Congressman Davis Honors Eastern North Carolina Students Receiving Appointments to U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) hosted a dinner honoring eastern North Carolina students he nominated to the nation's service academies who recently accepted appointment offers. The event brought together students and their families to celebrate an achievement earned through academic excellence, leadership, character, and a commitment to military service:

United States Air Force Academy

• Reilly Novchich (Wayne School of Engineering)
• Harry Gribbin (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics)

United States Naval Academy

• Estelle Chafin (The Lawrenceville School)
• Brayden Wolford (Gates County High School)

United States Military Academy at West Point

• Joshua Taylor (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics) (unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict)

(From Left to Right: Harry Gribbin, Reilly Novchich, Congressman Davis, Estelle Chafin, and Brayden Wolford.)

"Receiving an appointment takes years of hard work, discipline, leadership, and sacrifice. These young men and women represent the best of eastern North Carolina and the values our communities hold dear: commitment, perseverance, and putting others before yourself," said Congressman Don Davis. "As a U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus, I am extremely proud of them, their families, teachers, and everyone who helped them reach this moment. I look forward to seeing their leadership, service, and making eastern North Carolina proud."

(Congressman Davis recognizes the nominees and their families.)

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Congressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, a member of its Board of Visitors, and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittees.

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