U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick recently announced his selections for military service academy nominations
By Tom Waring
The Times
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) joined Bucks and Montgomery county students, families and military veterans to announce his selections for military service academy nominations.
This year’s class includes 24 nominees with recommendations to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
“As your representative, one of my most important responsibilities is nominating qualified young men and women from Bucks and Montgomery counties to our nation’s prestigious service academies to continue the American tradition of service,” Fitzpatrick said. “With this evening’s event, you are taking your first step toward the goal of serving your communities and your country in the United States armed forces. It has been an honor to see so many proud young Americans undertake this process. With great schools and exceptional families, each year our area boasts some of the most competitive applicants the service academies review. They have their work cut out for them — and I expect this year to be no different.”
Service academy nominations are recommended to Fitzpatrick by his nomination committee, which includes active duty and retired military members from across the 8th Congressional District.
“I encourage everyone to pursue military service — yes, there is personal sacrifice involved, but it is also an opportunity unlike any other. As a military member, you will receive training that is second to none in the world and gain responsibility at an age that is incomprehensible to sane people,” said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Susan DeGiovanni, a Solebury resident and member of the nomination committee. “You will do things you can’t even imagine doing and you will build camaraderie that isn’t possible anywhere else. You will be a part of something larger than yourself that will change your life forever. From the stories you shared with us during your interviews, I know you have service in your blood.”
A congressional nomination does not guarantee entry to a service academy. Many who do not assume a position at one of the service academies go on to receive ROTC scholarships or appointments to other military academies such as The Citadel or Virginia Military Institute.
Those receiving nominations were:
Thomas Wassel (Souderton, U.S. Military Academy); Christina Lyons (Villa Joseph Marie, U.S. Military Academy, Air Force, Merchant Marine, Navy); Dylan Taylor (Perkiomen Valley, U.S. Military Academy); Matthew Whalen (Council Rock North, U.S. Military Academy, Navy); Scott Erney (Archbishop Wood, U.S. Military Academy, Navy); Amanda Hughes (Central Bucks South, U.S. Military Academy); Jaime Dougherty (Central Bucks East, U.S. Military Academy); Madeleine Rizzuto (Notre Dame, U.S. Military Academy, Air Force); Jarrett Reichwein (Central Bucks West, U.S. Military Academy); Jacob Minakowski (CR North, U.S. Military Academy); Evan Marrone (Souderton, Air Force); Chloe Miller-Russo (CB West, Air Force, Navy); Jacob Heffner (Souderton, Air Force); Jacob Grube (CB East, Air Force, Merchant Marine); Andrew Cabo (CR North, Air Force); Patrick Gannon (Pennridge, Air Force, Merchant Marine); Ian Donaher (CB West, Air Force); John Brophy (CB East, Air Force, Navy); Michael O’Donnell (Wood, Merchant Marine); Grace Loughery (Pennridge, Navy); Benjamin Komita (CB South, Navy); Jessica Nangel (Wood, Navy); Kasey Dietzel (CB South, Navy); and Gabrielle Shepherd (CR North, Navy). ••
