LONGSTANDING TRADITION:  Friday Morning Colors Kicks Off With Recognition of September 2011 Cadets of the Month and Salute To UNITED Corps of Cadets

Several MMA staff,  faculty and Kathy Preddy, United Way Resource Development Director, were on hand bright and early Friday, September 30th to kick off September Cadets of the Month recognition and a United Way salute to the generosity of our Corps of Cadets and the first staff/ faculty department to turn in United Way campaign proceeds – the Mess Hall.  

Following the call to attention and the Leatherneck Band’s outstanding rendition of our national anthem, September Cadets of the Month were recognized for their outstanding attitude, conduct and performance.

Alpha Company
ROBERT M. RICE
Senior  -  Hillsborough, CA
Career Goals:  Marine Corps Officer and California Governor
“Cadet PFC Robert Rice has come back to MMA for his second year in a most impressive way! He immediately asked for increased responsibilities and made it known that he wanted to be a Cadet Instructor for the Fall plebes. I give BIG PROPS to Robert for the outstanding job he did as a Cadet Instructor. He worked hard, set a great example for our new cadets, and has earned a promotion that he was hoping for. I know his parents are very proud of him, and so am I. Keep it up, Robert! It’s great to see a young man come into his own and develop into a good leader.”   - CWO3 Ed Harris, USMC (Ret)

“I am Cadet Robert Rice, a relatively new cadet – having joined just last semester. I am committed to making the most of my MMA experience. Being selected as Cadet of the Month is a surprise to me, considering the number of well-qualified cadets in Alpha Company. It is truly an honor to be named Alpha Company’s Cadet of the Month.  Thank you!”   - Cadet Private First Class Robert Rice

Delta Company
VINCENT SHIELDS
Senior  -   San Antonio, TX
Career Goals:  Join the U.S. Navy or major in Sports Medicine
“Beyond a doubt, Cadet Private Vincent Shields is the most qualified person to represent Delta Company as the Cadet of the Month for September.  As the Company Guide for Delta Company, Cadet Private Shields has done an excellent job.  In all he does Cadet Private Shields exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. It is these qualities that will create a better balance between academics and extracurricular activities for himself and the cadets he is tasked to set the example for. With proud enthusiasm, I support Cadet Private Shields nomination for Cadet of the Month.”  - SgtMaj Larry Carson, USMC (Ret)

“The reason why I believe I’ve earned selection as Delta Company’s Cadet of the Month is because I’ve been focused on the Company and self-improvement.  Lately I’ve concentrated on taking the initiative and improving in both the academic and military aspect of MMA through good old-fashioned honest effort.  Delta Company is all about becoming better than the best and achieving higher standards than ever thought possible.  Although I will be faced with adversity throughout the year, I know that I can make it through all that comes my way.  Not many people appreciate the opportunities that Delta Company and the Marine Military Academy have to offer.  I, myself, used to be one of those people, but I’ve changed my attitude towards these things, and I’m taking it full throttle and am  using everything I have at my disposal.  It’s about time I make some changes in my life.  It is time for a new beginning…a new attitude…a new mindset.”   - Cadet Private Vincent Shields

Echo Company
EMILIANO HERNANDEZ SUMMERS
Sophomore  -  Santa Rosa, CA
Career Goals:  Become an Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps
“Cadet Staff Sergeant Hernandez is a second year cadet who has done an outstanding job within Echo Company. Cadet Hernandez participates on the Drill Team and was a Cadet Instructor throughout this past Summer Camp. He presently holds the billet of Company Gunny and is doing a great job. Cadet Hernandez  takes pride in everything he does and sets an excellent example.  He walks with pride while wearing his MCJROTC uniform – and most of all, he wants to be right here at MMA.  I enjoy having this young cadet in my company, and I predict he will be a great leader in the future.” - GySgt Frank Martinez, USMC (Ret)

“I’m Cadet Staff Sergeant Hernandez, Company Gunny for Echo Company. I am an LE2 – second year cadet in Leadership Education – so last year was my first year here. I started off as a Private. Out of Summer Camp, I worked my way up to a Platoon Guide and was promoted to Cadet Corporal. This past summer, I was a Cadet Instructor for Summer Camp and although I worked very hard I enjoyed it a lot! I continued to work hard when the beginning of the academic year rolled around, and here I am – September Cadet of the Month for Echo Company!  Thank you, Gunny Martinez and Staff Sergeant Montano, for selecting and awarding me this great honor!”   - Cadet Staff Sergeant Emiliano Hernandez Summers

FOX COMPANY
JAMES CALCAGNINI
Sophomore  - Darien, CT
“First year Cadet Private James Calcagnini  has demonstrated exceptional conduct in the barracks and the ability to lead by example.  As the Platoon Guide, he carries out all orders with attention to detail and his abilities are inspired and respected by all of his subordinates. His pride and Esprit de Corps is deserving of this recognition. It is a pleasure to have him on our team.  Cadet Calcagnini has reflected great credit upon himself and has upheld the traditions of the Marine Military Academy and the JROTC program.” - MSgt Robert Fracasso, USMC (Ret)

“Why I was selected to represent Fox Company as Cadet of the Month was the result of working very hard each and every day for the betterment of Fox Company. Every day, I get up and work to the best of my abilities as Platoon Guide, and I do everything within my powers to make sure Fox Company looks the best, too.  I am very happy to have been selected for this honor, and I will continue to do my very best!”   - Cadet Private James Calcagnini

Golf Company
ANDREW X. GALLO
Senior  - Landenberg, PA
Career Goals:  Earn a degree in Protective Services
“Long before this academic year began, Cadet Captain Gallo was already drafting up his plan for a successful company. He began molding summer campers as a Cadet Instructor, then transitioned into Leadership Camp to hone his own leadership skills…and hasn’t stopped since! Cadet Captain Gallo has been a key player in giving Golf Company a great start this year. Cadets enjoy the solid Company Staff he has built, and this shows in motivation and application of everyday tasks and routines. Golf Company is a better company under his leadership.” – 1st Sgt Jay Foote, USMC (Ret)

“After being given the opportunity to become Golf Company’s Commanding Officer, I set out with one goal – to make this Company the very best in all aspects. Higher motivation and grades are the immediate tasks I focused on.  I wanted to improve the learning atmosphere for our cadets. If I can make one statement about my goal, it is ‘ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.’ We will be the best!”   - Cadet Captain Andre X. Gallo

Bandsman
TARIC PIERRE
Junior – Pembroke Pines, FL
Career Goals: President of multi-purpose school for the gifted/talented
“Cadet Private Taric Pierre is a new member in the MMA Leatherneck Band this year and has brought with him a passion for music that is both refreshing and inspiring. Cadet Pierre is a hard worker that is always in time, he hasn’t missed a single day, and always wants to contribute in a positive way. I very  much look forward to Mr. Pierre’s continued growth and successes here at MMA, and especially with the MMA Band.  GREAT JOB, TARIC!” – CWO3 Ed Harris,  USMC (Ret)

“Hello, I am Cadet Taric Pierre, and I can’t express how proud I feel right now!  I am so honored to be nominated as the Band’s Cadet of the Month. To me, this is proof that dreams can come true through hard work, dedication and motivation. Anything is possible, and YOU can make ANYTHING happen – at least that’s what I believe!”   - Cadet Private Taric Pierre

Drill Team/Color Guard
ABOIRA IRUMUDOMON
Senior  - Darien, CT
Career Goals:  Upon graduation from Marine Military Academy, attend university of choice
“As a fourth year Cadet and the Academy’s Drill Team Commander, Cadet Second Lieutenant Aboira Irumudomon has made his presence known as a lead performer in all facets.  His ability to lead, motivate and teach precision movements is a commendable achievement. His pride and Esprit de Corps is deserving of this prestigious recognition. Cadet Irumudomon has reflected great credit upon himself and has upheld the traditions of the Marine Military Academy and the JROTC program.” 
– MSGT Robert Fracasso, USMC (Ret)

“For the past three years, I have been a member of MMA’s Silent Drill Team. I believe that I have excelled – not just in Drill, but also in taking on leadership within the Team, my Company and the Corps of Cadets.  Doing so has enabled me to obtain my current position which I am honored to be selected for.”   - Cadet Second Lieutenant Aboira Irumudomon

Each Cadet of the Month  was presented a certificate of appreciation and congratulated by MMA Superintendent Colonel R. G. Hill, USMC (Ret); MMA Commandant Sergeant Major Ford Kinsley, USMC (Ret); MMA Faculty/English Teacher Jacque Palamara; and Kathy Preddy, United Way Resource Development Director.

As Cadets of the Month marched back to their respective starting point, all Company Captains and Food Services (Mess Hall) Director Carlos Centeno were called ‘front and center’, presented with a certificate and a token of appreciation expressing gratitude for their respective company/department’s generosity to this year’s United Way of Northern Cameron County’s 2011-2012 Campaign.

What a perfect beginning to what’s shaping up to be a truly amazing 2011-2012 aboard the one and only MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY!  Stay tuned to MMA website’s ‘WHAT’S NEW’, FACEBOOK, YouTube and TWITTER – there’s always something GREAT happening with this mighty cadre of MMA Corps of Cadets !!!

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