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:
Cadet Captain Samson Hauler is a junior and a three-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from Chesterfield, Virginia, Company Commander, and a member of the prep football team as well as the indoor and outdoor track teams. He has had a great start to the school year leading the cadets of Alpha Company. He has really embodied what it takes to be a FUMA man in the classroom, on the football field, and in the barracks. His leadership and influence have helped Alpha Company win every commandant’s room inspection and remain in the lead in company points for their personal appearance inspections. He continuously works to better every cadet within his company and sets an example for others to emulate. CPT Hauler is doing a great job making sound decision with tact and impeccable judgement. He has been working very hard in the classroom and currently has high marks in Honors English with CPT Amos. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Hauler!
Cadet Private Ayden Bland is a junior and a first-year cadet in Bravo Company. Cadet Bland is a day student from Palmyra, Virginia, and a member of the prep football team. Cadet Bland started this year off learning all the rules and regulations that come with being a cadet at Fork Union Military Academy. He was also recognized last week by Chick-fil-A for his superior performance as a student worker, where he works as a team trainer. Cadet Bland embodies the values and character of the Fork Union Corps. He continuously works to improve himself and others at Fork Union Military Academy and within our community. Cadet Bland currently has high marks in U.S. Government. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Bland!
Chick-fil-A Recognizes Cadet Bland
Cadet Sergeant First Class Jackson Pretus is a sophomore and a third-year cadet who is serving on BN staff. He is day student from Charlottesville, Virginia, and recently expressed a desire to speak at chapel. In addition to his academic and corps responsibilities, he spent hours conducting exceptional biblical and historical research on his chosen topic. On Thursday morning, he spoke to an audience of over 300 with poise and confidence, courageously sharing his faith with fellow cadets. Cadet Pretus is embodying what it means to be a man of faith. He is a true Evangelist, sharing what it means to be a Christian at Fork Union Military Academy! Bravo Zulu, Cadet Pretus!
Cadet Private Elonzo Burroughs is a PG Football cadet in Delta Company. Cadet Burroughs is a boarding student from Temple Hills, Maryland, and an active leader in the FCA Bible study who embodies Christ-like service to his fellow cadets. In addition to his athletic and academic responsibilities, he spends the majority of his free time praying with fellow cadets and helping them grow spiritually. He has led prayer at morning chapel for the past two weeks and preached at Sunday morning chapel on September 5. He is consistently recruiting others to lead in faith and has gained the interest of several fellow cadets. Cadet Burroughs is embodying servant leadership for his fellow cadets. He is well known throughout the Corps of Cadets, specifically as someone that other cadets can look up to. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Burroughs!
Cadet Corporal Ellis Roberts is a second-year cadet in Charlie Company. He is a boarding student from Highland, Maryland, and is the Athletic Department cadet assistant this year. Cadet Roberts has been working with the Athletic Department every afternoon during athletic time since the first day of school. This week kicked off the first home events of the fall season and Cadet Roberts worked every event with a positive attitude and willingness to work. He really cares about his fellow cadets and loves to be a part of the behind-the-scenes work that helps provide a fun, athletic atmosphere to the Academy. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Roberts!
Jon Larson, Aquatics Director and Resource Instructor - In addition to his duties as aquatics director and head swim coach, Coach Larson is serving as our lead Resource Instructor this year. Over the past week, he has settled into his new academic role, doing a great job coordinating with classroom teachers in a proactive effort to best support the cadets enrolled in our Resource program. Outside of his teaching and coaching duties, Coach Larson has also been active in supporting our extracurricular programs, particularly the SCUBA Club and Swimming Club. We appreciate his commitment to our cadets and school. Bravo Zulu, Jon!
I am so proud of our cadets. God’s plans for us are not for disaster, but for good.
Go FUMA!
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy