DOYLESTOWN, PA –  Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) joined Bucks and Montgomery county students, families and military veterans Friday night to announce his selections for military service academy nominations. This year’s class includes 24 nominees with recommendations to the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“As your representative, one of my most important responsibilities is nominating qualified young men and women from Bucks and Montgomery counties to our nation’s prestigious service academies to continue this tradition of American service,” said Fitzpatrick speaking at the ceremony, held at the Bucks County Justice Center. “With this evening’s event, you are taking your first step toward the goal of serving your communities and your country in the United States Armed Forces. It has been an honor to see so many proud young Americans undertake this process. With great schools and exceptional families, each year our area boasts some of the most competitive applicants the service academies review. They have their work cut out for them – and I expect this year to be no different.”

Service Academy Nominations are recommended to Fitzpatrick by his Nomination Committee which includes active duty and retired military members from across the Eighth District.

“I encourage everyone to pursue military service - yes, there is personal sacrifice involved, but it is also an opportunity unlike any other. As a military member, you will receive training that is second to none in the world and gain responsibility at an age that is incomprehensible to sane people,” said USAF Lt. Col. Susan DeGiovanni (Ret.), of Solebury - an Air Force Academy graduate and member of Fitzpatrick’s Nomination Committee. “You will do things you can’t even imagine doing and you will build camaraderie that isn’t possible anywhere else. You will be a part of something larger than yourself that will change your life forever. From the stories you shared with us during your interviews, I know you have service in your blood.”

The Service Academies offer near limitless possibilities - from a world class education to exciting personal challenges. While a congressional nomination does not guarantee entry to a service academy, these young men and women were able to distinguish themselves amongst a highly competitive group of their peers. Many who do not assume a position at one of the Service Academies go on to receive ROTC Scholarships, appointments to other military Academies such as The Citadel or Virginia Military Institute.

Those receiving nominations include:

• Thomas Wassel (SOUDERTON) – U.S. Military Academy

• Christina Lyons (VILLA JOSEPH MARIE) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Airforce Academy; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Dylan Taylor (PERKIOMEN VALLEY) – U.S. Military Academy
• Matthew Whalen (C.R. NORTH) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Scott Erney (ARCHBISHOP WOOD) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Amanda Hughes (C.B. SOUTH) – U.S. Military Academy
• Jaime Dougherty (C.B. EAST) – U.S. Military Academy
• Madeleine Rizzuto (NOTRE DAME) – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Airforce Academy
• Jarrett Reichwein (C.B. WEST) – U.S. Military Academy
• Jacob Minakowski (C.R. NORTH) – U.S. Military Academy
• Evan Marrone (SOUDERTON) – U.S. Airforce Academy
• Chloe Miller-Russo (C.B. WEST) – U.S. Airforce Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Jacob Heffner (SOUDERTON) – U.S. Airforce Academy
• Jacob Grube (C.B. EAST) – U.S. Airforce Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Andrew Cabo (C.R. NORTH) – U.S. Airforce Academy
• Patrick Gannon (PENNRIDGE) – U.S. Airforce Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Ian Donaher (C.B. WEST) – U.S. Airforce Academy
• John Brophy (C.B. EAST) – U.S. Airforce Academy, U.S. Naval Academy
• Michael O’Donnell (ARCHBISHOP WOOD) - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Grace Loughery (PENNRIDGE) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Benjamin Komita (C.B. SOUTH) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Jessica Nangel (ARCHBISHOP WOOD) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Kasey Dietzel (C.B. SOUTH) - U.S. Naval Academy
• Gabrielle Shepherd (C.R. NORTH) - U.S. Naval Academy