Message from COL David R. Gray, USA (Ret.) President, VFMA&C

Dear Alumni, Family, and Friends of the VFMA&C Community,

Greetings from Valley Forge Military Academy & College, where we Conquer our challenges through Honor and Courage!

As I write this note, our cadets have departed post for a well deserved Thanksgiving break with family and friends. We wish you all the best as we all celebrate the spirit of community and friendship begun at the first Thanksgiving celebration. After a weekend of family, fun, and (perhaps) football watching, I expect each Cadet to return from their weekend leave reinvigorated and well prepared either for College final exams and Academy class work.

The month of November flew by as the 83d Corps of Cadets continued to excel in the classroom, on athletic playing fields, during military ceremonies, and within the local community. The Corps received accolades for its participation in several Veterans' Day celebrations and community service projects During its Veteran's Day ceremony, the town of Wayne issued a proclamation recognizing the Valley Forge Military College's 75th Anniversary and its contributions to the community. The Regimental Band marched in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and met with members of the New York Alumni regiment.

The class of 2011 celebrated Ring weekend with a well attended dinner and dance at Mellon Hall. A few hours previously, members of the class honored Master Sergeant Brendan O'Connor (80C), winner of the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery under fire in Afghanistan. The class presented Master Sergeant O'Connor with a small gift during the Ring dance as a token of its appreciation for his selfless service to country and his example of "Conquering through Honor and Courage."

On November 21 we hosted a reception in Eisenhower Hall, followed by the annual Military Tattoo performance, honoring all members of the Society of the Golden Sword. The evening was a special opportunity to thank all donors who gave gifts totaling $1,000 or more between July 1, 2009 through November 20, 2010. It was a distinct honor and privilege for Karen and me to host this special evening in recognition of your generosity, commitment and support of our cadets.

If you were unable to attend the Military Tattoo performance, we invite you to join us for the many other holiday events scheduled for December. On December 10, the Regimental Band, Field Music and Regimental Choir will perform for the staff, faculty, alumni, cadets and parents at the annual holiday winter concert. As part of a continuing VFMA&C tradition, the Academy staff and faculty will don festive holiday attire to sing in concert with the cadets a variety of holiday tunes.

Finally, Holiday Vespers will take place on Sunday, December 12 in the Chapel. The distinguished Valley Forge Regimental Chorus, under the direction of David Bickle, will entertain guests with holiday carols and anthems.

With the semester's end in sight, I want to thank you all for your continuing support of the Forge and its great Corps of Cadets. Karen and I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming holiday events on post. As we begin celebrations across many different faiths and creeds in the weeks ahead, the Grays wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!

Courage, Honor, Conquer!

COL David R. Gray, USA (Ret.)
President, Valley Forge Military Academy & College

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

VFMA&C Food Drive to support Philabundance

WO1 Thomas Blickos and a group of G Company cadets are spearheading a food drive to benefit Philabundance, in coordination with the WMMR Preston & Steve Morning Show "2010 Campout for Hunger." Collection boxes are available in all of the barracks buildings, Mellon Hall, the Chapel, Shannon Hall, Lhotak, and Hart Hall.

We encourage you to bring non-perishable items between now and December 1. We will arrange for the group of G Company cadets to deliver the collection boxes to the Campout for Hunger on December 2nd, if possible during the Preston & Steve Morning Show.

Please help the VFMA&C cadets with their community service efforts, and help put food on the table for families in need over the holidays.

More information can be found by accessing the link below.

http://www.wmmr.com/events/Details.aspx?ID=177446

Thank you for your support!

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MSG Brendan O'Connor recognized at VFMA&C for receiving the Distinguished Service Cross

In April 2008, Master Sergeant Brendan W. O'Connor '80C, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) by the United States Army in a ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C. Presented to Master Sgt. O'Connor for valorous actions during an engagement with a numerically superior enemy force in Afghanistan in 2006, the DSC is the Army's second highest award for combat valor. This is only the second DSC awarded for actions in Afghanistan since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On Saturday, November 13, prior to the Ring Ceremony and Dance, VFMA&C recognized MSG Brendan O'Connor for receiving this prestigious award at a ceremony where his name was unveiled on the Valor Monument as the DSC citation was read. In attendance were VFMA&C President, COL David R. Gray, Ph.D.; Superintendent, LTC Shawn Phillips; College Commandant, MAJ Bob Wood; and Gene Banco '63, Chairman of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, along with cadet representation from the Academy and College. Following COL Gray's remarks, Master Sgt. Connor concluded the ceremony by making some inspiring remarks to the cadets and then joined them for the Ring Ceremony. The Valor Monument is located a short distance from the main gate on the north side of Continental Drive, and is a monument to honor VFMA&C alumni who have been decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross for honor in battle.

In 1978, Master Sergeant Brendan O'Connor '80C enlisted in the US Army Reserves (USAR) and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at VFMC. He joined the 11th Special Forces Group, USAR in September 1979 and was commissioned in 1980 into the USAR and served as the Executive Officer of Operational Detachment-Alpha Team (ODA) 1132 until 1985. He continued his career serving as a Rifle Company Commander, and returned to the 11th Special Forces Group in 1987 assuming command of ODA 1125. In 1994 he resigned his commission and enlisted in the Active Army. In 1996 he was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group and ODA 765 as a medical sergeant. After being assigned to the Joint Special Operations Training Battalion in 2002, he returned to ODA 765 in 2005 where he served as a medical sergeant and the Operations Sergeant until November 2007. Currently he is assigned to the 7th Group Surgeon's Office as the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor.

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Congratulations to the VFMA Varsity Football Team!

Congratulations to the Academy football team on their undefeated season! With their 38-19 win over Fork Union Military Academy on Nov 6, Coach Glenn Foley's team became only the 6th undefeated football team in the school's history.

Numerous players from this year's team have received scholarship offers and interest from colleges to continue their football careers at the next level. It promises to be an eventful day at Valley Forge on February 2nd, the National Letter of intent signing day.

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VFMC ROTC, COL Gray and LTC Hicks at the Army 10-Miler

COL David Gray, President of VFMA&C, three ROTC Cadets, and LTC Kevin Hicks, Professor of Military Science participated in the 2010 Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, 24 October 2010. Shown from l-r: LTC Hicks; Cadet Lance Randles; Cadet John Bridges; Cadet Jonathan Burgmayer and COL Gray, PhD (USA, ret). COL Gray had the best overall time of the group. The VFMC ROTC team placed 39/59 ROTC entries, and was the only Military Junior College represented.

Look for an alumni reunion event to be tied into the Oct. 9, 2011 Army 10-Miler!

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Grandparents Day

We were thrilled to see so many Grandparents visit their cadets for Grandparents Day on Sunday, November 7. The Mellon Hall Ballroom, Chapel and Parade stands were overflowing with happy grandparents and family members as they enjoyed breakfast, an inspirational Chapel Service with guest speaker Major General Clifford Stanley; a touching reading by grandmother of Cadet Michael Fick, Mrs. Sharon Bione; and a superior Regimental Review. Thank you all for your support of these fine young cadets!

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Ring Ceremony, Dinner and Dance

The Ring Ceremony & Dance was held on November 13. This is a celebration for the Academy Seniors and College Sophomores representing their experiences and achievements. Those who are honored with the privilege of wearing the ring know what it is to have the courage to meet with and overcome adversity; they understand the meaning of honor and integrity and are men and women of strong, moral character. The ring is placed on the ring finger of the right hand by a Tactical Officer or designated person. The shield is to face the heart. The ring is to be turned outward towards the small finger by classmates, teachers, tactical officers, family and friends the number of times equivalent to the last two digits of your class year. At the Ring Formal each Cadet walks through a large replica of The Ring as they enter the Mellon Ballroom. Passing through the center of the replica, the ring will be turned one complete turn towards the heart "locking in" the memories of their journey through Valley Forge.

This year's Ring Ceremony & Dance held for the graduating class of 2011 was designed specifically to honor the tradition of receiving the ring, while reinforcing the true significance of what it means to be a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy & College. The Ceremony began with the Cadets entering the Sara Crawford Room and receiving their rings. Then the Cadets proceeded through a receiving line with key administrators and faculty. The Cadets then entered the Ballroom through The Ring.

The ceremony opened with the bugler sounding attention, followed by the posting of the National and School Colors by the Color Guard. Captain Peter Ross introduced our guest speaker and alumnus Dr. Paul Lea and honored guest Master Sgt Brendan O'Connor, 2008 recipient of Distinguished Service Cross. Graduates and guests were then served dinner which was followed by an inspiring speech given by Dr. Paul Lea, graduate of Valley Forge Academy & College, Class of '87 / '89C.

Congratulations to the Valley Forge Class of 2011! Wear your rings often and with great pride and never forget "The Experience."

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Society of the Golden Sword Reception

The Society of the Golden Sword was established in 1975 to honor and recognize those whose continuing interest, service and commitment have contributed substantially to the health, growth and reputation of Valley Forge Military Academy & College. Names of the members of the 2009 - 10 Society of the Golden Sword are listed on the donor boards in the foyer of Eisenhower Hall. COL and Mrs. Gray greeted guests in a formal Presidential Receiving Line in the living room of Eisenhower Hall. They personally awarded Golden Sword pins to new donors to the Golden Sword gift club ($1,000 and above). During the formal presentation of the evening, Trustee and Chairman of the Development Committee, Daniel J. Reavy '77/'09HC served as Master of Ceremonies and noted that over $1.3 million was given last year to support the quality of cadet life and learning at Valley Forge. Mr. Reavy introduced President, COL Gray, who gave a brief five-point outline of the most critical funding issues facing Valley Forge for 2010 - 11.

One of the highlights of the evening was the recitation by Regimental Adjutant, Chad Heyer, Saegertown, PA of "I am the Son of the Anvil and Forge." The poem was written by Frank Ankenbrand, Jr., Academy English teacher in 1951. Concurrent to the reading, 1st Regimental Captain, Jason Lee, Boston, MA presented COL Gray with the Golden Sword given to Valley Forge by the Alumni Association in November 1996. Guests came from as far as Boca Raton, FL and Detroit, MI. Many members of the faculty, staff and their spouses attended. An ice sculpture of a sword in the stone served as the centerpiece of the Eisenhower Hall Ballroom. Guests enjoyed watching a continuously run photo montage of cadets in action as well as telling photos of alumni donors taken from their graduating year Crossed Sabres. The evening was spirited and energizing.

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VFMA&C Military Tattoo Musical Extravaganza

Valley Forge Military Academy & College was proud to present its own unique version of the Military Tattoo on November 21 to alumni, parents, friends, cadets and the Philadelphia community. All musical elements of the Corps of Cadets, as well as the school's Precision Drill Team and the Color Guard, participated in the wondrous event. We were once again proud to welcome The Washington Memorial Pipe Band from Wayne, Pennsylvania in the performance, and members of the Duke of York Royal Military School who combined with the Regimental Band brilliantly. This year, the decision to combine both performances into one spectacular event was well received by the community, as evident from the overflowing crowd in attendance. Every year the cadets and their leaders outdo themselves, and this year was no exception. Congratulations again to all those who made this year's Military Tattoo performance a memorable occasion for all those who attended!

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VFMA&C Choir performs at Wellington at Hershey's Mill

On Friday, 20 October 2010, the Regimental Choir of VFMAC traveled to the Wellington at Hershey's Mill retirement home to entertain our nation's Veterans who reside there. Representing all of the branches of the United States' Armed Forces, this packed house of Veterans included Valley Forge Military Academy alumnus, Mr. Walter Young, Class of 1942. A former member of D Troop, Mr. Young shared both his memories and VF paraphernalia with our Valley Forge cadets.

The Regimental Choir's concert performance included patriotic musical selections such as "God Bless the U.S.A.," "Mansions of the Lord" from the movie We Were Soldiers, and "An American Anthem." Featured soloists included Cadet Yin Li (G Co.) on the piano and SGT Dylan Hileman (FM), who sang "Tell My Father" from the American musical The Civil War.

After the concert, the VF Cadets enjoyed meeting with their audience of Veterans. All who attended were extremely appreciative of the Cadets' visit and the Choir enjoyed hearing the Veterans' stories and reminiscences. The Choir enjoyed this opportunity to show their gratitude to a group of our nation's Heroes. The Regimental Choir looks forward to expanding this visit into a comprehensive Veterans' Outreach Program.

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VFMA&C Regimental Band march in the NYC Veterans Day Parade

On Veterans Day, the Regimental Band plus Cadets Grasso (E Bat) and Klein (A Co) left VF at 0600hrs to make their way up to New York City to take part in the nation's largest Veterans Day Parade. With great pride and enthusiasm, the Regimental Band and Banner carriers set off up 5th Ave and during the march they heard several shouts of encouragement from the crowds gathered on the sidewalk. At the end of the parade a retired USMC Colonel approached WO2 Evans and the Band to tell them that they were the smartest and the best sounding band in the entire parade which put a huge smile on the faces of the cadets, what a great compliment to have.

After the parade we all went to the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club on Lexington Ave for a small reception with VF Alumni organized by Denis Spizuoco, this was very well received by all the cadets as they got to relax, eat pizza and meet VFMA&C Alumni.

The Band was fantastic; they sounded great, looked extremely smart and were all very proud to be a part of such an auspicious national event.

Please join us in congratulating the VF Regimental Band and Cadets Klein and Grasso for their wonderful efforts.

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VFMA&C Veterans Day Events covered by local press

Below you will find links to coverage by the local media of the Veterans Day events that Valley Forge Military Academy & College cadets participated in or volunteered for. This year, both the College and Academy honored our country's veterans by volunteering their services around the community, and participating in the tribute at the Veterans Memorial in Wayne, PA.

Veterans Day 2010: Marine honored by DCHS: On Nov 10th, Valley Forge Military College cadets led the VFMAC 83rd Corps in a USMC Birthday Celebration to commemorate the 235th Birthday of the Marine Corps. Led by 2ndLt Craig Bald the cadets, all interested in USMC commissioning programs, led the Corps through the ceremony which honored the "oldest Marine" on post, Mr. Vince Daley, a VFMC Economics professor and a Vietnam-era Marine veteran. Later that morning 2ndLt Bald and LtCol Church attended an event honoring USMC Gen Smedley Butler where LtCol Church addressed USMC veterans at the Delaware County Historical Society Chester Library and Museum.

LtCol John C. Church, Jr. USMCR, Valley Forge Military College President, speaks at the Veterans Day events in Wayne, PA

One hundred years of news moves to a new home

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Color Guard performs at September 11 memorial dedication on Veterans Day

On the November 13, a detail of Valley Forge Cadets, helped dedicate only the second monument to the September 11 tragedy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The monument consists of a steel girder from the World Trade Center, placed upon a base resembling the Keystone State in a beautiful quite setting by the Perkiomen Creek. The ceremony was held on a bright crisp fall day at the American Legion Post 184 in East Greenville, PA as part of their Veterans Day Celebration. The cadets presented the colors in the place of honor on the right of the line and our bugler presented a perfect rendition of Taps at the appropriate moment.

After the ceremony the cadets received the congratulations and thanks of many who witnessed and appreciated their efforts. The detail consisted of (from left to right) Matthew Schauer (Bugler), Matthew Salinger, Ries Collier (American Flag), Jordan Pusker (School Flag) and Ibrahim Badran. To their right is our distinguished graduate Senator Robert Mensch from the Valley Forge Military College class of 1965. Sen. Mensch sponsored their participation in the event and congratulated them on a job well done.

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VFMA freshman class trip to Eastern State Penitentiary

On Thursday 28 October, the 9th grade took a field trip to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA. The penitentiary was built in 1829 with the goal of reforming inmates morally but the heavy use of isolation gave Eastern State a notorious reputation. Students were taken on a guided tour covering the history, intentions, and decline of the prison. The cadets enjoyed entering actual cells (including Al Capone's) and being able to reach out and experience history directly. Additionally, the visit was appropriate so close to Halloween with Eastern State's reputation for paranormal activity. The tour was capped off by lunch on the prison baseball field under the massive 30 foot high stone walls. Each student wrote a reflective essay on their impressions of Eastern State for a co-curricular English/History grade.

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Valley Forge Military Professor Presents at Cabrini College's 13th Annual History Forum

Cadets and Faculty from Valley Forge Military College at Cabrini College's 13th Annual History Club forum on November 6, 2010

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, Valley Forge Military College's military historian Dr. Patrick Murray presented a speech at Cabrini College's 13th Annual History Club forum on the topic, "America and the Vietnam War." Dr. Murray's speech, "Rolling Thunder and Linebackers: The American Bombing of North Vietnam," concluded that the "gradual response" bombing strategy of President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara was doomed to fail Operation Rolling Thunder from 1965-1968. President Nixon did not share Johnson's fears of Chinese intervention and was selling much needed wheat to the Soviet Union, helping him to leverage the Sino-Soviet split. Nixon and his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger negotiated an end to the American involvement in the Vietnam War partially through Operation Linebacker I, which allowed the Air Force and the Navy to bomb and mine Hanoi and Haiphong respectively.

Dr. Murray completed his speech in front of fellow faculty and cadets presenting that Nixon's mining of Haiphong and Linebacker II (the Christmas Bombing of 1972) forced North Vietnam to sign the Paris Peace Accord. American bombing, however, had very little impact on the will of the North Vietnamese leadership's determination to unify North and South Vietnam. In retrospect, Dr. Murray said, "Bombing North Vietnam was like a blind man weaving concrete lanyards under water."

Other prestigious professors from the University of Delaware and Cabrini College also presented their respective speeches on different historical events and topics regarding the Vietnam War.

For more information on upcoming Cabrini College History Club Forums, please contact Dr. James Hedtke, Chair History and Political Science Department, at 610-902-8336 or jhedtke@cabrini.edu.

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Middle States Updates

College Middle States Newsletter Update – November 2010
A major portion of the College's Professional Development Day in November was devoted to the ongoing Middle States initiative. Our goal is completion of a draft Self-Study Report for dissemination to the Valley Forge College community in May 2011. During the morning session, the individual work groups met to assess their status and refine plans for further chapter development. The afternoon session included sharing of work group progress and ideas with the Steering Committee and administration. Productive feedback from these discussions is being used to guide the development, expansion, and refinement of the next chapter drafts, which are due by the end of December.

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Dr. Kathleen Anderson attends the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in Washington, DC

Dr. Kathleen Anderson, Executive Vice President of the College, represented VFMC at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation Forum in Washington, DC on November 19. The CHEA Initiatives have identified eight issues critical to higher education and the assessment process that are part of an ongoing dialogue with the federal government. Dr. Anderson participated in sessions on advocacy for accreditation and international activity of institutions and program accreditation. Since 2008 more than 1500 colleagues from peer institutions and students have participated in the discussions representing thirty-two colleges/universities and accrediting organizations.

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Career Development Day 2010

Nov. 19 marked an important day for VFMA&C cadets as they prepare for their future education and careers. The Alumni Association sponsored a day of counseling sessions and seminars for both the Academy and College cadets at this year's Career Development Day. With almost 40 Career Counselors, our Academy and College cadets had the opportunity to learn from alumni, parents, community members and a few of our own staff members. With career fields ranging from mortuary science, to investments, computer technology, education, geology and military science, the cadets had a wide range of careers to choose from.

The morning program was structured for the Academy cadets in small classroom settings which allowed the counselors the time to share his or her experiences and field questions. After a brief luncheon in Eisenhower Hall, the counselors were grouped in College seminars in Eisenhower and Mellon Halls. The day closed with a reception at The Paddock at Devon with COL Gray and his wife.

The Alumni Association is proud of the contributions of the Career Day Counselors and thanks the many people involved, including COL Nan Hood, VFMAC, LTC Jeanne O'Connor Maiale, USA and COL John Ford, VFMAC.

Keep us on your calendar for next year's Career Development Day!

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Alumni Regiment Updates

The number of VFMA&C Alumni Regiments is growing each month with more regions hosting events ranging from casual to formal. If you would like to know more about a Regiment that may be in your area, or if you would like to start a regiment, contact the Alumni Relations Office.

Gotham City Regiment on December 11, at 4:30 p.m. there is an event being held at The Scorpion Bar, Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. For information on any event being held by the Gotham Regiment, contact elawrence@vfmac.edu.

Free State Regiment of Maryland is just getting its feet off the ground! Jack Wyatt '57 is going to be a new regiment leader in Maryland, and if you are in the area or will be moving in that direction, be looking for his communications about upcoming events.

The Michigan Regiment of the Alumni Association held their 5th meeting on Saturday Oct. 23, 2010 at the Toasted Oak Grill and Market in Novi. This meeting was different as this unique restaurant only opened in May and specializes in the use of Michigan grown meat, fish and produce. They have quite a wine cellar with great but reasonably priced selections from all over the world. As expected their specialty is an excellent selection of some of the better Michigan wines. In attendance at the meeting were: Ed Koster - Class of 1960, Mariko and Alex McPherson - Class of 1962, Kathy and Pete McLallen - Classes of 1962 & 1964. It was decided that the next meeting will be in May of next year. An afternoon picnic has been suggested.

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Alumni Class Notes

The Alumni Relations Office is proud of the accomplishments of our alumni. If you have news to share with the school and your classmates, let us know at Alumni@vfmac.edu.

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Budget Your Gift to the Forge in Easy Monthly Payments via Your Credit Card

You can make your gift a monthly commitment by a credit card if you prefer. Click on the link to "Give to VFMA&C" for an option to set up a monthly gift that is charged to your credit card. The first charge is applied immediately and each month thereafter the charge is made on or about the 10th of each month.

Testimonial from Michael P. O'Hara '57: "By giving up one movie ticket per week or even two lattes per week, you could donate $500 a year by pledging $40 a month. If you can only afford half, $20 each month will total a generous $250 each year! This is a painless way to make a leadership gift! Set it and forget it! This is a gift that keeps giving!"

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Alumni in the Middle East

VFMA&C would like to recognize alumni who have served, or are presently serving in the military. We also want to recognize the thousands of Government and contract civilians who serve in these war zones as well, often facing the same great dangers than our friends in uniform.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

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Spread the Word
To add your name to the electronic mailing list, please contact Jennifer Myers at 610-989-1345 or jmyers@vfmac.edu with your full name, class year (if applicable) and e-mail address.

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

• VFMA&C Main homepage
• Valley Forge Military College homepage
• Valley Forge Military Academy homepage
• Alumni Information
• Academy Parents
• College Parents
• Apply online

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