– THE FORGE –
Valley Forge Military Academy & College News Fall, 2022
Dear Forge Family,
Welcome to the Fall ’22 edition of The Forge. Like any school, the fall is a very busy time here at VFMAC. And this edition reflects only a portion of the activities required to educate future leaders for a global society.
That is what we do here and that mission is never far from our minds. When you review these stories, you will learn the traditions of the Forge Stakes and the Crucible continue to stand the test of time and our Cadets continue to reach the high standards demanded of them. You will learn about how both VFMA and VFMC have enrolled three Cadets from Ukraine whose education has been disrupted by the war there. The VFMC’s Citizen Leader program is featured and there is a new section called Museum Moment where some of the treasures VFMAC has in the museum are introduced. And there is TAPS – where we honor those alumni who have passed.
Your continued support of VFMAC helps us day after month after year stay focused on providing a top-flight fine education for our Cadets. We really appreciate it and are proud to share some highlights of it here with you now.
Sincerely,
Col. Stuart B. Helgeson, USMCR Retired,
President, Valley Forge Military Academy & College
Fall, 2022 | Academy
Ms. Lauren Wochok opened the fall academic year as dean of Valley Forge Military Academy. She replaced Paul Lea, IV who was named president of Valley Forge Academy in Doha, Qatar. Prior to her appointment as dean, …
Fall, 2022 | Academy
Ms. Lauren Wochok opened the fall academic year as dean of Valley Forge Military Academy. She replaced Paul Lea, IV who was named president of Valley Forge Academy in Doha, Qatar. Prior to her appointment as dean, Ms. Wochok served as the assistant dean since 2020.
“We are fortunate to have already in place someone who knows the Cadets and our school very well and has had an instrumental role in its success. There is no one better to continue developing citizen leaders and readying them for college,” said Col Stuart B. Helgeson USMCR (Ret), president of Valley Forge Military Academy & College.
The quiet of summer enabled focus on fall planning – something Ms. Wochok calls crucial for faculty, administration and especially the students. “My first months as dean have gone very well,” she said. ”I am enjoying working with the new teachers, helping them adapt to the teaching environment here. Being present in the classroom creates relationships for an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable – something we want for everyone here.”
Even with a long history with VFMA, Ms. Wochok knows the discipline expected of students applies to her as well. “It is important to establish a good routine early and from the beginning. Coupled with consistency, Cadets know they can rely on you to be where you say you will be and available to them when they need it,” said Ms. Wochok. “ I make it a point to be with them every morning at school call formation and spend time in the hallways between classes for a quick hello and check on how they are doing.”
Among her goals, is an increased community service role for cadets. Among the fall events where Cadets will be in the community include working with vendors and the Wayne American Legion for a community clean up, supporting Radnor with set-up and break-down for a 5K run, and supporting the 23rd Veterans organization on a ruck march in November.
Ms. Wochok sees these events as an extension of classroom learning. “Teaching Cadets the valuable lessons that come with community service are critical as part of their educational journey,” she said. “The class of 2024 will need to produce documentation that they have fulfilled this community service obligation. And faculty helps plan these critical events and accompanies them in the service.”
Ms. Wochok holds a BS in Elementary and Special Education from Millersville University, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Cabrini University, and holds a Principal Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“It is a privilege for me to be here at VFMA,” said Ms. Wochok. “As part of the Corps of Cadets, VFMA students learn to help and rely on one another for individual and corporate success, and as we develop these citizen leaders, we want them to recognize the role they have in an increasingly global community.”
The VFMA Cadets are in good hands with their new dean.
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Fall, 2022 | Academy
The 95th Corps of Cadets arrived like all other classes of plebes – with uncertainty about what awaited them and full heads of hair. The hair didn’t last long as their heads were shaved within moments of their parents’ departure. As for the uncertainty? It was clear almost immediately that the challenges of the plebe system at VFMAC are difficult and surmountable. …
Fall, 2022 | Academy
The 95th Corps of Cadets arrived like all other classes of plebes – with uncertainty about what awaited them and full heads of hair. The hair didn’t last long as their heads were shaved within moments of their parents’ departure. As for the uncertainty? It was clear almost immediately that the challenges of the plebe system at VFMAC are difficult and surmountable.
“Each plebe class is different,” said William Mott, OBE, MVO, Garrison Sergeant Major (Ret), Commandant of Cadets. “They are different from those who came before and experience different leadership among the Corps of Cadets. This group met the rigorous standards for entrance and are individually strong quality individuals. And they are benefitting from a strong nucleus of Cadet leadership.”
Among the first lessons the plebes begin to learn are the customs, regulations, and expectations of them. Known as knowledge, the details are in book form and plebes study the details, are tested on them, and must demonstrate how they live into them. They learn quickly that success is not individual and that individuals succeed only when the group succeeds.
“Each plebe comes with the unique and individual experiences of his or her life to date,” said GSM Mott. “At VFMAC, we want them to see they can be so much more. We build them into leaders.”
Almost immediately, the plebes learn that the Five Cornerstones of Academic Excellence, Physical Development, Personal Motivation, Character Development, and Leadership are the new definitions of their lives and that they must learn to live into them.
“They all have the ability to incorporate them, on a daily basis and they do learn to use them better, more wisely,” said GSM Mott. “It is all related to the individual’s daily experiences here and how he/she learns how to deploy the Cornerstone they require.”
The plebe system lasts until leadership believes the plebes can meet the responsibilities and requirements to earn the privilege of becoming a Cadet – training weekly on those activities they need to demonstrate at the time of the Forge Stakes for VFMC ECP candidates and the Crucible for VFMA and VFMC Citizen Leaders.
Cadet and Staff leadership is deeply involved 24/7 so that each plebe gets the help they need in all facets of VFMAC life and has the opportunity to lead. “I get reports everyday on how they are all doing,” said GSM Mott. “One of the great things about VFMAC is we are close to the plebes – in fact, all of the students at all levels. With that sort of engagement, we see young men and women who would never think of themselves as leaders emerge with a level of confidence they never knew they had. For others, they may have arrived with average grades and are becoming gold star students. It is what we do here.”
In mid-October the plebes went through the Forge Stakes and the Crucible – the comprehensive physical and mental testing to challenge what they had learned through the plebe system. Events included long runs, carrying gurneys with filled water jugs, relay races, night land navigation, movement with weapons, paintball, swimming in uniform with acrylic weapons, and a cannon pull, among others. At the conclusion of the Forge Stakes and College Crucible for Citizen Leaders, the plebes received their Capshields. Academy plebes received their Capshields during the Parents Weekend parade.
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Fall, 2022 | Academy
US Army Sergeant Kathleen Dougherty has been named Bandmaster at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. She replaced Bandmaster Vincent DeMarro who retired after several long and successful years in that role.
Sergeant Kathleen Dougherty manages the music curriculum for both the …
Fall, 2022 | Academy
US Army Sergeant Kathleen Dougherty has been named Bandmaster at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. She replaced Bandmaster Vincent DeMarro who retired after several long and successful years in that role.
Sergeant Kathleen Dougherty manages the music curriculum for both the Academy and College, as well as leading the Regimental Band and other ensembles in a variety of performances. “While I am still fairly new in the position, I can already tell the Cadets are a great bunch of people,” said Sergeant Dougherty. “They are responsible and fun, come to practice and are prepared.”
Sergeant Dougherty is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds a BS in Music Education. She served as the Musicale Chair for music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota at IUP. In that role, her duties included growing her sisters’ musical talents, encouraging them to perform, and organizing the annual Tri-Fraternal Musicale.
As Bandmaster, Sergeant Dougherty must know her way around virtually all the instruments being played by those she is conducting. She is a classically trained violinist, plays trombone, and is confident playing to many others to name. And while band and orchestral music are part of her days, she enjoys rock music, both alternative and soft.
“I love music and enjoy being around it,” said Sergeant Dougherty. “ The VFMAC band has a great reputation and is among the most recognized in the educational music world. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead it and look forward to our performances.”
Prior to her appointment as Bandmaster at VFMAC, Sergeant Dougherty was a substitute teacher, including several long-term substitute positions most recently in the Methacton School District in suburban Philadelphia. In addition, Sergeant Dougherty teaches with the Brad Schoener Foundation as a private and a group teacher.
She is also a member of the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 78th Army Band based out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Proud of her service to the US, she plans to continue serving alongside her instructional duties.
Fall, 2022 | Academy
For many in the world, the war in Ukraine is a terrible news story – one watched with disbelief and horror. For Cadets Vladyslav Biblyi, Mykhailo Bohatykov, and Maksym Osadchyi, it is a tragedy unfolding in their homeland where their families remain. …
Fall, 2022 | Academy
For many in the world, the war in Ukraine is a terrible news story – one watched with disbelief and horror. For Cadets Vladyslav Biblyi, Mykhailo Bohatykov, and Maksym Osadchyi, it is a tragedy unfolding in their homeland where their families remain.
The three are first year Cadets at VFMAC – Vlad and Mykhailo at the Academy and Maksym at the College. Prior to arrival in the US, each lived happily with their families in different parts of Ukraine, and their lives were full of plans, hopes and joys much like those students of any other peaceful nation.
That changed in February 2022 when Russian forces invaded and in the ensuing months, obliterated Ukrainian cities, and civilian and military sites.
Education is only one of many disruptions in Ukraine. And while VFMAC leadership knew it could not help every student there, discussions opened early in the conflict to create a path for the three students here now.
All three are beneficiaries the Cory Stein Memorial Scholarships presented to the institution by Mr. Ken Stein in honor of his late son, Cory. Other funding and support are derived from the annual VFMAC Golf fundraiser conducted every May.
“There are three additional lives in which VFMAC is making a difference,” said Col Stuart B. Helgeson, USMCR (Ret), president of VFMAC. “We are grateful to Mr. Ken Stein for his generous support to these students and to the others whose education he makes possible, and to all our benefactors who support VFMAC.”
Here are the stories of three Ukrainian Cadets:
“I had already graduated from high school and begun studying at Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, in the school of Thermal and Atomic Energy, majoring in Computer Science,” said Vlad. High school graduation in Ukraine is after 11 years of school, not 12.
Living at home with his parents and disabled older brother in the eastern part of Ukraine, his family wanted to move farther west and away from the Russian border. Elderly grandparents and the need for special care for his brother limited their options. “While I did not want to leave them, my parents wanted me to move and live with family friends in Lviv – which I did in April.” Lviv is a city farther west from the border of Russia.
“We learned of a company which places students at US military schools,” he said. “While I wanted to study in the US, I had not planned to do so at a military school.” After testing and interviewing, he was accepted to VFMA. He obtained a visa on September 9th in Poland – the last time he saw his mother – and then traveled to the US on September 10th.
“It has been very difficult,” said Vlad. “Before leaving, I saw destroyed many buildings, the airport near my home city, many bridges – all gone. And I saw a bomb fly over my head. It was terrible.”
He has not seen much of the US or even the area around VFMAC. Entering the plebe system on arrival, he is looking forward to earning his Capshield and becoming a full-fledged Cadet. Vlad says the physical part of the plebe system is not hard as he studied Tae Kwon Do and kick boxing since a young boy.
Academically, he says math is not hard but English and US history are difficult since it is hard to read and understand everything in a different language. “The hard part is adapting to everything that is new and the need to have to learn everything again,” he said.
While he says his mother wants to see him and he wants to return to Ukraine, his mother wants him to remain here due to the ongoing danger of the war there. Vlad hopes to return during the winter holiday but the travel costs are prohibitive through Poland and then on to his home in Ukraine.
With wisdom and acceptance far beyond what any 17-year-old should be required to exhibit, Vlad says, “It helps not to think about when I will next see my family or when I can return home but best to just choose to live another life here.”
Mykhailo Bohatykov’s education was completely broken with the onset of the war. Like Vlad, Mykhailo’s parents sought to have him out of harm’s way. They researched military schools in the US. After identifying VFMA, he applied, was interviewed and accepted. He is in grade 12.
Mykhailo says the plebe system is difficult – not because the demands are difficult but because he held a high rank at the military school where he attended in Ukraine. He said, “This is like being back at the beginning.” Academically, he was accustomed to success never having scored anything less than 100 percent and earning gold medal status. Now the difference in language makes it difficult to achieve the standards he had always achieved.
Having graduated from his high school in Ukraine, he planned to go to college and hoped to do so in the US to study computer technology. He likes Boston and intends to look at schools there once he completes VFMA.
Originally from Kyiv, Mykhailo’s family remains there. As a target city, Mykhailo says the destruction is devastating. As a plebe, he is unable to contact his family. At the completion of plebe system, he will be able to call them.
With widespread international representation, there are two VFMA Cadets with Russian heritage.
One of his friends here is of Russian origin. “He doesn’t care that I am a Ukrainian and I don’t care that he is a Russian guy,” said Mykhailo. “I love that guy because on my first day, he helped me and he is always ready to help.”
“I am working hard here and want to make my family proud,” he said. “I would like to return to Ukraine when the war is over having earned rank and title and medals and show that it was good for me to come here.”
Maksym Osadchyi, also 17, is a plebe at VFMC. He planned to attend university in Ukraine to study cyber security. From Odessa, a city not occupied by Russian forces, he still is no stranger to the destruction of the bombing. “There were lots of explosions,” he said. “Once walking home from shopping with my Mother, we heard it close by and we were scared.”
Maksym learned of the scholarship opportunity at VFMC and the excellent cyber security program and, after visiting, decided to come here. “I had not thought about a military school,” said Maksym. “But I am glad I am here. because I am a completely different person than I was before. My character is stronger, I am better focused and organized, and with better time management, I can fit everything in that is required.”
The transition was not easy, he says, mostly because of the language. “Within the first week, it improved a lot and now it is easier for me to express what I am thinking with confidence,” said Maksym. And he is picking up American idioms or phrases common in general conversation such as “What’s up?”.
As an only child, he is missed very much at home. His Mother recently traveled to the US with the intention of visiting once he finishes the plebe system. She is hopeful to stay through the New Year in New York with a cousin.
“I want to go home sometime,” said Maksym. “I miss my home but it is different than it was before the war.”
He has a good friend in VFMA’s Cadet of Russian descent. “It is not right to judge a person based on the country they are from,” he said.
When Maksym completes his two years at VFMC in the Citizen Leader program (which means he is not going to serve in the US military), he is hopeful to complete his bachelor’s degree at Penn State.
Fall, 2022 | Academy
The fall 22 academic year brought new and tighter regulations for mobile phones among the Corps of Cadets. The policy is simple: nobody has one.
“The literature is clear that mobile phones are a distraction to student…
Fall, 2022 | Academy
The fall 22 academic year brought new and tighter regulations for mobile phones among the Corps of Cadets. The policy is simple: nobody has one.
“The literature is clear that mobile phones are a distraction to student learning,” said Garrison Sergeant Major William Mott OBE MVO, Commandant of Cadets. “This year we decided to make a change and the results are remarkable after only a short time.”
On arrival, all Cadets were required to turn in their phones. They are kept in a safe place. To overcome parental concerns about communicating with their sons, parents received direct phone numbers to the barracks and to the TAC officers to use if necessary.
Cadets remaining in good standing academically and in overall behavior, are able to earn access to their phones as a privilege. It is provided to them for walk-out leave on Wednesday evenings and on weekends.
Plebes have always had no access to their mobile phones until they complete the Crucible. Once that is successfully completed, they receive their phones to call their families and can then earn phone privileges as any other Cadet.
“It has been a struggle for them to not have their phones 24/7,” said Lauren Wochok, dean of VFMA. “However, after a few weeks of no phones in the schoolhouse, we have seen increased class participation, more homework completed in the evening, and better quality of sleep for the Cadets.”
A new laptop policy requiring Cadets to use only school-distributed computers and VFMAC internet access is another factor contributing to fewer distractions. This fall, all students have access to the internet only through the VFMAC system which limits access to games and other sites which can be distracting and disruptive. “We have all become accustomed to having technology be a 24/7 crutch of entertainment and while there is value and ease to it, it does not always forward learning and behavior linked to our Five Cornerstones,” said GSM Mott. “While tough, there is no question the results are positive, the Cadets are surviving and while they won’t ever acknowledge it publicly, probably recognize the positive difference the new policy has made.”
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
With College comes a sought level of independent living for students. It is no different at VFMC. Twenty apartments have been refurbished and are welcoming VFMC Cadets to their hallways.
Originally built to house…
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
With College comes a sought level of independent living for students. It is no different at VFMC. Twenty apartments have been refurbished and are welcoming VFMC Cadets to their hallways.
Originally built to house VFMAC staff, the apartments are now home for College Cadets. Every Cadet will have a desk, chair, dresser/wardrobe, and a bed. Kitchens are partially complete because Cadets are still expected to take meals in the mess hall. Construction through the summer and early fall enabled move-in by late October.
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
They stood on the Main Area wondering if they had made the worst decision of their life. Their parents had just dropped them off three hours prior to Valley Forge Military College hoping that this school would help set them on the path to success they desired even though they did not desire a military career. …
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
They stood on the Main Area wondering if they had made the worst decision of their life. Their parents had just dropped them off three hours prior to Valley Forge Military College hoping that this school would help set them on the path to success they desired even though they did not desire a military career. They hoped this place would provide them with the skills to succeed and excel not just at VFMC and their transfer school to finish their bachelor’s degree, but also in the civilian sector. Would VFMC set them apart from their peers? One new Cadet came to VFMC from another school where he was lost in the student body, just one of three hundred in a lecture hall and not able to get the academic support he needed. Another took a gap year after high school to see what he wanted to do next and unsure of how to get there. The third comes directly from high school, very shy and used to his parents doing everything for him. These three Cadets are hoping to find themselves at VFMC.
Theodore Roosevelt said, “The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight.” That goes for women, too.
It has long been a misnomer that Valley Forge Military College (VFMC), located in Wayne, PA, was singularly focused on producing military officers. VFMC utilizes a “military model” to provide structure enabling students to succeed in whatever they wish to do in life.
While VFMC does offer military training through the Army’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), the College also takes traditional students from all walks of life, turning them into Citizen Leaders using the military model.
“The Citizen Leader track is for the student looking for the lessons and training that are typically provided to military-oriented Cadets, but who may not necessarily desire a career in the military,” said Robert Smith, Ph.D MEd, provost of VFMC. “Citizen Leaders become equipped with the understanding and value of self-discipline, physical fitness, a daily schedule, leadership skills, and character development for everyday life.”
From the time they step onto Campus until graduation, all students are members of the Corps of Cadets – the student body of VFMC. It is Cadet led, and they are responsible for holding each other accountable and helping each other overcome challenges.
To become a member of the Corps of Cadets, all new students go through a Plebe system. This is a period of time where they will learn the customs, courtesies, and traditions of VFMC as well as how to live within the Corps of Cadets. Their day begins at 0600 with physical training, from 0800-1600 they proceed to their classes, from 1600-1730 they have time for club activities and intramurals, and from 1900-2100 they have mandatory study hall. This is the structure that the military model provides and allows Cadets to begin to develop the personal motivation and time management skills that will serve them well when they leave VFMC and must create their own structure.
Teaching young people the skills necessary to discipline themselves and lead others is at the heart of the military model of education at VFMC. The College is a leadership factory where students start honing this skill from day one.
As a Plebe, new students will be informal leaders helping their peers adapt to the military model lifestyle. This may include teaching them how to shine shoes, make a proper bed, etc., and progress into the classroom where they may help tutor those that are struggling in subject areas they are exceeding at. Once complete with the Plebe system, they can become formal leaders by gaining rank in the Corps of Cadets and now being responsible for others and ensuring their wellbeing. No one can succeed alone at VFMC, the teamwork concept is developed from day one and will serve them well in whatever field they decide to go into.
In addition, VFMC does capitalize on the experience the ROTC instructors have by asking them to teach the leadership classes compulsory for all Cadets every semester. All Cadets take Military Science 100 & 200. This further allows them to see different techniques and refine their leadership style by gaining practical experience with the Corps of Cadets.
This also translates to the classroom. Cadets show respect to their professors with the entire class coming to attention when the professor enters as well as having the senior Cadet report the class to the Professor. This teaches manners and respect that translates well to the civilian sector and is sometimes lacking in today’s business world.
Additionally, VFCM has an 11-1 Cadet to teacher ratio. Cadets are expected to come to class prepared and to participate. VFMC does not subscribe to the lecture method of teaching but rather utilizes the experiential model. Cadets take what they learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge through field trips. This is an experience that many other institutions are not able to provide to a larger student body.
This education model also emphasizes individualism within a learning environment. Cadet-led intramurals and clubs offer personal growth for individual interests. “A desire for personal growth is not just about academic excellence,” said Cadet Elizabeth Verbicka, a Citizen Leader. She started Creative Camo, an outlet for creativity on campus. “Creative Camo and the Press Corps, another Cadet-led group, encourages accountability and initiative within student ranks and translates to taking charge and leading others.”
VFMC cadets receive lessons and build characteristics that develop them into the highest quality citizen leaders despite their age. “Students who pursue this track are those who desire personal growth concurrent with academic excellence,” said Dr. Smith. “ Those who select this program are not just preparing for their professional future but preparing to live their best life, understanding the full extent of their capabilities, honing their skills for the greater good of a global society.”
Provost Smith says educating and enabling Citizen Leaders can help create a roadmap for those who see their role in a better world. “Our graduates face challenges with grit and determination. They see the potential within their communities and how they can overcome issues together. They are willing and able to become active participants in the changes and solutions they wish to see. They show signs of integrity, leadership, or academic excellence. While these qualities are rare in our society, they live in each of us, and at VFMC, we nurture the students so that it becomes a natural part of their being,” he said.
As for the three Cadets mentioned at the beginning of the article, they not only succeeded but thrived in their first year at VFMC. The one that struggled academically now has a 3.39 GPA and will be the Regimental Sergeant Major this year. The second student also found his footing and purpose at VFMC, he served as an intern for a political campaign this summer and will return as the Regimental Commander this year. Our last Cadet also found his voice and started coming out of shell. He is thriving and will be the Regimental Adjutant, he will be the face and voice of VFMC at all formations and parades this year.
Do you have what it takes to be a Citizen Leader?
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
Fall Field Exercises took VFMC Army ECP Cadets to Fort Indiantown Gap for a weekend of great Army training. Cadets were flown in a Chinook Helicopter which landed on the parade grounds at VFMAC and flew the Cadets directly to their training area. …
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
Fall Field Exercises took VFMC Army ECP Cadets to Fort Indiantown Gap for a weekend of great Army training. Cadets were flown in a Chinook Helicopter which landed on the parade grounds at VFMAC and flew the Cadets directly to their training area.
“The training was underway with planning, rehearsals, equipment checks, and helicopter operations review training before the Chinook even arrived,” said LTC Josh Meyer, Professor of Military Science, VFMC. “We were able to execute a hot load (engines on) since all Cadets received prior hands-on training with the helicopter.”
On arrival at Fort Indiantown Gap, Cadets immediately established their patrol bases in the woods and learned to trust their Army equipment as temperatures dropped below 30°. The rest of the weekend consisted of day and night land navigation, squad tactics, introduction to basic rifle marksmanship with the M-4 rifle, and concluded with leader reaction (team problem solving) and obstacle courses.
MSIV sophomore ECP Cadets planned and executed all training well above standard preparing themselves for future service as second lieutenants while also preparing our new MSIII cadets to once again exceed the standards at Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox.
“Hold the Line”
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
The HR McMaster Center for Security Studies Speaker Series at VFMC opened in the fall. Kicking off the series was Marc Ferraro, Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. …
Fall, 2022 | College & ROTC
The HR McMaster Center for Security Studies Speaker Series at VFMC opened in the fall. Kicking off the series was Marc Ferraro, Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.
“What an honor it is to be invited to open this year’s H.R. McMaster speaker series,” said Mr. Ferraro. “VFMC educates leaders and whether they are military leaders or citizen leaders, I am hopeful my experiences can help shape their futures.”
The HR McMaster Center for Security Studies is named for VFMAC graduate Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster ‘80, US Army (retired). Lieutenant General McMaster received an honorary degree from VFMC in 2017. He served as the 26th National Security Advisor during the Trump administration.
“The McMaster series is intended to draw exceptional representatives from across the spectrum of professions and life,” said Robert F. Smith, Ph.D., MEd, provost of VFMC. “Going well beyond the classroom, these speakers of renown and accomplishment demonstrate traits of character and leadership that LTG McMaster exemplifies and our Cadets are learning to do.”
VFMC’s HR McMaster Center provides academic support for currently enrolled cadets and training opportunities for alumni and community members. It is a center of excellence providing non-partisan, research-driven academic programs to prepare future leaders in the fields of national security, criminal justice, intelligence, and cybersecurity. It aims to be the preeminent, internationally recognized center of academic excellence in national security, criminal justice, intelligence, and cybersecurity.
During his remarks, Mr. Ferraro spoke about leadership traits he’s learned during his 37 years in the military and six more in state government, citing resilience as a major component. “You will make mistakes, but you can’t let that stop you. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going,” he said.
In addition, he stressed leaders have to make hard decisions noting that he still remembers the names of those in his unit lost on deployment, saying their deaths stay with him. “Many of my decisions have been hard and they all have consequences but charged with leading, I have to keep moving. True leaders have compassion but are able to remove emotion from their decisions.”
VFMC Cadet and sophomore John Marier said he was deeply moved by Mr. Ferraro’s comments. “His encouragement to never give up is inspirational. Students everywhere, not just VFMC Cadets, need to hear that making mistakes is not the end of the world and that we can learn from them and improve ourselves,” said Cadet Marier.
In his current role, Mr. Ferraro is involved in activities across several key offices including Veterans Affairs, Administration, Facilities and Engineering, the Keystone State Challenge Academy, Public Affairs, and Policy, Planning, and Legislative Affairs. Prior to this role, Mr. Ferraro served as the Deputy, Facilities and Engineering, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. Mr. Ferraro is a graduate of the United States Army Drill Sergeant School, Basic Airborne Course, Pathfinder School, Cavalry Leaders Course, Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He holds a BS in Accounting and an MA is Strategic Studies and Executive Leadership. In addition, he has earned numerous awards and decorations during his military service.
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