Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) recognized and honored the 10 students from the Fourth Congressional District whom he nominated and who will soon be joining the Class of 2020 at the nation’s military service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Before a Saturday, June 4 gathering of their family members, Smith explained to each that they will soon be leaders in the greatest fighting force in the world, the United States military, and that although he nominated them, each earned their spot at the prestigious and academically rigorous service academies. Upon graduation, each will be commissioned as an officer in his or her respective branch of service.

“It was my pleasure to meet with these highly talented young men and women who are planning their futures in service to their country,” Smith said. “It was especially nice to see so many of their parents and family members showing their support. These young students have shown ambition and dedication to protecting our freedoms, willingness to lead and train as officers and represent the best traditions of the nation. They hold great promise.”

Smith recounted the story of how he was on a humanitarian mission in the Philippines in 2012 when he had the privilege of running into Col. Eric Mellinger, Chief of Staff of the 3^rd Marine Expeditionary Force. Col. Mellinger approached him and thanked Smith for starting him off on a rewarding military career. “I nominated Eric to the Academy in 1982—and it was clear watching him in action that he has earned extraordinary respect. His leadership ensured that a desperate, shell-shocked population of victims got immediate, tangible help. I confess that I felt a little rush of ‘Jersey Pride’ that he came from the congressional district I represent.”

At the event, held at the Monmouth County Connection site on Route 66 in Neptune, Smith presented each student with an American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol Building at Smith’s request to honor the students. The students and their respective academies are listed below.

The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado:

Jonathan Hsu of Middletown

• Jonathan attends Middletown High School South where he is editor of the student newspaper, chess club member, and a Model UN member, among other activities. Jonathan is an acclaimed fencer and has medaled in international competitions. He is fluent in Chinese. 

The Merchant Marine Academy, in Kings Point, NY:

Joshua Glantzman, of Wall, and Mitchell Trabb of Manalapan

• Joshua will soon graduate from Wall High School where he is a scholar athlete. He lettered in wrestling and also played lacrosse. Additionally, he was the race director of the Wall 9/11 Heroes Run. He works as a deckhand aboard the vessels River Belle and Ocean Queen operating in the Manasquan River area in pursuit of his merchant marine license.
• Mitchell Victor Trabb is a senior at Manalapan High School, where he is part of the high school’s Law and Public Safety Academy.  He was captain of the freshman football team and went on to letter with the state champion varsity football team. He is very active with “Special Strides” a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of those with special needs.  Mitchell is a volunteer firefighter.

The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY:

Tyler Amison, Hamilton; Nicole Drago, Lakewood, and; Vivian Paige Montgomery, Howell.

• Tyler Amison most recently attended Schriner University in Texas and was co-enrolled in Greystone Preparatory Academy where he served as the Executive Officer. Tyler is a 2014 graduate of Steinert High School in Hamilton where he played varsity Lacrosse, and also played basketball, tennis.
• Nicole Drago has just completed a year at Lehigh University. She was born in Germany and due to her family’s military service, she attended high school in Oklahoma, Virginia and graduated from high school in Highland Falls, NY.  She was a National Honor Society member who was involved with the Key Club and Interact Club, and was a student ambassador. 
• Vivian Paige Montgomery attends Howell High School where she lettered in softball and is captain of the softball team. She is involved in numerous community activities. Paige is currently pursuing her pilot’s license. She authored a children’s book, “Camille’s Trip Around the World.”  She is currently learning Arabic. 

The United States Naval Academy:

Zachary Krause, Neptune; Kyle McKean, Middletown; Kevin Volkov, Manalapan, and; Alicia Zhou, Manalapan.

• Zachary Krause is a student at Neptune High School where he is commanding officer of the NJ ROTC program. He lettered in baseball and was captain of the 2016 team, and also lettered in swimming all four years of high school. He is an avid surfer and waterman. Zachary is a member of the Bradley Beach Ocean Rescue and is a lifeguard.
• Kyle McKean attends Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) in Highlands where he is a naval ROTC officer and color guard member. He is in both the National Honors Society and the Spanish Honors Society, and also plays Rugby. He has received bronze, silver, and gold achievements in the Technology Student Association and placed in statewide engineering contests.
• Kevin Volkov attends Christian Brothers Academy where he is a member of the National Honor Society and SADD. He is a competitive swimmer who captained the Junior Olympic Swim Team, and he plays water polo. Kevin used his swimming experience to volunteer as a swim coach for Special Olympics and also worked as a Red Cross-certified lifeguard.
• Alicia Zhou will soon graduate from Marlboro High School where she is a student of the Business Learning Center. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, and numerous clubs. She is an outdoor track and field athlete and was named most valuable player. She holds the school and Freehold Regional School District record in the pole vault relay event.

Col. Gregory L. McClure, Commander of the 87th Civil Engineer Group, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, addressed the students.

In order for a student to attend a United States Service Academy, Smith explained that two “parallel paths” must be traveled by a student: he or she must apply to the academy as they would to any other university or college, as well as simultaneously seek a congressional nomination to attend. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, 229 of Smith’s nominated students have attended the service academies.

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