Five outstanding local students had extra reason to be thankful this holiday season as Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) personally called to announce their appointment to United States service academies.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES FIVE APPOINTMENTS TO UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMIES
CHARLOTTE – Five outstanding local students had extra reason to be thankful this holiday season as Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) personally called to announce their appointment to United States service academies.
Mr. Riley Brosnan, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. The son and grandson of United States Marines officers, he told Congressman Pittenger that “America allowed my mother and her family to emigrate from Vietnam and start a new future away from that war torn country. Our nation has granted me freedom and opportunity that can best be repaid through a period of military service.” Mr. Brosnan is the son of John and Kim Brosnan and lives in Matthews.
Mr. Jackson Dunn, a senior at Myers Park High School, received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Dunn began his life in a Russian orphanage, which forced him to develop a strong work ethic, leadership, and teamwork skills at a young age. “The early years of my life were different than most people I know, but for that, I am now thankful.” Mr. Dunn is the son of Kimberly and Bradley Dunn and lives in Charlotte.
Ms. Sydney Frankenberg, a senior at Cannon School, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Profoundly impacted by 9/11, she remembers “a sense of bewilderment at how there could be people full of such hatred for others . . . and a sense of respect for those who valiantly risked their lives that day to serve their country and help others. Responsibility is and always has been the price of freedom.” Ms. Frankenberg is the daughter of Brett and Sara Frankenberg and lives in Charlotte.
Ms. Sera Martorelli, a senior at Grace Academy, received an appointment to West Point and quoted General MacArthur to Congressman Pittenger. “Duty, Honor, Country . . . those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. Those three words inspire me.” Ms. Martorelli is the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Martorelli and lives in Matthews.
Mr. Sheppard Wilson, a senior at Charlotte Country Day, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He told Congressman Pittenger that “to be able to serve my country and defend the ideals of democracy and freedom would be the highest honor for me.” Mr. Wilson is the son of Tom and Laurie Wilson and lives in Charlotte.
“Our nation and our community are blessed by these outstanding local students who chose a life of service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Thank you, as well, to all the other local students who volunteer to serve in so many important ways,” said Congressman Pittenger.
