Vallejo Times-Herald – Thompson announced service academy appointees

A young Vallejo man is among three appointed U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) to a United States service academy from the 5th Congressional District, his office announced.

Each year, members of Congress nominate candidates to attend four service academies: Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Naval Academy. The fifth service academy, the Coast Guard Academy, does not require a nomination.

"One of the highest honors I have as a representative in Congress is getting to annually nominate exceptional candidates from our community to the service academies," Thompson said in the announcement. "These three young men will receive both a world class education and the skills they need to become tomorrow's military leaders. Congratulations to each of them on their remarkable achievement."

Thompson recognized and honored the appointees at a reception Tuesday in Rutherford. Jamie Gates is currently serving in the U.S. Army and was unable to attend the reception.

The appointees are:

U.S. Naval Academy:

• Connor Hudak of Napa — Recognized as a National Merit Scholar Qualifier for Vintage High School. AP Scholar with Distinction, Principal's honor roll, 2011-2014. Coaches' award for wrestling 2013. California Boys State Delegate 2014. Graduate of the Naval Academy summer seminar 2014. National Honor society 2013-2015. Hudak is actively involved in his church group and at school he tutors, plays water polo, track and field, wrestles and volunteers for environmental cleanups.

• Rashad Brown of Vallejo — Brown is a graduate of the Naval Academy Prep School. Varsity cross country 2014-2015. At school he was a Platoon Rowan Award recipient, an honor that recognizes those outstanding individuals in each platoon whose overall performance in each of the marking periods has been exceptional. While in high school, he was on the honor roll 2010-2014. All league wrestling, Scholar Athlete 2014. Varsity football, 2012-2014, captain 2013-2014. Varsity wrestling 2010-2014, captain all leave MVBP 2013-2014. JV football 2010-212, captain 2011-2012.

United States Military Academy at West Point:

• Jamie Gates of Cotati — Currently enlisted as a ranger in U.S. Army. EMS qualified 2011, Army airborne qualified, 2014, Army expert infantry badge, 2014. Teen Eagle political action group 2008-2009. Boy Scouts 2008. Awana youth leader 2008-2010. Varsity football team captain 2009, 2010. Team MVP 2009, 2010, all league 2009-2010, Varsity letters 2008, 2009, 2010.