The HR McMaster Center for Security Studies speaker series at the Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) welcomed Marc Ferraro as its opening speaker for the fall 2022 semester.

Mr. Ferraro is the primary assistant to the Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

The series is named for VFMAC graduate Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster ‘80

“What an honor it is to be invited to open this year’s H.R. McMaster speaker series,” said Mr. Ferraro. “VFMC educates leaders and whether they are military leaders or citizen leaders, I am hopeful my experiences can help shape their futures.”

During his remarks, Marc Ferraro spoke about leadership traits he’s learned during his 37 years in the military and six more in state government, citing resilience as a major component.

“You will make mistakes, but you can’t let that stop you. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going,” he said.

In addition, he stressed leaders have to make hard decisions noting that he still remembers the names of those in his unit lost on deployment, saying their deaths stay with him.

“Many of my decisions have been hard and they all have consequences but charged with leading, I have to keep moving. True leaders have compassion but are able to remove emotion from their decisions.”

VFMC Cadet and sophomore John Marier said he was deeply moved by Mr. Ferraro’s comments.

“His encouragement to never give up is inspirational.  Students everywhere, not just VFMC Cadets, need to hear that making mistakes is not the end of the world and that we can learn from them and improve ourselves,” said Cadet Marier.

In his current role, Mr. Ferraro is involved in activities across several key offices including Veterans Affairs, Administration, Facilities and Engineering, the Keystone State Challenge Academy, Public Affairs, and Policy, Planning, and Legislative Affairs.

Prior to this role, Mr. Ferraro served as the Deputy, Facilities, and Engineering, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. 

Mr. Ferraro is a graduate of the United States Army Drill Sergeant School, Basic Airborne Course, Pathfinder School, Cavalry Leaders Course, Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He holds a BS in Accounting and an MA in Strategic Studies and Executive Leadership. In addition, he has earned numerous awards and decorations during his military service.

About the HR McMaster Center

The HR McMaster Center for Security Studies is named for VFMAC graduate Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster ‘80, US Army (retired) who received an honorary degree from VFMC in 2017.  LTG McMaster served as the 26th National Security Advisor during the Trump administration.

The HR McMaster Center provides academic support for currently enrolled cadets and training opportunities for alumni and community members.

It is a center of excellence providing non-partisan, research-driven academic programs to prepare future leaders in the fields of national security, criminal justice, intelligence, and cybersecurity.

It aims to be the preeminent, internationally recognized center of academic excellence in national security, criminal justice, intelligence, and cybersecurity.

About Valley Forge Military College

Valley Forge Military College is a private two-year college committed to equipping young men and women to boldly face the challenges of life. It is the Military College of Pennsylvania. ™ Valley Forge Military Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12.