One year ago, Santa Clarita’s Micaela Baljet joined 12 of her peers to celebrate a remarkable achievement: an appointment to one of our nation’s military service academies.
After finishing up her time at Academy of the Canyons, she returned to our district as an Air Force Academy cadet to deliver a message to the newest class of appointees:
“There are many struggles and triumphs ahead of you, but as you face each day remember that you chose the path of service and not one of selfish pursuits. Each mile you run, test you study for, and meal you march to is not for you but for the airmen, guardians, seamen, marines and soldiers you will one day lead.”
Each year, some of the finest young men and women in our community make the same choice Micaela did — to serve our country by attending one of America’s military service academies. It’s one of the highest honors a student can achieve, and one of the most demanding commitments a person can make.
One of the responsibilities I treasure most as your representative in the United States Congress is the opportunity to nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (the fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment).
Applications are open right now for students seeking a nomination to attend one of these world-class institutions, and I encourage all those interested to get in touch with my office to learn more.
I was honored to join leaders like Micaela at our send-off ceremony for the newest class of appointees earlier this year. Standing before their families and mentors, I was reminded that these young people — from schools across the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys — embody the best of who we are. They’ve excelled in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities. Most importantly, they’ve now selflessly chosen the path of service.
Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert, former commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, joined us that day, too, and reminded these students that “the service academies are going to try you in some ways … it might take all that you got, but you got what it takes.” That spirit — the belief that grit, attitude and perseverance can overcome any challenge — is exactly what our nation needs more of.
In a time when our country can feel divided, these young men and women remind us of what unites us: love of country, respect for duty and the willingness to serve something greater than ourselves.
If you are a high school student with a calling to serve, or a parent or teacher who knows someone who might be interested, I encourage you to learn more about the nomination process. Applications for this year’s class are due by Friday, Oct. 31. You can find all the details, including how to apply, on my website at whitesides.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.
To all who aspire to wear the uniform — thank you. You represent the strength, discipline and honor that make our nation great. And to the families, teachers and mentors who guide these students — your encouragement helps shape the next generation of American leaders.
Rep. George Whitesides represents California’s 27th Congressional District. “Democratic Voices” appears Tuesdays and rotates among several local Democrats.
