Valley Forge Military Academy and College
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| President | Charles A. McGeorge | |
| Superintendent | J. J. Doyle | |
| School type | Private | |
| Religious affiliation | NONE | |
| Founded | 1928 | |
| Location | Wayne Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, USA |
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| Annual Tuition | $30,977 | |
| Enrollment | 577 | |
| Faculty | 49 | |
| Campus surroundings | Town | |
| Mascot | Trojan | |
| School colors | Buff and Blue | |
The Valley Forge Military Academy is a boarding school for up and coming young men grades seven through twelve, and additionally offers a co-ed 2 year junior college program. The academy is located in the Pennsylvania Main Line suburb of Wayne in Radnor Township, USA (outside of Philadelphia). Though military in tradition and form, Valley Forge Military Academy is a college preparatory boarding institution. Alumni generally attend some of the nation's most prestigious colleges and universities, and some pursue careers in armed services.
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[edit] History
Valley Forge Military Academy was founded in 1928 by Lieutenant General Milton G. Baker, Pennsylvania Guard (Retired), A.B., Ped.D. F.I.C.S., LL.D., Ed.D., C.B.E., D.Mil Sci, L.H.D. (then-Major, Pennsylvania Army National Guard). The school was first located in Devon, Pennsylvania, several miles away from the campus' current location. After a fire during the night of January 17-18, 1929 devastated the original single-building campus, the former Devon Park Hotel, the Academy was moved to its present site in Wayne, Pennsylvania, the former Saint Luke's School.
Originally, General Baker devised an American Revolutionary War motif for the school. The school colors are Buff and Blue, the colors of the uniforms of the Continental Army. The buildings were named for Revolutionary War leaders: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Lee, Anthony Wayne, Friedrich Wilhelm Rudolf Gerhard August Freiherr von Steuben (Baron von Steuben) ,and Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (or Lafayette). The uniforms, crest, and Alma Mater were patterned from those of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Over time, General Baker, an Anglophile, evolved the concept, and modeled many of the Academy's drills, customs, and ceremonies after a British motif. The Full Dress Uniforms are modeled from those of the British Army, while others are ostensibly West Point and British hybrids. The Academy maintains its loyalty to these traditions today.
During the 1935-36 school year, General Baker expanded the Academy to include a two-year college program. Subsequently, the school was known as "Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College." Today, it is known as "Valley Forge Military Academy and College."
General Baker retired as Superintendent in 1971, and died in 1976 at the age of 80. He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Milton H. Medenbach, Pennsylvania Guard (Retired), A.B., Ped.D.[then-Major General]. During his Valley Forge service, General Medenbach served in, or assisted in the establishment of, practically every department of the institution as an associate of the Founder. He held the post of Adjutant, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Superintendent and served for more than 30 years as Commandant of Cadets. Since his retirement as Superintendent in 1971, he served the school as President Emeritus, a volunteer Historian and Archivist and the Vice President and Secretary of the Chapel Foundation Board of Directors. General Medenbach died on January 16, 2007 at the age of 99.
General Medenbach was succeeded as Superintendent by Major General Robert W. Strong, Jr., United States Air Force, (Retired) Class of 1935, B.A., M.A., in June of 1971. During the Summer of 1973, General Strong announced his resignation, and on October 15, 1973, was replaced by Lieutenant General Willard Pearson, United States Army (Retired), B.A., M.A.. General Pearson assumed the Superintendency at a time when the school was in financial crisis. General Pearson brought Valley Forge into an era of relative financial stability, with an average corps of 650. During General Pearson's tenure, there were a succession of Commandants of Cadets; they included Colonel Stanley A. Harris, Pennsylvania Guard, Colonel Stephen A. Day, United States Army (Retired), B.S., Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis, United States Army (Retired), B.A., M.A. and Brigadier General James F. Coates, Valley Forge Military Academy [Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)].
Upon his retirement on August 30, 1985, General Pearson was succeeded by Lieutenant General Alexander M. Weyand, United States Army (Retired). General Weyand was succeeded by Colonel Harold J. Fraley, United States Army (Retired), who served as Acting Superintendent from July 1, 1989 to August 1, 1990. Vice Admiral N. Ronald Thunman, United States Navy (Retired) then was named Superintendent, however, the title was changed to "President" on August 18, 1992. Admiral Thunman was succeeded as President by Rear Admiral Virgil L. Hill, United States Navy (Retired) on September 1, 1993. Admiral Hill was succeeded, in turn, by Rear Admiral Peter A.C. Long, Ph.D., United States Navy (Retired), on August 17, 2000. Admiral Long was succeeded by Charles A. "Tony" McGeorge, the incumbent. President McGeorge reactivated the title of "Superintendent" for the senior military officer. Colonel James J. Doyle, United State Marine Corps (Retired), is the incumbent.
[edit] Student body
The Academy's student body comprises over 500 students, representing 38 states and 34 countries.
The cadets are grouped into 2 battalions, Mounted and Infantry. The Infantry Battalion companies are A, B, C, and G/I (College), The Mounted Battalion consists of D Troop, E Battery, Field Music (Drum and Bugle Corps), and the Regimental Band. Formerly, most College Cadets in the infantry battalion were assigned to "F" Company, but have been divided into "G" and "I" Companies. "I" Company had been named "I" Troop for all college cadets wishing to participate in equitation, (and was once known as "I" Battery for college cadets participating in artillery) but it has now been moved to the infantry battalion.
Initially, the Corps of Cadets was organized as a Squadron of Cavalry, under a Cadet Major, who wore five gold chevrons with an oak leaf. Cadet Captains wore four chevrons; Cadet Lieutenants wore three chevrons. Later, the Corps was reorganized to three battalions, comprised of two infantry battalions and a mounted battalion. The Corps was headed by a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. The corps and the rank system evolved. It is headed by a Cadet First Captain. Cadet officers wear gold rank stars or "pips." Pips are similar in design to "Order of the Bath" rank stars worn by the British Army, except the three crowns have been replaced with an image of George Washington kneeling in the snow, from the painting "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Henry Brueckner, and the motto "Tria Juncta In Uno" replaced with "Valley Forge Military Academy." (Before the design of the school "pips," Cadet Officers wore British "pips.")
From the top of the chain of command (with rank insignia on "School Uniform"): Regimental Commander - First Captain (2 pips and a capshield) Honor Captain - Second Captain (pip and capshield) Battalion Commanders - Third and Fourth Captains (4 pips) Regimental Staff - Captains (3 pips) Regimental Sergeant Major - Command Sergeant Major (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star and wreath) Battalion Staff - Sergeant Major/2 Lieutenants (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star/2 pips or 1 pip) Company Commanders - Captains (3 pips) Company Executive Officer - 1st Lieutenant (2 pips) Platoon Leaders - 2nd Lieutenants (1 pip) 1st Sergeants - (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, diamond) Platoon Sergeants - Master Sergeants (3 chevrons, 3 rockers) Special SNCOs - Sergeant First Classes (3 chevrons, 2 rockers) Squad Leaders/Platoon Guides - Staff Sergeants (3 chevrons, 1 rocker) Special JNCOs - Sergeant and below (3 chevrons and below) Color Guard Ranks: Color Sergeant (3 chevrons, 3 rockers, star) Sergeant Colors (3 chevrons,star)
On Full Dress Uniforms, Cadet Officers wear rank insignia as above stated on the epaulet; except the Cadet First Captain wears braided shoulder knots with a full dress aiguillette. Cadet Sergeants and Corporals wear chevrons on the sleeve: red chevrons on grey for the infantry battalion; red chevrons on black for the mounted battalion. The system of rank insignia is as follows for Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers:
Regimental Sergeant Major: Two Chevrons, pointing up, with four rockers; and a miniture school crest, centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Regimental Supply Sergeant: Two Chevrons with four bars; Battalion Sergeant Major: Two Chevrons with four rockers; First Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a diamond centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Master Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers; Master Sergeant Stables: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a horse head centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Color Sergeant: Two Chevrons with three rockers and a star centered between the chevrons and the rockers; Sergeant First Class (formerly Platoon Sergeant): Two Chevrons with two rockers; Supply Sergeant: Two Chevrons with two bars; Staff Sergeant, Guide: Two Chevrons with one bar; Staff Sergeant: Two Chevrons with one rocker; Sergeant: Two Chevrons; Color Sergeant: Two Chevrons with a star centered below the chevrons; Corporal: Two Chevrons, inverted, on lower sleeve; Lance Corporal: One Chevron, inverted, on lower sleeve.
Academically, the school is organized into six classes, plus College Freshmen and College Sophomores. The Academy, or high school classes are as follows: First Class: Seniors (12th Grade); Second Class: Juniors (11th Grade); Third Class: Sophomores (10th Grade); Fourth Class: Freshman (9th Grade); Fifth Class: 8th Grade; and Sixth Class: 7th Grade. Thus, the system is somewhat "inverted" from the "Form" system in use at some schools, and more closely parallels that of West Point.
Faculty and Staff Officers generally wear military uniforms, and generally wear U.S. Army officer rank. Those with Academy Commissions wear the letters "VF" in place of the "U.S." insignia, and school crests as branch insignia and unit crest. Reserve, National Guard, and Retired Officers, serving in their respective ranks, wear the rank and accoutrements of their respective service.
The Academic Department is headed by Colonel Phillip W. Townsend, Class of 1968, B.A.,M.L.S.,Ed.D.,Valley Forge Military Academy and College, as Dean of the Academy. Kathleen Anderson, B.A.,M.A.,Ed.D. is Interim Dean of the College. (The Dean of the College, Lieutenant Colonel John Church, United States Marine Corps, has been recalled to active duty) The Commandant of Cadets is Colonel Thad A. Gaebeleine, Valley Forge Military Academy and College.
[edit] Academics and student life
Similar to most other American boarding schools, academics at the Academy are demanding and highly competitive and are complemented by a mandatory two hour "study hall" period from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each night in the students' barracks buildings.
The school day generally begins with "First Call" followed by "Reveille," at which time all cadets arise and prepare for formation. Calls are played by buglers. "First Mess" or breakfast is followed by cleaning details and room preparation. "School Call" is followed by academic classes until lunch, or "Second Mess." Second Mess formation is the key formation of the day, and is usually held on the Main Area. Cadets are inspected, and march to mess. The Band or Field Music plays for this formation. After Second Mess, cadets attend academic classes until mid afternoon. After classes, cadets participate in athletics and extra-curricular activities. Cadets may also receive extra instruction during this time. At one time, there were daily formal "Guard Mount" and "Retreat" formations. Owing to the increased tempo of cadet life, and requirements of athletics and co-curricular activities needed to have cadets competitively vie for college admission, highly formal Retreat formations are no longer routinely held. After "Third Mess" or the evening meal, cadets return to their barracks for study hall. Study Hall, supervised by faculty officers in rotation, is mandatory for most cadets from Sunday through Thursday. After "Recall" from Study Hall comes the Break, at which time cadets use the telephone, shine shoes, and prepare for the next day. The Break is ended by "Call to Quarters" "Tatoo" and "Taps." At Taps, all cadets, except those granted "Late Lights" to study and cadets of the College, are required to be in bed.
On selected weekends, Cadets are permitted leave at home. Cadets who achieve, academically and in personal efficiency and leadership, are permitted additional leaves and local leaves into Wayne and to the King of Prussia Mall. All cadets attend Chapel on Sunday morning, as a part of the Character Education program. The service, which was developed by General Baker, is rooted in the Episcopal or Anglican "Book of Common Prayer" and is Christian in nature. It is, however, non-sectarian in practice, as the address, which focuses on character and leadership, is given by distinguished military, civil, and academic leaders. Brigadier General Alfred A. Sanelli, Class of 1939, B.A., M.A., Pennsylvania Guard (Retired)[Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)], (1921-2005) was the long-serving Chaplain and Director of Character Education, after serving as Dean of the Academy, Dean of the College, Professor of Military Science, and in other staff positions over many years. He was succeeded as Chaplain by Colonel John E. Steele, Jr., Valley Forge Military Academy and College.
Students at Valley Forge Military Academy endure a six week adjustment period, known as "plebe training," upon entering the institution. During this period, students are trained in the customs and traditions of the school, British military drill and ceremonies and are given an opportunity to acclimate to the overall campus environment. The conclusion of this period occurs when the students complete the traditional requirement of earning their "Capshield," the brass crest that adorns the uniform cap. Now new cadets at this institution do not go through a plebe system; it is comparable to being grounded for 6 weeks.
Valley Forge Military Academy offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to students, including: equestrian, polo, track, riflery, rifle drill, concert band and orchestra, herald fanfare trumpets, choir, football, basketball, golf, ski, and many others. The Valley Forge Military Academy Regimental Band is world famous and has traveled to Europe many times in recent years to perform. Recently, the band was the lead group in the 2006 Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade in London, England.
Additionally, some students in the Academy's band perform regularly on and off-campus on the Academy's famous Coronation Heraldic Fanfare Trumpets. The Herald Fanfare Trumpets were brought to Valley Forge in 1953 by Colonel D. Keith Feltham, Valley Forge Military Academy, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M. who served as Bandmaster and Director of Music from September 1949 to June 1976. (Bandmaster Dudley Keith Feltham served as Bandmaster of the 1st Battalion, the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry from 1938 to 1949.) (Colonel Feltham also introduced the British “Slow March” in approximately 1961.) The unique complement of trumpets are regularly used to perform at the Academy's weekly chapel services, and are frequently booked for off-campus events, both domestic and abroad. Today the collection consists of the full complement of voices, which consists of six B-flat soprano trumpets, six B-flat tenor trumpets, two G-bass trumpets, and two E-flat soprano trumpets. The original eight heraldic fanfare trumpets have been used on numerous ceremonial occasions associated with royalty: at Westminster Abbey to herald the Coronation of King George VI, at St. Paul's Cathedral to herald the Royal Silver Wedding Ceremony, at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, and at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
[edit] Notable alumni
- J.D. Salinger, author, "Catcher in the Rye"
- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, United States Army (Retired), CENTCOM Commander, Operation Desert Storm
- Edward Albee, American playwright
- Warren B. Rudman, United States Senator, R-New Hampshire
- Jim Detweiler, MLB player, Toronto Blue Jays
- Jimmy Sturr, musician, 14-time Grammy winner
- Aaron Beasley, NFL player, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons
- Julian Peterson, NFL player, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers
- Larry Fitzgerald, NFL player, Arizona Cardinals
- King Simeon II of Bulgaria, Tsar of Bulgaria
- Chris Doleman, Retired NFL defensive end
- Johan Misja, Serbian General during Bosnian Genocide
- Alfred A. Sanelli, one of the first cadets and chaplain until his death
- Colonel Herbert Raymond McMaster (H.R. McMaster), United States Army, Historian, Author, and Army Officer
- Lieutenant General John J. Yeosock, United States Army (Retired), Commander, Third Army, Operation Desert Storm
- Rafael Hernández Colón, Fourth Governor, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- William Slater, II, Right Worshipful Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons
- Christian Farr, Broadcast Journalist, WTTW 11, Chicago, Illinois
- Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
[edit] Trivia
Taps
Much of the movie Taps (1981), starring George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton, was filmed on the academy's campus. Many of its young stars, including Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, and Tom Cruise, participated in a 45-day period of orientation with the students of the academy to learn to properly drill as cadets. While most of the actors enjoyed and excelled at their orientation, Cruise opted to leave the training for the comforts of a nearby hotel until filming began.
Valley Forge Military Academy and College Band
In 1959, the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, recorded the "1812 Overture" (full title: Festival Overture "The Year 1812", op. 49); by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The recording prominently featured the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, directed by Richard P. Condie, and the Valley Forge Military Academy Band, conducted by Colonel Feltham.
[edit] External links
- Valley Forge Military Academy and College website
- Sony Classical: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.4; 1812 Overture; Marche Slave
- Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis, U.S. Army: Namebase
[edit] References
The Guidon (Wayne: Valley Forge Military Academy and College)
Crossed Sabres (Philadelphia: Cooke Publishing et al., Yearbook)
ON PARADE! A Pictorial History of the First 50 Years of the Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College (Philadelphia: Cooke Publishing, 1979)
