Hello Colonel,
I wanted to write to thank you, and to give you an update on how my son, Clay Jackson, is doing.
The transformation in him since he attended your camp is phenonmenal. You can see if you read his application that some of the reasons we wanted him in the camp were his disrespect for authority, especially the authority of his parents, extremely poor grades, sassing, getting in trouble with friends and hanging out with the wrong crowd.
I'm VERY proud to say he has come around 180 degrees! He has 5 A's in school, ALL 100% or higher. He also has one B and one C, no D's or F's. That is up from 5 F's at the end of last year. We knew he is intelligent and can do it, but he just didn't care the last two years. He is no longer calling me stupid. He feels the need to work for whatever he gets. He doesn't like to take anything without working for it.
His birthday was September 11 and all he wanted were items from the USCalvary.com website.
I told him I received the survey from Victory Forge and that you asked if he would be back. I told him I put no because he is too old. He said he would like to go back, but not in the same capacity! I guess he would much rather help than go through the camp!
Finally, his history teacher from last year goes to our church. She was sitting in front of us Sunday and I leaned up to tell her how well Clay is doing. After Clay walked away, she told me "parent to parent because she knows Clay would never actually tell us this", that he had come to her room last week to tell her how he was doing, and that he was beaming about it. He then told her his parents sent him to a camp this summer and that he was really glad we did because it really changed him. Wow. That's huge, when CLAY admits THAT. He really did enjoy all of it, except PIT.
I want to thank you for what you did for especially my son but also my entire family. It is so much more enjoyable to parent a child who listens and tries to get good grades.
You will likely see his little brother in the future!
Thanks again,
Tracey Jackson
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Victory Forge Military Academy Recieves Prestigious Award
Victory Forge Military Academy Receives 2009 Best of Port St. Lucie Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Victory Forge Military Academy has been selected for the 2009 Best of Port St. Lucie Award in the Schools category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Victory Forge Military Academy has been selected for the 2009 Best of Port St. Lucie Award in the Schools category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Victory Forge Graduate heading to Iraq
Military Academy Graduate headed for Iraq
SPC. Tyran Ortiz a 2006 graduate of Victory Forge Military Academy in Port St Lucie is preparing to deploy to Iraq in October as part of The US Army Mission in Iraq. He serves as a Fire Support Specialist in the 3rd Infantry Division currently stationed at Ft. Benning Georgia. He is a hometown resident of Stuart and Port St Lucie Florida.
SPC. Ortiz enjoys being a soldier and describes America’s involvement as “crucial to stabilization of this part of the world”. Ty is looking forward to this combat deployment after having served a year in Korea as well.
Tyran recently was asked how the training he received at Victory Forge Military Academy helped him in his current job with the US Army, He said “ The academics, programmatics, and values that I received as a student at Victory Forge Military Academy has been a tremendous help to me as I serve my country”. He added, “the style of learning provided by Victory Forge helped me achieve a high ASVAB score as well as prepare me for the sometimes ominous experience of Army Boot Camp. I owe a lot of my achievements to the skills I acquired while attending Victory Forge Military Academy.”
This is an absolute honor for us hear at the Forge. We have many young men serving in our armed forces.
SPC. Tyran Ortiz a 2006 graduate of Victory Forge Military Academy in Port St Lucie is preparing to deploy to Iraq in October as part of The US Army Mission in Iraq. He serves as a Fire Support Specialist in the 3rd Infantry Division currently stationed at Ft. Benning Georgia. He is a hometown resident of Stuart and Port St Lucie Florida.
SPC. Ortiz enjoys being a soldier and describes America’s involvement as “crucial to stabilization of this part of the world”. Ty is looking forward to this combat deployment after having served a year in Korea as well.
Tyran recently was asked how the training he received at Victory Forge Military Academy helped him in his current job with the US Army, He said “ The academics, programmatics, and values that I received as a student at Victory Forge Military Academy has been a tremendous help to me as I serve my country”. He added, “the style of learning provided by Victory Forge helped me achieve a high ASVAB score as well as prepare me for the sometimes ominous experience of Army Boot Camp. I owe a lot of my achievements to the skills I acquired while attending Victory Forge Military Academy.”
This is an absolute honor for us hear at the Forge. We have many young men serving in our armed forces.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My Son The Alien
Hi Molly and Colonel Wierman!
Wow, it’s been 2 weeks since you sent my son back (or an alien can’t quite figure out if it’s him or not). I’ve been wanting to write every day to thank you and each day I hear, see, experience one more thing with Sammy that has to do with his camp experience! Everything you said happened! He came home a new young man and it was a life changing experience for him. He said he will never complain about his life again. Colonel he talks about you all the time, he has the highest respect for you. He’s told me your story, he told me about church on Sunday’s and how much he enjoyed the singing and what you had to say. “If things arent going your way, change what you are doing”. Everything you instilled in him are things I’ve been trying to teach him (of course coming from your mom isn’t always as effective). He’s had some fair male influences at school, but nothing like you. His teachers are much too liberal. This is just what we all needed. I still can’t get over it. He’s so proud to be sporting his high and tight (just like the colonel) for his first day of high school tomorrow. He shared with us that when he wants to date he needs to ask the parents first. Believe me everything stuck. We are even having bacon day once a week. I feel like I know some of the fellow campers, he tells so many stories about them.
He has so much self control now and respect. He has been able to walk away from confrontations with his siblings. He used to be a chronic complainer and I haven’t heard any complaining until yesterday and it was extremely minor.
I tried to prepare him for what camp was like and it still wasn’t enough, because he said the first few days was not what he expected, but he said he ended up really liking it and would like to go back next year. He said he wanted to go back to do some of the things that he didn’t get a chance to experience due to non-compliance of others. I told him he could be in the same boat next year. Have you ever thought about having a camp for returners? Even if it’s for a shorter period of time? Or over holiday break? Or maybe we can rent the colonel for a long weekend or 2? J I’m serious about some type of return. Sammy was a good kid I knew he had so much more in him – You’ve made this single mom of 4 children so happy and proud.
Sammy finally understands my situation and what I’ve been trying to show/tell him for a number of years.
Like I said before, I left the orientation and had a huge weight taken off me once I realized the colonel really had the boys best interest at heart. It was so great to know that he understands what us mothers go through and how hard it is leaving our boys in someone else’s hands. My friends and family were surprised at how well I handled my 3 weeks.
Once again, I can’t thank you and your staff enough. It’s almost hard to believe how happy my son is. Totally different outlook on life.
Let me know about any additional camps!!
Prayers for you and your family tonight!
Jodie Sullivan
Wow, it’s been 2 weeks since you sent my son back (or an alien can’t quite figure out if it’s him or not). I’ve been wanting to write every day to thank you and each day I hear, see, experience one more thing with Sammy that has to do with his camp experience! Everything you said happened! He came home a new young man and it was a life changing experience for him. He said he will never complain about his life again. Colonel he talks about you all the time, he has the highest respect for you. He’s told me your story, he told me about church on Sunday’s and how much he enjoyed the singing and what you had to say. “If things arent going your way, change what you are doing”. Everything you instilled in him are things I’ve been trying to teach him (of course coming from your mom isn’t always as effective). He’s had some fair male influences at school, but nothing like you. His teachers are much too liberal. This is just what we all needed. I still can’t get over it. He’s so proud to be sporting his high and tight (just like the colonel) for his first day of high school tomorrow. He shared with us that when he wants to date he needs to ask the parents first. Believe me everything stuck. We are even having bacon day once a week. I feel like I know some of the fellow campers, he tells so many stories about them.
He has so much self control now and respect. He has been able to walk away from confrontations with his siblings. He used to be a chronic complainer and I haven’t heard any complaining until yesterday and it was extremely minor.
I tried to prepare him for what camp was like and it still wasn’t enough, because he said the first few days was not what he expected, but he said he ended up really liking it and would like to go back next year. He said he wanted to go back to do some of the things that he didn’t get a chance to experience due to non-compliance of others. I told him he could be in the same boat next year. Have you ever thought about having a camp for returners? Even if it’s for a shorter period of time? Or over holiday break? Or maybe we can rent the colonel for a long weekend or 2? J I’m serious about some type of return. Sammy was a good kid I knew he had so much more in him – You’ve made this single mom of 4 children so happy and proud.
Sammy finally understands my situation and what I’ve been trying to show/tell him for a number of years.
Like I said before, I left the orientation and had a huge weight taken off me once I realized the colonel really had the boys best interest at heart. It was so great to know that he understands what us mothers go through and how hard it is leaving our boys in someone else’s hands. My friends and family were surprised at how well I handled my 3 weeks.
Once again, I can’t thank you and your staff enough. It’s almost hard to believe how happy my son is. Totally different outlook on life.
Let me know about any additional camps!!
Prayers for you and your family tonight!
Jodie Sullivan
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