Spring 2018 MG Walter T. Lord, USA, '84C

[Pages:20]Alumni Newsletter

Spring 2018

MG Walter T. Lord, USA, '84C

We are incredibly pleased and proud to welcome home our new President Major General Walter T. Lord, USA, '84C and the new First Lady of VFMAC Grace Lord. General Lord is not only a 1984 graduate but he was also one of our outstanding Early Commissioning Program (ECP) graduates as well. General and Mrs. Lord were even married here at the Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion. They have two sons whom are now serving in the US Army and continuing the tradition of service to our Country their father has for more than 30 years.

The Alumni Association welcomes back one of our own with pride and prayers for Brother Walts' total success at The Forge. The only other member of the Alumni Association to assume the title of Superintenent or President was MG Robert W. Strong, Jr., USAF (Ret.), '35 way back in 1966. Back then we had more than 900 cadets. Let us pray we can reach those levels again with our proven outstanding leader.

Being a member of the Long Line of Gray has a real meaning. General Lord was scheduled to assume his position on April 23, 2018, but he and Grace were so excited about their new position they started as soon as they came up from D.C. General Lord is on post, there is a 2 star flag flying outside of Wayne Hall again, and we all couldn't be prouder.

WELCOME HOME BROTHER AND SISTER!

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LTC Arnel P. David '98C

Chief of Staff Army Future Studies Group

Forthcoming! "Military Strategy for the 21st Century: People, Connectivity, and Competition" by Charles Cleveland, Benjamin Jensen, Susan Bryant, and Arnel David, which comes "highly recommended to anyone interested in being successful in 21st-century conflict" by F. G. Hoffman, author of "Mars Adapting: Learning in War."

This book is in the Rapid Communications in Conflict and Security Series, headed by Geoffrey R. H. Burn. Preorder by May 15 for a 25% discount Use coupon code ISA2018 at Cambria See more at their website:

Glenn Horsky '74

Thank you to Dr. Glenn Horsky '74 for visiting VFMAC and providing your insight on this month's core virtue, integrity, during one of our bi-weekly Character Development sessions. "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. When you cheat or tolerate cheating - you cheat yourself." Dr. Horsky is the father of First Captain Matthew Horsky '16, '18C, pictured with him. Glenn is a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is our Alumni Museum Curator. He is working on a project to catalog all the wonderful works of art and history that are all over campus. Glenn also works on the Customs and Traditions Committee of the AABOD and he is considered an expert on the VFMAC Way established by LTG Milton G. Baker back in 1928 at the start. Glenn and his brother Gene Horsky '72 are both graduates as well as Glenn's other son Patrick Horsky '15 (Cadet Major, Regimental Plans and Training Officer). We give a big VF Cheer to the entire Horsky Clan for their dedication to VFMAC throughout the ages.

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Michael Zembricki '12

Valley Forge Military Academy graduate, Michael Zembricki '12, has launched his Student Media Start-up: the Intercollegiate News Network (INN). For nearly three years, Michael has worked meticulously on an all-inclusive, News-media hub for Universitytowns facing economic turmoil. At merely 23 years old, Michael serves as both the Publisher of all News reports and Executive Producer of Network Operations.

Michael operates INN as part of Clarkson University's rigorous Peyton Hall Incubator program. In addition to publishing more than 200 News articles, INN also hosts a Live-24/7 broadcasting stream and four featured network channels. After St. Lawrence County (N.Y.), Michael looks forward to developing his project at University-towns across the country.

At Valley Forge, Michael graduated at the top of his class, while also serving on the Honor Council as Alpha Company Commander. Michael credits his Alma Mater for his successes, stating: "In all honesty, I would lack the tenacity, willpower, and high sense of duty if it wasn't for Valley Forge. I would have never finished [INN]. I owe this entire project to my Forge friends, family, instructors, and experiences. All I can say is thank you."

The Intercollegiate News Network's mission is to engage students with smart and sound reports concerning the local University Town, all the while enhancing the local economy and elevating the community. To learn more about Michael's Intercollegiate News Network, please visit

Mark Pretz '10, '13C

Congratulations to members of our VFMAC family, both past and present, for their incredible accomplishment of graduating from the United States Army Air Assault School and the National Warrior Training Center held at Fort Indiantown Gap. Graduation was held today and our lineup of graduates from left to right is: SSG Laveyra, SCP Pretz, Cadet Zacharias, Cadet Horsky, Cadet Wang, Cadet Ficarella and 1st LT Lake.

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Jamie Skinner '94

My name is Jamie Skinner. I attended VFMA from 90-94. Graduate class of 94 E Battery. My family has been in the locksmithing industry since 1978. Started by my mother. We were actually the ones who helped the Academy select the trilogy combination locks on all the cadets' rooms while my two brothers and I attended VFMA.

I bought the company from my mother in 2016 and renamed it 1-844-CAR -KEYZ. We specialize in automotive transponder keys. All types of cars from Chevy to Ferrari. I am one of the top automotive locksmiths in the country. Teaching the trade all over the US. We also do factory remote programming and module programming. Module programming is when main electronic components like the main computer in your car goes bad. We come out and program your new unit.

My company has grown from one shop and one service truck to four service trucks on the road with goals of franchising my company throughout the US.

I build all of the service trucks myself. Cabinet setup, floors, headliner, etc. The trucks are all set up the same way with same cabinet setup for uniformity. Something instilled in me from my time at VFMA. Story written by Jamie Skinner '94, President

TAMV Cyber Regiment

Special thanks to the Alumni Association TAMV Cyber Regiment under the leadership of Fred Betman '74 and the skills of Jerry Supplee '69! Thanks to their fundraising efforts we have a new and beautiful new sign at the Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion.

When we work together all things are possible!

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Captain Carrie Picone, PAANG, '09C

Commissioned from the Valley Forge Military College in 2009, Picone was a part of the second class of females to graduate from the College. Having worked as a logistician in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for about a decade, Picone's love for learning led her to venture out and explore different interests. This has led her to start her own real estate business.

The daughter of a retired General in the Peruvian Army and one of the first female paratroopers in Peru, Picone moved to the United States when she was three years old with her mother and two older brothers. She grew up in Yonkers, NY where she attended the New York Military Academy for grades seven through nine. Picone then joined the Massanutten Military Academy Corps of Cadets for high school in Woodstock, VA, after which she made her way to Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, PA.

Her time at Valley Forge Military College is something that Picone cherishes and holds extremely close to her heart. In addition to receiving her commission into the United States Army in 2009, it was during her time at Valley Forge Military College that Picone met her husband, Captain Taylor Picone '06, '08C. He also serves as a logistician in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Picone and her husband were married at the Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion in 2015.

Having attended several military academies Picone understands how difficult it can be to send children away to boarding school, which is why she is ready to offer help and support to new cadets and their families. Picone has participated in the College's Annual Women's Leadership Symposium, career day, and Senior ROTC mentoring sessions and looks forward to continuing to help graduates of Valley Forge Military Academy & College enter the professional world confidently. Owing to her love for learning new and interesting things that are out of her comfort zone, Picone started taking courses in real estate and how to invest in properties. It was this step that helped Picone discover her love for the real estate industry. Additionally, since Picone always loved helping people find happiness and comfort, she decided that there's no better way for her to do so than helping people buy their dream houses.

In her free time, Picone loves to travel, and continues to expand her education. Dependable and trustworthy, Picone finds herself going out of her way for the happiness of others often and believes that being authentic and showing integrity towards your clients and your work is of utmost importance. She credits Valley Forge Military College for instilling her with the Five Cornerstones and launching her career on a path of excellence.

Please feel free to contact Carrie Picone at 610-207-7704 or cpicone@ .

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VFMAC Color Guard

On February 25, 2018 at the invitation of the Philadelphia 76ers, the VFMAC Color Guard were part of the opening ceremonies for the Sixers game. As is the custom at home games a celebrity will come out and ring the Liberty Bell. We were very fortunate to have Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl LII Champion Carson Wentz come out and ring the bell. The combination of our Color Guard and Carson Wentz led to a hometown win. We are good luck for the 76ers.

Captain Josh Irvan, VFMAC World Class

On the weekend of February 24 CPT Josh Irvan, VFMAC's art teacher and yearbook coordinator, raced at the Run4Water 24 Hour Run in Lebanon, Tennessee. After a warm, humid day and torrential rains at night, Josh persevered through lousy condition to place 2nd male and 3rd overall with a distance of 103.22 miles.

Josh is the Director of the Annual Dawn 2 Dusk 2 Dawn run which was held on May 12-May 13. VFMAC cadets volunteered their time to support this marvelous run, featuring world class athletes.

Daniel D. Crawford '67 and Jerry Supplee '69

Thanks to the generosity of Dan Crawford '67 and the skill of Jerry Supplee '69 of Supplee Construction, we are proud to announce the unveiling of the new Ladies Seating Area and Restroom in Eisenhower Hall.

The renovation is a complete hit with all the ladies; especially over Alumni Weekend. Good news! We were also able to help upgrade the Men's room as well.

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RC the D Troop Horse

Meet RC; the most dedicated member of our team. He arrived at VFMAC on April 1, 2011. Since then, he has been a valuable member of our D Troop staff. Over the years, RC has taught many cadets how to ride, marched down Pennsylvania Ave in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade, enjoyed performing at the home football games as our Trojan mascot's mount, traveled to many mounted color guard performances, and loved leading the formations right out front for the Regimental Reviews. RC has always been a favorite of all the riders who participated in the Intercollegiate and Interscholastic riding teams; and, during the year of 2014-2015, he received the honor of "Horse of the Year" for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA).

Because of his hard work and dedication, RC is ready to retire this spring. He is 23 years young, with much life left in him, but deserves a much needed break. He will continue to live out his years at Valley Forge, alongside his best horse pal, Brumby, and will help teach the cadets of years to come how to groom, tack, and care for a horse.

We honored him for his many years of service during the Alumni Parade.

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The Amazing Newell Family

As we all know General Lord has hit the ground running and he is already establishing history at the start. His first new cadet commitment is going to be the third generation of this family to be in our illustrious Band. Aiden Newell '22 will join the Band as a new cadet this August. He is the son of Scott Newell '88, '92C and the grandson of George Newell '51, '53C. We all remember George for his producing the VFMAC Classic DVD "Past in Review". George was also a Field Director of NBC News for more than 30 years. Scott is an experienced airline pilot and will be getting involved in both the Parents Association and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Congratulations to our President on the signing of his first cadet!

Earl J. Catagnus, Jr. Ph.D., Founding Director of the H.R. McMaster Center

Our H.R. McMaster Center for Security Studies is the ONLY junior military college in the United States that has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2 Year Education (CAE2Y) by NSA - National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Learn more about the unique programs we offer here:

Left to right: Cadets Thomas Gerot, James Craig, and Yazen Mahasneh took second place at the Undergraduate Research at the Capital - 2018 Pennsylvania Poster Conference for their project titled, "The Study of Radicalization and Islamism in the Modern World through the Hezbollah Organization." Their research was sponsored and mentored by faculty at the H.R. McMaster Center for Security Studies at Valley Forge Military College.

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