Military Academy Nominees Meet High Standards

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the opportunity to nominate young men and women from Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies, and recently, I named my nominees for the Class of 2016. 

I offer my congratulations to Garrett McElligott of New Berlin, Nicholas Hermberg of Sussex, and Brian Biwer of Waukesha, who were named principal nominees to the US Air Force, Naval, and Military Academies, respectively. As principal nominees, their appointments are assured as long as they can meet the physical, academic and medical requirements of the academies. This is a high honor and reflects these students’ incredible character, service and achievements.

I also congratulate the other 19 students who received a competing alternate nomination. These individuals will be part of a pool of applicants from which the Academies will choose their 2016 class.

Nominees for the United States Service Academies are chosen from an impressive group of applicants residing throughout Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District. Each year, I am impressed with the caliber of individuals who apply to my office. These young men and women have already established a strong record of community service, excellence in academics and sports, and leadership among their peers.

Applicants endured a vigorous application process culminating in a personal interview with a member of my Academy Selection Committee.

Once at the academy, cadets must not only take a rigorous college courseload, but they must also complete difficult leadership and physical training in preparation for their five-year commitment to their branch of the military.

The U.S. Service Academies are among the most selective colleges and universities in the country, and graduates will carry this honor all through their lives.  

Those interested in an appointment to an academy must obtain a nomination from an official nominating source. This includes members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the president, the vice president, and secretaries of the Navy, Air Force and Army.

An individual may be nominated by more than one nominating source and to more than one academy. Those applying through my office must meet the following requirements as of July 1 of the year entering the academy: candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years of age, but not have passed their 23rd birthday, unmarried, and a resident of the 5th District.

I am accepting nomination applications for those who would like to enter any United States Service Academy in the summer of 2013. The deadline for application is in October of 2012. Inquiries concerning the process can be made to my District Office in Brookfield at (262) 784-1111.