Blumenthal Nominates Local Students to Military Service Academies

Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Thursday announced the names of the young men and women whom he has nominated to four of the nation’s service academies.

“These extraordinary young leaders will help continue to make our armed forces the strongest and smartest in world history,” said Blumenthal. “This year’s nominees are among the brightest and toughest of their generation. I congratulate them and their families for their commitment to serving their country, and I am proud to aid them in pursuing this opportunity.”

The following students were nominated for the Class of 2016:

U.S. Military Academy
Erika Trapp, Durham

U.S. Naval Academy
Sarah Rosborough, Durham

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Taylor Jacobs, Killingworth

Each year, Members of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the U.S. service academies: The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military or merchant marine and serve for a minimum of five years.

Senators are allowed a maximum of five appointees to each academy at one time. Nominees are chosen by Blumenthal’s nonpartisan Selection Committee made up of service academy graduates and retired military personnel.