July 2007

"Congressional Salute" sends off appointees to nation's military academies

Dear friend:

Eleven young people from our First Congressional District are heading off to begin one of the most unique and challenging experiences in higher education: attending one of America's U.S. military academies. Each year, I have the honor of nominating graduating seniors from schools throughout Hawaii's First Congressional District for an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This year, 11 of my appointees, representing nine Oahu high schools and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, have been selected by four of the academies to begin their studies this summer.

This year's appointees were introduced to the audience. (Left to right: David Otte, Robert Thompson, Lauren Hu, Gian Mark Agni, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Marissa Fong, David Park, John Walker, Patrick Janicke.

Meet and see the appointees
I invite you to see and hear these appointees talk about their expectations and futures on my new, half-hour weekly public access television program, "Hawaii Now," every Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. on Olelo Channel 54. This episode premieres on July 10, 2007, and will be repeated at that same time on July 17, 24, and 31. The program includes some sound advice from the appointees for other students interested in pursuing the education and opportunities at a military academy. The appointees also talk about their diverse academic and personal goals and what they hope to accomplish, once they enter military service.

Before they reported in to their new schools, each appointee, their family, and a mentor of their choosing was invited to "A Congressional Salute," at Fort Shafter's Hale Ikena. It was the first time they would gather and meet one another, and it also gave me the opportunity to spend a little time with them and their families. It is an outstanding group:

  • Gian Mark Agni, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; graduate of U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; son of Carolina Agni.
  • Robert Dickie, U.S. Military Academy; Leilehua High School; son of James and Karen Dickie.
  • Marissa Fong, U.S. Air Force Academy; Sacred Hearts Academy; daughter of Randall and Linda Fong.
  • Lauren Hu, U.S. Air Force Academy; Punahou School; daughter of Frederic and Marie Hu.
  • Kazden Ikehara, U.S. Air Force Academy; Kamehameha Schools; son of Adrian and Iolani Ikehara.
  • Patrick Janicke, U.S. Naval Academy; Iolani School; son of Russell and Tamara Janicke.
  • Eldon Llarenas, U.S. Air Force Academy; Kaiser High School; son of Mark and Noemi Llarenas.
  • David Park, U.S. Military Academy; McKinley High School; son of Michael Park.
  • Robert Thompson, U.S. Military Academy; Saint Louis School; son of Debra Thompson.
  • John Walker, U.S. Military Academy; Mililani High School; son of John and Jeanne Walker.
  • David Otte, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; son of Rojelio and Deborah Herrera.

An arduous process
Their appointments culminate a months-long process that one appointee described as "arduous, to say the least." Each application and background information is reviewed by an independent, three-member military academy nominations board, comprised of Charlie Ota, Vice President Military Affairs, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and an Army veteran; Edward V. Richardson, Hawaii State Adjutant General (ret.); and Major Stephanie Price, Air Force Congressional Liaison. These community representatives serve voluntarily, working independently from my office to ensure every applicant receives a thorough and fair review of his or her qualifications. At the conclusion of that review, the board nominates selected applicants whose names are then submitted to the military academy the applicant wishes to attend. Each academy then conducts its own review of a nominee before deciding whether to offer an appointment.

Preparing for success
"You have everything it takes to be extremely successful at any of our academies," said Major General Edward A. Rice, Jr., Vice Commander, Pacific Air Forces - an Air Force Academy graduate - who spoke to the appointees at the event. "To some extent, the most difficult part is past you. You have made it past the competition and you have won an appointment. Lots of very well-qualified people were not as successful as you in getting through that gate."

Now, the rigors and challenges of academy life await the appointees at their respective academies, which will prepare them for their futures as leaders. "You're stepping into a profession where you will lead our nation's most precious resource - our sons and daughters," said U.S. Army Colonel Robert B. Brown, currently J7 Director, Training & Exercises Directorate, United States Pacific Command. A West Point graduate himself, Brown said he was thankful for his education because everything he had done at West Point had prepared him for the challenges he faced throughout his career, including some of "the toughest days" of his time as a commander in Iraq.

Supporting their work
I've had the distinct privilege of nominating outstanding high school graduates from Hawaii to our nation's military academy every year I've served in Congress. But this year, I chair the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, with direct responsibility for the Army and Air Force. I also serve as a member of the Seapower Subcommittee, responsible for the Navy and Marine Corps. In those positions, I'm acutely aware of what is required of today's military leaders, and I've focused much of my subcommittee work on ensuring that our forces are prepared and equipped to face the challenges in the world. These young people have made an important choice in their lives and for their country. Their families and community should be very proud. I congratulate them.

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

Member of Congress

 
 
   
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