May/June Edition 2019 Published by the Alumni Association Laurentino

May/June Edition 2019 Published by the Alumni Association

Laurentino 'Nito' Cortizo ’72C – President of Panama

We are pleased to announce that Laurentino Cortizo '72C is the new President of Panama. Congratulations Brother, WELL DONE!!! We wish you SUCCESS!!!

President elect Laurentino Cortizo’s campaign focused on corruption and slowing economic growth in this Central America trade and financial hub.

Panama's Electoral Court has declared opposition candidate Laurentino Cortizo the winner of the country's presidential elections. The court said Cortizo of the Democratic Revolutionary Party won 33%, with 95% of votes counted.

Cortizo said in a news article, "I call on all Panamanians to join in a national effort to correct the country's path, rescue the country and get the economy on the right track."

The new President was a Sergeant in F Company where he was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Business Honor Society and had Academic Honors. He was a member of the Varsity Soccer, Baseball and bowling teams and was awarded the Silver Physical Education Badge.

Niall Gallagher ’15 Article by: Chris Bechtel, VFMA Teacher and Rifle Team Coach

I was immensely proud to witness the graduation and commissioning of Niall Gallagher ’15 at Annapolis in May. It has been a long, hard journey since he was dropped off at VFMA in 8th grade and here he is at the peak of the mountain- a 2LT in the USMC.

As a teacher, I can't put into words how incredible it feels to think I played a small part in Niall's journey up the mountain. I truly hope my own children can reach the same summit someday. Congrats LT!! SEMPER FI!

Aaron Lock ’14 Article by: Travis Senseny, former VFMAC TAC officer

I was honored to give Aaron a salute for the first time as a Navy Ensign. I bonded with Aaron and his mom Valerie during my VF years and I am very proud that Aaron looks to me at times for support. I hope I have lived up to the high expectations that entails and I will try to meet those expectations in the future.

Aaron, you put the work in. You should be proud of yourself. I am proud to know you. I am proud that you chose me to give you a salute. I am proud that your awesome fiancé, Victoria , has confidence in me as well. I am so proud your family and you consider me part of your family. I won’t let you two down.

Go out and do great things. The mission first, then your men/women, then you. Keep that in mind and you will fulfill your destiny. Thank you.

Leong LT-san ’92C and Colonel Dave Gigliotti ’91C Article by: Leong LT-san ’92

What an honor to meet up with my Valley Forge Military College brother after 28 years. Good to see you again Dave Gigliotti.

These Brothers have traveled worldwide and now meet up in Seoul, South Korea. It is a tribute to the global brother/sisterhood we have established among ourselves as we encompass the World.

If you meet a brother or a sister anywhere in the world please let us know, you too will be a part of the Alumni Newsletter.

New Commandant of Cadets

We are pleased to announce that Colonel J.J. Rivera, USMCR has accepted the position of Interim Commandant of Cadets at VFMAC. Colonel Rivera is excited for this new opportunity and will assume his new role on July 1, 2019.

Col Rivera joined VFMAC in 2018 as a College Lead TAC Officer. He brings 23 years of military training, with an emphasis on leadership and flight operations/maintenance, to the role. His most recent military experience was commanding a squadron of Marines. Col Rivera became a Naval Aviator in 1999 and is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute.

Col Rivera will be taking over from previous Commandant Colonel Kenneth DeTreux, USMC (Ret) who has tendered his resignation effective June 29, 2019. Col DeTreux has accepted an exciting position at the University of Pennsylvania within the Vice Provost University Life department as a Director of a veterans program. He has been a valuable member of our team and his contributions have been essential to our success this past year.

Professor of Military Science Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Congratulations to VFMC's Professor of Military Science Brett Gambacorta on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel! LTC Gambacorta has done a phenomenal job in producing some of VFMAC’s finest graduates. He now looks forward to a brand new incoming class of Plebes to work his magic on. These are the future leaders of our military and LTC Gambacorta and his staff are all experts in getting the best from each and every one of them. This should be fun to watch. Good Luck to you Sir and may your coming years be just as spectacular.

Rifle Range Refurbish Project

The Mellon Hall Rifle Range refurbishment is well underway. The first phase consists of removing and replacing the sand from the impact area and deep-cleaning and sealing the entire range. VFMAC has begun the transition to green ammo (lead-free) in order to reduce/eliminate contamination.

Future phases for the project will include refurbishing and expanding back to 12 firing positions and improved lighting throughout the range.

We are very excited for the completion of this project. These improvements will certainly enhance the cadet experience and ROTC training opportunities.

Commissioning 2019

Our very distinguished Commissioning Speaker was Major General John L. Gronski, Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Europe.

MG John L. Gronski, a native of Moosic, Pennsylvania, assumed his duties as Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard, U.S. Army Europe May 1, 2016.

The General served as Deputy Adjutant General–Army, Pennsylvania National Guard; Commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division (Forward), Ramadi, Iraq; Commander of 55th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division (Forward), Task Force Keystone, Central Region, Europe; Military Liaison Team Chief in the Republic of Lithuania; and command and staff assignments with infantry and armor units. He has served as J-2/3, Joint Force Headquarters, Pennsylvania National Guard. MG Gronski has commanded infantry units at the company, battalion, brigade and division level.

We are all very proud of all of our Cadets that have chosen to serve our Country. These are the best of the best and we salute them as they become officers in the United States Army and Alumni of the Long Line of Gray.

The Alumni Associations congratulates all of our 2019 graduates and welcomes them into the Alumni Association of Valley Forge Military Academy and College with open arms, hearts and as family. Good Luck and God speed to all of you.

2019 United States Army 2nd Lieutenants

Jacob Bernocco Rodrique Binidi Joseph Candelaria Kyle Carr Jason Carter Andrew Cary Morgan Conner Sean Cooper Andrew Crawford Noah Danals Michael Daulerio Niko Fager Matteo Ficarella Stephen George Thomas Gerot Zachary Gutierrez Corey Hasley Tanner Howe John Iles Hayden Jones Edward Lockowitz Dustin Longacre Nicholas Mazaleski Keegan Murphy Owen Nizzi Neftali Reyes Zackary Robert Yadel Schnabel Bryce Shields Sean Silcott Zachary Stringer James Joshua Tolford Jordan Washko Tyriek Wiley Henry Zacharias Haley Zheng

Graduation 2019 – 91st Corps of Cadets

The Alumni Association of Valley Forge Military Academy & College wishes to congratulate all of our 2019 graduates and welcome them to the Long Line of Gray. We are honored to have you among us and we offer you our friendship, fraternity and prayers for you to continue to become the great successes we know you can be. Make us proud!

VFMC – Class of 2019 Brett Berger Jacob Bernocco Manguiliwe Binidi Jibri Bones Isaiah Boyd Miles Brown Davoughnte Brown Joseph Candelaria Kyle Carr Jason Carter Andrew Cary Morgan Connor Sean Cooper Andrew Crawford Noah Danals Michael Daulerio Shaun Davilla Joseph Dephillipo David Dortch James Ellison Niko Fager Kathleen Farlie Matteo Ficarella Louis Foreman Stephen George Thomas Gerot Garrett Grimes Zachary Gutierrez Marcutio Hamaker Corey Hasley Kalif Hopkins-Bey Khalil Hopkins-Bey Grant Horne Tanner Howe John Iles Hayden Jones Michael Jose Isaiah Jordan McIntyre Donald King Keldric Lawrence Bridget Lewis Stephano Lewis Xuanhao Liu Edward Lockowitz Dustin Longacre Yazen Mahasneh Christian Major Isaiah Maples Luis Maya Nicholas Mazaleski Jo’Mai McGowan Antoine Means William Medina Oscar Merchan Keegan Murphy Thomas Murphy Owen Nizzi Benjamin O’Brien Nyla Payton Austin Regan Steven Reisinger Jan Reyes Neftali Reyes Zachery Robert Felix Rodriguez Yadel Schnabel Devon Schrader Reuben Senatore Bryce Shields Sean Silcott Zachary Stringer Daniel Tolentino James Tolford Joseph Tripoli Nasir Walker Jordan Washko Francis Watson Ryan Wildauer Tyriek Wiley Henry Zacharias Haley Zheng

Officiating for the College was Ms. Maureen Malone, Dean, and Mrs. Dawn Dreese, Senior Director of College Admissions.

College Valedictorian: Dustin Longacre College Salutatorian: Yazen Mahasneh

VFMC Colleges of Acceptance American University Kings College Syracuse University Catholic University Kutztown University Temple University Coastal Carolina University LaSalle University The Citadel Univ. of North Carolina Liberty University UC Davis Charlotte Alderson Broaddus Univ. Marion Military Institute UC Merced Arizona State University Michigan State University UC Riverside Baylor University Montana State University UC San Diego Bridgewater College Murray State University University of Iowa

Central Michigan University North Carolina State Univ. University of Northern Iowa Chestnut Hill College Norwich University University of Scranton Coe College Penn State University University of Texas Arlington Desales University Penn Tech Virginia Military Institute Howard University Rutgers New Brunswick West Chester University Hood College Shippensburg University York College of PA Immaculata University Stephen F. Austin Univ. St. Joseph’s University Indiana University of Susquehanna University University of Virginia Pennsylvania Villanova University

VFMA – Class of 2019

Rye Ahronson * Jung Ho Kim* Adrian Alizadeh Christopher Koebbe Carson Atlas Alonzo Llorens Joseph Bartlett Alexander McFadden John Branco Alfonso Migliarini Harold Brennecke Jonathan Monar Romero * Sehoon Byun* Brandon Osafo Jorge Casal C. Oliver Pernice Nicholas Daniels William Peters Michael D’Annunzio Rakshan Rao Eddie Davilla Kobie Reid George Dolidze Ryan Saurborn Kevin Errasquin Flandes * Cheng-sheng Tsai Zane Fishbein Bohdan Voznyy Naseer Gilbert Hanyu Wang Dimitry Goly Robert Watson 8

Gabriel Gudenas Joshua Wetzel Duong Minh Hoang John Womble Trung Hoang * Wu Yi Ryan Holobinko Fuyao Zhang Juan Jimenez Heteng Zhang DuYun Jin * Linji Zhou * National Honor Society Members

VFMA Honors

Summa Cum Laude Trun Goang – Valedictorian

Magna Cum Laude Rye Ahronson – Salutatorian

Cum Laude Sehoon Byun Kevin Errasquin Flandes DuYun Jin Jung Ho Kim Alfonso Migliarini Jonathan Monar Romero

Officiating for the Academy was Dr. Paul M. Lea IV ’87, ’89C, Dean, and Mr. Aaron Barkley, Associate Dean of the Academy.

VFMA Colleges of Acceptance

American University Pennsylvania State University Arizona State Pennsylvania Technical College Baruch College Purdue University Broward College Randolph-Macon University Clarkson University Rutgers University Clemson University Saint Edward’s University Coastal Carolina University St. John’s University Colorado College St. Joseph’s University Delaware Valley University Saint Mary’s University Drexel University Stony Brook University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University SUNY at Albany Emory University Syracuse University Flagler College Temple University Florida Gulf Coast University The Citadel George Mason University University of Massachusetts at Amherst Hofstra University UC Berkeley Indian University of Bloomington UC Riverside 9

Indiana University of Pennsylvania UC Santa Cruz Ithaca College University of Connecticut Keystone College University of Hartford Le Moyne College University of Illinois Loyola University University of Maryland Lycoming University University of Minnesota Lynn University University of Pittsburgh Manhattanville College Valley Forge Military College Marymount Manhattan College Virginia Tech University Michigan State University Washington and Jefferson College Northeastern University West Virginia University Oberlin College Widener University Ohio State University Wilkes University Pace University Xavier University

VFMA Middle School Promotion 2019

Gabriel Antillon David Kaplinsky Gavin Booz Julius Kaufmann Aziz Burrows Brian Leszczynski Jason Chen Levy Morrison Alexander Christensen Daniel Murdock Keenan Clerk John Reihl Aidan Michael Elliott Zahir Saunders Ryan Guzman Charles Sima Alex Headman Hunter Soukup Asssad Hightower Michael Urevich Steven Hill Ethan Van Dinter Camy Jean-Baptiste Boyuan Wang

Andrew Kafka

Officiating the Promotion was Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson, USMCR (Ret), Superintendent; Colonel Kenneth DeTreux, USMC (Ret), Commandant of Cadets; Dr. Paul Lea IV ’87, ’89C, Dean of the Academy; Mr. Aaron Barkley, Associate Dean of the Academy; Mrs. Lauren Wochok, Lower School Director; and Mr. Christopher Hahn, Instructor of History.

Lt Col Bill Bonelli ’19H

Since 1928, VFMAC has used the Five Cornerstones as an approach to developing the whole person to meet their full potential. During commencement week, our cadets had the opportunity to hear about one of them – character development – from Lt Col Bill Bonelli ’19H.

We honored this proud vet (and Pearl Harbor survivor) later that week at our graduation ceremony by presenting him with an honorary degree from the College.

Homecoming Class of 1979 (40th) Sorry I left them out of the last Issue

Career Day

One of the great yearly programs established by the Alumni Association has been the annual Career Day Event hosted by VFMA where we bring back many alumni, with diverse professional background, to give our cadets the background and experience to make decisions regarding their own future directions. Working with Academy Dean Dr. Paul Lea IV ’87, ’89C (Regimental Commander), Aaron Barkley OAW, Associate Dean, AABOD Secretary and Chairman of the Career Day Committee Jeffrey Kreuer ’80 put together an amazing program featuring many alumni from all decades and vocations.

In the above picture we find Captain Carrie Picone ’09C PAANG and Honor graduate of the Early Commissioning Program here and VFMC addresses a class about her service and her career as a successful Realtor. Each classroom reception was filled with great information flowing both ways. We then went from Career Day right into Homecoming Weekend. Next picture is of Brother Jim Meckley ’67 addressing the class. Notice all eyes on the leader. Makes sense, he is a Band Alum.

Jeffrey Bevenour ’04 Meghan Bevenour (Adj. Prof) Chris Cope ’93C Jim Fleming ’60, ’62C Franz Hahn ’82, ’84C Glenn Horsky ’74 Brien Kalnoski ’85, ’87C William Kear ’70, ’72C Kevin Kirst ’02C Hayden Lutterloh ’69 Craig Maltese ’91 Paul McKenna ’79C Jim Meckley ’67 Thomas Merman ’70C Carrie Picone ’09C Gary Robins ’80 Dennis Rowe ’69 Juan Santana ’79, ’81C Leonard Sitar ’69 Michael Sobey ’10C Bill Vain ’87

Representatives from 1960 to 2016, in career fields spanning from Culinary Arts to Teaching, Law Enforcement, Entrepreneurs, Acting, FBI, Fire Police, Cyber Security, Medical Doctor, Music Preforming Arts and Career Military.

N.E. Ohio / Rudy Herzog ’35 Regiment Article by: Hugh Roberts ’56

On May 24, 2019 the N.E. Ohio Regiment gathered for their annual lunch at Sarah’s Vineyard in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Two members were honored at this event. Brad Waldenmyer ’68 received a Cadet statue to honor his gift of Buckeye One, the 6 seat electric golf cart used in the Admissions Department. Brad gave the gift in 2017.

Also a special recognition was accorded to Craig Thompson ’51 in celebration of his 87th birthday with a cake which was gifted by John Meade ’68.

An additional 15 Alumni attending this function, including Pete McLallen III ’62, ’64C representing the Michigan Regiment and Arthur Lambert ’60 representing the Greater Pittsburgh Regiment.

Later this year the Regiment will celebrate our 10th Anniversary. All will be welcome.

Luis Maya ’19 and Ralph Orr ’82

Luis Maya ’19 was the first new Alum spotted in the infamous VF Trousers, Brother Maya was one of our College Alumni Liaison Officers and did a magnificent job. His photography was invaluable over Homecoming and Graduation ceremonies. According to Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, many of these trousers were purchased by the Class of 2019.

New Alums be sure to post a picture when you wear yours!

Eric Fisher Wood, Jr. ’37 TAPS – Bridge Dedication An excerpt from the Dedication Ceremony- Conducted by Jesse Topper, State Representative, 78th District

In Harrisburg, we deal with many pieces of legislation. Over 5,000 ideas for new laws are introduced every session, but of those, very few actually become law. Naming a bridge goes through that same process…introduction with a co-sponsor memo, vote out of a House committee, vote on the floor of the House, vote in a Senate committee, vote on the floor of the Senate, signed by the Governor.

Eric Fisher Wood was born in California, but grew up in Bedford with two brothers, Alec and Peter and a sister, Eleanor. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Valley Forge Military Academy and then went on to Princeton University. I don’t think you could describe him as an underachiever!

He was married to Margaret and the couple had two children, Pamela and Eric III. Eric was born after his father was overseas and never had the opportunity to meet his Dad. A son, brother, husband and father who gave up life’s greatest pleasures to serve our country and rid the world of an unspeakable evil. American’s such as Lt. Eric Wood are the reason that we are able to celebrate in the way that we do today, amidst great freedom, but that freedom came at a steep cost to his family and community. That is why we name bridges such as this one. It’s not an exercise in vanity or a way to pass a unanimous bill out of the legislature; it’s so that we have constant and tangible reminders of what sacrifice really looks like, not just Eric’s sacrifice, but that of his family and friends. My hope is that after today each of us will look not just at the 1st Lieutenant Eric Fisher Wood Jr. Memorial Bridge, but at any bridge or roadway with the name of a fallen hero and take some time to think about what those names really represent. The sacrifice that led to our freedoms and continue to provide us with those freedoms, must never be forgotten. History preserved is history remembered…we must do our part to do both so that coming generations may appreciate the sacrifices of those who have gone before and also understand the sacrifices that may be required in the future to maintain the greatness of this country.

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.

Special 10% - 15% off from BK Travel to VFMAC Alumni, Parents and Staff

Special Price: $5,750.00 Single Supplement: $850.00

Price: $5,850.00 Single Supplement: $720.00 Contact: Bill Ridley at BK Tours and Travel, 10007 Winnepeg Court Burke, VA 22015 703-250-3044 Email: [email protected] www.bktravel.com