Front & Center News from Fork Union Military Academy – February 16, 2024

Subscribe to Front & Center

Learn what's happening on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy by subscribing to Front & Center. You'll receive regular updates on the news, special events, and success stories from our Corps of Cadets, conveniently delivered to your inbox for easy viewing on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

Want to view past issues of the Front & Center newsletter? Find them all on our website.

Jostens will be back on campus, Monday, November 6th during the lunch periods for those cadets that still want to order a FUMA class Ring. At this time, they can pick out a ring, get sized, and fill out an order form. Once this is completed, our Jostens representative will call parents for the deposit. These cadets will be presented with their rings at a special Ring Ceremony in the Spring. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. White at whiter@fuma.org.

Kristin Firewicz Studios is our authorized vendor to provide custom cadet portrait services. If you are looking to get some outstanding custom portraits of your cadet, just contact Kristin Firewicz. Make sure you take advantage of the Autumn colors! Learn more at: https://kristinfirewiczstudios.com/fuma

Stories in this issue:

  • Kansas City Wins the Super Bowl!
  • Are you a lacrosse alumnus? Play in our Alumni Lacrosse Game on May 4!
  • Fork Union's Interact Club to Host Rise Against Hunger Event
  • This Week's College Acceptances
  • Fork Union Announces Cadet and Cadet Leader of the Term for Term 3
  • Upcoming Admissions Events
  • Do you want to be a part of our Cadet Corps?

H. Roe Bartle's (FUMA Class of 1920) Chiefs Win the Super Bowl

Known to all as “The Chief,” H. Roe Bartle (FUMA Class of 1920) was the powerful and popular mayor of Kansas City in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He attended Fork Union Military Academy from 1916 through graduation in 1920. In 1963, as the mayor of Kansas City, he convinced team owner Lamar Hunt to move his football team, the Dallas Texans, to Kansas City. After a public “name-the-team” contest, Lamar Hunt (who’d originally wanted to keep the name “Texans”) bowed to public sentiment and announced that his team would be named the Chiefs, in honor of the city’s popular mayor, and FUMA alumnus, H. Roe "The Chief" Bartle.

This past weekend, the majority of the Cadet Corps enjoyed a three-day weekend off campus for Winter Leave. The Academy catered to those who remained on campus and offered a fun environment on Sunday evening with dinner at the Social Center with the Super Bowl LVIII live on both the projector in the main room and in the movie theater. Even CAPT Black and his wife paid a visit and enjoyed wings with the cadets.

Are you a lacrosse alumnus? Play in our Alumni Lacrosse Game on May 4!

🥍 Calling all Fork Union Military Academy Lacrosse alumni! 🥍

Get ready to dust off your sticks and lace up your cleats because the Alumni Lacrosse Game is back! Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, for a thrilling day of lacrosse action and nostalgia during Alumni Weekend.

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
  • 🕒 Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • 📍 Location: Stadium Field

Reconnect with old teammates, reminisce about your glory days on the field, and show off your skills once again! Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to showcase your love for the game and support our academy.

Spread the word, tag your teammates, and let's make this year's Alumni Lacrosse Game one for the books! See you there! 🎉

To ensure you have a comfortable stay during the weekend, we have partnered with some fantastic hotels in the area. Click the button to find a list of hotels offering special room blocks exclusively for our alumni. Don't miss out on securing your spot, as rooms go fast!

The Conductor's Corner

By ETN1(SS) John Warren - Music Director

We are thrilled to announce that 13 of our talented musicians are embarking on an exciting journey this weekend to Virginia Military Institute (VMI). This exceptional opportunity will see them collaborating with high school and college students from military schools across the nation.

During their time at VMI, a total of 150 musicians will come together for auditions and intensive rehearsals spanning three days. This collaborative effort will not only foster camaraderie among participants but also provide a unique platform for musical growth and development.

The culmination of this musical immersion will be a spectacular showcase on Sunday, featuring performances from bands, choirs, drum majors, and even bagpipes. It promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of all involved.

We're excited to share this experience with you, and rest assured, we'll have plenty of captivating pictures and stories to share once the auditions and rehearsals are complete. So, be sure to stay tuned for more updates in our next front and center newsletter edition!

Fork Union's Interact Club to Host Rise Against Hunger Event

🗓 Friday, April 26, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Fork Union Military Academy's Interact Club is teaming up with Fluvanna County High School and the Fluvanna County Rotary Club to host a Rise Against Hunger event right here on campus!

  • 📅 Date: Friday, April 26
  • 🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • 📍 Location: Estes Athletic Center

Join us for an impactful day as we come together to package nutritious meals for those in need around the world. This collaborative effort highlights the power of community and service, embodying the spirit of our academy's values.

By partnering with Fluvanna County High School and the Rotary Club, we aim to amplify our impact and make a difference on a global scale. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in meaningful service projects and cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion.

Let's unite our efforts and work towards a world without hunger. Together, we can make a difference! If you would like to register for this event or made a donation, please click the link below:

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. Each year, our seniors work 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!

Fork Union Announces Cadet and Cadet Leader of the Term for Term 3

In a proud tradition of recognizing excellence and leadership among its cadet corps, Fork Union Military Academy recently unveiled the standout cadets for the term. GySgt Charlie Coulter, the Commandant of Cadets, proudly announced the Cadet Leader and Cadet of the Term, recognizing their dedication, exemplary conduct, and outstanding leadership qualities.

For Term 3, the honorees are c/2LT Chrysander Rahardjo of Charlie Company, who has been named the Cadet Leader of the Term, and c/PVT Levi Jones, also from Charlie Company, who has been awarded the Cadet of the Term.

Cadet Rahardjo, the son of Marcia Lisanto and Yanuar Rahardjo, is a sophomore from Auckland, New Zealand and is in his second year at the Academy.

Cadet Jones, a first-year cadet, is the son of Younga and Dustin Jones of Richmond, Virginia.

The selection process for these prestigious titles is rigorous and comprehensive. Each company conducts an internal review and nominates one cadet for each of the two categories. Category 1 encompasses cadets from Privates to Corporals, while Category 2 is designated for Cadet Sergeants to Captains.

The board, held on Wednesday, February 14, was composed of esteemed members, including Command Sergeant Major Glenn Sidwell and four senior cadets from the Battalion Staff. Cadets faced a thorough examination, donning their Class A uniforms adorned with all awards and decorations, as they were grilled on various aspects including the Academy’s history, core values, Cadet Regulations (Blue Book), leadership traits and the Honor Code.

Throughout the interview, candidates were evaluated across seven distinct areas, with a maximum of points allocated to each:

  • Personal Appearance, Bearing, and Self-Confidence (max 20 points)
  • Oral Expression and Conversation Skills (max 15 points)
  • Knowledge of Current Events (world affairs) (max 15 points)
  • Achievements-Academy Standing, Awards, and Demerits (max 20 points)
  • Awareness of Military Subjects (max 15 points)
  • Room and Bed/Wall-locker Displays (max 10 points)

For their exceptional performance across these criteria, both Cadet Rahardjo and Cadet Jones will be honored with a $25.00 gift card and the opportunity to participate in the Cadet/Leader of the Year board. This recognition not only celebrates their individual achievements but also serves as a testament to their commitment to excellence and leadership within the Fork Union Military Academy community.

“Congratulations to Cadet Rahardjo and Cadet Jones on their well-deserved accolades, and may they continue to inspire their peers with their dedication and exemplary conduct,” said GySgt Coulter.

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 Events on campus and in various cities and regions throughout the year.

Monday, February 19 | Admissions Open House on Campus

  • Come visit our beautiful campus and learn about Fork Union Military Academy! You will be able to go on a cadet-led tour of our campus, participate in an information session to learn more about the Academy, speak directly with members of our admissions team to get answers to all of your questions, and enjoy lunch in our dining facility. Registration to this event is required. Open Houses are from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Friday, February 23 | Admissions Event in Houston, Texas

  • An admissions team representative will be in Houston, Texas on Friday, February 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., for an Admissions Event held at Black Rifle Coffee located at: 11006 Farm to Market 1960 Rd. W, Houston, Texas 77065. Registration for this event is required.

Saturday, February 24 | Admissions Event in San Antonio, Texas

  • An admissions team representative will be in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, February 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for an Admissions Event held at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio at The Rim located at: 5730 Rim Pass, San Antonio, TX 78257. Registration for this event is required.

Saturday, February 24 | Admissions Event in Waco, Texas

  • An admissions team representative will be in Waco, Texas on Saturday, February 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for an Admissions Event held at Black Rifle Coffee located at: 2436 Creekview Drive, Waco, TX 76711. Registration for this event is required.

Sunday, February 25, 2024 | Admissions Event in Dallas, Texas

  • An admissions team representative will be in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, February 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for an Admissions Event held at Courtyard by Mariott Dallas DFW Airport North/Grapevine Hotel located at: 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, TX 76051. Registration for this event is required.

Sunday, February 25, 2024 | Admissions Event in Fort Worth, Texas

  • An admissions team representative will be in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, February 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for an Admissions Event held at Black Rifle Coffee located at: 9001 Benbrook Blvd., Benbrook, TX 76126. Registration for this event is required.

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.