Press Releases

Smith Congratulates Southern Missouri Students Accepted To Service Academies

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Washington, April 22, 2024 | comments

                                                                  
U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) poses for a photo with students who accepted appointments to attend U.S. service academies. Smith hosted a celebratory dinner for the students and their families in St. James, Mo., on Sunday, April 21, 2024. (From left to right: Eric Pinson, Sam Lancaster, Smith, Hayden Kissinger, and Evan Fuller)

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Today, U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) congratulated Missourians from the 8th Congressional District who accepted appointments to attend U.S. service academies. Out of all the qualified candidates throughout the district, only four students nominated by Smith received appointments: Hayden Kissinger of St. James will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sam Lancaster of Sikeston will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Eric Pinson of Mountain Grove will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and Evan Fuller of Farmington will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Smith released the following statement:

“I’m incredibly proud of these bright young men for earning a spot at one of our nation’s highly competitive service academies. In addition to providing a high-quality education, these historic institutions help students get the tools and training they need to become the next generation of military leaders.

“All of these young men are exceptional students and leaders in school. On top of excelling in the classroom, they have also made a real difference serving and giving back to their communities. They will now take on the difficult but highly rewarding task of preparing for a career in military service. I know they have a very bright future ahead and I’m excited to see what they will accomplish.”

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Smith hosted the appointees and their families for a celebratory dinner in St. James.

                                                                

Smith, Hayden Kissinger, Rachel Kissinger, and Chloe Kissinger pose for a photo. Smith hosted a celebratory dinner for the students in St. James, Mo., on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

                                                                

  Smith and Sam Lancaster pose for a photo. Smith hosted a celebratory dinner for the students in St. James, Mo., on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

                                                                

 Smith and Eric Pinson pose for a photo. Smith hosted a celebratory dinner for the students in St. James, Mo., on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

                                                                

Smith and Evan Fuller pose for a photo. Smith hosted a celebratory dinner for the students in St. James, Mo., on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Smith is currently accepting applications for 2025 nominations to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. To receive a nomination packet via email, contact the congressman’s Farmington office at 573-756-9755 or email donna.hickman@mail.house.gov. The deadline for submissions is October 30, 2024.

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