Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has announced that six students from Florida’s 26th Congressional District have secured appointments to the United States Service Academies. These institutions include the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The appointed students are set to join the Class of 2029 at their respective academies. The nominees and their schools are as follows: William Brockmeier from Gulf Coast High School, Christian Febres from Doral Academy Preparatory, Luca Guerra from Rise Preparatory Academy, Alejandro Merlano Jr. from Divine Savior Academy—all attending the U.S. Military Academy—and Valeria Isabel Gumucio-Colmenares from Divine Savior Academy along with Patrick McDonald from Naples Classical Academy, both attending the U.S. Naval Academy.
These appointments require a commitment to serve in the military for at least five years after graduation.
Members of Congress can nominate candidates for four of the five service academies: U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, does not need a congressional nomination.
Congressman Díaz-Balart can nominate up to 15 individuals for each vacant slot allotted to his district’s academies.
For more information on nominations or to request one, visit Military Academy Nominations | Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.
