Alumni Newsletter April / May Edition 2019 Part 1

Eric Fisher Wood, Jr. ’37 TAPS

On Sunday April 15th the VFMAC color guard was proud to represent our school in the Casket Flag Raising Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial of Newtown Square, PA. One of the honorees was Brother Eric Fisher Wood, Jr. 1st LT. U.S. Army, 1943 – 1945, killed at the Battle of the Bulge.

Brother Wood received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, The Croix de Guarre from Belgium, The Legion d’Honneur from France, etc.

We are proud that we were able to represent VFMAC and our Brother Eric Fisher Wood Jr. at the ceremony. Special thanks to Colonel Bossert USA (Ret.) ’85 for his support and training of this fine interschool unit.

We have become known throughout the area for our outstanding color guard and the appearances they make at all types of events, from 76er’s and Philadelphia Union athletic games to corporate and community dedications.

We now have color guards representing the College, the Academy and our D Troop mounted color guard.

Cadets with Former Philadelphia Eagle Kicker David Ackers

Captain Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.) and VFMAC Chaplain accompanied a group of cadets to the fellowship of Christian Athletes Prayer Breakfast. The guest of honor for the function was former Philadelphia Eagle’s kicker and all-around great guy David Akers. He addressed the attendees at the breakfast where a great time of enlightenment and fellowship was very much in evidence. Our cadets are a part of many of these types of functions where they meet and are greeted by celebrities, politicians and successful people of all walks of life. VFMAC is one of the few schools where this type of education is added to the rigors of the coursework. When you see them out and about within your community please have some kind words of encouragement for them. They will eventually be one of us.

Michael R. Lombardi ’77

NFL analyst Mike Lombardi was the speaker at this year’s Commencement! Not only is Mike a 3x Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots, a writer for The Athletic and the bestselling author of GridironGenius, he’s a proud Academy alum!

Mike has worked as an NFL executive with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders alongside NFL coaching legends including Bill Walsh and Al Davis. Most recently, he served as an internal consultant for Bill Belichick in the New England Patriots’ front office and helped lead them to three of their six Super Bowl championships. Mike writes a column for The Athletic and has his own podcast, “The GM Shuffle” on the Cadence Podcast Network.

He also recently published a book titled, “Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL,” which highlights his insight into the unwavering commitment and attention to detail it takes to win in the NFL. Welcome Home Brother.

The Freedom Foundation Recently a group of Academy cadets had the opportunity to meet and get to know Medal of Honor recipient James C. McCloughan at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. James McCloughan is a former United States Army soldier and a Vietnam War veteran. For his actions during the war, McCloughan was presented the Medal of Honor on 31 July 2017 by United States President Donald Trump, the first such award of Trump's administration.

During the battle, the then-Private First-Class McCloughan was wounded multiple times by small-arms fire and shrapnel. He refused evacuation.

"I was the one that held 18-, 19- and 20-year- olds as they took their last breaths and said their last words... I know what the price of freedom is," McCloughan said. "I am very aware of how blessed I am to have survived that situation. I should have died at least five times in the 10 times that I went out.

VFMC Academic Excellence Gold Star Dinner

On Wednesday April 17, 2019 the Alumni Association of Valley Forge Military Academy & College held a dinner to honor those College cadets who achieved academic excellence by earning their Gold Stars. As an example of how hard a task this is you will find that, with all their activities, there are a limited number of cadets who achieved this great honor.

Attending the dinner were John J.T. Hughes ’74, Jeffrey Bevenour ’04 and Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations. Special thanks to Maureen Malone, Dean of the College, Michael Pachella, Marney Vandemark, Meghan Bevenour, Jean Morrow and Juliet Najdawi.

Gold Star Cadets

Aldrich, Evan Bernocco, Jacob Buckmaster, Ryan Cary, Andrew Coleman, Paul Conner, Morgan Craig, James Crawford, Andrew Danals, Noah Daulerio, Michael Ezekiel, Eghe Fager, Niko Fahey Cedric Francis, Antonio Gerot, Thomas Howe, Tanner Iles, John Kenney Robert Krukowski, Leland Lewis, Stephano Longacre, Dustin Mazaleski, Nicholas Murphy, Keegan O’Brien Aubrey Poe, Trayson Reisinger, Steven Reyes, Jan Richardson, Joseph Robert, Zackary Roome, Robert Senatore, Reuben Shiffler, Izabelle Stanton, Jacob Stringer, Zachary Treanor, John Valdez, Edison Wildauer, Ryan Zacharias, Henry Zebron, Jacob

TAV Project 11 Article by: TAV Regimental Commander Fred Betman ’74

Great job to the members of the TAV Regiment for successfully completing Project 11, the replacement of the Stable door.

We replaced the D Troop sign above the door earlier this year and we have now completed the renovations for the 80 year old door under it. Jerry Supplee ’69 handled the replacement of the door and it looks wonderful!

Thank you to everyone who donated to these projects!

VFMC Lead TAC J. J. Rivera

The Alumni Association wants to congratulate College Lead TAC Officer LTC J. J. Rivera, USMC, on his promotion to Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Colonel Rivera is also the main advisor to the Civil Air Patrol Unit stationed here at VFMAC. We congratulate this great American patriot and member of the Forge Family.

The Alumni Association is proud and delighted that Colonel Rivera is here at VFMC and he is sure to have continued success in both of his careers at VF and with the USMC.

Alumni Grant Program

It is with great appreciation that I report that, Greg Offner and Jeff Bevenour selflessly stepped away from work and family obligations to attend Romeo and Juliet with over two dozen cadets, staff & faculty.

Reports are that the event was enjoyed by all ages and that our fellow AABOD members were afforded the opportunity to build relationships with our current cadets / future AABOD members.

A perfect example of our AABOD Grant Program IN-ACTION!!!

Thank you, Greg and Jeff for your willingness to invest your time & talents!

Order of Anthony Wayne

The new members of the Order of Anthony Wayne, 2019 Inductees are: Cadet Captain Mahasneh, REG Staff; Cadet Captain Dortch, G Co; Cadet 3rd Captain Reisinger; Cadet 1st Captain Senatore; Cadet 4th Captain Brown; Cadet Captain Drummond, C Co; Cadet 2LT Silcott, G Co. Congrats to these cadets for joining the ranks of this elite group!

VFMC Class of 2019 Gift Article by: College TAC Officer COL Bossert ’85

For a few years the College graduating classes have not been mentored, nor motivated, to present a class gift to the school upon their departure. A few weeks ago when I asked a simple question of the Regimental staff..... “when was their class gift dedication," I got a blank stare and thus knew we had a problem.

In a few short weeks we placed some energy in fixing up the Korean War monument (in what I call Phase I). This project was completed by the leadership and cadets of the College Class of 2019 so I thought it was appropriate to dedicate this refurbishment to their class. Phase II with the roof and additional walkway will be executed by the Class of 2020.

Pictured are the Dean of the Academy Dr. Paul Lea ’87 ’89C, COL Bossert, Regimental OPS officer- CPT Daulerio, Regimental Provost- CPT Wildauer, Regimental CDR- Senatore, Regimental Sergeant major - RSM Roberts and Regimental Quartermaster- CPT Gerot. (And, yes VF PT uniform was the uniform of the day as they were out- processing-they were departing in 2 days- don't need the snarky emails...)

Another baby step towards returning to the customs and traditions that helped form us to be what we are today. We plan to do this earlier in the year next year and "amp up" the fanfare.

Wounded Warrior Project Gala Article by: Brother Roger Parrino

I had an incredible experience at the Wounded Warrior Project’s “Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner” at Gotham Hall. Hosted by Mario Lopez with keynote speaker Marine Corporal Anthony Villarreal, injured in Afghanistan in 2008. He was in a coma for three months and endured 77 surgeries. What an outstanding display of fortitude and courage post battlefield. Thank you, Bill Martoccia ’73, ’75C for allowing me to be your guest. Wounded Warrior Project CEO LTG Michael Linnington, US Army (Ret) is also a VF alumnus.

Homecoming Reunion Classes

** 2019 Homecoming Pictures are available at: https://nogueras.smugmug.com/Valley-Forge-Military-1/May-2019

Frank X Kasel, Jr. Class of Class of 1949 1959

Class of Class of 1964 1974

The Mighty Class of 1969

Class of Class of 1989 1994

Class of Class of 2004 1999

Class of 2009 Class of 2014

Colonel John Lord, III ’99H VFMAC TAPS

John Whitaker Lord, III (Jack), of Audubon, PA and formerly Radnor, PA and Cape May, NJ passed away peacefully on April 19. Jack is survived by his four devoted children, Susan Lord Reilly (Kevin), John IV (Julie), Thomas (Gigi) and Bradley (Cara). He was blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren: John A., Patrick (Paige), Jacquelyn (Steve), John W., Kathryn, Abigail, Andrew, and Brendan. He was the husband of the late Judith Neilson Lord and is the son of the late Judge John W. Jr. and Lilias M. Lord and predeceased by two grandchildren, Jennifer and baby John B. It is worthy to note that all three sons named a son after him. In the summer of 1952, after graduating from Germantown Academy, Jack worked as a lifeguard in Cape May where he met Judy at the Green Mill Club. He enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and following his discharge, he attended and graduated from Dickinson College. He and Judy were married in 1959. He continued his education by receiving his Masters in Education at Temple University. Jack thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching as well as serving as Director of the Middle School at Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne, PA for 38 years and was named an honorary alumnus in 1999. During his residency in Radnor, PA. Jack served on numerous committees in Radnor Township including the Radnor School Board for 10 years. One of his most revered honors was being distinguished as a Radnor Gridiron “Honorary Has Been”. Jack retired to Cape May in 1997 and was introduced to Kiwanis where he readily became an active participant delivering Meals of Wheels, volunteering at the Nature Center and Cape Regional Medical Center, as well as various other community programs for children including serving on a school board for Cape May’s Elementary School. Jack is a Past Commodore of Corinthian Yacht Club, Past President of the Cape May Cottager’s Association, served two terms on the Church of the Advent’s vestry as Senior Warden, is a member of the Cape Island Masonic Lodge and a former Commissioner of the Cape May Housing Authority. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 1100 hours on Sunday, May 26th at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name would be appreciated to either of the following organizations – • C. Wallace Stuard, Jr. CYCCM Sailing Foundation c/o CYCCM, PO Box 260, Cape May, NJ 08204. • The Children’s Fund - Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, at 1041 Beach Drive, Cape May, NJ 08204

Alumni Sword and Saber Program

Calling all alumni to donate your swords and sabers for the benefit of the Corps of Cadets. These swords and sabers will go all long way in providing them to cadets in need. They will be kept in Lee Hall under the auspices of the Commandant’s Department and will be signed out to each individual cadet. The cadet will be responsible for the care and upkeep of their unit. If they are promoted from senior NCO to Officer they will trade in their sword for a saber. This will be carefully monitored, and cadets will be charged for any damage to the unit or charged a replacement fee.

The prices of swords and sabers have become very high and by establishing this program we hope to maintain a supply for the Corps.

Please send your sword or saber to VFMAC, 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, PA 19087 to the attention of Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations. You will receive a gift-in-kind letter for your contribution. For those who wish to make a tax deductible monetary contribution, please visit www.vfmac.edu/donate and be sure to include the note “Alumni Sword Fund”.

Your Legacy Can Live On

Valley Forge Military Academy & College takes special care to honor individuals whose gifts transform their generosity into their legacies. That’s why we have the LTG Milton G. Baker Society for individuals who make a documented legacy gift (or bequest).

By naming Valley Forge Military Academy & College in your will you leave a Lasting Legacy to be remembered, you support generations of future cadets and you may lessen your family’s tax burden…all without affecting your cash flow today.

You can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to family, friends and Valley Forge Military Academy & College as part of your estate plan.

Simply contact Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations, 610-989-1329 or [email protected] for additional information.

May 23, 2019 Academy & College Graduation at 9:30 a.m. and Commissioning at

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Homecoming Issue Coming Soon!

Silver Taps 4/23/18 – 5/3/19

Name City State/Province Date of Death Richard C. Arsenault '52 TAPS Punta Gorda FL 5/6/2018 David R. Shaw '73 TAPS Charlotte NC 5/9/2018 John P. MacSweeney '51 TAPS Westbrook CT 5/10/2018 Randall Maurice Purnell '12C TAPS Pottstown PA 5/12/2018 Harry M. Warner '54 TAPS Nashville TN 5/16/2018 Robert J. Delmont '95 TAPS Chicago IL 5/20/2018 Ralph H. Pomrenke '44 TAPS Palm Harbor FL 5/24/2018 Fredric N. Fields '54 TAPS Columbia SC 5/25/2018 Allen W. Dawson '44 TAPS Linville NC 5/29/2018 Richard S. Hawley '48 TAPS Thousand Oaks CA 6/1/2018 Stephen E. Solomon '60C TAPS Lehigh Acres FL 6/5/2018 Terrance F. Blades '54 TAPS Pocomoke City MD 6/7/2018 Patrick John Tshudy '07C TAPS Annville PA 6/7/2018 Charles G. Vemity '51 TAPS Honolulu HI 6/8/2018 Merle J. Erbs '59, '61C TAPS Brunswick OH 6/16/2018 James A. Zukawski '66 TAPS Rio Grande NJ 6/16/2018 Spencer Gerard Callahan '05 TAPS Howell NJ 6/20/2018 Frederic A. St. Linger '54C TAPS Lewiston ME 6/21/2018 Harold S. Marriott '63 TAPS Lewes DE 6/23/2018 Donald J. Upton '63C TAPS Delran NJ 6/29/2018 Douglas S. Kaufman '45 TAPS Wernersville PA 7/2/2018 Neil E. Blumenfeld '61 TAPS Monroeville PA 7/3/2018 William R. Barker '42 TAPS Lincoln MA 7/7/2018 Richard Murphy '43C TAPS Hawley PA 7/14/2018 John A. Blake '50 TAPS Newark DE 7/15/2018 Richard L. Burns '41C TAPS Sandy UT 7/18/2018 Ronald Lodge '54, '56C TAPS Las Vegas NV 7/23/2018 Milton E. Daneker, Jr. '58 TAPS Bel Air MD 7/25/2018 William E. Ducksworth, Jr. '83 TAPS Berkeley Heights NJ 7/27/2018 Richard H. Parks, Jr. '59 TAPS Sheffield Village OH 7/27/2018 Richard L. Gray '67C TAPS Ocala FL 7/29/2018 Charles A. Gilfeather '68 TAPS Saginaw MI 8/3/2018 David Marttin Brehm '71 TAPS Lake George NY 8/15/2018 Franklin H. Fox, Jr. '64, '66C TAPS Glenside PA 8/15/2018 Stephen W. Wolfe '57 TAPS Boston MA 8/15/2018 Paul W. Groft '60C TAPS York PA 8/17/2018 F. Lewis Barroll '48 TAPS Grosse Pointe MI 8/18/2018 Farms Eric Chon Wainwright, Jr. '10 TAPS Piscataway NJ 8/24/2018 16

William W. Fithian '49 TAPS Millville NJ 8/25/2018 William M. Wallace '81 TAPS Seattle WA 8/25/2018 Arthur Gallan '51 TAPS Wyncote PA 8/26/2018 Charles F. Stanke '54, '56C TAPS Malvern PA 8/29/2018 John A. Hackman '79 TAPS Kimberton PA 9/1/2018 Timothy E. Harvey '89 TAPS Tampa FL 9/7/2018 Charles B. Parker '44 TAPS Agawam MA 9/16/2018 Joseph F. Dible '51 TAPS Columbus OH 9/17/2018 Millard L. Thompson, D.C. '63C TAPS Aston PA 9/20/2018 Charles E. Freeman '45 TAPS Butler PA 9/22/2018 John K. Hagopian II '59 TAPS Vestal NY 9/22/2018 William E. Stauffer '56 TAPS Medford NJ 9/24/2018 Scott D. Macfarland '54C TAPS Gautier MS 9/25/2018

Charles M. Blake, Jr. '45, TAPS 9/26/2018 Donald T. Beaumont, Jr. '49C TAPS Reading PA 10/1/2018 Charles C. Culshaw '62 TAPS Naples FL 10/8/2018 John R. Getz, Esq. '71C TAPS Colonial Beach VA 10/11/2018 Thomas F. Muckenfuss '59, '61C TAPS North Huntingdon PA 10/11/2018 Arman R. Simone '46 TAPS Warrenton VA 10/13/2018 Thomas R. Page '48 TAPS Indialantic FL 10/15/2018 Rudolph F. Falkenstein '46 TAPS Carlisle PA 10/17/2018 Blaine R. Wilkinson '54C TAPS Alexandria VA 10/17/2018 Anthony J. Petaccio '54 TAPS Seaside Park NJ 11/2/2018 Gregory N. Drummond '50, '53C TAPS Longwood FL 11/3/2018 David C. Kannard '86 TAPS Monett MO 11/3/2018 Robert S. Waterbury '45 TAPS New Hartford NY 11/14/2018 Nicholas L. Biordi '99 TAPS Wilmington DE 11/15/2018 Ronald B. Flahart '64C TAPS Catasauqua PA 11/15/2018 David H. Shooster '64 TAPS Media PA 11/15/2018 William L. Bowker '48 TAPS Ulster PA 11/18/2018 Richard G. Filippo '66 TAPS Riverside RI 11/24/2018 Warren F. Snyder '51 TAPS Friedensburg PA 11/27/2018 Merle C. Lotz '45 TAPS Portland OR 11/30/2018 Enrique R. Grau '75 TAPS San Juan PR 12/9/2018 Malcolm J. Carlin '52C TAPS Darlington PA 12/12/2018 Thomas Warnke, Esq. '61 TAPS Naples FL 12/20/2018 Robert W. Schaum, Jr. '63 TAPS Lancaster PA 12/21/2018 William Scherfel III '66 TAPS South Sterling PA 12/29/2018 William R. Bates '43 TAPS Spotsylvania VA 1/1/2019 Bruce E. Rock '69 TAPS Ewing NJ 1/1/2019 James B. Kirkpatrick '61C, TAPS Chambersburg PA 1/2/2019 Joseph M. Kurtz '48 TAPS Savannah GA 1/9/2019 17

Donald A. Wolf '47 TAPS Las Vegas NV 1/10/2019 Patrick Stephen Drury '12 TAPS Lititz PA 1/12/2019 Michael A. Rosenstock '80 TAPS Winston Salem NC 1/16/2019 Garth E. Hoffman '59, '61C TAPS York PA 1/19/2019 Michael J. Drewniak '56C TAPS Conyngham PA 1/27/2019 Robert D. Johnson '55 TAPS Vero Beach FL 2/3/2019 Eugene H. Schreiber '46 TAPS Pikesville MD 2/6/2019 L. Edward Mogel '45 TAPS Pembroke Pines FL 2/20/2019 Maynard A. Buck, Jr. '48 TAPS Westlake OH 2/22/2019 Robert C. Keaney '45 TAPS Boynton Beach FL 2/25/2019 John S. Mattioli '65 TAPS Old Forge PA 3/22/2019 Francis K. Mainzer, M.D. '48 TAPS Erie PA 3/25/2019 George R. Dunkelberger '63 TAPS Saint Petersburg FL 3/30/2019 Patrick Gerard McMahon '03 TAPS Philadelphia PA 4/4/2019 Tilden Bennett '55 TAPS Presto PA 4/16/2019 Thomas L. Davis '49 TAPS Coldwater MI 4/20/2019 COL John W. Lord III '99H TAPS Audubon PA 4/19/2019 Curtis J. Castelli '71 TAPS Devon PA 6/25/2018

Rest in Peace Brothers and Sisters. We are all honored by you.