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Alumni Newsletter

September 2017

Niall Gallagher ’15

On September 10, 2017 Niall Gallagher '15, USNA '19, returned to VFMA to give remarks in chapel on the topic of honor prior to the induction of the cadet Honor Council. Niall entered VFMA in 2010 (8th grade) and rose to the rank of cadet Battalion Commander and senior class president. He recently completed PROTRAMID training with the US Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton,

Calif. and is considering a career in USMC aviation. We were very fortunate to have Niall for our speaker for the induction of the new Honor Council. Niall was a driving force in promoting the

Honor Code and having it flourish here at VFMAC. Niall is also continuing a tradition of VFMAC Alumni who have attended the United States Naval Academy as our guest speaker. Niall follows in the footsteps of newly commissioned Ensign Leslie Ann Alasagas ’13C, USNA ’17. Ensign Alasagas ’13C has been appointed as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Pictured to the left are two Marine Colonels and one future USMC General (We all pray). Special thanks to Captain Christopher Bechtel, VFMAC, for the photo.

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Natasha Ingram ’12C Congratulations to Captain Natasha I. Ingram, USA, ’12C who was promoted to the rank of 03, Captain in the United States Army National Guard. Natasha has also recently taken a position with the FBI. She came to VFMC and immediately made an impact with cadets, staff, administration and alumni. The following year, she became the Company Commander of the Band, a coveted and prestigious position within the Corps of Cadets. She also excelled in the Early Commissioning Program and achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard upon graduation. It only took her one more year to earn her bachelor’s degree. Natasha came back to VFMAC as one of the lead TAC Officers and continued her success in the National Guard. We congratulate her on her achievements and we know that she will be successful at any endeavor she encounters. We wish her continued success as she moves forward in the Guard and at her new position with the FBI.

William Kegerreis ’72, ’74C Alright don't laugh...... I retired from the Army in July 1996 then worked for Lockheed-Martin as a Program Manager for the Army Virtual air/ground simulation systems worldwide. To the left is a picture of me as a Cadet in 1974 and when I retired from the Army in 1996 in the bottom left corner. I’m currently still with Lockheed-Martin and enjoying my life in sunny California. My wife, Sandra, of 37 years is a school teacher. My son, Christopher, is an active duty Major, UH60 pilot currently assigned as battalion S3, Operations

Officer, of the 1st Battalion 244th Attack Helicopter Battalion. My daughter, Jennifer, like her mother, is also a public school teacher. Have four grandchildren- two boys and two girls who own my heart. My M151, Vietnam era 1/4 ton (Jeep) which was manufactured in 1964 is pictured to the right. The jeep was olive green with

white stars and markings when I bought it. If you watch the movie "Green Beret" you'll see John Wayne riding in one at the airfield. I modernized it by painting it desert tan and making it a commander's vehicle mounting VR-47 command radios and duel antennas. Licensed, registered and insured. The M60 machine gun is fake, made of resin as well as the M16 but looks awesome. I like to take it to car shows where it attracts a lot of attention. kegerreisw@aol.com

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Kareem Rosser ’11 and Daymar Rosser ’14

Recently we had a visit from two of our outstanding Alumni. Brothers Kareem Rosser ’11 and Daymar Rosser ’14. These young men are a tribute to VFMAC and our history of success. Kareem and Daymar are both members of the D Troop Alumni and are two of the top-rated polo players in the world. At right, Daymar shows us his NCAA Championship Ring. Just two years after being created, the Roger Williams University Men's Polo team secured a NATIONALS victory. It was a 14-13 win against Southern Methodist University.

Alex Hammond ’16C

Alex Hammond ’16C, an ILR major, is currently running as a Democrat for the position of Waddington Town Supervisor. As it stands, if he wins the election in November, he will become the youngest Town Supervisor in St. Lawrence County, N.Y. in history. Despite his age and lack of direct political experience, the candidate extolled his military training at the Forge — where he

obtained his commission in the National Guard and got his associate’s degree in government and politics — as his qualifications for the role. The Cornell University senior also cited his vice presidency of the Seal & Serpent Society, involvement in the mock trial team and his general ILR course load as key factors in his qualifications for Town Supervisor. We wish 2LT Hammond ’16C the best of luck and success in his pursuit of his goal of being elected Town Supervisor.

Greg Offner Jr. ’00 Greg Offner Jr. ’00 is currently serving as a Director on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and he was invited to be the Chapel Speaker on September 24, 2017. Greg also represented the AABOD at the re-dedication of the Alumni Memorial Star. Greg was a Cadet Sergeant Major, Regimental Drum Major and went on to graduate from West Chester University. Today Greg is the Sales Executive for the Northeast Region of Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downs, a risk management and insurance consulting firm with over 300 employees. He and his fiancée Kimberly Graf are scheduled to be married soon at the Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion.

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90th Corps of Cadets Pays Tribute to Victims of 9/11 Attacks On the morning of Monday, September 11, 2017, cadets paused for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks, those who bravely responded, and those who continue to serve and defend our nation. Honoring Durrell V. Pearsall, Jr. ’86 TAPs, a member of FDNY Rescue 4 who gave his life saving others in the World Trade Center and all those who have given the ultimate in the Worldwide War on Terror.

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POW/MIA Tribute On September 15, 2017, the 90th Corps of Cadets let by Cadet First Captain Matthew Horsky ’16 paid tribute to all those who are Missing in Action and were Prisoners of War. The men and women who gave 100% of themselves to protect our Country were saluted by the Corps with a ceremony on the Main Area. Present for the tribute was Col John C. Church, Jr. USMCR (Ret.), President of VFMAC, and Col Stuart Helgeson, USMC, COO & Commandant of Cadets, as the Corps presented a commemorative wreath and passed in review.

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MG Walter Lord, USA, ’84C, and Grace Lord

Submitted by MG Walter Lord, USA, ‘84C: On Saturday, September 9, 2017, Grace and I had the great honor and pleasure of hosting a social gathering of the George Washington (D.C.) Regiment of VFMAC Alumni! Nineteen graduates along with spouses and guests were joined by our Board of Trustees Chairman John English ’91, Greg Brinn, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations, Dr. Paul Lea IV ’87, ’89C, Vice President of the Alumni Association, and Colonel

William Ridley ’64, the Regimental Commander for the George Washington Regiment, for a beautiful day of socializing with fellow graduates whose classes spanned from 1947 to 1999! As always, Grace was a most gracious hostess (yes, I do see what I did there!) and ensured our home was a fun and welcoming one. Let me add that the food, libation and cigars were right out of South Philadelphia, so you know they were top of the line Italian Market fare.

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TAMV Cyber Regiment, Alumni Memorial Star Dedication

On Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the Alumni Memorial Chapel of Saint Cornelius the Centurion, the refurbished Alumni Memorial Star was re-dedicated and presented to the 90th Corps of Cadets, Alumni, guests and friends of the Forge. After the Sunday Chapel Ceremony the Star was dedicated with the assistance of Fred Betman ’74, Regimental Commander of TAMV Cyber Regiment and Director of the AABOD, John Rapp ’74C Past President of the AABOD, Greg

Offner, Jr. ’00, Director of the AABOD and our Chapel Speaker, Gerald Supplee ’69, Chairman of the Project, Col Stuart Helgeson, USMC, COO & Commandant of Cadets, CAPT Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.), Chaplain, and Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations. Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make it all possible. The memories of those who gave the highest of themselves for our Country and the Forge will live on for centuries to come.

The Atlanta Regiment Robin Lahiri ’85, Regiment Chairman of the AABOD reported a successful and enjoyable meeting with the Atlanta Regiment Leader John Woodward '69 and GA / SC Regiment Leader Sean Goggins '91C in Marietta GA at Dave & Buster's Restaurant. Pictured are Robin, John and Sean. “Whenever Valley Forge Alumni get together - it's a great time!! We had lunch, traded stories, brainstormed about future Atlanta Regiment events, contemplated some projects and networked on some business stuff. Well worth the trip to connect with these amazing Alumni. You all should start a Regiment in your city - contact me - we will help.” There are already Regiments in major cities across the U.S. and globally - Mexico City, Peru, NYC, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Ohio, D.C., Virginia, Houston, Dallas, Naples Ft Meyers, Orlando, Jacksonville, Wilkes Barre, State College, Allentown, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami and many more. Get excited - Participate - VF is in the assent!!

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The Gotham Alumni Regiment

The Gotham Alumni Regiment is pleased to announce VFMAC’s participation in the 2017 New York City Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11 in Manhattan: www.nycvetsday.org. VFMAC will have a large presence in this year's Parade, including the Herald Trumpets, which will launch the event! Buzz Aldrin will serve as Grand Marshal for the Parade, which is the largest commemoration of service in the nation. Close to 40,000 participants from 28 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,

and our international allies will participate, along with official delegations and senior leaders from the Armed Services and other federal, state, and municipal agencies. The Wounded Warrior Project, now led by our own Mike Linnington '76, will also march in the Parade. The excitement begins at 10:30 am, as we visit with cadets while they await entry into the parade. We will deliver snacks and hearty welcomes before they turn onto 5th Avenue for the mile-long march past an estimated 500,000 spectators. At 12:00 pm, VFMAC alumni, family, and friends will be offered seating in the VIP viewing area, in front of the New York Public Library on 41st Street & 5th Avenue during the live broadcast and streaming of the Parade (12:00-3:00 pm on WPIX/Tribune-Sinclair Network, American Forces Network, and Military.com). Throughout the day, the Forge will have an information and recruitment table at the Veterans Unity Resource Expo, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, at 4 West 43rd Street. Finally, join us at 4:00 pm for a Post-Parade Reception at 4 West 43rd Street, as we welcome Col John C. Church, Jr., USMCR (Ret.) and hear his update on VFMAC. This will be a high-profile opportunity for us to show our Valley Forge spirit, support our alma mater's communications and recruitment efforts, and reinforce our bonds. Please register for this great event here.The cost is $20 per person. For more information, please contact Ruth Chamorro, '14C at chamorro.ruthy@gmail.com.Please "start spreading the news" in your networks! We are collecting donations from Alumni to cover the cost of meals for the Cadets who will be representing us in the Parade. DON’T LET A CADET GO HUNGRY! Contact Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations, at 610-989-1329 or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu.

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HEADQUARTERS

VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY & COLLEGE

SPECIAL ORDERS Wayne, Pennsylvania

NUMBER 4 10 September 2017

The following Cadets are appointed to the Cadet Honor Council of the 90th Corps of Cadets for

Academic Year 2017-2018:

Regimental Commander, Cadet First Captain Matthew Horsky, Honor Chairman

Regimental Executive Officer, Cadet Second Captain Donald White

Commander, A Company, Cadet Captain Hayden Freeman

Commander, B Company, Cadet Captain Charles Lockner

Commander, Music Company, Cadet Captain Tevyur Mosley

Commander, Mounted Company, Cadet Captain Audrey Franssen

Commander, G Company, Cadet Captain Jori Masho

Commander, I Company, Cadet Captain Maria Hart

Regimental Adjutant, Cadet Captain Rylee Kibbey, Recorder

Regimental Sergeant Major, Cadet Sergeant Major Reynald Pierre, Sergeant at Arms

Academy Faculty Advisor – Mr. Larry D’Andrea

College Faculty Advisor – Mr. Sean Chambers

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NSA/DHS Designates Valley Forge Military College as

Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2 Year Education

Wayne, Pa. – September 18, 2017 – The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have notified Valley Forge Military College (VFMC), the Governor of Pennsylvania, and the United States Congress that VFMC has now been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2 Year Education (CAE2Y). This is a remarkable achievement, making VFMC the only two-year college in Pennsylvania, and the only junior military college in the United States with that designation. According to NSA/DHS, the CAE2Y program is designed to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce by promoting only those colleges and universities that demonstrate an “innovative, comprehensive and multidisciplinary education and training” in cybersecurity. The requirements are extensive and the review process is robust to ensure integrity of the CAE2Y designation. Maureen Malone, Dean of VFMC, noted “As soon as we could apply for the designation, we did. Graduates of VFMC’s Cybersecurity Certificate Program will now carry the official seals of NSA and DHS on their certificates, which make them unique as candidates applying for jobs in any industry.” The College’s Cybersecurity Certificate is part of its Justice and Security Studies Program that trains and educates students going into intelligence, national security, emergency management, and law enforcement professions. The program delivers instruction that brings balance to the students’ world-view that allows them to quickly assess situations, identify problems, propose solutions, and supervise their implementation. Since 1935, VFMC has earned a reputation as a well-renowned co-educational, accredited two-year private college. Young men and women come to VFMC to hold themselves to a higher standard of education and develop to their full potential. Designated as the Military College of Pennsylvania, VFMC provides an educational experience unlike any other in the Commonwealth. The quality academic foundation and individual confidence acquired at VFMC has served many of our graduates as a springboard to academic and personal success.

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New Orleans, LA Regiment Alumni Halloween Gathering

Click here to register for the event.

Jon Renaudin ‘96 ‘98c

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The Texarkana Alumni Regiment

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Courage, Honor, Conquer By Ronald Tschiegg ’52C

Tales from the beginning in 1928 to 1970 when the Corps of Cadets numbered over 1,200. Here is your opportunity to have this amazing volume in your home library. Price (domestic shipping & handling included): $40.00 To purchase this book please contact: Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations 610-989-1329 or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu.

THE PAST IN REVIEW

A 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. Price (shipping & handling included): $30.00 To purchase this book please contact: Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations 610-989-1329 or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu.

When making your purchases through Amazon.com, please remember your

Alma Mater. Every purchase helps make us stronger.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation. The first time you visit select your charity: "Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation" and every other time you visit under the search bar you'll see: "Supporting: Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation".

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Alumni Gift Items

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

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

Alumni Challenge Coin - $35.00 Alumni Tie Bar - $35.00

Total Price of Package (1 of each) - $165.00

To order please contact: Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C, Director of Alumni Relations 610-989-1329 or tgoldblum@vfmac.edu

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Feltham’s Old Comrades

On October 13-15, 2017, the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Band Alumni from 1949-1976 will be holding a reunion at the Crown Plaza Hotel in King of Prussia, Pa. for all members of the Col D. Keith Feltham band era. The “Duke” directed the finest bands VFMA ever knew and guided bandsmen during his 26 years at the Forge. The pride, camaraderie, excellence, and professionalism he instilled was carried by all of us throughout our lives and helped to influence our achievements and life skills. This reunion is not only a gathering of past friendships and stories but a tribute to a great man who was so influential on many lives. Needless to say, it is long overdue. There were approx. 629 of us in the Col Feltham bands. I have tracked down and sent information to 477 through email or letter, 105 others are known to be deceased which leaves about 45 that I am still looking to find and will continue trying to locate throughout the summer. If you can help with the missing list, it would be greatly appreciated. A reunion of this magnitude has not been held since Col Feltham retired in 1976. We are getting older and do not have time to delay. I have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours planning, preparing, searching, calling, writing, typing and mailing to make this an event to remember. I have spoken to many wives and siblings of those who have passed and they all say how their husbands and/or fathers would have given anything to attend and renew their love for VFMA and the band experience. As Mark Faith '68 said "We were a special group, at a special place, at a special time, with a special purpose." Jim Meckley ’67, Reunion Coordinator jimmeckley@yahoo.com Cell: 607-765-6992 Home: 410-973-2378

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Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - King of Prussia

260 Mall Blvd , King Of Prussia | Pennsylvania | 19406 | United States | 1-610-2657500|

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Dates to Remember

October 14 - 15, 2017 VFMAC Band Reunion October 20 – 22, 2017 Parents and Recognition Weekend

October 21, 2017 AABOD Meeting in Sara Crawford Room – 9:30 am October 28, 2017 Texarkana Alumni Regiment Halloween Party in New Orleans, La. Open to all. Please see page 11 for RSVP information. November 1, 2017 D Troop Benefit Banquet in Eisenhower Hall at 6:00 pm November 10, 2017 Academy Career Day Starts at 8:00 am November 11, 2017

Veterans Day Parade – America’s Parade in New York City

Valley Forge Military Academy & College is proud to announce that our cadets will be marching in the New York City Veterans Day Parade -- America's Parade -- this year. Please join your fellow alumni, family, friends and staff to view the parade at 43rd Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan on November 11th, 12-3pm. For more information please follow the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vfmac-new-york-city-veterans-day-parade-presentation-regiment-event-tickets-38098044276

November 17, 2017 Annual Military Tattoo – 5:30 pm April 27 - 29, 2018 Alumni Homecoming- Classes ending in 3 and 8 are the five year

reunion classes.

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The VFMAC Trojan is BACK!!!!

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TAPS

The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is having a formal paver dedication ceremony on November 10 for 1965 VFMA graduate Raymond George Krobetzky who died on Aug 25, 1968 while leading his platoon in combat. Rest in peace with God, Brother. The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum is part of the United States Army Museum System. Located near Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, N.C., it has been open to the public since 2000.

It is my sad duty to announce the passing of James O'Hara '55 former Regimental Commander and brother of Michael O'Hara '57. Jim passed peacefully on August 23, 2017 at home. Rest in Peace my Brother. Jim was the last Regimental Commander in 1955 to wear the 5 Pip insignia at the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. His memorabilia is going to be displayed in the VFMAC Museum in Mellon Hall, including his Regimental Commander Shako and distinctive Black Plum. Mr. Walter B. Scott '37, TAPS, April 19, 2017, Cabot, Pa. CAPT Walter D. Chadwick, USN (Ret.) '39, TAPS, May 6, 2017, Hooversville, Pa. Mr. Robert L. Gardner '40, '42C, TAPS, August 25, 2017, Toledo, Ohio Mr. Edward H. Klein '42, TAPS, March 12, 2017, Raleigh, N.C Mr. Francis J. Tomaino '44C, TAPS, April 25, 2017, Belmar, N.J. James L.D. Cox, M.D. '45, TAPS, September 12, 2017, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Richard M. Giller '46, TAPS, August 25, 2017, Miami, Fla. Maj Edmund B. Burke, Jr., USAF (Ret.) '48, '50C, TAPS, May 11, 2017, Cape Cod, Mass. Mr. J. Reginald Pierson, Jr. '48, TAPS, May 17, 2017, Georgetown, Texas Mr. Donald L. Bottiger '49, TAPS, July 10, 2017, Selinsgrove, Pa. COL John M. Blair '50, TAPS, July 2, 2017, Maryville, Ill. Mr. Ronald C. Hands '50, TAPS, July 5, 2017, Concord, N.C. Mr. Hugh O. Byerly '53, TAPS, May 5, 2017, Williamsport, Pa. Alfred E. Cleveland, Esq. '53, TAPS, June 27, 2017, Fayetteville, N.C. Mr. James E. Wollaston '53, TAPS, May 27, 2017, Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Frank M. Anderson '54, TAPS, June 29, 2017, Seaford, Del. Mr. Adin B. Capron, Jr. '54, TAPS, April 29, 2017, Seneca, S.C. Mr. Curtis L. Shollenberger '54, TAPS, April 15, 2017, Chadds Ford, Pa. Mr. Richard H. Beatty '58, TAPS, July 15, 2017, Berlin, Md. Mr. John H. Patterson, Jr. '58C, TAPS, July 27, 2017, Miami, Fla. Mr. Donald L. Harris '61C, TAPS, April 21, 2017, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Peter M. Bentley '63, TAPS, January 24, 2017, Traverse City, Mich.

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Mr. Curtis D. Kalmbach '63, TAPS, September 5, 2006, Olcott, N.Y. Mr. Charles J. Short '63, TAPS, August 17, 2017, Madison, Pa. Mr. Howard K. Fetters, Jr. '64, TAPS, June 21, 2017, West Chester, Pa. Mr. Charles C. Clark, Jr. '66, TAPS, June 2, 2017, Senatobia, Miss. Mr. Victor P. Bruno '67C, TAPS, July 30, 2017, Marysville, Ohio Mr. Douglas E. Gossard '67, TAPS, May 14, 2017, Camp Hill, Pa. Mr. Larry W. Groff '68C, TAPS, August 16, 2017, Quarryville, Pa. Mr. Randolph D. Jenkins '71, '73C, TAPS, September 3, 2017, Newark, Del. Mr. Edward M. Walker, Jr. '71, TAPS, April 25, 2017, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Charles B. Billie '79, TAPS, August 2, 2017, Allentown, Pa. Mr. Edward J. Goldrick '83, TAPS, July 5, 2017, Holdrege, Neb. Mr. Jaron J. Talotta '84, TAPS, July 12, 2017, Hazleton, Pa. Mr. Christopher T. Bentley '95C, TAPS, July 13, 2017, Hanover, Pa.