[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E135-E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ACADEMY NOMINEES FOR 2004 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, every year, more high 
school seniors from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity 
jackets for navy pea coats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass 
buckles than most other districts in the country. But this is nothing 
new--our area has repeatedly sent an above average portion of its sons 
and daughters to the nation's military academies for decades.
  This fact should not come as a surprise. The educational excellence 
of area schools 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 1830s, 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 Government. Rather, the procedure still used today was, and 
is, a 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 and 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 six 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 that the best qualified and motivated graduates 
attend our academies. And, as true for most volunteer panels, their 
service goes largely unnoticed.
  I would like to take a moment to recognize these men and women and 
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 my office 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 
late November, 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.
  This year the board interviewed over 40 applicants. Nominations 
included 10 to the Naval Academy, 11 to the Military Academy, 4 to the 
Merchant Marine Academy and 4 to the Air Force Academy--the Coast Guard 
Academy does not use the congressional nomination process. The 
recommendations are then forwarded to the academies by January 31, 
where recruiters reviewed files and notified applicants and my office 
of their final decision 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 fighting the 
war against terrorism. Whether it is in Afghanistan, Iraq, or 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.

[[Page E136]]

   Academy Nominees for 2004, 11th Congressional District, New Jersey


                           Air Force Academy

     Dennis N. Stenkamp, Sparta, Sparta H.S.
     Bryant J. Tomlin, Sparta, Sparta H.S.
     John P. Libretti, Pine Brook, Seton Hall Prep
     Benjamin A. Kalfas, Montville, Montville H.S.


                            Merchant Marine

     Matthew R. Brady, Chatham, Chatham H.S.
     Ryan T. Davidson, Randolph, Randolph H.S.
     Anthony J. Day, Flanders, Mt. Olive H.S.
     Ashley Lally, Sparta, Sparta H.S.


                            Military Academy

     Anthony Arbolino, Netcong, Lenape Valley H.S.
     Brianna A. Beckman, Kinnelon, Kinnelon H.S.
     Kristen Cassarini, Rockaway, Morris Hills H.S.
     Christopher R. Elam, Oak Ridge, Jefferson H.S.
     Matthew J. Gnad, Kinnelon, Kinnelon H.S.
     John M. Kilcoyne, Essex Fells, West Essex H.S.
     Kristen Laraway, Long Valley, West Morris Central H.S.
     Shawn P. McKinstry, Bloomingdale, Trinity Christian School
     Michael A. Robinson, Brookside, West Morris Mendham H.S.
     Abigail E. Zoellner, Basking Ridge, Ridge H.S.
     Joshua A. Lospinoso, Florham Park, Hanover Park H.S.


                             Naval Academy

     Raymond F. Allen, Califon, West Morris Central H.S.
     Ashley Asdal, Chester, West Morris Mendham H.S.
     Sean K. Bergstrom, Mendham, Delbarton School
     Thomas D. Brenner, Jr., Livingston, Livingston H.S.
     Michael Collett, Chester, Delbarton School
     Jonathan E. DeWitt, Mendham, West Morris Mendham H.S.
     Mark Infante, Chester, Delbarton School
     Patrick Leahey, Morris Plains, Morristown H.S.
     Ashwin Rajaram, Flanders, Mount Olive H.S.
     Brian Schoenig, Pompton Plains, Pequannock H.S.

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