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 Private Sebastian Antione-Pompey is a senior and a first-year cadet in Alpha Company. He is a boarding student from Mitchellville, Maryland, serves as squad leader for the company’s 3rd platoon, and is a member of the prep football team. This week, his leadership and influence helped Alpha Company win both Commandant’s room inspection and personal appearance inspection. On the football field, he was a leader on the defense against St. Anne’s Belfield with a big play that resulted in a turnover on downs, and he also recorded an interception. Cadet Antoine-Pompey has also been working very hard in the classroom and currently has high marks in COL Nothnagle’s Advanced Algebra/Trig course. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Antione-Pompey!
Cadet Private Isaiah Burel is a first-year cadet in Bravo Company. He is a boarding student from Staten Island, New York and plays prep football. During the football game this past Friday, a player on the opposing team was on the receiving end of a hard tackle. Cadet Burel assisted the player over to the sideline to get checked out. His discipline and positive attitude are evident wherever he goes, on or off the field. He is a great football player, friend, and role model for the younger cadets. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Burel!
Cadet Private Iker Serrano is a first-year cadet in Charlie Company. He is a boarding student from Mexico City, Mexico and has adapted to the FUMA environment seamlessly. Cadet Serrano sets the standard for his squad and consistently seeks ways to be of assistance. He volunteers his free time daily, from helping in the Social Center to picking up clean laundry for his entire squad, all with a positive attitude which bleeds over to the other cadets. He works hard in the classroom and currently has high marks in American History and Civics. Cadet Serrano has embodied our Academy and aspires to be a Cadet Leader. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Serrano!
Cadet First Lieutenant Eric Jones is a senior and a third-year cadet in Headquarters and Service Company, the newest unit in the Corps of Cadets. He is a boarding student from Chantilly, Virginia and holds the rank of Band Commander. His leadership has been instrumental in organizing and inspiring new and returning band members alike. While Cadet Jones has played a brass instrument in the past, he took initiative to learn to play the flute to give the band a fuller sound. This week alone, he has put in more than 8 hours of practice during his free time. Through his hard work and dedication, Cadet Jones is already able to play his new instrument at a level that rivals those who have played for all of high school. Bravo Zulu, Cadet Jones!
LTC Frank Arritt, MAJ Vashon Hubert, and MAJ Bob Burger, Academic Instructors, are primarily working with PG students this term and are commended for their academic efforts with our PG Football and PG Basketball players during the first few weeks of Term 1. In a joint effort that has benefited our PG cadets, each has been very accommodating to student schedule changes. Their flexibility and concern for student well-being is greatly appreciated. Bravo Zulu, LTC Arritt, MAJ Hubert, and MAJ Burger!
Mr. Michael Ray, Food Service Director, has worked almost every meal since our first cadet reported to campus at the beginning of August. He does an amazing job and continues to lead the way for improving the dining experience. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Ray!
Go FUMA!
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy