Eatontown Teenage Boy Honored For Future Service To America

TOMS RIVER, NJ — These eight young people will be joining the U.S. military service academies to train as future American service members.

All eight teenagers received a recommendation letter from Congressman Chris Smith (R-Manchester), the Republican Congressman who represents this part of New Jersey.

“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,” Congressman Smith told the teenagers in a special ceremony held this week in Toms River.

The teenagers and their respective academies include:

• Jake Blomquist from Spring Lake - he will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• John “Jay” Graham from Toms River - he will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• Robert Maravelias from Colts Neck - he will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• Emily Wilczek from Forked River - she will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• Nicholas Volkov from Tinton Falls - he will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy
• Declan Leary from Lincroft - he will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy
• Gerard Flynn from Eatontown - he will be attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Matthew Gauthier from Forked River - he will be attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

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

Smith also thanked the families of the cadets for supporting their loved ones in this important mission to serve the United States of America.

"A strong and well-trained military with a world-class officer corps is the 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.”

Each year, Smith hosts an Academy information night. Students must apply for consideration for a nomination. For more information, please visit Congressman Smith’s Academy Information Page.

“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 that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building in their honor at his request.