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Stories in this issue:
- Fork Union Announces Inaugural Andrew R. Dodge Meritorious Scholarship
- A Snowy Morning
- Save the Date: Military Ball
- Company Photos
- SGM Mike Ocker Retires
- Bravo Zulu Awards
- Upcoming Admissions Events
- Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?
Fork Union Announces the Inaugural Andrew R. Dodge Meritorious Scholarship Competition
Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce the inaugural Andrew R. Dodge Meritorious Scholarship Competition for the 2023-2024 academic year. Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to compete for the Dodge Scholarship this spring.
The scholarship competition was established by Mr. Andrew R. Dodge, Class of 1965, to promote an appreciation for a transitional event occurring in American history during the late 18th century through the 20th century or the United States Constitution in research paper form.
The winner of the competition will receive a significant scholarship applicable to his FUMA tuition the following academic year.
A transitional event, as it respects American history between the 18th and 20th centuries, is any occurrence which brings about great change in the American nation or government. The following categories are only examples and not exhaustive: wars, economic hardships, issues concerning slavery and indigenous peoples, westward expansion and industrialization.
For those who prefer to write on the U.S. Constitution, the following topics are acceptable: the Constitution, the ratification process, proposed amendments and passed amendments.
Interested and eligible cadets should contact their academic advisor for registration and approval topic by Friday, February 17, 2023. The research paper must be submitted by Friday, April 14, 2023.
Qualifying work will be reviewed and judged by a designated panel which will determine one winner of the meritorious scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded at the end of the year awards assembly.
Good luck to all participants!
A Snowy Thursday Morning...
This past Thursday, Fork Union Military Academy woke up to a sheet of snow covering campus. It is always a wonderful site when our campus is covered in snow.
Company Photos:
This past week, Mrs. Kristin Firewicz took company photos for the academic year. Check out each company below:
Battalion Staff:
Headquarters and Service Company
Alpha Company:
Bravo Company:
Charlie Company:
SGM Mike Ocker Retires; SGT Miles Davis Takes over Charlie Company
It is with mixed emotions that we said a fond farewell to SGM Mike Ocker this past week as the date of his planned retirement had arrived. SGM Ocker retired following his four-plus years of valued service to Fork Union Military Academy as a TAC Officer in our Commandant's Department. This is Mike's third retirement, following his initial retirement from the US Army after serving in our nation's defense, and then his retirement from his second career as a highly skilled dog trainer for clients in the security and defense sphere to take up his work here at Fork Union with our cadets.
SGM Ocker is moving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where he and his wife have purchased a home. We are so happy for him that he will be able to enjoy more time with his family and perhaps be able to get back to spending some of his time training dogs, but we know he will miss his time working with our younger cadets. And we will miss having him on campus where he has been a valuable mentor to cadets and valued colleague to all of us.
Our Commandant's Department has been preparing for this planned departure throughout the year, and SGT Miles Davis is ready to step into the role of TAC Officer for Charlie Company beginning on Friday, January 27th. SGT Davis has been a member of the Commandant's Department since the start of this school year, serving as an Evening TAC until the time came to assume his new role. SGT Davis will be sending out a communication to the families of his cadets this coming week to make his personal introduction. He can be reached by email at davism@fuma.org or by phone in the Charlie Company TAC Office at 434-842-4229.
We know you will join all of us at Fork Union Military Academy in thanking SGM Mike Ocker for his service to our school and cadets as we bid him Godspeed and wish him much happiness on this next phase of his life's journey.
Below are photos from his morning colors:
Bravo Zulu Award Winners
Every Friday the Fork Union Military Faculty and Staff meet to nominate a few who have exceeded the standards and demonstrated superlative performance. Whilst we have various awards and recognitions - a simple "Well Done!" we hope, is also appreciated. The combination of the Bravo and Zulu nautical signal flags, i.e., Bravo Zulu, also referred to as "BZ," is a naval signal, typically conveyed by flag hoist or voice radio, meaning "Well Done" with regard to actions, operations or performance.
The following are the Bravo Zulu awards for this week:
Cadet Benjamin Burtram is a junior and first-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from MeBane, NC. Cadet Burtram has served as an exceptional cadet all year long in both his company and Cadet Chaplain roles. Recently, he has shown great initiative as a prayer leader and volunteered to speak at chapel. He has also recently taken on more responsibilities within his company’s leadership and has blossomed into a good leader. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Burtram!
Cadet Private Yonas Wilcox is a senior and third-year cadet in Bravo Company. He is a boarding student from Charlottesville, VA. Cadet Wilcox demonstrated leadership during drill this week. While not holding rank or position, he took charge and helped train all our new cadets in rifle manual. He took time with each cadet to offer encouragement and instruction. His initiative and commitment to his fellow cadets are a testament to his character. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Wilcox!
Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Emanuel Teklu is a junior and second-year cadet in HSC. He is a boarding student from McLean, VA. Cadet Teklu asked to give a message to his fellow cadets at chapel. He creatively recruited fellow cadets to read scripture and used object lessons and videos to present an uplifting and Christ-honoring message. His initiative and excellent presentation are a testament to his faith and character. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Teklu!
CAPT Mark Black, Instructor, has worked diligently with the Advancement, English, Library, and College Placement offices to spearhead a project that will enable FUMA cadets to compete for a scholarship by writing an essay on a transformational event in United States History. In addition to these efforts, he has also volunteered his time outside of the classroom to drive our Prep Basketball team to an away game this week. CAPT Black’s dedication to FUMA and our cadets is always on display. Bravo Zulu, CAPT Black!
Go FUMA! | Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.) | President | Fork Union Military Academy
Upcoming Admissions Events
The best way to learn about Fork Union Military Academy is to schedule an appointment with our Admissions Office and come for a family visit and receive your own individual tour of the campus.
We also schedule a number of Admissions Fairs in various cities and regions throughout the year.
Thursday, February 16 | Admissions Event in Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas
- Interested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? Our admissions team will be in Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas for an Admissions Event held at Black Rifle Coffee located at: 5121 Rufe Snow Dr., Suite 100, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 | Registration for this event is required.
Friday, February 17 | Admissions Event in San Antonio, Texas
- Interested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? Our admissions team will be in San Antonio, Texas for an Admissions Event held at Quarry Hofbrau located at: 7310 Jones Maltsberger Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209 | Registration for this event is required.
Saturday, February 18 | Admissions Event in Houston, Texas
- Interested in learning more about Fork Union Military Academy? Our admissions team will be in Houston, Texas for an Admissions Event held at Courtyard Mariott Intercontinental Airport Hotel located at: 15838 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032 | Registration for this event is required.
Monday, February 20 | Open House
- Come meet with our Admissions team and see our beautiful campus during our Open House on President's Day! The Open House begins at 9:00 am in the Wicker Chapel.
Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?
Are you a young man in the 7th to 12th grade? Do you want to be a man known for integrity, respect for yourself and others, faith, character, and discipline?
We encourage you to fill out an application for enrollment and join our cadets here at Fork Union Military Academy.
Thank you!
Credits:
Photos by: Kelly Barnette, Kristin Firewicz and Steve Macek.