The ACF: Bridging Cavaliers Worldwide
By: Pedrito "Pete" S. Cadungog, PMA '75

I don't know if Sir Juny, who planted the seed, intended the seed to be a tree that will grow taller, sturdier and wider. But lo and behold, the tree that grew out of the seed is growing mightily and bears many fruits. As the Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - (Romans 8:28). "A man reaps what he sows ..... Let us not become weary in doing what is good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:7 & 9).

When Sir Juny started linking PMA cavaliers and his friends through his "The Friends of the Hawaiian Webmaster," I did not hesitate to join. Maybe it was out of over-excitement over this "e-mail" thing, but who cares about what was in my unconscious mind? He sowed a good seed and I want to help in watering it. I would like to believe that this "bridging of cavaliers worldwide" is not only meant "to reminisce our past years as cadets" - the famous "during our time," the love of tackling lowerclassmen with "my last name ... snappiest company ... snappiest class ... chin! suck guts! brace up!

More importantly, I believe that today and into the future the ACF means sharing of experiences, wisdom and capabilities wherever we are, in "real time" through the electronic mail, 24 hours a day. The four years of training in the Academy (and its equivalent years to our fellow members from other sources) were not enough to make us a "whole man" but sufficient to prepare us to confront the harsh realities outside of her portals.

Our Alma Mater gave us the basics, the ideals, the models and the tools to make us survive in our own real world. Just like a good mother to her baby, we were allowed to crawl, stand up, fall, stumble and stand up again on ourselves, in order that we can develop our bones and other body structures. If she keeps on spoonfeeding us and always cushions our every fall, we could have grown up weak, cry-babies, no confidence, weakling.

We are now outside of our Alma Mater's care. The ACF is taking over from our mother (notwithstanding the PMAAA and the various chapter organizations) for her children to interact with each other, build relationships, help each other and sometimes "kaya-hize" and even "kabug-ize" each other. We are now free from our mother's protective wings. We are now free to express ourselves, away from the rigid rules and regulations of the Academic Group, the Tactics Group, the CCAFP, etc., etc.

The upperclass-lowerclass mentality will now be a thing in the sideline. This is a forum to link up in arms, not a butt-stroke to break that chain. Now we no longer talk of "during our time" but talk to "Sir Los Oracion" over in the US (whom I believe is the oldest member of ACF) and to "Jigs" over at the Academy and to "Lizzie" in far and cold Iceland at the same time. The longest bridge so far.

The ACF functions separately from the PMA Alumni Association because we have members outside of the PMAAA coverage. Aside from its length, the bridge is wide open. The bridge does not exact toll fees. The bridge accepts one in a bicycle or one in his Mach 3 aircraft provided he/she recognizes himself/herself as one with us in family background, training background, in spirit and in soul.

For as long as Information Technology keeps on growing, the ACF will grow and fruits will multiply. And the bridging of cavaliers worldwide will keep growing. Who knows we may even extend it into the airspace and out to the outer space. The best is yet to be. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)