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:
Mrs. Heidi Yates is recognized for the creation and implementation of our successful COVID-related return to campus plan, and for the great reception she and her staff provided for each of our new cadets on check-in day. Her hard work, technical acumen, and total devotion to duty is a decisive factor in our having ZERO COVID cases on campus. Bravo Zulu, Heidi Yates!
Mrs. Amy Reese is the Commandant’s Department Activities & Travel Coordinator. She went above and beyond over the past several weeks, specifically working countless hours with parents and airlines coordinating all of the travel arrangements for our returning cadets. We received numerous comments from parents that this was the best exit and return that they have experienced. She set the standard for our travel program. Bravo Zulu, Amy Reese!
FUMA Faculty: At various points over the last two weeks, each faculty member—at least once—has agreed to take on an additional task or challenge that has helped the academic department navigate the various nuances that come with operating in-person during a pandemic. The entire faculty, as a team, gets a Bravo Zulu!
Cadet Private Clayton Rosen is a first year cadet in Alpha Company. He is currently a boarding student from Mundelein, IL. Cadet Rosen is a member and a leader of the newly formed E-Sports team. His team had 96 points and placed in the Top 3% of the North American East server. They averaged about 4-6 points per game and placed in the Top 8 on average in each match. Cadet Rosen is a great team leader, keeping his teammates focused and organized and it really showed in their performance on Monday. Also, Cadet Rosen currently has a 99 in Coach Chace’s U.S. Government class. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Rosen!
Cadet Private Isaac Rivera is a first year cadet in Bravo Company. He is currently a day student from Palmyra, Virginia. Cadet Rivera made the Prep basketball team in his first year. He has played a pivotal role for his team as a primary ball handler. He had one of his best games last night scoring 15 points. We are excited to see what he can do the rest of the season, this year, and his future. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Rivera!
Cadet First Lieutenant Gavin DeMorro is a fifth year cadet and Executive Officer in Charlie Company. He is a day student from Fluvanna County, Virginia. Cadet DeMorro is one of few pole vaulters at FUMA, and this is his 4th year on the track team. This past Wednesday, he jumped a personal best of 9 feet, 6 inches and will be shooting for 10 feet next week at Thursday’s FUMA Invitational. Academically, he is currently enrolled in Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry with COL Strickland. Bravo Zulu, Cadet DeMorro!
Cadet Sergeant Brandon Austin is a first year cadet in Retan Rifles. He is a boarding student from Iuka, Mississippi. Over the past 10 days, he has led 23 new cadets in their training regimen to get them successfully integrated into the corps. His leadership and professionalism encouraged 5 of the 23 new cadets to try out for Honor Company. Cadet Austin’s leadership also helped the new cadets successfully pass all the tests on the rules, regulations, and PFT. He consistently shows what a cadet should be and how they should carry themselves. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Austin!
We are proud of our Cadets, Faculty, and Staff for all they do.
This was another great week at FUMA. We have no COVID-19 cases amongst our cadets, faculty, staff or supporting personnel on campus and our cadets are showing great resilience. A Bravo Zulu to the Fork Union Military Academy community, which includes all of us, alumni, Board of Trustees, Alumni Board, parents, donors, friends and retired faculty/staff for your prayers and support.
Go FUMA!
DL Coggins
President
Fork Union Military Academy