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Alumni Newsletter
October 2015 Second Edition
Alumni Happenings
New York City Veterans Day Parade – November 11, 2015
We are pleased to announce that VF cadets will have a very robust presence at this year's Veteran's Day Parade in New York City (America's Parade 2015). 80 cadets will participate in the event, including the Band, B Company, and the VF Color Guard. A large VF banner will be carried in front of the unit and on-air, streaming, and social media appearances will occur.
Of special note is the fact that the VF Herald Trumpets will formally launch the parade this year Madison Square Park. Please join our cadets in New York City on this special day honoring service. The Gotham Alumni Regiment will be in attendance and is looking into whether a unit of alumni can march behind the cadets. The Regiment will also welcome all alums at O'Lunney's Times Square Pub after the parade, starting at 3pm (145 W. 45th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). We hope you can join us for this great opportunity to express our unity and pride as members of the VF Family and to reach an international audience.
Kareem Rosser ‘11
Jackie Robinson in baseball, Tiger Woods in golf, Bill Pickett in rodeo: there have been many American pioneers, who defied the odds to become legends in sports, where Blacks had previously been excluded. On September 10, Arizonans may have gotten a glimpse of a new potential legend, when they attended the preview party for the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. The keynote speaker, 22-year-old Kareem Rosser ’11, is now considered the best African-American polo player in the US.
“White,” “rich” and “country club” are words usually associated with the sport of polo. Very few Americans of any color have seen a live match. The 5th annual Championship, which will be held on October 24, at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz., is the largest spectator polo event in the country. It is a fun introduction to stomping divots and other rituals of the sport for Arizonans. In 2012, attendees were introduced to and surprised to see an all-Black team of high-schoolers, led by Rosser from Valley Forge Military Academy & College, defeat Harvard at the Polo Championships. The journey of Rosser from a rough, inner-city neighborhood of Philadelphia called “The Bottom,” to his award as Collegiate Player of the Year 2015, is an inspiration to youth of all colors. In 1994, Lezlie Hiner, the executive director of Chamounix Equestrian Center in Philadelphia, created the Work to Ride program, which taught inner-city youth discipline, ethics and how to play polo. Rosser and his five brothers and sisters fell in love with the sport. From his start mucking stalls, Rosser would ultimately, lead the Work to Ride team to two national championships in 2011 and 2012. Rosser now attends Colorado State University (CSU), plays for the CSU Club Polo, and will graduate with a degree in business in May 2016. “I am always excited to come to Phoenix to meet people, talk about the sport, and show people that polo is not just for the rich. It can change lives.” He has appeared on 60 Minutes, ESPN and a number of other shows and publications. Jorge Joaquin Glaesel-Ruiz '85
Jorge Joaquin Glaesel-Ruiz ’85 is pictured here in a fabulous article published in the National Newspaper in Guatemala. He is pictured with Valley Forge Military Academy & College Director of International Advancement Dr. George Anderson. We welcome Jorge and congratulate him for become our Alumni Representative in Guatemala. It is brothers and sisters like Jorge who help continue the great traditions of The Forge and continue the legend of BG Tomas Puyans ’48C and his recruiting efforts in the Southern Hemisphere.
Alumni Association Board of Directors hosted Customs and Traditions Tour of the Campus:
Last Saturday, October 17, several VFMA&C alumni led by Glenn Horsky ’74 manned 7 historic stations around the campus to impart their knowledge of history and traditions to our new plebe class. Seven different platoons of plebes, each led by their company sergeants marched to each station. Great fun and learning were had by all as the alumni enjoy hearing the opinions and observances from all the new cadets and, of course, imparting their own wisdom. The alumni explained the significant facts of
origin, history and importance of each post distinctive only to VFMA&C. The tour commenced on the Main Area and was coordinated by the Commandant’s Department organized by Cadet 2nd LT. Liam Knight, Alumni Liaison Officer. Each group was started at a different location and included stops in Mellon Hall, with a walk through the VFMA&C Museum. Each group then proceeded around the grounds, spending 20 minutes at each post speaking with the Alumni stationed there. The plebes remained fascinated throughout the tour and now enjoy a better understanding and deeper respect of their school. Roberto Clariond '12 (Looking for a marketing internship) I am concentrating in marketing at Babson College, located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, a top ranking business school in the Boston area. I am interested in a position in New York principally, but would be happy to work anywhere in the Northeast. I really want to land an internship within the Marketing industry. I am a junior now, but after this summer I graduate in December of 2016. Please see my attached resume
Roberto
Clariond.pdf
Hassan H. Sherif ’87 Congratulation to our Brother Hassan H. Sherif ’87 who has been awarded his Master Degree. Persistence and determination are trademark of a Valley Forge Military Academy & College Graduate and Hassan is a true example. It doesn’t matter how long or how hard the VFMA&C graduate never gives up and will always accomplish the task. Way to go Hassan, you are the best of us.
Keaton T. Wright ’05 (Letter to Dr. Sauchuk, President VFMA&C) I wanted to inform you of the accomplishments of one of Valley Forge Military Academy's finest. I frequently read through VFMA news and happenings and I think you would both be happy to hear about how one of your graduates is successfully living your mission and military model. My husband, Keaton T. Wright, graduated from Valley Forge in 2005. We met on a blind date at Valley Forge's 2005 Winter
Ball and later married in 2013. Following VFMA, Keaton completed his freshman year of college at The University of Colorado in Boulder where he participated in Air Force ROTC. After his freshman year, he transferred to Bucknell University where he completed a degree in Geography with a minor in International Relations. After we graduated in 2009 (I went to Penn State), we moved to Durham, North Carolina so I could go to graduate school at Duke University. Keaton began work as a fixed income trader at Carolina Capital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In March of 2012, Keaton and 3 partners opened Falcon Square Capital, LLC a fixed income broker dealer. They have enjoyed much success and are readily expanding their business and have a presence on the west coast. When asked, Keaton frequently credits much of his success to the discipline, structure, and emphasis on duty and honor that were instilled in him during his time at Valley Forge. However, Keaton is not just successful at work--he is an incredibly well-rounded citizen. He has high moral standards and his opinions and advice are readily sought out by his family, friends, and colleagues. I thought you would enjoy reading another VFMA success story. Thank you for helping to shape and mold my favorite person in the world and for bringing us together. http://falconsquarecapital.com/ Very Respectfully, Emma Wright 3636 Sunningdale Way Durham, NC 27707 (610)-324-3067 Alumni BBQ Challenge in the Park
Congratulations to Jeff Tversky, '92 Battery, for winning the VF Alumni BBQ challenge with his Chinese BBQ pork loins. Hector J. Arguello, '95 Battery CO, won 2nd place with his lemon-smoked sausage on pretzel rolls! Congrats to both! The competition was down and greasy and there were many competitors present to enter their best BBQ offerings. This competition is growing every year and will continue to get bigger and better.
Families were invited and a great time was had by all.
SoCal Regiment – Paul McKenna Jr. ’79C Retirement
SoCal Regiment was delighted to hold a special get-together for Paul W. McKenna Jr. ’79C to honor his retirement after 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. We congratulate Paul for his service to our Country in the Marine Corps and his continued service with his advanced involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. We do know that Paul will never truly retire from anything because he just received his MBA in Marketing and he continues his active ways. Once a Cadet always a cadet. Pictured
are MAJ Paul W. McKenna, Jr. ’79C, Howard K. Alperin '83, LTC John J. McBrearty, '80C and Sean Condron ’97. Interesting Taps fun fact I learned that night... Paul wrote the drill sequence in the movie, and they were not actually cadets.
The only cadet in the scene was John McBrearty calling cadence. Sean Penn convinced both John
and Paul to move out west.
Mark Kelton ’74
Mark Kelton (Academy ’74) recently retired from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a senior executive with 34 years of experience in intelligence operations. Mark completed his career in 2015 after serving as Deputy Director of the National Clandestine Service for Counterintelligence (DDNCS/CI), one of the most senior ranking positions in the Clandestine Service. Directing CIA’s counterintelligence and counterespionage programs, Mark led the team that protected the nation’s most closely guarded secrets. In that final assignment, Mark demonstrated comprehensive expertise in the detection of insider threats, the assessment of counterintelligence risk and in crisis management. Mark’s career included sixteen years of overseas service, to include four assignments in key CIA field leadership
positions. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Reston, Virginia. Mark can be reached at [email protected] and he would very much welcome contact with old friends and classmates.
The Anthony S. Pino, Jr. ’58, ’60C Memorial Sword
Anthony “Tony” S. Pino, Jr. ’58, ’60C was an inspirational leader who earned the admiration across several generations of the Corps of Cadets. Taps - May 3, 2015. Cadet Tony Pino began his Valley Forge plebe experience as an Academy third classman in the fall of 1955. His leadership skills were immediately put to the test as an Academy second classman when Cadet Squad Sergeant Pino courageously took charge and led his squad with determined enthusiasm. He took the time to personally mentor every member of his squad throughout the rigors of plebe training. The Forge subsequently recognized his leadership talent with a promotion to Cadet First Lieutenant his first class year and Cadet Captain of E Battery his junior college freshman year. In addition to his assignment
to become Cadet Second Captain, Regimental Executive Officer, his junior college sophomore year, Cadet Pino was selected President of the Class of 1960 College. Tony earned the respect and admiration of all classmates and was a role model for cadets to emulate for years to come.
We congratulate Cadet Second Captain Mayone-Paquin for being the first recipient of the Anthony S. Pino Memorial Sword. Second Captain Mayone-Paquin from Hill Falls, NY, and is presently in VFMC's Early Commissioning Program. After he finishes his sophomore year at VFMC, his first choice is to matriculate at Syracuse University with a major in International Relations. His other college choices are: New York University, Columbia University, and Fordham University. He is currently a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Ultimately, his plans are pursue Law Enforcement, Foreign Service, Embassy or Diplomatic Security.
Bruce McLeod ’60 We want to congratulation our friend and
brother Bruce McLeod ’60 for making his
way to The People’s Republic of China to see
all the marvels. Notice how he fits right in
wearing all those things made and produced in
China and the surrounding region. We hope
that he has managed to blend right in. We
definitely pray that he is having a great time
and seeing a lot of world history so he can
bring back his experiences and enlighten our
cadets to his travels. I’m very sure that they
will be fascinating stories from China and the
world. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Campus Happenings
Early Commissioning Program (ROTC) Contract Signings
On Tuesday October 3rd we had our first contract signing for our new ECP cadets. These college freshman have made the commitment to serve our country with honor and distinction and to take the steps necessary to become outstanding leaders. LTC David Key, USA, administered the Oath of Obligation and supervised the actual contract signing for their commitment. The following cadets were part of the signing, there are more to come:
Maurice Griggs, Natacha Blondeau, Monica Dinoto, Dominic Lorig, Nicholas Shields, Demetrius Colclough, Bryan Aviles-Ortiz, Jeffrey Dudick, Mason Mueller. Congratulations to all of you as you follow in the footsteps of many good and worthy cadets who went before you. Reporting: Travis J. Senseny, Staff Sergeant, PAARNG, and TAC Officer for G Company.
Storm Damage -- to all from Bryan Geiling ’97, VP of Facilities, VFMA&C
A Halloween week storm blew through and toppled a massive oak tree, hitting Hart Hall and damaging a parked car, during the night reports Bryan Geiling ’97, VP of Facilities, VFMA&C. The tree snapped at its trunk base onto the NW corner of Hart Hall North (HHN) penetrating the masonry wall and
through rooftop over Classroom 15. Fortunately it did not break any classroom windows entirely, suffering only a few cracked panes. The classroom sustained interior physical damage to ceiling, fixtures to include water damage from subsequent rains. Bryan’s crew was quick to secure the roof the next morning and initiate clean-up so classes were not disrupted. Our initial assessment on campus hasn’t revealed any other significant damages (we do have other roof leaks recently repaired not evaluated yet) but will take a few days to thoroughly investigate all locations. When you contribute to the Forge Fund it benefits areas such as this and makes it possible for us to perform fast and complete clean-ups. Thank you for your generosity.
Dear Alumni; It is with excitement that we prepare for the 2015 VFMA Career Day, with a new and refreshed format to be held on Friday November 20, 2015. In this half-day, morning event, we need speakers that can address all Academy Cadets about: Why I do, what I do … How I prepared to do, what I do … How the Five Cornerstones of VFMAC influence me in my daily career. Areas of interest for this year’s speakers and presenters include:
Business Management
Sales, Accounting, Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Education
Teacher, Teachers Aid
Health Sciences & Human Services Medical, Physical Therapist, Team Doctor, Bio-Chem, Cancer Research, Social Worker, Counselor
Creative – Performing Arts / Visual Arts etc.
Musician, Web Design, Video Gaming, App Design, Software
Legal Attorney, Criminal Justice, Police, Corrections Officer, Military Police, etc.
Military – (Preferably all Branches of Service Represented)
War Veterans and post service career discussions
STEM – Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Math
Cyber Security, Forensics, Drone Piloting, Software Development. If you are employed in ANY fields related to the above list – We enthusiastically ask that you join us to passionately and energetically present to this year’s Cadets. If interested, please contact the Career Day Vice-Chairman, Jeff Kreuer (VFMA ’80) (717-875-1172 , [email protected] ) to discuss how you can support your Alma Mater, and provide your valuable career experience to the current cadets. We want YOU to come home to VFMAC - Contact me TODAY!!! Sincerely Yours, Jeff Kreuer ’80, “A” Company Vice-Chairman, Career Day
Upcoming Events
Alumni Association Board of Directors November Meeting
When: Saturday, November 21, 2015: Eisenhower at 9:30 AM – Conference Call for the meetings
610-829-9266 or www.uberconference.com/vfaabod
This is a standard monthly meeting of the AABOD and is usually held on the 3rd Saturday of every
month. Coffee will be served. Remember if you have questions please submit them in email by
November 20, 2015 to [email protected]
November 20, 2015 Valley Forge Military Academy Career Day November 21, 2015 Alumni Association Board of Directors monthly meeting November 24, 2015 Military Tattoo in Price Hall Gymnasium at 4:30 PM December 4, 2015 National Capital Region/George Washington Alumni Regiment Annual Christmas/Holiday Dinner Party The Mount Vernon Inn 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Mt. Vernon, VA 22121 Organized by COL William J Ridley ’64, USA (Ret.) RSVP: [email protected] December 22, 2015 TAC Officer’s Appreciation Dinner The Seven Stars Inn
300 Ridge Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (610) 495-5205 RSVP and Support a TAC to Tom Goldblum ’69, ’71C [email protected] or call 610-989-1329
February, 2016 New England Alumni Regiment Dinner hosted by Bill Ashton ’81 755 Westminster Street Unit 201 Providence, RI 02903 RSVP: [email protected]
April 29 – May 1 Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2016 Hold the dates for our Annual Weekend Blast May 9, 2016 Annual VFMA&C Athletic Golf Outing St. David’s Country Club
Taps
Daniel J. Kocis, Jr., Ph.D. '69 so sad to learn about the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Dan Kocis. We first met as young cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy and remained close friends for 50 years. Dan had incredible skills and wrote computer models for some of the largest banks in the world. He enjoyed skiing, a good meal and a single malt. Dan loved his family. My heart is with his wife Karen, his son DJ and his daughter Kristen. He left me with a lot of great memories and I will miss him. God speed my friend... Reported by Dean Macris ’69
Philip J. Galanti, Jr. VFMA Class of 1958 passed away on October 15, three days after his 75th birthday. He had been hospitalized at Community Hospital of the Monterey Hospital for a full month when he suffered a massive heart attack. Phil and Carol's three kids and five grandkids were all able to see him and show their love. He wished to be cremated with his remains scattered on the Monterey Bay. A Memorial Service will be held for him at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove, CA on November 7 at noon. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil's name to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 146 12th Street, Pacific Grave, CA 93950. If you would like to contact Carol, her home phone number is 831-649-6339 and her email address is [email protected].
Peter S. Glioe ’49 “Pete”, aged 85 years, left this world to join his Lord on 27 OCT 2015
surrounded by family and friends at his home in Surprise, Arizona. He is survived by his wife of 47
years, Hilda Gioe (Esquivel), his son, Peter S. Gioe Jr., Class of ‘88 and two grandchildren,
Michael Salvatore and Cecilia Frances.
Pete lived a full and wonderful life. Having had the opportunity to travel the world on various international business assignments that took him all over the world and then later repeated many of these travels with his loving wife. He had the opportunity to live in Tokyo, Japan and Mexico City where he found the love of his life, Hilda. Pete and Hilda lived in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1971 – 2004. In 2005 they left for Surprise, Arizona. Pete was a proud grandfather and an outspoken supporter for Autism and Pro-Life causes. Pete reported to VFMA in August of 1944 and graduated in 1949. He was a Cadet 1LT, 2nd Platoon Leader, C Company and a Co-Captain of the VFMA Wrestling team his First Class Year. Pete earned his Bachelor of Science in Business in 1953 from The Johns Hopkins University and was a DMG of the ROTC program. In 1959 he earned his MBA from the Bernard M. Baruch School of Business at The College of The City of New York.
John S. Herwick '61, passed away on October 16th, 2015. At Valley Forge John was a member of E Battery, holding the rank of Sergeant upon graduation. He was a also a member of the wrestling team while attending the Academy. After Valley Forge, he served as a rifleman in the Marine Corps Reserve while attending Pennsylvania Military College (PMC). After graduation from PMC in 1965, he went on to a successful career in the commercial flooring industry, eventually retiring in 2005 and settling in Fort Myers, Florida. He is survived by his wife Katherine, his son John III '88/'90C, his daughter-in-law Molly and three grandchildren.
Robert Barry Reicherter 61 JC July 12, 2011 Glen Cove, Long island, NY Barry L. Weller ’57 October 23, 2015 Winter Haven, Florida William P. Soter ’51, December 5, 2014 Manhasset, NY John E. Roberts '53 October 4, 2015 Philadelphia, PA William P. Bingham, Sr., '47 October 5, 2015 Panama City, FL Robert M. Brehm '69 October 2, 2015 Huntsville, AR
Seth W. Webb ’99 Seth Wesley Webb, 35, died on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at York Hospital. He was the fiancé of Jamie Confer. Born on August 19, 1980, he was the son of Kimberly S. (Imes) Woolley and (stepfather) Mark E. Woolley and his father, Donald R. Webb and (stepmother) Elizabeth Webb. He was a 1999 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and a graduate of YTI in Computer Sciences. Seth was a leasing consultant for the Apartments at Waterford.
Seth enjoyed anything having to do with computers and technology. He loved to travel with his family, cheering for The Red Sox and The Philadelphia Eagles, and playing his computer and console games. Along with his parents and fiancée, Jamie, Seth is survived by one daughter, Alexis Kimberly Webb; stepbrother, Travis Woolley and his wife, Kristen of York; stepsister, Laura Woolley of Los Angeles, Calif.; Jamie's children, Perry and Jessie; nephews, Ethan and Roth Woolley; many cousins; and his dog, Dakota.
Robert J. Noble '67
Spend New Year’s Eve with Keith Pierce ’79, ’81C
VFMA&C Alumni Realtor’s Network
The Alumni Office is proud to announce the release of an Alumni tool; the Valley Forge Alumni Realtor Network. This website, www.VFRealtor.com, is owned, built, and maintained by Joel Gruenke ’86. VFRealtor.com was created to help local alumni connect with alumni professionals who are in the Real Estate business. Outside of listing all the Realtors in your area, this website also offers a free home valuation tool to help fellow alumni to get an idea of how much their home is worth. Thinking about becoming a Realtor? Register on our careers page and get in contact with one of our Realtor professionals. We are always available to help our fellow brothers and sisters in the Long Line of Gray. Currently we are searching for more alumni Realtors throughout the world to add to our database so if you know anyone please email us at [email protected] so that I can get in contact with them and have them added.
VFMA&C ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AABOD Nominating Committee Announcement
The Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMAC) Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABOD) is preparing to select alumni to serve on the board for the 2016 – 2018 Term. Nominations for the board are open to all alumni in good standing with the school and who demonstrate a propensity to serve selflessly and regularly throughout the term period during board meetings and committee events. Any of our prestigious alumni who desire to be considered for membership to the AABOD during this term must have their nomination application submitted in writing by a fellow alumnus, member of the Board of Trustees, or member of the school administration to the Nominating Committee for review and consideration. Self-Nominations will not be considered.
Individuals who wish to nominate an alumnus should contact that candidate to confirm his/her availability and willingness to participate in full during Board and Committee activities throughout the year. The AABOD works closely with the Board of Trustees and the school administration to support VFMAC in its academic endeavors and to provide a mechanism for the alumni community to support our Alma Mater. Therefore, it is increasingly important for directors to understand that membership demands participation, teamwork, responsiveness, and discipline. Candidates whose nominations are accepted for consideration should expect to be contacted by the Nominating Committee to confirm their desire to serve and moreover formally accept their nomination. Nominees will also be asked to make an informal and brief presentation in-person or by phone about themselves and their intent to serve on the AABOD to the Nominating Committee during the selection process early in 2016.
Please submit nominations to the Nominating Committee via email at [email protected]. The Committee requests that nominations be submitted as early as possible to guarantee ample time for review.
The Committee will also be accepting nominations for Executive Officers to the AABOD; the following Officer positions will be open for nomination for two (2) year terms: Chairman, President, Executive Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Individuals wishing to serve as an officer of the AABOD should make their desire known to a fellow AABOD member, alumni, administration representative, or trustee. Candidates should possess executive committee experience and/or have chaired on of the AABOD committees. It is highly recommended that alumni seeking a nomination as an officer of the board consult with current officers regarding the commitment and additional expectations required of these positions before seeking an office.
Nominations for Officers and Directors will close on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 5:00PM EST
To be eligible to serve as an Officer and Director of the VFMAC Alumni Association Board of Directors, candidates shall be in good standing with the school and have actively expressed their commitment to foster and strengthen the relationship between Valley Forge Military Academy & College and its alumni, families, and friends; to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the traditions, purposes, growth, and progress of the institution; and to keep alive the spirit of affection and reverence for our Alma Mater.
In accordance with the AABOD Bylaws Section 5.8, the Nominating Committee will be reviewing available positions and any updates to its process to further enhance the effectiveness of the process and ensure adherence to the AABOD bylaws. All information received by the Nominating Committee concerning a nominee will be held in strict confidence by all members of the committee and the entire AABOD board.
Respectfully, Scott F. Bartlett, ‘88C Chairman, Nominating Committee
Come and join the Alumni Association in recognizing the incredible job that our Commandant and his TAC officers do at The Forge. This is one of the most enjoyable events of the year. For a great time and great food and great company please put this on your calendar. December 22nd, 2015 – Seven Stars Restaurant – Dinner at 18:30 (6:30 PM) Appetizer: 7 Stars Seafood Bisque Cheddar Cheese and Crackers, Warm Fresh Bread Tossed Salad with House Dressing Entrees: (Select One) House Specialty, Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef 32-40 Ounces, Extra Thick and Slow Roasted Broiled King’s Cut of Filet Mignon 18-20 Ounces with French Fried Onion Rings Veal A La Oscar
Natural Veal Sautéed in Lemon Butter, topped with Jumbo Lump Crab, Asparagus Spears, and Hollandaise Sauce
Crab Imperial Jumbo Lump Crabmeat
Vegetables: Baked Potato and Buttered Broccoli Dessert: Cherry Cheese Cake Included: Coffee, Decaf Coffee, Hot Tea, and soft drinks. (Cash Bar) Price: $85.00 Attendees are asked to sponsor a TAC at the fixed rate. RSVP to the VFMA&C Alumni Office 610-989-1329 or [email protected]
Major General Walter Lord ’84C has challenged all alumni to match his donation of $200 toward this wonderful event. If you can’t attend help us say “Thank You.”
