Press Releases

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 19, 2014) – At a ceremony in Worcester on May 14, 2014, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern honored four local students that have received appointments to United States Service Academies. A total of four students from the 2nd Congressional District have received service academy appointments to join the Class of 2018.  

“Nominating young men and women from the Second Congressional District to attend U.S. Service Academies is one of my favorite things to do as Representative in Congress,” said U.S. Representative Jim McGovern. “I am awed by their willingness, at such a young age, to commit to serving our great Nation.”

Mr. Owen Bradley: Mr. Bradley, a senior at Nipmuc Regional High School, received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He told Congressman McGovern, “To become a member of the armed services it takes a special kind of person; one who will selflessly dedicate themselves to a cause expecting nothing in return... I want to contribute to something larger than myself, to lead the best of the best.” Mr. Bradley is the son of Tammy and Police Chief Michael Bradley of Upton.

Mr. Michael Burke: Mr. Burke, a senior at Abby Kelley Foster Charter School, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He told Congressman McGovern that he is inspired by his grandfather’s, brother-in-law’s, and cousin’s service in the Armed Forces, and said that “the Naval Academy will allow me to achieve my goal of a college education and service to my country as an officer in the Marine Corps.” Mr. Burke is the son of Marybeth and Richard Burke of Worcester.

Mr. Eric Danielsen: Mr. Danielsen, a senior at St. Mark’s School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He told Congressman McGovern that at West Point, he “will be pushed to grow more than I ever thought possible to improve.” Like his father (USMA ’84) and grandfather (USCGA ’54), he wants to serve so that he may help ensure future generations “enjoy the same opportunities that I have.” Mr. Burke is the son of Judy and David Danielsen of Westborough.

Mr. Ryan Dix: Mr. Dix, a senior at St. John’s High School, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He told Congressman McGovern that he is driven by a “desire to lead and serve the United States.” Mr. Dix is the son of Julie and Edward Dix of Paxton. 

Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. service academies. These schools are the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. In addition to requesting a nomination from a Member of Congress or another nominating official, an individual seeking appointment to a service academy must separately apply to the service academies to which he or she seeks to be appointed.

These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be officers of the United States uniformed services. Upon graduation, service academy graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military or merchant marine for a minimum of five years.

For questions on the application process or to receive Congressman McGovern’s Academy Nomination Application packet, please visit www.McGovern.house.gov.

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