Local Midshipmen To Attend State Of The Union

ST. CHARLES, IL - From Congressman Randy Hultgren: U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) announced that U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Alex Vandenberg of Sugar Grove will be his guest at the State of the Union address on Tuesday. Alex was nominated to the Naval Academy by Rep. Hultgren, and in an unprecedented achievement simultaneously earned all three Orders of Merit (Academic, Military, Overall) and ascended to the top of his United States Naval Academy class the first semester of his first year.

“Alex has thrived at the Naval Academy, earning an unprecedented achievement and bringing great honor to the 14th Congressional District and to his family. Earning the top spot in academics, military and overall class rank at the same time is extremely difficult, and I remain proud of his nomination,” said Rep. Hultgren. “Alex has overcome great challenges to excel in his studies and in sports, playing on the varsity hockey team. I look forward to hosting him as my guest at the State of the Union address and honoring an American devoted to serving his country.”

During his first year at the U.S. Naval Academy, Midshipman Alex Vandenberg of Sugar Grove was ranked 1 of 1174 Plebes in A.O.M. (Academic Order of Merit), M.O.M. (Military Order of Merit), and O.O.M. (Overall Class Rank). Alex graduated from Marmion Academy in Aurora in 2015, where he was Battalion Commander for the junior reserve officer training corps (JROTC). Receiving a Bachelor of Science, and a commission, Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marines following their studies.

Photo courtesy of Congressman Randy Hultgren