Torres Congratulates Local Students Accepted to U.S. Military Service Academies

ONTARIO, CA – Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) recently congratulated four area high school students accepted to the U.S. nilitary service academies. The students were nominated by a panel of judges with military backgrounds. Following a rigorous application and interview process, the judges made their recommendations to the respective service academies for final approval.

"Each year, one of my greatest privileges as a member of Congress is to nominate the best candidates our district has to offer. I want to congratulate these four exceptional students on their acceptance into the service academies," said Torres. "These students will not only receive an excellent education and learn invaluable skills and training, they'll also serve California and our nation proudly."

The following are this year's nominees, their city of residence, high school, and the academy to which they have been accepted:

Air Force Academy

Lucas Florendo, Fontana

Jurupa Hills High School

Air Force Academy Prep School

Malachi Samuels, Fontana

Diamond Bar High School

USMA (West Point)

Nicholas Ramos, Chino

Chino Hills High School

USMA (West Point) Prep School

Jacob Turner,Chino

Damien High School

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

In addition to a free college education, the honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Rep. Torres will nominate, through a competitive process, one individual for each vacant academy slot allotted to the 35^th district.

PHOTO CAPTION: Representative Norma J. Torres congratulates local students Lucas Florendo, Malachi Samuels, Nicholas Ramos, and Jacob Turner on their acceptance to the nation's military service academies.

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