Ocean County Leader

At a ceremony at RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center in Toms River, Rep. Chris Smith (R-4) recognized and honored eight students from the Fourth Congressional District whom he nominated to join the Class of 2028 at the US military service academies.

“I join your parents, family, and friends in congratulating each of you on a truly remarkable achievement — you have all been chosen to represent the Fourth Congressional District at one of the prestigious United States Service Academies,” said Smith, who presented each cadet with an American flag flown over the US Capitol in their honor.

“Most of you haven’t even graduated high school yet — just a few more days to go — but you are eagerly looking ahead to your next chapter, leading other men and women in uniform in the defense of our nation,” Smith added.

The students honored at the ceremony and their respective academies include:

• Jake Blomquist from Spring Lake — US Military Academy at West Point.

• John “Jay” Graham from Toms River — US Military Academy at West Point.

• Robert Maravelias from Colts Neck — US Military Academy at West Point.

• Emily Wilczek from Forked River — US Military Academy at West Point.

• Nicholas Volkov from Tinton Falls — US Naval Academy.

• Declan Leary from Lincroft — US Naval Academy.

• Gerard Flynn from Eatontown — US Merchant Marine Academy.

• Matthew Gauthier from Forked River — US Merchant Marine Academy.

Rep. Chris Smith (top row, from left) with the students he nominated who will be attending US Service Academies in the fall: Nicholas Volkov; Robert Maravelias; Jake Blomquist; Matthew Gauthier and Patrick Ahearn, CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center, which hosted the ceremony. Also present were Gerard Flynn (bottom row, from left); John Graham; Emily Wilczek and Colonel Elizabeth Hanson, keynote speaker from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s 305th Air Mobility Wing. Not pictured is Declan Leary.

“I — we, all of us — deeply respect the hard work that got you here,” said Smith. “We all know that it will take persistence, commitment, courage and devotion to God and country to succeed — and succeed you will.”

Among the distinguished guests was keynote speaker Colonel Elizabeth Hanson, Commander of the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. She shared leadership lessons gathered from her 25 years in uniformed service as an officer leading nearly 3,000 service members.

Smith also thanked the families of the cadets for supporting their loved ones in this important mission to serve our country.

“A strong and well-trained military with a world-class officer corps is key to deterring aggression from any number of dictators and threats,” said Smith. “The deterrence procured by a military capability second to none makes Americans and our allies safer.”

“As each of you become leaders of the most important fighting force on earth, know that our hopes and prayers are with you,” Smith concluded.

Each year, Smith hosts an academy information night where students can apply for consideration for a nomination. For more information, visit Congressman Smith’s Academy Nomination Information Page.

This article was published on May 22, 2024, and can be found online at:

https://themonmouthjournaleastern.com/lincrofts-leary-headed-to-us-naval-academy-p16138-73.htm