The 91st Corps of Cadets of Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMAC) recently graduated in a ceremony held on the campus’ Parade Field in front of family and friends. Former NFL GM and now author Michael Lombardi delivered the keynote address.
Lombardi, a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy’s class of 1977, has served as an NFL executive with several teams including the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, and worked alongside NFL coaching legends including Bill Belichick, Bill Walsh and Al Davis. Lombardi writes a column for The Athletic and has his own podcast, “The GM Shuffle,” on the Cadence Podcast Network.
“Be proud, be humble, and most of all carry the Valley Forge code of conduct with you for the rest of your life – it will give you a distinct advantage amongst the competition,” said Lombardi in his remarks to the graduates.
At the ceremony, Lombardi was presented with an honorary degree from Valley Forge Military College. Also presented with this honor was Lieutenant Colonel William Bonelli, USAF (Ret), who survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In 1944, Lt Col Bonelli flew the B-17 Flying Fortress on 30 missions over German territories, 21 of which he served as Squadron Commander and Lead Pilot. He remained in the Air Force after WWII and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
“Lt Col Bonelli, who lived a life of dedication and service to his country, always said his one regret was never earning a college degree,” said Col Stuart B. Helgeson, USMCR (Ret.), VFMAC superintendent & COO. “We were thrilled he allowed us to honor him in this way. He was the perfect icon and role model to honor in front of our graduates.”
The graduation ceremony included the matriculating Academy and College classes. Members of the Academy’s high school senior class of 2019 are furthering their education at colleges including Johns Hopkins University, University of California at Berkeley, the United States Military Academy at West Point and more. Many graduates of Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) will go on to earn their bachelor’s degrees at colleges including Michigan State University, Temple University and Syracuse University, while other College graduates who were part of VFMC’s Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. VFMC is one of only four colleges in the country to offer this unique program.
About Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMAC)
Established in 1928, Valley Forge Military Academy & College is an international leadership institute comprised of a middle school and college preparatory high school for boys and a co-ed two-year college, each accredited by the Middle States Commission. Located in Wayne, Pa., VFMAC offers boarding, commuting and day options. The campus environment is defined by the application of a military model that prepares students to lead and inspire others beyond graduation in a complex and competitive global environment. At VFMAC, cadets are immersed in a unique educational experience anchored on Five Cornerstones: Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development and Leadership. These cornerstones are the foundation for cadets reaching their academic potential to achieve success in the classroom and beyond. For more information about VFMAC, please visitwww.vfmac.edu.
