[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E113-E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PRIME RECRUITING GROUND FOR ACADEMIES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, every year, more high school seniors 
from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity jackets for Navy 
peacoats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass buckles than any other 
district in the county. But this is nothing new--our area has 
repeatedly sent an above-average proportion of its sons and daughters 
to the Nation's military academies for decades.
  This shouldn't come as a surprise. The educational excellence of our 
area is well known and has long been a magnet for families looking for 
the best environment in which to raise their children. Our graduates 
are skilled not only in mathematics, science, and social studies, but 
also have solid backgrounds in sports, debate teams, and other 
extracurricular activities. This diverse upbringing makes military 
academy recruiters sit up and take note--indeed, many recruiters know 
our towns and schools by name.
  Since the 1830's, Members of Congress have enjoyed meeting, talking 
with, and nominating these superb young people to our military 
academies. But how did this process evolve?
  In 1843, when West Point was the sole academy, Congress ratified the 
nominating process and became directly involved in the makeup of our 
military's leadership. This was not an act of an imperial Congress bent 
on controlling every aspect of the Government. Rather, the procedure 
still used today was, and is, one further check and balance in our 
democracy. It was originally designed to weaken and divide political 
coloration in the officer corps, provide geographical balance to our 
armed services, and to make the officer corps more resilient to 
unfettered nepotism that handicapped European armies.
  In 1854, Representative Gerritt Smith of New York added a new 
component to the academy nomination process--the academy review board. 
This was the first time a Member of Congress appointed prominent 
citizens from his district to screen applicants and assist with the 
serious duty of nominating candidates for academy admission. Today, I 
am honored to continue this wise tradition in my service to the 11th 
Congressional District.
  The Academy Review Board is composed of nine local citizens who have 
shown exemplary service to New Jersey, to their communities, and to the 
continued excellence of education in our area--many are veterans. 
Though from diverse backgrounds and professions, they all share a 
common dedication to seeing that the best qualified and motivated 
graduates attend our academies. And, as is true for most volunteer 
panels, their service goes largely unnoticed.
  I would like to take a moment to recognize these men and women and to 
thank them publicly for participating in this important panel. Being on 
the board requires hard work and an objective mind. Members have the 
responsibility of interviewing upwards of 50 outstanding high school 
seniors every year in the academy review process.
  The nomination process follows a general timetable. High school 
seniors mail personal information directly to the Military Academy, the 
Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy 
once they become interested in attending. Information includes academic 
achievement, college entry test scores, and other activities. At this 
time, they also inform their Representative of their desire to be 
nominated.
  The academies then assess the applicants, rank them based on the data 
supplied, and return the files to my office with their notations. In 
mid-December, our Academy Review Board interviews all of the applicants 
over the course of 2 days. They assess a student's qualifications and 
analyze character, desire to serve, and other talents that may be 
hidden on paper.
  Last year, the board interviewed over 30 applicants. Nominations 
included 10 to the Naval Academy, 7 to the Military Academy, 4 to the 
Air Force Academy, and 5 to the Merchant Marine Academy--the Coast 
Guard Academy does not use the Congressional nomination process. The 
Board then forwards their recommendations to the academies by January 
31, where recruiters review files and notify applicants and my office 
of their final decisions on admission.
  It is both reassuring and rewarding to know that many of our military 
officers hail from our hometowns or close by. When we consider the role 
of these officers in peace or war, we can rest easier knowing that the 
best and brightest are in command. Wherever they are sent, be that 
Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti or the Persian Gulf, many of these officers have 
academy training.
  And while a few people may question the motivations and ambitions of 
some young people, the academy review process shows that the large 
majority of our graduates are just as highly motivated as the guidance 
from loving parents, dedicated teachers and schools, and from trusted 
clergy and rabbis. Indeed, every time I visit a school, speak at a 
college, or meet a young academy nominee, I am constantly reminded that 
we as a nation are blessed with fine young men and women.

[[Page E114]]

  Their willingness and desire to serve their country is perhaps the 
most persuasive evidence of all.

   Academy Nominees for 2001, 11th Congressional District, New Jersey


                           Air Force Academy

       Christopher Hill, Pompton Plains, Peqannock H.S.; Tin T. 
     Nguyen, Denville, Morris Knolls H.S.; Michael Raphel, Jr., 
     Bridgewater, Bridgewater-Raritan; and Alexander T. Wong, 
     Montville, Montville H.S.


                            Merchant Marine

       Joseph M. Crowley, Randolph, Randolph H.S.; Michael 
     Frediani, Morris Plains, Parsippany H.S.; James J. Maye, IV, 
     Bridgewater, Bridgewater-Raritan; Bradley W. Schmidt, Mine 
     Hill, Dover H.S.; and Patrick H. Uhles, Montville, Montville 
     H.S.


                            Military Academy

       Lee W. Barnes, Mendham, West Morris Mendham; Robert J. 
     Brougham, Randolph, Randolph H.S.; Paul P. Crooke, Long 
     Valley, West Morris Central; Bethanne N. Laggy, Flanders, 
     Pope John XXIII H.S.; David M. Marshall, Jr., Pompton Plains, 
     Pequannock; Andrew G. Schmidt, Chester, West Morris Mendham; 
     and William Wu, Morris Plains, Parsippany Hills H.S.


                             Naval Academy

       Andrew R. Bradley, Chester, West Morris Mendham; John J. 
     Donnelly, III, Randolph, Delbarton School; Patrick M. Falvey, 
     Randolph, Randolph H.S.; Thomas J. Kelly, Liberty Corner, 
     Ridge H.S.; Jerimiah D. Lancaster, Lake Hopatcong, Jefferson 
     H.S.; Ralph P. Lufkin, Basking Ridge, Ridge H.S.; Amy 
     Swiatecki-McCabe, Chatham, Chatham H.S.; Adam R. Mueller, 
     Bridgewater, Bridgewater-Raritan; Amanda M. Orson, Towaco, 
     Montville H.S./The Citadel; and Grant M. Thompson, 
     Livingston, Livingston H.S.

     

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