Front & Center - Winter 2013

Winter 2013

Front and Center Newsletter Published For the Parents and Friends of the Cadets of Fork Union Military Academy

A Christmas Letter from the Battalion Commander LTC Dallas Bonner, Battalion Commander

As the second term comes to a close, the Fork Union campus is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. The entire FUMA community is excited to spend quality time with their families and friends and get a much deserved rest.

Between winter athletics, college applications, and staying in step, the FUMA class of 2013 has been hard at work. Because we know that graduation will be in reach soon enough, we do our best to focus on one day at a time.

It has been a year of change to say the least, and to many returning alumni, the campus may even be unrecognizable. The demolition of Snead Hall, where many of these alumni lived, opens up the campus and offers a beautiful view of the Wicker chapel.

From an athletic perspective, there FRONT AND CENTER

have been a few tears but mostly triumph. Senior quarterback Christian Hackenburg earned a spot on the Under Armour All-American football team, and head coach Sullivan will even have the opportunity to coach “Hack” at the game in January.

This year, Coach Sullivan coached his final game from the sidelines as he brought his tough, resilient prep football team to the State Championship game.

that everyone is able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas that God sent His son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world, that we might receive Him and be given eternal life.

I hope that the corps of cadets are able to continue to make strides toward the best year the academy has ever seen and that everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Sincerely, Dallas Bonner

Inside This Issue

FUMA’s Annual Civics Day Boy Scout Troop Enjoys Fall Activities Christmas Gift List….

Santa Responds.

As the weather gets cold and cadets’ minds drift to the presents they hope to receive, I hope

Fork Union Military Academy

P.O. Box 278

Fork Union, VA 23055 Houston T. Eldridge, Editor

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FUMA Celebrates Annual Civics Day Fork Union Military Academy celebrated its Annual Civics Day this October, hosting local and state government officials, party representatives, and political organizations.

The event was created to encourage discussion, debate, and participation in our political process.

Civics Day first began as a voter registration drive at the suggestion of Rebecca Pick, mother of a former cadet and member of the New Providence Republican Women (NPRW). The group has continued to participate each year.

The event consisted of Party representatives presenting their political beliefs followed by debate. Throughout the day, cadets enjoyed discussion, handshaking, and baked goods from supporters of each party. Information about candidates, stickers, and

event, “This is the culmination of one of our yearly goals. Because we are the ‘nonfiction’ department, we not only read and talk about what it means to be a good citizen, State Senator Tom Garrett (left) and Fluvanna Party Representative, Dave Sagabut We prorin discuss issues after a lively debate. vide our students the opportunity copies of the U.S. Conto observe and particistitution, were also propate in the process.” vided. A mock election was held and the end of Tom Garrett, State Senthe event. ator (22nd District), and the ladies of the Representing the DemNPRW represented the ocrats this year were Republicans during the Fluvanna Democratic discussions and debate.

Party members Dick Garrett noted, “I have Koepsell, Dave Sagarin, never missed this event. and Brigadier General This is wonderful!

John Douglass, candiI really love what FUMA date for Virginia’s 5th is doing.”

Congressional District.

Advanced Placement U.S. Government Instructor, COL Bill Hitchcock said of the

Cadets pack the library to listen to the lively debate.

Dick Koepsell added, “This is always a great event. Thank you for inviting us and making us feel so welcome. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Rebecca Pick (left) and Beck Sinclair of the NPRW take a break from talking to cadets.

Brigadier General John Douglass presents his ideas to the cadets and answers ques-

Cadet Joey Kahn wonders, “Republican or Democrat cookie?”

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FUMA’s Troop 125 Enjoys Fall Activities Troop 125 had an active Fall this year and is preparing for winter camping to begin after the Christmas break.

Because the Troop recharters late September, the emphasis at the beginning of the school year is directed towards obtaining the $15 registration fees for Council as well as new Boy Scout applications.

The boys spent two evenings in October at Terry Farm working on advancements, playing games, and learning a new camping meal (chicken pot pie pancakes with gravy).

In December, several Scouts participated in the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge. Though it was raining and cold, the Scouts toughed it out.

According to Caleb Grissom, “This is real Scouting!”

This January the Troop will hike six miles using maps and compasses to Terry Farm. After lunch, they will play their favorite “stalking” game and then return to FUMA to participate in the annual chili cook-off competition.

Each patrol will be provided the same ingredients and spices, and will be given some instruction on the art and science of cooking.

FUMA volunteers will be on hand to award the patrol with the best chili.

Scouts work on Wilderness Survival Merit Badge.

The “Geezer” Patrol, composed of the adult leadership, has won the award the past three years. After the competition the Scouts will make Banana Boats warmed in the fire.

Alexander Collins (right) discovers during Troop game he does not like garbanzo beans.

The patrols are currently working on their patrol flags and are planning their winter activities. In addition, two Scouts, Jasher Grunau and Cody Watson, are working on their Eagle Scout projects.

Troop Scouting information may be obtained at the Troop’s website www.troop125.us.

Scouts receive instruction on how to make chicken pot pie pancakes. The structure seen here was built by the summer school leadership class last summer. This was the first time it has been utilized.

Jonathan Sodolevskiy enjoys the cooking fire.

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What Do You Want for Christmas?

A Dialogue between FUMA Family Members and Santa Lauris DeNeef “Dear Santa, I want a tank limo with my name engraved on it with diamonds. It should have a touch screen control system and 4 machine guns. I also want an island with underground tunnels. I want the island to be guarded by security, and I also want a NASA telescope so I can look at the stars.”

Santa: “Lauris, after watching “Doomsday Preppers” on TV last month I had one of my sleighs upgraded. It’s equivalent to an AC-130, but driven by Kevlar–vested deer. You can have it if the world doesn’t end December 21.

Teagan McGinnis “Dear Santa, I just want some money so I can repair my car.

I rolled it on Thanksgiving break.’”

Santa: “Teagan...How do I put this? Um...NO. Maybe Lauris (above) will loan you his tank.

Quadariis Newkirk “All I want for Christmas is to see my family, and for us to get along and be happy.”

Santa: “Quadariis. Best one yet! Christmas is about family . Relax and have a good time...and get a haircut during the Christmas break. Your TAC officer has seen this picture.

Ali Khalafalla “Dear Santa, I want the CBR600RR Honda motorcycle, some clothes, shoes, the best chocolate in the world, and for Egypt to solve its problems.

Santa: “Ali, I can handle the motorcycle, shoes, and clothes. . I checked into the chocolate. One of the best out there is a ganache that has a French Perigold truffle rolled inside it. It costs about $2600 per pound. By the way, we’re all praying for Egypt.

Taylor Arnold “Santa, I want a fully gold Rolex watch with diamonds spread out across the face. I also want to be successful in life.

Santa: “Well Taylor...to obtain a watch like that you’re going to have to be very financially successful indeed. You’re on the right track, though. Success stories begin here, you know. Whatever happened to just wanting rollCheek Li “Dear Santa, I want money and an extra holiday.

Santa: “Dear Cheek, I did some checking. The U.S. has 10 federal holidays this year plus weekends and summer, Christmas and spring breaks for students. China has 13 official holidays (115 days off including 104 days of weekends and 11 days of festivals). That said, I know you’ve been working diligently in class so you can have Saturday off when you get back to FUMA after Christmas. Ooops...My bad. You will have Saturday class. Sorry.