WASHINGTON - Ross Fitting of Ironwood has been appointed to West Point, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced this week.  A 2003 graduate of A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, Fitting is currently a Specialist in the United States Army.  After serving for a year in Iraq, he is now stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina awaiting enrollment in July.

Fitting received nomination to the Academy by both his Congressman, Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), and by the Secretary of the Army.

 "This unusual dual nomination is a tribute to this young man's character and ability," said Stupak.  "Specialist Fitting knows what it's like to be in harm's way while patrolling Baghdad, where he served with distinction.  He will be an excellent candidate for the United States Military Academy at West Point and eventually Specialist Fitting will hopefully make a superb Army officer.  While there were many excellent northern Michigan applicants for this appointment and it was difficult to choose one, Ross exhibited unique leadership characteristics that made him the best choice for this nomination."

Fitting is currently serving in the military police.  Fitting has long held an interest in law enforcement.  During high school, Fitting worked as an intern with Gogebic County Sheriff Larry Sanders.

"Attending West Point will provide me the skills, education and background to become an exemplary military officer," Fitting said.  "I look forward to continuing my career as an officer and to representing the U.P. at West Point."

Specialist Fitting has been awarded the Action Combat Badge, Army Accommodation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Overseas Service Ribbon. Fitting is also completing an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Lake State University.   He is the son of Mark Fitting of Ironwood, and Sandy Barbacovi, formerly of Bessemer, and now of Marenisco.

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