U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry, the Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, announced the appointment of four area high school graduates to U.S. Service Academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.  The 2013 appointees from the 13^th U.S. Congressional District of Texas are Derrick Siebman of Childress, Nan Porter of Amarillo, Andrew Long of Wichita Falls, and Jake Willimon of Spearman.

“All four of these young graduates have proven to be among the best and brightest from our part of Texas.  I am proud to have been a part of the nomination process, and I congratulate each one of them on their appointment.”  Thornberry said.  “I believe each will represent our area well over the next four years as they continue to develop into our nation’s next generation of military leaders.”

Andrew Long, son of Randall and Jane Long of Wichita Falls, graduated from Wichita Falls High School and will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy.  He is a state tennis semi-finalist, and he was awarded “Young Texan of the Month” by the local Optimist Club in April of 2012.

Nan Porter, daughter of Wade Porter of Amarillo and Kim Boone of Dallas, will be attending the U.S. Military Academy.  Nan was an All District tennis player, and she received the Zina Garrison Sportsmanship Award for being one of the top 100 female tennis players in Texas for character, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the tennis court.

Jake Willimon, son of Mikal and Carla Willimon of Spearman, graduated from Spearman High School and will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Jake played football, golf, and basketball, and was named Academic All District in both football and golf.

Derrick Siebman, son of Royce and Donna Siebman of Childress, graduated from Childress High School and will be attending the U.S. Military Academy.  Derrick played football, cross country, tennis, and powerlifted in high school.  He was a regional qualifier in cross country and regional qualifying MVP in powerlifting.

In order to be considered for an appointment to the U.S. Military, Air Force, Naval or Merchant Marine Academy, students must obtain a nomination from their U.S. Representative or Senator.  For more information on how students can apply for nominations, please visit www.thornberry.house.gov or contact one of Congressman Thornberry’s offices in Amarillo at 806-371-8844 or Wichita Falls 940-692-1700.