Three Cadets recognized with White Star Award

Three Valley Forge Military College cadets were recognized with the White Star Award on Thursday, November 13, 2025 during the McMaster Speaker Series in the Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion.

President Col. Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC(Ret) recognized cadets Aedan Taku, Izrael Diaz, and Sean Kim with the White Star, which recognizes cadet performance that is clearly above and beyond the actions expected of any cadet.

Cadets Taku, Diaz, and Kim were recognized for outstanding performance of duty and decisive action while responding to a fellow cadet in medical distress on September 22, 2025. Medical personnel confirmed that their prompt and decisive actions were directly responsible for saving the cadet’s life.

“Cadet Diaz’s, Cadet Taku’s, and Cadet Kim’s initiative, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the welfare of others reflect great credit upon themselves, Valley Forge Military College, and the Corps of Cadets,” President Helgeson said..