From rforno at infowarrior.org Fri Aug 3 13:59:42 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:59:42 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Some Clarification on JROTC Situation at VFMA Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- The President of the Alumni Association, has been in touch with the Administration at the Forge referencing the cancellation of the Jr. ROTC. One of several questions that arose from concerned Alumni was the Honor School with Distinction award and its impact on cadets in seeking nominations for the Service Academies. Mr. McGeorge, President VFMA&C, has sent this information to the BOT and to the General Alumni Population that may help clarify this particular question. As more information is received, there will be further announcements - - -Rick Forno '90 '92C < - > From: McGeorge, Tony Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 9:04 AM Subject: JROTC "Nominations" JRR, Enclosed is the information you requested for distribution. This information comes to us from both Navy and Army. All service academies are the same. ?Honor Schools with Distinction Nomination? There have been a number of questions revolving around the JROTC Honor School nominations to Service Academies offered through JROTC and how our decision to exit that program impacts Valley Forge Military Academy cadets. A popular misconception of the schools that earn the title ?Honor Schools with Distinction? is that they have nominations and/or appointments directly to the Service Academies. While that may have been accurate at some point in past history, that has not been the case for quite some time. ?Honor Schools with Distinction? do not have direct nominations to the Service Academies. There are currently ten basic categories for Service Academy nominations, one of which is the JROTC Honor School category that Valley Forge Military Academy was in. Any qualified applicant may apply in any or all of the categories, if they meet the prescribed qualifications for the category in which they are applying. Honor School nominations are not nominations in the traditional sense that most people think of, which is a Congressional nomination. In the Congressional category, each representative has ten (10) nominations to award to candidates for each of the various academies. These nominations do not guarantee appointment. They are handled on a competitive basis and only allow the candidate to go to the next competitive screening level of Appointment. An Appointment is a highly competitive process, emanating from the Admissions Office of the Academy. Once an applicant is accepted he or she is then appointed directly by the individual Service Academy. An ?Honor School Nomination? today is in essence a lottery that combines all honor military schools, ROTC units in High Schools, Colleges and Universities into a massive pool. If one is an Honor School or Unit (High School, College, University or independent ROTC Unit) they will receive three (3) tickets (nominations) to the lottery. If one is an Honor School with Distinction you get six (6) tickets (nominations). This means that a school may have between three and six individuals competing in the lottery for approximately 20 true nominations nationwide to each academy. The United States Naval Academy informs VF that there are literally thousands of people in this lottery competing for the 20 designated Honor School nominations to each academy. USNA says ?the Honor School Nomination is the most competitive category and we encourage applicants to purse all other categories of nomination.? West Point refers to these nominations as really ?request for nominations.? The vast majority of qualified applicants are nominated through either Congressional or Senatorial Nominations and/or Presidential or Vice Presidential Nominations. Tony McGeorge President Valley Forge Military Academy & College -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRrM0vClmcjtvXmz2EQIIJgCePsmiYU06UOCYBxn4oJ7PJrxuB0YAnRGO zE18c3g2U0A/mWzxXqrSsLA6 =+UWj -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Fri Aug 3 14:09:27 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 10:09:27 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - VF News Items of Interest - 3 August 2007 Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Greetings, all -- VFMC Women's Basketball Team VFMA&C newly appointed Athletic Director, Col D.P. ?Mick? Lorusso is pleased to announce that Maj. Michael Pachella has been named head basketball coach for the ?07-?08 season of the VFMC women?s basketball team. This is the first women?s basketball team in the school?s history.... < - > http://vfmac.edu/news_20070802.html CDR Rodney Hill, USN (Ret.) named Interim Dean of the Academy Please join us in congratulating CDR Rodney A. Hill on his promotion to Interim Dean of the Academy for Valley Forge, effective August 1, 2007. In his capacity he will oversee the Middle School, Upper School and Day School for the Academy. CDR Rodney A. Hill, USN (Ret.), a native of Bronx, New York, currently serves as a College Admission Officer, official spokesperson, and Counsel to the Office of the President at Valley Forge Military Academy & College. CDR Hill brings with him a wealth of educational and managerial experience.... < - > http://vfmac.edu/news_20070730.html Cheers, Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRrM2/SlmcjtvXmz2EQKE1ACbB76cZAe7ku9oVx+MwmrhNf8GS4wAoLZ1 ywhPaW/uhS3izxNzLQnXz90u =tH4f -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sat Aug 4 14:42:40 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2007 10:42:40 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Sticklist feedback and thanks to you all Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- This is a quick note to say THANK YOU for the comments, feedback, and support you have given both me and the Alumni Association in response to items posted to the Sticklist in recent months. Since our first messages to the Sticklist back in May, your many thoughtful responses and interest In alumni and Forge happenings has been most encouraging, and the list subscriber base has grown considerably since then as well. Unfortunately at the moment there just aren't enough free minutes in the day for me to respond to each of you personally as I would like to (though I do try!) However, please note that I routinely forward your comments to the Association for its analysis and follow-up if necessary both to you and the school. As you know, they are working diligently for us already...but rest assured -- you *are* being heard! On behalf of the Alumni Association and myself, I thank you again for your support and involvement in helping keep our fellow alumni informed about VFMAC and connected with each other. Cheers, and have a great weekend! Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRrSQQSlmcjtvXmz2EQLIvACeOulmdKj28Xhlj/58y5zdGkxZ49YAoMuW Cm/EuJsQDT/gFIZTu+VbOkh+ =ftAj -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Fri Aug 10 20:10:55 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:10:55 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Ginny Frantz resignation Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- It is with deep regret to announce that Ginny Frantz, our Director of Alumni Relations, has submitted her resignation and is no longer working at VFMAC. She has been a valued resource for the Alumni Association and is recipient of the George Washington Award as well. We wish Ginny the best of luck in her future endeavors and offer our sincere appreciation for her efforts our behalf over the years. She will be missed greatly. We will distribute details about how the school will fill this necessary function once it becomes available. Have a good weekend, John Rapp President, VFMAC AABOD -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRrzGNylmcjtvXmz2EQKhGgCeM/uOzitXuLfbVLD5opGVDchMzVwAoNZP 19OmHikd/PAiOtpmbX1Bd0jy =F2u5 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sun Aug 12 15:13:04 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:13:04 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Nigel Jackson departs VFMAC Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- Nigel Jackson, the Principal Director of Music for VF, is no longer employed by VFMA&C. He oversaw the Choir, Field Music, and the Bandmaster reported to him as well. Cheers Rick '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRr8jcClmcjtvXmz2EQIDQgCdGyY7nbxMwSDc6VRuRzvMKu/z8t8An0/i zptYa2GSt63wgf/wbFDLAv/M =qCBD -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Mon Aug 13 00:22:02 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:22:02 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Reminder: About the Sticklist Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- Since we have had a significant number of new additions to the Sticklist over the past month, I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you and also repost some information about the list. The Sticklist is a low-volume broadcast-type e-mail list intended to keep you informed about significant happenings at Valley Forge and help reconnect you with your Alma Mater. As list administrator, I alone will be posting messages, and all messages will be digitally-signed to help confirm their authenticity. For those new subscribers, you may find public archives of Sticklist messages at: https://attrition.org/mailman/listinfo/sticklist. (Ignore the security message your browser may display when visiting the site) PLEASE NOTE: The Sticklist is not affiliated, endorsed, or administered by any official entity of Valley Forge Military Academy & College. Information appearing on this list is NOT private and may not represent the official views of Valley Forge Military Academy & College. For those of you new to the Sticklist, welcome! Best regards, and have a great week. Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRr+jxilmcjtvXmz2EQKsBACg0ukOwumOlIOEusJLHXTAiUpEp80Anj5g EaJfeOmfnayf+7X1cf+XmA3/ =3tKG -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Tue Aug 14 16:28:02 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:28:02 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Support the Tac Officer Dinner Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen, For many years, the Alumni Association has demonstrated its appreciation for the Tactical Department by taking all of the Tac Officers out to dinner in October or November. We recognize the hard work and long hours they put in. We also realize that they are on the front line of helping us, the Alumni, preserve the customs and traditions that we value. This year, the proceeds from the alumni sales that are promoted on www.continentalonline.org will be applied toward the annual Tac Dinner. I hope that you will visit the website and click on the Alumni PX link to view the items for sale. Because we are unable to use the VF shield, which has been trademarked by the school, every item instead has ?VFMA&C Alumni? on it. Items for sale items include polo shirts, pullovers, hats and director?s chairs. Thanks for helping us do something that will directly say ?thank you? to Colonel Medearis and his staff. They have a hard year ahead of them, and we want them to know how grateful we are for their efforts. Thanks again for your support! Courage, Honor, Conquer. John Rapp President, VFMAC AABOD -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRsHYASlmcjtvXmz2EQKlegCg2PoUGGCYNV3dQFjFZ4cNhg0vjEkAoLfp kLL6Hh7AoT5PsMf/cTk5z+0d =3hL4 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Mon Aug 27 19:45:24 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:45:24 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Report: MAJ Greg Potts (Admissions Dir) departing VFMAC Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- There are numerous reports that MAJ Greg Potts, Admissions Officer, will be leaving VFMAC to pursue other opportunities and that CAPT Gerry Hale, USCG (Ret) has been appointed as the Interim Director of Admissions, both to be effective sometime in September. This report has not been confirmed by the school yet -- if/when any official information appears we will pass it along. Cheers, Rick Forno '90 '92C -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRtLgyylmcjtvXmz2EQL5mQCgzc0gjJ8EQw2gxXOXseHNKG47jY0Anjqr Zs99pLjsdFhSN1IQZNIvxsaz =iZjZ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Aug 30 16:51:04 2007 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:51:04 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - VFMAC Alumni Assn President Update Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 FROM THE VFMAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Dear Fellow Alumni, I?d like to bring you up to date on several activities in which the Alumni Association has been involved. On 18 August 2007, the Alumni Association, under the Forge Way Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, participated in an instruction of the Traditions and Customs of the Forge with the Leadership Detail. Many of you will recall this being called Officer and NCO Detail. COL Medearis ?66, Commandant of Cadets, asked the Association to help with this instruction period by taking the Detail on walking tours of the Post to explain the Heritage of the Forge. A variety of sites were visited, including Old Man?s Walk, the Chapel, the Parade Field, the Main Area, and Continental Drive. As you are aware, there are many monuments and statues that are on or near these areas. The Alumni Guides had a chance to explain their origins and signficance. As one Alumnus well stated after the tour, ?The Cadets were like sponges. All they wanted to do was hear more and take in more history of the Forge.? The Alumni who were involved in this first-time event were Joe Fomisano ?61,63C; Sam Laird ?62; Jack Wyatt ?57; Bill Smith ?61C; Woodie Stevens ?60; Bill Floyd ?63; Bill Beute ?63; Gene Banco ?63C; Al Heyer ?69; Mike O?Mara ?80C; and John Rapp ?74C. Following the walking tours, COL Medearis met with the Alumni in the Museum to discuss how the Cadets received the information and how the Alumni felt it went. During the discussion, COL Medearis mentioned that he was looking forward to the Alumni working with him throughout the year in different Leadership Training Meetings that will be held with the Cadet Officers, Sr. NCOs and Jr. NCOs. Stay tuned for more information. Another item of interest is the upcoming Career Day, which is being chaired by Robert Shapiro ?60 and Art Lambert ?60. Last year, they did a wonderful job in reinstating this program. Anyone interested in helping with this event needs to contact either gentleman or Barry Griffiths, Alumni Manager. This is a great event for the Cadets to not only learn about careers in which they are interested, but also to meet Alumni already in these careers to start networking and forming contacts. This Fall, the Alumni Association will be hosting a thank you dinner for the Commandant?s Department to express our appreciation for the hard work they do. This has been an annual event for over 20 years. I hope that you will consider supporting this event (date TBA). You may either provide an outright tax-deductible contribution (check payable to VFMAC Alumni Association) to offset the cost of dinner for the Tac Officers (alumni who want to attend will pay for their own meals) or by purchasing an item through the Alumni PX, available on www.continentalonline.org. The proceeds from all purchases in the Alumni PX this year will be allocated to support the Tac Dinner. Finally, the AABOD has several committees including Alumni Admissions, headed by Dave Martin; Homecoming, headed by Bill Smith; and the area Regiments, headed by Darryl Murphy. These are just a few of the Committees of the AABOD. If you are interested in participating in any of these committees, I urge you to get in touch with these gentlemen or Barry Griffiths, Alumni Manager and see what you can do to help The Forge. COURAGE, HONOR, CONQUER John R. Rapp, 74C President Alumni Association -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.0.6 (Build 6060) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt iQA/AwUBRtb1WylmcjtvXmz2EQKlUQCdF727Jh0jnSaC0nzwOHZ5qTzJDN0An2yl bqbdAEo7Tk/16xKuDSuAM1Xc =2k6B -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----