For many students in our district, this time of year brings the exciting news of college acceptances and seeing where their individual paths will take them. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to play a part in helping some of our students achieve their dreams. As a Congressman, I am able to nominate exemplary students from Missouri’s Third District to attend the United States Service Academies, including the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

This year, I’m happy to announce four students who have accepted their appointments for the class of 2022. Mason Hart from Jefferson City has accepted his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. James Moloney from Barnhart has accepted his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy after his graduation from Herculaneum High School. A student at Blair Oaks High School, Paige Lubbering from Jefferson City has accepted her offer of appointment at the United States Air Force Academy. Last, but not least, Connor Portlock from Barnhart has accepted his offer of appointment at the United States Air Force Academy upon his graduation from Windsor High School.

I applaud Mason, James, Paige, and Connor on their appointments! They have been selected from a highly competitive field of applicants and it is an honor to have so many qualified students representing our district.

While an appointment to one of our military academies guarantees the opportunity to gain a first class education, it’s important to remember the commitment these young adults are making. By attending an academy they are answering the call to serve our country and are agreeing to put all of us before themselves.  They are the future heroes of the United States and a point of exceptional pride for our district and Missouri. Just as much as we congratulate them, we should also say thank you. 

I encourage other students to learn more about the United States Service Academy admissions process. For those who may be interested in the application process and nomination timeline, please contact my office in Jefferson City. The application process for Congressional nominations for the class of 2023 will open on May 1, 2018.

Each year my office receives many applications from outstanding young men and women who seek to serve their nation, and I applaud their hard work. I believe that an appointment to a United States Military can be a positively life-changing experience, and I am happy to play a small part in helping those students who seek to serve our nation.

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