Alumni Newsletter – Winter 2016 - Valley Forge Military Academy

Alumni Newsletter
Winter 2016
Homecoming Schedule and Sign Up
Coming Events
April 6, 2016, 7:00 PM
Center for the Advancement of Security Studies
will host a panel discussion on
21st Century National Security Challenges:
From ISIS to Cyberspace
Valley Forge Military Academy & College, Mellon Hall Ballroom
To Register go to:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-centruy-national-security-challenges-from-isis-tocyberspace-registration-21040652157
Panalists
Pat Meehan: Representative of the 7 District of Pennsylvania in the United States Congress;
Ethics Chairman of the subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Protection and Security
Technologies.
th
Mark Kelton: Former Deputy Director for the National Clandestine Service for Counter
Intelligence.
Bob McCants: VF/CSO of CSRA Inc., Former Director of Security for Information Systems
and Global Solutions Lockheed Martin, Former Director of Security for Central Intelligence
Agency.
Dr. Antuilo Echevarria: Editor of the U.S. Army War College Quarterly; Former Director of
Research U.S. Army War College.
For mor information contact cassevents@vfmac.edu
On April 23rd, Valley Forge will be hosting our 4th Annual
1LT Joseph Theinert Memorial 5K Run/Walk!!!!!
This annual event supports Valley Forge scholarships and the
American Red Cross in memory of a fallen hero. A Valley Forge
alum, 1LT Joseph Theinert C’06 TAPS, was killed in action in
2010 while serving our nation in Afghanistan. Leading his unit
under hostile fire, 1LT Theinert was killed in an IED
incident. This race serves as a constant reminder of his heroism
and bravery in providing opportunities for future cadets.
WE NEED YOU! DON’T WAIT, you can register now! To register for the race, simply select
the web link below. You can register as an individual or as a team of four! Runners will be
electronically timed through the course that traverses the neighborhoods of Wayne. Race
information, including a course map, is available through the website below.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION PRICE. THE EARLY
BIRD PRICE EXPIRES ON MARCH 14TH
Registration link: http://www.vfmac.edu/vfruns/
THIS IS A COMMUNTY WIDE EVENT, SO IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE
INTERESTED IN THE RACE…PASS THE INFORMATION ON!!!!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE…WE NEED YOU!
Major Events:
April 8, 2016
April 10, 2016
April 29, 2016
April 29 – May 1
May 9, 2016
May 20, 2016
June 3, 2016
Spring Concert
Chapel
100th Anniversary of ROTC
Homecoming
Alumni Golf Outing
College Graduation
Academy Graduation
Mellon Hall Auditorium
Chapel
Mellon Hall Auditorium
See Pages 10 – 15
See Page 16
Campus Event
Campus Event
Please come join us at any of these great events. All are welcome. If you have interest and
want to participate or just watch please contact the Office of Alumni Relations:
Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C
Director of Alumni Relations
tgoldblum@vfmac.edu
610-989-1329
Alumni News:
Wesley Moore ’97, ’99C
The release of The Work in January, to the roll out of our
very first college engagement tour, to publishing my first
young adult novel, This Way Home, 2015 has been a year of
new ideas and bold adventures.
Wes wrote to Holly Cheshire ’15H recently to say that
he released two books in 2015, The Work and his first young
adult novel This Way Home. He reports that The Work was a
NY Times Bestseller, and that This Way Home has been
nominated for the 9th Annual Teen Choice Book Awards.
Class of 1960 have a Mini Reunion at the Strawberry Festival
Several members of the Class of 1960 attended the annual
Plant City, FL Strawberry Festival to support 18 Grammy Award
winner classmate, Jimmy Sturr '60C, and his orchestra perform at
this popular central Florida event. Renowned as the King of
Polka, Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra have been opening day
headliner performers at this annual Strawberry Festival for over
30 consecutive years. VFMA & C classmates pictured together (L
to R) are, Carter Nute '60C, Chic Halsted '60, Jimmy Sturr '60C
and Lee Tompkins '60.
Paul W. McKenna Jr. ’79C and Sean S. Condron ’97
Congratulations go out to Brother Paul W. McKenna Jr., ’79C
whose son, Liam McKenna, earned and was presented his Eagle
Scout rank at a ceremony in
sponsored by the Boy Scouts of
American. The Eagle Scout rank
is the highest achievable in this
outstanding organization and is
the most difficult to earn.
Pictured are Paul W. McKenna Jr. ’79C, Liam McKenna,
Sean Condron ’97, and Brian Fiske ’80 (SoCal Regiment of the
Alumni Association).
Returning to Post
Midshipman Niall Gallagher ’15 returned to Valley Forge
Military Academy and went right into the classroom to discuss
with cadets the first year of life at the United States Naval
Academy and how well Valley Forge Military Academy prepared
him for the life of a new Midshipman.
Midshipman Gallagher was the Academy Battalion
Commander during his senior year and he was also the class of
2016 President. Mr. Gallagher’s words of wisdom were well
taken and processed by those considering a career in the armed
forces and especially those considering the Service Academies.
Thank you Mr. Gallagher you are a credit to Valley Forge.
Major General Harry E. Miller Jr. ’78C
We wish to congratulate Major General Harry E. Miller, Jr.
’78C for assuming command of the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow)
Division, New York Army National Guard, on 12 April 2013. As
Division Commander, he has Alignment for Training responsibility
for the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in N.J., the 86th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Vermont, the 197th Fires Brigade
in New Hampshire, the 26th maneuver Enhancement Brigade in
Mass., as well as the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 42nd
Combat Aviation Brigade and the 369th Sustainment Brigade from
N.Y. General Miller is responsible for preparing units for combat
missions overseas and domestic emergencies with NY State.
Major General Miller most recently served as Assistant
Adjutant General – Army, New York National Guard. General
Miller is truly another Valley Forge Military Academy and College example of the success our
graduates can achieve. Thank you for your service to our Country, you are an inspiration to us all.
David Esqueda ’98, ’00C, Juan Santana ’79, ’81C and Maurice Perez ’80, ’82C
Our three heroes here have an incredible amount of
service toward Valley Forge Military Academy and
College. All three are graduates of the Academy and the
College, the three have all served in the capacity as
Regimental Executive Officer (2nd Captain). Currently David
Esqueda ’98, ’00C is the Chairman of the Alumni Board of
Directors, Juan Santana ’79, ’81C is the Secretary of the
Alumni Association and Maurice Perez ’80, ’82C is one of
the leaders of the Miami Florida Alumni Regiment. We thank
these three Amigos for their years of service and dedication
to our Alma Mater.
LTG H.R. McMaster ’80 USA, COL Joseph Bartasius ’81, ’83C, USA (Ret.), Jeffrey Kreuer
‘80
On Friday January 22nd, 2016 at the Spring Mill Country Club in Ivyland
Bucks County the Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce held a
luncheon to honor on of their own, LTG H.R. McMaster ’80 USA, who
just happens to be one of our own also. Herbert McMaster is recognized as
one of the great new army commanders of modern times. He is the Deputy
Commanding General, Futures, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
and it was a great pleasure to be there and hear him speak. Representing
Valley Forge Military Academy and College were COL Joseph
Bartasius ’81, ’83C, USA (Ret.), President of the Alumni Association,
Jeffrey Kreuer ’80, Director, Alumni Association Board of Directors, Tom
Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations and a surprise guest COL
John Church Jr. USMC (Ret.).
Alumni Throwback Picture of the Month (A Bit of World History Made)
Campus Happenings
Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society
The Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society Chapter
at Valley Forge Military College met in interview attire with
the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors at
their February Monthly Meeting in Mellon Hall. These future
business leaders had a round table discussion concerning the
proper ways to go to an interview, the different career
opportunities available in the community and the ways
VFMA&C helped our alumni leaders to advance in the world
of business, military and all other endeavors they choose for
their life’s work. The prospect of internships was discussed
and the possibilities of alumni providing career advice to graduating cadets. The cadets were
wonderful and congratulations to Cadet Sergeant Major Kumar ’16C for putting this all together.
Well done!!!
Mid-Year Cadets take their oath and join the 88th Corps of Cadets
After the rigors of plebe training and the
uphill climb to earn their cap shields these plebes
have finally taken the oath to join the 88th Corps
of Cadets. In front of their parents, faculty and
staff these intrepid new cadets take their place in
the Long Line of Gray.
On Friday afternoon, on March 4th under the
leadership of their cadet officers and overseen
by Colonel William Gallagher, Commandant of
Cadets these proud new members of the Corps
are welcomed. Congratulations from the Alumni
Association on your accomplishment.
40th Annual Military School Band and choir Festival
Congratulations to the VFMA&C Band - winner of the Best Prepared High School and College
award at the 40th Annual Military School Band and Choir Festival. This makes their 5th consecutive
win! Congratulations to the Cadets and to Bandmaster Evans on this accomplishment.
COL John R. Bourgeois conducted the band, Senior Chief Mike Bayes took the Drum Majors
and MAJ. Scott McKenzie took the choir. VF did extremely well taking Best prepared Academy and
Best prepared College..
Congratulations to Bandmaster Phil Evans and all the winners and participants in this
wonderful weekend program. Many attended and all had a great time. Bravo to all the talented
musicians and Drum Majors. Well Done!!!
Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Invites you to join us in celebration
of the
2016 Alumni
Homecoming Weekend
Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1, 2016
RECONNECT WITH YOUR ALMA MATER
Visit with the President of VFMA&C
Dr. Stacey R. Sauchuk
***
Meet and visit with the 88th Corps of Cadets
***
Meet and visit with the faculty and staff of VFMA&C
***
Meet and greet your former classmates and fellow Alumni
For additional information, please contact:
VFMA&C Alumni Office
Tom Goldblum ’69
(610)-989- 1329
tgoldblum@vfmac.edu
or
2016 Homecoming Chairman
Paul Lea IV ’87, ’89C Ph.D.
(240) 672-5701
paulmlea4@gmail.com
Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2016
Sequence of Events
(Subject to change)
SEE DRESS CODE ON NEXT PAGE
Friday, April 29
12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 30
8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.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.
March to 2nd Mess with your former cadet company – Main Area
ROTC 100 Year Ceremony – Mellon Hall Ballroom – Cake Cutting
“State of the Forge” Address – Mellon Hall Ballroom, AABOD General Meeting
Alumni Cocktail Reception – Eisenhower Hall – Raffle – Silent Auction
Rehearsal – Band Concert – including alumni – Mellon Hall, Ballroom
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.
Post Visitation – All Barracks open, 1 Room will be designated for inspection.
Society of the Golden Sword Reception (by invitation only, details to follow.)
Dedication of Eric Fisher Wood Jr ’37 Memorial – LTG Gustave Perna, USA
’81C Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 and MG Walter Lord USA ’84C, Advisor to Sec. of
Defense for the National Guard
Manual of Arms Competition – Alumni vs. Cadets – Parade Field
Drill Team Demonstration – Parade Field
Regimental Review – 88th Corps of Cadets – Parade Field
Alumni “March – On” & Salute to the Corps of Cadets – Parade Field
Reviewing Officers – Dr. Sauchuk, COL Gallagher, LTG Perna, MG Lord,
AABOD Executive Committee, Past Regimental Commanders
Reunion Class Pictures behind reviewing stand immediately after the parade.
BBQ Luncheon – Mellon Hall Terrace
William T. Gans, Jr. '59, '61C Memorial Band Concert – Mellon Hall Ballroom
Alumni Receptions – for all classes – Eisenhower Hall
Alumni Dinner & Silent Auction – Mellon Hall
(All 5 year reunion classes will be seated together)
Entertainment by the World Famous Kevin Pierce, ’79, ’81C (Former RC)
Sunday, May 1
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Alumni Breakfast – Mellon Hall Rotunda
Chapel Call and Alumni Memorial Chapel Service – Chapel Choir / Alumni
Participation
–Guest Speaker, Dr. Barry Sandrew Ph.D. ’66 Neuroscientist, inventor, serial
entrepreneur, and pioneering film maker who invented colorization and 3D
conversion of feature films. Class Representative from the 50 year reunion class of
1966
Silver TAPS Ceremony
Laying of the Wreath at the Founder’s grave
SPECIAL NOTES
Dress Code

The dress code for all events during Alumni Homecoming Weekend is coat and tie, or
business casual. It will be strictly enforced and greatly appreciated by Staff, Faculty, Cadets
and fellow Alumni. Those inappropriately dressed may be asked to change prior to
participating in the events.
Smoking
 The entire VFMA&C 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 specific times. For safety and security reasons, all Barracks are off limits to all
Alumni and their visitors at all other times. Please respect the privacy of the cadets’ living
quarters.
Miscellaneous

Handicapped bathroom is located in Mellon Hall, 1st Floor. Bathrooms in Mellon Hall,
Eisenhower Hall and Bower Hall (2nd Floor).
 Shuttles and golf carts available all day, please be patient.
 Photos of the weekend can be obtained through www.vfmac.edu and go to Academy or
College photo and then to Photo Album on the left toolbar.
 Boodle Shop, Cadet Store, Museum and Library will be open at convenient times during the
weekend.
To register for Alumni Homecoming Weekend, please contact Tom Goldblum at:
tgoldblum@vfmac.edu or call 610-989-1329 or register at:
http://vfmachomecoming2016.eventbrite.com
Hotels Nearby




Marriott Courtyard - Devon, 762 Lancaster Ave., 800-321-2211
Radnor Hotel - Radnor, 591 East Lancaster Ave., 610-341-3100
* Homewood Suites – Valley Forge, 681 Shannondell Blvd., Audubon, 610-539-7300
http://homewoodsuites.hilton.com/en/hw/groups/personalized/P/PHLHWHW-VFM20160427/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
* Hilton Garden Inn – Valley Forge, 500 Cresson Blvd., Phoenixville, 610-650-0880
* The Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn are offering a complimentary round trip
shuttle to VFMA&C on Friday evening for the cocktail reception. Additionally both venues
will donate $5.00 rebate back to VFMA&C for each night consumed over Alumni Weekend.If
you have any questions, please contact General Manager Sean Fox ’96 on 610-539-7300.
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/P/PHLPOGI-VFM20160429/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
*If you do not pre-register, you will not have your yearbook photo on your name badge and
cadet company that you were assigned.*
2016 Alumni Homecoming Registration
Friday, April 28 - Sunday, May 1, 2016
Appropriate attire is required for all events
(Coat & tie, or business casual for men; dresses or dressy slacks for women)
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 $135, and a $215 contribution to the Alumni Association)
# Sponsors
# Spouse/Guests __________
__________
(@$135)
(@$350)
Total Cost: $______________
Total Cost: $______________
Sponsors may register via telephone directly by calling Tom Goldblum @ 610-989-1329
General Three-Day Pass ($135 per guest / $142.88 via EventBrite*)
# Attending __________
Total Cost: $_____________
INDIVIDUAL EVENT RESERVATIONS:
FRIDAY
Afternoon Second Mess ($15 per person / $16.76 via EventBrite*)
# Attending __________
Total Cost: $______________
Evening Alumni Cocktail Reception ($20 per person, $30 after 4/10, additional fees on EventBrite*)
(Raffle and silent auction to benefit the Alumni Association and the Forge Fund)
# Attending __________ Total Cost: $_________________
SATURDAY
Outdoor BBQ Luncheon ($25 per individual / $27.27 via EventBrite*)
# Attending __________
Total Cost: $______________
Alumni Cocktail Reception and Dinner includes open bar; must be 21 or older to drink)
($70 per person / $74.56 via EventBrite*)
# Attending __________
Total Cost: $______________
SUNDAY
Alumni Breakfast – Mellon Hall Rotunda ($20 per individual / $22.01 via EventBrite*)
# Attending __________
Total Cost: $______________
2015-16 Gift to the Forge Fund to support the 88th Corps of Cadets:
$__________
Total Enclosed: $______________
To participate in the William T. Gans, Jr. ’59, ’61C Memorial Band Concert on Saturday afternoon, please
contact Bandmaster Phil Evans by phone (610-989-1252) or by e-mail: (pevans@vfmac.edu)
*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 610-989-1329
To register online, please go to: http://vfmachomecoming2016.eventbrite.com
Special Requirements or Needs for Homecoming Weekend:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Handicap Requirements:
[ ] Cadet Escort
[ ] Golf Cart
Method of Payment (check 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: ___________
Email 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 VFMA&C Foundation and mail to:
Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Homecoming Weekend Registration
Alumni Office—Mellon Hall
1001 Eagle Rd.
Wayne, PA 19087
If you are paying by credit card you may fax your registration and credit card information to (610)
989-1332 or mail it to the above address. Questions? Check out our website: www.vfmac.edu,
contact us at (610) 989-1329 or email tgoldblum@vfmac.edu. Open parking is available at the
General & South Campus parking lots with a shuttle service running to the Main Campus.
Please pre-register by Friday, April 22nd to receive your yearbook photo ID badge.
Indicate your company so we can include it on the badge.
Manual of Arms Competition
Corps of Cadets
Vs
Alumni
Homecoming Weekend
Saturday April 30, 2016
Parade Field
All those interested in competing should contact:
John “JT” Hughes ’74, Chairman of the Forge Way Committee
john.jhrandassot@gmail.com
Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations
tgoldblum@vfmac.edu