Delaware’s Future Servicemen and Women Celebrate Their First Victory

Washington, DC- Delaware’s future servicemen and women will celebrate acceptance into the nation’s military academies Tuesday when they will meet with the state’s congressional delegation in the U.S. Capitol. The students will join Senator Joe Biden, Senator Tom Carper and Congressman Mike Castle as well as their families and guidance counselors at a reception in Washington honoring their accomplishments. The students leave for their respective academies at the end of the month. “We are sending Delaware’s best to help protect and secure our nation’s future,” said Biden. “These students will get a first-rate education that will help mold them into tomorrow’s leaders. They merit our full and continued support because these are the future defenders of America.” “The students who sought my nomination to the academies are top notch. Each should be commended for the leadership they’ve shown in their schools and communities. They represent Delaware’s best,” said Carper, a retired Navy captain who was the mission commander of a P-3 aircraft in Southeast Asia during Vietnam and the Cold War. “These academies will develop the leaders for tomorrow and these young people will help our nation realize its vision. They will be the future leaders in the fight to protect our nation’s freedom.” “These individuals exhibit the qualities needed to succeed in the United States military and lead the United States into the future,” said Castle. “Their leadership is to be commended, their resolve imitated, and courage admired. I wish them all the best.” WHO: Senator Biden, Senator Carper, Congressman Castle Students from Delaware appointed to the nation’s military academies WHAT: Reception recognizing appointment to an Untied States Service Academy WHEN: Tuesday, June 1, 2004 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Foreign Relations Ceremonial Room, Room S116 United States Capitol, Washington, DC A professional photographer will take pictures of the students in the U.S. Capitol with their parents and the delegation. Photos are available by calling Bill Ghent at 202-224-8395 and can be sent via email or U.S. mail. Attending the United State’s Air Force Academy in Colorado are: Jonathan Appleby from Newark, Alexis I. Dupont High School William Deike from Greenville, Wilmington Christian School Attending the United States Military Academy at West Point are: Jonathan Meier from Wilmington, Charter School of Wilmington Attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis are: Shane Malkin from Wilmington, St. Mark’s High School Nicole Ramos from Magnolia, St. Thomas More Academy Erica Reid-Dixon from Magnolia, Caesar Rodney High School Benjamin Smith from Lincoln, Milford High School Jeanette Benson from Wilmington, St. Mark’s High School Attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy are: Nicholas Geier from Dover, Salesianum High School