ALUMNI REVIEW

June Edition

Alumni News PFC Lee Aboosamara ’09

Lee Aboosamara ’09 finished basic training in July 2014 as a Private First Class and attended Advanced Training (AIT) School in Fort Sill OK for Military Radar Counter fire Acquisition Radar Unit, finishing second in his class 13R. Upon completion he was sent to his duty station in Fort Hood TX He is assigned to the 82nd Field Artillery 1st Calvary Unit. He has had several field assignments while at Fort Hood and also completed desert training in the Mojave Desert, CA for 30 days for desert training. Because of an injury to his Sergeant, Lee was given a field promotion and put in charge of his radar unit. After returning from to Fort

Hood he received the Hero of the Battle Award. In the beginning of June PFC Aboosamara will be deployed to South Korea to serve with the Rolling Thunder for 9 months. Jerremy Diaz ’98, ’00C

Village of Rockville Centre, New York. Jerremy was sworn in by Police Commissioner Charles Gennario along with other graduates of the Police Academy in August of 2014. The newspaper report stated that Officer Diaz attended Valley Forge Military Academy and College earning an associate degree in international business. In October 2001 he joined the U.S. Army, serving until 2009. His service included two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then enrolled in the New York National Guard where he worked full-time as a counterterrorism specialist. He received numerous decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal. He is now attending the West Chester County Police Academy where he will graduate in June. Congratulations Jerremy. Special thanks to Neil C. Hamje '62 for his reporting.

C. Kristian B. Bruun '97

We are proud to recognize the achievements of Valley Forge Military Academy and College 1997 Graduate, C. Kristian B. Bruun. Kristian is one of the stars of the BBC and BBC America science fiction television series Orphan Black. Check your local BBC America local listings for time and channel near you. Kristian has been seen in the TV Series Covert Affairs, Nikita, Murdoch Mysteries as well as Orphan Black. Kristian was also a member of the VFMAC Band. That should make all of you Band Alumni happy to know we have another star with an illustrious background.

Joseph C. Park ’64 TAPS

Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Horsham Friends Meeting in Horsham, PA, Pennsylvania State Senator Todd Stephens hosted a ceremony to dedicate a portion of Route 611 in honor of VFMAC Alumni Joe Park, who gave his life in defense of our Country in the Vietnam War. LT Park was killed by a hostile gunshot wound sustained in battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law legislation to honor LT Joseph C. Park. Representing Valley Forge Military Academy and College at the Ceremony were Dave Metzler ’64, Gordon Hanscom ’62, ’64C and Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C.

Campus Happenings

Governor’s Breakfast

Valley Forge Military Academy & College Cadets Zhenghao Xu, Zekai Jiang, Zhaogi Wang took a trip to the Harrisburg to participate in the prayer breakfast with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. The cadets were led by VFMAC Chaplain, Captain Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.) and Cadet 1st LT Jianrui Li and were excited to meet and greet the Governor. We are delighted to have the great reputation to be invited to these events and be represented by such wonderful cadets.

Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation Scholarship: Ten of the twelve cadets who are recipients of the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation scholarships attended a dinner at Tavistock Country Club hosted by Mr. (’64) and Mrs. Richard Hocker. The Hockers established the Foundation in memory of Mr. Hocker’s mother, which is now directed by their daughter Kirsten, to support students at a number of Philadelphia area schools. They seek to inspire talented students who can benefit from attending private schools like VFMA. The scholarships are competitive and renewable upon attainment of the required

grade point average and service to the community. VFMAC Rifle Club

On Wednesday, 22 May, the VFMA Rifle Club culminated the year with a trip to Oley Valley for trap and rifle. The weather was excellent and each cadet competed in a round of 25 clays each in addition to acclimating on .223 and 7.62 x 39 rifles. Special thanks to Chris Gallagher, parent of Cadet Niall Gallagher ’15; Sebastian Van Bentem, parent of Cadet Jonathan Van Bentem ’18; Allen Burns, parent of Cadet Richie Burns ’19, and his uncle; for their attendance and support. The day was followed by a lavish feast at a Chinese Buffet!

The top five cadets for trap were: 1. Cadet Vlad Korol, 2. Cadet Nathan Welsh, 3. Cadet Miles Vando, 4. Cadet David Somp and 5. Cadet Connor Povenski. Senior Class Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia

On Thursday, 28 May, the Academy Seniors and staff chaperones departed Penn’s Landing on The Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship for a 3 hour boat tour on the Delaware River. They enjoyed a buffet dinner, music, dancing with the ladies from local high schools also on the cruise, and watching the skyline of the city of Philadelphia and the famous Philadelphia Navy Yard against a lovely sunset backdrop. Cadets had the opportunity to see the

Battleship New Jersey and the retired Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy from aboard the Spirit cruise.

The cadets enjoyed reminiscing of their time at VF. The bond they have with each other is clearly evident and they will have these friendships to carry with them throughout their lives as members of VFMAC’s “Long Line of Gray.” Cruise staff members commented to the VF chaperones on how well dressed and well-mannered the cadets were. It was certainly noticed by the other students and guests as they represented VF beautifully. Thank you parents, for your generous donations to the Senior Cruise Fund and the Forge Fund, which made this memorable trip possible for our Academy Graduating Class of 2015!

Photo at left: E Battery Executive Officer, 1st LT Jianrui (Jerry) Li, photographer and all around great guy, on the Spirit of Philadelphia Senior Cruise along with his adoring fan club, otherwise known as faculty and staff. They are, left to right, Kaitlyn Rodgers (English), Claire Reynolds (Guidance), Mr. Lee ’15 (Victim), Katie Ford (Registrar) and Kelly Gardner (English). Thank you to all the faculty and staff who attended and made the

trip spectacular.

The Big Apple Tour Bus and the New Jersey Turnpike

Please be on the lookout for the New York City Tour Bus done in contemporary Valley Forge Military Academy & College Buff and Blue and with the very large cadet throwing everyone a very smart looking salute using perfect sword manual. If the tour is anything like our school it will be one great ride. Also watch for our matching billboards

along the New Jersey Turnpike. They are very colorful, give the people a great and snappy salute and picture two of our brightest and best Cadets. Special thanks to Sean Condron, Alumni Chairman for Regiments and Regiment Leader in the Southern California Regiment. Sean resides in San Diego but one of his friends provided him these pictures which he shared with us. Something always to remember is that our alumni span the globe and if you need help anywhere let us know, you have friends, brothers and sisters.

WPHT Radio Brings Speaker Series to VFMAC

Local radio station WPHT, The Big Talker, presented an evening with Taya Kyle, author of the book American Wife and the wife of “American Sniper” Chris Kyle. Mrs. Kyle was interviewed by Dom Giordano and, in front of a packed house, we were presented with a very good view of American History. This broadcast can be heard as a podcast on www.cbsphilly.com/speakerseries.

Academy Graduation Rehearsal Three outstanding cadets (who are now alumni) received awards at graduation rehearsal last week:. Jianrui Li and Thomas Poitres for Outstanding Service to the Alumni and Development Department and David Shalat presented with Outstanding Citizen Award.

Middle School Promotion

On Friday, May 29th we celebrated with the Middle School Promotion ceremony. The ceremony was officiated by our President, Dr. Stacey Sauchuk and our Head of School Mrs. Sandra Young. In front of all the parents and families of our promotion class awards were presented and then we had the traditional hat toss. These young men are about to embark on their next great adventure into higher education and we wish them all the luck in the world.

Ohio Regiment Family Outing at Sarah’s Vineyards

The Northeast Ohio Regiment does it again. Under the tremendous leadership of Hugh Roberts ’56 and Tim Graham ’66 they conducted their summer meeting and family get-together at Sarah’s Vineyard for a “bring your own meal and they supply the wine party.” As usual the turnout was tremendous with Alumni and their spouses and family friends. This certainly looks like an annual ritual. Way-to-go Ohio!!!!!

Academy Graduation (Commencement) Saturday, June 6, 2015 (The Anniversary of D-Day 1944), the senior class of Valley Forge Military Academy graduated in all of their glory. The magnificent day allowed all the festivities to be held outside on the Parade Field under a sunny sky and mild temperatures.

The Presiding Officers were as follows:

Stacey R. Sauchuk, Ph.D. President, Valley Forge Military Academy and College

Sandra R. Young, M.Ed.

Head of School

COL. William Gallagher, USA (Ret.) Dean of the College, and

Interim Commandant of Cadets

Aaron Barkley, MS Dean of Cadets

CAPT Gerald L. Hale, USCG (Ret.)

Chaplain and Director of Character Development

The Regimental Band Performing under the direction of

WOII Phil Evans, Royal Marines (Ret.)

President Sauchuk and Mrs. Young presented the Academic Awards and pronounced the following cadets had achieved academic honors:

Summa Cum Laude Young Yong Sheng – Valedictorian

Magna Cum Laude

Patrick Glenn Horsky – Salutatorian

Cum Laude Trevor Elijah Buggs, Chauncey Dewey, Niall Gallagher, Lawrence Wayne Holman,

John B. Jennings, Terry Kim, Christian William Minich, Nicolas Alexander Nuila, David Alexander Shalat, Feng Wei, Quitao Wu, RunZe Wu, Jingkai Zhang,

Liheng Zhou, Wei Jun Zhou

Cadet Young Sheng delivered an inspiring Valedictorian Address to the class and was followed by just as inspiring an Address by the Senior Class President Cadet Niall Gallagher. These two very talented graduates then joined forces to bring back wonderful memories and experiences that they and the graduating class had together during the year. Lots of fun, learning and experiences for a Valley Forge Class.

The Commencement Speaker was LTC William E. Harner, USA (Ret.), Ph.D., former Acting Secretary of Education for the State of Pennsylvania and the current Superintendent of the Quakertown School District. A West Point graduate who went on to serve on active duty for 20 years, LTC Harner gave a very positive look into the future and all it holds for the Class of 2015. Diplomas were then presented to the new graduates by Dr. Sauchuk, Mrs. Young, COL Gallagher, Mr. Barkley and Mrs. Sullivan and after they came down from the dais, they were presented with their Certificate of Membership in the Valley Forge Military Academy and College Alumni Association and their Alumni Lapel Pin by David Esqueda ’98, ’00C, Chairman of the Alumni Board of Directors, Dr. Glenn Horsky ’74, Director AABOD and Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations. As the Commencement Ceremony came to a close the entire graduating class was brought to attention by COL William Gallagher, USA (Ret.), Dean of the College and Interim Commandant of Cadets and with the command “Dismissed” all chapel hats went into the air in the customary gesture of the completion of their High School life. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2015!

Pictures from Commencement

COL Lee Temperton leads the Faculty at his The Class of 2015 final Commencement Ceremony before retirement.

Two Teachers Voted Most Influential by Cadets: Mrs. Kelly Gardner and Mr. Harry Sokol

Valedictorian: Cadet Young Sheng speaking along with 2015 Academy Class

President Niall Gallagher

Commencement Speaker LTC William E. Harner, USA (Ret.), Ph.D., Superintendent

of Quakertown School District

Dr. Sauchuk presents a gift to Valedictorian Cadet Young Sheng

Valley Forge Military Academy Class of 2015 (Pre-dismissal)

Valley Forge Military Academy Class of 2015 – “YOU ARE GRADUATED AND DISMISSED!!!!!”

Welcome to the Alumni Association

Heralding the End of the Year ... "FIRST PROOF" HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

July 1, 2014 - June 10, 2015 Less than four weeks to go until June 30, 2015!

On behalf of the 87th Corps of Cadets, we are pleased to provide you the 2014 - '15 'First Proof' Honor Roll of Donors. Those listed have made a gift during the period, July 1, 2014 - June 10, 2015 to support today’s cadets. We have less than three weeks to the end of this year's campaign, and would like to ring the Chapel bells when we make our goal like we did last year. This is your chance to check the spelling and placement of your name to be sure that both are accurate before we post the final electronic listing this summer. This is an opportunity to increase your gift club level, if you like. It would be great to add your name if you are not listed. Just send a check to VFMAC, 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, PA 19087 or donate on-line via the button below. Thank you for your giving spirit and for your support of our hardworking cadets!

Questions? Holly Cheshire '15H 610-995-6008 hcheshire@vfmac.edu

Donate Now

2015 Alumni/Athletic/Celebrity Golf Outing Monday, May 11, 2015 at the St. David Country Club, Valley Forge Military Academy and College held their first annual alumni, athletic, celebrity golf outing. It was a beautiful day that began with lunch at the Club, and was capped off with a buffet dinner and auction/raffle in the Athletic Field House. Special thanks to Mr. K. Michael Ricketts '78 and his Administrative Assistant and Officer Manager Mrs. Francine Harris for going above and beyond the call of duty by helping bring all the National Football League Alumni to the Outing. We were privileged to welcome and play with such notables as Mike Quick, Hollis Thomas, Gary Cobb, Fred Baxter, Fred Barnett, Mike Mamula, A.J. Feeley,

Jeremiah Trotter and others.

Center for the Advancement of Security Studies

On April 23, 2015, during Alumni Homecoming Weekend, we had the great pleasure of dedicating the new Valley Forge Military College Center for the Advancement of Security Studies. We would like to congratulate Dr. Stacey Sauchuk, President of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, COL William Gallagher, Dean of Valley Forge Military College, Professor Earl J. Catagnus, Jr., Director of the Center and Dr. Andy Landmesser, Associate Director of the Center, the Professors and staff of the College who made the launch of this incredible program possible. Here is a presentation about the Program:

 

Upcoming Events Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting When: Saturday, June 20, 2015: Where: Mellon Hall, The Sara Crawford Room Time: 9:30 A.M. 9th Annual Major Jeffrey Toczylowski Memorial Golf Outing

VFMAC SoCal Alumni Regiment Summer BBQ Pool Party Saturday, July 11 at 12:00pm in PDT

Sean Condron and the Southern California Alumni Regiment invite you for a day of Sun, Fun, Comradeship and a lot of reminiscing, from the deck, the pool or the bar.

To RSVP please log in and register or send your confirmation to Tom Goldblum ’69, Director of Alumni Relations at tgoldblum@vfmac.edu http://www.evite.com/event/029BKMU4POF4MMT74EPE6AV6MDYT6U?utm_source=m.facebook.com&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_campaign=send_sharable_link Taps

It is requested that everyone provide one of their favorite homemade specialty items to share with our group.

Taps (April – June 15) William G. Wendell '89

Special thanks to the N.E. Ohio Regiment for representing VFMAC and the Alumni Association at the funeral of our dear departed Brother Bill Wendell ’89. Participating are Hugh Roberts’56, Tim Graham ’66, Greg Searle ’68 and John Sutton ’66, ’68C

Mr. Ramon Blanco, Jr. '40, TAPS, April 13, 2015, Miami, FL Mr. George C. Hoffmaster, Jr. '46C, TAPS, May 18, 2015, Springfield, VA Mr. John W. Morris III '52, TAPS, April 21, 2015, Wilmington, DE Mr. A. Scott Collins '56C, TAPS, April 8, 2015, Glen Cove, NY Mr. Ralph F. Conrad '56, TAPS, May 6, 2015, Pennsville, NJ Mr. Philip J. Oppenheimer '56, TAPS, October 20, 2014, Clearfield, PA Mr. Anthony S. Pino, Jr. '58, '60C, TAPS, May 3, 2015, Marmora, NJ Mr. James A. White '59, TAPS, May 28, 2015, Virginia Beach, VA Mr. Robert C. Moor, Jr. '63, TAPS, April 1, 2015, Hockessin, DE Mr. Patrick J. Kegerreis '73, TAPS, May 10, 2015, Aberdeen, MD Mr. Justin R. Beardsley '11, TAPS, May 26, 2015, Glen Mills, PA Mr. Cody R. Helman '11C, TAPS, May 13, 2015, Miami, FL Mr. William G. Wendell ’89 TAPS, June 2, 2015, Stowe, OH

To purchase your copy of this 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. The cost is $30.00 (shipping included).

Call Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations 610-989-1329

TGoldblum@vfmac.edu

Here is your opportunity to relive your youth, remember all those great times at the Boodle and the Gym. Rekindle the memories of all of your old friends, roommates, team mates and even all those cadet Officers and NCO’s who helped make you into the person you are today, with the help and prodding of a few of our favorite TACs.

Alumni Gift Items

2015 Alumni Pin - $15.00 2015 Alumni Shield Cufflinks - $40.00

Alumni Tie (Battery Red Tie) - $35.00 Alumni Crest - $30.00

Alumni Challenge Coin - $25.00 E Battery Ornament - $20.00

Total Price of Package (1 of each) - $145.00

To Order call Tom Goldblum’69, ’71C Director of Alumni Relations, with your credit card at 610-989-1329 or email to: tgoldblum@vfmac.edu

Valley Forge Military Academy & College Alumni Board of Directors 2016

Executive Officers

David Esqueda ’98, ’00C Chairman of the Alumni Board of

Directors

aabodchairman@vfmac.edu

COL Joe Bartasius ’81, ’83C USA (Ret.)

President Alumni Association

aabodpresident@vfmac.edu

Roque Schipilliti '06 Exec. Vice President aabodexecutivevp@vfmac.eduGSgt. Juan Santana ’81C USMC (Ret.) Secretary aabodsecretary@vfmac.edu Capt. Mark Woolley ’76 USN (Ret.) Treasurer aabodtreasurer@vfmac.edu LTC Bob Shapiro ’60 USAF (Ret.) Honorary Life Exec.

Vice President

Directors

Director Term Ends

LTC Scott Bartlett ’88 USAR 2016 Sean Condron ’97 2016 Greg Copeland ’56 2017 Ruth Charmorro-Cruz ’14C 2017 COL George Cressman Jr., ’86C USA (Ret.) 2016 Niles Dally ’63, Past Chairman AABOD 2017 Sean Fox ’96 2016 Alfred Heyer ’69, Past Chairman AABOD 2016 Dr. Glen Horsky ’74 2016 John “JT” Hughes ’74 2017 Joseph Klumpp ’59 2017 Robin Lahiri ’85 2017 Paul Lea, IV, ’87, ’89C, Ph.D. 2016 Justin Mahwikizi ’01 2016 COL Dave Martin, USAFR (Ret.) 2017 Pete McLallen ’62, ’64C 2017 Daniel McSweeney ’88 2017 CAPT Taylor Picone ’06, ’08C USA 2016 Austin Wenzell ’00 2016

Members

CPT Thomas Merman ’70C USA (Ret.) Chairman of the Forge Way Committee

Bob Bacine ’60 BOT Rep to the AABOD

Bill Beute ’63 Committee Co-Chair, Awards Committee

Tom Goldblum ’69 tgoldblum@vfmac.edu Director, Alumni Relations

Douglas Hasbrouck VP Institutional Advancement Development

Gordon Hanscom ’62, ’64C Customs & Traditions, Regiments

Scott Appel '74 Museum Committee

VFMAC Alumni Realtor’s Network

The Alumni Office is proud to announce the release of an Alumni tool; the Valley Forge Alumni Realtor Network. This website, www.VFRealtor.com, is owned, built, and maintained by Joel Gruenke ’86. VFRealtor.com was created to help local alumni connect with alumni professionals who are in the Real Estate business. Outside of listing all the Realtors in your area, this website also offers a free home valuation tool to help fellow alumni to get an idea of how much their home is worth. Thinking about becoming a Realtor? Register on our careers page and get in contact with one of our Realtor professionals. We are always available to help our fellow brothers and sisters in the Long Line of Gray. Currently we are searching for more alumni Realtors throughout the world to add to our database so if you know anyone please email us at Joel@BucksAreaHomes.com so that I can get in contact with them and have them added.

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AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR LIFE…SHARE WITH US

Excited about your new job, house, or degree? Travel somewhere amazing recently? Or do you have something else to share? Get married; have a baby or a grandchild? Fill us in! Alumni News notes are a great way to stay in touch and up to date with your classmates and friends. We send your great news out to over 8,000 Alumni throughout the world and your classmates are anxious to hear about all the great things happening. Contact me by email with your pictures (if any) attached: TGoldblum@vfmac.edu and we will let everyone know the happy news.