General, pastor help FMS with Blessing of the Colors

Brig. Gen. Flora Darpino admits to being “vertically challenged,” and that as a result she isn’t always among the best competitors in running events or on the obstacle course.

“But I will tell you, every time I’m out there, I am absolutely the best I can be. I am the best I can be individually, and that’s what you should strive to be,” said Darpino, the commander of the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, who served as the keynote speaker at Fishburne Military School’s Blessing of the Colors ceremony on Wednesday.

The event marked the beginning of the 134th academic year at Fishburne. Rev. Matt Coiner (FMS ’91) from Vesuvius Baptist Church took care of the formal “blessing of the colors,” offering blessings for the flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia and FMS.

Darpino offered high praise for the FMS Color Guard and for the cadets and faculty that she interacted with on her visit to campus.

“Knowledge is power,” said Darpino, quoting the FMS motto to challenge cadets to seize the opportunity that they have as students at Fishburne.

Cadets need to arms themselves “with the weapons of success,” Darpino said.

“Here you can develop the skills that will allow you to choose your own path in life,” Darpino said.

More online at www.Fishburne.org.