Front & Center News from Fork Union Military Academy – January 20, 2023

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Stories in this issue:

• Living the Dream
• Happy Birthday to the January Babies!
• Military Ball Set for April 22, 2023
• This Week's College Acceptances
• Robotics Places 15th at the First Tech Challenge
• 125 for the 125th: 125 Special Gifts to Honor our 125th Anniversary
• The Next Stop - January Newsletter
• Bravo Zulu Awards
• Upcoming Admissions Events
• Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?

A Message from Colonel Coggins...

Living the Dream

At Fork Union Military Academy, we develop, educate, and inspire our cadets in mind, body, and spirit. In any given year we may have young men from 38 states and 20 countries. They'll all be dressed the same, treated the same, held to the same standards. Marching as one, saluting the flag, studying in class, earning their best grades. Competing in sports, scoring their points for the team, earning their personal bests. Hearing God's Word, worshipping in chapel and thanking God for their blessings. Living their lives with respect, integrity, faith, discipline, and character.

Our mission is very much as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described the proper function of education, when he said, "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.

We are remembering the life and words of Dr. King today on his birthday, and tomorrow, on the national holiday named in his honor.

In perhaps the most familiar words from his most familiar speech, Dr. King stated, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

This is the kind of brotherhood we want to see our cadets develop here on our campus. We are doing our best to live Dr. King's dream here in Fork Union each day, just as we pray that his dream will be reality in all the spaces and places across our nation today.

But our best efforts are still imperfect, because each one of us sins and falls short of God's glory.

On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, I challenge you to remember that Dr. King was not a politician, but he was first and foremost a pastor, a minister of God's Gospel message:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16 (NIV)

Reach beyond his famous speeches and quotations and search out some of his sermons to listen to—there are many available online on YouTube and elsewhere. For we will not truly be able to realize Dr. King's dream completely until we have first restored our relationship with God. It is only through the power of God's love in our lives, that we can share that love with others.

Then we will be truly living the dream.

Go FUMA!

In Christ, Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.) |President | Fork Union Military Academy

This Week's College Acceptances

It's that time of year again when our seniors get the exciting news of college acceptances!

Our goal each year is that 100% of our seniors gain college acceptance, and the Class of 2023 is already on track to achieve that goal. Our seniors are working hard with the College Placement and Academic Services team under the leadership of the department's Director, Kelsey Hill, and the Assistant Director, Dr. James Benson.

Check out this week's acceptances!

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Mrs. Kelsey Hill Releases the First "The Next Stop" Newsletter

Mrs. Kelsey Hill, Director of College Placement and Academic Services, is proud to announce the department's first audio newsletter, The Next Stop. Each month, Mrs. Hill will release an audio newsletter to detailing important information for you cadet's next stop after Fork Union Military Academy.

Check out this month's edition of The Next Stop:

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 Corporal Larry Bulluck is a post-graduate and first-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from Washington, DC. Recently, after dinner Cadet Bulluck noticed his company’s area was not cleaned to standard. He stayed behind to ensure the area was spotless so the dining hall staff would not have to. His initiative and attention to detail is an excellent example to his peers. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Bulluck!

Cadet Captain Lance Gowans is a senior and third-year cadet in Bravo Company. He is a day student from Palmyra, VA. Cadet Gowans volunteered to stay on campus this weekend to ensure that his cadets were properly supported. He spends extensive hours on campus investing in his subordinates. His willingness to put in extra hours sets the tone for his company. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Gowans!

Cadet Staff Sergeant Nicholas Coleman is a freshman and second-year cadet in Charlie Company. He is a boarding student from Woodbridge, VA. Cadet Coleman is a member of the indoor track team and has served as 2nd Platoon Sergeant in Charlie Company since the beginning of this academic year. Recently, he was promoted to First Sergeant, immediately and without hesitation taking over the roles and responsibilities of a senior Non-Commissioned Officer. His attention to detail, care for his cadets, and tireless effort have been recognized by SGM Ocker, Company Leadership, and most importantly the cadets that he oversees. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Coleman!

Cadet Corporal Philippe Lianavwa is a sophomore and first-year cadet in HSC. He is a boarding student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cadet Lianavwa has consistently proven himself to be reliable and responsible. He consistently cleans up the dining area for his entire company, regardless of who is scheduled for the duty. His willingness to serve others is a testament to his character. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Lianavwa!

Mr. Jason Bevins, Housekeeping, often recognizes items in need of repair and fixes them before a request is even made by a staff member. His initiative and hard work is valued. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Bevins!

COL Winston Brown coordinated the Fred Hardy Invitational track meet that took place on Wednesday. Over 15 schools and hundreds of athletes participated in the VISAA sanctioned meet. FUMA placed third overall at the event. We appreciate COL Brown’s hard work on this major event. Bravo Zulu, COL Brown!

COL Brian Bodine, Instructor, organized the parking detail for the Fred Hardy Invitational track meet. He successfully trained cadets to ensure a safe and efficient process. Bravo Zulu, COL Bodine!

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!