Two local men are included in the list of 22 people nominated to be considered for admittance into the U.S. Military, Naval or Air Force Academies.
18th District Congressman Darin LaHood announced on Friday his nominations, including Matthew Helmich of Virginia and Mason Pohlman of Jacksonville. Pohlman and Helmich are both going to Air Force.
LaHood released a video statement about the nominations:
“These 22 young men and women are wonderful young people, and they worked very, very hard to get to this level through the application process and all their hard work, and I want to congratulate them. I also want to congratulate their parents, who helped raise them and get them to this level as they move on to serve our country,” says LaHood.
“And also, a special thanks and much appreciation to our committee that was set up, including veterans and community leaders, that helped vet these young men and women. I want to wish them much success as they continue on in this process. I couldn’t be prouder to put them forth,” he adds.
You can view the full list below:
Randy Meneweather II— Washington, IL US Air Force Academy Matthew Helmich- Virginia, IL US Air Force Academy Mason Pohlman- Jacksonville, IL US Air Force Academy Joseph McCabe III- Morton, IL US Air Force Academy Ashton Williams— Springfield, IL US Air Force Academy Eric Betts- Camp Point, IL US Military Academy Maximilian Rawls- Dunlap IL US Military Academy Jace Taliaferrero- Pleasant Hill, IL US Military Academy Jacob Lowman- Nauvoo, IL US Military Academy Elias Sanchez- Green Valley, IL US Military Academy Bradley Novak- Brimfield, IL US Military Academy Jeston Rademaker- Mapleton, IL US Military Academy William Lucie— Basco, IL US Military Academy Morgan Riley- Peoria, IL US Naval Academy Jacob Armbrecht- Springfield, IL US Naval Academy Nathaniel Fierstos- Springfield, IL US Naval Academy Spencer Myers— Golden, IL US Naval Academy Reed Groesch- Springfield, IL US Naval Academy Tucker Schmidt- Petersburg, IL US Naval Academy August Will- Hudson, IL US Naval Academy Faith Kim- Washington, IL US Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy Kelsie Taylor- Pekin, IL US Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy, US Military Academy