VFMC Cadet earns MacArthur Cadet Award

Sophomore Benjamin Cournoyer was recently presented the MacArthur Cadet Award from the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation.

The award is for outstanding cadets from Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) member institutions. The award’s objective is to encourage students to emulate and practice the qualities exemplified by Douglas MacArthur as a cadet at the West Texas Military Institute and the United State Military Academy.

“The MacArthur Award is given to a cadet for their excellence and dedication in leadership and your commitment to making a difference that embodies the credo of General Douglas MacArthur: ‘Duty, Honor, Country’,” Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC (Ret.), President of VFMC, said in his presentation of the award.

Cadet Cournoyer holds positions of leadership as the Regimental Battalion Staff’s G Company Commander and captain of the recently formed wrestling team. He was also a member of the Ranger Challenge team and excelled academically, earning a Gold Star last semester.

His embodiment of Valley Forge Military College’s five cornerstones — Academic Excellence, Personal Motivation, Leadership, Character Development, and Physical Development — made him an excellent candidate.

As part of his award, Cadet Cournoyer received a check, a uniform pin, MacArthur Medal and a copy of The General the Man He Called ‘Doc’.