U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced that Joshua Mann, of Cool Ridge, has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy. Joshua currently attends Shady Spring High School.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce another future leader from Southern West Virginia has been appointed to one of our Federal service academies," Rahall said. "At the Air Force Academy, Joshua will learn to sound the certain call of honor and duty."

The U.S. Air Force Academy combines a top education with a military command. Air Force students major in a variety of subjects, from the sciences to the humanities. When they graduate, they are given an officer's commission. Joshua was nominated by Congressman Rahall, and the Air Force Academy chose him as part of the select group of students to be offered an appointment.

"At the service academies, young West Virginians can become the officers who lead our fighting forces to victory," Rahall said. "The leadership skills the academies teach guide former cadets and midshipmen for the remainder of their lives. Joshua will certainly represent our state well and make West Virginia proud."