U.S. Army Drill Team To Join Valley Forge Military Academy and College For Annual Tattoo Performance on November 24

Wayne, Pennsylvania - October 8, 2015 - To usher in the Thanksgiving season, Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMAC), presents a musical extravaganza in Price Gymnasium. On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, VFMAC Bandmaster WO2 Philip Evans, Royal Marines (Ret.), Director of Music Programs and Tattoo Director, will present the 2015 Valley Forge Military Academy & College Military Tattoo, a musical performance showcasing the VFMAC Regimental Band, Field Music, Herald Trumpets, the Regimental Choir, and Drill Team and featuring the U.S. Army Drill Team (USADT). The program begins at 4:30 p.m. in Price Gymnasium and the community is heartily invited to attend.

VFMAC President, Stacey R. Sauchuk, Ph.D. reflects, “Military tattoos originated as military drum performances. The British Army established the practice while serving in the Low Countries during the 17th Century. The 2015 Military Tattoo is Valley Forge’s own contribution to this great military tradition. We are excited that the U.S. Army Drill Team has decided to join the Cadets and be a part of our tattoo this year.”

The U.S. Army Drill Team is a precision drill platoon with the primary mission of showcasing the U.S. Army both nationally and internationally through breathtaking routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. The U.S. Army Drill Team performs for military, government, non-profit, and civilian organizations. Through their daring and complex performances the U.S. Army Drill Team acts as “good-will ambassadors” for the Army, supporting community relations and recruiting efforts on behalf of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army.

The U.S Army Drill Team performs annually as part of “Twilight Tattoo” (May - July) and “Spirit of America” (September), and year round at various public events. The U.S. Army Drill Team was organized to concentrate on precise marching and crisp rifle drill. They have supported The Old Guard’s ceremonial missions, thrilling millions of youngsters and proud Americans for more than 50 years.

Soldiers are selected for this elite unit after six months of rigorous and competitive drill practice. Trim military bearing, strength, and dexterity are mandatory prerequisites for qualification to the Drill Team. For those selected for the team, the rigors of training never stop. To execute their complicated routines as close to perfection as possible, the team practices constantly. Today’s U.S. Army Drill Team Soldiers and their performances are one of the finest examples of what dedicated training and teamwork produces in today’s Army.

Valley Forge Military Academy and College is an international leadership institution, comprised of a middle school (grades 6-8), high school (grades 9-12), and college. Located in Wayne, PA, 12 miles from Philadelphia, VFMAC offers commuting and boarding options. Students are immersed in a unique college preparatory educational experience centered on academic excellence, personal motivation, and character that helps them reach their academic potential to achieve success in the classroom and beyond. From its cadet ranks, to the rifle club, to its award winning equestrian program, VFMAC teaches students leadership and responsibility in practical ways.