You often hear me say that our cadets should strive to be FUMA Men. Have you ever wondered just what it means to BE a FUMA Man? Have you ever wondered what people think of you, of us, of FUMA?

Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” A. C. Perry (the wife of Mr. Robert Perry, FUMA Class of 1959 and a former Alumni Board President) recently shared with me an inspirational poem she wrote on this very subject in October 2022. 

What does it mean to be a FUMA graduate?

It means you understand what it means to be a leader.

It means you know how to excel in whatever you do:

It means you understand the importance of discipline:

It means you meet life’s challenge with a positive attitude.

Elizabeth Perry

As you depart campus today for our Winter Weekend leave, I hope you will each take a moment to reflect on what it means to you to be a FUMA Man, and how you want to be perceived by others.

I will also share with you this verse of encouragement from Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesus is located in what is now modern day Turkey):

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Have a great weekend, cadets. You work hard—keep what you have earned. I am proud of you. God bless you. 

Go FUMA!

In Christ,
Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.)
President
Fork Union Military Academy