With the sad news being reported of the passing of legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen at the age of 82, a video of our postgraduate cadets performing his song "Hallelujah" has been picking up more views on YouTube today. One of the Academy's most popular video posts to YouTube with over 4,500 views since it was first posted in December 2012, the video has been linked to by local media outlets today as they honor the legacy of the great songwriter, producing fresh interest in this beautiful performance by FUMA cadets.

We invite you to view and share this video on your social media as well, in memory of Leonard Cohen and in appreciation for the wonderful job done by our Fork Union Military Academy cadets in this performance.

You can find the video on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/dsSZr9j9nNs

Or view it below in this embedded video player:

The debate team from Fork Union Military Academy competed this weekend in a meet held at Madison County High School, and brought home a first place overall finish in debate sweepstakes. Although they only competed in two of the three debate categories, the team's individual finishes in each category were high enough to bring home the overall first place trophy.

Cadet Michael Head picked up where he left off after last year's state championship with a first place finish in Student Congress. Joshua Henriquez, David Middleton, William Pessaud, and Kaleb Dressler finished second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively behind Head. Congress topics included bills on Common Core, Presidential Primary Election Process, Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Congo, and American involvement in Brexit.

According to debate team faculty adviser, CPT Mike Goad, the surprise of the day was Fork Union's victory in Public Forum, a 2-on-2 "Crossfire"-style debate where teams must prepare arguments for bothe the affirmative and negative side of a given topic. Students do not know which side they will be debating until five minutes prior to each round. Cadets Andrew Hill and Gavin Tomchick attacked a very difficult topic and brought home a first place finish in Public Forum. The topic was "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of the Internet of Things outweigh the harms of decreased personal privacy." This is, as CPT Goad described it, "a very broad and dull topic, which makes debate and research very difficult." CPT Goad noted the hard work the cadets had put into their effort, saying, "Cadets Tomchick and Hill worked hard over the past month to research and prepare for this topic, and I am proud to see their hard work and persistence pay off. Cadet Andrew Morris, although he did not attend the meet, should be commended for his assistance in helping Gavin and Andrew prepare and research."

No participant from another school in Saturday's meet finished ahead of a Fork Union Military Academy cadet in the debate categories in which FUMA participated. CPT Goad was emphatic in placing the credit for this on the work of the Academy's faculty in the classrooms. He said, "I may spend a lot of time with these cadets practicins, but our faculty plays a huge part in their ability to think critically, formulate arguments, and support those arguments. I cannot count the numberr of times they reference somthing they learned from class when formulating their speeches or arguments during practice. Our faculty should be very proud as I know that each teacher has played a major role in our team's success."

Weekly Schedule and Uniforms - Week of November 28-December 2

. * Please note that uniforms will change to WINTER (CLASS B WINTER and BDU WINTER) after the 

     Thanksgiving Break.  Winter uniforms are long-sleeve shirts.  Cadets should also keep their black

     gloves and the knit hat in their day student locker.

Upcoming Events

Important Messages

ABSENT NOTICES POLICY

If your son is sick and cannot attend school, we ask that you send an email to absent@fuma.org as soon as possible in the morning.  All that need to know about his absence will be notified (Dean, Faculty, Infirmary, Commandant).

If he is out for more than 3 days, he will need to return with a doctor's excuse.

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY

Medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments should be scheduled after class time.  Routine appointments should be scheduled on school days off (certain Mondays throughout year) or during major lealves.

Any medical leave must first be directed to the academy Head Nurse in the Infirmary (infirmary@fuma.org or 434-842-4314).  The request is then forwarded to the Deputy Commandant for approval.  Any missed class time must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Day student parents are responsible for transportation to any appointments. 

DAY STUDENT DRIVERS

Day students that drive to campus, must park near the outdoor basketball courts.       Drivers ARE NOT allowed to move or park their vehicle in another location unless approved by Commandant's Department.  Day students are not allowed to park in front of or behind Estes Athletic Center at any time.  This can cause driving privileges to campus to be revoked by the Commandant's Department.

PARENTS DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP CADETS

Just as a reminder, the road around the Jacobson Hall building is now one way.  Please enter from the first corner of the building (at Charlie Company) and follow around to the end.  For the safety of ALL cadets, we ask that you form one line and DO NOT attempt to pass stopped vehicles to the left as cadets are bringing dropped off.  When picking up cadets, if you would like to park -- please pull off to the side of the road.

For more information, contact Amy Reese, Activities Coordinator (reesea@fuma.org or 434-842-4238)

FORK UNION, Va. – Swimmers Tamas Novoszath and Tarek Aboelthana, baseball’s Jacob Grabeel, PG basketball’s LeAndre Thomas and PG football’s Silas Dzansi signed National Letters of Intent Tuesday afternoon on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy.  

Fork Union’s first-ever student from Hungary, Novoszath is a distance specialist who will join the South Carolina Gamecocks swimming and diving program.

 “Tamas came here with one college offer and ended up with numerous college offers. And we are excited to announce that Tamas signed with the University of South Carolina,” commented head swimming coach Ryan Campbell. “He will be joining what is perhaps the best distance group in the world with several Olympians who just joined the roster this past year. We are looking forward to seeing him really take it to the next level.”

One of several Egyptian students here at Fork Union, Aboalthana is a breaststroke specialist that will join Oakland University’s swimming and diving program.

“In the short time Tarek has been here, he has made some drastic improvements. In the 100 breaststroke he dropped about a second and a half, and in the 200 breaststroke it’s about five and a half seconds. He has taken off and instantly not being on too many radars to having offers from Pittsburgh, LSU, Oakland to quite a few colleges coming to the table all at the same time. We are excited to announce that Tarek as committed to swim at Oakland University, which is a really good mid-major Division I program,” Campbell said.

Grabeel, who has seen time on the mound and behind the plate for the Blue Devils, will enroll at Bridgewater College next fall after he completes his final season this spring.

“I am very pleased to have the privilege to be part of what Jacob as done here at Fork Union,” commented head baseball coach Rodney Carter. “As a ninth grader, Jacob has participated in a varsity sport. He has a great family that is supportive beyond belief and is right here locally from the county of Orange. He has decided to go to Bridgewater College and I know he is going to be successful there and not only on the field, but off the field as well be a great catch for them.”

A St. Petersburg, Fla., native, Thomas is a center on the postgraduate basketball team who signed with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and will enroll next fall.

“We have 10 postgraduate basketball players on campus with LeAndre being one of them,” commented head PG basketball coach Matt Donohue. “Originally from St. Petersburg, Fla., LeAndre has spent the last two years in the Washington, D.C., area. He has a ton of potential as a basketball player to go in and contribute at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. But I think the more exciting thing, is that LeAndre has great potential as a leader and someone that can contribute to the school and the campus as a whole.”

Dzansi, a Woodbridge, Va., native, officially signed his NLI with Virginia Tech and will enroll in January.

“Our vision and our goals are in line with our school, but our vision is always place everybody, get everybody eligible and win every game,” commented head postgraduate football coach John Shuman. “We have one guy that will make his signing true today. Silas Dzansi will sign today with the Hokies. Fork Union Military Academy has sent more kids to Virginia Tech than any school in the nation. That says a lot about this place. The left tackle, Yoshua Nijman and the right tackle who is also a captain of the team, Jonathan McLaughlin, are carrying the torch right now and Silas will join that offensive line group this January and be a tremendous contributor to that program.”

For the latest on Fork Union athletics, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Cadet Dalton Fowler was today presented by Fork Union Military Academy's President, RADM J. Scott Burhoe, with his Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program for his outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2015. About 1.5 million students from 22,000 schools across the nation enter the National Merit Scholarship competition each year when they take the PSAT, usually as juniors. Only the top 50,000 students, with scores typically in excess of the 95th percentile, qualify for "Commended" recognition based on their PSAT scores.

Dalton Fowler is a senior, the son of Ms. Katie Smith of Carrollton, Texas, and has attended Fork Union Military Academy since 2011 when he arrived as a 7th grader. He is currently ranked first in the senior class with a cumulative grade point average of 4.857. His early college acceptances include the University of Texas - Dallas and Baylor University.

(left to right, SCUBA Club faculty adviser CPT Bennett Radinovic, Cadet Thomas Cullum, Cadet Chandler Ragland, Cadet Zion Phifer, and John Dawson, the General Manager of Dive Connections in Charlottesville, Virginia.)

Three cadets at Fork Union Military Academy were today awarded their PADI Certification as SCUBA open water divers, following a recent dive trip with the SCUBA Club.

Thomas Cullum, the son of Mrs. Daphne Lodge and Dr. Jeffrey Lodge of Franklin, Tennessee, is a junior in his first year at Fork Union. Chandler Ragland, also a first-year junior at the Academy, is the son of Chad and Melissa Ragland of Keswick, Virginia. Zion Phifer, son of Jeffrey Phifer and Sylivia Smith-Phifer of Charlotte, North Carolina, enrolled this year in Fork Union Military Academy as a junior.

Making the presentation were CPT Bennet Radinovic, the SCUBA Club's faculty adviser, and Mr. John Dawson, the General Manager of Charlottesville, Virginia's Dive Connections, who provided the instruction for the cadets.

(left to right) Cadets Graham Luongo, Samual Marinace, and Xavier Frederick meet with CAPT McKenna.

CAPT McKenna and LT Kessel of the United States Coast Guard were on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy today to tour the school with president, RADM J. Scott Burhoe, and to meet with a group of cadets who wished to learn more about enrollment in the US Coast Guard Academy. RADM Burhoe was the Superintendent of the US Coast Guard Academy prior to his retirement from the Coast Guard and arrival to take the helm at Fork Union.

Cadets Graham Luongo, Samual Marinace, and Xavier Frederick spent time with the officers learning about the service academy, the application process, and what they could expect of the school. During RADM Burhoe's tenure as Superintendent, the US Coast Guard Academy became known as one of the best colleges in the nation, and service academies typically attract the brightest and best students.

Graham Luongo is the son of James and Trisha Luongo of Middle Village, New York. Luongo is a senior, having entered the Academy in his freshman year as the winner of the prestigious Trustee Scholarship, a highly-competitive merit scholarship award program providing full tuition and uniforms for the duration of the recipient's high school career at Fork Union.

Xavier Frederick is a sophomore in his second year at Fork Union Military Academy. His parents, Ian and Mia Frederick, reside in Stafford, Virginia.

Samuel Marinace is a junior who entered the Academy during his freshman year. He is the son of Dr. Carolyn Ursula Jones of Ocracoke, North Carolina.

The cadets meet with LT Kessel of the US Coast Guard.

(left to right) LT Kessel, RADM J. Scott Burhoe, and CAPT McKenna

Fork Union Military Academy’s Post Graduate football program is set to host its annual CanAm Federation Bowl, the country’s top recruited game for mid-year football players, Monday, December 5 at 12 p.m.

Fork Union will be playing against a Canadian National All-Star team and an estimated 200 coaches from across the country will be in attendance, including schools from the ACC and SEC conference.

This year’s Fork Union team is very talented and has been highly recruited, including commitments to Virginia Tech and Virginia. The team has earned over 35 full scholarship offers and more are coming in.

Below is a schedule of the CanAm Federation Bowl. All media is welcome.

CanAm Federation Bowl Schedule

Date: Monday, December 5, 2016

Location: Fork Union Military Academy (4744 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, VA 23055)

08:30 – 09:00 AM             Coaches Check-In (Coffee & Donuts Provided)

09:00 – 10:00 AM             Coaches Networking, Evaluate Film & Transcripts Period

10:00 – 10:30 AM             Kelly Shuman Setups Media Room and Gathers Press

10:30 – 10:45 AM             Media Press Conference (Head Coach and Player Interviews)

10:45 – 11:00 AM             Field Prep for Pre-Game/Bowl Game

11:00 – 12:00 PM              Pre-Game Activities (1 on 1s and Position Specific Drills)

12:00 – 13:30 PM              Can Am Federation Bowl Game

13:30 – 14:30 PM              Post-Game

For more information, please contact offensive and defensive line coach Xan Thomas, Director of Sports information Kelly Shuman or follow the team on Twitter and Facebook. 

FORK UNION, Va. – Fork Union Military Academy’s Tarek Aboelthana has been selected to join the Egyptian National Swimming Team, the Egyptian Swimming Federation announced Wednesday.

Aboelthana, a breaststroke specialist, is a postgraduate student at Fork Union, who recently signed with Oakland University last month.

“This is a great accomplishment for Tarek," said Fork Union head swimming coach Ryan Campbell. "He came to Fork Union as a descent breaststroker, however, in just a few months he has shown a large amount of improvement, taking almost 5.5 seconds off in the 200 breaststroke and 1.5 seconds off in the 100 breaststroke, which has helped him not only sign with Oakland University, but also be selected for his national team. I attribute this drastic improvement to the fact that Tarek worked very hard and took advantage of the unique environment that Fork Union offers, allowing him to fully focus on both his academics as well as his athletics without distraction. I look forward to seeing what he can do going forward.”  

Aboelthana will begin training with the Egyptian National Swimming Team in the coming weeks in preparation for the 2017 FINA World Junior Swimming Championships, which will be held on Aug. 23-28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Ind.

For more information on Fork Union Athletics, follow the department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Weekly Schedule and Uniforms - Week of December 5-9

. * Cadets should also keep their black gloves, knit hat, rain cape and gray round hat with rain cover, in their day student locker.

Upcoming Events

Important Messages

ABSENT NOTICES POLICY

If your son is sick and cannot attend school, we ask that you send an email to absent@fuma.org as soon as possible in the morning.  All that need to know about his absence will be notified (Dean, Faculty, Infirmary, Commandant).

If he is out for more than 3 days, he will need to return with a doctor's excuse.

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY

Medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments should be scheduled after class time.  Routine appointments should be scheduled on school days off (certain Mondays throughout year) or during major lealves.

Any medical leave must first be directed to the academy Head Nurse in the Infirmary (infirmary@fuma.org or 434-842-4314).  The request is then forwarded to the Deputy Commandant for approval.  Any missed class time must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Day student parents are responsible for transportation to any appointments. 

DAY STUDENT DRIVERS

Day students that drive to campus, must park near the outdoor basketball courts.       Drivers ARE NOT allowed to move or park their vehicle in another location unless approved by Commandant's Department.  Day students are not allowed to park in front of or behind Estes Athletic Center at any time.  This can cause driving privileges to campus to be revoked by the Commandant's Department.

PARENTS DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP CADETS

Just as a reminder, the road around the Jacobson Hall building is now one way.  Please enter from the first corner of the building (at Charlie Company) and follow around to the end.  For the safety of ALL cadets, we ask that you form one line and DO NOT attempt to pass stopped vehicles to the left as cadets are bringing dropped off.  When picking up cadets, if you would like to park -- please pull off to the side of the road.

For more information, contact Amy Reese, Activities Coordinator (reesea@fuma.org or 434-842-4238)

Our cadet-led Veterans Day Service will be held on Friday, November 11th, at 11:00 AM at the Veterans Memorial on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy. The featured speaker at this event will be our own CSM Glenn Sidwell, a decorated US Army veteran who served multiple tours in Vietnam.

The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

This is the first time in recent memory that we've been able to celebrate Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, at this traditional time – the Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month the year. This marks the moment the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany began, with the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front officially taking effect at 11:00 AM on November 11th in 1918.

Veterans Memorial

The Veterans Memorial that stands on the front of campus is a lasting monument to former FUMA cadets who gave their lives in service to our nation. It was dedicated on October 17, 1998 during FUMA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. Each year on Veterans Day, and during a memorial service on Alumni Weekend, friends, family, and the community gather with the Corps of Cadets at this special monument to pay their respects to those fallen heroes who have fought for our freedom and our country. During the original dedication service in October 1998, forty-eight names were honored on the wall. Today, there are 57 names of FUMA alumni who died in service to our nation inscribed on the wall.

WWI-era 4.7-inch Field Gun 

On prominent display atop our Veternas Memorial can be found a rather imposing cannon, itself a veteran of World War One. This large artillery piece is a Model 1906 4.7-inch Field Gun. This gun, originally designed in 1906 (as the name implies with subsequent Model 1907 and Model 1908 offering some minor improvements), is an example of one of the early guns with which the United States entered World War I. The field gun was capable of firing a 60-pound projectile, 4.7-inches in diameter, at a speed of 1,700 feet per second out to a range of about seven miles.

This gun is relatively rare today, as no more than 200 were produced. The 4.7-inch field gun was replaced by a newer 4.5-inch design in the late 1930s, just prior to World War II. A number of these World War I era cannons were donated by the U. S. Army to American Legion Posts across the nation in the mid-1930s. This particular field gun was then donated to Fork Union Military Academy in 1937 by American Legion Post #140, through the efforts of the post's commander, Hunter G. Bransford. The field gun was originally placed at the south end of the Middle School Circle where it remained for the next six decades. In 1998, through the generosity and hard work of Mr. William Reiser, Jr., FUMA Class of 1952, this artillery piece was completely and painstakingly restored and moved to its current place of honor above the stone memorial wall.

First Virginian Awarded the Medal of Honor

Another Fork Union Military Academy alumnus we remember this day is the first Virginian to be awarded the Medal of Honor, a hero of the First World War who was fortunate to return safely home to his family. Earl Davis “Foots” Gregory, born in Powhatan County, came to Fork Union Military Academy at age fourteen and graduated with the Class of 1915 as a lieutenant of “B” Company. He joined the Virginia National Guard and after graduating from FUMA he went on to fight in World War I. When his unit came under heavy machine gun fire, Sergeant Gregory said “I will get them,” and he advanced toward the enemy position. On his own, armed only with a rifle and a mortar shell he used as a hand grenade, Sergeant Gregory captured the machine gun nest, a howitzer, and 22 German soldiers. He became the first Virginian to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. After his return from the war, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now known as Virginia Tech, graduating in 1923. Virginia Tech’s precision military marching unit of the Corps of Cadets is named The Gregory Guard in his honor.

We Invite the Public to Join Us in Honoring All Our Veterans

We honor all our alumni and members of our community who have served in our nation's armed forces, all of whom have sacrificed for the good of us all. Some gave all, but all gave some, and for this we are eternally grateful.

We invite all members of the public to join us for this special community ceremony to honor our veterans.

COL Duane Fender, the Commandant of Cadets at Fork Union Military Academy, died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, December 6, 2016, at the age of 56. Fender was refereeing an interscholastic basketball game at Orange County when he began to experience chest pains and, following the conclusion of the game, was transported by rescue squad. He apparently suffered a major cardiac event.

Arthur Duane Fender, Jr. was born March 3, 1960 to Kathleen W. Fender of Summerville, South Carolina and the late Arthur Duane Fender. Following his graduation from Summerville High School in 1978, he attended Fork Union Military Academy for a postgraduate year, graduating in 1979. He played wide receiver on Fork Union's varsity football team under COL "Red" Pulliam, the varsity football coach and longtime Commandant. Duane went on to play college football at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

At the 1979 Military Ball at Fork Union Military Academy, his blind date for the dance was Lynn Pulliam, one of COL Pulliam's two daughters. Duane and Lynn would be married in 1983 and would raise their own two daughters, Lauren and Lindsay.

Following his graduation from The Citadel, Fender returned to Fork Union Military Academy where he joined the staff as a TAC Officer in the Commandant's Department. For the next thirty-three years, Fender served the Academy in a variety of important roles. From 1983 to 1999, while part of the Commandant's Department, he served as a TAC Officer, varsity football assistant coach, Deputy Commandant, Assistant Director of Admissions, Manager of the Sabre Shop, Activities Director, and Transportation Officer. In 1999, Fender was moved to the Athletics Department to be in charge of all athletics facilities as Assistant Athletic Director for Building and Grounds. He returned to the Commandant's Department in 2010 as a TAC Officer of Bravo Company. He was soon promoted to Deputy Commandant and served in that role until this past summer of 2016 when he was named Commandant of Cadets.

When asked in a 2012 interview to describe himself in one sentence, Fender responded, "I consider myself a family man and I try to treat the FUMA cadets as if they were part of my own family." He described his favorite pastimes as "spending time with my family, boating, and running with my daughters Lauren and Lindsay." When asked in that interview what words of advice he would offer cadets at Fork Union Military Academy, his answer was as much a description of himself as it was a prescription for others to follow: "You get out of Fork Union Military Academy what you put into it; It is never right to do wrong, and it is never wrong to do right; Stand up and take responsibility for your actions; Never lie to or for anybody, and expect the same from others."

"We mourn the sudden loss of a good friend, great leader, and living example of God’s word," said the Academy's president, RADM J. Scott Burhoe. "Please join us as we pray for his family, the young men impacted by this loss, and those faculty, staff, and administrators who have worked with him for decades."

Weekly Schedule and Uniforms - Week of December 12-16

. * Cadets should also keep their black gloves, knit hat, rain cape and gray round hat with rain cover, in their day student locker.

Upcoming Events

Important Messages

ABSENT NOTICES POLICY

If your son is sick and cannot attend school, we ask that you send an email to absent@fuma.org as soon as possible in the morning.  All that need to know about his absence will be notified (Dean, Faculty, Infirmary, Commandant).

If he is out for more than 3 days, he will need to return with a doctor's excuse.

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY

Medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments should be scheduled after class time.  Routine appointments should be scheduled on school days off (certain Mondays throughout year) or during major lealves.

Any medical leave must first be directed to the academy Head Nurse in the Infirmary (infirmary@fuma.org or 434-842-4314).  The request is then forwarded to the Deputy Commandant for approval.  Any missed class time must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Day student parents are responsible for transportation to any appointments. 

DAY STUDENT DRIVERS

Day students that drive to campus, must park near the outdoor basketball courts.       Drivers ARE NOT allowed to move or park their vehicle in another location unless approved by Commandant's Department.  Day students are not allowed to park in front of or behind Estes Athletic Center at any time.  This can cause driving privileges to campus to be revoked by the Commandant's Department.

PARENTS DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP CADETS

Just as a reminder, the road around the Jacobson Hall building is now one way.  Please enter from the first corner of the building (at Charlie Company) and follow around to the end.  For the safety of ALL cadets, we ask that you form one line and DO NOT attempt to pass stopped vehicles to the left as cadets are bringing dropped off.  When picking up cadets, if you would like to park -- please pull off to the side of the road.

For more information, contact Amy Reese, Activities Coordinator (reesea@fuma.org or 434-842-4238)

COL Duane Fender, the Commandant of Cadets at Fork Union Military Academy, died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, December 6, 2016, at the age of 56. Fender was refereeing an interscholastic basketball game at Orange County when he began to experience chest pains and, following the conclusion of the game, was transported by rescue squad. He apparently suffered a major cardiac event.

Visitation

On Saturday night, 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM, we will host a visitation for the Fender family.  This will take place in the Commandant Department area.

Service

 On Sunday, Duane’s funeral service will be at 2:00 PM in the chapel. 

This service will be broadcast via The Cube (http://thecube.com/e/695976), and there will additional areas on campus (social center, library) publicly showing the broadcast. 

The family will have a private graveside service immediately afterwards. 

Reception

There will be a reception in the Sports Hall of Fame area in Estes Athletic Center after the public service, which the family will attend after the graveside service.

About COL Duane Fender

Arthur Duane Fender, Jr. was born March 3, 1960 to Kathleen W. Fender of Summerville, South Carolina and the late Arthur Duane Fender. Following his graduation from Summerville High School in 1978, he attended Fork Union Military Academy for a postgraduate year, graduating in 1979. He played wide receiver on Fork Union's varsity football team under COL "Red" Pulliam, the varsity football coach and longtime Commandant. Duane went on to play college football at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

At the 1979 Military Ball at Fork Union Military Academy, his blind date for the dance was Lynn Pulliam, one of COL Pulliam's two daughters. Duane and Lynn would be married in 1983 and would raise their own two daughters, Lauren and Lindsay.

Following his graduation from The Citadel, Fender returned to Fork Union Military Academy where he joined the staff as a TAC Officer in the Commandant's Department. For the next thirty-three years, Fender served the Academy in a variety of important roles. From 1983 to 1999, while part of the Commandant's Department, he served as a TAC Officer, varsity football assistant coach, Deputy Commandant, Assistant Director of Admissions, Manager of the Sabre Shop, Activities Director, and Transportation Officer. In 1999, Fender was moved to the Athletics Department to be in charge of all athletics facilities as Assistant Athletic Director for Building and Grounds. He returned to the Commandant's Department in 2010 as a TAC Officer of Bravo Company. He was soon promoted to Deputy Commandant and served in that role until this past summer of 2016 when he was named Commandant of Cadets.

When asked in a 2012 interview to describe himself in one sentence, Fender responded, "I consider myself a family man and I try to treat the FUMA cadets as if they were part of my own family." He described his favorite pastimes as "spending time with my family, boating, and running with my daughters Lauren and Lindsay." When asked in that interview what words of advice he would offer cadets at Fork Union Military Academy, his answer was as much a description of himself as it was a prescription for others to follow: "You get out of Fork Union Military Academy what you put into it; It is never right to do wrong, and it is never wrong to do right; Stand up and take responsibility for your actions; Never lie to or for anybody, and expect the same from others."

"We mourn the sudden loss of a good friend, great leader, and living example of God’s word," said the Academy's president, RADM J. Scott Burhoe. "Please join us as we pray for his family, the young men impacted by this loss, and those faculty, staff, and administrators who have worked with him for decades."

COL Fender's Obituary

COL Fender's obituary was published in Charlottesville's Daily Progress.

With the sad news being reported of the passing of legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen at the age of 82, a video of our postgraduate cadets performing his song "Hallelujah" has been picking up more views on YouTube today. One of the Academy's most popular video posts to YouTube with over 4,500 views since it was first posted in December 2012, the video has been linked to by local media outlets today as they honor the legacy of the great songwriter, producing fresh interest in this beautiful performance by FUMA cadets.

We invite you to view and share this video on your social media as well, in memory of Leonard Cohen and in appreciation for the wonderful job done by our Fork Union Military Academy cadets in this performance.

You can find the video on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/dsSZr9j9nNs

Or view it below in this embedded video player:

The debate team from Fork Union Military Academy competed this weekend in a meet held at Madison County High School, and brought home a first place overall finish in debate sweepstakes. Although they only competed in two of the three debate categories, the team's individual finishes in each category were high enough to bring home the overall first place trophy.

Cadet Michael Head picked up where he left off after last year's state championship with a first place finish in Student Congress. Joshua Henriquez, David Middleton, William Pessaud, and Kaleb Dressler finished second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively behind Head. Congress topics included bills on Common Core, Presidential Primary Election Process, Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Congo, and American involvement in Brexit.

According to debate team faculty adviser, CPT Mike Goad, the surprise of the day was Fork Union's victory in Public Forum, a 2-on-2 "Crossfire"-style debate where teams must prepare arguments for bothe the affirmative and negative side of a given topic. Students do not know which side they will be debating until five minutes prior to each round. Cadets Andrew Hill and Gavin Tomchick attacked a very difficult topic and brought home a first place finish in Public Forum. The topic was "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of the Internet of Things outweigh the harms of decreased personal privacy." This is, as CPT Goad described it, "a very broad and dull topic, which makes debate and research very difficult." CPT Goad noted the hard work the cadets had put into their effort, saying, "Cadets Tomchick and Hill worked hard over the past month to research and prepare for this topic, and I am proud to see their hard work and persistence pay off. Cadet Andrew Morris, although he did not attend the meet, should be commended for his assistance in helping Gavin and Andrew prepare and research."

No participant from another school in Saturday's meet finished ahead of a Fork Union Military Academy cadet in the debate categories in which FUMA participated. CPT Goad was emphatic in placing the credit for this on the work of the Academy's faculty in the classrooms. He said, "I may spend a lot of time with these cadets practicins, but our faculty plays a huge part in their ability to think critically, formulate arguments, and support those arguments. I cannot count the numberr of times they reference somthing they learned from class when formulating their speeches or arguments during practice. Our faculty should be very proud as I know that each teacher has played a major role in our team's success."

Weekly Schedule and Uniforms - Week of January 2-7

. * Cadets should also keep their black gloves, knit hat, rain cape and gray round hat with rain cover, in their day student locker.

Upcoming Events

Important Messages

ABSENT NOTICES POLICY

If your son is sick and cannot attend school, we ask that you send an email to absent@fuma.org as soon as possible in the morning.  All that need to know about his absence will be notified (Dean, Faculty, Infirmary, Commandant).

If he is out for more than 3 days, he will need to return with a doctor's excuse.

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY

Medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments should be scheduled after class time.  Routine appointments should be scheduled on school days off (certain Mondays throughout year) or during major lealves.

Any medical leave must first be directed to the academy Head Nurse in the Infirmary (infirmary@fuma.org or 434-842-4314).  The request is then forwarded to the Deputy Commandant for approval.  Any missed class time must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Day student parents are responsible for transportation to any appointments. 

DAY STUDENT DRIVERS

Day students that drive to campus, must park near the outdoor basketball courts.       Drivers ARE NOT allowed to move or park their vehicle in another location unless approved by Commandant's Department.  Day students are not allowed to park in front of or behind Estes Athletic Center at any time.  This can cause driving privileges to campus to be revoked by the Commandant's Department.

PARENTS DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP CADETS

Just as a reminder, the road around the Jacobson Hall building is now one way.  Please enter from the first corner of the building (at Charlie Company) and follow around to the end.  For the safety of ALL cadets, we ask that you form one line and DO NOT attempt to pass stopped vehicles to the left as cadets are bringing dropped off.  When picking up cadets, if you would like to park -- please pull off to the side of the road.

For more information, contact Amy Reese, Activities Coordinator (reesea@fuma.org or 434-842-4238)

Weekly Schedule and Uniforms - Week of January 9-13

. * It is recommended that cadets keep their black gloves, knit hat, rain cape and gray round hat with rain cover, in their day student locker.

Upcoming Events

Important Messages

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

As a boarding school, we do not have snow days, nor do we adhere to other local school bulletins regarding closures or delays in the event of inclement weather.  Day student cadets are expected to attend classes on inclement weather days, however, no one should be put at risk in order to make it to campus if conditions are unsafe.

Day Student cadets are welcome to stay in the barracks either prior to weather or after inclement weather has started.  The Academy will provide bed sheets, pillowcase, and any meals during the cadet's stay, at no additional cost.  If a cadet is staying in the barracks, he should bring a blanket, pillow, any necessary toiletries, a towel, and all uniform pieces needed during his stay (which include t-shirt, shorts and sweat suit).  Day students staying in the barracks are expected to follow the same rules and regulations as the boarding students.

Day Student cadets needing room accommodations are to see their TAC Officer for a room assignment. 

ABSENT NOTICES POLICY

If your son is sick and cannot attend school, we ask that you send an email to absent@fuma.org as soon as possible in the morning.  All that need to know about his absence will be notified (Dean, Faculty, Infirmary, Commandant).

If he is out for more than 3 days, he will need to return with a doctor's excuse.

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY

Medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments should be scheduled after class time.  Routine appointments should be scheduled on school days off (certain Mondays throughout year) or during major lealves.

Any medical leave must first be directed to the academy Head Nurse in the Infirmary (infirmary@fuma.org or 434-842-4314).  The request is then forwarded to the Deputy Commandant for approval.  Any missed class time must be approved by the Academic Dean.

Day student parents are responsible for transportation to any appointments. 

DAY STUDENT DRIVERS

Day students that drive to campus, must park near the outdoor basketball courts.       Drivers ARE NOT allowed to move or park their vehicle in another location unless approved by Commandant's Department.  Day students are not allowed to park in front of or behind Estes Athletic Center at any time.  This can cause driving privileges to campus to be revoked by the Commandant's Department.

PARENTS DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP CADETS

Just as a reminder, the road around the Jacobson Hall building is now one way.  Please enter from the first corner of the building (at Charlie Company) and follow around to the end.  For the safety of ALL cadets, we ask that you form one line and DO NOT attempt to pass stopped vehicles to the left as cadets are bringing dropped off.  When picking up cadets, if you would like to park -- please pull off to the side of the road.

For more information, contact Amy Reese, Activities Coordinator (reesea@fuma.org or 434-842-4238)

The debate team from Fork Union Military Academy competed this weekend in a meet held at Madison County High School, and brought home a first place overall finish in debate sweepstakes. Although they only competed in two of the three debate categories, the team's individual finishes in each category were high enough to bring home the overall first place trophy.

Cadet Michael Head picked up where he left off after last year's state championship with a first place finish in Student Congress. Joshua Henriquez, David Middleton, William Pessaud, and Kaleb Dressler finished second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively behind Head. Congress topics included bills on Common Core, Presidential Primary Election Process, Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Congo, and American involvement in Brexit.

According to debate team faculty adviser, CPT Mike Goad, the surprise of the day was Fork Union's victory in Public Forum, a 2-on-2 "Crossfire"-style debate where teams must prepare arguments for bothe the affirmative and negative side of a given topic. Students do not know which side they will be debating until five minutes prior to each round. Cadets Andrew Hill and Gavin Tomchick attacked a very difficult topic and brought home a first place finish in Public Forum. The topic was "Resolved: On balance, the benefits of the Internet of Things outweigh the harms of decreased personal privacy." This is, as CPT Goad described it, "a very broad and dull topic, which makes debate and research very difficult." CPT Goad noted the hard work the cadets had put into their effort, saying, "Cadets Tomchick and Hill worked hard over the past month to research and prepare for this topic, and I am proud to see their hard work and persistence pay off. Cadet Andrew Morris, although he did not attend the meet, should be commended for his assistance in helping Gavin and Andrew prepare and research."

No participant from another school in Saturday's meet finished ahead of a Fork Union Military Academy cadet in the debate categories in which FUMA participated. CPT Goad was emphatic in placing the credit for this on the work of the Academy's faculty in the classrooms. He said, "I may spend a lot of time with these cadets practicins, but our faculty plays a huge part in their ability to think critically, formulate arguments, and support those arguments. I cannot count the numberr of times they reference somthing they learned from class when formulating their speeches or arguments during practice. Our faculty should be very proud as I know that each teacher has played a major role in our team's success."

With the sad news being reported of the passing of legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen at the age of 82, a video of our postgraduate cadets performing his song "Hallelujah" has been picking up more views on YouTube today. One of the Academy's most popular video posts to YouTube with over 4,500 views since it was first posted in December 2012, the video has been linked to by local media outlets today as they honor the legacy of the great songwriter, producing fresh interest in this beautiful performance by FUMA cadets.

We invite you to view and share this video on your social media as well, in memory of Leonard Cohen and in appreciation for the wonderful job done by our Fork Union Military Academy cadets in this performance.

You can find the video on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/dsSZr9j9nNs

Or view it below in this embedded video player: