Alumni Newsletter – July 2016 - Valley Forge Military Academy

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
COL Raymond Bossert, Jr., USA ’85
Meeting with the Commandant (MG
Shonduke and BG Azez) of the Nigerian
Engineer School in Makuda (south of
the capital) for a briefing on Stability
Operations and assessment of their
training manage ment program for their
reengineer Officers and Enlisted
Soldiers. — At the NIGERIAN ARMY
SCHOOL OF MILITARY
ENGINEERING (NASME), MAKURDI.
COL Raymond Bossert, Jr., USA ’85 gives a lecture to
the Commandant and Provost of the Nigerian National
Defense College.
COL Raymond Bossert Jr., USA ’85 in an impromptu
office call by the 4th
ranking general, LTG
Ojumbi. He heard of
the lecture and wanted
me to receive a brief
on their operations in the north and in the delta from the
commanders who were in town by chance and see if what
they were doing fell in line with doctrine.” — At the
NIGERIAN ARMY SCHOOL OF MILITARY
ENGINEERING (NASME), MAKURDI.
Michael D’Annunzio, VFMA ’19
We are pleased to announce Michael D’Annunzio, VFMA ’19,
received the 2016 Scott Ball Outstanding Cadet Award at the PA State
Police Summer Camp. This prestigious award, created by the American
Legion, recognizes the cadet who best exemplifies the characteristics of
Honor, Service, Integrity, Respect, Trust, Courage, and Duty. The
award is named in honor of Trooper Scott C. Ball (Army Master Sgt.)
who was killed in action 27 August 2007 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan
while serving in the 55th Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
D’Annunzio attributes his success to the discipline and training he
received at Valley Forge Military Academy. He outlasted 76 other
cadets (ages 15-17) in a physical endurance test and had one of the
highest marksmanship scores with an M4 carbine on the range.
D’Annunzio is a current VFMA Rifle member and was recently selected in May for a tactical
training trip in West Virginia with IDS Tactical due to his skill/dedication.
On hand for his award were his State Police
mentors, Trooper Morgan Crummy and LT Michael
Ford (retired).
Congratulations to D’Annunzio on this welldeserved honor- he represents the values and
characteristics of Valley Forge Military Academy and
VF Rifle!
Scott Ball was one of my Platoon Sergeants when
I commanded 2nd Squadron, 104th U.S. Cavalry...so
very proud to see that one of my little brothers from VF has earned the award that is given in this
hero's name!! Walt Lord - 84C
Sebastian Labar ’11
We are pleased to announce that Sebastian Labar ’11 and his band Mach
22 have been selected by Q102.9 WMGK and the popular vote of the
listeners to perform as the opening act for the July 14, 2016 Guns N Roses
Concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.
Mach 22 is one of the most recognizable local bands in the Philly area and
evidently one of the most popular. It is always great to see one of our own
succeed in such a spectacular manner. Reports from those attending the
concert were equally fantastic and we recommend that if you have a chance
go out and see them. Let’s make them a national hit. Way to Go Sebastian,
keep on Rocking!!!! On site reporter was Kevin Bradley ’93.
CPT Jacob E. Myers, USA ’08C
CPT Jacob E Myers, USA ’08C graduated from Shippensburg Area
High School in 2006 and immediately attend basic training at Ft. Jackson,
SC. That fall, he attended Valley Forge Military College. In his second year,
he became Company Commander of I Company, was awarded the Anthony
Wayne Award, and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Society. He
graduated as a 2LT in 2008.
From 2008 to 2010 CPT Myers attended American University in
Washington, DC and attended ROTC at Georgetown University. He
graduated from American University with a BS in International Studies.
Following graduation, CPT Myers went full time active in the Army, was
stationed at Ft. Sill, OK for artillery training and was promoted to 1LT. In
2012 he was assigned to Ft. Riley in Manhattan, KS. He deployed to
Afghanistan as Fire Support Officer in Bravo Co., 2-16 IN, Ghazni
Provence, and Platoon Leader for Bravo Battery, 2-32 FA, Paktika
Provence, Afghanistan. He was promoted to CPT during deployment.
CPT Myers is currently assigned to the Army Staff where he is an
assistant Executive Officer for the Director of the Operations Directorate,
Army DCS G-3/5/7 Pentagon. He and his wife, Meaghan, currently
reside in Washington, DC. Reporting for Alumni Newsletter is Angela
Myers.
VFMAC N.E. Ohio Alumni – Rudy Herzog Regiment
On June 24, 2015 our N.E. Ohio Regiment had
a wonderful outing to Sarah’s Vineyard to celebrate
the coming of summer and to cheer their new
found World Championship in Basketball and their
superstar LeBron James. From those of us visiting
we congratulate them on their triumph.
Regimental Commander Hugh Roberts ’56 and
Regimental Executive Officer Tim Graham ’66
present an excellent program of speakers from
Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni
Relations at VFMAC, Dr. Barry Sandrew ’66,
Distinguished Alum of 2016, Captain Paul E.
Galanti USN (Ret.) ’57 (Navy Cross) and James “Pete” McLallen ’62, ’64C, Chairman of the
Regiments Committee of the AABOD from the Michigan Regiment.
The food, wine and comradeship were all top notch and, as always, a tribute to the marvelous job
done by the N.E. Ohio Regiment.
Matt Hulit ’89 and Robin Lahiri ’85
Robin Lahiri ’85 (Band) and his
family had a cross country excursion
from Florida to California. During the
course of his trip Robin and team ran
into a plethora of many VFMAC Alumni
along the way. Wanting to take a break
from the tedium of advanced tourism
Robin and Clan stopped in for some
Pizza at the Union Pizza Company
where, low and behold, he ran into Matt
Hulit ’89 owner of the famous Union
Pizza Company. When two old buddies
run into each other like this a party ensued. Brother Robin brought the party and Brother Matt
cooked the food. A great time was had by all and ties of friendship and brotherhood were cemented
from across the country.
For all of our Alumni traveling to California be sure to
drop in and see Matt and sample all of his wonderful
Italian delights. This is the place for a real Stromboli on
the west coast. Please go see Matt and tell him that Robin
sent you, he will probably charge you more but you will
have a good time. (Just kidding about charging you more.)
1570 ROSECRANS AVE.
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA. 90266
310-536-9888
Frank M. Spano ’01C
One of our notable alumni, Frank
M Spano ’01C, Executive Director
The Counterterrorism Institute has
been spending a lot of time on
television keeping the country safe
and making sure that we are all
educated to the problem of
international and domestic terrorism.
Frank is shown here, on many of his
television appearances, explaining
what has happened in the terrible
attack on an Orlando night club.
Frank’s analysis on Fios News both informs and educates the public to the real world. Frank is a
2001 graduate of the College and is a Lawyer and Legal scholar. Thank you Frank for helping to
keep us safe and for spreading the word. Frank also serves as Chairman of the Admissions
Committee on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
MAJ Jeffrey Toczylowski ’95C Memorial Golf Tournament
On Saturday July 30th 2016 Pamela Toczylowski Patton
and Peggy Toczylowski were the hosts and organizers of the
Annual Major Jeffry Toczylowski ’95C Memorial Golf
Tournament at Five Ponds Golf Course in Warrington, PA.
Besides the great competition of the tournament itself we
had a silent auction, raffle baskets, give-away commemorative
tee shirts, cigars, magazines, lunch and dinner. We wish to
thank everyone who came out to participate, including a team
from Army Special Forces who came in from Colorado to
compete in honor of their fallen friend and comrade Jeff.
Thank you also to all the volunteers who helped everything go and work and for the leadership of
Peggy, Pam and Tom. God Bless this wonderful tournament named after one of our great heroes,
Major Jeffrey Toczylowski ’95C USA, TAPs, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. This benefits the Valley
Forge Military Academy & College Scholarship Fund.
Diego Rubio ’09C
Valley Forge Military Academy & College is everywhere. On July 5,
2016 VFMAC Alumni and Member of the Alumni Board of Directors,
Diego Rubio '09C and Fred Cibelli USAF Academy represented our
Veterans and Ernst and Young at the closing bell at NASDAQ. This is
an honor given to members of the business community who have
established themselves as a force in the business world and their local
communities. Congratulations for this wonderful recognition and keep
up the great work in spreading the word of how successful our alumni
have become.
Bob Mensch ’65C
Senator Mensch’s Bill to Continue State Military College Legislative
Appointment Program Becomes Law
Harrisburg - Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) to remove
the sunset date of June 30, 2016 from the “State Military College Legislative
Appointment Initiative” (Act 29 of 2012) was signed into law by Governor
Tom Wolf today. Act 29 of 2012 was originally enacted in order to allow
members of the General Assembly to appoint an eligible student within their
legislative district for initial enrollment at Valley Forge Military Academy & College annually. SB
1194, now Act 81 of 2016, will allow members to continue the appointment process.
Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMAC) has a long tradition of providing characterbased education within an academic and military environment to young men and women who have
gone on to become military leaders, industry executives, government officials, professional athletes,
Rhoades Scholars, and White House Fellows. Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) is a two-year,
transfer program from which almost all students go on to attend four-year colleges and universities.
John C. Dever '62, '64C TAPS
Just a note to let you know that Jack Dever ’62, ’64C
died on May 24 of a heart attack. It was a big surprise, but
we knew that he was not in the best of health as we had
talked at Homecoming last year. I’m glad that we got to see
him at our 50th reunion and we have passed jokes back and
forth via email since then.
Jack always had a good sense of humor and was
enjoyable to be around. In the last few years as he was
having trouble getting around he started bird watching around his house in N.J.
Vincent Luke Strano, Sr. ’71 TAPs
Vincent Luke Strano Sr, ’71, age 62, of Elkton, MD, formerly of New Castle,
DE went home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2016. He graduated from Valley
Forge Military Academy and went on to attend Brandywine College and McAllister
Institute of Funeral Service. Vince worked for several Delaware funeral homes
before partnering with Joseph Feeley to open Strano & Feeley Family Funeral
Home, fulfilling his lifelong dream of ministering to grieving families. Vince was
well respected and had many close friendships in the funeral industry. He served as
past president of the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association.
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Mr. Ray A. Hess '42, TAPS, May 11, 2016, Bethlehem, PA
Mr. John H. Hamer '45, TAPS, June 21, 2016, Winchester, TN
Mr. Karl F. Neuweiler '47, TAPS, July 25, 2016, Canadensis, PA
Mr. Joseph W. Clarke II '48, TAPS, July 1, 2016, Tomball, TX
Mr. Charles J. Keratsis '48, TAPS, July 21, 2016, Holden, MA
Mr. Albert A. DiIoia '48, TAPS, July 18, 2016, Hatboro, PA
Mr. Donald A. Mosites '52, TAPS, May 18, 2016, Peters, PA
Mr. Robert F. Palermo '53, TAPS, June 13, 2016, Lebanon, PA
Mr. Austin I. Snyder '57, TAPS, June 16, 2016, Horsham, PA
Mr. Richard M. Owens '58, TAPS, May 1, 2016, New Hartford, NY
Mr. Hugh J. Herron '58, TAPS, May 9, 2016, Mays Landing, NJ
Mr. Ross H. Hall '55, TAPS, June 15, 2016, Napa, CA
Mr. Bradley E. Grimes III '60, TAPS, July 6, 2016, Aiken, SC
Mr. A. Joseph Sekera '60, TAPS, July 1, 2016, Epworth, GA
Mr. Thomas S. Underwood '64, TAPS, June 2, 2016, Ormond Beach, FL
Mr. John C. Dever '62, '64C, TAPS, May 24, 2016, Upper Deerfield, NJ
Mr. Alfred T. Moffatt '64, '66C, TAPS, July 15, 2016, Ft. Washington, PA
Mr. Vincent L. Strano '71, TAPS, July 7, 2016, Elkton, MD
MAJ John W. Carr, USAR (Ret.) '83C, TAPS, May 22, 2016, Beverly, MA
Mr. Darius M. Johnson '10C, TAPS, June 18, 2016, Philadelphia, PA
Coming Events:
INVITATION
Saturday August 27, 2016
1:00 PM (1300)
George Washington Regiment
Summer BBQ Picnic
Members, Family and Friends
Ivan Brown’s Backyard
9806 Arnon Chapel Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-861-4855
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Beer, Soda, Fixings, Chips
(Bring your own sides / BYOB)
RSVP NLT August 16, 2016: William Ridley’64
wridley@bktravel.com
Price: $20.00 per person
Please make check out to Ivan Brown and mailed to Bill Ridley at
10007 Winnepeg Court, Burke, VA 22015.
Payment can also be made at the picnic.
Parking: road next to the house on River Forest Drive
Upcoming Events
August 13, 2016
August 27, 2016
September 8, 2016
September 11, 2016
September 17, 2016
September 26, 2016
September 30, 2016
9/30/16 – 10/2/16
October 15, 2016
AABOD Planning Meeting in Eisenhower Hall
George Washington Regiment BBQ
Opening Day Ceremonies – Chapel
Honor Sunday – Chapel
AABOD Monthly Meeting – Sara Crawford Room
Founders Day
Society of the Golden Sword – Crossed Sabers
Recognition Weekend
AABOD Monthly Meeting – Sara Crawford Room
9:30 AM
1:00 PM
4:30 PM
9:30 AM
4:00 PM
9:30 AM
Final Fundraising Effort by TAMV Group
Fred Betman, ’74, Founder of The Alumni Monthly Voice –
TAMV, announced our first fundraising event to raise $1,500 for a
digital portable piano is almost complete. To date we have raised
approximately $1,150.00 toward our goal. We have made October
30th 2016 our final cut day. Let me remind everyone about the
band’s need for the piano with the request coming from our
esteemed Bandmaster WO2 Phil Evans, RM (Ret.), We are so
close and this will solve a need not only for the band but the music
programs for the school we want to finish strong. Please join us in
this worthwhile activity and let’s get it done. GREAT JOB!!!!
To purchase this marvelous book please place your order with Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director
of Alumni Relations, 610-989-1329 or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu.
The price (which includes domestic shipping and handling) $40.00
Homecoming Auction Special Event:
Alumni Homecoming Auction for 2017 – Bidding begins now. Minimum $4,000
Donated by:
Col. William Ridley ’64 USA (Ret.)
To place your bid: tgoldblum@vfmac.edu of call Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C
610-989-1329