PRESS RELEASE
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) hosted his annual Service Academy Luncheon today honoring seven appointed candidates and their families from New York’s 27th Congressional District.
“One of the most rewarding experiences serving in Congress is to see these young people, whom I consider some of the best and brightest from our community, step forward to serve their country,” said Collins.
“These seven impressive young men and women embody the immense duty and honor that comes with attending a Service Academy,” Collins added. “Each one of these candidates has unique qualities that will serve them throughout their military careers.”
“Everyone in Western New York and the Finger Lakes should be proud to send our very best,” Collins concluded. “Finally, I would like to thank the Service Academy Review Board’s eight members for their time to make sure the great qualities of our armed forces are well represented in the Class of 2022.”
“As a former United States Air Force Academy faculty member, I am very familiar with how challenging and selective entry into one of the service academies is,” said Ed Damico, Retired Air Force Major and member of Collins’ Service Academy Review Board. “Appointments to these schools are extremely competitive, and only those students who excel in academics, athletics and show the potential to be the military leaders of the future are chosen. These outstanding young men and women have demonstrated a tremendous passion and commitment to our nation. Having served on active duty in the Air Force for 20 years in both the enlisted and officer ranks, it is very inspiring to me to have been part of the selection process. I congratulate these exceptional students for being accepted to attend the academies of their choice and wish them all the best as they begin their own military careers.”