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 Corporal Matthew Vinso is a junior and first-year cadet in Alpha Company. Cadet Vinso is a boarding student from Stafford, Virginia, and has become a leader in the barracks by taking on the responsibility of making sure all details and cleaning tasks are complete for his company. Cadet Vinso also works very hard in the social center running the concessions and maintaining a clean, enjoyable environment for the cadets to experience in their free time. This week, he was selected to represent Alpha Company for the Cadet of the Term competition for exhibiting outstanding tact, bearing knowledge of FUMA history, a positive attitude, and overall encompassing the core values of the Academy. Cadet Vinso is also working very hard in the classroom and currently has high marks in Advanced Algebra/Trig with COL Nothnagle. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Vinso!
Cadet Sergeant First Class Sebastian Quinteros is a senior and second-year cadet. He is a boarding student from Fort Worth, Texas, and Bravo Company’s Platoon Sergeant who oversees 20 cadets. Cadet Quinteros makes sure everyone is in the right place at the right time and has displayed exceptional leadership traits as he continues to develop his platoon. He is known by his cadets as someone that is always available to give good advice and has an extremely positive attitude regardless of the task or situation. On several occasions this week, he served as Company First Sergeant when needed, conducting and submitting accountability reports in addition to leading and mentoring his platoon members. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Quinteros!
Cadet Sergeant First Class Travis Tran is a second-year cadet in Charlie Company. He is a boarding student from North Miami Beach, Florida, and Platoon Sergeant for 1st platoon who oversees 18 cadets. He continuously develops and mentors the cadets within his platoon and sets an example for others to emulate. On numerous occasions this week, Cadet Tran displayed exceptional leadership traits and selfless service of others by filling in on guard duty so other cadets could participate in sporting events. He freed up countless hours of valuable practice and game time for cadets to make their sport commitments. He is a true servant leader. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Tran!
Ms. Rhonda White, Test Director & Coordinator of Counseling Services, successfully facilitated the return of the VARCO College Fair to FUMA this year. Due to her hard work, our cadets in grades 11-PG were able to meet with admissions representatives from 40+ colleges from throughout the Southeast on Thursday, including many of Virginia’s top schools. While the event only lasts one day, the planning, logistics, and implementation takes many hours over many weeks. Ms. White took the lead on this process and served as a wonderful host to the visiting admissions representatives. Bravo Zulu, Ms. White!
Go FUMA!
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy