One of my Most Meaningful Duties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
As a member of Congress, I have been entrusted to represent Oklahoma’s Fourth District through voting on legislation and obtaining federal dollars for my community. However, another privilege I am fortunate enough to carry as a Congressman, and one that is often less talked about, is recommending high school students in my district for appointment to our nation’s military academies. I believe this to be one of my most meaningful duties.
Every year, when I meet and then recommend young men and women to one of our nation’s esteemed service academies, which includes the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, I am reminded that those who answer the call to serve are truly some of America’s best and brightest.
These appointments are so much more than just a college and career choice. They represent a decision to dedicate one’s life to something larger than oneself.
Choosing to attend a military academy demands sacrifice. It demands courage, bravery, discipline, and love for our country. When I meet the young men and women who willingly embrace this responsibility, I am confident in the future of our nation.
It is truly humbling to play even a small role in the beginning of a young person’s journey of service. In fact, I recently was fortunate enough to hear from a fellow Lawtonian, Captain Hector Lopez, who I appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2012.
Hector graduated with the class of 2017 and was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He completed demanding schools such as Jungle School and Ranger School and went on to command the only forward-deployed Airborne M777 Battery in the world. He even had the opportunity to serve in Europe at the same time as his brother, Rafael, whom I also extended an appointment to in 2016.
Beyond the professional milestones, Hector wrote to me about the many other ways the appointment changed his life. During his time in the Army, he traveled to 35 countries, picked up new hobbies, and met the love of his life and now wife, Gabriela.
Hector is now beginning to transition out of the Army. Yet, as he reflected on his journey, he told me that the appointment I gave him back in 2012 changed his life. It opened the door to a life of service, growth, and adventure for him.
Stories like these are what make these appointments so meaningful to me. When I tell a high school student that they have been selected for an appointment, I know this is only the beginning of that young man or woman’s story, as you never know the places that appointment will take them, the people they will meet, or the lives they will impact.
So, with that, I first want to express my gratitude to Hector and all of those I have ever had the privilege of appointing to one of our military academies. Thank you for your service, your bravery, and your dedication to our country.
The United States of America is stronger because of young Americans like you who are willing to answer the call to serve. It is an honor to play even a small part in helping you do so.