Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) announced that five additional local students have received prestigious appointments to United States service academies. A total of 15 students from Mecklenburg, Union, and Iredell counties have now received appointments for the 2015-2016 academic year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIVE LOCAL STUDENTS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS APPOINTMENTS TO UNITED STATES SERVICE ACADEMIES
CHARLOTTE – Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) announced that five additional local students have received prestigious appointments to United States service academies. A total of 15 students from Mecklenburg, Union, and Iredell counties have now received appointments for the 2015-2016 academic year.
- Ms. Caitlyn Hyland, a senior at Ardrey Kell High School, received an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. She has “always admired the men and women who have served their country with their lives, and I knew that someday I wanted to stand among their ranks.” Ms. Hyland is the daughter of Jay and Belen Hyland and lives in south Charlotte.
- Mr. Ben Litton, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, received an appointment to West Point. His goal is to “defend the principles upon which this country was founded that preserve our inalienable individual rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I want to protect these principles for Americans and our allies throughout the world, no matter the personal costs.” The son of Robert and Joy Litton, he lives in south Charlotte.
- Mr. Adam Pelter, a senior at Butler High School, received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He believes that “helping others is the most important thing for us to do in this life, and I feel a strong calling to help the oppressed and live out Isaiah 1:17; ‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.’” Mr. Pelter is the son of Jeffrey and Alicia Pelter and lives in Matthews.
- Mr. Jack Speidel, a senior at Charlotte Catholic, received an appointment to West Point. He told Congressman Pittenger that “The United States of America is one of the most influential and involved nations in keeping peace. I would be greatly honored to fight for the most powerful and feared military in the world.” Mr. Speidel is the son of Elizabeth and John Speidel and lives in south Charlotte.
- Mr. Justin Titgen, a senior at Marvin Ridge High School, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He desires “to receive the best engineering education, to be pushed to the limits physically, and most importantly, to serve my country.” Mr. Titgen is the son of Mary and Jay Titgen and lives in Waxhaw.
“Already, we owe a debt of gratitude to these outstanding local students who have chosen a life of service and sacrifice in defense of our freedom and way of life,” said Congressman Pittenger.
Next month, Congressman Pittenger will host the 13th Annual Service Academy Day, which gives local middle and high school students the opportunity to hear presentations from each of the five Federal service academies, speak one-on-one with cadets and academy representatives, and learn more about the nomination process.
Representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, United States Air Force Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, and United States Merchant Marine Academy will be present.
The 13th Annual Service Academy Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th, 10 a.m., at Charlotte Catholic High School (7702 Pineville Matthews Rd.).
For more information on the Service Academy Day, please call Congressman Pittenger’s Charlotte office at 704-362-1060.
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