylor Boyd 85 (Eastern and ECP) Reported by: Libby Graves, Senior Airman, USAF, TAC Officer, VFMAC In light of Black History Month and our upcoming Women s Leadership Symposium, She Leads, I d like to introduce you to one of our ECP alums: Shanda Taylor Boyd 85 (Eastern & ECP). Shanda was the first woman and first African- American woman to commission from the Valley Forge ROTC ECP Program. Here, she is pictured receiving the American Legion Scholastic Excellence ROTC award from LTG Willard Pearson, USA (Ret.) in While attending Eastern University as a psychology major and Spanish minor, Shanda was thrilled to be cross-enrolled at VFMC attending PT and Military Science instruction with her fellow VFMC cadets. Shanda served a total of 23 years combined active and reserve components (3 -Personnel Admin Specialist, 8 - Military Police Officer and 12 in the Army Nurse Corps following earning a BSN at the University of Washington). Shanda contributed, All I can say is that Valley Forge did more than prepare me for the military! As the first female at VFMC to receive an Army ROTC scholarship, Distinguished Military Graduate, American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award and an Airborne slot, the ROTC program empowered me to serve, to support fellow warriors and most significantly, it instilled a never quit spirit. It is this passion and determination that continues to propel me into action whether it s to fight the veteran suicide epidemic, advocate for women veterans or bring awareness about the benefits of service dogs for veterans and advocating for effective treatment and therapy to help veterans meet the challenges of PTS/PTSD. Valley Forge s Army ROTC Program is a powerful step towards what America s future leaders can count on to establish a solid infrastructure for what lies ahead. After today, it s true at VFMAC (no woman left behind). Before an accident led to her retirement from the Army, she and her three daughters made the Seattle area home where she still resides. She and her service dog, Timber (pictured), were featured in the book, Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals that Help Them Heal. 2

3 Ken Poole 64 Ken Poole 64 brings us a huge blast from the past. Many alumni have mentioned Clothier Hall. It was built in 1956 and only five years old when he arrived. This is where he and probably many other cadets viewed their first polo match on Sunday afternoons. For a while it was used off season as a football field by the Eagles. In 1961, Mark Cunningham 65 was in his English class and was rated in the top 10 for polo players in the US. Valley Forge Military Academy & College played and defeated colleges and club teams up and down the east coast. Sandy Bliss 60 Wilber A. Bliss III 60, a.k.a. Sandy, and his friend and companion Tucker want to wish all of their Brothers and Sisters at Valley Forge Military Academy & College a very Happy New Year filled with much success. 3

4 LTC Jorin Lintzenich 91, 93C LTC J.C. Lintzenich began his Army career as an infantry officer in His first assignment was in 3 rd Battalion, 187 th Infantry Regiment, 101 st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Anti-Armor Platoon Leader, Assistant Battalion S3 and as the 3 rd Brigade Assistant S2. In 2015, he was stationed in Germany as the G2 for the 21 st Theater Sustainment Command, the largest and only division-sized element in Europe. Recently returning to the Pentagon, he is currently serving in the Department of the Army G2 and is responsible for current intelligence support to the senior leadership of the United States Army. LTC Lintzenich graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy where he attained the highest rank of Cadet First Captain. He became a licensed pilot at the age of seventeen and earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Aviation Management. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Captains Career Course, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, SIGINT Officer Course, Defense Intelligence Agency Collection Managers Course and the College of Naval Command and Staff. He is a recipient of the Thomas Knowlton Award for excellence in Intelligence and his other military awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint and Army Commendation Medals, Joint and Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, National Defense Service Medal and the NATO Medal. He has received the Combat Action Badge, earned the Army Parachutist Badge and is additionally authorized to wear Polish and Royal Dutch-Netherlands Parachutist Badges. Cadets Volunteer for Community Service Reported by: CAPT Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.), Chaplain and Director of Character Development This group of cadets recently spent a morning raking leaves at the home of Dave and Bethanne Moles in Wayne. Bethanne has been stricken with ALS for the past nine years. She and I used to run together on a regular basis. Cadets who participated were Wang Z., Zhou, L., Lukowiak, Nesterov, Dalgleish and Errasquin. The cadets did a great job! 4

5 Academy & College Mid-Year Welcome Day On a cold and snowy Wednesday the Midyear plebes reported to start their journey to become members of the 90 th Corps of Cadets. Their first step was to go through the paperwork of processing in. Then they and their parents were treated to a fine lunch at Chez Mess Hall. Then the most fun thing happened. Led by our fearless leader Colonel John C. Church, Jr., USMCR (Ret.), the new cadets were treated to their first haircut at the Forge. Under the direction of Deputy Commandant (W02) Rik Thornton, Regimental Executive Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major, the new cadets received their first instruction in close order drill. They were then called into formation in front of their parents and members of the Corps of Cadets and VFMAC faculty and staff, and administered the Oath. As new members of the Corps of Cadets they will be expected to conform and progress under the direction of the Chain of Command, their TAC Officers and their Professors and Instructors. Their enthusiasm was infectous to all of us and their desire to succeed was a positive aura that filled the room. Joining the Long Line of Gray is an honor and a priviledge that we Alumni have the knowledge of what that truly means. Through all the years of the Forge we have created the basis for all of us to succeed in life and a huge percentage of us have, in all areas of life. We promote success and it is infused inside all of us. Keep up the great work Alumni we have more joining us. VFMA Rifle Club Reported by: Miles Vining 10 The VFMA Rifle Club is a great organization that I am glad to have had the opportunity to be President of and help grow. The Club is a positive influence for the Corps of Cadets that teaches valuable lessons on discipline and respect. Mr. Chris Bechtel, VFMA History Teacher and Faculty Advisor for the Rifle Club, has done an absolutely incredible job of fostering the growth of the club and its culture of responsible firearm usage and safety. Watch the YouTube video by clicking the link: 5

6 D Troop Horses Show Their Support of the Philadelphia Eagles Congratulations to the Super Bowl LII Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles! It was one of the greatest games ever played and is a bright and shining example of the grit and determination played by the underdogs and their fight to achieve greatness. D Troop Salutes You!!!! Fly Eagles Fly!!! Society of the Golden Sword On February 15, 2018, an event was held for the Society of the Golden Sword members at the St Davids Golf Club. The Society is made up of Alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends of The Forge who donate a minimum of $1,000 annually to VFMAC. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Greg Brinn, VP of Institutional Advancement, who introduced Colonel John C. Church, Jr., USMCR (Ret.), President of VFMAC, who thanked all and then introduced our Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. John English 91 who introduced those Trustees that were in attendance; Robert A. Bacine, Esq 60, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Daniel J. Reavy 77, 09HC, member of the BOT, Colonel Joseph A. Bartasius, USA (Ret.), 81, 83C, Chairman of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and member of the BOT, Colonel Stu Helgeson, USMCR, COO and Commandant of Cadets, and Mr. Vincent Vuono, CFO. We would like to send out a special thank you to the Development department, Pam Johnson, Charisse McGill, Arianna Lozano 16C (Director AABOD), and Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations, for putting together such a wonderful event! 6

7 National Prayer Breakfast Every year our President Colonel John C. Church, Jr., USMCR (Ret.) and Chaplain Captain Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.) take a group of cadets to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. and spend the weekend to see the sights and hear the speakers. They were privileged to hear from President Trump and were supposed to hear from Vice President Pence, however, the V.P. had to represent the United States at the opening of the Korean Olympic Games. In his place our cadets were treated to his replacement in the form of Super Bowl Champion and Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz. This was a great opportunity to learn and make friends from all over the world and country for these cadets. 7

8 Admissions Teams Exceed Recruiting Goals for Mid-Year The Admissions teams significantly rose to the challenge and met with great success! Under the leadership of Colonel Bill Leek, USMC (Ret,) they exceeded their Mid-Year recruiting goals. The Admissions staff fully and quickly came together as a team and refined their recruiting tactics, techniques and procedures in exceeding their goals. They recruited 61 new cadets-which is the highest total for Mid-Year in the last three years-and brought in nearly $1 million of revenue. Col Leek has recently transitioned to the Commandant s Department as the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Support, where he will continue his efforts with a priority towards retention. The momentum generated by the entire Admissions team position us well for a highly successful Fall 2018 recruitment cycle. Team members pictured left to right, are Dylan Skip Hileman 12C, College Admissions Counselor, Kyle Davis, College Admissions Counselor, Nahfees Akbar, College Admissions Counselor, Col Bill Leek, USMC (Ret.), former VFMAC Admissions Recruiting Consultant, Michelle Gatta, Director of Academy Admissions, Erica Diaz, Director of International Admissions, Derek Frazier 10, Associate Director of Academy Admissions. Team members not pictured are, Dawn Dreese, Senior Director of College Admissions, and Rebecca Shumard, College Admissions Counselor. AABOD February Meeting We had our regular Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting on February 17, 2018 in the Sara Crawford Room in Mellon Hall with many great Alumni present and on the conference line. We had the great pleasure of a visit with the current President of the College Business Honor Society and the 2019 President of the College Business Honor Society. These outstanding cadets made a presentation to the Board about their project to refurbish and remake the Boodle Shop into a profit center for VFMAC and the benefit of the Corps of Cadets. The Cadets did a fabulous job. Pictured, left to right, are LTC Frank Spano 01C, Associate Dean of VFMC, Colonel Oliver Norrell III 71, Director AABOD, Cadet Zachary Seringer, Cadet David Dortch and Colonel Joseph Bartasius, USA (Ret.), 81, 83C, Chairman of the AABOD and Member of the BOT. 8

9 Fabulous Pre-Order Opportunity: Special thanks to the diligence and determination of Art Lambert 60 and Glenn Wanamaker 88 for giving us the opportunity to offer these classic and magnificent statues that were once given out by our Founder LTG Milton G. Baker, USA (Ret.) to the dignitaries who visited VFMAC. These beautiful statues are approximately 14 high and are hand panted and hard fired and numbered for longevity. The price is $200 each. (Not including shipping & handling). If you are interested in the possibility of owning one of these statues please me at We are compiling a list of those who would like them. 9

10 Courage, Honor, Conquer By Ronald Tschiegg 52C Tales from the beginning in 1928 to 1970 when the Corps of Cadets numbered over 1,200. Here is your opportunity to have this amazing volume in your home library. Price (domestic shipping & handling included): $40.00 To purchase this book please contact: Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations or THE PAST IN REVIEW A unique video history of the first 40 years of Valley Forge Military Academy & College, narrated by LTG Milton Medenbach, BG Alfred Sanelli and BG Ralph Jones. Directed by George Newell 53C (Band), assisted by Ronald Tschiegg 52C (Band) Price (shipping & handling included): $30.00 To purchase this book please contact: Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu. When making your purchases through Amazon.com, please remember your Alma Mater. Every purchase helps make us stronger. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation. The first time you visit select your charity: "Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation" and every other time you visit under the search bar you'll see: "Supporting: Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation". 10

11 Alumni Gift Items 2015 Alumni Pin - $ Alumni Shield Cufflinks - $40.00 Alumni Tie (Battery Red Tie) - $35.00 Alumni Crest - $35.00 Alumni Challenge Coin - $35.00 Alumni Tie Bar - $35.00 Total Price of Package (1 of each) - $ To order please contact: Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu 11

12 Dates to Remember March 17, 2018 March 29, 2018 April 27, 2018 April 27-29, 2018 AABOD Meeting Sara Crawford Room, Mellon Hall at 9:30 am Alumni Association Academic Excellence Award Dinner Eisenhower Hall at 6:00 pm Academy Career Day- Starts at 8:00 am Alumni Homecoming Classes ending in 3 and 8 are the five year reunion classes Homecoming Silent Auction and Wine Pull Brothers and Sisters, We are looking for auction items for the 2018 Homecoming Silent Auction. If you have any items for auction please let me know. We are always looking for the unusual items related to Valley Forge Military Academy & College, but we are also looking for items, such as, jewelry, paintings, wine & spirits, vacations, timeshares, restaurants, and sports/concert/theater tickets. Let s have a huge silent auction this year and help support all the projects that are near and dear to our hearts. We are also specifically asking for donations of wine for our new and exciting Wine Pull. Please consider donating those leftover bottles of wine from the holidays or re-gift us a few! Please Contact: Tom Goldblum 69, 71C Director of Alumni Relations tgoldblum@vfmac.edu 12

13 Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2018 Sequence of Events (Subject to change) Friday, April 27 8:00 a.m. Beginning of Academy Career Day 10:00 a.m. Registration Meet and Greet/Networking in Sara Crawford Room, Mellon Hall Alumni merchandise will be available for sale ties, patches, coins, t-shirts, hats, etc. 11:30 a.m. Main Area Formation Alumni Gold & Silver Sword Award Presentations 12:00 p.m. Dine with the Corps of Cadets at 2 nd Mess 1:30 p.m. State of the Forge Address Mellon Hall Ballroom, AABOD General Meeting 3:30 p.m. Free Time 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Alumni Cocktail Reception, Open Bar Eisenhower Hall Wine Pull and Silent Auction (online bidding) Saturday, April 28 8:00 a.m. Rehearsal Band Concert including alumni Mellon Hall Ballroom 8:30 a.m. Registration - Meet and Greet/Networking in Sara Crawford Room, Mellon Hall Alumni merchandise will be available for sale - ties, patches, coins, t-shirts, hats, etc. 9:00 10:15 a.m. Post Visitation All Barracks open, 1 Room will be designated for inspection Society of the Golden Sword Reception (Invitation Only) May H. Baker Memorial Library with Col Church and John English, Board Chairman 11:00 11:30 a.m. Manual of Arms Competition Alumni vs. Cadets Parade Field (Registration Required) 11:30 a.m. VFMAC Drill Team Demonstration Parade Field 12:00 p.m. Regimental Review 90 th Corps of Cadets Parade Field Alumni March On form on Continental Drive & Salute to the Corps of Cadets Commanding Officer, Chairman, Alumni Association, AABOD Reviewing Officers John English, Col Church, AABOD Executive Committee, Past Regimental Commanders, 2018 Distinguished Alum Dedication of the H.R. McMaster Center for Security Studies Reunion Class Pictures behind reviewing stand immediately after the parade 1:30 p.m. BBQ lunch under the tent - Mellon Hall Terrace 2:00 p.m. Boodle Shop Open for alternative dining 3:00 p.m. William T. Gans, Jr. '59, '61C Memorial Band Concert Mellon Hall Ballroom 6:00 p.m. Alumni Reception Eisenhower Hall (2 nd Floor), Black Tie Optional 7:00 p.m. Alumni Dinner & Silent Auction Eisenhower Hall Seated White Glove Service. Get your tables together now. Sunday, April 29 9:00 a.m. Alumni Breakfast Mellon Hall Rotunda 10:30 a.m. Chapel Call and Alumni Memorial Chapel Service Chapel Choir / Alumni Participation Silver TAPS Ceremony Laying of the Wreath at the Founder s grave Watch for weekly updates for additions and corrections 13

14 Important Event Details Registration To register for Alumni Homecoming Weekend, please contact Tom Goldblum at or call or register at If you do not pre-register, you will not have your yearbook photo on your name badge and cadet company that you were assigned. Dress Code The dress code while on campus is suit, service uniform, sport coat and tie, or business casual (collared shirt). It will be strictly enforced and greatly appreciated by staff, faculty, cadets and fellow alumni that we are in the proper uniform. Those inappropriately dressed may be asked to change prior to participating in the events. Smoking The entire VFMAC post is a tobacco free/non-smoking facility. Your cooperation will be appreciated by everyone. Safety and Security Inappropriate behavior or activity on the post will not be condoned or tolerated. Specified barracks and other buildings will only be open for visitation on Saturday morning during designated times. For safety and security reasons, barracks are off limits to all alumni and their visitors at all other times. Please respect the privacy of the cadets living quarters. Miscellaneous A handicapped bathroom is located in Mellon Hall on the 1 st Floor. Other bathrooms are located in Mellon Hall, Eisenhower Hall and Bower Hall (2 nd Floor). Shuttles and golf carts available all day, please be patient. Photos of the weekend can be obtained through A link to the Photo Gallery can be found on in the right Links for Parents section. Boodle Shop, Cadet Store, Museum and Library will be open at designated times during the weekend. Hotels Nearby Marriott Courtyard - Devon, 762 Lancaster Avenue, o Book your group rate for Valley Forge Military Academy and College Homecoming Room Block Radnor Hotel - Radnor, 591 East Lancaster Avenue, Hilton Garden Inn Valley Forge*, 500 Cresson Blvd., Phoenixville, o Click here to reserve your room. Homewood Suites Valley Forge*, 681 Shannondell Blvd., Audubon, o The Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are offering a complimentary round trip shuttle to VFMAC on Friday evening for the cocktail reception. o Additionally both Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn will donate $5.00 rebate back to VFMAC for each night consumed over Alumni Weekend. If you have any questions, please contact General Manager Sean Fox 96 at o Click here to reserve your room. 14

15 2018 Alumni Homecoming Registration Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29, 2018 ALL EVENTS PASSES (includes admission to all of the individual events below) Alumni Weekend Sponsor Personal Sponsorship of Alumni Homecoming Weekend ($350 per sponsor; includes All-Event Pass at $150, and a $200 contribution to the Alumni Association) # Sponsors (@$350) Total Cost: $ # Spouse/Guests (@$150) Total Cost: $ Sponsors may register via telephone by calling Mr. Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations, at General Three-Day Pass ($150 per person) # Attending Total Cost: $ INDIVIDUAL EVENT RESERVATIONS: FRIDAY Afternoon Second Mess ($15 per person) # Attending Total Cost: $ Evening Alumni Cocktail Reception ($20 per person, $30 after April 15) (Wine Pull and Silent Auction fundraiser to benefit the Alumni Association and the Forge Fund) # Attending Total Cost: $ SATURDAY Outdoor BBQ Luncheon ($30 per person) # Attending Total Cost: $ Alumni Cocktail Reception and Dinner (includes open bar; must be 21 or older to drink) ($75 per person) White Glove Table Service # Attending Total Cost: $ SUNDAY Alumni Breakfast Mellon Hall Rotunda ($20 per person) # Attending Total Cost: $ Gift to the Forge Fund to support the 90 th Corps of Cadets: $ Total Enclosed: $ To participate in the William T. Gans, Jr. 59, 61C Memorial Band Concert on Saturday afternoon, please contact Bandmaster Vince DeMarro at /vdemarro@vfmac.edu. If you prefer to register online, please go to: *Eventbrite is an online payment service. The slightly higher price reflects a convenience fee and is not required for anyone submitting their payments by mail. Sponsors may avoid this fee by registering by mail or by telephoning Mr. Tom Goldblum 69, 71C, Director of Alumni Relations, at Please note appropriate attire is required for all events - Coat & tie or business casual for men; dresses or dressy slacks for women 15

16 Special Requirements or Needs for Homecoming Weekend: Handicap Requirements: [ ] Cadet Escort [ ] Golf Cart Method of Payment (check or circle one): [ ] Check [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] American Express [ ] Discover Card Number: Expiration Date: Card Verification Number: (CVN: Last three digits on the back of VISA/MC/DISC or four digits on front of AMEX) Name: Mailing Address: City: State: Zip: Country: Address: Daytime Phone: Valley Forge Class Years and Cadet Company: Be sure to include these so we can put them on your nametag. Spouse/Guest(s) Names and Relationships: Please make your check payable to VFMAC Foundation and mail to: Valley Forge Military Academy & College Homecoming Weekend Registration Alumni Office Mellon Hall 1001 Eagle Road Wayne, PA If you are paying by credit card you may fax your registration and credit card information to or mail it to the above address. Questions? Check out our website: contact us at or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu. Open parking is available at the General and South Campus parking lots with a shuttle service running. Please pre-register to receive your yearbook photo ID badge. Indicate your company so we can include it on the badge. To register online, please go to: 16