Jason Fudge

Sally Pritchett earns award from Alfred University

Col. Sally J. Pritchett, USMC (Ret.)

Colonel Sara “Sally” J. Pritchett of Springfield, VA, received the Abigail Allen Award for Service to Women during the 124th Annual Alumni Association Awards Picnic earlier this month. The award is given to honor an Alfred alumnus/a in recognition of distinctive career achievement, community service, or avocational pursuits that have improved the quality of women’s lives.

A member of the lfred University 1962 graduating class, Pritchett was nominated by Kerry Kautzman, professor of Spanish and women’s studies, Dr. Julia Overton-Healy, director of the Women’s Leadership Center (WLC), and other members of the Women’s Studies Executive Committee for her service in the United States Marine Corps.

Pritchett served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) from 1964-87 primarily working in public affairs. She retired as a Navy Information Officer at the Pentagon. Following her discharge, she spent two years as president of the International Women’s Forum.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

Combat Camera Marine proves he can keep up with the grunts

Lance Cpl. Justin D. Loya, attached to 3/6, showed that Marines truly are riflemen first.

Story by Lance Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde

Afghanistan – When the infantry Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, were first told they were getting a combat camera Marine attached to their platoon for Operation Moshtarak’s push into Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, they didn’t know what to expect.

“I thought, ‘he’s obviously not a grunt. He’s been to (Marine Combat Training). He’s got the basics down, but maybe he has no idea what’s going on,'” said Lance Cpl. Timothy J. Ryan, a fireteam leader with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3/6.

That combat camera Marine, Lance Cpl. Justin D. Loya, attached to 3/6, showed that Marines truly are riflemen first. When one of Ryan’s Marines went down with a knee injury during the push, Loya essentially became the final piece of the team.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

CC to be president of Valley Forge Military College

LtCol John C. Church, Jr., USMCR

The Valley Forge Military College administration appointed life member LtCol John C. Church, Jr., USMCR, as President of Valley Forge Military College.  The appointment will take effect on July 1.

“Lieutenant Colonel Church’s military experiences, added to his already impressive academic background make him the ideal leader and role model for our College cadets,” said William R. Floyd, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Acting VFMA&C President. “We are proud that he has accepted the position at Valley Forge Military College.”

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By Jason Fudge, ago