[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E93-E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ACADEMY NOMINEES FOR 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  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

[[Page E94]]

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 40 applicants. Nominations 
included 10 to the Naval Academy, 10 to the Military Academy, 5 to the 
Air Force Academy, and 4 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.
  As these highly motivated and talented young men and women go through 
the academy nominating process, never let us forget the sacrifice they 
are preparing to make: to defend our country and protect our citizens. 
This holds especially true at a time when our nation is currently 
fighting the war against terrorism. Whether it be in Afghanistan as 
part of ``Operation Enduring Freedom'', Bosnia, the Persian Gulf or in 
other hot spots around the world, no doubt we are constantly reminded 
that wars are fought by the young. And, while our military missions are 
both important and dangerous, it is reassuring to know that we continue 
to put America's best and brightest in command.
  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.
  Their willingness and desire to serve their country is perhaps the 
most persuasive evidence of all.

   ACADEMY NOMINEES FOR 2002, 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, NEW JERSEY


                           AIR FORCE ACADEMY

       Matthew C. Bloemer, Sparta, Sparta H.S., Edwin Fairfield, 
     Morristown, Morristown H.S., Scott A. Pontzer, Sparta, Pope 
     John XXIII H.S., William G. Rock, Caldwell, James Caldwell 
     H.S., Eric R. Dittman, Hackettstown, United States Air Force 
     Academy.


                            MERCHANT MARINE

       Edmond Grant, Chatham, Oratory Prep, Mark A. Levis, 
     Chatham, Chatham H.S., Matthew J. Pulitano, Randolph, Morris 
     Catholic H.S., Luke O. Saalfield, Basking Ridge, Ridge H.S.


                            MILITARY ACADEMY

       Lee W. Barnes, Mendham, Morris County College, Robert 
     Brougham, Randolph, Berkshire School, Christopher Cimorelli, 
     Pompton Plains, Pequannock H.S., Geoffrey Crater, Chatham, 
     Chatham H.S., Philip Durkin, Sparta, Pope John XXIII H.S., 
     Edward Gibbons, Jr., Chatham, Chatham H.S., Nicole Miller, 
     Chester, West Morris Mendham H.S., Peter H. Newman, Kinnelon, 
     Kinnelon H.S., Lisa Torsiello, Morristown, Morristown H.S., 
     Todd Trautz, Long Valley, West Morris Central H.S.


                             NAVAL ACADEMY

       Zachary Alpern, Morristown, Newark Academy, Benjamin 
     DeWitt, Mendham, West Morris Mendham H.S., David Faherty, 
     Sparta, Pope John XXIII H.S., James Flannery, Jr., 
     Bridgewater, Saint Joseph's H.S., Matthew Gonabe, Lake 
     Hopatcong, Pope John XXIII H.S., Robert Hayes, Chatham, 
     Chatham H.S., Katelyn McCormick, Stirling, Morris Catholic 
     H.S., Stanford Shaw III, Basking Ridge, Ridge H.S., Ross 
     Towers, Stanhope, University of Pittsburgh, James Wyatt, 
     Randolph, Randolph H.S.