Patchogue, NY - January 29, 2019 - On Thursday, January 24, 2019, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) was joined by New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, and 35 local applicants from across New York’s First Congressional District to announce his nominations to the United States Service Academies.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
Over the past year, Congressman Zeldin has worked closely with his staff and Service Academy Review Committee, a group of 18 volunteers, to narrow down the candidates based on specific criteria, including academic achievement, leadership potential, demonstration of character, and participation in extracurricular activities.
“These 35 young men and women are the best and brightest - academically, as future leaders in our community, and in everything they are already accomplishing,” said Congressman Zeldin following the ceremony. “Their decision to use their talents to serve our nation, by attending one of the U.S. service academies, brings such pride to Long Island and our entire nation, and it is an honor to present them with their nominations and congratulate them on their great achievement this early in life.”