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 Santiago Arturo Bodenstedt Halloran is a sophomore and a first-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from Mexico City, Mexico, and has set a positive influence since he arrived in August. Cadet Bodenstedt Halloran continues to lead by example and has taken the initiative on numerous occasions volunteering for different duties and tasks around campus. Currently, he assists the Activities Director on the weekends in the snack bar, located within our Social Center. He has also volunteered his time to support and monitor our Extra Duty program, as an Assistant Provost. Cadet Bodenstedt Halloran also has exemplary academic grades and was recently selected to represent Alpha Company in the Cadet of the Term Board, for second term. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Bodenstedt Halloran!
Cadet Private Oscar Sa Zacarias-Bendek is a junior and a first-year cadet in Bravo Company. He is a boarding student from Mexico City, Mexico, and took the initiative this week to clean the cereal bar area after noticing that it was left in disarray. Cadet Sa Zacarias-Bendek continuously seeks self-improvement and sets a positive example for others to emulate. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Sa Zacarias-Bendek!
Cadet Corporal Zacarya Mara is an eight-grader and a first-year cadet in Charlie Company. He is a boarding student from Calipatria, California, was recently promoted to Corporal and appointed as a Laundry NCO. He consistently takes the initiative and personally passes out each cadet’s laundry loop. He takes pride and displays superb enthusiasm in his new role. This week, he took initiative and coordinated the turn in of 46 laundry loops, ensuring his company was able to maintain cleanliness. He has continuously worked to ensure that the laundry process is effective and efficient. Charlie Company was the only company to turn in 100 percent of their boarding student laundry, which is a direct reflection of Cadet Mara’s leadership. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Mara!
Cadet Sergeant First Class James Robinson is a junior and third-year cadet in Headquarters and Service Company. He is a boarding student from Falls Church, Virginia., and a clarinet player in the band. Over the last few weeks, he has been learning to play the bugle and give commands to the entire corps of cadets on behalf of the Battalion Commander. This past week, he passed his test to play the bugle before the Corps of Cadets at formations, becoming the second cadet on campus to do so. As a musician, he spent hours of his own personal time practicing the difficult transition from a woodwind instrument to a brass instrument. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Robinson!
Dr. James Benson has done a wonderful job settling into his new position as Assistant Director of College Placement and Academic Services over the last few months. This was on full display last week as he delivered a wonderful advisory lesson to the corps, which covered service academies, senior military colleges, and ROTC as potential post-FUMA options. In addition to these contributions, he delivered a wonderful chapel message Thursday morning while filling in for Chaplain Jamison. Dr. Benson is a true team player, and his efforts are appreciated. Bravo Zulu, Dr. Benson!
Maintenance Grounds Crew did an amazing job preparing the campus for Parent's Weekend last month and this week's Veterans Day celebrations and events. Their hard work and dedication ensure our campus remains beautiful. Bravo Zulu, Grounds Crew – Rich Taddei, Marshall Payne, Richard Jamerson, and Theodore Wade!
A special Bravo Zulu to all our military veterans working at Fork Union Military Academy - thank you for your service. We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. God bless you and our country.
Go FUMA!
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy