Senator Mensch to Address Veterans of Foreign Wars Dignitaries

Guest speaker at state meeting in Gettysburg

Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) will address members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at their upcoming state meeting, on Friday, January 21, 2011 in Gettysburg. Mensch, a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy & College is also a veteran of the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers.

Mensch plans to reintroduce legislation that would create a new program for legislative appointments to the Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMA&C). "The program would allow Valley Forge Military Academy to establish a legislative appointment process similar to national military academies, like the Naval Academy or West Point," said Senator Mensch, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. Legislators would be limited to one appointment per academic year.

VFMA&C is a two-year, transfer program from which almost all students move on to four-year colleges and universities. Valley Forge is also the only institution in the Northeastern United States offering an Early Commissioning Program, which allows successful candidates to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army in two years rather than the standard four years through ROTC programs at other colleges and universities.

"I am honored to be asked to speak at the VFW's state meeting in Gettysburg," said Mensch. "As a fellow veteran and a graduate of Valley Forge, I understand the courage, commitment and sacrifice needed to serve one's country. Valley Forge Military Academy gave me the training and discipline for a successful career in business and government."