Congressman Al Green Visits Strake Jesuit College Preparatory to Congratulate His Three Nominees to Service Academies on Their Appointments

(Houston, TX)—On Monday, April 15, 2013, Congressman Al Green met with and congratulated the three 2013 Military Service Academy appointees from the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory seniors: Elijah Cherry, Allen Ahn, and Jordan Brooks. This is the first year since being in office that Congressman Al Green has achieved the historic feat of having three students from the same high school receive Military Service Academy appointments. The families of the three students, Father Daniel Lahart, SJ, President of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, and Command Sergeant Major Philip Kraus (ret.), the head of Congressman Al Green’s Military Service Academy Selection Committee were also present. Strake Jesuit College Preparatory is a private Catholic school, located in the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, known for its rigorous curriculum and the success of its students.

“As the Representative of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, where some of our nation’s bravest service-members and veterans reside, I am truly excited that this opportunity has been offered to Elijah, Jordan, and Allen,” Congressman Al Green said. “I am certain that the excellence of the educators and administrators at the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory played a significant part in the exceptional achievement of these three young people.”

Allen Ahn, a fluent Korean speaker as well as being an accomplished athlete and student leader, was appointed to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Elijah Cherry, an excellent lacrosse player with a long list of extracurricular activities, was appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Jordan Brooks, a nationally-ranked soccer player and camp counselor for autistic adults, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“We are very grateful to Congressman Al Green who nominated these three young men.  Each year we have many highly-qualified students who want to serve their country, and desire to begin by enrolling in one of the Military Service Academies,” said Father Daniel Lahart, SJ, President of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.  “Our students come from all over the Houston area, and from several congressional districts.  We are thrilled that this year we have these three students who come from Congressman Al Green’s district.  We are all very proud of them.” 

Congressman Al Green works with a committee of individuals who have previously served in or been associated with the armed forces to help him in his selection of nominees. The committee includes Mr. German Biedenfield, Mr. Donald Bowers, Mr. Larry DeSpain, Colonel Mike Greenspan (ret.), Vincent Morrison, Lt. Commander Joyce Zongrone (ret.), Lt. Colonel Carol Stong (ret.), and Command Sergeant Major Philip Kraus (ret.). Unless the prospective student has a connection to the military, a nomination from a U.S. Representative, Senator, Vice President, Secretary of the Army, or the Congressional Representative from a U.S. territory is needed to attend a Military Service Academy. The five Military Service Academies are the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.  

“Each year Congressman Al Green’s Military Service Academy Selection Committee has the audacious task to supply our Military Service Academies with the talent they need to be the best in the world,” said Command Sergeant Major Philip Kraus (ret.), the head of Congressman Al Green’s Military Service Academy Selection Committee. “This year we were fortunate to find three young men with the diverse backgrounds, character, and the intelligence our Military Service Academies are seeking from the same school, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. Our selection committee continues to work at extending the opportunities of the nation’s Military Service Academies to all qualified students in the Ninth Congressional District of Texas and welcomes their interest and participation in the program.”

Congressman Al Green was optimistic about the futures of the three students, noting the history of noble public service of residents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas.

 “I am proud I was able to join these special young people today and share in their joy for their accomplishment,” Congressman Al Green said. “These young men truly represent the many exemplary young people we have not only in the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, but all over our great nation. I am truly confident that they will make us all proud as well as continue in the tradition of our selfless service-members and veterans.”