Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) recognized four San Antonio-area students, three of whom he nominated to attend different United States military service academies.

Jaci Dillemuth of Judson Early College Academy and Eddie Lopez of Randolph High School have been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also from Randolph High are Thomas Larrea, who was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and Will Watkins, who was accepted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. All students will begin their studies at the service academies this fall.

“These students show the spirit of service and integrity in our local students,” Congressman Cuellar said. “As a strong supporter of our armed services, I understand what an honor it is to be accepted to one of our nation’s military service academies. The academies only take the best students from across the country and mold them into the leaders of tomorrow. I congratulate Jaci, Eddie, Thomas and Will on their acceptances.”

The process to gain acceptance to a military service academy is very rigorous and competitive. In order to qualify for acceptance, students must receive a nomination from either their U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator or the Vice President. The following institutions require a congressional nomination:

·         U.S. Military Academy at West Point

·         U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis

·         U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs

·         U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point

Congressman Cuellar on Thursday recognized four San Antonio-area students who were accepted into our national service academies, three of which he nominated. Jaci Dillemuth of Judson Early College Academy (left) was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. And from Randolph High School (right), Eddie Lopez was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Thomas Larrea was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland; and Will Watkins, was accepted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. All students will begin their studies at the service academies this fall.