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Congressman Ken Buck Announces Military Academy Appointments

June 21, 2017

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) announced the names of the 14 students from Colorado's 4th Congressional District, all of whom he nominated, who have received appointments to the U.S. military academies. Of the 14, eight will be attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs while one will attend the Merchant Marine Academy, three will attend the Naval Academy, and two will attend West Point. Each of these candidates has been appointed for their superior academic and athletic achievements as well as their commitment to public service in their communities. Congressman Buck is proud of these young students, who represent the very best that the 4th District has to offer.

"I'm so proud of the young men and women from Colorado who have committed their lives to protecting this country and our ideals," Congressman Ken Buck stated. "I couldn't be more confident in our nation's future because these men and women will be in charge."

The service academies offer students dedicated to public service an undergraduate education that integrates academic studies with athletic competition and preparation for military leadership. To be admitted to a military academy, students must be nominated by their Representative, their Senator, or the Vice President of the United States. Upon receiving a nomination, applicants must pass the admissions processes of the academies themselves. Once admitted, these students will receive a top-tier education for free with the commitment that they will serve in the armed forces for five years after graduation.

Scott Johnson, from Douglas County, will attend the Air Force Academy this fall and shared his thoughts in this video.

Congressman Buck's remarks on these students were entered in the Congressional Record and each student received a copy of their Congressional Record entry (see attached photos).

Below is a list of students from the Fourth Congressional District who have been appointed to a military academy in the 2017-2018 academic year after receiving a nomination from Congressman Buck:

Air Force Academy:

Victoria Bernabei – Chaparral High

Jordan Coffman – Hoehne High/University of CO-Colorado Springs

Alexander Hamilton – Regis Jesuit High

Scott Johnson – Legend High

Gianni Orlando – Valor Christian High

Spencer Rohlwing – Regis Jesuit High/Northwestern Preparatory School

Shaina Smidt – Castle View High/Northwestern Preparatory School

Nolan Laufenberg – Castle View High

Merchant Marine Academy:

Alexander Mueller – Front Range Christian

Naval Academy:

Philip Dalke – Castle View High/CSU-Pueblo

Paul Fletcher – Legend High

Jeanette Steerman – McClave High School

West Point:

Katherine Murphy – Colorado Early Colleges

Julia Wyatt – Frederick High