Valley Forge Military Academy and College Georgia Regiment

09/19/2025

We Remember.

NYMA knows what it feels like to face the words no school ever wants to hear -- "It's over."

We vividly recall the pain of telling parents, cadets, faculty, and alumni that our gates were closing. And we remember the courage it took to rise again, stronger and renewed.

When that moment came for us, Valley Forge Military Academy was there -- as both a friend a landing spot for the cadets who could no longer continue on.

Today, as VFMA looks toward its 98th Commencement and its own difficult closure, we stand with you.

We honor the bond of two academies who have shared rivalry, friendship, and respect across generations of cadets.

To our brothers and sisters at the Forge, know this: your motto — Courage, Honor, Conquer — lives on in every graduate, just as ours has for generations. Different words, same spirit.

Though the gates may close, the spirit of VFMA will never be extinguished. Your legacy will endure — in the cadets you shaped, the standards you upheld, and the history you wrote.

Always remembered. Always honored. Always part of us.

09/16/2025

09/15/2025

Just got this!

Dear Valley Forge Alumni,

With a heavy heart I am reaching out today to share the news that Valley Forge Military Academy will close at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. VFMA will continue to operate through May 30, 2026, culminating in the graduation of the 98th Corps of Cadets

Please know that this decision has no impact on the Valley Forge Military College, a distinct institution that is separately governed and accredited.

After a thorough review of VFMA’s long-term sustainability, the trustees
determined that the Academy is no longer viable for several reasons.
First, rising costs have made a boarding school education less affordable for many
families. In turn, this has driven sharp declines in enrollment. In addition, changes in
Pennsylvania law increased the Academy’s liability exposure, driving steep
insurance premium increases and narrowing the number of insurers willing to provide
coverage. Together, these factors made the Academy’s future unsustainable.

Our unwavering commitment now is to the cadets, their families, and the mission of Valley Forge Military Academy during the 2025–26 school year. While recent financial realities have required difficult adjustments, our mission remains steady: delivering the full cadet experience and providing a top-quality education, which includes academics, extracurriculars, and support services. At the same time, we will be working closely with our cadets’ families – as well as supporting our faculty and staff – to ensure a smooth transition.

For nearly 100 years, we have maintained a strong tradition of developing resilient young men of character. Despite today’s announcement, the legacy of Valley Forge Military Academy will live on in you as well as the thousands of graduates, faculty, and supporters.

Sincerely,

R. Gray Beck
Chairman
Valley Forge Military Academy

02/13/2025

Rest in peace, sir

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15hrH71zUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vice Admiral Ron Thunman. Vice Admiral Thunman was the sixth president of Valley Forge Military Academy & College, serving in the position from 1990 to 1993.

He was a 1954 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served 35 years in the United States Navy as a submarine officer before retiring in 1988 as Chief of Naval Education and Training. He was the Navy's top submariner and top educator during his final nine years of service.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-il/n-ronald-thunman-12223303

09/08/2024

Rest in peace RADM Virgil L. Hill. Fairwinds and following seas.

08/13/2024

Sad news

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Goldblum, Director of Alumni Relations at Valley Forge Military Academy and College, who passed away peacefully at his home this morning.

Tom was a dedicated member of our community for most of his life. A proud graduate of both the academy ('69) and the college ('71), he tirelessly worked to strengthen the bonds between our institution and its alumni, serving in numerous volunteer roles before joining the staff in 2010.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Ann Beth, and children and grandchildren, who remain in our thoughts during this difficult time.

A memorial service to honor Tom's life is being planned for later this week. Further details will be shared as they become available.

We extend our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends and invite the community to join us in remembering his remarkable legacy.

- Col Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC(Ret) | President of VFMF and VFMC

06/20/2024

Great time meeting up with Paul R Tate Jr 71C yesterday!

06/18/2024

Update
Paul R Tate Jris out of surgery and back at  Winship Cancer. PM me for the room number or if you want to swing by this
week Sean Goggins

06/13/2024

Brothers,
Paul Tate 71C will be going in to have throat cancer surgery this Monday 6/17 at Emory Winship Cancer Center Midtown. He's hoping to be able to have visitors by Wednesday. So if your able stop by for support that would be fantastic. If not be sure to wish him well @ Paul R Tate Jr
I should be getting more info soon so PM me interested.
Sean Goggins

11/09/2022

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkvmpKqup6V/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

06/13/2021

Save The Date

Medenbach Foundation Gathering for all VF alumni, family, and friends

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021, 5pm to 9pm

Join us for a lively, in-person night of UNITY and FUN.
Casual dress, finger foods, and cash bar. Tickets for the event are $20.00 per person and will be sold at the door. The event will be held in a venue close to campus. More details to follow.

Special honors will be given to the classes who missed their graduations and reunions due to COVID-19.

To ensure we secure the appropriate venue size, please go to medenbachfoundation.org/event and fill out the registration form and RSVP at your earliest convenience. See you there.