Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) proudly announced that he has nominated 19 residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania as candidates to the prestigious United States Service Academies. Two of these nominees hail from Wayne County.

The U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy each require a nomination by a member of Congress to attend. The nomination process is highly competitive and the privilege of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation.

“The U.S. Service Academies have a long tradition of excellence,” Rep. Cartwright said.  “These nominees have proven their willingness to lead and inspire those around them. Not only do they excel in academics, but they have demonstrated high moral character, honor and duty to their schools, local communities and their country.”
 
Cartwright’s Class of 2026 U.S. Service Academy nominees from Wayne County include:

John Rodriquez, Honesdale, PA
John Rodriquez is the son of Jennifer and Ralph Rodriguez and a senior at Honesdale High School where he is a member of the Washington Irving Chapter of the National Honor Society. John is an active member in the Honesdale Marching Band where he serves as head drum major. He is active in sports and serves as captain of the varsity tennis team and a member of the varsity golf team. John has volunteered in his community for Boy Scouts, his church’s youth group and the Science Olympiad as a student coach. John Rodriquez has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jody VanDunk, Hawley, PA
Jody VanDunk is the son of Jody and Ellie VanDunk and a student at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Throughout his high school career at Wallenpaupack Area High School, John was a member of the National Honor Society and an active member of wresting team, serving as team captain. He was also a member of the WAHS Engineering Club along with the Engineering CTE Program. While a student the USAFA Prep School, he serves as the academic officer for his squadron. Jody VanDunk has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.