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| Wilson Brings Generations Together |
June 07, 2004 |
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Wilson Congratulates New Mexicans Accepted at Military Academies & Presents Medals to D-Day Vets
Albuquerque – One day after the 60th anniversary of D-Day, Congresswoman Heather Wilson today brought members of the Greatest Generation and the next generation of service men and women together.
Wilson today congratulated 17 New Mexicans who have been appointed to military service academies, and presented medals to two World War II veterans who attended to greet the Class of 2008.
Keeping a tradition started by a senior cadet when Wilson was in her first year at the Academy, she presented a single lieutenant’s bar to each new appointee to a military service academy. Each year, Wilson gives one Lieutenant`s bar to Academy appointees for the inside of their cadet hat as a personal reminder of their goal. She keeps the second bar of the pair on the wall in her Albuquerque office and awards it to them when they earn it upon graduation.
Last week, Wilson attended graduation ceremonies at the Air Force Academy and awarded the “earned” bar to six students from Albuquerque who graduated in the class of 2004 and are now officers. Two of those new officers, 2nd Lieutenants James Hansen and Jeremiah Kirschman, assisted Wilson in giving one Lieutenant’s bar to the incoming cadets in a continuation of this tradition.
“Your decision to enter the service of our country is as important as it was 60 years ago. The battles become history, but the call to defend freedom is never far away,” Wilson said. “Congratulations on this great opportunity. I know you’ll make New Mexico proud.”
Wilson also was privileged to honor two World War II veterans who attended today’s presentation at the Veterans Art Gallery.
“Generations will live in freedom because of your generation’s sacrifice,” Wilson said to the veterans. “A grateful nation can best repay those who served by upholding the freedom that was earned on battlefields.”
Military Academy Appointees
US Air Force Academy
Matthew Adams, La Cueva High School
Thomas D’Amore, La Cueva High School
Travis Drekker, La Cueva High School
Catherine Donnell, La Cueva High School
Ryan Rutter, Valley High School
Christopher Travelstead, Albuquerque Academy
Daniel Anaya, USAFA Prep School/Albuquerque Academy
Steven Locker, USAFA Prep School/Hope Christian
USAFA Prep School
Chris Copeland, Cibola High School
US Naval Academy
Caitlin Bourgoine, St. Pius X High School
Adam Hesch, Manzano High School
Genevieve Studer, Albuquerque Academy
USNA Prep School
Peter Gorence, Albuquerque High School
US Military Academy at West Point
Kyle Eberly, West Point Prep/Eldorado High School
Matthew Michaelson, St. Pius X High School
Ian Norwalk, Cibola High School
Merchant Marines
Tyson Walsh, Eldorado High School
World War II Medals
Patrick Rizzieri, U.S. Army, Sergeant
European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal
Distinguished Unit Badge
Good Conduct Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Charles Tapia, US Army, Private First Class
Northern France
Rhineland
Central Europe
Normandy
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