U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney hosted a sendoff reception on Thursday to honor local students who will be leaving for military academies. Two of those students are from the Cornwall area.
At the reception, Maloney presented certificates to the new appointees. The event was attended by the students’ families and members of the service academy selection board.
Tyler Morasse, of Cornwall, was appointed to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. John Germain, of Cornwall-on-Hudson, will be attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. They joined nine other students from across the region at the reception, all of whom will be attending various military academies.
“Acceptance to the Service Academies is incredibly selective, so these students truly represent the best and brightest and we are so privileged they have chosen to continue their education in service to our nation,” Maloney said. “Congratulations to the appointees and their families!”
Maloney was joined at the reception by Service Academy Selection Board members, including Major Beau Pendergaft, a USMA Professor of Military Science; Robert Anderson, an Adjunct Professor of SUNY Marittime College’s Department of Professional Mariner Training at Fort Schuyler; and Jay Laffee, a “Political/Legislative Officer at U.S. West Point Mint.
Each of these extremely talented young Americans have been accepted into a Service Academy based on their individual merit,” said Pendergraft. “All of their previous focus, hard work and support from family has paid off as recipients of such a great honor.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to be associated with the Service Academy Selection Board,” Jaffee noted. “It is uplifting to meet and interview motivated young people who desire to attend these institutions where they will be developed into their generation’s leadership and custodians in the defense of this great Republic.”
United States Congressmen have the authority to nominate students to the four United States Service Academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.
To assist with the nomination process, Maloney established a committee of military and civic leaders from the Hudson Valley which interviewed potential nominees, reviewed their applications, and made recommendations. The Academies make the final decision on who receives an appointment of admission.
