Alumni Newsletter September 30, 2014

9/11 MEMORIAL The 87th Corps of Cadets gathered this morning with faculty and staff on the main area to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With the playing of the National Anthem, the flag was raised and then lowered to half-mast in honor of those who perished on that fateful day. Chaplain CAPT Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.) delivered a prayer when all the names of those who perished on 9/11 and those that were serving since that time. The speaker for the ceremony was Regimental Sergeant Major Jeffrey Banhdith, also serving in the U.S. Army, who delivered a heartfelt tribute to those who have fallen. Taps was played and the Corps was reviewed by COL Richard Piscal, USA (Ret.), CAPT Gerald Hale, USCG (Ret.), and Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Banhdith. _____________________________________________________________________________________

ALUMNI CUSTOMS AND TRADITION TOURS On Saturday September 20, 2014 the Directors and Members of the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Alumni Board of Directors under the leadership of Chairman David Esqueda ’99, ‘01C and President Joe Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, were stationed around the campus to convey the Customs, Traditions and the History of the buildings, monuments and grounds. Thanks to the organization of the Commandant’s Department and the Cadet Leadership, all cadets were treated to a broad history of our beloved school. Everything from ghost stories to VF urban legends was discussed. A good and educational time were had by all. Those Alumni participating were Glenn Horsky ‘74, J.T. Hughes, Jr. ‘74, Ruth Chamorro ‘14C, Lorenzo Massaro '10C, Bob Shapiro ‘60, Niles Dally ‘63, David Esqueda ’99, ‘01C, Joseph Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, Juan Santana ‘81C, Greg Copeland '56, Gordon Hanscom ’62, ‘64C, Bill Smith ‘61C, Tom Merman ‘70C, Joseph Klumpp ’59, Tom Goldblum ’69, Gene Banco ‘63C.

HONOR ROLL OF GIVING

Special thanks to everyone who made gifts in support of The Forge in the 2013-14 school year.

OCT3 Honor Roll of DOnors.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS

VFMA&C Athletic Department cordially invites all alumni and past athletes to our annual

TAILGATE/BBQ/ATHLETIC HOMECOMING

Saturday, October 18, 2014 1:00 PM

O’Hara Athletic Fields

VFMC Football vs. East Coast Prep Half Time “Hall of Fame” Induction

$20.00 per person

Includes entry to food tent located behind the Field House To aid us in planning, please register in advance by October 14, 2014

Your registration fee will benefit athletic exclusively. RSVP to 610-989-1491 or rcasey@vfmac.edu

WINE & BEER TASTING Major Jeffrey Toczylowski Foundation Valley Forge Military Academy & College Eisenhower Hall Friday, October 24, 2014 7:00-9:00 PM

The special event will benefit the Major Jeffrey P. Toczylowski ’95C Memorial Scholarship Fund at Valley Forge Military College. The event will include a silent auction, and pairings of food to accompany a selection of both wine and beer offerings with experts from Rolling Barrel Events. Every guest will receive a stem-less wine glass for the tasting, and to keep as a memento. Tickets $60 each prior to 10/22; or $70 at the door. Purchase online at $60 each plus $4.05 for online processing per ticket; or mail a check, payable to VFMA Foundation, for $60 each to: Toczylowski Scholarship, VFMA&C, 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, PA 19087.

KNOW ANY POTENTIAL APPLICANTS? The following open houses and visiting opportunities are available for students interested in applying to Valley Forge … share them and help build the corps of cadets!

COMMUNITY INTEREST The VFMA&C Band will participate in the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association’s (DCVMA) First Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 13, 2014, 6:30 PM at Springfield Country Club. The dinner benefits the Memorial (no formal connection to VF, but we thought you might be interested). Delaware County Council will partner with the DCVMA to present local Veterans; Ralph Galati, Cornelius McGinley, Thomas McGovern and Kristie Robson, MD, along with community leaders Nick DeBenedictis and

Walter & Jayne Garrison with the Freedom Medal for their contribution to our country, education and community. Karen Carlson, from Aqua America, Inc. will be receiving the President’s Award for outstanding community involvement. Fox 29 - Weather Anchor, Sue Serio will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Proceeds from the dinner will support the educational mission of DCVMA and ongoing improvements to the Memorial. For tickets or more information please visit www.DelcoVeteransMemorial.com or call (610) 400-8722.

ALUMNI NEWS

LTG GUSTAVE F. PERNA ’81C WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 29, 2014) -- The new deputy chief of staff, G-4, Lt. Gen. Gustave F. Perna, is the best person to tackle the difficult job of Army worldwide logistics, said the Army's top officer. Perna has "all the right characteristics" for success, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno said at Perna's promotion ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday. Having the best leader in the job is especially critical during these "really tough times where logistics

and running our logistics organization has never been more important," Odierno said. The Army is bringing equipment out of Afghanistan, "as we prepare for deployments to Africa, as we prepare for deployments to Iraq," he said. Perna is the kind of great leader the Army needs to face these challenges, Odierno said. "As we have equipment sets that we're putting all around the world in order for us to be able to respond in the future, we need somebody who can lead us in that effort. Gus Perna is absolutely the right guy to do it," Odierno said. "As the senior logistician in the Army, that's a big burden, but one that I know that he will be able to do. I can't think of anybody else that I'm more proud of. Gus

will continue to excel," the chief of staff noted. Perna assumed duties as the Army's deputy chief of staff, G-4, on Sept. 18. Perna said he was deeply honored that Odierno hosted the ceremony. "It is something that I and my family will remember forever," he said. "It is a continued honor for me to serve as your G-4," Perna said to Odierno. "I believe, as you said, it will be a time period where things are going to be very difficult." Perna, who has served more than three decades in the Army, now oversees policies and procedures used by 240,000 Army logisticians throughout the world. His previous assignments include deputy chief of staff, G-3/4, U.S. Army Materiel Command; and commanding general, Joint Munitions Command, Rock Island, Illinois. He deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn. Earlier deployments included Bosnia, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Pictured with CPT William M. Jolly, USA ‘04C.

JOSEPH A. BARTASIUS, COL USA (Ret.) ’81, ’83C

On behalf of the Valley Military Academy and College, Board of Trustees we are

delighted to announce that Mr. Joseph Bartasius, COL USA (ret) has been

appointed to the Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Board of Trustees.

Joe is a widely respected Alumnus and the President of the Valley Forge Military

Academy and College, Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is proud to

have our President serve on the Board of Trustees. Outstanding!!!!

HECTOR ARGUELLO ‘95

Former E-Battery Commander Hector Arguello ’95 had the great honor of attending the annual Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on September 17, 2014. Hector is a veteran Congressional Aide with over 15 years of service to the state of Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives. He had the opportunity to meet and briefly chat with President Barack Obama. Hector

remains active in Valley Forge, especially E-Battery, helping mentor current Battery gunners and younger alumni. He also recently spoke to the incoming plebes of the Mounted Battalion about his experiences at Valley Forge and offered them encouragement for what they were about to undertake.

ALEX DEGRASSE ’12

Alex DeGrasse '12 spent this past summer interning at the office of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), working under the supervision of a fellow former E-Battery Commander, Hector Arguello '95. "Alex did an outstanding job serving our constituents and helping our office run smoothly. The Congressman was appreciative of his efforts and I couldn't be prouder of him. He's got a bright career ahead of him," said Mr. Arguello. Alex is currently a junior at Union College in New York and is working on college-student outreach for the Elise Stefanik for Congress campaign.

DANIEL H. MERRITT ‘05C One of the many Mustang Scholars Foundation success stories and a 2005 VFMC graduate, Daniel H. Merritt started his own foundation and clothing apparel which benefits wounded soldiers and their families www.ninelinefoundation.org and www.ninelineapparel.com. Nine Line Foundation is dedicated to meeting the financial and specialized needs of severely injured soldiers and their families. In combat, a “Nine Line” is an emergency medevac request, and is often the difference between life and death for the most severely wounded soldiers. The Nine Line Foundation aims to serve in a similar manner, offering a lifeline once wounded veterans return stateside. Our goal is to rebuild, strengthen and enrich the quality of life of wounded veterans---one soldier at a time Our assistance ranges from providing lodging, transportation and financial aid during the rehabilitation process, raising money for tuition to send their children to College, to retrofitting their homes to become handicap accessible. Richard Leister ’51

The Lather Lads featuring Richard Leister ’51 This picture was sent in by Richard and his daughter Lyn to commemorate his lifelong friendships established here at Valley Forge. On Richards’s birthday his community barbershop quartet performed as the Lather Lads for his enjoyment.

COL BILLY G. MURPHY, USA (Ret)

Valley Forge Military Academy & College would like to give special recognition to COL Billy G. Murphy, USA (Ret.) who served as Commandant of Cadets. Following his distinguished military service, he served as an exemplary role-model to legions of former cadets and maintained the highest standard for our school. After three decades of bravely battling cancer, his journey home is almost complete. We thank him for his service and wish him a painless bliss. We offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Barbara and the rest of the Murphy family, and hope

they can take solemn pride in the appreciation of so many young boys he helped develop into fine young men. Thank you COL Murphy! _____________________________________________________________________________________

TROJAN SPORTS

The VFMC Women’s Volleyball team (pictured) after their first victory. Congrats Lady Trojans, keep up the great work and keep winning. College wrapped up the afternoon with a respectable showing in Women’s Volleyball 3 team match! Taking two tough losses to Montgomery Community College 3-0 and also main line rival Harcum College 3-0 Volleyball record is 1-9

_____________________________________________________________________________________ On Friday September 19th the Academy got off to an exciting start to the weekend. The Trojan football team opened up with an overtime victory over New Hope Solesbury 18 to 12.

The Trojan’s were led by Bronson Szaller 22 carries for 155 yds. and he rushed for 2 touchdowns. Audley Issacs contributed with 16 tackles (10 Solo, 5 assisted, 1 sack). The Academy went up against undefeated Bristol High for 1st place in the (BAL) what’s BAL Conference on Friday September 26th on Bristol’s home field and Bristol showed why they are undefeated and one of the top 10 teams in the State of Pennsylvania. Final: Bristol 54 Valley Forge 0 Football is now 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the BAL conference. ____________________________________________________________________________________

On Sunday September 21st our College football team played the University of Pennsylvania JV team at the Historic Franklin Field. The Forge was led by QB Christian Summers who threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for one. TD Passes completed to Danien Samuels and Gabriel Yuille. This was followed up by a rushing TD by Hakeem Silan. The defense had three interceptions, two by Ryan Muse and one by Rafee Cheesboror. Final Score: VFMC 27 University of Pennsylvania 17.

College Football had a decisive win over Stevenson University JV on Sunday September 28th: VFMC 28 Stevens 8 . Anthony Gelbaugh had 3 touchdown passes, Christian Summer rushed for 62 yards, Gabe Yuille for 5, and Andrew Smith had a 4 yard run. Carlo Thomas anchored the defense and had an interception.

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Forge Soccer was ready to go! They got off to a fast start scoring two early goals (Cadet Sterpel and Cadet Minich) against Abington Friends School. Unfortunately we lost in overtime 3-2, as the Quakers made a strong push in the second half and took the game in overtime. Friday Academy soccer was away @ Friends Central and lost 4-1. Our only goal was scored by Anthony Zavaruka assisted by Uriel Romero. Soccer is now 3-8

Valley Forge Military Academy cross country team was off and running at the George School Invitational with two top individual finishers.

Seth Bonzelet 19:31

Ben Johnson 20:12. College Cross country ran in the PSU Brandywine Meet and landed in 1st place for the overall team grouping.

Ryan Seret 2nd

Mikey Meacham 5th

Tyler Eccles 9th

Congratulations to all athletes and coaches for a great weekend!

GO TROJANS!!!!

ALEX ROSS ‘16C This weekend Valley Forge Military Academy & College hosted our first competition for the IHSA. Our cadets competed against students from 7 other schools in hunt seat equitation class on the flat and over fences. Cadet Alex Ross placed 3rd in his division. Congratulation Alex, we are all proud of you. Onward and upward.

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FALL ATHLETIC SCHEDULES (As of 10/1/14 – subject to change)

Academy Football

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Friday 10/10/14 1:30 PM

Strawberry Mansion High School

Home O’Hara Field

Friday 10/17/14 1:30 PM

Calvary Christian School Home O’Hara Field

Saturday 10/25/14 3:45 PM

Delaware County C.S. Away Marple-Newtown 120 Media Line Rd,

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Friday 10/31/14 1:30 PM

Jenkintown High School Home O’Hara Field

College Football

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Friday 10/10/14 6:00 PM

West Point Prep – NY Away West Point New York

Saturday 10/18/14 1:00 PM

East Coast Prep Athletics Homecoming

& Tailgate

Home O’Hara Field

Saturday 10/25/14 1:00 PM

Williamson Away 106 S. New Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063

Saturday 11/1/14 1:00 PM

Stevens Tech Home O’Hara Field

Saturday 11/8/14 1:00 PM

George Mason University

Home O’Hara Field

Academy Soccer

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Thursday 10/2/14 3:45

Christopher Doc Home Upper Fields

Tuesday 10/7/14 3:45 PM

New Hope Solebury High School

Away 182 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938

Thursday 10/9/14 Lower Moreland High Home Upper Fields

3:45 PM School

Saturday 10/11/14 2:30 PM

Perkiomen School Away 200 Seminary St, Pennsburg, PA 18073

Tuesday 10/14/14 3:45 PM

Holy Ghost Prep Away 2929 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020

Thursday 10/16/14 4:00 PM

Philmont Christian School

Away 35 Hillcrest Ave, Glenside, PA 19038

College Cross Country

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Saturday 10/4/14 11:00 AM

Luzerne County Community College

Away 1333 S Prospect St, Nanticoke, PA 18634

Saturday 10/25/14 Stevens Tech Away 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Academy Cross Country

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Thursday 10/2/14 4:00 PM

Perkiomen Prep Away 200 Seminary St, Pennsburg, PA 18073

Tuesday 10/7/14 4:00 PM

Philmont Christian Away 35 Hillcrest Ave, Glenside, PA 19038

Wednesday 10/15/14 3:00 PM

BAL Championships Away Tyler State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/

Friday 10/24/14 11:00 AM

District 1 Champs Lehigh University

Away 27 Memorial Drive W, Bethlehem, PA 18015

College Women’s Volleyball

Day/Date/Time Opponent Location Address

Thursday 10/2/14 7:00 PM

Bucks County Community College

Away 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940

Saturday 10/4/14 12:00 PM

Lehigh Carbon & Manor Home Price Hall

Tuesday 10/7/14 7:00 PM

Harrisburg Area Community College

Home Price Hall

Thursday 10/8/14 7:00 PM

Delaware Technical Community College

Home Price Hall

Saturday 10/11/14 12:00 PM

Bucks & Delaware County C.C.

Home Price Hall

Tuesday 10/14/14 7:00 PM

Northampton Community College

Home Price Hall

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! Class 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 by email with your pictures (if any) attached: TGoldblum@vfmac.edu and we will let everyone know the happy news.

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2014-2015 CROSSED SABRES YEARBOOK ADS FOR SALE: Purchase a yearbook ad for your business or a special message to your graduating Cadet! *Full Page = $200.00 *Half Page = $150.00 *Quarter Page = $100.00 All ads will be color and each must be given to me in a PDF file format. If you are not sure how to set up a PDF file please contact CPT Irvan at jirvan@vfmac.edu or call him at 610-989-1417. (Text and photos can be e-mailed to me for ad set up if needed). Deadline for final ads will be 1 Dec. unless all space is sold prior to this date. Space is limited! Please make checks out to: Valley Forge Military Academy & College and put Yearbook Ad in the memo. Mail them to the school: “Attention: CPT Josh Irvan: Yearbook Coordinator.” _____________________________________________________________________________________

CALLING ALL VETERAN ALUMNI I am a senior at Valley Forge and I am a part of the Valley Forge Military Academy Veterans Day ceremonies. We are trying to find as many alumni as we can to come back for this upcoming Veterans Day, November 11, 2014. I understand that this is short noticed but we hope you will find time in your schedule to come back and talk to some of the cadets at The Forge. It would mean so much more if we had alumni veterans coming back from all different eras. If you are interested in coming back please email ljara@vfmac.edu. Thank you all for your service to our Country and for making us all here at Valley Forge Military Academy & College proud. Sincerely, Ben Johnson ’15 Company Commander “C” Company

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TAPS

Al Schoellhammer ’47 TAPS It is with sad news that I report Al Schoellhammer of the fine Class of 1947 has gone to the great Parade Ground in the sky on September 11, 2014. Al was proud of having served in the Navy and talked about his family, his motor boat, and his work in the Navy Reserves at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station. For the past few years, was in and out the hospital – in for weeks on end. His widow, Frances Jon Singer ’60, ‘62C TAPS Jon B. Singer, a successful Baltimore businessman who was active in Jewish philanthropic causes that ranged from helping those suffering from drug abuse to mentoring young men and women starting businesses, died of pancreatic cancer Aug. 31 at his Pikesville home. He was 71. "His compassion and generosity knew no bounds. Even though he ran several businesses and was a devoted family man, he always found time to help those who were in need," said Jerry Sutton, who was executive director of House of Hope, a Reisterstown Road recovery facility that Mr. Singer founded for Jewish men struggling to overcome drug addiction and substance abuse. The son of Dr. Lee Singer, a dentist, and Jean Singer, a homemaker, Jon Barry Singer was born in Baltimore and raised on Fairview Avenue in Forest Park. He attended City College and graduated in 1960 from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pa. He was a 1962 graduate of Valley Forge Junior College. "He always credited Valley Forge Military Academy with saving his life. He was raised in difficult circumstances in a tumultuous and chaotic household," said his daughter, Meredith Singer of Arlington, Va. He served with the Army Reserves as a cook before being discharged in 1971. Mr. Singer was the founder and owner of Premier Management Group, a real estate service provider that employed more than 1,800 workers. After the business was sold to a British firm in 1989, he retired.