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. Six of these nominees hail from Luzerne 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.”
The nominees for U.S. Service Academies from Luzerne County are:
Jose Almonte, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Jose Almonte is the son of Lina Carol Vasquez de Almonte and Dany Antonio Almonte Velez and currently attends the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School. Throughout his high school career at Oasis Christian School in Santiago, Dominican Republic, he was active in the drama club and student government. Jose was also a member of the soccer team. He serves his community as a youth group leader at his church and was a leader of the COVID Vaccination Clinic at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Jose Almonte has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Benjamin Bowen, Forty Fort, PA
Benjamin Bowen is the son of Floyd and Lisa Bowen and a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School. He is active in the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the National Spanish Honors Society. Benjamin is on student council and serves as class president. He is captain of the cross country and winter track teams and a member of the baseball and swim teams. He also plays viola with various ensembles in the region. Benjamin Bowen has been nominated to the U.S Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Caleb Grossman, Swoyersville, PA
Caleb Grossman is the son of Lloyd and Joan Grossman and a senior at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. He has been on the Dean’s List and awarded high honors with distinction. Caleb is also a member of the football and track teams. He has also participated in Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre. Caleb Grossman has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Nathaniel Herman, Larksville, PA
Nathaniel Herman is the son of Frederick Herman and Dia Wallace Herman and a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School. He is a member of the Student Council, Armed Forces Club, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Nathaniel is also a member of the varsity soccer team and the varsity track team. He has served as a volunteer for the Shawnee Cemetery, treasurer for the 417 Club, and president of the Youth for Christ Club. Nathaniel Herman has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Michael Huntington, Dallas, PA
Michael Huntington is the son of Amy and Richard Huntington and is an active-duty U.S. Marine serving in the Marine Forces Reserve Band. An Eagle Scout, he served as student council vice president while in high school where he was also a member of the varsity volleyball, ice hockey, cross country and track and field teams. For his efforts in the Marines, he has been awarded the USMC Good Conduct Medal. Michael Huntington has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Logan Romanowski, Kingston, PA
Logan Romanowski is the son of Lynn Benkowski and David Romanowski and a senior at Wyoming Valley West High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Logan is involved with multiple orchestra programs across the region as a violist. He was also a founder of the Wyoming Valley West Armed Forces Club. He served as de-facto head coach for their cross-country team in the absence of a full-time coach, and he is a member of the track team. He is also a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, and he volunteers at local food pantries. Logan Romanowski has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
