Press Releases

– Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) today announced that six students from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District have received appointments to the U.S. Service Academies. These students have the opportunity to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, or the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

“It is a distinct privilege to recognize outstanding Pennsylvanians who are pursuing the call to serve our nation,” said Dr. Joyce. “The service academy appointment process is highly selective and competitive. After years of hard work and preparation, these students have demonstrated their desire to lead, grow, and serve. It was my privilege to nominate these young Pennsylvanians to attend America’s service academies and prepare to serve our country. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I congratulate each of these students on their accomplishments and wish them every continued success.”

Those who received an appointment to one or more of the U.S. Service Academies from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District include:  

U.S. Naval Academy

• Collin Campbell of Gettysburg (Adams County)
• Elisabeth Felix of Johnstown (Cambria County)
• Michael Petrof of Ligonier (Westmoreland County)

U.S. Military Academy

• Tavin McMickens of Mount Union (Huntingdon County)
• Claudia Sigel of Bedford (Bedford County)

U.S. Air Force Academy

• Bryce Helmer of Duncansville (Blair County)

All prospective students wishing to attend an academy must by nominated by a Member of Congress or another U.S. official. This year’s nominees were evaluated by a panel of U.S. Service Academy alumni who volunteered to serve our district in this capacity. Congressman Joyce nominated students upon the recommendation of this panel.

“The PA-13 Academy Panel is comprised of dedicated individuals who have served our nation with distinction, and I am grateful for their continued service to our community. Securing a nomination for a U.S. Service Academy is a competitive process, and no one is better suited to recommend candidates than these alumni. I offer each one my sincere thanks for helping to select the next class of service academy nominees from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District,” added Dr. Joyce.

The PA-13 Academy Panel includes:

• Todd Alexander, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy
• Michael Delgrosso, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy
• Dave Diedrich, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy
• Rod Edminston, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy
• Edward Moe, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Jamie Orr Rhodes, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy
• Col. Andrew “Colby” Short, currently serving in the U.S. Corps of Engineers
• Bill Ward, Jr., a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy

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