Vestavia Students Nominated For Service Academy Admission

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Alabama) nominated several area students for admission into military academies this year, including four Vestavia Hills High School students.

Vestavia students nominated by Palmer include:

• Aidan Behr: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
• Matt Coleman: U.S. Naval Academy
• Tony Samaha: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Riley Vicinanzo: U.S. Naval Academy

The Service Academy application process requires a nomination from the student’s U.S. House Representative, U.S. Senator, the Vice President or the President. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, NY.

Once the nomination is confirmed, the academy will review the whole candidate to determine admission.

“Nominating students to the U.S. Service Academies is one of the most serious responsibilities of my job,” Palmer said. “These young men and women may one day lead our sons and daughters into combat, so I want to make sure we are sending our best and most qualified to our military academies. It’s always an encouragement to meet so many exceptional, hardworking young people who desire to serve our country. I’m confident that this year’s nominees will represent Alabama and America proudly in all that the future holds for them.”