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. Susan Goolsby, a longtime part of our Dining Services department, is recognized for her great job in managing the Dining Hall this week while the director of the department was away. She seamlessly stepped into the role supervising the staff, organizing and hosting special events like our January birthdays celebration, and keeping over 300 cadets and employees well-fed. Bravo Zulu, Susan Goolsby!
FUMA Science Department earns recognition this week. Over the last few weeks, the Science Department has done a wonderful job incorporating hands-on learning and lab activities for our cadets. With field trips out of the question due to COVID restrictions, the Science Department has ensured that learning remains fun, relative, and interactive for our cadets. Bravo Zulu, Science Department!
Cadet Sergeant Andrew Jordan is a second-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from Charlotte, NC. Cadet Jordan is the company medic, tasked with getting up before all other cadets to assist MAJ Leydig in conducting the temperature checks and symptom checks which are part of our successful COVID protocols. He also assists the nurses by getting meals for staff and the cadets in the infirmary. His hard work and dedication have been instrumental in maintaining the medical readiness of Alpha Company, resulting in zero COVID-19 cases on campus. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Jordan!
Cadet Private Diego Cofino Paiz is a first-year cadet in Bravo Company who arrived just two-and-a-half weeks ago. He is a boarding student from Guatemala City, Guatemala. It can be very challenging to arrive at Fork Union in the middle of the school year, from a country almost 3,000 miles away, and to try to get acclimated, to find your place. Getting involved early in activities on campus is one of the keys, and Diego stepped forward and made quite a statement this past weekend by winning the school-wide Table Tennis (Ping Pong) tournament. We are very excited for his future at Fork Union. Welcome to the Academy and Bravo Zulu, Cadet Cofino Paiz!
Cadet Captain Drew Leydig is a sixth-year cadet in Battalion Staff. He is a day student from Fork Union, VA. Cadet Leydig is recognized as Charlie Company’s Bravo Zulu nomination for exceptional leadership this week as a battalion staff member, reinforcing FUMA core values and the Honor Code with subordinates, which led to positive behavior and less demerits amongst all four companies. Cadet Captain Leydig displays excellent judgment and decisive action, which sets the example for others to emulate. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Leydig!
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